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 58
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 58
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MILLER, ROBERT. This old pioneer, now seventy-six years of age, was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1805, where he re- sided until he was seventeen years of age. He then moved to Ohio, and remained in that State about fifteen years, and then moved to Iowa, staying in the latter State until April 5, 1853. He then, with his family, and with ox-teams, crossed the plains to California, and first settled in Plumas County, staying there one winter. They then came from Plumas County to Napa Valley, and remained one year. He then proceeded to Lake County, and became proprietor of the Siegler Springs, remaining in that place for nine years. In the fall of 1863 he came to Napa County and lo- cated on his present ranch of one hundred and forty-five acres, three miles north of Calistoga.
McCORD, JAMES H. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait ap- pears in this volume, was born in Somerset County, New Jersey, December 29, 1826, and is the fourth child of James and Mary Woodruff McCord. When he was but five years of age he went to Morris County, New Jersey, and resided with his father's uncle for seven years. He then returned to Somerset County, where he began the shoemaker's trade, which he continued
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until he was about twenty years of age. He then went to Essex County, New Jersey, where he worked at his trade for one year. In the spring of 1846 he enlisted to go to the Mexican War and served six months, when he was disabled by the breaking of one of his arms. After receiving his dis- charge he went to Detroit, Michigan, and thence to St. Joseph, same State, where he opened a shoe store, which he carried on until April 1, 1849, when he started to California. Starting out from St. Joseph, Missouri, with ox- teams, they were five and one-half months in making the tedious trip across the plains. They came via the Truckee cut-off. He stopped at Sacramento a short time and then proceeded to Sonoma County, where he worked in the red-woods until the spring of 1850, when he took charge of General Vallejo's farm. In a short time he opened a boot and shoe shop in the town of So- noma, and made the first pair of boots ever manufactured north of the bay of San Francisco, for General M. G. Vallejo. Finding the business too con- fining, in April, 1852, he came to Napa Valley and settled near where St. Helena now stands, where he began farming and working in the red-woods. In 1855 he purchased his present place of ninety-three acres, forty of which are planted in vines. In 1872 he began the wine-making business in parthership with Mr. Gaique. This enterprise lasted only six months, when they lost all by fire, twenty-six thousand gallons of wine being destroyed by the conflagration. In 1876 he again began the business, and now has a fine cellar, a full description of which will be found in the proper place. He was Associate Judge of Napa County, and has been elected Justice of the Peace several times. He is a genial, intelligent gentleman, and one with whom it is a pleasure to meet. He takes a lively interest in the welfare of his community, and is respected and honored by all who know him. April 17, 1851, he was married at Sonoma, Judge Hendley performing the cere- mony, to Miss Mary Griffith, who was born in North Carolina, December 2, 1834. Their living children are, Lafayette, born January 8, 1852; Na- thaniel, born March 15, 1854; Albert, born July 30, 1859 ; Ellen, born July 20, 1862 : Augusta, born December 6, 1868; James, born April 5, 1872 ; and Lillie, born October 15, 1876. They have lost three girls. Ellen is married to Elias Gates, and she has a daughter named Maud. Lafayette is studying for the ministry.
MULTER, JAMES LESLIE. The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, having been born September 14, 1843, at Summit, Schoharie County, fifty-five miles from Albany, the capital. His parents were also natives of the Empire State, and were born in the township of Worcester, Otsego County. He was educated at the Oliver Academy, located in Fer- gusonville, Delaware County, an institution of learning well and favorably known for many years past in Central New York. His time, from the age of twenty, has been almost exclusively devoted to journalism, his first effort
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in the business being the publication of the Monitor, in company with his father, Jacob J. Multer, a lawyer by profession, at Schenevus, Otsego County, New York, the first number being printed in 1864. In a few years he be- came sole proprietor of the paper, and in 1870 established the Schoharie County Democrat at Richmondville, New York. Finding the work of super- intending two printing offices at different points too arduous, he disposed of the Democrat in 1873, and finally sold the Monitor in 1874, the latter sale being made in anticipation of coming to the Pacific Coast. These papers have been published regularly since their first appearance, the last one above mentioned being a widely circulated and influential journal. Though being extremely indifferent about sight-seeing now, he has traveled a great deal in the United States-north, south, east and west-and while visiting the Southern States, after the Rebellion, he was so greatly impressed with the vast difference of climate in comparison with that of his native State, that he resolved to seek a locality where the winters were less rigorous than in New York, and this resolution finally resulted in his coming to California in the fall of 1877 and locating in Calistoga. Having been so long engaged in newspaper work, he naturally drifted into that business again, and soon after his arrival here the Independent Calistogian made its appearance, and is now being published, having been sustained longer than any one of the several papers that have been issued here and failed. He is of retiring manners, somewhat diffident, and very conscientious. To the former quali- ties may be ascribed the fact that he has not a political record, for he repeatedly declined elective offices proffered by partisan friends at the East in instances when success at the polls was certain. He is a great admirer of Napa Valley, which he insists is not surpassed in beauty by any other section of country in the land. Having chosen it as his abiding place, he is greatly interested in its prosperity, and the columns of the Calistogian are always open for the publication of matters that will prove beneficial to this beautiful section of country. Mr. Multer and Miss Mary E., daughter of Thomas B. Van Alstyne, M. D., were married on the 7th of November, 1873, in Richmondville, Schoharie County, the place of her birth.
MANSFIELD, JERA M. Was born in Dudley, Worcester County, Massachusetts, March 14, 1825, and is the son of Jera and Lucretia Corbin Mansfield, both of whom were natives of Worcester County, Massachusetts. When he was between three and four years of age his parents moved to Barton, Orleans County, Vermont, and he there resided on a farm with his parents, and was educated in the common schools of the county and acad- emies of the State. At the age of nineteen he engaged in teaching school, which he followed winters for two years. When he was twenty-one years of age he left home with the intention of studying medicine, and put in his leisure time until he was twenty-four years old in studying for that profes-
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sion. March 4, 1849, he sailed from Boston, Massachusetts, on board of the bark " Edward Fletcher," around Cape Horn, bound for California, arriving in San Francisco September 6th of that year. He at once began working at the carpenter's trade in the city, which he followed for one month. He then went to Stockton, and began operations there, teaming into the mines, which he followed for four months, when he was taken sick with the typhoid fever, which confined him to his tent till the following spring. He then engaged in trading between San Francisco and Stockton, which he fol- lowed till the winter of 1850, when he opened a butcher shop in Stockton, which he conducted for one year. He then engaged in boating and trading from San Francisco to Stockton and Marysville, which he continued for one year. On account of another attack of the typhoid fever he was laid up for the next twelve months. He then went to San Francisco and began the business of dairying, which he followed for one year, when he disposed of that interest and came to Napa Valley and engaged in farming, on the place now owned by G. Barth. He followed this business until the spring of 1865, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits, at the same time contin- uing his farming operations. He continued merchandising for two years with J. F. Lamdin. He is one of the officers of the Bank of Napa, and one of the wealthiest citizens of Napa County. He was married May 5, 1859, to Miss Ellen G. Easterbrook, a native of Concord, New Hampshire, who was born February 7, 1836. Their children are, Walter D., born February 11, 1860; Grace L., born October 15, 1863; Jera Morton, born January 9, 1867, and Channing C., born December 20, 1874.
MELLOR, WILLIAM. Was born in Nottingham, England, on the 4th of December, 1826. At the age of six years he moved with his parents to Baltimore, Maryland, where he received a liberal education. At the age of twenty he was married to Mary E. Work, and lived in Baltimore until 1848, when he moved to Davis County, Iowa. In the spring of 1849 he moved to Quincy, Illinois, and remained until 1859, being engaged in the upholstery business. He then started for California with an ox-team across the plains, arriving in Hangtown about the middle of October, where he remained four months. He then went to Marysville for a short time, when he returned to Quincy, Illinois. In 1861 he again crossed the plains with his family, and settled in Marysville, California, remaining there until 1872, being engaged in the furniture business. He then moved to San Francisco with his family, where he remained eighteen months, being engaged in the samee business. He then moved to Napa, where he is now engagod in that business and un- dertaking, which is now conducted under the firm name of Mellor & Sons.
MIGLIAVACCA, G. Was born in Italy, August 16, 1833, where he resided until 1858, learning the trade of distiller and wine making from his father. In 1867 he emigrated to California, first locating in San Francisco,
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where he remained for four months. He then moved to Mariposa County, where he embarked in the grocery business, and continued till 1866, when he came to Napa County, and for a short time engaged in the grocery business. He then began the manufacture of wine, in which he is still engaged, and which he has steadily increased from five hundred gallons per year until now he manufactures seventy-five thousand gallons. Mr. Migliavacca was married in 1860 to Marie Senorela, who was born in Italy May 19, 1843. By this union they have ten living children : Louisa, born June 8, 1862; John, born July 1, 1864; Henry, born October 10, 1866; Angeline, born December 7, 1868; Clara, born October 21, 1870; Sero, born March 26, 1872; Joseph, born June 6, 1876; Minnie, born March 29, 1878; James, born August 17, 1879, and Cesore, born December 6, 1880.
McFARLING, JAMES. Was born in Belmont County, Ohio, December 15, 1821, and at the age of eighteen he moved to the western part of his native State and engaged in farming until September, 1843. In that year he continued westward locating in Henry County, Iowa, where he resided until he came to California in 1849. He first located on Parks Bar, Yuba County, and engaged in mining until September, 1850, when he returned to Iowa, and after a residence of three years in that State, he again started with ox-teams, and accompanied by his family, he crossed the plains to Cali- fornia, arriving in September, 1854. He then located in Nevada County and engaged in mining for awhile. He then moved to Sonoma County, residing in Knights Valley in said county, until December, 1862, when he moved to Napa County and purchased his present place of fifty acres, two miles from St. Helena, and is now engaged in viniculture. He was united in marriage in Muskingum County, Ohio, September 25, 1842, to Miss Eva Moore a native of that State. Their children are, Sarah M., now Mrs. McArthur; Johnson H .; Mary E., now Mrs. James Howard ; Rachael J., now Mrs. J. Fruits ; Charles B., John and George, and two deceased.
McLENNAN, DANIEL R. The subject of this sketch was born in Inverness, Scotland, December 25, 1833, and remained in his birthplace until he was sixteen years of age, and there received a common school edu- cation. In 1849 he moved with his parents to Canada, locating in Kin- carodin, Bruce County, where he engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons, in which business he continued until the spring of 1865. Leaving his family in Canada, Mr. McLennan started for the Pacific Coast, sailing from New York April 22, 1865, coming via Panama, and arriving in San Francisco May 15th of the above year. Staying a short time in the metropolis, he proceeded to Napa Valley, June 12, 1865, under engage- ment to work for A. C. McDonald, of Yountville, in the wood department of his establishment. He remained there until he came to St. Helena,
Mytenbach
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which occurred in April, 1879, his family in the meantime having joined him at Yountville. He then purchased his present property, and is extensively engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons, and general blacksmith- ing, opposite the Palace Hotel, and is enjoying the pleasures of a well-spent life, surrounded by his family and friends, and respected by all who know him. Mr. McLennan was united in marriage in Goodrich, Canada, Septem- ber 29, 1857, to Miss Ellen McLeod, a native of that place, and of Scotch parents. By this union they have nine living children: John, Daniel, Robert, David, William, Annie, Christina, Katie, and Ellen.
MERRIAM, HORACE A. Son of Horace and Mary P. Bailey Mer- riam, was born in Rockland, Maine, December 19, 1852, where he resided until he was seventeen years of age, attending the common schools of that place, and afterward the high school. He then concluded to go to sea, and made several voyages, and afterwards followed coasting from Maine to New York, until 1871. He then went to Andover, Massachusetts, and started to learn the trade of machinist and engineer, and remained at this for about eighteen months. He then moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and continued at his trade. The reason of his change from Andover was on account of not being able to learn but a few branches of his trade. His next move was to Hyde Park, near Boston, where he worked for the Barnard Milling Machine Company, and remained there until the financial panic of 1873, when the mill closed down, and the subject of this sketch moved back to Rockland, and worked there until his coming to California, which occurred in April, 1875, arriving in San Francisco on May 10th of that year. He then found employment at his trade, and remained for one year and a half. We next find him in the employ of the Florence Sewing Machine Company, and after following that for one year he was given charge of the advertising department of the Victor Sewing Machine Com- pany, remaining at this until his health began to fail. He then proceeded to Napa Valley to recuperate, but liking the climate so well, concluded to locate, and his brother arriving from the East about this time, they bought a ranch of ten acres one mile north of St. Helena, and remained on this until 1878. Mr. Merriam then sold his interest to his brother, and purchased a half interest in the clothing firm of Alden & Co., of St. Helena, and after the lapse of one year Henry E. Alden bought the other half in- terest, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Alden & Merriam. Their first location was under the Palace Hotel, but their busi- ness increasing, they had to secure more commodious quarters, and about the middle of June, 1881, they moved into their spacious and magnificent store under the Windsor Hotel, and it is but just to say that the firm of Alden & Merriam is one of the leading as well as most popular firms in Napa
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County. Mr. Merriam was united in marriage December 10, 1878, to Miss Carrie L. Lander, a native of Michigan, and by this marriage they have one living child and one deceased, Jennie W., born December 19, 1879; Frank L., born March 3, 1881, died July 3, 1881.
MEYERS, OLIVER PERRY. Son of Christian and Mary A. Kinna- man Meyers, was born in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio, August 23, 1845, where he resided until 1858. In 1856 his father came to California, and located in business in Marysville; and in 1858, Oliver, with his mother, brother and sister, came to California via the Isthmus, and joined the father. At Marysville he attended the common schools and the Marysville Academy until 1865, when he began an apprenticeship to the jeweler's business under Frank E. Smith, and served three years. In 1868 he went to Sacramento, and followed his trade for one year, when he went to Los Angeles and spent one year. He then went to San Francisco, and accepted a position as clerk in Henry Mayer's jewelry store on Montgomery street, where he remained until 1877. He then came to Napa, and opened his present business, where he has since remained, and now enjoys a large share of the patronage of the place, and is a highly esteemed citizen of Napa City. His parents and sister now reside in San Francisco.
MCDERMOTT, JOHN. Was born in County Galway, Ireland, in June, 1828. He resided in his native place until he was twenty-six years of age, and was there employed as a laborer. December 25, 1855, he started to America, arriving in Boston March 14, 1856. He first worked at Jamaica Plains for two months. He then went to Cambridge and labored on a farm, and worked in various places until May, 1859, when he came to California, arriving in San Francisco June 24th. He went to Marysville and worked on a farm. When the Washoe excitement broke out he went to Nevada. From there he returned to Nevada City. In 1864, he paid a visit to Ireland, and upon his return to California, he purchased his present ranch of one hundred and sixty acres. In November, 1864, he was married in New York City to Mary Morrisy, a native of Hancock County, Maine, who died in 1875, leaving one child, John J., born April 2, 1866.
MANASSEE, E. Was born in Beyenheim on the Rhine, August 7, 1842. When he was fourteen years of age he went to Friedburg, and served an apprenticeship to the tanner's trade for three years. When he was twenty years of age he came to New York, where he remained till 1864. In that year he came to California and began the tanning business in San Francisco, which he followed till 1871, when he came to Napa and became connected with the firm of B. F. Sawyer & Co., as foreman. In 1875 he secured a patent for a process of tanning leather, and in company with the firm began the manufacture of leather by it, and in 1879 he became a partner in the
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firm. This process has many excellencies, and the quality of leather made by it is unsurpassed. He was married in 1863 to Miss A. Hellwig, and they have six living children, Henry, Lena, Anna, Edward, August and Amelia.
MCINTYRE, H. W. Was born in Orange County, Vermont, in 1834. When he was twenty years of age he went to Canada, where he remained for three years. He then went to Elmira, New York. In 1870 he came to California, and became agent for the Alaska Company. In 1881 he came to Napa County, and is now engaged in viniculture near St. Helena.
MOORE, RICHARD E. F. The subject of this sketch was born in Green County, Kentucky, October 11, 1825. When but five years of age his parents moved to Missouri, locating in Callaway County, and followed farming for five years, when they moved to Monroe County, same State, where the subject of this sketch resided until his coming to California, in the meantime having learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until April, 1850, when in that year, in company with one brother and two nephews, he started with ox-teams across the plains to the Golden State, and, after a trip of five months, arrived in Weaverville, Placer County, Cal- ifornia, where he followed mining until the fall of 1851, when he returned via Panama to his home in Missouri. Again, in 1853 he started across the plains with a drove of cattle to California. On arriving in the Sacra- mento Valley, he sold his interest in the stock and located at Gold Hill and engaged in the grocery business, where he resided until the fall of 1855. In 1857 he came to Napa County, and leased his present place, and in 1858 bought the same, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres, eight miles from Napa City. He was united in marriage, near Soscol, January 22, 1862, to Miss Hannah Davis. They have three living children, Mary A., William C. and Lelia Ada.
MCCLURE, T. B. Was born in Knox County, Indiana, November 18, 1815. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Clark County, Illinois, and began the merchandise business in Martinsville, which he followed for fifteen years. In 1856, he came to California via Panama, arriving Nov- ember 12th. He immediately engaged in mercantile pursuits in Napa City, where the Bank of Napa now stands, which he followed for two years. He then began farming, and in 1859, he purchased his present place. He was married October 11, 1841, to Margaret McCord, who was born in Kentucky, January 15, 1817. Their children are, David, born July 10, 1842 ; John S., born January 28, 1844 ; Margaret A., born October 9, 1850, and Elizabeth, born March 28, 1858.
MILLER, GENERAL JOHN F. Whose portrait will be found in the body of this work, is as widely known as any man in the State of Cali- fornia, and no man in the country stands better with his people than he.
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He is in the very prime of life, being barely fifty years old. He has a strong constitution, splendidly preserved with simple habits, that ought to keep him in health for forty years yet. There was nothing in his youth that was remarkable. His family was in comfortable circumstances, and thus he was spared that bitter hardship of youth that many of our great men had to endure. He was born in Indiana, in 1831, his parents being Virginians. When he was about two years old, his father, who was a banker, farmer, legislator and general business man, moved to South Bend, Indiana. When old enough, the boy was sent to the common schools and academies of the time, and after a while he was sent to a preparatory school in Chicago and fitted for college. If he did not like the college and ran away, he did no more than many a boy did before him, and many a one has done since. When he was about eighteen he began the study of the law, and was graduated in 1852 at the New York State Law School, with the title of Bachelor of Laws. He began practice in South Bend, but his health failing, he went to California by way of the Isthmus in 1853. He was so well pleased with the infant Golden State that he took up his residence within its borders, and practiced his profession for three years, when he returned to Indiana. In 1857 he married Miss Chess, who belongs to one of the oldest and best families in Pennsylaania, and who for many generations have been large property holders in the Monongahela Valley. He was successful in his profession in Indiana, and began to make a name in the State. In 1860 he was in the State Senate, but resigned to go into the war. Morton, the great war Governor, was greatly attached to Mr. Miller, and placed him on his staff when the Rebellion broke out, with the rank of Colonel. Previous to this, however, he made a strong record for himself on the stump in the Fremont campaign of 1856. During all the years of the war Mr. Miller was prominent, serving under Sherman, Buell, Rosecrans and Thomas, as Colonel of the 29th Indiana Regiment. He com- manded a brigade almost from the beginning of hostilities in the West, and was known throughout the Army of the Cumberland as one of the bravest officers in the service. At the battle of Stone River, in December, 1862, he achieved his greatest reputation. At the head of his brigade he charged across the river, and drove Breckenridge from his position. One of his old officers, Captain Vance, who is not only an old soldier, but also an author and a gentleman, has been seen to shed tears when describing the bravery and brilliancy of General Miller on that occasion. He was shot with a musket ball in the neck in this famous charge. He was afterwards complimented in general orders, and also, better yet, promoted. He was again wounded at Liberty Gap, while leading another charge of his brigade. It was at the moment of victory, when his troops were wild with joy, that he was struck down with another musket ball, which entered
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