USA > California > Sacramento County > History of Sacramento County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, 1913 > Part 100
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While devoting his time to banking business Mr. Bassett has shown his interest in municipal affairs, serving as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, and he was at the same time, from 1906 to 1911, its treasurer. For some time he has been interested in the Consumers Ice & Cold Storage Company, and is its vice-president. Fraternal associations enlist his interest and assistance. He is treasurer of the local Aerie of Eagles, and has been honored by election as their state treasurer. Mr. Bassett is a member of the Masonic order, to whose principles he zealously adheres, and by his
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contribution aids philanthropic movements. He is a Republican and gives loyal allegiance to that party. Though not personally identi- fied with any religions denomination, he is ready to contribute to movements that insure the religious advancement of the city.
WARREN E. DOAN
The discovery of gold was the immediate canse of the identifica- tion of the Doan family with California, the year 1853 having wit- nessed the arrival in the west of Riley R. Doan, a native of Lyman, Ohio, and a mechanic by trade. While still very young he had gained considerable experience as a millwright and after he settled at Shingle Springs, Cal., he followed that occupation, but after removing to other parts of the state he followed various other means of liveli- hood, as opportunity was offered. From 1864 until 1868 he engaged in mining at and near Austin, Nev. Upon his return to California in 1868 he became interested in mining at Colfax, Placer county, but two years later he transferred his headquarters to Eldorado county and secured employment in the Baltic mill. During the period of his connection with that mill he invented and patented a steam wagon and upon his removal to Sacramento in 1874 he began to manufacture these wagons, in which line of business he remained actively engaged until 1885. From that year until 1898 he engaged in mining with J. H. Roberts at Harrison Gulch, Shasta county, this state, but his ventures brought him little material success and in the year last-named he decided to relinquish his mining interests for the more sure but less fascinating occupation of ranching. Re- moving to Elmira, Solano county, he bought a tract of land, developed a farm and gave his attention to the management of the property until his death, which ocenrred in August of 1903, fifty years after his arrival in the state. During that long period it had been his privilege to witness a remarkable change in the aspect of the country. No longer was a cosmopolitan throng of miners the principal sight to be seen npon the streets of the little frontier towns. Instead. there was a cultured class of citizens whose prosperity gave evidence of the advantages afforded by residence in the western cities. The country had many thrifty villages and well-improved farms, in striking contrast to its appearance at the time of his arrival in the pioneer era of western history.
Among the children of Riley R. and Sarah C. Doan there was a son, Warren E., born at Portland, Ore., March 8, 1862, and educated in the public schools of Sacramento. Leaving school in 1878 he
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began to earn his own livelihood, but meanwhile he had become in- terested in the study of stenography, in which by constant practice he acquired expert skill. His first experience in court reporting occurred in 1881, when he was appointed to report on a case in the superior court of Eldorado county. The success of the transcript brought him the praise of attorneys and in a measure determined his life work. Returning to Sacramento he secured a position as deputy official reporter of the superior court under Mr. Davis. In the spring of 1883 he resigned from court service to accept a position as amanuensis with the Huntington-Hopkins Hardware Company and in that responsible post he gave general satisfaction. However, in 1885 he accepted an opportunity to engage with Mr. Davis in general court reporting, after which he carried on a stenographic office until 1889. From that year until January of 1897 he served by appointment as official court reporter of Placer county. When he resigned and returned to Sacramento, it was for the pur- pose of accepting an appointment as official reporter of the superior court of Sacramento county, in which trustworthy post he has given universal satisfaction, having indeed won a reputation as one of the most expert reporters in the entire state. The most intricate and complicated cases he has been able to report satisfactorily, and he has exhibited in his typewritten reports an absolute accuracy, quick comprehension and keen intelligence that, combined with his unusual speed as a stenographer, gives him an enviable reputation among the jurists and attorneys of the district. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In Yolo county, this state, October 17, 1883, oc- curred his marriage to Miss Kittie E. Young. They are the parents of an only child, Norman E., a young man of ability, who since having completed his education at the Leland Stanford University has filled the position of county law librarian at Sacramento, and he is now a student at law.
LOUIS ELKUS
Without considering whether or not they are fitted for a higher charge than the one which has been entrusted to them, many people are bitter in their denunciation of fate, feeling assured of their ability to serve in some particular niche which they fancy has been unjustly denied them, and forgetting the old adage concerning the wisdom of him who keeps on improving himself, whether or no he descries upon life's ladder a higher position which may, if he be prepared, belong to him. Fully cognizant of the importance of mak-
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ing himself familiar with the line of work in which he chose to cast his efforts, and mindful also of the necessity of daring in the presence of confidence in his own powers, was Mr. Elkus, who passed away at his home in San Francisco, after a successful and honorable career as a leading manufacturer and retail clothier of that city. Of Teutonic origin, his birth occurred in Berlin, Germany, where, also, were born his parents. Leaving school at the age of thirteen he immigrated to America and engaged as a cap manufacturer in the east. In 1850, after an eventful trip by way of Cape Horn, he arrived in Sacramento, where he established a clothing store, later opening a factory devoted to the manufacture of furnishing goods and clothing, and he successfully conducted both ventures until his death.
Mr. Elkus was married to Miss Cordelia deYoung, and they were the parents of ten children, of whom seven are living. Albert, the eldest, began early in life to interest himself in his father's business. Born in Sacramento, August 17, 1857, he received his education in the schools of his home section, graduating from high school when but sixteen. Shortly thereafter he accepted a position as typesetter in the service of the Sacramento Bee, resigning after two years to become his father's bookkeeper. In this capacity he learned the business thoroughly and became proficient in the man- agement of every detail of the business, much to his father's satis- faction. Many times has Albert Elkus demonstrated his capability and adaptation for the various situations he is required to meet and 'the offices of honor which he is called upon to fill and, as his father's successor, he has maintained most progressive measures, being also widely known for his just measures toward those who are subordi- nate to him.
A man of exemplary principles and high regard for others, in- dustrious and ambitious to a high degree, the life of Louis Elkus was well spent and no shadow of unfair advantage in his dealings remains to sully the name borne by his son.
UBURTO L. DIKE
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 7, 1865, Uburto L. Dike was the son of Latimer M. and Lucinda J. Dike, prominent residents of that place. In 1873 they moved to Cawker City, Mitchell county, Kans., where he attended school until sixteen years of age, coming then to California and locating in Los Angeles, where he was graduated from the high school at the age of twenty. One year in
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a business college fitted him for employment and he went to work in the office of the Bear Valley Irrigation Company at Redlands, first as stenographer and later as bookkeeper of the concern. Remaining in this capacity until 1891, he then bought out the Redlands Abstract and Title Co., which he conducted for about seven years, also doing a large real estate business. In 1902 he removed to Los Angeles and organized the U. L. Dike Investment Co., but in 1906 located perma- nently in Sacramento, where he found a fertile field for real estate investment. He subsequently organized the California Colonization Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. As its name implies this company was organized for colonization purposes. It has agencies all over the east and their object is to interest people in this coast country for location on lands which the company controls.
Mr. Dike was married in Los Angeles to Miss Elva Dunstan, who passed away five years later.
REV. JOHN H. ELLIS
There is perhaps no more distinguished and revered personage in Sacramento and vicinity and throughout northern California than is Rev. John H. Ellis, who has been stationed since November, 1902, in various sections of the west and demonstrated his splendid power in his calling. He is ranked as a leader among those cultured, elo- quent and scholarly men who are devoting their lives to the spiritual upbuilding of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the west. Endowed liberally by nature with the qualities that contribute to useful and successful service in the cause of suffering humanity, he was vet very young when he gave evidence of exceptional mental attributes and it was therefore determined to prepare him for the priesthood. His education was primarily acquired in Westmeath, Ireland, where he was born February 18, 1876, in the home of James and Ann Ellis. It was during 1894 that he completed the course of study which had engaged his attention at St. Mary's Christian Brothers College, Mullingar, Westmeath, where he carried forward the study of mathematics and literature. On December 24, 1899, he was ordained by Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin, in the Chapel of Holy Cross College, Clonliffe. He was graduated in 1900 with an exceptionally high standing, having made his philosophical and theo- logical degrees at All Hallows' College, Dublin, and he was admirably qualified by culture and training for the important sphere of activity into which he entered. Coming to the United States in 1900. he
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proceeded directly to California and was assigned to assist the late Very Rev. C. M. Lynch, V. G., of Grass Valley. From that place in November of 1902 he was transferred temporarily to Nevada City, Nev., as assistant, but at the expiration of six months he was re- assigned to Grass Valley. At this time he began his long and dis- tinguished connection with the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento, where he served as assistant until 1906, and then he officiated as rector until 1912, when, having demonstrated his ability and unquestioned loyalty to the work, he was sent by Bishop Grace, at his return from Europe, to Jackson, Cal., where he took charge of the work of forwarding the Roman Catholic Church there. He also attends to the spiritual needs of the boys of the Preston School of Industry, where there are nearly two hundred Catholic boys. Since undertaking that work the Catholic boys have been exempt from attendance at Protestant Divine services and arrange- ments have been made for securing positions for the young men as they leave and for rendering them other religious and social aid. Father Ellis has bent all his energy to fulfilling the duties laid down to him with the utmost care and fidelity in order to procure the most splendid results, and already the response to his efforts has proven them not in vain and he has shown himself to be the worthy man for the situation.
WILLIAM YULE
Among the nationalities which have contributed to American citi- zenship none is more notable for those qualities which make for worthy success in life than the Scotchman. Wherever his lot may be cast lie is a worker, a saver and a planner, and he is patriotic and progressive. Such a man was the subject of this brief notice, who came to California in 1849, and died in Sacramento, July 17, 1878.
From his native Scotland, Mr. Yule came to the United States and eventually he settled at St. Joseph, Mo., which was an important station on the old overland trail. March 10, 1849, he left for Cali- fornia, crossing the plains with ox-teams, and arrived at Yreka, Cal., October 20 following. From Yreka he came to Sacramento, where he identified himself with leading interests, commercial and financial in their character. It is probable that he gave as much attention to operations in real estate as to any other business, but he at one time owned various newspapers in Sacramento.
September 30, 1865, Mr. Yule became a member of the Cali- fornia Pioneers' Association, by authority of which the following tri-
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bute was published in the Sacramento newspapers soon after his death: "Resolved, That while we bow with humble submission to the will of the Most High, we are reminded that our ranks are being thinned, and in the death of Brother Yule we have lost a faithful member of our society and the community an upright and energetic citizen. Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved companion in her affliction. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of our society and a copy be presented to the widow of our deceased brother." These resolutions were dated July 27, 1878, and signed by a committee of four, and four of the pallbearers who bore Mr. Yule to his grave were representatives of the society. His widow, Mrs. Anna Yule, resides in Sacramento.
CHARLES E. KLEINSORGE
The first identification of the Kleinsorge family with the devel- opment of the west occurred during the mining era, Charles Klein- sorge, Sr., having crossed the plains in the summer of 1852 from the city of St. Louis, where he had settled immediately after his ar- rival from his native Germany. When he first landed in Sacramento he found a village of cosmopolitan attractions, the temporary head- quarters of miners from all sections of the world. Like other new- comers he tried his luck in the mines and followed other occupations that offered a livelihood, but eventually he returned to his old home in St. Louis and there he married Miss Mary Luebbering, a native of Germany, but like himself a resident of St. Louis from early years. The young couple crossed the plains in 1862 and experienced all the hardships and dangers incident to the memorable flood of that year. The home of the family was established in Sacramento, where the son, Charles E., was born August 23, 1865. At one time the father owned extensive tracts of land and engaged in the growing of hops. During the early days he also furnished supplies and outfits for mining camps. As a member of the firm of Kleinsorge & Bellmer he conducted the Old Plaza grocery, one of the leading establish- ments of Sacramento during the pioneer period. Now, at the age of eighty years he is living retired from business cares and is en- joying the comforts earned by long and arduous labors.
With a view to acquiring versatility in the use of the German language Charles E. Kleinsorge attended the German schools of Sacramento in boyhood and at the age of fourteen years he was confirmed in the German Lutheran Church. In addition he attended the public schools of Sacramento and was a classmate of Governor Johnson in the school occupying the present site of Hale Brothers' department store. After having graduated from the high school he 57
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entered the bank owned by D. O. Mills and in which an older brother was employed until his death. For some time after the death of the brother he remained in the bank. Through the influence of Frank Miller he secured a position as night clerk with the Wells- Fargo Express Company, remaining two years.
A fortunate entrance into real estate activities began when Mr. Kleinsorge secured employment as bookkeeper and cashier for W. P. Coleman. at that time the largest realty agent in Sacra- mento. The position gave Mr. Kleinsorge an opportunity to famil- iarize himself with valuations, titles and other matters necessary to successful work in real estate. Eighteen years after he had entered upon the work Mr. Coleman died and thereupon Mr. Kleinsorge utilized his splendid experience and wide realty knowledge throngh his partnership with Otto L. Heilbron, thus founding a firm that has conducted a large business in handling property since 1904. The firm owns several tracts of land adjoining Sacramento and it is the intention of the two partners to subdivide the property into city lots at an early day, thereby affording home-seekers an ex- cellent opportunity to acquire building sites at a reasonable cost.
The marriage of Mr. Kleinsorge occurred May 7, 1896, and united him with Miss Minnie Landis, who received a superior education in the Sacramento schools and is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their only child, Lydia, was born October 22, 1898, and is now a student in the public schools. Mrs. Kleinsorge is a daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Castleman) Landis, the former for a long period an associate in the railroad business with A. J. Stevens, a skilled master mechanic for years connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. By virtue of his birth in California Mr. Kleinsorge is eligible to membership in the Native Sons of the Golden West and we find him an active worker in Sacramento Parlor No. 3. In addition he has been connected with Washington Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., also Col· umbia Lodge No. 42, K. P., besides which he is actively associated with the Sacramento Turn Verein.
HERBERT J. READ
The subject of this sketch was born February 1, 1882, in New York City, and came to this coast in 1884 with his parents. His father was a newspaper man and for years was identified with the Oakland Inquirer. Herbert attended school in San Francisco and at an early age became connected with the great hardware and machinery firm of Baker & Hamilton, a connection that was to last fifteen years, eight in San Francisco and seven in Sacramento.
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The house was first established in Sacramento during 1853, and the branches in San Francisco and Los Angeles followed, with a dis- tributing warehouse at Fresno and a factory in Benicia. Naturally the plant and office at San Francisco became the main point in the firm's territory.
Mr. Read's association with this pioneer firm of the Pacific Coast-this agricultural establishment whose name is a household word west of the Rocky Mountains-fitted him for business among the farming people of this state. Consequently his present con- nection and work with the Mercantile Terminal Company with offices at Nos. 109 and 115 J street, Sacramento, is somewhat in the line of his duties with the former firm. The Mercantile Terminal Co. have extensive tracts of land between Sacramento and Marys- ville, some of which has been subdivided and sold in twenty to forty acre lots. This company was incorporated in 1905, with president, Herbert J. Read; vice-president, H. A. Lewis; and secretary and treasurer, J. L. Mayden.
H. J. Read was married July 17, 1907, to Miss Emma E. Wil- kins of Oakland. Her father was a well-known citizen and promi- nent politician in that city, and served for years on its municipal council as an architect. Mr. Read's social and fraternal circle cov- ers considerable territory. He is a Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner, an Elk and belongs to the Sutter Club and the Country Club. The family are members of the Episcopal Church.
EUGENE WACHHORST
The district attorney of Sacramento county is a native son of Sacramento and a member of a pioneer family whose identification with the west began during the memorable mining era. The first representative of the name in the west and indeed in the new world was Herman Wachhorst, a native of Hanover, Germany, born in May of 1827. For three successive generations the heads of the family had been expert dealers in precious stones and renowned watch- makers. When he crossed the ocean in 1843 he already had acquired a thorough knowledge of the manufacture of watches and the value of jewels. In the new world his first task was the acquisition of fluency in the use of the English language. For five years he remained in the employ of Hyde & Goodrich, one of the most famous jewelry firms in the United States. While with them he became an expert in judging precious stones and devoted much attention to that branch of the trade.
The discovery of gold in California attracted the young jeweler from congenial surroundings which he had expected to make perma-
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nent. With the quickness of decision that was one of his charac- teristics he resigned from his business connections, proceeded to New York City and took passage on the ship, Mary Waterman, under Capt. James Higgins. The voyage proved to be one of the roughest known in history and the one hundred and seventy-five passengers endured every hardship and danger ere the final destination was reached. The heaviest storms fell upon them as they were rounding the Horn. The ship cast anchor at Rio Janeiro on the eastern coast and Valparaiso on the western coast, these stops being necessary for repairs and supplies. After the final stop at San Francisco the young gold-seeker proceeded to Sacramento and thence to the mines at Mormon Island. Not finding the occupation of mining congenial or profitable he re- turned to Sacramento in December of 1850 and rented, at $500 per month payable in advance, a shop about eight feet wide on J street between Front and Second. During the next three years he made money with startling rapidity and when he sold out in 1854 he had accumulated a capital sufficient to give him an income of $800 per month. A life of cultured leisure in San Francisco thus became pos- sible to him and enabled him to devote considerable attention to the study of vocal and instrumental music, also rendered possible ex tensive continental travels for a period of two years.
Upon his return to California in 1859 Mr. Wachhorst purchased the business of Heller & Andrews in San Francisco and after the disastrous floods of 1861 he opened a jewelry establishment at Sacra- mento, where he gained an enviable reputation as an expert in dia- monds and precious stones. His stock of jewelry was said to be one of the finest in the entire country and until his retirement from business he held a high position among the leading men of his chosen occupation. When he passed away in the year 1899 it was recognized that the state had lost one of its most interesting pioneers and Sacra- mento one of its most famous business men of early days. The honors of Masonry were bestowed upon him in his interment and over the body were sung some of the songs which he himself had often rendered to delighted audiences with rare sweetness and beauty of technique.
In the family of Herman and Frances Wachhorst there was a son, Eugene, whose birth occurred at the family homestead in Sacra- mento May 11, 1866, and whose education was begun in the schools of the capital city. Later he attended the California Military Academy for two years and afterward he was a student at Berkeley, where he was graduated in 1884. Upon starting out for himself he went to Solano county, where for two years he assisted with the work on a large cattle and grain ranch. Upon returning to Sacramento he became porter in the wholesale grocery of the Adams, McNeil Com- pany. Two years later he was promoted to be buyer and shipping
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clerk. When he retired from the employ of the grocery house he became connected with his father in the jewelry business, but at the expiration of two years he began to work as a deputy in Judge Catlin's court. Two years afterward he was chosen chief deputy under William B. Hamilton. In 1899 he was appointed assistant district attorney and while serving as such he gave his leisure hours to the study of law under Judge Catlin. When he had completed his course of reading he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court at San Francisco and October 27, 1907, he was admitted to the United States supreme court at Washington. Meanwhile in 1906 he had been chosen district attorney of Sacramento county and in 1910 he was again elected to the office, which position he has filled with characteristic intelligence and energy.
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