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 92
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 92
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family have been prosperous and have surrounded themselves with all the comforts of existence. The location of the ranch appeals to lovers of the picturesque, for it lies in the foothills more than two thousand five hundred feet above the level of the sea. One hundred and sixty acres are in redwood and tanbark, while the balance is in grazing land. The owner has planted and developed a vineyard, has given considerable care to an orchard of assorted fruits, and has also kept on the ranch cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry. Draft horses of fine breeds have been raised on the ranch, where now is to be seen Allenby, a stallion of almost ideal points, and where also are kept a number of high-grade mares. During the spring of 1913 Mr. Shoemaker was bereaved by the death of his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Mahurin, and was born in Los Angeles, being the daughter of a California pioneer. Surviving her are two children, namely: Mary E., now the wife of Harry Bassett of Santa Cruz, and William G., who is with his father on the home ranch. Politically he has always been a Republican. On the organization of Ukiah Lodge, A. O. U. W., Mr. Shoemaker became one of its active members and in his earlier years he took a leading part in its philanthropies. Throughout the long period of his residence in the county he has been a constant contributor to public-spirited projects, has aided in the development of agriculture and horticulture as important industries of the county and has been interested in every movement for the permanent benefit of the people.
SAMUEL TILDEN McABEE .- Within the limits of the fertile and peaceful Anderson valley practically the entire life of Samuel T. McAbee has been passed. Here he was born June 13, 1876, at the country home of his parents, John W. and Susan (Weaver) McAbee. The father, who was born hear Indianapolis, Ind., in 1826 removed with his parents to Henry county, Mo., about 1839. He was married in Cass county, Mo., in 1852 and in the following year the young people crossed the plains to California with ox- teams, locating near Bodega, Sonoma county, where they engaged in farming until 1858. In that year they located on a claim at Yorkville, Mendocino county, but in 1871 they sold it and purchased the Boonville Hotel and ranch, which continued to be their home for nine years. In the meantime they had purchased the old Taylor ranch of ninety-seven acres and they moved on it in 1880. It was on this ranch that John W. McAbee died December 25. 1899. The widow is now making her home with her son, Samuel T.
The childhood of Samuel T. McAbee was spent in Anderson valley, where he attended school and laid the foundation of the excellent education that has made him a man of breadth of view and clearness of mental vision. Here, too, he gained his first insight into agricultural problems and developed the wise judgment and sterling character that had made his father honored throughout the community. After the death of his father he was prepared by previous training and long experience to take entire charge of the old homestead, which comprises ninety-five acres of improved land situated near Boonville. It has been a source of pleasure and profit to him to add to the improvements of the property, develop its resources and enlarge upon the returns through a series of rotations in crop cultivation. On the farm stands a modern, substantial residence, from which is dispensed a refined and gen- erous hospitality that includes the large circle of family friends old and young.
Well adapted by nature to the pursuit of agriculture, Mr. McAbee has not confined his attention to that calling, for in 1910. realizing the need of a mer- 41
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cantile establishment in Boonville. he opened a general store and this he conducted efficiently and profitably until he had the misfortune to lose the large stock of goods in the fire of April, 1913. His well fortified opinions in regard to matters of public import have led him to identify himself with the Democratic party. although he has had no aspiration for the honors of public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles. In the Christian Church he has been an active worker, generous to aid charitable and missionary movements, and a supporter of every cause fostered by the congregation. He is a man who stands four-square to every wind that blows and has made his life count for good in his native county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Lenora Clow, is, like himself, a native of Anderson valley and a member of one of the honored pioneer families identified with the be- ginnings of agriculture in this part of the county. The daughter of C. H. and Nora ( Harrison) Clow, she received an excellent education in local schools and at home was wisely and well trained in the housewifely arts Of the marriage. which was solemnized March 2, 1901, there are three children, Glenn, Claire and Marguerite. The family home one-half mile north of Boon- ville is a favorite place for the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. McAbee, who enjoy visiting with this worthy couple of pioneer parentage and lifelong asso- ciation with the locality.
EUGENE GEORGE MCCARTY .- That fair opportunities are afforded by Mendocino county to young men of earnest effort, industry and energetic temperament, the success of Eugene George McCarty in Anderson Valley proves. Born in Healdsburg. Sonoma county, May 8, 1875, he is the son of William and Mary ( Maddox) McCarty. His father came to California via Panama in 1852 and after mining for several years located near Healdsburg. There he engaged in farming and hop raising until he removed to San Fran- cisco, where he died in 1902, and where his wife still resides. Of the family of six children, five are still living, Eugene G. being the second youngest. He was primarily educated in the public schools of Healdsburg and then until he was eighteen attended a private school there. His first occupative venture was on his father's ranch, which he rented, and upon which he engaged in raising hops for three years. At the end of that period he gave it up and went to Ukiah to enter the employ of W. K. Deningham, in whose nursery he worked for two years, gaining a splendid experience. He then moved to San Francisco and for the following seven years worked for the Old Market Street railway in the capacity of conductor. His early training lere prompted him to return to agricultural interests, and locating in Ander- son Valley in 1902 he rented land, engaged in general farming and also sheep raising. all of which brought him good results and a high degree of success. Four years later he took advantage of an offer to sell his lease and made his way back to San Francisco to enter the livery business, but followed this only a year, again selling out all his interests. His next move was to Imperial Valley, where he farmed for a year. It was in 1909 that he finally settled permanently in Mendocino county after wide experiences in many fields and assured his mind that this was the best location for his labors. Renting seven hundred acres of stock range at Boonville he began raising Spanish Merinos for wool and mutton, and is still interested in this business, his efforts bringing success and prosperity. He makes his home in Boonville.
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Mr. McCarty was married in Santa Rosa to Miss Jessie B. Burger, daughter of George Burger, a pioneer of Boonville, the city in which she was born, and enjoys the co-operation and aid of his capable wife in his every interest. They have one child, Eugenia. A hard worker, a kind friend and a jovial associate he is justly popular among all who know him.
ALLEN DAVIDSON .- Prior to his arrival in California at the age of sixteen years Allen Davidson had lived for brief periods in Illinois, Indiana and Fremont county, Iowa. A son of Joseph and Martha (Prescott) David- son, he was born in Greene county, Ill., August 6, 1837, and during August of 1853 he landed in California from a tedious trip across the plains. Prac- tically his first work was that of a farm hand in Sacramento county. Later he was employed on a ranch near Putah creek on the line between Yolo and Solano counties, after which he was employed on a stock farm in Colusa county. For brief periods beginning in 1857 he engaged in the stock business at Petaluma and Cloverdale. From 1862 to 1865 he mined on the Salmon
river in Oregon and Idaho. Returning to California, he took up ranching near Geyserville, whence in 1871 he came to Mendocino county and settled on a ranch of two thousand acres at Blue Rock. The location was well adapted for the stock industry and he specialized in sheep. For eight years he carried the United States mail between Cahto, Mendocino county, and Hydes- ville, Humboldt county, but with that exception he devoted himself to general ranching until his death, which occurred August 8, 1908. By his marriage, October 19, 1865, to Mary P. Archambeau, he had five children, namely : Martha E., Mrs. L. C. Mau of Porterville ; Sarah C., Mrs. George W. Upp of Willits ; William A. of Laytonville; Grace M., Mrs. Ferry of San Raphael ; and Laurence E. of Los Angeles. The Davidsons were among the most highly honored of the pioneer families of Mendocino county and in their own neighborhood they are influential, popular and deservedly prominent.
HERMAN MATTERN .- A native of Germany, but a resident of the United States since he was a lad of fourteen years, Herman Mattern is today one of the most enterprising and successful business men of Ukiah. and a citi- zen honored and respected by all who know him. He has been a resident of that city but a few short years, but in that time he has built up a splendid business and has established for himself a standing which is a credit to himself and to his adopted city. His business-he is the owner and proprietor of the City Bakery-has grown in size and scope and the standard of his products is excelled by none.
Mr. Mattern was born November 17. 1889, in Georgenthal, Germany. His father is Gustav Mattern, and is also a native of Georgenthal, where he still resides, following his trade of wagon and carriage maker. The mother, Char- lotte (Hoffman) Mattern, died several years ago at the family home. She was the mother of seven children, of whom the present respected citizen of Ukiah is the third born, and the only one in America. He spent his boyhood days in his native village and received his education there, attending the public schools until he was fourteen years of age. At that time he determined to come to America and seek his fortunes where there were greater opportunities than those offered by the Fatherland. Accordingly he made the long journey alone, and joined an uncle, Herman Hoffman, the brother of his mother, who resided at Hot Springs, Ark. Here he was apprenticed to a baker, and after
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completing his trade continued in the business, eventually becoming foreman in the bakery.
The lure of the far west was even then calling, however, and in 1910 Mr. Mattern went to Denver, Colo., where he remained for eight months, work- ing at his trade. He then returned to Hot Springs, but was not content with the conditions there, desiring greater opportunities for business enterprise than were there offered, and so again he determined to come west.
It was in July, 1912, that he finally decided upon Ukiah as the most desirable location for his future business undertakings and at that time he bought out the City Bakery of Ukiah, which he has since continued to con- duct. The plant has been entirely remodeled and today is one of the most thoroughly modern and up-to-date bakeries in the county. The capacity was also materially increased, and in the busy season some fourteen hundred loaves of bread are baked in a day, the average output of the plant being from seven hundred to eight hundred loaves a day. These are shipped to the various cities throughout the county, the out-of-town trade being a large factor in the business as it is now conducted, and a steadily increasing source of income. Mr. Mattern also manufactures an excellent brand of confections, which he ships over the entire state. This department of his business is also growing and at present includes practically all kinds of high grade confec- tionery.
The marriage of Mr. Mattern took place in Hot Springs, Ark., uniting him with Miss Helen Kron, a native of that place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mattern are well and favorably known to a wide circle of friends in Ukiah. Mr. Mattern is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows and of the Eagles, and together with the wife is an attendant at the Lutheran church.
CARL LUDVIG LARSEN .- The chief engineer for the Mendocino Lumber Company, Carl L. Larsen was born October 16, 1877, in Slosse, Lol- land, Denmark, where he was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade and after completing it he learned the machinist trade. Going to Copenhagen he continued to work at the trade and also attended night school. While there he passed the examination as marine engineer. Enlisting in the Danish navy he served in the experimental department as a machinist in the navy yards until he was honorably discharged, after which he entered the employ of a large machinery house as erecting engineer. Coming to the United States he arrived at Caspar, Mendocino county, March 12, 1902, finding employment as a machinist for the Caspar Lumber Company and continuing with them until August 8, 1905. Upon resigning he accepted the position of chief engi- neer with the Mendocino Lumber Company, a position he has filled with ability ever since.
The marriage of Mr. Larsen took place in Boston, Mass., uniting him with Marthine Villasine Sorensen, also a native of Denmark, and they have three children, Lesley Louis. Margaret and Rudolph. Mr. Larsen is a member of Stella Lodge No. 213, I. O. O. F., at Mendocino, of which he is a past grand, is also a member of the Woodmen of the World and with his wife is a member of the Rebekahs. Politically he is an ardent Republican. He is well read and posted not only in his line of work, but on general topics and is an interesting conversationalist and has many friends who admire him for his sterling worth and integrity.
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WILLIAM C. HUNTER .- Without doubt one of the most successful stockmen in Lake county, and certainly one of the live factors in the pro- motion of this business here, is William C. Hunter, whose broad acres and magnificent home five miles north of Upper Lake, in the West Upper Lake precinct, constitute one of the most valuable estates of this section. His business qualifications include all the necessary elements of the able manager, habits of perfect system, financial acumen and a tremendous capacity for work, and the fact that his prosperity has been attained from humble beginnings makes it all the more creditable. Mr. Hunter's operations are on such a scale that they benefit the whole locality, stimulating all the activities of the neigh- borhood and affording employment to various people. The fact that he is a native of Lake county makes his life history the more interesting.
James S. Hunter, the father of William C. Hunter, was a pioneer school teacher in Mendocino and Lake counties. A native of New York state, he came to California in the days when her mines were the principal attraction for settlers, and for two or three years worked in mines in Placer county. He then drifted to Lake county, locating near Kelseyville, where he married and remained for several years. After living about two years at Cloverdale, Sonoma county, he removed to Mendocino county, settling at first in Ander son valley and later in the Ukiah valley, where they continued to reside for twenty-two years. His death occurred at the ranch of his son William, at Upper Lake, in 1908, when he was seventy-seven years old. Mrs. Hunter is still living, making her home at Oakland. Her maiden name was Harriet C Hunt, and she is a native of North Carolina, where her parents died. When a little girl she came to California with her brother, Gaston Hunt, who settled at Woodland. Yolo county, this state, and became a wealthy man. She had four sisters, all of whom are now deceased, namely: Mrs. Wilson, who resided in San Francisco; Mrs. Dodson, who formerly lived at Kelseyville. but now resides at Red Bluff : Mrs. Judah, of Oakland. and Mrs. Bibb, of San Francisco. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. James S. Hunter : Carrie, the widow of P. K. Faulds, of Mendocino county ; William C., of whom we write; Joseph, a tinsmith and plumber, who lives at Oakland; Harry, a rancher, now residing at Oakland; James S., who lives twelve miles from Stockton ; Fred W .. bookkeeper in the American National Bank of San Fran- cisco, whose home is at Oakland ; Hattie, wife of George D. Cotton, yardmaster at San Jose for the Southern Pacific railway company ; and Edgar, a railroad conductor, who lives at Oakland.
William C. Hunter was born March 18, 1861, near Kelseyville. and was seven years old when the family moved to Cloverdale. When he was nine they settled in Mendocino county, and he was only twelve when he com- menced to work, in a drug store at Ukiah. His start was very modest, for during the first two years he received only $8 a month, but he was reliable and steady, and he remained with W. A. Hoffman, his first employer. for twelve years. He continued to live in Ukiah and work at the drug business for two years after his marriage, and then moved over to the ranch of his father-in-law, Mr. Waite, in Gravelly valley, where he began the cattle busi- ness. It has been his principal interest ever since. After three years' expe- rience he bought a ranch in that valley which he subsequently. in 1906. sold to the Snow Mountain Water & Power Company, at that time buying his pres- ent property. His first purchase here consisted of twenty-four hundred acres,
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of the Dick O. Sleeper estate, and he has since added two hundred and eighty acres thereto-all lying at the head of the celebrated Middle Creek valley. . Everything on this immense ranch is in first-class order, a detail of economy which Mr. Hunter has never overlooked in the management of his affairs. One hundred acres is in alfalfa, all the crop being fed to the stock on the place, which usually include three hundred head of cattle and four hundred hogs. Mr. Hunter's activity. mental as well as physical, and his excellent judgment respecting the various branches of his special line of business, have gained him a reputation for intelligence and reliability which makes his opinion valued among all his business associates. Moreover, he has employed his ability for the furtherance of the general good as well as for his own benefit, having been especially zealous on the question of public educational facil- ities for his home neighborhood. He and his neighbors have been very suc- cessful in establishing an excellent public school and building a splendid schoolhouse in the Middle Creek district. Mr. Hunter's example and influ- ence, in view of the respect in which he is held, count for much. He has been treasurer of the school district two terms.
Mr. Hunter was married at Cloverdale, Sonoma county, to Miss Parthenia MI. Waite, a resident of that place but a native of Sierra county, this state. They have had four children, all of whom have had unstinted educational advantages, and his daughters have shown musical taste and ability which has added much to their attractive home life. Alice C., now a freshman at the University of California, at Berkeley, is taking a special English and German course; Gertrude M. and Fannie S. are sophomores in the Union high school at Lakeport ; William W. is attending the grammar school in that town. The handsome residence Mr. Hunter has erected upon his property is up-to-date and conveniently arranged, a worthy dwelling for the estate it adorns.
While located at Ukiah Mr. Hunter was engaged at different times as clerk in the post office and clerk in the assessor's office, and since coming to Lake county he has served one year as clerk under S. S. Russell, county assessor. However, he is not ambitious for office, but does his duty faithfully whenever he assumes such responsibility. Formerly a Republican in political connection, he is now in thorough sympathy with the Progressive party. His various associations in business and the other relations of life have made him widely acquainted in both Lake and Mendocino counties. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South at Upper Lake, and is a member of the board of stewards. Fraternally he was made a Mason in Hartley Lodge No. 199, of Lakeport.
ELI VICTOR JONES .- The flourishing hamlet of Potter Valley, Men- docino county, whose productive and fertile fields have been the means of bringing prosperity to many an industrious farmer, has been the environment of Eli Victor Jones since October, 1872, when he came to the county and settled on what is now the home place, ever afterward making it his permanent home. With success in his farming enterprise developed a keen interest in public affairs and there is perhaps no more active worker for the welfare of the community and the betterment of conditions in the vicinity than is Mr. Jones. Chief among his accomplishments in this direction is the resumption of mail service to the valley. The stage line carrying route to that section was dis- continued for a time, but Mr. Jones immediately took steps to have it re-
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installed and with the aid of others sent a petition, signed by the people of the community, to Congressman Kent, who arranged that the stage continue to deliver mail to them.
Mr. Jones is a native son of Healdsburg, Sonoma county, Cal., born February 6, 1855, the son of Wiley L. and Margaret (March) Jones, born in Robertson county, Tenn., March 2, 1814, and Logan county, Ky., April 8. 1817, respectively. They crossed the plains with ox teams in 1853 and settled in Healdsburg, Sonoma county. The splendid schools of that section afforded Eli Victor his education and he attended until he was eighteen years old, at which time his parents removed to Potter Valley and he there attended school for a short time. Then for a number of years he engaged in farming with his father, their joint labors being cut short by the death of the latter, and the place was then divided among the heirs. Later Eli Jones purchased the prop- erty from the other heirs and engaged in farming for himself. Stock-raising, general farming, hay, grain and fruit culture constitute his chief interest, he having three acres planted to apples and prunes. The latter industry has proved especially remunerative, and for the last three years the prunes have represented $200 worth of fruit yearly. In 1912 Mr. Jones took twelve apples to the hop festival, which weighed in the aggregate fifteen pounds and were the largest and best apples at the celebration. To Mr. Jones's credit be it said that the farm is now nearly all under cultivation, in a highly productive condition, and its well-kept appearance attests to the skill of the owner and the untiring effort that has been put forth to acquire it.
As a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Patrons of Husbandry Mr. Jones is active and popular, and as a stanch Democrat takes an interested citizen's part in all political questions. He has served as school trustee of his district for sixteen years, part of the time acting as clerk. For years he was secretary of the Grange and is now master of the Grange in Potter Valley. In 1913 he was chosen delegate to the State Grange at San Jose and attended the convention with his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Elizabeth Bransford. Her birth occurred in Ray county, Mo., in 1857. and to her marriage with Mr. Jones, which took place October 22, 1876. three children have been born, Walter, Lena May and Roy. A willing helpmate. a devoted mother and a kind and loving friend she has endeared herself to all with whom she is associated.
JOSEPH LESLIE MCCRACKEN .- Shortly after his arrival in Men- docino county in 1901 Mr. McCracken leased the McClure ranch near Tal- mage and here he has since engaged in general farming, stock-raising and viticulture. In the meantime, however, he has purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land near Talmage and eighty acres near Ripon, San Joaquin county, the latter devoted to raising alfalfa. Seven hundred acres of the Mc- Clure ranch are in a range suitable for the pasturage of stock and two hundred acres are under cultivation, offering facilities for the raising of excellent crops of hay and grain. Especially noteworthy is the vineyard of forty-eight acres. which forms a practical addition to the income-producing department of the ranch. Poland-China hogs and a good grade of cattle are kept on the place. A specialty is made of pure-bred Percheron horses and Mr. McCracken now cwns three brood mares imported from France, combined weight sixty-two hundred pounds; a colt of eighteen months, weight fourteen hundred and fifty pounds ; a ten month old colt, weight eleven hundred and thirty-five
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