USA > California > Napa County > History of Napa and Lake Counties, California : comprising their geography, geology, topography, climatography, springs and timber, together with a full and particular record of the Mexican Grants, also separate histories of all the townships and biographical sketches > Part 41
USA > California > Lake County > History of Napa and Lake Counties, California : comprising their geography, geology, topography, climatography, springs and timber, together with a full and particular record of the Mexican Grants, also separate histories of all the townships and biographical sketches > Part 41
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ADAMSON, CHRISTIAN P. Son of Nicholas and Mary Anderson Adamson, was born in Holstein, at that time under the Danish Government (his parents being German), August 13, 1834. He resided in his birthplace until the age of sixteen, when he went to sea, and followed a seafaring life until he came to California. He sailed from New York in a clipper ship via Cape Horn, arriving in San Francisco in April, 1854. He immediately went to Sonoma County, where he only stayed a short time, when he came to Napa, and worked for W. A. Fisher, staying around Napa for about eighteen months. He then went to the mines of Parks & Long, on the Yuba River, and remained for one year and a half. He then moved to Eldorado County, and there embarked in mining, where he continued about six months, when Mr. Adamson next went to the Fraser River dis- trict, and prosecuted mining in that place. He only remained six months, having some trouble and a few skirmishes with the Indians, when he re- turned to Napa, and farmed until 1860. In that year he went to Cariboo, where he remained one year; and then in 1861 Mr. Adam- son once more returned to Napa County, and rented the farm now owned by Garfield, and followed farming for three years. He next went to Berryessa Valley, and rented the Lawley place, where he farmed one year. He then rented a farm owned by Clark, and remained the same time as on his previous place. He then purchased his present place, but still rented a tract of land of two thousand acres on the New York grant, near Antioch, Contra Costa County, where he farmed three years. He then
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took some forty mules and machinery and farming implements, and moved to Stoney Creek, Colusa County, and rented two thousand acres of the Welsh tract, remaining on that place for four years, and then came to his present place, where he has since resided. Mr. Adamson owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, eighty-seven of which are in grapes. Married April 11, 1878, to Miss Lizzie Mills, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, May 22, 1858, by which union they have two children : Frankie, born May 19, 1879; William G., born June 17, 1880.
AMESBURY, HORATIO N. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, July 25, 1814. He received a common school education at North Stonington, in that county, and at the age of sixteen commenced learning the trade of wagon and carriage making, serving an apprenticeship of five years. He followed that trade for the eight succeeding years, and in the meantime was married, March 9, 1836, to Miss Lucy W. Shaw, of his native town. In 1843 he sailed, as cooper and carpenter, on board the ship " Romulus," on a whaling voyage to the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, being absent on this cruise three years. On his return, in 1846, he engaged in the business of boat building, which he followed successfully for three years, or until the breaking out of the excitement created by the rich discoveries of gold in California, which led him to go to that far distant section of the country to seek his fortune, in company with many others of his neighbors and fellow townsmen. On the 21st of January, 1849, he sailed, with eighty-five other passengers, on board the ship "Trescott," and, after a stormy voyage of six months' duration, arrived at San Francisco on the 6th of August. After remaining a few days at San Francisco the ship proceeded to Benicia, where the material, partially prepared for a sloop of eighteen tons, was taken on shore from the ship and the vessel constructed, which was named the "J. L. Devotion," in honor of one of the passengers. Mr. Amesbury and four others constituted the owners of the sloop. After making several trips to Stockton they finally disposed of the "Devotion" for the sum of $5500. After the sale of the vessel, Mr. Amesbury was next employed by Dr. Semple to superintend the construction of a small steamer, which was intended for freight and passenger traffic on the Sacramento River. On the completion of the steamer he was engaged in work on the Solano Hotel, of Benicia. In July, 1850, he went to Napa, and was employed in building the Ameri- can House, and on the completion of that structure he commenced farming, by leasing land of the late Hon. Nathan Coombs, north-east of his present place, and farmed for two years. In 1852 he purchased the farm on which he now and has ever since resided, being engaged in wheat and fruit rais- ing. He now owns two hundred and twenty-seven acres, twenty of which are devoted to orchard and vineyard. In March, 1852, he returned to
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Stonington, and, after remaining three weeks, returned, accompanied by his wife, who has ever since resided here. They have one adopted daughter, who was married to Mr. Frank F. Wright, of Reno, Nevada, on the 11th of March, 1880.
ALDEN, HENRY EBEN. The son of Lyman and Elizabeth Williams Alden, was born in Lincoln, Knox County, Maine, April 4, 1847. There he re- ceived a good common school education, and resided until the age of twenty. Mr. Alden then branched out for himself and proceeded to Bangor, in his native State, and secured a position in the wholesale mercantile firm of Thomas Hersy & Co., as salesman, and after three years close application to busi- ness, was promoted to head salesman, a position he held for three years. He was then given sole charge of a branch retail store for the same firm for two years more. Mr. Alden then purchased the store from his former em- ployers, and embarked in the mercantile trade, and did an extensive and successful wholesale and retail business until, through the dishonesty of his head salesman and book-keeper, he was swindled out of not only the profits but part of the capital of the store. This, in connection with his failing health, prompted him to remove to this coast, which event occurred in June, 1875. He first located in Vallejo and followed several different occupations, and his health being somewhat improved he concluded to go into the mer- cantile business again. He first entered the employ of A. P. Voorhees, of Vallejo. In a few months after a brother of the subject of this sketch bought a half interest with Mr. Voorhees. The new firm then started a branch store in St. Helena, with the subject of our sketch as manager, until 1878, when Mr. Merriam bought a half interest in the business, and January 17, 1878, Mr. Alden bought his brother's interest, and then was created the present well-known clothing and furnishing house of Alden & Merriam, and it is but just for us to say that Mr. Alden enjoys the con- fidence and esteem of the people of Napa County, and to his perseverance and energy belongs much of the extensive business they now enjoy in their well-appointed store under the Windsor Hotel. Mr. Alden was united in marriage in Vallejo, October 12, 1875, to Miss Carrie S. Jones, a native of Maine, and by this union they have one living child and one deceased : Sarah M., born September 4, 1876; died December 4, 1876. Alice M., born January 12, 1878.
BOGGS, EX-GOVERNOR LILBURN W., (deceased). Was the eldest son of John M. and Martha Oliver Boggs, and was born in Lexington, Kentucky, January 14, 1798. His parents emigrated from the eastern shores of Mary- land at an early day, and his father died when he was quite young. At the age of sixteen he went with the Kentucky troops to the War of 1812, under Governor Shelby, his company being commanded by Captain Levi Todd, of
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Fayette County, Kentucky. He was at the battle of Thames or Tippecanoe. He was absent eighteen months, and on his return from the Indian war he accepted a situation as book-keeper for the old Insurance Bank of Kentucky. At the age of eighteen he went to St. Louis, Missouri. He married Miss Julia Bent, daughter of Judge Silas Bent, of that city. He then removed to Franklin, on the Missouri River, opposite to where now is the city of Boonville, where he was engaged in mercantile business ; and, after fail- ing in business, he settled up his affairs at Franklin, and obtained a situation at Fort Osage with George C. Sibley, as deputy factor for paying Indians their annuities. While there his wife's health became delicate, and he re- turned to St. Louis and took her to her father's home, where, after giving birth to her second child (Henry), she died. He then returned to his situa- tion at Fort Osage, and in the spring of 1821 he was joined by his mother and family. The whole family suffered with sickness, and it was decided that they should return to Kentucky. They left in the fall of that year, and went to St. Genevieve, Missouri, and remained there until the spring of 1822, and then proceeded to Kentucky. After leaving the family at St. Genevieve, Lilburn returned to his occupation at Fort Osage. He was part of the time engaged in business at Marias DuCene, in connection with Ballio & Sibley. He was married the second time in 1823 to Miss Panthea G. Boone. She was the daughter of Jesse Boone, son of old Daniel Boone, of Kentucky fame. At once, with her and his two children, Angus and Henry, he removed to and resided at Harmony, Missouri, an Indian agency on the Neosho, a branch of the Osage River, at which point he was extensively engaged in trading with the Indians for furs and peltries. While at this place his first child by his second marriage was born, Thomas Oliver Boggs-now a resident of Las Animas, Colorado, where he has resided for the past forty years, and where he was engaged by Bent's company of fur traders as a trader among the Indians. After remaining some time at this post, Mr. Boggs removed to a farm near Fort Osage, Jackson County, Missouri, and settled in that rich and fertile region known for many years after by the name of the Six-Mile Settlement. At this place his second son, William M. Boggs, was born, in October, 1826. About this time he
selected the town.site of Independence, Missouri, for many years the fron- tier town of the Far West, where he continued in the mercantile business. While the family were residing at the Marias DuCene a little incident occurred worth relating, as it shows what presence of mind the untutored savage of the prairies possesses. It was winter time, and the river near the trading post was frozen over, so much so that it became necessary to cut a hole in the ice to procure water for the use of the family and persons around the post. The two boys, Angus and Henry, were amusing themselves slid- ing on the ice, and the eldest slid a little too far and fell into the opening,
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and the swift current swept him down under the ice to where there was an air-hole. An old Indian, whose wigwam was near by, was looking at the boys from his camp, and he seized a rail, ran down on the ice, and laid flat on his stomach and shoved the rail along in front of him over the thin ice until he reached the opening where the boy was clutching at the edge of the thin ice that gave away as fast as he grasped it. But he soon became benumbed from cold, and would have sunk out of sight, but the Indian by this time reached out and caught him, and hauled him out upon the ice, and soon had him in his father's arms, who, on hearing the scream of the younger boy, stood paralyzed with fear that his son was lost. A few hours rubbing and warming brought the youngster around all right. The Indian, who had risked his life to save the boy, stalked off to the lodge as though nothing unusual had occurred. But soon a message from the " Big Trader," as the subject of this sketch was called by all the border tribes at that time living along the frontier of Missouri, called him ; and on being questioned as to what he most desired, he said, pointing to a huge pile of trade blankets, " One blanket." But instead of receiving one, they were heaped upon him until he was loaded, with not only blankets, but whatever else he could carry that an Indian would most desire. Such treatment of the Indians, in thousands of instances, made him a great "father " among them, and he was remembered by the chiefs and leading Indians for many years as the man with a "big heart." While residing at Independence, Missouri, he was pursuing his mercantile business, and was not only the merchant, but also lawyer, doctor and postmaster of the place, and his house was always open to the new-comer, and hospitality was a reigning feature in his character. His extensive knowledge of the surrounding country enabled him to point out to the new-comers the most desirable places to settle, and he would often leave his business, and accompany parties for days in looking at the best points to locate and open up new homes. Jackson County, Missouri, was his most favorite place; 'twas there that all his children, by his second marriage, were born, excepting one named George W., who was born on the 22d of February, at Jefferson City, the others being born in and about Independence, Missouri. He was a man of fine physical development, the very embodiment of health, and gifted with the art of pleasing conversational powers, and his quiet and pleasant manner of talking always interested his hearers, who listened to him while he was conversing with them as though he were reading a book, and many times in the first settlements of the West would he enjoy himself in some new-comers' log cabin, with a bevy of rosy cheeked children around a huge log fire, and entertain them with anecdotes and good advice, how to grow rich, etc., etc., which always pleased the old lady of the family, and with a little one or two on his lap, would pass away nearly the whole evening,
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supremely happy. His popularity soon spread over a large section of the new State, and he was among the first number who framed the laws of his favorite State, Missouri. He was in her Legislative Councils, then in the Senate, and then Lieutenant Governor and afterwards Governor. But prior to his engaging in public life as a leading statesman, he embarked among the first overland merchants in the Santa Fe or New Mexican trade, and took goods out to Santa Fé, and returned to Independence about the year 1829. At that time the country west of the Missouri State line was only inhabited by roving tribes of Indians, many of whom were hostile, and it required a strong party and much caution to make the journey to Santa Fé. His description of the plains and the herds of buffalo and wild horses was graphic indeed. They were sometimes in danger of being run over by the vast herds of buffalo. His early associations in the Far West brought him in contact with the most noted of frontiersmen, mountaineers, trappers and guides; men like the celebrated "Bill" Sublette, Capt. Joe Walker, " Peg Leg" Smith, "Bill" Williams, the Choteaus, and many of the leading business men in St. Louis. In the year 1836 he was elected Governor of the State, and removed with his family to Jefferson City, his family at this time consisting of twelve children, all living - nine sons and three daugh- ters, including the two eldest by his first wife. Angus and Henry were at this time grown men, and Angus was associated with his father in the mercantile business, and the firm name was A. L. Boggs & Co. They bought out the store of a Mr. Fisher, formerly of Baltimore. This business did not prove a success. The Governor, although an
experienced merchant, and attending to the business in person, was not a success. He went East, as far as Philadelphia, and purchased largely. About this time the new State House was built in Jefferson City, the old one having been burned a year previous. Governor Boggs was empowered to act in procuring certain material while East for roofing and finishing the Capitol. He was authorized to buy copper for roofing, and lumber for finishing up the building. This splendid edifice was begun about the year 1837 or 1838, is built of fine white freestone, and has six fine granite columns in front, that are thirty feet between cap and base, six feet in diameter, and are placed in a circle in front of the Capitol and the main entrance to the building, over which is a large stone slab, with Governor Boggs' name cut in large letters, giving the names also of the officers of the State under him. His political troubles now began to appear. Colonel Thomas H. Benton was and had been the ruling spirit of the Democratic party-the party in power-and Governor Boggs was elected over his opponent, General Ashley, by a very large majority, and was about as popular as Colonel Benton in the party. The appointing of the State offi- cers was vested in the Governor, and he proceeded to make some appoint-
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ments which displeased 'Colonel Benton, whose power over the different Governors and whose will was almost supreme in filling the offices of State with his favorites. Governor Boggs had appointed the Secretary of State, State Auditor of Public Accounts and State Treasurer without consulting Colonel Benton, or, as he was termed, "Old Bullion." Colonel Thomas H. Benton, United States Senator from Missouri for thirty years ; he whose motto was "Union, harmony and self-denial; everything for the cause, nothing for men"-he whose will was law in the party, the control of which he had held for thirty years, became offended at the presumption of the Governor of Missouri for daring to make appointments outside of his per- sonal or political friends, and he made some threats, which he never carried out. Governor Boggs remarked, on hearing of Colonel Benton's displeasure, in his usual quiet and easy manner, that if Colonel Benton was going to act as Governor of the State, he would take his family back to their home in Jackson County, and he would retire from public office and resign, but as he was elected Governor he would remain at Jefferson City and discharge the duties of chief executive of the State, regardless of Colonel Benton or any of his friends. This decided course gathered around him quite an array of warm personal friends, many of whom took issue with Colonel Ben- ton on political questions, and thus began the " Anti-Benton " party in Mis- souri, which finally caused that great statesman's downfall and final defeat in his own State. During Governor Boggs' term of office at Jefferson City, he maintained and kept an open house. His parlors in the Governor's resi- dence were always full, and his hospitality became proverbial. The poor and the rich were alike welcome to his home and board. While at Jefferson City the Governor received much company, and his house was scarcely ever clear of guests. He was particularly fond of receiving his old backwoods and frontier friends, and with treating them with great cordiality. He appointed one of his old neighbors from the Six-Mile Settlement State Treasurer. After the resignation of the old State Treasurer, Mr. Walker, Governor Boggs appointed Abraham McClellan, an honest old man who had been for many years a neighbor of the Governor at Fort Osage, in the Six- Mile Settlement. This honerable old man was put in charge of the State Treasury about the time of the commencement of the new State Capitol building, and the business of the office required close attention. On the loss of the old capitol building by fire, the Governor had the office of State Treasurer removed to his store, and the Secretary of State, James L. Miner's office, placed in a building opposite the Governor's residence, and Governor Boggs rendered the various officers of State all the assistance and advice necessary to carry on the State affairs with exactitude and good manage- ment. The old State Treasurer, an honest old farmer, formerly from Tennessee, was inexperienced in the duties of his office, but the Governor
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kindly aided him and kept everything moving on correctly. After the completion of the new State Capitol building, Mr. McClellan, being tired of office, tendered his resignation, and on settling up his accounts, the com- mittee appointed by the Legislature to settle with the retiring officer, found that there was some six hundred dollars more money than belonged to the State, and the old gentleman could not account for it or tell how it came into the State Treasury, and it was tendered to him as belonging to his pri- vate funds, but he declined to accept it, stating that it was not his money and he would not have it. Governor Boggs made several appointments of State officers that displeased some of Colonel Benton's hangers-on, and con- sequently created some ill feeling towards the Governor. Among the appointees was Hiram H. Baber, Auditor of Public Accounts. He was a brother-in-law of the Governor and was residing at Jefferson City, which had been his home for many years. Mr. Baber was an intelligent and com- petent man, and proved to be one of the most efficient officers the State ever had; so much were his services appreciated by the State that he was retained in that department by succeeding Governors until his health prevented him from the further discharge of the duties of the office. Another appointment of Governor Boggs was made under very peculiar circum- stances. On the Governor's arrival on the north side of the Missouri River, opposite the city of Jefferson, on his way to occupy the Governor's house, his family accompanying him, the party arrived late at the ferry landing. The Governor concluded to pass the night at a new log house, that was erected by the owner of a farm near the ferry. A man with a family was encamped near the ferry landing who seemed to be poor, but had evidently seen better days. His wife, daughters and two sons appeared to be very nice people. The Governor, as usual with him, began to make inquiries about their destination, etc., and was informed by the father of the family that he had suddenly been deprived of his property and was seeking a new home ; was without means, and did not know where to go to better his con- dition, but thought he would rent a house somewhere if he could get one, until he could look around and get something to do. The Governor informed him that he would aid him to get a house as soon as he could cross the river into town, and that he would also try to find him employment. This so pleased the gentleman that he grasped the Governor's hand and pointed to his family, at the same time stating that he had made them his friends for life. On the Governor's arrival in Jefferson City the next day he pro- cured a comfortable residence the first thing he did for this homeless family, and some few days elapsed when the gentleman received a note from the Governor, desiring to see him at his office. The gentleman, whose name was Burch, called promptly, and was somewhat surprised when the Governor handed him an appointment to fill the office of Warden of the State
John .S. Kister
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Prison, an office that paid a handsome salary and provided a fine two-story stone building, furnished, for the Warden and his family. This placed the newly-made acquaintance of the Governor in comparatively easy circumstances, his family among the best of society, and enabled him to educate his children, one of whom has since represented the Northern Dis- trict of California in Congress, and is at the writing of this article a prominent lawyer and politician in this State-the Hon. John C. Burch. Governor Bogg's quiet and independent manner of discharging his official duties made him many warm personal friends, while at the same time it created some bitter political enemies even in his own party. About this time much trouble was created by the Mormons, a religious sect who had been driven some years before from Jackson County, Missouri, from the immediate neighborhood of Governor Bogg's old home at Independence. These Mormons, led by Joe Smith, Lyman White, Sidney Rigdon and other prominent men of the faith, after their expulsion by a mob of citizens from Jackson County, settled in the north-western part of the State, and caused so much trouble by their peculiar laws and customs that the people of that section petitioned the Governor to do something to relieve them of their disagreeable neighbors. The Governor advised patience and forbearance, hoping that the civil authorities would be able to quell all disturbances, but the complaints and petitions of the people continued to reach the Governor and finally he was informed that the citizens were arming for their own protection. He at once issued a proclamation and called for five thousand troops or volunteer State militia, which call was promptly answered by various counties in the State sending armed, uniformed and equipped com- panies to the seat of war. Several fine mounted military companies passed through Jefferson City and presented themselves to the Governor, who by this time had appointed his staff of officers and proceeded to review the troops under his command. He appointed General John B. Clark, an experi- enced and highly intelligent gentleman, to take command of the expedition, with orders to remove the Mormons from the State, which were promptly executed by General Clark without bloodshed, save some little skirmishing by the Jackson County troops, under their old commanders, Generals Lucas and Wilson, acting without orders from their superior officers. They pro- ceeded to the scene of difficulties and attacked the Mormons near Far West, capturing their leaders and the town of Far West before the arrival of Gen- eral Clark and the main body of the troops under his immediate command. The Governor, on learning of the capture of Smith and his confederate leaders, sent a messenger post-haste to General Clark commanding him to turn over the prisoners to the civil authorities at once, to be tried for the crimes and charges preferred against them, which order was promptly obeyed by General Clark's command. It is much to be regretted that the official
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