USA > California > Mendocino County > History of Mendocino and Lake 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 54
USA > California > Lake County > History of Mendocino and Lake 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 54
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Born in Montreal, Canada, April 5, 1878, and educated in the schools of his native city, George H. Voss at the age of sixteen years entered the drug store of J. A. Nicoll, of Montreal, where later he was with J. E. H. Quipp. a druggist of considerable prominence. Desiring to gain a broad knowledge of the business, at the age of eighteen he matriculated in the Montreal Col- lege of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1897 at the completion of
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the regular course of study. Immediately after graduating he took the pro- vincial examination with success and became a registered pharmacist in Canada. April of 1898 found him in California, where he became an employe in the retail pharmacy of Skinner Bros., at Eureka. During the latter part of 1899 he removed to San Jose and engaged with the drug firm of Perrin & Stephenson for two years, thence coming to Lakeport, where he since has made his home.
The marriage of Mr. Voss was solemnized in this city in October, 1910. and united him with Miss Bent Y. Boggs, a daughter of Lilburn H. Boggs and a lineal descendant of the late ex-Governor Lilburn W. Boggs of Missouri, the first alcalde of the northern district of California. Mr. and Mrs. Voss have one son, Robert Boggs Voss. The distinctively social quality of their hospitalities brings them into local leadership and makes them popular in the Eastern Star, of which they are members, as well as in all circles where culture and honorable character form the necessary qualifications for admission. Fraternally Mr. Voss is a Mason in Hartley Lodge, F. & A. M ... No. 199, at Lakeport, in the philanthropies of which he has been an interested contributor. Since he became a member of the county central committee of the Republican party in 1911 he has devoted considerable attention to political affairs in Lake county and has endeavored to promote the welfare of the party in this section of the state.
MATTHEW M. SNOW .- Rounding out a half century of continuous residence in the Lower Lake precinct of Lake county, Mr. Snow may well be spoken of as an old settler, but even so long a period of citizenship in one community would not of itself be sufficient to account for his honorable position and the deference universally shown him. All that has been estab- lished upon a foundation laid by himself, the outgrowth of sterling qualities -the substantial virtues of industry and honesty which never fail of respect among those whose opinions are worth while. His unassuming life has been one of eminent usefulness, and though he has passed the threescore and ten mark he has not relinquished active participation in business affairs.
Mr. Snow's birthplace is Springfield, Greene county, Mo., to which state his parents had moved from the south several years before he was born. His father, Horace Snow, was a native of Massachusetts, and spent some years in the south before moving west. He married, in Tennessee, Mary L. Dillard, who was born in North Carolina, and about the year 1836 they went out to Missouri, where they made their home for the twenty years following. Mr. Snow was a farmer by occupation. In 1856 the Snow family, father, mother and eight children, six sons and two daughters, made the tedious trip over- land from Springfield. Mo., to California. They did not undertake the journey alone, there being twenty-five people in their train, with five wagons, four drawn by oxen and one by mules. Horace Snow died at Napa in 1856, only two months after his arrival in this state. In 1864, through the influence of her son Matthew, the widow and family came to Lake county to settle per- manently, and here Mrs. Snow remained until her death, which occurred at Lower Lake in the year 1888. when she was seventy-five years old. A family of fourteen children was born to her and Horace Snow: Sarah, who was acci- dentally killed by a falling tree when twelve years old; John D., who farmed during his active years, and whose death occurred in San Francisco in 1913; William, also a farmer, who died in Oregon ; Samuel, also a farmer, who died in Lake county ; Marshall, whose death occurred in 1912 in Springfield, Mo .;
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Joseph, who was killed by Indians on the Humboldt while on his return to Missouri in 1862; Marion P., a miner, living in Mono county, Cal .; Matthew M., our subject; George H., retired, who lives at Napa, this state; Rebecca, who died at the age of seventeen years; Elizabeth, who was twice married (her second husband being George Freeman, a farmer) and who died in Missouri; Eliza, who married William Freeman, and died in Missouri in 1910; Lucinda, who married S. W. Lee, a teamster, and died in Lower Lake in 1870; and Mary, who married Gilbert Jacks, and died at Saint Helena, Napa county. The only survivors are Marion P., usually called Polk, Matthew M. who is familiarly known as "Dallas," and George H.
Born October 9, 1842, Matthew M. Snow was in his fourteenth year when he made the journey overland to California with the family. It was a never-to-be-forgotten experience, but his father's death so soon afterward brought responsibilities which he assumed bravely, and he entered upon the practical work of gaining his own living without delay. The year following, 1857, he made his first visit to what is now Middletown, in Lake county, and on that and subsequent trips became so well impressed with the locality that he settled here with his mother and the rest of the family in 1864, fifty years ago. Farming has been his life occupation, and what he has accom- plished might best be judged from the condition of his fine ranch of three hundred and twenty acres, which is situated on the Spruce Grove road in Little High valley, five miles south of Lower Lake. He has earned this property by his own industry, and improved it highly by progressive and systematic methods of cultivation apparent even to the casual observer. Hard work, economical management and judicious expenditures for equipment, stock, etc., have been the conspicuous elements in his prosperity, which he well deserves. He makes no pretensions, but his reliable character and the substantial position he has attained require none. His home and surround- ings are well kept up. Ordinarily his stock consists of twelve horses, twenty cattle, fifty hogs, and two hundred chickens.
Mr. Snow was married at Lower Lake on September 6, 1868, to Miss An- nette Mathews, born in Polk county, Mo., daughter of Dr. William R. and Jane Malloy Mathews, natives of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively, who came across the plains with their family in ox teams and wagons. In 1856 they located in Lake county in what is now known as Copsey valley. Dr. Mathews had crossed the plains in 1854 and engaged in raising horses in Lake county, but when he brought his family out, there being no schools, he removed to Yountville, Napa county, where he practiced medicine. He was elected assemblyman and served a term in the state legislature and in 1859 returned to Copsey valley. When Lake county was organized he was elected the first county clerk, serving two terms, after which he again followed farming and practiced medicine. After his death, in 1881, his widow continued to reside in Copsey valley, her decease occurring in June, 1913, at the age of ninety- four. They had nine children, of whom four are living: Mack, county coroner, residing in Lakeport; Annette, Mrs. Snow; Alice and William, both residing in Copsey valley. Mrs. Snow was educated in the public schools of her vicinity and Lakeport. Of her marriage three children were born, namely : Alice, who died when thirty-two years old, was twice married, her first husband being Albert Petit, deceased, her second, Charles Edwards, and had one child, Gladys, by her first marriage; Frank W., who married Alma Nelson of San Jose, is one of the leading business men of Middletown, Lake
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county, proprietor of a thriving meat market ; Lulu died when thirteen years old. Gladys Petit, granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Snow, now a young lady of nineteen years, makes her home with them.
Mr. and Mrs. Snow hold membership in the Christian Church at Lower Lake. He has always devoted his attention principally to his private affairs, but he is interested in public questions and on national issues supports the Democratic ticket.
GRANVILLE A. MIDDLETON .- Though a recent arrival in Lake county, Granville A. Middleton has already been adopted among its most substantial citizens, and his success in his farming operations is adding to the reputation of this section for fertility and adaptabilty to the various lines of agriculture. Besides raising general crops and stock he makes a specialty of dairying, and he has won considerable renown all over this part of Cali- fornia as a timber cruiser, which work he has followed more or less from early manhood. The farm of one hundred and fifty-nine acres which he owns in the West Upper Lake precinct, situated in the Middle Creek valley one and a half miles northwest of Upper Lake village, has tripled in value during the last eight years, partly because of the growing appreciation of the advantages of the locality and partly because of the wise manner in which he has gone about its improvement.
John and Susanna (Shinn) Middleton, Mr. Middleton's parents, came to California from Illinois over the plains, starting in 1853, wintering at Salt Lake, and reaching their destination in 1854. They settled near Timbuctoo, eighteen miles east of Marysville, living there for several years, and in the middle '60s removed to a place near Cahto, Mendocino county, where Mr. and Mrs. Middleton rounded out their days. Their home was twenty-four miles north of Willits, and there Mrs. Middleton died when seventy-five years old, the father living to be nearly eighty-one and also dying in Mendocino county. Of the family of eight children born to them, four sons and four daughters, Granville A. was the second child and eldest son.
Born December 28, 1849, in Pike county, Ill., Granville A. Middleton was but four years old when the family set out for California, yet he recollects several incidents of the trip. While his father was farming in Sierra county he attended public school there, being seventeen years old at the time the family moved to Cahto, Long valley, Mendocino county, where his early manhood was passed. As he grew up he learned farm duties and the various details of the business of agriculture, and also became a proficient timber cruiser, being engaged as such in Mendocino county for eight years, receiving eight or nine dollars a day for his work. Though farming has always been his principal business he has continued to answer demands for his services as timber cruiser, being often called upon to go to the timber country on the coast in Humboldt and Mendocino counties, and as far south as San Mateo county. Eight years ago Mr. Middleton moved from Mendocino county to Lake county. The year before settling here he bought his present property in the West Upper Lake precinct one and a half miles north of Upper Lake, having forty-five acres of alfalfa, and the balance in pasture for cattle, hogs, chickens, etc. Among his stock are thirty-five head of dairy cattle, and much of his energy has been applied to the development of his dairying operations. which have proved a desirable and highly profitable adjunct to general farm- ing. Systematic industry, well directed, has done wonders to his land in the eight years he has been cultivating it. Such success as his acts as leaven
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to the whole locality. Mr. Middleton's optimistic disposition and whole- souled manner have won him the good-will and friendship of his neighbors and fellow citizens wherever he is known.
Just south of Long Valley in Mendocino county Mr. Middleton was united in marriage February 6. 1877, with Miss Cornelia Blair, daughter of D. C. and Annie (Wilson) Blair, born in New York and Illinois, respectively. Mr. Blair came to California across the plains in 1852 and in 1856 Mrs. Blair brought the children via Panama. Mr. Blair was a stockman in Mendocino county. Mrs. Middleton was born in Sacramento county and came to Men- docino county in 1867. To Mr. and Mrs. Middleton have been born nine children : Ida is the wife of Henry Hensley, who rents a stock farm on the West Shore road near Clear Lake; they have five children. Etta is the wife of William Runk, who is employed at general work and as stockman, and also has a candy and ice cream business at Upper Lake; they have one child. Clarice is the wife of Jack Sullivan, who is in business at Lost Hills, in Kern county ; Lloyd, who is engaged as a teamster and farmer at Upper Lake. married Abbie Yows, and has two children. Harry, also a farmer and teamster, residing in Middle Creek, married Miss Rose Wheeler and has one child. Mark also resides at Upper Lake. Amy is married to William Yows, a teamster, and lives in Upper Lake. Elden usually makes his home in Upper Lake. Frank resides with his parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Middleton hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Upper Lake. His political views are in accordance with the prin- ciples of the Democratic party.
JAMES W. ANNETTE .- As a constant and consistent worker for the cause of temperance and a higher Christian standard of morals, Mr. Annette has been most helpful in the permanent welfare of Lake county. Along a different line he has been equally potent in promoting local advancement, for he is regarded as one of the most efficient horticulturists in Big valley, where his exceptional success in the growing of pears makes his name a synonym for progress among those appreciative of the value of his work. In early life Missouri was his home and there he was trained to habits of self-reliance and high religious principles. The farm where he was born February 27, 1852. stood on the line between Boone and Callaway counties, near Fulton. but it was in the latter county that much of his boyhood was passed and from there at the age of twenty-one he came to California, settling first in Tuolumne county, but after a brief sojourn removing in August, 1873, to Lake county. From 1885 to 1895 he acted as Sunday-school missionary for the Presbyterian board of publication and Sabbath-school work, a task of the greatest responsibility, but one for which his deep interest in the Presbyterian Church and his deep religions spirit admirably qualified him. From youth he had been a sincere and earnest exponent of Presbyterian doctrines and to this denomination he has given the willing service of a lifetime of activity, being now an elder of the Kelseyville congregation and one of the leading supporters of that work.
Having purchased a tract of land in Big valley in 1893, Mr. Annette decided to develop a pear farm and about 1895 planted five of the ten acres which he now has in Bartletts, and which net him about $300 an acre per annum. The balance of the land is in alfalfa, which is cut two or three times each summer. On the little farm there is a comfortable residence and here Mr. and Mrs. Annette delight to entertain the friends who have been attracted
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by their high ideals of life and progressive spirit. Mrs. Annette prior to their marriage in 1883 was Miss Lizzie Ida Kean, a native of San Francisco, and throughout the period of the missionary work of her husband she re- mained on the farm, caring for the children and overseeing the property with quiet but intelligent supervision. The deepest sorrow of an otherwise ideal married life has been their bereavement through the passing of four of their children, namely: Lester Alvin, at the age of nine; Pearl, when three years old ; Gladys, at fifteen ; and Wyatt, at six. There survive a son and daughter. The former, James Lowell, who owns a pear orchard of twenty-seven acres adjoining the farm of his father, is now employed in Bakersfield as head miller in the Kern River mills; he married Miss Lillian Steffin, of Vallejo, and they have two children. The only living daughter, Ina Frances, is a graduate of the State Normal School at San Jose and now engages in teaching at Alameda. Through all of his life Mr. Annette has been a thoughtful reader. Witnessing the evils wrought by intoxicating liquors, he has given his allegiance to the cause of prohibition and has been a stanch worker for temperance, being one of the leaders in the movement to make Lake county "dry" in respect to saloons, and his high Christian standard of life and service has made him prominent in the valley and respected by the entire population.
MURDOCK McINTIRE .- One of the best kept ranches in that part of Lake county is the McIntire place in the Mountain precinct, owned and occupied by Murdock McIntire, to whose labors its thrifty appearance is principally due. Practically from boyhood he has been the mainspring in all the activities on the property, and his indefatigable efforts have had their reward in the development of a comfortable country home, known also to a number of people who have found it a pleasant summer resort, the McIntires having opened their home to summer patrons for the last twelve years. The members of this family have held a respected position ever since the late Charles McIntire settled in Lake county in the fall of 1865.
Charles McIntire was a native of Duplin county. N. C., born February 10, 1812, and lived in that state until 1840, during the latter part of his residence there engaging as clerk in a store. Thence he moved to Holmes county, Miss., where he farmed until he set out for California in 1849. He made the journey by an unusual route. In company with some comrades he crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico, traversed that country horseback to the seaport town of Mazatlan, on the west coast, and from there proceeded by water to San Francisco, making faster time than those who came overland. Remaining about a month in San Francisco, he was soon at the mines, where he was engaged until 1851, that year settling in Napa county. Resuming farming, he acquired property and made his home there until he came to Lake county in the autumn of 1865. He had sold his interests in Napa county, and was soon in actual possession of the valuable tract now occupied by his son Murdock, six or seven miles south of Kelseyville. Having pur- chased the right of the former claimant, he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres and purchased another piece of the same extent with scrip, besides taking a timber claim. Here he carried on farming and stock raising to the end of his life. passing away January 1, 1887, when nearly seventy-five years old. By industry and honorable dealing he gained estimable standing among his fellow citizens, making a name which his sons have felt it an honor ยท to uphold.
Murdock Mcentire Era a. M. Initive
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On January 6, 1857, at Sacramento, Cal., Mr. Mclntire married Mrs. Margaret Belle (Cook) Starr, a native of Tennessee, who came to California from Quincy, Ill., across the isthmus, in 1852. She was then a widow, with one child by her first union, Andrew C. Starr, a blacksmith and farmer, now living at Woodland, Cal. Seven children were born to her marriage with Mr. McIntire: William R., a resident of Hollister, Cal., is engaged as a butcher and chicken raiser; Murdock is on the home place; Clara is the wife of H. W. Bowman, of San Francisco; Sarah J. (Sadie) lives at Hollister ; David F. is a resident of Lakeport; Anna A. is the wife of Alfred Olds, a druggist, of Goldfield, Nev .; Oscar E. died in infancy. The mother died in Lake county at the age of fifty-nine years.
Murdock McIntire, second son of Charles McIntire, grew to manhood in Lake county and had common school advantages in his early boyhood. How- ever, he began to work when very young, having always been his father's willing helper, and relied upon because of his efficiency. The success of the home property, which now contains four hundred and five acres, owned by hiin, has been due, both as an agricultural proposition and summer resort, mainly to the thought and labor he has expended upon it, and its prime con- dition would be a recommendation for anyone. This pleasant estate, with its commodious farmhouse, barns, neat orchards, trim fences and orderly yards, is situated along the Lakeport Middletown road, and within the last twelve years Mr. and Mrs. Murdock have gained more than local reputation for the comforts and good table the summer guests have enjoyed. Through- out the season they have from twelve to twenty-five boarders, and the con- tinued popularity of the McIntire ranch among those who appreciate whole- some surroundings and excellent food is well merited. Mr. McIntire has been steadily increasing his agricultural and stock interests, and his work and good management have combined to place his affairs on a substantial basis.
On September 17, 1891, at Middletown, Mr. McIntire was married to Miss Eva Cannon, who was born near Middletown, Lake county, and belongs to a pioneer family of the county. She has assisted him capably in all his ventures, and they are known among their neighbors for their progressive spirit and readiness to support any worthy project launched in the com- inunity. Two children have been born to them: Leslie H., who graduated from the Clear Lake Union high school, class of 1913, and is now at home helping his father, and Geneva L., attending grammar school. Mrs. McIntire was the daughter of William Gray Cannon, a native of Illinois, who crossed the plains with ox teams in pioneer days. He was married in Sonoma to Lamira S. Barry, a native of Iowa, who also crossed the plains with her parents. They were early settlers of the vicinity of Middletown, where he was a successful farmer until his death in 1904. His widow leases the place and resides in Middletown. Of their eight children, Mrs. McIntire is fourth oldest. In social connection Mr. McIntire is well known, being past presi- dient of Kelseyville Parlor, N. S. G. W., and a past grand of Lupyoma Lodge No. 173, I. O. O. F., at Kelseyville. His political support is given to the Democratic party.
DAVID F. McINTIRE, surveyor of Lake county, to which office he has been chosen four times, was born in the county April 20, 1866. After attending Kelley's Institute he became a student in Shurtleff College, located
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at Upper Alton, Ill., where he took the literary course, graduating in 1888, with the degree of B. A. He then studied law with Judge Crump, of Lake- port, and was admitted to the bar in 1890, and in 1892 was elected district attorney of Lake county, serving one term. For a number of years he was in newspaper work, having been associated with Mrs. Mayfield (his mother- in-law) for thirteen years, 1894 to 1907, as owner and editor of the Clear Lake Press, of Lakeport. In that connection he attained a position of influence which was a substantial tribute to the high estimation in which his judgment and views were held by the people of Lake county. His clear insight regard- ing local conditions, and public-spirited support of the best measures for advancing the welfare of Lake county, gained him well deserved prestige. and his conscientious work as county surveyor has strengthened him in the confidence of his fellow citizens. At Alton, Ill., Mr. McIntire married Miss Manning Mayfield, daughter of Manning and Marcia (Crump) Mayfield, the former of whom died in Lakeport. He served in the Civil war as major of the Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Mrs. Mayfield, a native of Louisville, Ky .. now makes her home with the McIntires. She became the mother of two children, Manning (Mrs. David F. McIntire) and Robert B., a newspaper man in New Orleans, La. Mrs. McIntire died August 18, 1908, leaving three children, as follows: Manning Mayfield. attending the Uni- versity of California : Marjorie B. and Cecelia T. Mr. McIntire is a member of Hartley Lodge No. 199. F. & A. M., of Lakeport, and is an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
LOUIS O. ARMSTRONG .- Adjoining Middletown on the northeast is a valuable ranch which formerly included forty acres on which the northern part of that town is now situated, and the Armstrongs have been associated with the improvement and progress of that part of Lake county for nearly fifty years. William Jasper Armstrong, father of Lonis O. Armstrong, lived there from 1870 until his death in 1909, and his widow continues to reside upon their home place, which Louis O. Armstrong now rents and cultivates. He has other agricultural interests in the vicinity, and is also an experienced blacksmith, having had a varied career as a mechanic before he turned his attention principally to ranching.
Mr. Armstrong was born at Napa City. Cal., May 13. 1866, and was but five years old when his parents. William Jasper and Annastasia (Gordon) Armstrong, moved to what is now Middletown, where he was reared and edu- cated, attending public school. At the age of twenty years he began to learn the trade of blacksmith, serving an apprenticeship with James Parish, the pioneer blacksmith of Lake county, who had a shop at Middletown. When twenty-one he went to Shasta county, this state, where he found work at his trade with the Shasta Lumber Company, at Bellavista, for one year. He then bought a farm in that county, which he improved considerably during the several years of his residence there, cultivating that place until 1896. Subse- quently he was in the employ of the Iron Mountain Smelting Company four years, as blacksmith, at the end of that time, in February, 1900, moving to Nevada. For three years he was with the Nevada Mining Company, at Berlin. as blacksmith, passing the next year at Middletown, Cal., working for Kemp & Tocher, blacksmiths. The year following he worked at Tonopah, Nev., as blacksmith, after which he became engineer for the Nevada Mining Company at Tonopah, running a hoisting engine for three years. Returning to the Berlin mine, he remained there two years, and in 1908 he returned to Middletown and
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