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 104
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GEORGE A. PHINNEY
Both as one of the oldest and as one of the most prosperous organizations of its kind in Northern California the firm of A. A. Van Voorhies & Co. holds an established position among the foremost business concerns of Sacramento. The records show that the business was established as early as 1850 under the title of R. Stone & Co. and continued to enjoy a steady growth from decade to decade. The 59
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demands of the business were of such magnitude that in 1891 letters of incorporation were secured and since then the present firm has engaged in business as a corporation, the president being George A. Phinney, who first became identified with the establishment November 11, 1886, and since then has become familiar with every phase of the work. A business of large volume has been built up and in the firm's specialties of horse collars, harness and saddles they are considered to have no superiors in the west, where they are manufacturers and wholesalers.
The present place of residence of Mr. Phinney is far removed from the bleak regions familiar to his early years, for he is a native of Maine, born in Franklin county, December 7, 1855, and his childhood memories cluster around the pine woods and rock-bound shores of that locality. The years of youth were uneventfully passed in country schools and in the home of his parents, Jonas and Mary A. (Crafts) Phinney. When he had completed the studies of the district schools he left for Massachusetts and secured employment in a whip factory at Westfield. Two years later, with the savings of this period of work, he was able to enter Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he finished the commercial course. Going next to New York City in 1874 he secured a position as bookkeeper with a firm dealing in grain and there he remained until July of 1876, when he returned to Massachusetts. Associating himself with a wholesale firm in Westfield he became a traveling salesman and in that capacity visited the principal points of commercial importance throughout the whole country. For a time his territory embraced all of the region west of the Missouri river.
Upon discontinuing his connection as traveling salesman in 1882 Mr. Phinney aided in organizing the Standard Whip Company, a firm that still exists, although he sold his stock in the concern many years ago. August 31, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Kate Louise Van Voorhies, daughter of A. A. and Hattie Van Voorhies. Thus other interests came into his life besides those of New England and he was therefore induced to come to California in 1886, since which time he has made Sacramento his home and has devoted his time to the npbuilding of the wholesale manufacturing plant of A. A. Van Voorhies & Co. His eldest son, A. Van Voorhies Phinney, now vice-president of the company, is a young man of exceptional ability and is a graduate of the University of California with the class of 1908. Mrs. Kate Louise Phinney died when her youngest son. George A., was only four months old, and he was only spared to the age of seven years. The only daughter of the union is Clare, now Mrs. C. B. McKee, of Sacramento. The second marriage of Mr. Phinney was solemnized November 30, 1894, and united him with Miss Jessie L. Dayton, daughter of Jerry and Mary Dayton. The three children of the second marriage are Jerry Dayton, Ruth Rosalie and Jessie Lee.
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WILLIAM HARRISON PROUTY
The well-known citizen of Sacramento whose name heads this notice is a native Californian and a son of a pioneer. He was born January 18, 1859, at Dry Creek, Amador county, the son of Simon and Jane (Newton) Prouty, the former from Ohio, the latter from Iowa. Simon Prouty crossed the plains in 1852, by such primitive means as were then available, and settled in Amador county, where he achieved success as a farmer. He died in 1909, his wife in 1891. The son attended public school and thus gained a practical education that well fitted him for business life. When he left school it was to take np employment in the merchandising establishment of Brewster & Company, of Galt, Sacramento county. There he was busy and studious, gaining a practical knowledge of the work in hand, and when his employers sold out their store he was able to take a better position as bookkeeper in the office of an important interest at Truckee, Nevada county. So successful was he there that after he had held that position two years he was made manager, in which responsible capacity he served with efficiency and credit three years. Resigning his duties at Truckee, he came to Sacramento to identify himself with the state printing office, then in charge of his brother-in-law, A. J. Johnston. For seven years he was a bookkeeper, then became manager of the stationery department of a stationery store and printing house on J street. After six years' successful experience there he connected him- self with the establishment of George Z. Wait & Co., with whom he has been employed continuously since Angust, 1907.
On June 27, 1883, Mr. Prouty married Miss Belle Johnston, sister of A. J. Johnston above mentioned. Their home is one of quiet ele- gance, known for its unostentations hospitality. Mr. Prouty has not been active in political work, but has done his best as a citizen to conserve the best interests of the greatest number of his fellow townsmen, and besides has taken a deep and an intelligent interest in the public affairs of the state and nation. In 1912 he was prevailed upon to accept the nomination of his party as city trustee to represent the Fourth ward of Sacramento. He is helpfully identified with sev- eral social and beneficial organizations, being a Mason, identified with the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine, and takes an in- terest in other societies of varions aims and purposes. Mrs. Prouty is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church and a member of the Tuesday Club of Sacramento. In all things she is a most worthy helpmeet to her enterprising husband and they are both popular in the circles in which they move.
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JOHN H. SAWYER
A self-made man in every sense of the word was John H. Sawyer, whose death occurred Janury 6, 1901, at his home in Galt, Cal., de- priving the community of one of its most dependable and best loved citizens. In the face of the many trials which beset his career, he clung to his ideals and ambitions with an intensity of purpose well worthy of the emulation of many members of our present generation, who decline to maintain the patience and fortitude so essential to true success in life and, amid advantages far greater than those pre- sented to our forefathers, slip through existence without understanding the meaning of altruism or appreciating the blessed privilege of labor.
A native of Tuffinboro, Vt., Mr. Sawyer's birth occurred February 5, 1828, and during the first fourteen years of his life he remained with his parents, Joseph and Abagail (Hall) Sawyer, natives of Vermont. At the age of ten he abandoned his studies through necessity and became an apprentice to a carpenter, leaving home four years later to take up his trade in Boston, Mass. Until 1850 he remained in that city, fairly successful in his work, and during the same year he settled in Wisconsin; after remaining there for two years, in 1852 he came to Galt, Sacramento county, Cal., crossing the plains with ox teams. Until 1856 he worked at his trade, establishing himself in the community as a man of high principles and unfailing industry. When he was able to establish domestic ties he returned to Wisconsin, to claim the girl he had loved and waited for throughout his residence in the west, their marriage occurring November 4, 1856. The bride, Miss Jennie Newcomb, was born near Albany, N. Y., the daughter of Samuel E., who settled in Wisconsin, and later on located in Sacra- mento county. Mrs. Sawyer received her education in New York state and was widely known as a woman of exceptional culture and gener- ous sympathies. After locating in Galt, Cal., Mr. Sawyer again took up his work, satisfied and happy in the thought of the great purpose which actuated his every effort. In connection with his building pur- suits he carried on ranching, meeting with fair success.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer seven children were born: Frank M., whose birth occurred April 5, 1858, in Wisconsin, and who is now a practicing veterinary surgeon in Bakersfield, Cal .; Millie, who died in San Francisco; Silvia, who was born in 1864 and who died at the age of nineteen; John, who died in infancy; Wallace, born in Galt, January 8, 1868; Jean, who died at the age of twenty-nine years; and Tom J., whose birth, June 7, 1879, occurred in Galt, where he is now engaged in the general mercantile business with his brother Wallace, under the firm name of Sawyer Brothers.
Mr. Sawyer was an active member of Phoenix Lodge No. 239,
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I. O. O. F., and the Ancient Order United Workmen for many years. He was a Republican of strong and progressive principles and endeav- ored to lend all aid in his power to the advancement of his party and to the general welfare of his fellowmen. His wife, who died in 1906, shared both his joys and his sorrows with a true heart and a calm, sweet mind, her companionship proving all and more than in his youth he had anticipated.
ALFRED SCHADEN
For many years the Schadens, father and son, have been identified with the grocery business in Sacramento, where the former built up an extensive trade as early as the '70s and upon his retirement was succeeded by his son, one of the present partners in the prosperous establishment. The genealogical records of the family indicate the lifelong residence of Henry and Anna (Winters) Schaden in the province of Hanover, Germany, whence the former went forth to the duties of a seafaring existence, serving for a long period as a cook on great ocean vessels of his day. In the family of Henry Schaden there was a son, Arend, who was born in Hanover October 9, 1845, and who in childhood listened with the keenest interest to his father's tales of voyage to distant ports. Thus was roused within him an ambition to see something of the world and scarcely had he left school at the age of fourteen years before he shipped from Bremerhaven to New Orleans. The Civil war had just opened and the ship experienced the delays incident to such a condition of affairs. After having been detained on a bar for ninety-five days, the vessel was the last to leave New Orleans after the blockade had been established by the Union fleet.
After having returned to Bremerhaven on the same ship the young seaman accompanied the vessel to Guttenberg, thence to Cape Town, Africa, and from there to Rangoon, India, thence returning to Germany by way of St. Helena's Island. Meanwhile having been made steward on the ship, he made a voyage to Akyab, East Indies. Upon his return to Bremen he was appointed light sailor, with little less than the wages of first-class seamen, on a vessel commanded by Captain Thiernau and shortly afterward accompanied the vessel to the United States, where, liking the country and having wearied of the sea, he determined to settle. Looking about him for employment in the city of New York, he was successful in securing a clerkship in the grocery store of J. Brummerhop, on the corner of East Broadway and Rutgers. That position he retained until he decided to come to California. On November 28, 1868, he sailed from New York for
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Panama. Having crossed the Isthmus, he continued the voyage to San Francisco and there landed on Christmas day. The next day he came to Sacramento and on the 1st of January he entered the employ of his uncle, Herman Winters. During October of 1870 he formed a partnership with S. D. Fuller under the firm name of Schaden & Fuller. At the expiration of five years he purchased the interest of his partner in the grocery business. Five years later he moved across the street to the location with which his name is especially linked. From 1880 until his retirement in 1910 he continued at the same place and meanwhile established an enviable reputation for sagacious judgment, discrimination as a buyer, and the most honorable dealings with all customers. Not only among the earlier settlers of Sacramento, but also with the present generation, he has a high standing as a business man and citizen. For years he was very active in the Knights of Honor, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Tribe of Red Men.
The marriage of Arend Schaden occurred in Sacramento March 8, 1874, and united him with Miss Ameta Sanders, a native of Bremen, Germany. They became the parents of four children, namely: Alfred, who was born in Sacramento April 21, 1878, attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, then engaged for two years as bookkeeper witlı Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson, of Sacramento, and since that time has been associated with the retail grocery business founded by his father; Anna Gesine, Arend Otto and John Henry, of whom the two last-named sons died in early life. The surviving son has been prominently identified with Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., in which he now holds the rank of past president. Reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, he adheres to its doctrines and supports its missionary movements. In politics he maintains an independent attitude and considers the merits of candidates rather than their claims. During May of 1900 he was united in marriage with Miss Grace Uren, of Sacramento, and two children bless their union, Harold Alfred and Clara Helen.
HON. ARCHIBALD YELL
It has been the privilege of Mr. Yell to acquire a thorough knowledge concerning certain parts of Northern California through residence therein and the practical, personal information thus gained has proved of the highest value to him, enabling him to understand the merits of each section and to rightly estimate its possibilities for future development. Included among the localities of his former association are Sonoma county, where his sojourn was of brief dura- tion; Mendocino county, where he held official positions; Kings county,
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where he built up an important clientele during his residence; and the cities of San Francisco and Sacramento, with the latter of which he has been identified for a period sufficiently long to enable him to rightly value its advantages and conservatively estimate its prospects for large prosperity.
Of southern family and colonial lineage, Mr. Yell was born at Fayetteville, Ark., in May of 1859 and is a son of DeWitt Clinton and Katharine (Smith) Yell, and the grandson of Col. Archibald Yell, who was Governor of Arkansas and afterward Colonel in the Mexican war, being killed in the battle of Buena Vista. For some time Mr. Yell was a pupil in a private school of Nashville, Tenn., but at the age of thirteen he completed the studies of that institution, after which he took the regular course of study in the University of Nashville and was admitted to the bar of the district court in 1877. In that same year, having decided to locate in the west, he came at once to San Francisco, and from there proceeded to Sonoma county, where for one year he studied law under Judge Thomas. At the expiration of his period of study he engaged in practice in the justice and county courts of Mendocino county, where after two years of general practice he was elected district attorney. During his service of three years he returned to Tennessee and was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of that state. On his return to Mendocino county he resumed service as district attorney, to which office he was elected for the second time in 1883, remaining in the position until 1887,when he was honored by election as state senator from Mendocino and Lake counties. Four years were devoted to official duties and afterward he practiced law in San Francisco for three years, next opening an office at Hanford, Kings county, where he remained for four years.
As attorney in Sacramento, whither he came in the year 1898, Mr. Yell engaged in practice with Mr. Aram for twelve months and later practiced alone until 1900, when he received an appointment as deputy district attorney. Two years were spent in that pos- ition when he was appointed warden of the state prison at Fol- som, serving four years and three months, after which he again resumed his practice in Sacramento, forming a partnership with A. M. Seymour, thus entering upon a congenial and profitable relation that has continued up to the present time. While making his headquarters in Mendocino county he formed the acquaintance of Miss Lucile Estes and after their marriage in November of 1883 they established a home in the county where she had been reared and educated. In the various places of his residence he has been connected prominently with the Masonic Order, being a Mason of the Knight Templar degree; he has also held active relations with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the State Bar Association and is chairman of the grievance committee.
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H. S. BONTE
A busy and useful career has characterized the life of H. S. Bonte, who has followed the vocation of surveyor and civil engineer with signal success. He is a native of Sacramento, the son of Charles C. and Anna H. Bonte, the father having been born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1857. It was in his native city that Charles C. Bonte received his education, attending the public schools, and in 1873 he accompanied his parents to Sacramento, where they made their home. He was a student at Augustin College at Benicia until 1877, returning then to Sacramento to become a clerk in the motive power depart- ment of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, with whom he worked for many years and eventually became superintendent of that department. This position he held until 1903, when he was trans- ferred to San Francisco to become assistant general superintendent of motive power of the Pacific system of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and he is at present serving in that capacity.
H. S. Bonte received his early education in the public schools of Sacramento and was graduated from the high school in 1901. He then became a student at Stanford University, until 1906, giving close attention to his special branch and becoming thoroughly grounded in the theories of his chosen work. Naturally gifted in the solving of the many problems which confront the civil engineer he early proved his fitness for that special work, and in 1906, 1907 and 1908 was in charge of a preliminary survey for the hydraulic system of the Guggenheims, with headquarters at Dawson City, Alaska. In 1908 he went to Aberdeen, Wash., in the capacity of locating-engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad, and in the following year returned to Sacramento to become chief engineer for the Vallejo Northern Rail- way Company, in which position he has ever since served with marked success. Mr. Bonte was married at Oakland, February 3, 1908, to Miss Warfield, and they have a son, John Warfield. A Republican in polities, Mr. Bonte takes a patriotic view of all questions of national policy, and his interest in local matters is ever for the welfare of the citizens of his native city.
CHARLES A. FICAL
A mechanical operator of no mean ability is Charles A. Fical, the present proprietor of the flourishing garage on M street, between Nineteenth and Twentieth streets, in whose shops the most expert
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repairing and automobile work of all kinds is done. At an early age he began to pick up a knowledge of machinery, and he has followed the work of a mechanical engineer throughout his active business life. He was born in Sacramento, October 28, 1868, son of Jacob and Mary Fical, who came to California in 1861, crossing the plains and experiencing a hard six-months' journey. They settled in Sacramento, where Jacob Fical opened a blacksmith shop which he continued to operate until his death, in 1867. He had prepared to retire from his shop, and at his death was the owner of a beautifully cultivated place of one hundred and sixty acres in Florin, and here his widow and their three children lived for many years. Mrs. Fical is still living, as are her two sons, Byron, now making his home in Oregon, and Charles A. Minnie, the only daughter, died some time ago, aged fifteen years.
Until twenty years old Charles A. Fical attended school and worked on the ranch near the city, during all of which time he interested himself in the engineer's trade. The handling of stationary and traction engines alike attracted him and he soon took up that trade as his regular work. For nine years he ran a single traction engine, and then for a little over seventeen years he was employed as engineer at the county hospital. Subsequently he went into partnership with J. L. Latourrette in the plumbing, gas engine and tinning business, which after twelve years he relinquished to embark in his automobile garage enterprise, and he is now meeting with the most gratifying success in this endeavor. He is an authority on the subject of automobiles, and holds the esteem of all his associates.
Mr. Fical was married to Annie Sofia Treganza, of Sheldon, Sacramento county, and they are the parents of two children, Howard Ames, who is in business with his father, and Cora Frances, who is attending the high school. Fraternally Mr. Fical is a Mason, a member of the Red Men, Native Sons and the Grangers, and Mrs. Fical also is a member of the last named order. For seven years he was chief engineer of the City Volunteer Fire Department, and his loyalty to his city has impelled him to fill other positions of trust and honor in the capital city which has insured for him the gratitude and respect of the entire community.
FRANCIS WILLIAM FRATT
Throughout a period covering almost sixty years the life of Francis William Fratt rendered useful and significant service to the material development of California, his helpful activities ceasing
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only with his final departure from the scenes familiar to maturity. It was his high privilege to witness the remarkable advancement made by the west from the era of gold discovery until the twentieth century had brought its matchless progress into the world. Co- incident with that advancement was his own rise to influence and local distinction. Many were the changes that entered into his personal history from the far-distant days when as a boy in his native city of Albany, N. Y., he met at school a lad named Leland Stanford, whose name later became inseparably interwoven with the development of the western country. Later, while crossing the plains with horses and oxen in a large expedition, he formed the acquaintance of Charles W. Coil, for many years one of the most distinguished citizens of Woodland. Shortly after his arrival in the Sacramento valley he began to be interested in the cattle industry. For years he engaged in the business upon a very large scale, making Sacramento his head- quarters. Large enterprises brought large returns. The fruits of his labors were evidenced by increasing possessions. For years he paid taxes upon broad tracts of farming land. During the early days he owned the Tomes grant in Tehama county, but during 1879 he sold it to Mr. Blossom and invested the returns in other property, mainly city real estate. In the latter part of his life, after he had relinquished his extensive stock interests, he devoted considerable attention to the care and improvement of his real estate in Sacramento, where he erected the Fratt building at No. 200 K street, the Union hotel and the Orleans hotel. In 1908 he erected a magnificent residence at No. 1511. P street. Amid the beautiful surroundings of Park View Place, with all the luxuries of life, ministered to by a devoted wife and blessed by the admiration and respect of hosts of friends, he passed the twilight of a useful existence and thence September 16, 1909, he entered into the rest of eternity.
The political views of Mr. Fratt brought him into hearty accord with Democratic principles. Fraternally he held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his marriage, which was solemnized at Sacramento October 31, 1879, he was especially fortunate, for his wife was a young lady not only of fine family and excellent education, but also of gentle character and attractive personal endowments. Born in Plattsburg, Clinton county, N. Y., she was a daughter of Harvey Bromley, sheriff of that county. After having completed the studies of the Plattsburg academy, Miss Cornelia E. Bromley came to California in 1868. The recent building of the railroad enabled her to travel a considerable portion of the distance by train. The balance of the journey was made by stage. From young girlhood she has been a sincere member of the Congre- gational Church. Philanthropic by nature, solicitons to aid the un- fortunate, she was particularly helpful as a member of the board of
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