History of Placer county, California, Part 84

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West
Number of Pages: 558

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bravely leaped to her rescuc, caught hold of her and cried out for assistance. Each moment the flood raged higher and more ficrec, but its awful roar was far louder than the imploring little voices cry- ing out for help. No one capable of saving heard and came to the rescue; and though they nobly struggled to maintain their hold upon the fringing willows which lay between their young lives and certain destruction, their efforts were unavailing, and together the remorseless waters overwhelmed and bore them off. Just at this time night spread its murky pall over the scene, rendering utterly hope- less all thought of ever finding the children alive, though men with lanterns hurried down the grade which ran along the ravine. Scarch that night was fruitless; but several days after one of the bodies, that of Emma, was found. Nearly one month elapsed before the other, Mary Bell, was discovered, having been taken by the water about twelve miles below Auburn.

WILLIAM AMBROSE

Was born at Newport, Rhode Island, June 22, 1845. Ilis father, Robert Ambrose, was also a native of Rhode Island, as was his mother, whose maiden name was Louisa Almay. The father was a sea- captain, and engaged in the Mediterrancan fruit trade, until he died of the yellow fever in 1863. Mr. Ambrose was educated at the public schools of his native State, and afterwards learned the business of a jeweler. In this he was engaged for three years. Some years since he made California his home, and became engaged in mining. In 1876, he accepted the situation as agent of the Bear River Ditch, residing at Auburn, and this position he now fills. October 20, 1877, he was married to Marion W. Chipman. This lady is a native of Maine, having been born in Poland, Androseoggin County, April 27, 1859. Mr. Ambrosc is a member of. the Repub- lican Party, to which he adheres with the faithful- ness born of conviction.

A. F. BOARDMAN.

The carcer of Mr. Boardman, whose pleasant home in Auburn is shown in this book, has been one of enterprise and adventure that could be elaborated into a thrilling romance. Adventures, travels, Indian fighting, disasters and successes are not con- fined to '49ers, and those of the great plains preced- ing that era, as here is a young man who has passed through as many varying scenes as the oldest pio- neer. Arthur Flanders Boardman was born at West Rutland, Rutland County, Vermont, September 5, 1846. His father was also born in West Rutland, August 31, 1820, and married October 13. 1845, to Grata M. Ashley, who was born at Fair Haven, Ver- mont, July 29, 1821.

With an enterprise seldom witnessed in one so young, A. F. Boardman left his native home at the age of nineteen years for the West, as an importer and breeder of thoroughbred stock. This business

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HISTORY OF PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

he followed some four years with good success, accu- mulating quite a fortune. Being of an adventurous nature, he undertook the exploration of northwest- ern Minnesota in 1869, and spent a year in his travels through that and the Deadwood country, since become the famons and populous mining region of the Black Hills in Dakota. From this region he went to southwestern Kansas and Texas. After making this tour he became the agent of Terrle & Tisdle's Big Stage Line, until the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad took the business. Then he went to Texas and joined the Texas Land and Copper Exploring Company, which took him all over western Texas and into Mexico. For two years, while engaged in this enterprise, through a dangerous and unexplored country, he was subjeet to extreme hardships, deprivations, and exposures; and was engaged in several conflicts with the Indians, the most wily, treacherous, and barbarous known, and he still bears ugly marks of the severe engagements with that implacable foe. From the extreme hardships and sufferings in the wilds of Texas his health became so impaired that he con- eluded to seek the more genial elimate and more quiet society of California, and hither he came in the winter of 1873, locating in upper Placer. In the fall of 1874, joining with Mr. Cameron, Mr. Powers, and others, they organized the Hidden Treasure Gold Mining Company, and commenced the long search for the gold-bearing channel in the Golden Gate Mountain. Eventually, on the 10th of Feb- ruary. 1876, the gold-bearing channel was struck. and the fortunes of all the owners was made. The famous llidden Treasure is now regarded as one of the best gravel mines in the State, and is estimated to be worth a half-million of dollars. Mr. Boardman has continued to be an owner in this mine since the origin of the Hidden Treasure Company, although he at times has sold shares of his stock at big fig- ures, but he still retains enough to give him a fine income from the gold produced from the mine.

Mr. Boardman was married September 5, 1877, at Iowa llill, to Miss Mary L. Armstrong, of that place. In 1880 he purchased his present home in Auburn, of which place he has since been a resident. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and i- a man who makes his mark in every position in life in which accident or business places him.

JAMES BORLAND.

The subject of the following notice is a native of the old world. having been born in the City of Glasgow, Scotland, October 27, 1825. He remained in his native country until he reached his twenty- seventh year, and during that time became thor- oughly conversant with mining in a practical way. In 1852, he eame to the United States, and located in Pennsylvania, where he engaged in his former occupation-that of mining, during the succeeding four years. On the 14th of April, 1856, he landed in

San Francisco, having made the journey by water. lle made no stop in the city, but came at onee to Placer County, and located at Forest Hill. In the latter place he engaged in mining, which he con- tinued until 1867. Desiring a change of business, he started in as a hotel-keeper at Forest Hill. This he continued until his removal to Auburn, March 1, 1872. Having found the business for which he is so well fitted, he took charge of what is now known as the Borland House, in Auburn, and to his eredit may it be said, he has by good management and a thor- ough knowledge of his duties built up a business of no mean proportions. The house, as we find it to-day, is a very different affair from what he found in 1872. At that time it was a shabby one-story building, containing only four sleeping-rooms, with nine beds. The house at present is two stories high, 200 feet long, with verandahs above and below, extending around both fronts; has thirty-two well-furnished rooms, and is first-class in every respect. It is a popular resort for tourists, and is well patronized by the traveling publie, Mr. Borland's fame as " mine host " having extended for miles in all directions. The building is situated convenient to the railroad depot, and has a large barn and corrals for the accommodation of teams and stock. In addition we can safely say, travelers will find in Mr. Borland "the right man in the right place."

DR. J. R. CRANDALL.

Few of the pioneers of 1849 are better or more favorably known than Dr. John Riggs Crandall, of Auburn, Placer County. This gentleman was born in Massachusetts, in 1809. and when in the prime of manhood moved to Illinois. He had arrived at mature years and become established in one of the noblest of professions when the discovery of gold in California announced the opening of a new era in the business and civilization of the world. At that time Dr. Crandall was a resident of the beautiful town of Peoria, Illinois, and there, in the winter of 1848-49, was organized a large company, called the " Peoria Pioneers," for the overland journey to Cali- fornia, and the doctor joined the throng. The most of this company took the route by the Platte River and the South Pass, and arrived in California in August and September, while others were led a "wild goose chase " after gold on the head of the Rio Grande, and then to the Gila, arriving in California ria Fort Yuma, late in the fall of 1849, and in the mining region in March, 1850. Dr. Crandall settled at an early day in Auburn, and from the first has taken an netive part in all questions of high social and business enterprises. The construction of the Auburn and Bear River Ditch, one of the first great works of the State, was largely due to his energy and enterprise, he being one of the originators and first officers. To him is also due the encouragement of fruit culture in the county; although not the first to plant fruit trees, he was one of the first to experi-

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ment on the different varieties of fruit, and to bring the results to public notice.

In 1854 Dr. Crandall was elected County Treas- urer, on the Whig ticket, and, in 1857, was nomi- nated for State Treasurer, on the American or Know-Nothing ticket. At this election the Demo- crats won. In 1875 he was elected County Clerk, on the Republican ticket, the opposing party in Placer County then being a combination of Democrats and Republicans, and styled Independents. This position he held during the term of two years.

In 1869 Dr. Crandall and wife joined the excur- sion party of California Pioneers, crossing the plains on the newly constructed Pacific Railroad, on the twentieth anniversary of their long and toilsome journey to the Pacific Coast. This was quite a his- torical expedition, and the pioneers received marked attention wherever they went. The long-hoped-for railroad was completed, and the immigrants of 1849, who had opened a new era by their opportunities, numbers, and achievements, now celebrated the second era, the completion of the iron road connec- ting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In November, the doctor and Mrs. Crandall returned to their Auburn home, execedingly pleased with their jour- ney, and more than ever satisfied with their happy home, and deeply impressed with the superior loveli- ness of California.

In society, church, and social orders, Dr. Crandall has ever borne the highest part. He was one of the charter members of Eureka Lodge, No. 16, F. and A. M., in 1851, and also of Delta Chapter, No. 27, of Royal Areh Masons. He also took an active part in the organization of various temperance orders, and has held nearly all the offices of honor in the several societies. He was Assistant Superintendent of the first Sunday-school ever established in the county, in 1852, and has been prominent in church matters during his life. In him is found an honora- ble representative of California's pioneers, an enter- prising and intelligent man of business, an exem- plary Christian, and a leading man in society.

C. C. CROSBY.

Charles Chase Crosby was born in Wisconsin, in 1839. The place of his birth was then in the wilds of the far northwest, the region being marked on the map of that time as the "Northwest Territory." Vears afterwards it became Wisconsin Territory, and then the State. While young he moved to California, and may be classed as a pioneer of Placer County. In Angust, 1868, a vaeaney occurred in the office of the Superintendent of Publie Schools by the abscond- ing of S. R. Case, the incumbent of the office, and on the 2d of September following, Mr. Crosby was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the posi- tion. Of this appointment, the Herald, of opposite politics, says: " We are happy to have it in our power to say for once that this Board has done a good thing in this appointment. Mr. Crosby is a

young gentlemen whose demeanor heretofore gives assurance that he will discharge with eredit to him- self, and to the interest of our publie schools, the important duties which will devolve upon him."

After performing the duties of this office to the satisfaction of the people, he was nominated in 1869 by the Republicans for the office of County Recorder, and was elected, and re-elected in 1871, and again in 1873, holding the office through three terms. In 1877 he was again nominated for office by the Republicans-this time for Sheriff-and was elected, surrendering his office to his sueeessor. John C. Boggs, in 1880.

After closing his long and satisfactory official career, he entered into business in Auburn. a view of the Empire Livery Stable, of which he is proprietor. being given in this book. In 1870, August 9th, he was married at Bath, Placer County, to Caroline Green.

Mr. Crosby is a worthy member of the Masonic Order, of Eureka Lodge, No. 16, of which he has filled several offices of trust and responsibility.

ALEXANDER LIPSETT

Is one of those original characters oeeasionally met with in the course of one's pilgrimage through this sinful world. Ile is a native of the " Emerald Isle," and is brim full of the native wit peculiar to that class of people. He was born in the town of Ross- nowlegh, February 22, 1827. He remained in his native country until 1844, at which time he came to America, landing in the city of New York May 6th of that year. During his six years residence in the " great metropolis," he was agent for an extensive brewing establishment. and at that time laid the foundation for his future success. Like thousands of others he was inspired with a desire to behold the wonders of the Pacific Coast, and accordingly joined the rush for California. He landed in San Francisco July 2, 1850, having made the voyage by way of the Isthmus. Soon after his arrival he went to Mokel- umne Hill, in Calaveras County, thenee to Sacra- mento, and finally located at Salmon Falls, in El Dorado County, where he engaged in mining and the construction of water ditebes for mining purposes. He was one of the projeetors of the Natoma Ditch, and wealth flowed into his possession at an almost incredible rate. lle remained there until 1855, when he returned to New York, and again crossed the water to visit his home in Ireland. The following year he returned to California and located at Carrol ton, in Placer County, a town of former days. IFe remained at that place, engaged in mining, until his removal to Auburn in 1859. Upon his arrival in the Jatter place he opened a clothing store in the build- ing now occupied by him as a hotel. and for about six years was a prominent merchant in his line. During the year 1865 he gave up the clothing busi- ness, and started in as proprietor of the now well- known Orleans Hotel. This house is a favorite

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HISTORY OF PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

resort, and is conducted on the true principle, ele- ganee and ease being combined to make the exist- enee of the weary traveler a pleasure. By a refer- ence to the illustration of the building, to be found in this volume, some idea of the outward surround- ings may be gained. The building is fire-proof, and its accommodations are second to none in the upper country. During the many years of his life in Cali- fornia, Mr. Lipsett has gained much praetieal knowl- edge, which, combined with his natural good sense and remarkable memory, places him in the front rank in his line.

D. W. LUBECK.

For more than twenty years the handsome store and pleasant visage of this gentleman have been familiar to the people of Auburn and Placer County. David Waldemar Lubeck was born in Russia, in 1836, but came to America in childhood, and through all his life since reaching man's estate has made Auburn his home. His ancestors were prominent people in the land of his nativity, and many relies of ancient times are still in the possession of Mr. Lubeek, which he treasures with the care of an æsthetic antiquarian. In business he has been distinguished by a fine taste, excellent judgment, great enterprise, and liberality. For many years he has been a prom- inent member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons and of the Royal Arch Masons, having filled several offiees in the Eureka Lodge, No. 16, of the former, and of Delta Chapter, No. 27, of the latter, at the present being Treasurer. Mr. Lubeck always bears a prominent part in the organization of such societies as conduce to the well-being and social advancement of the community-those of pleasure, benevolence, and the church as well. He has taken a prominent part in the organization of the Epis- copal Church of Auburn, and other denominations have found him a liberal patron. Mr. Lubeck was married August 1. 1868, in San Francisco, to Miss Julia M. Andrews, sister of M. Andrews, Esq., of Auburn. The store and residence of this gentleman are shown by an engraving in this book.

JOHN JULIUS SMITHI

Is a native of the State of New York; was born at Utica, Oneida County, October, 1833. His early years were passed in his native State, nutil, in the year 1855, he came to the Pacific Coast. Mr. Smith, in his journey to the Golden State, has no thrilling adventures to relate of his experience among the Indians, for he took a mode of conveyance that is seldom troubled by them, a ship. Upon his arrival in this State he sought the mines as the proper avenne to wealth, and made his first location at Millertown, near Anburn, in Placer County. This business he followed for about one year, when he removed to Clipper Gap and engaged in the lumber business, and for a space of one and one-half years was prominent in that branch of industry. His next enterprise was as Superintendent of the Auburn toll-

road, a position he held during the succeeding two years. In 1860, we find him in a new departure at Todd's Valley, that of the livery business. After one year's experience in this line, he was unfortu- nately visited by that ruthless destroyer, fire, and was obliged to see his hard-earned aceumulations aseend heavenward in flames. After his misfortune be built and run the " Roadside House," on the Auburn and Michigan Bluff road, known to the traveling public as Smith's Station. He remained at this point until his removal to Auburn, in 1869, where he built a hotel near the railroad station, which was the first one ereeted at that point. Three years later be leased the property for one year, and returned to his old home in New York, on a visit of about nine months' duration. Upon his return to Auburn he built a fine hotel on the site of his present house. This was also destroyed by fire, after an occupancy of only six weeks. Two years later, he built the hotel of which he is at present the proprietor, known as the Auburn Hotel, a view of which will be found in this volume. The building is pleasantly situated, and the surroundings are fine. It is conveniently located, near the railroad station, and is superin- tended by a man who knows " how to keep a hotel." The house contains about forty well-ventilated and nicely-furnished rooms, and the landlord aims to make things pleasant for the traveling public.

THOMAS E. STEPHENS,

Son of John and Mary Stephens, was born on Staten Island, New York, August 31, 1835. The first seventeen years of his life were passed at home, and were varied between attending school, and other duties pertaining to boyhood's estate. In 1852, he removed to Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio, and for four years was engaged as clerk in a dry goods establishment. He then went to New Albany, Indiana, and in connection with Wm. J. Morgan, formed a partnership for the purpose of condueting the grocery trade. The firm of Morgan & Stephens was in operation until the spring of 1859, when Mr. Stephens sold his interest to his partner, and soon after sailed for the Pacific Coast. He arrived in San Franeiseo on the 16th of May that year, and came immediately to Auburn, Placer County, where he has sinee resided. In 1862, he engaged in the grocery trade in Auburn, which he still successfully carries on, having the largest general merchandise establishment in the town, and second to none in the county. His stock consists of groceries, crockery- ware, hardware, paints, oils, ete., and his trade reaches over the entire county. The residenee of Mr. Stephens, which is one of the finest in the town. is illustrated in this volume, and will repay scrutiny. He was married July 11, 1875, to Miss Addie Bab- cock, daughter of John and Louisa Babeoek, who is a native of Scipio, Cayuga County, New York, being born May 7, 1845. She came to California with her parents in 1860, settling in Sacramento.

MR. A BREECE.

MRS. A BREECE.

RESIDENCE OF A. BREECE, BATH, PLACER COUNTY, CALA

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JOHN B. STARBUCK

Is the only son of Elisha and Winnifred Starbuck, both natives of Nantucket, Massachusetts. John B. is also a native of the same place, and was born March 23, 1821. He called this his home during the succeeding twenty-eight years, though he passed much of his time on the " briny deep," after he was old enough to handle a rope. He remained a sailor until 1849, when he came to the Pacific Coast in the schooner Ferdinand, from Baltimore, Maryland. He arrived in San Francisco in September, 1849. He at that time quit a sea-faring life and sought his fortune in the mines. His first location was near what is now Auburn, in Placer County, where he re- mained, mostly engaged in mining, until 1854. Desir- ing a change of business, he went to what was then called " New England Mills," now a station on the Central Pacific Railroad, and engaged in the lumber trade. This business he followed successfully until 1874, when he retired from active business life, having by his strict application to business, and frugal habits, gained a competency, and can rest easy in his beauti- ful home during his declining years. A view of his residence and surroundings will be found in this volume. Mr. Starbuck was married in December, 1879, to Lena Matthias. In Mr. Starbuck we find the real type of a '49er, one who has exercised the admonition to " make hay while the sun shines."

T. M. TODD, M. D.

Dr. Thomas Milton Todd, now of Auburn, Placer County, California, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, April 6, 1839. His parents were James and Mary R. (Byers) Todd. The education of the subject of our sketch was thorough and first-class. He graduated at Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania, in the class of 1862, with the degree of A. B. Three years after, he took the degree of A. M. Ile also graduated at the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the year 1868, receiving the degree of M. D. After his graduation from the Washington and Jefferson College in 1862, he entered the Union army in the War of the Rebel- lion, and served three years. After this arduous and honorable service, Dr. Todd renewed his studies as before stated, perfecting himself in the noble profes- sion which he has since so faithfully and successfully practiced. In the spring of 1871, he moved to Auburn, and entered into practice. In 1875, he was appointed physician and surgeon to the County Hospital, which position he still holds, He is a member of the State Medical Society, also of the Masonic Fraternity, and is a Knight Templar. The doctor is fond of society, and among his accomplish- ments is that of being a fine musician, which greatly adds to his pleasures and to his power of entertain- ing the cultivated people of his social circle. 11e was married at Auburn, September 25, 1877, to Miss Alise Adrian, one of Auburn's fair daughters, she being a native of that town.

ANTOINE CANON.

Some distance above Michigan Bluff, between Big Secret and Van Clief Cañons, is a smaller stream than either of the two named, but having the same general course, as the waters flowing down it find their way into the North Fork of the Middle Fork, and is known as Antoine Cañon. It was first dis- covered to contain gold by a half-breed Indian, who came into California in company with Jim Beck- wourth from the Crow Indian country. Antoine (or Antwine, as always pronounced) in the spring of 1850, was one of the Bronson party to Bird's Valley and the mouth of El Dorado Canon, near Michigan Bluff, but not liking the outlook there had returned to Pilot Hill, in company with Lawrence Bargy, to whom he had attached himself, Bargy being a careless, easy-going man of generous impulses, and the two prospected and worked together.

An idea of the character of the twain will be better illustrated by the relation of the following facts. At Pilot Hill they had no cabin, and, during the winter of 1849-50, had depended altogether upon the hospitality of friends for shelter. O. T. Nichols and D. W. C. Story had a cabin which they shared with Bargy and Antoine, allowing them to sleep, cook and eat there whenever they chose to do so, which was a great portion of the time during the winter. Bargy and the half-breed would, day after day, as they came in from work invariably leave on the table for their hosts the greater portion of the results of their labor, only taking enough themselves to keep them in grub, whisky, and tobacco, and could not be induced to do otherwise, being told, and well-knowing, that they were cordially welcome to the accommodations they had. The daily sums they would thus leave aggregated a great deal, as they on one occasion left four ounces.

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History of Placer county, California, Part 84

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West Number of Pages: 558

Author: Angel, Myron; Thompson & West, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Oakland, Cal., Thompson & West
Number of Pages: 558