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 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105
THOMAS R. JONES
The Jones family has been identified with the history of Wales since its earliest days. From time to time there were representatives who bade farewell to native land and crossed the ocean to America in the hope of benefiting by the opportunities offered by the new world. The branch of the family represented by Thomas R. Jones of Sacra- mento was established in the United States and in California by his father, Thomas, whose birth had occurred at the ancestral Welsh home on New Year's Day of 1817 and whose boyhood had been a period of privation and hardship destitute of educational or other advantages. Desirous of rising to a condition more properous and satisfactory, he crossed the ocean in 1840 and sought employment in New York City. For some years he earned his livelihood as a hotel employe. Upon learning of the discovery of gold in California he de- termined to come hither and accordingly made the trip via Mexico in 1849 in company with a party of forty men, among them being J. Mc- Clatchy, the late owner of the Sacramento Bee.
Arriving in Jackson, Amador county, as early as July of 1849, Thomas Jones at once began to mine, an undertaking in which he was successful, and he also engaged in other enterprises. From 1871 until his retirement in 1885 he held the responsible position of United States internal revenue collector. Prominent in local politics, he served for many years as chairman of the county cen- tral committee of the Republican party and enjoyed a wide ac- quaintance among the representatives of that organization. His death occurred October 7, 1894, at the age of seventy-seven years and nine months. During June of 1844 he married Miss Eleanor Owens in New York City. Four children blessed their union, namely : George W., Thomas R., Mary E. and Harry W. The second of these,
508
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Thomas R., was born at Jackson, Amador county, Cal., October 31, 1853, and received such advantages as the public schools of that locality afforded. At the age of fifteen years he began to study telegraphy and subsequent practice made him an expert in that art. During 1871 he came to Sacramento as postmaster of the state assembly for the ses- sion of that winter.
On the conclusion of his services in the interests of the state in May, 1872, Mr. Jones entered the employ of the Central Pacific Rail- road Company as telegraph operator at Rockland. After a few months, in September of the same year, he was transferred to Sacra- mento and here he was appointed train dispatcher, a position of great responsibility, which he filled with characteristic fidelity for abont sixteen years. In recognition of his efficiency he was promoted to be assistant superintendent in 1891 and continued as such for twelve years, when, in 1903, he was chosen superintendent of the Tucson division in Arizona. During November of 1904 he returned to Sacra- mento to begin the duties of superintendent of the Sacramento divis- ion, from which position he was transferred in August of 1907 to that of special representative of the railroad at Sacramento, which position he now fills. As a railroad man he has exhibited painstaking atten- tion to every duty and intelligent comprehension of the magnitude of the tasks placed before the railroads of the west. His steady rise is due to the possession of these traits, supplementing the utmost tact and the greatest efficiency.
At no time in his busy life has Mr. Jones allowed his attention to be diverted from his chosen calling by extraneous affairs, yet he has proved a public-spirited citizen, in touch with all enterprises for the general npbuilding, and in politics he has been a staunch Republican. Fraternally, he holds membership with Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E., and Sacramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W., while socially he is a leading participant in the functions of the Sutter Club. In Sacra- mento, September 12, 1878, he married Miss Elizabeth Lillian Poole, by whom he became the father of four children, namely: Dr. C. B. Jones, a graduate physician and surgeon of the University of Califor- nia and the affiliated colleges of San Francisco, and now a physician of Sacramento county; Mrs. W. B. Jordan of Sacramento; Mrs. A. D. Bechtel, whose husband is a physician at Victoria, British Columbia ; and Miss Lesley H.
CHARLES T. NOYES
That fidelity to duty brings a merited reward finds another illus- tration in the life and activities of Charles T. Noyes, whose long service in the shops of the Southern Pacific railroad at Sacramento
509
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
was crowned appropriately, in July of 1905, by his appointment to the responsible position of superintendent. It is no easy step from apprentice to managing overseer. The path was filled with difficulties and made laborious through obstacles, which, however, gave way before the resistless pressure of a determined will, a resolnte energy and a patient industry such as was exercised by the young workman. As the years passed by and his accurate knowledge of machinery began to be appreciated, he rose from his lowly place through successive promo- tions until finally his abilities were recognized in his appointment as superintendent, his present position.
Our subject, Charles T. Noyes, was the son of Charles and Lucy C. (Hazelton) Noyes, both natives of Orange county, Vt., the father having been born January 10, 1827, a representative of an old and honored colonial family of New England, whose original members in the new world crossed the ocean at a date so early that no authentic record has been preserved. The trip made by the father to the western coast occurred during 1860, when he settled in Sierra county and engaged for five years as a blacksmith in the mines. From there he came to the vicinity of Sacramento and worked on a ranch owned by a brother-in-law, but in a short time he moved to Marin county. Thence removing to Lafayette, he there engaged in farming until his death in October, 1911.
Charles T. Noyes was the eldest of four children, two of whom are now living. His brother, F. B. Noyes, is sheriff of Sntter county. Charles T. was born in Orange county, Vt., June 13, 1851. After having completed the course in the public schools Charles T. Noyes was graduated in 1869 and afterward he worked for two years as a laborer on the ranch of his uncle near Sacramento. During 1869 he went to Yolo county and secured a clerkship in a general store, con- tinuing there until the fall of 1870. Upon his return to Sacramento he began an apprenticeship to the trade of machinist in the shops of the Southern Pacific railroad. Thus he entered upon a long and honorable connection with the shop which has continued for more than forty years. Practically his first promotion occurred in 1884, when he was made shop foreman. The following year he became a draftsman and continued in that capacity until 1888, when he was again appointed shop foreman. That responsible place was filled by him until 1901, when he was promoted to be inspector of locomotives. The final and most noteworthy promotion took place in July of 1905, when he became superintendent of shops. The mere record of such a long and successful connection with one company indicates the rugged mentality and forceful strength of the man.
The Republican party has received the ballot of Mr. Noyes ever since he attained his majority and became a voting citizen of the city and commonwealth. Working closely at his appointed task, he has not cared to take the time for public affairs and hence has avoided
510
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
official candidacies, but we find him to be well informed regarding all national problems. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His marriage took place August 22, 1878, and united him with Miss Mary E. Hussey of Sacra- mento, where they have continued to make their home in a comfortable cottage surrounded by the evidences of their personal thrift, culture and wise management. They are the parents of two children, the only daughter being Mrs. Lucy F. Starbuck, also of Sacramento. The son, George E., is a graduate of the University of California and a young man of fine educational attainments. The family are identified with the Congregational church.
FRANK B. McKEVITT
Among the successful business men of Sacramento, Frank B. McKevitt holds an honored place, having won his present commer- cial status by his executive ability and fitness for his work. He was born March 3, 1859, in Truxton, Cortland county, N. Y., where he spent the first eight years of his life, in 1867 moving with his parents, Alexander and Sarah A. (Field) McKevitt, to Clinton, Iowa, where he received his education. In November, 1877, shortly after his graduation from the Clinton high school, the family re- moved to Vacaville, Cal., where they engaged in fruit growing. Frank B. MeKevitt became deeply interested in the industry and with others formed The Vacaville Branch Fruit Union (fruit pack- ers) of which he was chosen secretary. Later he organized The Vacaville & Winters Fruit Company and was elected secretary of this concern also, serving until 1892; in 1894, in partnership with E. F. Pinkham, he succeeded to the business of the said company, incorporating a new organization under the name of Pinkham & McKevitt. He was at once chosen vice-president, which office he holds at the present time. In January, 1909, he was selected to fill the position of secretary and manager of the California Fruit Distributors at Sacramento, an organization composed of fourteen fruit shippers whose annual output is over nine thousand cars. His predecessor in this position had been Lient .- Gov. Alden Anderson. Mr. McKevitt is a director and vice-president of the San Monte Fruit Company, apple shippers, of Watsonville, Cal., also of the Kreiger Vinegar Company of Watsonville and a director of the Pajaro Packing Company, and is largely interested in fruit growing and shipping in Tulare county, being the president of the Giant Oak Fruit Company near Exeter. This company is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, of which the greater part is in fruits, both deciduous and citrus. For several years Mr. McKevitt
.В. ожекой
513
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
was a director in the Bank of Vacaville. He is vice-president of the California Rex Spray Co. of Benicia, manufacturers of lime and sulphur spray compounds, and is president of the Florin Basket Co. of Florin.
Mr. McKevitt is a member of the Sutter Club of Sacramento and the Union League Club of San Francisco. In fraternal cir- cles he is known as a Woodman of the World and a Mason; he is past master of Vacaville Lodge No. 134, F. & A. M., is a member of Vacaville Chapter No. 81, R. A. M., past commander of Vaca- ville Commandery No. 38, K. T., and a member of Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco.
July 18, 1883, Mr. McKevitt's marriage took place in San Fran- cisco uniting him with Miss Laura A. Walker, who was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They have four children: Thama A., now Mrs. W. G. Wood of Sacramento; Frank B., Jr., who is manager of the Pink- ham & MeKevitt corporation at Vacaville; Hazel, now Mrs. J. V. McClatchy, of Sacramento; and Harold. Mr. and Mrs. McKevitt and their charming family have ever enjoyed the highest regard of their many friends.
The connection of the McKevitt family with the horticultural interests of California is well and favorably known. Both Al- exander and F. B. McKevitt have always taken an active interest in the building up of the industry, securing the highest quality of fruit, as well as taking deep interest in securing a high market price to reward the industry of the grower. The name is familiar to all fruit growers in California through the fact that the "McKevitt Cling," recognized as one of the best white cling stone peaches, was named for Alexander McKevitt, and is one of the two standard varieties of the white cling peach in California. It is interesting to note that the elder McKevitt discovered this peach growing on the ranch which he purchased, and after he introduced it it received his name. As Mr. McKevitt is widely interested in fruit in Southern, Central and Northern California there are few men who have a more thorough knowledge of fruit growing or are better posted con- cerning the shipping and marketing of California fruits through- out the United States and Canada, and it is little wonder that he was selected by the California Fruit Distributors for the respon- sible position of manager.
JAMES S. HUNTRESS
The pine forests of Maine through which merrily flow the clear streams of the north on their course to the ocean were familiar to the early experiences of James S. Huntress, who claimed Maine as 31
514
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
his native commonwealth and the year 1835 as his natal date. The family, although belonging to the honored aristocracy of New England, possessed little means and it was not possible for him to enjoy the educational advantages which his ambitious soul desired. At a very early age he was apprenticed to the trade of a mason and thencefor- ward he depended upon his own efforts for a livelihood. When nine- teen years of age he started out for himself and it was then that he made the long journey to California, which continued to be his home from that time until his death more than forty years later. During the long period of his identification with the west he devoted much attention to mining interests and made his home in Nevada county, where he died at Grass Valley June 22, 1907, mourned by the large circle of acquaintances whose friendship he had won through kindly disposition, unwavering integrity and large business ability. His high reputation in the community where he had lived so long furnished abundant proof that he had lived worthily and exhibited in his char- acter the principles of truth and honor. As he was true and honor- able in intercourse with others, so likewise he was loyal and true to his country, ever seeking to give his influence to movements for the general welfare and especially eager to aid enterprises for the benefit of his county and commonwealth. A staunch believer in Republican principles, he took a prominent part in the workings of that party in Nevada county and was counted a local leader; at the same time narrow partisanship found no place in his life, but he gave to others the same freedom of political opinion which he demanded for himself. The marriage of James S. Huntress took place in 1868 and united him with Miss Mary S. Huitt, who was born in Arkansas but in infancy was brought across the plains by ox teams to California by mem- hers of her family and ever since has resided in the state. Suhse- quent to the demise of her husband she removed to Sacramento and now owns a comfortable home at No. 1421 Twenty-fifth street, where she dispenses a cheerful hospitality to friends of the capital city, as well as to the other friends from Nevada county during their occa- sional visits to town. In addition to the loss of her husband she suf- fered another bereavement in the death of her only son, William C., but she is fortunate in having four daughters, all women of educa- tion and culture, and their congenial companionship fills the afternoon of her life with tranquil enjoyment. The second daughter, Emma M., who is married to Charles Single and makes her home at Grass Valley, is the only member of the family not residing in Sacramento. The eldest daughter, Mrs. Alice Webster, has lived in the capital city ever since her marriage, and the same statement may be made concerning the two youngest daughters, namely: Mabel, Mrs. Arthur Rapp; and Martha, Mrs. Lewis Clauson.
-
Q-W Wilson
517
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
JESSE WARREN WILSON
It has been the fortunate fate of Sacramento to attract to its citizenship men of sterling worth of character, energy of temperament and remarkable intensity of patriotism. These attributes have pre- dominated in the active business career of Jesse Warren Wilson, an honored pioneer of the state and for years one of the leading men of the capital city, the incumbent of important offices and the proprietor of well-known commercial enterprises. Even now, although he has reached an age justifying a complete retirement from all activities, he is still to be found working for the welfare of Sacramento, giving of his time and means to the expansion of local interests and favoring progressive projects with all of his influence as a pioneer and prom- inent citizen. Throughout the long period of his association with the city he has been a leading factor in municipal enterprises and a con- tributor to civic efforts, not the least memorable of such associations having been his service as a member of the committee (with Governor Stanford) that turned the first earth at Front and K streets to cele- brate the beginning of the Southern Pacific railroad in the state.
A native of Clinton county, Ohio, born March 21, 1834, Jesse Warren Wilson was one of eight children, of whom the sole survivor besides himself is John W., a retired business man residing in Muncie, Ind. The parents were natives of Ohio, where the father, Benona Wilson, made a livelihood for the family through laborious efforts as a farmer. In addition he gave some time to the preaching of the Gospel, donating his services withont expectation of any financial returns. His wife, Mrs. Martha (Long) Wilson, also died in Indiana. After having passed the years of boyhood in working on the home farm or attending the country schools, Jesse W. Wilson came to Cali- fornia in 1854 via the Isthmus of Panama, on the steamer George Law to Panama and the John L. Stevens to San Francisco, where he landed December 1, 1854. For a time he engaged in mining in Placer county. For three years he had his headquarters at Marysville, Yuba county, and meanwhile followed any occupation offering an honest livelihood. During a considerable period he teamed to the mountains. In the autumn of 1861, shortly before the great flood, he arrived in Sacramento and here he has since made his home. The first ocenpa- tion that furnished him employment was the driving of a hack, and for twelve consecutive years he engaged in that business with a number of teams. Next he drifted into the livery business, and for thirty years he carried on the Wilson stable on K street, after which for seven years he was the proprietor of the Golden Eagle hotel. Since ahont 1908 he has been retired from active business cares. By Governor Markham he was appointed a member of the board of directors of the State Agricultural Society, reappointed by Governor Budd, and again by Governor Pardee, serving for twelve years, during which time he
518
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
took an active part in the promotion of the building of the State Fair and was also superintendent of the track.
Two years after his arrival in Sacramento Mr. Wilson established a home in this city, being then united in marriage with Miss Hannah Ryan, a native of Ireland. They became the parents of four children, but one of these was taken from them by death in infancy. The older daughter, Ida, married Edward Frazier, who prior to his death in 1910 was a prominent business man of Sacramento. The younger daughter, Lucinda, is the wife of John H. Wiseman, well known in real estate circles. The only son, Arthur J., is a clerk in the city de- partment of the superintendent of streets. The family own and occupy a comfortable residence at No. 1417 I street, besides which Mr. Wilson owns considerable other property in Sacramento (principally in the suburbs) and he also owns an interest in the Sacramento laundry, be- ing a director of the company. During younger years he was actively identified with the Sutter Club, as well as a prominent member of Eldorado Lodge No. 8, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; Union Lodge No. 8, F. & A. M .; Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M .; Sacramento Commandery No. 3, K. T., and Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco. For years he has been stanchly devoted to the principles of the Republican party and his identification with public affairs still continues, for as recently as 1911 he was a candidate for trustee from the Fifth ward. From 1879 until 1884 he served as member of the board of county supervisors, for two years, 1885-87, he held office as sheriff of Sacra- mento county, for five years he discharged with the greatest intelli- gence and fidelity the duties incident to the office of fire commissioner, and for two years he held the position of county coroner, besides which at different times he has been chosen to occupy other local offices of trust and honor.
GEORGE WASHINGTON NOBLE
Industrious and intelligent application to agricultural pursuits has brought a gratifying reward to Mr. Noble, who during the period of his association with ranching and dairying in Sacramento county has not only developed a well-improved farm, but in addition has had the satisfaction of realizing that his property has had a steady growth in value, while his annual returns have exceeded his most sanguine expectations at the time of his location on the property. Since the year 1898 he has operated two hundred and fifty acres, meanwhile placing the land under a high state of cultivation, putting up necessary buildings and maintaining an equipment both modern and extensive.
519
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
It has been his good fortune to have the co-operation of a capable wife, and not a little of his substantial success may be attributed to her sagacions counsel and energetic assistance, while in addition he had for some time the aid of their son, William H., who, however, later turned his attention to railroading and now is employed by the Southern Pacific Company.
The descendant of colonial Virginian ancestry on the paternal side and of substantial easterners through the maternal lineage, George Washington Noble was born on a farm near Oquawka, Henderson county, Ill., January 19, 1852, being a son of George W. and Julia Ann (Moorhead) Noble. Their father was born in Virginia in 1813, and at the age of eighteen years became one of the very earliest settlers in the vicinity of Oquawka, where afterward he developed a typical Illinois farm. Throughout all of his active life he followed agricultural pur- suits in the same locality. His death occurred at Oqnawka when he was eighty-five years of age. When he settled in Illinois he was a mere youth and it was not until some years afterward that he estab- lished domestic ties, being then united with Miss Julia Ann Moorhead, who was born in Ohio and died at Oquawka at the age of eight-three years.
The public schools in and near Oquawka afforded to George W. Noble fair educational opportunities and enabled him to acquire a general fund of important information. Starting out for himself at the age of eighteen years he went to Jackson connty, Kan., and there followed farm pursuits for three years. Returning to Henderson county, he spent one year on a farm near Oqnawka. From there he came to Galt, Cal., in 1875, and followed the carpenter's trade, besides which he engaged in other forms of general labor. In April, 1877, he opened a barber shop in Galt, which he carried on for ten years. For the past fourteen years he has conducted a farm of two hundred and fifty acres in Dry Creek township near the village of Galt. Be- sides conducting the farm, he has also again opened a barber shop. September 30, 1880, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth. daughter of William Henry and Elizabeth (Zumwalt) Young, the former horn at Lincoln, Benton county, Mo., March 10, 1818, and the latter born at St. Charles, Mo., March 11, 1818.
Attracted to the west by the excitement resulting from the dis- covery of gold, William Henry Young crossed the plains during the summer of 1852. Unlike many of the newcomers, he did not try his luck in the gold mines, but sought agriculture as a permanent means of livelihood. Settling three miles from Galt in 1853 he took np one hundred and sixty acres of government land. The place was in the primeval condition of nature. No attempt had been made at improve- ment. Not a furrow had been turned in the soil. His was the difficult task of rendering the land remunerative, but by the greatest persever- ance he was snecessful in his efforts. The raising of grain was his
520
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
principal business, but he also found cattle and hogs a source of considerable profit. Eventually he acquired eleven hundred acres of ranch land and attained a position among the most influential ranchers of the entire county. His death occurred February 18, 1883, and his wife passed away May 5 1895, at the age of seventy-seven years. Their daughter, named in honor of her mother, was born at the old homestead in Dry Creek township, Sacramento county, March 4, 1864, and received her education in the public schools of Galt, but at the age of sixteen discontinued her studies in school and took up the responsibilities of a home of her own, since which time she has given to her husband and to their only son the most devoted energies of her fine mind. The comfortable home reflects her orderly spirit, and the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances indicates the sterling worth of herself and husband, both of them possessing the good will of their associates and the warm regard of their personal friends.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.