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 75
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The list of honored pioneers of California contains the name of the Amaya family, whose identification with the west has covered a long period of development. When the Indians still roamed un- molested through the wide expanses of forests and over the broad unsettled prairies, they proved a constant source of menace to the settlers and at times their depredations brought fatal consequences. One such occurrence happened when Joe Reyes Amaya, Sr., finding that his stock had been stolen by the savages, hastened alone in pur- suit of the cattle thieves. At the Big Basin he overtook them and endeavored to regain his stolen property, but single-handed he was unable to cope with the Indians and was killed by them. In his family was a son who bore his own name and who for years followed the trade of a butcher. but eventually, when out hunting with his son, Daniel D., he was wounded by the accidental discharge of the gun. Blood poisoning followed and in three weeks he died. From early life
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he had been fond of hunting game and was an expert marksman, usually returning from his hunting expeditions with abundant evi- dences of his skill. Throughout much of his life he made his home at Santa Cruz, this state, where his wife was born and reared. They became the parents of eight children, but only two of these are now living, Daniel D. and Arthur, the former born June 26, 1870, at Santa Cruz, and identified throughout life with the interests of California.
It was not the privilege of Mr. Amaya to receive a thorough edu- cation, as he began to be self-supporting at an early age and for some time helped his father in the meat market, also working in a res- taurant for a time. His first trip to Sacramento was made in 1890, but he did not then become a permanent resident. Other places claimed his attention, and he gratified a desire to see more of the state, trav- eling through different localities and meantime earning a livelihood at his trade. In 1897 he returned to Sacramento and this city has since been his home. For two years he acted as manager of the Kleinsorge store and then formed a partnership with William Atkinson in the meat business, opening a market on Second and M streets. Eventu- ally he erected a modern business block, in which he opened a market August 14, 1909, and since then he has continued at the same location, meanwhile leasing the grocery department. As a business man he possesses exceptional capabilities. Through energy and sagacions judgment he is making steady progress and now ranks among the prosperous citizens of Sacramento.
The marriage of Mr. Amaya took place January 29, 1899, and united him with Miss Adelaide M. Porter, who was born at Live Oaks, Sutter county, this state, and is a woman of education and culture, and a devoted member of the Christian Science church. The only child of their union is a son, Arthur Elwood, born January 4, 1900, and now a student in the city schools. Mrs. Amaya is a daughter of J. C. and Melissa (Stevenson) Porter, natives respectively of Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, and Missouri. At an early age Mr. Porter mi- grated as far west as Missonri and during his sojourn in that state he married Miss Stevenson. Later he established a home in Califor- nia, where he engaged in raising stock and grain. Of later years he owned and operated a hotel. His death occurred in May of 1907, and since then Mrs. Porter has made her home with Mrs. Amaya, who was one of four children forming the parental family, three now living. Fraternally Mr. Amaya has been identified with the Elks and Eagles for some years and he also belongs to several organizations for busi- ness development, notably the Butchers' Association. In politics he is an active, zealous Republican, but never a candidate for office. Be- sides the ownership of his residence and business property in Sac- ramento he owns one-half interest in a valuable fruit farm of ten acres located near Fair Oaks.
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NICHOLAS JOSEPH HULLIN
Possessed of a magnetic and pleasing personality, as well as an intense power of concentration of energy, Mr. Hullin is peculiarly fitted for his duties as superintendent of the Sacramento Street Rail- way Company, a position requiring a high degree of tact, ability and diplomacy, and by his fair judgment and impartial favor enjoys the esteem of all with whom he is associated. The youngest son of George and Margaret (Barry) Hullin, the latter natives of Swansea, Wales, and London, England, respectively, Nicholas J. Hullin's birth occurred in Onehunga, New Zealand, February 19, 1860. When a babe he removed with his parents to Australia, and upon reaching school age attended private school in Sydney, and afterward in the Society Is- lands, but soon returned to Sydney. It was in 1879 that he came to San Francisco, Cal., where he served for a time as machinist with the Risdon Iron works, and the experience acquired during this employ- ment has proved of great value to him through life, serving as a step- ping stone to increased success. As a road machinist he was in the service of the Market Street Railway Company of San Francisco from 1882 until five years later, when he accepted a position as machinist with the Sutter Street Railway Company of San Francisco. Resign- ing the latter position in 1891, he entered the service of the Piedmont Cable Company of Oakland, Cal., serving first as machinist and after eight months' service being promoted to master mechanic and super- intendent of track construction. In 1896 he came to Sacramento, hav- ing accepted a position with the Sacramento Street Railway Company, serving first as construction foreman, and a year later became super- intendent of track construction, filling this position acceptably and faithfully until his appointment to his present position as general superintendent in August, 1910.
Mr. Hullin's marriage took place in San Francisco, on April 24, 1884, when he was united with Miss Marie Menjou, a native of Pau, France, whose parents, Pierre and Claire (Vigneau) Menjou, were natives of Basses-Pyrenees, France. Five children blessed this mar- riage. Claire is the eldest. Nicholas is a machinist for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Albert is timekeeper and construction clerk for the same organization. Philip and Dorothy are students in the Sacramento public school.
Mr. Hullin has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for the past nine years, holding membership in Sacramento Lodge No. 40, F. & A. M., which in 1909 he served as master. He is also a thirty- second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco. He is a past chancellor commander of the
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Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Confidence Lodge of that order, and is also a member of Court Twin Peaks, A. O. F., in San Francisco. An ardent Republican in his political views, he believes in the principles of that party, and in a broad-minded and practical manner lends his aid to the community, his citizenship being beyond censure. He is widely known as a stanch supporter of all enterprises relating to the public good.
CARL KAUFMAN
The distinctive mental endowments that peculiarly adapt the peo- ple of his race for successful identification with mercantile pursuits appear among the most prominent attributes in the character of Mr. Kaufman and lie at the foundation of his present prosperity. It was his good fortune, when he left his native land of Germany and came to the United States at the age of fifteen, to secure employment with one of the leading firms of Sacramento; and, while his position was at first the very humble and illy-paid work of bundle boy, he was so eager to learn, so quick to perceive and so energetic in action that he soon learned the details of the business and won his way to deserved promotion, ultimately through the frugal saving of his wages and the complete mastery of mercantile principles, becoming interested finan- cially in the business that gave him his first start toward wealth. Although now in a financial position that would justify retirement and a life of ease, his love of business is so keen that he continues at the head of an establishment of note in Sacramento, said indeed to be one of the finest stores of its kind in all of Northern California.
The family represented by Mr. Kaufman has long been identified with Hohenzollern, Germany, where he was born in October, 1861, and where his parents in 1897 celebrated their golden wedding. On that memorable occasion they were honored by receiving a private com- munication from Emperor William, through his minister, conveying compliments and appreciation and also bestowing upon them a gold medal in commemoration of the event. One of the sons of the fam- ily, Max, came to America at an early age, and by perseverance and wise management established a profitable ladies' tailoring business in Portland, Ore. Greatly prospered in the undertaking, he finally sold out in 1911, and since then has been traveling in Europe.
The dry-goods house of Lipman & Co., with headquarters in Sac- ramento and a branch store at Virginia City, was the place where Carl Kaufman learned the mercantile business, working his way up from bundle boy to bookkeeper. For a time the firm stationed him 42
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at Virginia City, but when that store was closed and another estab- lishment opened at Portland, Ore., he was brought back to Sacramento. During 1892 the business was sold to S. Wasserman, who took into partnership R. D. Davis and Carl Kaufman, under the firm title of Wasserman, Davis & Co. The co-partnership continued for six years. Upon the retirement of Mr. Davis at the expiration of that time the title was changed to Wasserman, Kaufman & Co., and continued as such until 1898, when Mr. Kaufman disposed of his holdings to the senior member. The relinquishment of business interests gave him an opportunity to travel with his family through the east and in Europe, where he spent two years, renewing the associations of early life and visiting relatives in the old country. The business of which he is now the head was started in October of 1908 at its present loca- tion on Seventh and K streets, opposite the postoffice, and is devoted to ladies' furnishings, a specialty being made of cloaks and suits, in the selection of which the owner displays a thorough knowledge of materials and changing styles. The trade has increased to such an extent that employment is furnished to about thirty-five persons, the more experienced of whom relieve the proprietor of the heaviest re- sponsibilities incident to the management of so large an establish- ment.
The marriage of Mr. Kaufman was solemnized in 1886 and united him with Miss Sallie Kosmisky, of Sacramento, daughter of a pioneer family who came to California via the Isthmus prior to the comple- tion of the first trans-continental railroad. Her father conducted a wholesale and retail cigar business in Sacramento, where for years he was prominently identified with the Democratic party and with various fraternal organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman have two sons, Carl, Jr., and Bernard. The elder, born in 1894, has received high school advantages in Sacramento, while the younger, preferring business pursuits, entered his father's establishment as a clerk at an early age. The family adhere to the accepted religion of the Hebrew race and have been generous contributors to the work of the Synagogue as well as to many of the great charities maintained by their people in the new world. .
HUGH McWILLIAMS
A love of plant life that found no opportunity for development amid the rugged hills and barren farms of his native Scotland came strikingly into evidence with the settlement of Mr. McWilliams in America. Although deprived of the privilege of a thorough educa-
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tion and untrained in botanical lore as well as unfamiliar by experi- ence with plants and flowers, he had an opportunity after coming across the ocean to learn the business of a florist and with eager expectancy he entered into the work in Massachusetts, where he re- mained for about two years. After he came to the Pacific Coast he found employment as a landscape gardener and subsequent experience broadened his knowledge of the florist's art, so that he was fully quali- fied to win success when eventually he embarked in the business of a nurseryman in Sacramento. His knowledge of the industry is not only broad but also thorough and he has come to be regarded as a western authority in matters relative to floriculture.
An isolated farm near Stranraer, Wigtownshire, Scotland, formed the early environment of Hugh McWilliams, who was born January 15, 1863, and whose limited educational opportunities came solely through his own determined efforts. From an early age he worked for farmers in the home community and during that period he ac- quired a knowledge of cheese-making, but did not afterward follow the occupation. His father, Alexander, a man of high principles of honor, but of limited means, lived to be eighty-three and always fol- lowed farm pursuits; the mother, who bore the maiden name of Agnes McClumpha, died shortly after the demise of her husband. Their son, Hugh, came to the United States at the age of twenty years, and learned the florist's trade in the vicinity of Boston, whence in 1885 he came to San Francisco. From January until October he had charge of the gardens at the summer home of D. O. Mills near San Mateo, this state, and later he held a similar position with Mrs. E. B. Crocker for five years. A sojourn of two years in Sonoma county was followed in 1892 by his removal to Sacramento.
Shortly after his arrival in this city Mr. McWilliams bought a very small business known as the Elm nursery, located on Twelfth and U streets. From that humble beginning he has built up a busi- ness known throughout this part of the state. The equipment is thoroughly modern and the assortment of stock extensive and indeed exhaustive. Not long after he purchased the nursery he bought five acres adjacent to Sacramento and this new nursery he named Sutter- ville Heights, utilizing the grounds there as a farm for his growing business. Of recent years he has not only had a trade throughout Northern California, but extending even to Nevada and Oregon. Ship- ments of flowers as well as plants are made in every direction and it is noticeable that those who once send in an order afterward he- come permanent customers, finding that they may place the utmost confidence in the reliability of the nurseryman and in the care with which he fills all orders. The Ramie Fibre Company secured his services in experimenting in the growing of the ramie plant. He was successful in its propagation, using the same methods he had em- ployed in raising his other plants. The results of his efforts have
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been embodied each year in a report to the government as well as to the county.
A visit to the home land in 1888 gave Mr. McWilliams a desired opportunity to renew the associations of youth. When he returned to California he brought with him from Scotland a brother, Peter, who is now a valued assistant in the nursery business. September 26, 1894, Mr. McWilliams was united in marriage with Miss Georgia P. Shaw, of Santa Rosa, daughter of George P. Shaw, owner of a general mercantile store at Duncan Mills, Sonoma county. The young couple established a home in Sacramento and since then have become well known to a large circle of congenial acquaintances. For two years Mr. Mc Williams officiated as chief of the Caledonian Associa- tion, whose activities have enjoyed his interested co-operation and intelligent support. In addition he has been a leading local worker in the Glide Gun Club and with the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Often his name has been men- tioned for various offices within the gift of the Republican party in his city, but invariably he has declined to become a candidate, pre- ferring to devote his time and attention to the advancement of his business interests.
FREDERICK C. CHINN
An ambition for the acquisition of a profound knowledge of the . science of optics has been the impelling influence in the studies of the popular and successful optician whose name introduces this article, whose personality is familiar to the people of Sacramento, and whose professional and business standing as the president of the Chinn- Beretta Optical Company has brought him into prominent associa- tion with leading people of Northern California. From youth he has been a close student of this, his chosen calling and has made a scien- tific study of every phase of investigation pertaining to vision. The result of such long-continued concentration has been the attainment of an enviable reputation in his specialty and this led in its turn to an appointment as a member of the state hoard of optical examiners, of which he officiated as secretary for a considerable period of helpful association.
Descended from an old and honored southern family, Frederick C. Chinn was born in the city of Baton Rouge, La., November 2, 1870. While that family, like all others of its locality and generation, had suffered heavy losses by reason of the devastating effects of the Civil War, he nevertheless enjoyed exceptional advantages, although these were partly made possible through his own determined efforts.
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An early attendance at the public schools was followed by a period of study in private institutions, after which he resumed attendance at a public institution of great valne, the state university, where he con- tinued his earnest endeavors to acquire an education satisfactory to his aspirations. The year 1887 witnessed his arrival in San Francisco and his fortunate association with the profession of an optician, which ultimately led to greater successes than even the most glowing dreams of his youth had prognosticated. Coming to Sacramento in 1897, the following year he organized the optical company which he now serves as president and which has the reputation of being the largest firm of the kind in the world. Besides the establishment at Sacramento, the company owns and condnets stores at Oakland, San Francisco, Vallejo, Fresno and Stockton, each of which has a gratifying pat- ronage in its own city.
Necessarily the demands upon his time made by a business so ex- tensive and engrossing leave Mr. Chinn little leisure for participa- tion in public affairs, yet he keeps well posted concerning all move- ments for the general welfare and is especially interested in enter- prises for the advancement of his home city of Sacramento. In poli- tics he votes with the Republican party. Fraternally he holds mem- bership with the Elks and the Knights of Columbus. February 22, 1892, when little more than twenty-one years of age, he was united in marriage with Miss Rose McKenna, of San Francisco. They are the parents of three sons, namely: Frederick Harold and Bolling Robertson, who have enjoyed the excellent advantages offered by St. Mary's College in Oakland, this state; and Francis Conrad, who was born in 1902 and is now a student in the public schools of Sacramento.
BURTON M. HODSON
A high degree of artistic perfection marks the exhibits of the Hod- son studios in Sacramento and Oakland. The consensus of opinion on the part of competent judges indicates that Mr. Hodson possesses ability as a photographer far above the average. An innate knowledge of proportion, an instantaneons comprehension of artistic outlines and a highly developed appreciation of graceful poses form characteristics admirably qualifying him for success in art. These qualities, while justly belonging to him through inheritance from a gifted father, have been so developed and perfected through study and experience that they have brought him professional prominence and local pres- tige, combining to give him a reputation which has been enhanced through his ease of manner and affability of demeanor.
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When it is mentioned that Mr. Hodson has been actively iden- tified with Sacramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W., it will be recog- nized that the success of his work reflects added credit upon his native commonwealth. Oakland is his native city and July 22, 1875, the date of his birth, his father having been J. R. Hodson, a native of Illinois and from youth a photographer of eminent skill. As early as 1872 the elder Mr. Hodson established a studio in Sacramento. At different times he had art galleries in various bay cities. Eventu- ally in 1894 he established his studio in San Francisco, where for a few years he limited his attention strictly to photography, but the development of his genius led him into the field of portraiture and he since has become a popular portrait painter of the exposi- tion city.
At the age of five years Burton M. Hodson accompanied his par- ents to Sacramento and here he was sent to the primary school, later to the grammar and then to the high schools, He can scarcely recall a time when he was uninterested in photography. The science appealed to him in early years. The difficult process incident to pro- ducing a finished picture appealed to his interest. Having made a life study of the science he is eminently qualified for successful work in all of its specialties. Reading and research have broadened his knowledge of art, while practical experience has developed his in- born tastes until now he occupies a rank of unquestioned prominence among the photographers of Sacramento and Oakland. From boy- hood he has devoted himself to his profession. Polities has not di- verted his attention from his art. Fraternal interests, limited to membership with the Native Sons and the Sacramento Lodge of Elks, have not been allowed to infringe upon his constant devotion to his chosen calling, and it is to this persistent devotion, supple- menting intelligence, affability and refinement, that he owes his growing success. Sharing with him in the good-will of acquaintances is his wife, who prior to their marriage in 1908 in her native city of Sacramento, was Miss Lillian May Nelson, member of an old and honored family of the capital city.
AUGUST KAUFMAN
Industry and integrity were the foundation stones upon which the late August Kaufman erected the superstructure of an honorable existence, devoted to the welfare of wife and children, and to the discharge of duties devolving upon him as a citizen of his adopted country. With the exception of the first eleven years of his life, which
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were passed in his native Germany, he was identified with the United States throughout all of his busy career. Loyal and patriotic in the highest degree, he maintained a peculiarly deep devotion for the west, which was the scene of his mature efforts and his permanent suc- cesses. Although in early life he had learned the trades of butcher and blacksmith, and had followed both of these ocenpations for a time, he gained prosperity through the tilling of the soil, and it was by diligence as a farmer that he acquired the valuable estate left to his heirs.
Upon crossing the ocean in company with his mother when eleven years of age and settling at Boonville, Mo., Angust Kaufman entered the public schools in order to acquire a knowledge of the English language and the education necessary for life's activities. After he had completed the grammar course be began to assist his step-father in the butcher business and thus gained a thorough knowledge of the trade. At the age of twenty-one he came to California and settled in Sacramento, but after a time removed to Woodland, Yolo county. Later he established himself in business in Plainfield, where he in- vented and patented a plow. During 1876 he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Krinki, a native of Germany, born January 2, 1852, bnt from childhood a resident of the United States. The family lived for some years in Ohio, near Belmont, and two of her brothers still reside in that state. Four years before the family came to the western coast her father, Charles Krinki, left Ohio and sought the. oppor- tunities of California. When finally he had established himself on a firin financial footing in this state he sent for his family, who came by ship, one brother dying during the course of the voyage. At that time Mrs. Kaufman was a young lady of eighteen and she settled at Woodland, living there and at Davisville until the time of her marriage, which was solemnized in Sacramento.
The united and unwearied efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Kanfman resulted in the acquisition of a comfortable home and a well-improved farm at Plainfield. Later they also bought four hundred and fifty- two acres in Capay. Had his life been spared to a good old age un- doubtedly a greater prosperity would have crowned his efforts, but when he lacked just two months of fifty years death removed him from the sphere of his activities. Later his widow was married to Emil Kirch, who passed away in 1907. Although bearing a different name, he was a brother of Mr. Kanfman, the difference being due to the fact that he was reared in the home of a grandfather and was given his name. For years he was identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen in San Francisco. Both brothers were brought np in the German Lutheran faith and always remained firm believers in its doctrines. For years the family have been connected with that denomination in Sacramento. The widow still owns and occupies the comfortable family residence at No. 2511 F street, but her children
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