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 44
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 44
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
BATEMAN, JOHN. This respected citizen of Napa County is a native of Jefferson County, New York, and was born October 29, 1821. At the age of ten years, his parents moved to Herkimer County, same State, where the subject of this sketch was educated, and employed on his father's farm until March 4, 1849. On that date he sailed from New York, via Vera Cruz, for the land of gold, arriving in San Francisco in June of the same year. He first found employment in Sutter's saw mill, El Dorado County, for a short time, receiving in compensation twenty dollars per day. Mr. Bateman, thinking this was making money too slow, embarked in min- ing, in which he was successful ; and in September, 1850, he returned to his home in the East, where he sojourned for four months. He returned to San Francisco, and in 1854 paid another visit to his home in the East. This time he was married, and after a stay of eighteen months, once more returned to this coast, locating in Big Valley, Lake County, and engaged in
398
History of Napa and Lake Counties-NAPA.
the dairy business, which he successfully prosecuted for ten years. April, 1866, found Mr. Bateman located in Napa Valley, engaged in agricultural pursuits ; and in the spring of 1880 he purchased his present valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres, and is now chiefly engaged in vinicul- ture. Mr. Bateman was united in marriage in Herkimer County, New York, in February, 1855, to Mrs. Catherine Willoughby, a native of that State, and by this union they have one son, Henry.
BELL, ROBERT B. Was born on Prince Edwards Island, Dominion of Canada, November 10, 1854, and remained in his birthplace until he was eighteen years of age. He then came to California, arriving on this Coast in June, 1873, and first located in Aptos, Santa Cruz County. Remain- ing there but a short time, he, in the following September, moved to Napa County and to St. Helena. He first found employment on a dairy ranch, where he remained about eighteen months, and then accepted a situation as salesman in D. B. Carver's store, a position he held almost two years. His next move was to Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, where he was a member of the firm of Grant & Co. in the livery business, and in this firm he con- tinued for two years. At the end of this time he returned to St. Helena, and again to his former position as clerk for D. B. Carver. August 20, 1879, Mr. Bell, in company with C. N. Hale, opened their now extensive grocery business, under the firm name of Hale & Bell, and is now enjoying a good patronage, and the confidence of the whole community in which he lives. Mr. Bell was united in marriage in St. Helena, March 4, 1881, to Miss Eva F. Risley, a native of St. Helena, California.
BENNETT, JAMES N. Was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 7, 1816. In 1841 he moved to Illinois, and in 1851 he crossed the plains with ox teams to California, arriving in Sonoma Valley September 19th of that year. He first located at Sonoma, where he spent one year. He then went to Bennett Valley, being the first settler in the valley and the man for whom it was named. In 1857 he moved two miles below Santa Rosa, and in No- vember, 1859, he moved to his present place, two miles north of Calistoga, which consists of ninety-six acres, a portion of which is in vineyard. He was married October 28, 1841, to Miss Catherine Clark, a native of Clermont County, Ohio. Their children are, Thomas J., Reuben W., Isaac N., Harriet T., now Mrs. Northupp, Junius J., Laura A. and Oliver P.
BARNETT, JESSE. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Johnson County, Kentucky, February 25, 1826, where he lived until 1831. In that year his parents moved to Missouri and settled in what was then Jackson County, now Van Buren County, where they remained until 1836. In that year they removed to Scioto County,
Nyiterwach.
Joseph Henry
399
Biographical Sketches.
Ohio, where he resided until he started for California, which occurred in 1854. He crossed the plains and on his arrival in this State he immediately proceeded to Pope Valley, and in the fall of 1855 Mr. Barnett settled on his present ranch of one thousand acres, and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was married September 28, 1848, to Miss Lavina Clark, who was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, January 16, 1828, and by this union they have seven living children : Elias J., Mary E., James P., William A., Jesse W., Samuel P. and Margaret L.
BURGESS, CHARLES M. Son of Luce and Wealthy Huntsley Bur- gess, was born in Ontario County, New York, August 11, 1836, where he resided until he was twenty-two years of age. He then sailed from New York January 16, 1858, for the Golden State, coming via Panama, and arriving in the metropolis of the Pacific Coast February 18th of the above year. Remaining in San Francisco a short time, he went to Butte County and engaged in mining, and prosecuted that business for two years. We next find Mr. Burgess in San Francisco, in the employ of Mr. Lusk, then proprietor of a livery stable, and he remained in this place for eighteen months. He next entered the employ of Connor & Nye, working in their livery stable for a short time, and next was secured by the proprietor of the Cliff House, as manager of the stable and sheds connected with that famous resort, a position he filled some fifteen years. The subject of this sketch in 1868 paid a visit to his home in the East, where he remained some three months and was there married. He then, with his bride, returned to this coast, and in 1870 bought the property where he resides, consisting of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, situated four miles south-east of Calistoga. He did not, however, take up his residence here until 1880. He is now ex- tensively engaged in viniculture, having some sixty acres of vines. Mr. Burgess was united in marriage in Ontario County, New York, August 5, 1868, to Almira C. Harmon, a native of that State. Their children are, Wilfred H., born July 10, 1870; Gracie W., born September 19, 1872; Cora S., born August 2, 1874 ; Edna M., born December 30, 1875.
BURBANK, CHARLES HENRY, (deceased). Was born in Chautau- qua County, New York, August 7, 1825. Came to California in 1850, and settled in the Sacramento Valley, where he resided for some time. He then moved to Yolo County, where he followed farming until 1874, when he moved to Chiles Valley, and continued farming until his death, which oc- curred November 30, 1880. He was married October 29, 1875, to Miss Clara Wescott. She still resides on her birthplace, where she was born July 16, 1857. They had three children, John Albert, born August 29, 1876; George Henry, born August 11, 1878; Lena May, born January 14, 1881.
400
History of Napa and Lake Counties-NAPA.
BIGGS, EBENEZER. Was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and is the son of James and Sarah Wilkins Biggs. At the age of seven years, he, with his parents, emigrated West, and settled in Franklin County, Ohlo, where he resided till he was twenty-one years of age. In 1846, at the age of twenty years, he took a drove of cattle, two hundred head, from Columbus, Ohio, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was probably the first who, at such an early age, was entrusted with a charge of such a nature. In 1848, he went to Louisville, Kentucky, from thence to New Albany, Indiana, and, in connection with Hugh Wilkins, opened an upholstery shop, fitting up several steamers then running on the river. On the occasion of General Taylor's journey to Washington to occupy the Presidential chair, he was one of the party who went down the river from Louisville to escort the General to that place. In February, 1849, he joined Capt. Hervey's emigrant company, and was a mem- ber of the detachment sent to Missouri to purchase stock. In the same month he went to Boonville, and there went into the country and bought forty mules ; remained one month, and then proceeded to Independence. On this trip occurred Mr. Bigg's first experience in camp-life, and with coyotes. On Sunday, April 29, 1849, the party started in earnest from St. Joseph for California, making fifteen miles on the first day, and that night he was elected wagonmaster. On the day before arriving at Blue River, six of the six-mule teams ran away, killing a man before they were gotten under control. While at Blue River a storm arose, forcing the men in charge of an ox-team that happened to be camping near by, to corral their cattle, the noise of which led the guard of Mr. Bigg's company to imagine they were attacked by In- dians. He gave the alarm, and called up all hands. One of the men, in tak- ing his gun from the wagon, in some manner knocked the hammer, causing the weapon, loaded with buckshot, to be discharged, the charge entering the head of and killing a man, who was at a distance of thirty yards. Mr. Biggs' experience with firearms was limited, so he armed himself with what in his hands was a more destructive weapon, an axe, remarking, " Boys, you shoot 'em down and I'll cut off their heads." At Deer Creek the captain of the train took charge of a team, and while going down a hill the mules became frightened and started to run. In attempting to check them the Captain was thrown down and severely injured. His daughter (Mrs. Lieutenant Thompson), jumped from the wagon, one of the wheels running over and cutting off a part of her ear. At Fort Laramie Mr. Biggs and others withdrew from the company, and with one team came through to California, arriving at Sacramento August 27, 1849. Mr. Biggs here disposed of his team and as driver went into the employ of the purchaser. This was the first team ever driven on the west side of the river from Sac- ramento to Clear Creek. In six weeks he cleared one thousand dollars in trading, etc. On his first trip he paid five dollars for a meal consisting of
401
Biographical Sketches.
crackers, bacon and three eggs, the eggs being charged for at the rate of one dollar each-a fact which caused Mr. Biggs to open his eyes in astonishment, inasmuch as, in the place from whence he came, eggs were retailing at three cents per dozen. Nevertheless, the bill was paid without a murmur, and our hero proceeded on his way, a wiser if not a richer man. From Sac- ramento he went to Deer Creek, back to Sacramento, and then to Weaver- town, remaining at the latter place during the winter of 1849-50. Leaving Weavertown, he hired out as teamster at Coloma. Greenwood Valley was his next objective point, at which place he entered the general merchandise business in partnership with a Mr. Brown. In 1851 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Biggs went into the packing and teaming business with Samuel Ringold. Having disposed of this, they opened a livery business in Sacramento, and in a few months Mr. Biggs became sole proprietor. Was burned out in 1854. In 1856 he took charge of a stable at Folsom and re- mained three years. In 1859 he came to Napa, and in the fall of that year opened the American Stables, on the corner of Brown and Third streets. In two years he was at his old vocation of teaming, which, together with contracting, he has since followed. In 1872 he was elected Marshal of Napa City, being the first such officer of the town. Although Mr. Biggs is an ardent admirer of the fair sex, and has ever been most gallant to them, yet he has proved callous to their wiles and remains a single man.
BARTH, G. Whose portrait appears in the body of this work, was born in the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, November 16, 1821, and is the youngest child of John and Henrietta Mellor Barth. His father had a fine estate, and his dwelling was a castle. He first had a private tutor, and at the age of fourteen entered the high school, which he attended for two years. He was then sent by his father to super- intend a large farming interest, where he remained for two years. He then became administrator for several wealthy gentlemen. In 1854 he be- came the owner of a large tract of land, and then, on account of failure of crops, he lost everything he had. In 1859 he came to America, arriving in San Francisco May 15th of that year. He spent the first two months in this State in visiting all the prominent places in it, in company with the Austrian Consul, Edward Vischer, General Cipriana, and Adolph Thomal. He then went to San Mateo County, and began working on a farm for Mr. Topas, where he remained for one year. He then came to Napa County, and began working on a farm owned by Mr. Osborne, where he labored faithfully until 1861. In October of that year he was married, and began keeping a small boarding-house, which he continued until 1870. In that year he went to Europe on a commission from Governor H. H. Haight, in the behalf of the agricultural interests of California, where he had a pleasant
26
402
History of Napa and Lake Counties-NAFA.
time, and was well received by the representatives of the different coun- tries. He spent four months in Europe, and then returned, and has since paid his attention chiefly to agricultural pursuits. He has a tract of three hundred and twenty acres in the redwoods above the Hudeman place, where he has a fine elk park : also, four hundred and sixty acres of what is known as the Salvador Vallejo Ranch, on which he has one hundred and fifty acres of bearing vines, and twenty-five acres of young vines, and two fine wine- cellars, a full history of which will be found in the proper place. In Sanel Valley he has a tract of one thousand four hundred and forty acres, which is wheat land and a sheep ranch, and he is now planting vines upon it. He has a fine brewery, also, a history of which will be found elsewhere. In 1550 he was a member of the City Council of Napa, one of the trustees of the Bank of Napa, chairman of the finance committee of said bank, and interested in the general advancement of the county and city. He was married October 16, 1861, to Mrs. Mary Pheffer Shepherd, relict of Joseph Shepherd. They had one daughter, who died in 1878.
BOYCE, WILLIAM P. The subject of this sketch was born in Balti- more, February 8, 1507. and is consequently now in his seventy-fifth year. At the age of fifteen he moved with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in that city learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. at which he worked about eight years. He then, with his parents, moved and settled in Saint Clair County, Illinois, where he continued at his trade until April 4. 1832. He then enlisted in the Third Regiment. Illinois Volunteers, and took part in the Black Hawk War, serving for two years After leaving the army he traveled through several States, and finally settled in Shellsburg. Wisconsin, and from that place, April 19, 1850. be started across the plains for Cali- fornia. first locating in this State at Hangtown, now Placerville, where he remained a short time. He then followed mining at different places until 1866, when he moved to Napa County, locating in Knights Valley. then in Napa County, now in Sonoma, where he remained for two years. He then moved to Calistoga, and purchased his present homestead in 1576. He was elected to the office of Constable and has held the office of Deputy Sheriff for three successive terms. Mr. Boyce was married in Petersburgh, Illinois, March 14. 1539, to Susan A. Reed, who was born in Kentucky. By this union they have three living children : William E., Mary L. and Jane F.
BUTTON, J. A. Was born in Monroe County, Kentucky, February 12, 1840, and resided in his native State until his thirteenth year, when, with his parents, be moved to Scotland County, Missouri, and there he lived until 1567. He then moved to Lawrence County, that State, where he remained until 1873, in which year he came to California and settled in Elmira, Solano County, and there began farming which he followed until 1680.
403
Biographical Sketches.
He then moved to his present place in Wooden Valley, Napa County, where he is now following the same business. Mr. Button married November 11, 1861, Miss M. E. Tillotson, who is a native of Scotland County, Missouri, born September 27, 1843, and by this union they have eight children : Robert A., born August 3, 1862; Lubena I., born April 28, 1864; Martha O., born November 11, 1866; Ellen, born October 15, 1871; William D., born October 28, 1873; Lydia, born June 25, 1875 ; George T., born May 30, 1877 ; James W., born May 20, 1879.
BROWNLEE, ROBERT. Emigrated to America in 1836, and settled in the city of New York, where he sojourned four months, working at his trade of stone-cutter. In September of that year he proceeded to North Carolina, and was employed for thirteen months in the capital of that State; at the expiration of which he moved to Arkansas, arriving in Little Rock on Christmas day, 1837. He there prosecuted his calling for four years, working on the Capitol and State Bank, when he embarked in the cultiva- tion of land. In 1848 he retired from the occupation of farming, and commenced prospecting for lead, getting blown up during this employment. Mr. Brownlee was a resident of the State of Arkansas altogether thirteen years. In 1849 the world was set agog by the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia, and he was one of the many hardy sons of toil who crossed the plains, enduring all its hardships, hoping occasionally against hope, and put- ting aside any knowledge of fear, laboring incessantly to buoy up those who were bordering on despair, allaying the woes of the suffering, and cheering the despondent. In this year, after a journey occupying six months and a half, coming by way of Santa Fé, this band crossed the Colorado River in the latter end of August, and entered California, the land of promise, on the first day of September, 1849. For days before this event, water with them had been scarce, the canteens which they wore slung over their shoul- ders being nearly empty ; at last, however, pools of water were discovered, and he, riding at the head of the cavalcade, was the first to lave his parched throat with the wearily looked-for liquid. Dipping his pan deep into the pool, to procure the water in its coolest state, he found it on drinking to be potently charged with alkali ; to resort to the first rude method of counter- action, namely, the eating of quantities of fat pork, was the work of a moment, and he recovered ; not so two of the others, who, even when cau- tioned, recklessly partook of the beverage, both dying in great suffering on the evening of the same day. They were buried by their comrades, while one of the number, gifted above his fellows with the power of speech, offered up a prayer at their graves, which, for impressive eloquence, Mr. Brownlee asserts he has never heard equalled. From the oldest to the youngest there was not a dry cheek. Let us now follow the fortunes of Mr. Brownlee. He
404
History of Napa and Lake Counties-º-NAPA.
arrived in Mariposa County in the first rains. ' He labored in the mines for six days, in the first hour and a half of which he dug up $80 worth of ore, his only implements being his jack-knife and tin pan. This was in Octo- ber, 1849. With this sum he entered into partnership with John W. Clarke, of Vermont, who had also been moderately lucky, purchased a team of six pack-mules, and commenced what is known as a "packing " business, be- tween Stockton and Ajuafria, two towns one hundred miles apart. The first trip took these two pioneers some six weeks to accomplish. The roads were so bad from the excessive rains that the hardships endured were sufficient to deter men of less perseverance. Always, at their destination, however, such matters were treated lightly, for, after all, their business prospered, and miners would pay $1.25 per pound for tea and flour, while other necessa- ries commanded as high a price. Mr. Brownlee thus describes some of his experiences on this eventful first trip. On leaving the Stanislaus River, an eight-mule team, drawing a boiler, was come up with, but such was the de- plorable state of the roads that mules, boiler, and truck had sunk into the mud, nothing being left to view but the heads of three mules and the high- est point of the boiler. Here was a fix. What was to be done ? Quick of resources, desperation lending wit to native acumen, the teamsters inconti- nently drove their animals on to the boiler, from which perch they daintily picked their steps on to the backs of their less fortunate brethren, one after the other, until once more terra firma was regained. There were four of 'these adventurers-James McVicar, Mr. Brownlee, his partner, and a negro. During a blinding snow storm they proceeded onward, and arrived at Dry Creek, where each mule had to be repacked, the cargo having shifted, on account of the many slips and falls which the quadrupeds had sustained. On relieving them of their burdens and placing the sacks of flour on the clay, the first two tiers sank out of sight, causing no inconsiderable damage. There was not the wherewithal to build a fire whereby food might be pre- pared, so they supped on flour, mixed with water and raw fat pork. Cold and hungry, they lay on the saddle blankets, striving to wheedle the gentle goddess-the four of them-Mr. Brownlee next to the negro. During the night the snow and sleet ceased, and a hard frost set in, making the cold intense. The water in a pair of long boots, the property of the darkey, froze to a solid mass, which was not perceived until he had tried to put them on; but, whether on account of the size of his feet or the frigidity and rigidity of the ice, they would not be coaxed into their proper resting place till thawed by the water of a convenient stream. The morning, how- ever, lent a brighter aspect to the state of things, for daylight showed where fuel was to be obtained; a hearty meal was made off coffee and flapjacks, which they enjoyed, for, on the principle of hunger being the best sauce, McVicar would now and again observe "Eh, man, Bob, but aren't they
405
Biographical Sketches.
good ?" On the following day the Tuolumne River was gained, in another snow storm, they camping in a " wash " of the river. This night a splendid fire was built. Three large trees, which were lying in the bed of the now dry stream, were piled over with brush and set alight, while the banks gave shelter from the driving sleet and snow; and comparative comfort, with a certain amount of satisfaction, was being taken out of the burning mass of timber, some forty feet in length. Of a sudden, without the slightest warn- ing, their gigantic hearth was seen to float away; the water rose with in- credible speed, so that they were wet to their waists while securing their packs. At length all was made snug, and the quartette, climbing up to the fork of a tree, out of the reach of the now rushing stream, in the driv- ing snow, philosophically awaited the dawn of day. Of such were the hardships endured on this memorable journey. In the spring of the year 1850 the subject of our sketch established a store, having a mule team in connection therewith. The former combined all the min- ing luxuries of a boarding-house, ten-pin alley and card-room, as well as the agency for Adams' Express. At the time when the first snow fell Mr. Brownlee found himself with a large accumulation of staple goods, for which there would be a ready market; he therefore turned out his animals to pasture on what was known as the Texine Ranch, when one day he was informed that a force of Indians had been seen driving them off. This was a cause of the hastening of another Mariposa War. On the receipt of this intelligence Major Burney, then Sheriff of the county, raised a company of twenty-two volunteers, started in pursuit, and, overtaking the Indians, engaged them for three or four hours, when they fled, leaving behind them partially eaten portions of the beasts, which had been cooked between the time of their capture and the conflict. At this juncture the war had assumed proportions which were likely to develop. The Major, therefore, appealed to Governor Burnett, at San José, for aid, when he despatched Neely Johnson to organize three companies of militia in Mari- posa County, Mr. Brownlee being sutler of the battalion, and as such he found himself possessed of a large amount of scrip paid to him by the force, which he wished to have recognized by the officers of the State. To gain this was the object of his first visit to Vallejo in 1851, on which occasion he remained only two months, returning to Mariposa County, and thereafter visited Sacramento in 1852 on the same errand, after which he once more went back to Mariposa, wound up his affairs, and started to return to Scot- land, but having missed the steamer from San Francisco to Panama, he re- mained for three weeks in Vallejo. On the first day of March, 1852, Mr. Brownlee sailed from San Francisco, visiting en route Arkansas and Ken- tucky, where he met his wife, went to Scotland, but in two months from his arrival, having visited a few of the most noteworthy places in his native
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.