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 89
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Subsequent to the demise of Mr. Koch his widow and children came to California and settled in Sacramento, where now they re- side at No. 3211 W street. There were four children in the family and all of them were born in Pennsylvania, where the eldest of the four died at an early age. The three now living are with their mother in Sacramento, where the older son, Harry B., is employed by the California Wine Company, and the only daughter, Elsie, acts as stenographer and typist for one of the leading business firms. The youngest child, Karl W., is a student in the Sacramento high school.
HARRY WORTHINGTON LEONARD
Just south of the city of Sacramento lies the old Leonard home- stead, which originally embracing one hundred and thirty acres has been reduced by various sales of small tracts, so that the place still owned by the family now contains only eighteen acres. Years ago the ranch was the home of a large family, for Albert and Caroline (Merrill) Leonard were the parents of eleven children and all but one of these attained maturity and still survive. A native of Massa- chusetts the father came to California on a sailing vessel around Cape Horn in 1849, and almost immediately upon arriving in this state located in Sacramento, where he was associated in different business enterprises, becoming well and favorably known, and here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1891, when he was sixty-five years old. He was one of the first real estate dealers in Sacramento, and for thirty years was interested in that enterprise. The mother was born in Illinois, and crossed the plains in 1849. Her
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death occurred January 8, 1912. Harry Worthington, the youngest child born to them, first saw the light of day in Sacramento July 7, 1877. His education was obtained in the public schools, after which he entered the Southern Pacific Railroad shop as an appren- tice coppersmith. Completing this he spent abont eleven years in the shops and in 1907 accepted the appointment of superintendent and secretary of the I. O. O. F. Lawn Cemetery, which position he has filled ever since. The cemetery was established and platted in 1906, since which time there has been a constant effort to de- velop the natural beauties. An attractive entrance has been planned and trees have been planted which, with the aid of well-kept lawns and flowers, will supplement the natural charm of the spot, making of the cemetery one of the most beautiful in the state.
Mr. Leonard was united in marriage, March 9, 1904, with Miss Ella Jones, member of a well-known family of the capital city. The local prominence of Mr. Leonard as a worker in the Republican party led to his selection for the office of public administrator, to which he was elected in November of 1910 and which he still fills with discrimination and painstaking attention to details. From yonng manhood he has been actively connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for seven years he served as secretary of Eldorado Lodge No. 8, Sacramento, besides which for one term he officiated as district deputy. He is clerk of the Canton, Uniform Rank, I. O. O. F.
ARTHUR H. LINDSAY
The secretary and manager of the Pacific Grocery and Produce Company belongs to that noteworthy circle of Californians who achieve a fair degree of snecess along any line of endeavor. By birth he is eligible to membership with the Native Sons of the Golden West, for he claims Siskiyou county as his earliest home and the center of his youthful activities. Born May 11, 1873, he was a mem- ber of a pioneer family and himself grew to manhood in the midst of a frontier environment, for Siskiyon responded to the uplifting influences of increasing population with less rapidity than other portions of the state. Naturally, therefore, the occupations of the frontier were the first to interest him and we find him buying and selling cattle, raising stock on the broad ranges of the north country and following the uncertain life of a miner. From the cattle indus- try he gradually drifted into the butcher business and at an early age he was familiar with every detail incident to that occupation. For a considerable period the headquarters of Mr. Lindsay were
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at Fort Jones, which stands at the confluence of two small streams that merge eventually into the Klamath river. A sense of isolation is inspired by the long distance from the railroad and by the over- hanging peaks of the Salmon mountains. Realizing that a more central location would afford him better commercial advantages, Mr. Lindsay closed out his interests in Siskiyou connty and removed far- ther south, arriving at Sacramento .July 30, 1907. Here he purchased an interest in and assisted in the incorporation of an old-established business, formerly known as D. Deirson & Co., and made popular through a long experience covering twenty-five busy years. The business was incorporated with C. F. Dosch as president and A. H. Lindsay as secretary and manager and the latter has since been the managing head of the important and growing business. Recently large quarters were secured in the new general market on J street, where the firm occupies the entire west side of the market as well as commodious floor space in the center. For thirty years J. P. Murphy, better known as "Panama" Murphy, of baseball fame, has been with this firm and its predecessors and meanwhile he has gained the reputation of being the best game and produce man in the entire state.
Upon coming to Sacramento and entering into business for himself Mr. Lindsay was unmarried, but on Christmas day of the following year he established domestic ties, being then united with Miss Ethel Tilton, a cultured young lady of Sacramento, born and reared here, also educated in the local schools. The Tilton family holds a place among the influential pioneers of Sacramento and her father for twenty-five years has been connected actively with Baker & Hamilton, wholesale dealers in hardware and agriculture imple- ments. While Mr. Lindsay possesses to an unusual degree the qualities that win and retain friends in social circles, he has been devoted so closely to business affairs that social functions and political conventions have lacked his genial presence and helpful encouragement. Nor has he identified himself with any of the fraternities with the exception of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, whose camp at Sacramento has the benefit of his generons con- tributions and cordial co-operation in all progressive work.
PETER F. DONNELLY
The discovery of gold was the immediate canse of the removal of the Donnelly family to the west and since then their identification with the material upbuilding of Sacramento county has been perma-
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nent and important. Three successive generations have resided at Folsom, the original Argonaut, Henry F., representing the first generation, while his children and grandchildren continue the family identification with this section of Sacramento county. All have been characterized by a patriotic devotion to the local welfare, a pride of citizenship in this great commonwealth, a personal associa- tion with important commercial affairs and a decided individual interest in mining activities. A genuine degree of success has re- warded their painstaking efforts and they have become well known in their chosen place of residence.
Not only was Henry F. Donnelly a native of Paterson, N. J., but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Katie MeKernan, likewise claimed that city as the place of her birth. Upon coming to California immediately after hearing of the discovery of gold, this pioneer began to prospect and mine and he never lost his interest in such work, although later he gave his attention almost wholly to ranching in Sacramento county and at one time owned the Natoma grant. Over the broad range his large herd of cattle roamed throughout much of the year, and when the round-ups came and those ready for market were sold he usually received a neat sum to repay him for the care of the stock. He died in 1877 while yet in middle life. His widow was later married to Mr. Foster, and she now resides in Sacramento.
Peter F. Donnelly, son of Henry F., was born at Folsom, Sacra- mento county, October 22, 1875, and at the age of six entered the Folsom primary department of the public school. Later he studied in the grammar school, but at the age of thirteen he discontinued his studies and took up the task of self-support.
Ever since his father's death Mr. Donnelly carried on a livery and teaming business in connection with his brother, and besides owning this stable he was also proprietor of the Folsom hotel. These he conducted until 1912, since which time he has leased them. He owns other valuable property interests, and in addition to devoting considerable time to the care of these varions holdings he is also serving as constable of Folsom. Prior to 1905, and since then, he has served as deputy, in all six years, during which time he made some important arrests, among them being the Natoma high-graders. At this writing he is engaged in mining, owning and working some gravel mines that hold out especially fascinating inducements. Throughout all of his life he has been identified with the Roman Catholic Church and his contributions to its maintenance and charities have been large. The Republican party has received his ballot ever since he attained his majority. His marriage took place April 8, 1901, and united him with Miss Mollie Scott, who was born in Iowa, but has spent her life principally in the west. Of this union there are three sons, Henry, James and Peter, to whom the father hopes to give
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every educational advantage possible and every opportunity to pre- pare with thoroughness for life's responsibilities. In fraternal rela- tions he is connected with the Eagles, the U. P. E. C. and the Native Sons of the Golden West.
JACOB J. FISCHER
As one of the members of the Sacramento broom factory Mr. Fischer retains an intimate identification with one of the well-known industries in Sacramento. Long experience in the work admirably qualifies him for the accurate discharge of all duties connected with his responsible position. Although not an elderly man, but still in the prime of mature activities, he has given more than one-quarter of a century to work at the one trade and meanwhile he has acquired a thorough knowledge of the industry. Up-to-date machinery has been introduced, and the output has been increased. While a portion of the raw material comes from Illinois, much is bought in California and largely grown in Sacramento county on the river of the same name, in the district lying north of Knight's Landing. The special product is the house broom of ordinary size but superior quality and in addition there is manufactured every other kind of broom for which any demand exists.
Himself a native of Marietta, Ohio, born December 5, 1865, Jacob J. Fischer comes of Teutonic parentage. When they were young his parents, William and Catherine Fischer, came across the ocean from Germany and settled at Marietta, Ohio, where the former followed the trade of boot and shoemaking. While yet in the old country he had served an apprenticeship to the trade and his unusual expertness was recognized by a large circle of customers. Throughout practically all of his active life he followed the same occupation. quietly and successfully continuing his work until his death at the old Ohio home about 1894. His widow still continues to reside in Ohio. Of their five sons William is a lawyer in Rainier, Ore .; Frederick is engaged in the ministry and has a charge at Zanesville, Ohio; Edward is a business man of Rockford, Ill .; while Herman carries on a grocery business in Indianapolis, Ind. The fifth, Jacob J., likewise has been successful in his life efforts and by his high standing and enviable reputation adds prestige to an honored family name.
The financial condition of the parents did not permit idleness on the part of the sons and we find that Jacob J. Fischer was a mere lad when he began to earn a livelihood through employment on farms and through work at the broom-maker's trade. The latter he acquired familiarity with when very young and always liked the work, so that
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he naturally drifted into it as a permanent occupation. Seeking em- ployment in various parts of the country he continued as a journey- man for some time. During early manhood he became interested in the west and decided to come hither, but he made the journey a means of self-support and of education. Work at the trade enabled him to earn his own way through the country, and he was thus able to gain an excellent knowledge of various sections of the United States. During June of 1899 he arrived in Sacramento and here he promptly found a position with the Columbia Company, in whose employ he remained, meanwhile by various promotions reaching the position of manager. Continuing until October, 1912, he resigned and with three partners started the Sacramento Broom Factory at No. 1715 Fifteenth street. Of his two children the older daughter, Della, married Roy Walthers and resides in San Francisco; the younger daughter, May, is at home. Fraternally Mr. Fischer is associated with the Druids, Knights of Pythias, Improved Order of Red Men and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In national elections he votes with the Republican party, but in local campaigns he gives his influence to those whom he regards as best qualified to represent the people, irrespective of their political ties.
ALFRED GILBERT FOLGER
Shortly before his death during the latter part of the eighteenth century the illustrious philosopher and statesman, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, presented to his namesake and relative, Benjamin Franklin Folger, of Nantucket, a medallion head as a token of affection and remembrance. This souvenir, which presents an excellent likeness of the noted doctor, is now in the possession of Alfred Gilbert Folger, a grandson of the original owner and himself a elaimant to kinship with the statesman through the latter's mother, who was a member of the Folger family of Massachusetts. In addition to his relationship to one of America's most noted men, he also is a descendant of a Forty-niner, his grandfather, Hosmer P. Osborn, having come to the west immediately after hearing of the discovery of gold, and many years afterward this honored old settler served as president of the Pioneer Society of Sacramento.
Born in the city of Sacramento April. 4, 1854, Alfred Gilbert Folger is a son of Benjamin F. and Juliana (Osborn) Folger. A fair education received in the local schools afforded him preparation for
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the activities of business. Upon starting out for himself he em- barked in the stock industry and for two years owned and man- aged a large flock of sheep in the northern part of the state. After he had disposed of the sheep he turned his attention to general farming and for six years he tilled the soil in Placer county. A later experience of one year in the mercantile business was fol- lowed by his association in 1890 with the People's Saving Bank of Sacramento. At first he held a position as teller and bookkeeper, but in a short time he was made assistant cashier. Upon the resignation of the cashier, George W. Lorenz, in 1906 Mr. Folger was selected to fill the vacancy. Largely as the result of his far-seeing business judgment, the bank decided to purchase the site on the corner of Eighth and J streets. On this unexcelled location the finest bank building in Sacramento was erected at a cost of $275,000. The struc- ture contains seven floors, the first of which is fitted with the elegant appointments of a modern bank and is utilized entirely by the bank- ing institution for its own large business, while the upper stories are rented as offices.
The marriage of Mr. Folger took place in Sacramento, December 12, 1877, and united him with Miss Ella A. Gallup, a lifelong resident of Sacramento and a descendant of Revolutionary ancestors. Her parents, Josiah and Julia A. Gallup, were pioneers of the west. Mr. Gallup, who could speak the Chinese language with fluency and was a man of wide intelligence, held a high position among the early settlers of the state. Until his death, which occurred in 1859, he engaged extensively in raising and buying mules to be utilized for transportation purposes, a business of great importance owing to the fact that no railroad had as yet been built into the valley. The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Folger is Miss Julia Ardel Folger, born October 31, 1890, and educated in Mills College near Oakland. Both Mr. and Mrs. Folger are prominent in the most exclusive circles of Sacramento society, Mrs. Folger being one of the leading members of the Tuesday Club, while he is past president of the Sunset Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West. He was made a Mason in Wash- ington Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., is member of Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., Sacramento Council No. 1, R. & S. M., Sacramento Commandery No. 2, K. T., and is a member of Islam Temple, N. M. S. of San Francisco. The Sutter Club numbers him among its members, and he is also a member of the Junior Society of California Pioneers. The Republican party has received his ballot ever since he attained his majority and he has been stanch in the support of the principles which he believes to best conserve the permanent progress of our commonwealth and country.
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RICHARD C. IRVINE
The twentieth century has been marked by the inauguration and rise of many public-spirited projects, few of which possess greater value or promise greater benefit than the good-roads movement. As a pioneer worker in the developing of the roads R. C. Irvine gained local prominence many years ago, when the movement was yet in its infancy. Consistently advocating permanence in roads, from the first he opposed the temporary quality and unsatisfactory nature of such work as was done on the roads, but gave the pressure of his influence toward better highways as a precursor to better farms and larger profits to the farmers. Before automobiles had come into common use and their owners had united to advocate a more satis- factory highway, he had attracted attention through his persistent efforts to interest property-owners in such work. It has been his privilege to see a marked advance and a deepened interest in the movement, but he believes the work already accomplished is only the predecessor of greater efforts in the years to come.
Taking up a consideration of Mr. Irvine's personal history, it may be stated that he was born in Jefferson City, Mo., February 5, 1846, a son of Capt. Alexander and Lou Anne Irvine, of that state. His father raised a company which was assigned to the regiment of Colonel Donovan for service in the Mexican war, and he served as captain. Wounded in the first engagement of his company, he started for the Paso Robles Springs, Cal., but after a few weeks became so ill that he was obliged to turn back. Nevertheless, in 1850, Captain Irvine piloted a train across the plains to California, where the family made their home. Richard C. Irvine for some years at- tended the public schools of St. Louis, Mo., but in 1859 he accompanied the family to California and settled in Eldorado county, where he continued his studies in the public schools. In 1862 he secured a clerkship in the general mercantile business in his home county and continued in the same position until his removal in 1870 to Sacra- mento, where he engaged as clerk with R. Stone & Co., wholesale saddlers. Later he was promoted to a salesmanship for the company. When they first sold out in 1881 to A. A. Van Voorhies & Co., Mr. Irvine bought stock in the new concern and continued a partner in the business until January of 1891, when he sold out his interest.
After a period of service as county assessor from 1891 to 1895 Mr. Irvine was appointed by Governor Budd as a member of the bureau of highways, the executive's attention having been drawn to him through his intense interest in every phase of the good-roads movement. During 1896 he resigned the position to take charge of
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a large wholesale saddlery in Los Angeles. After a year in Southern California he returned to Sacramento and took charge of the Capital Soap Company until 1898. From that time until 1903 he served as deputy to the city street superintendent, after which he was manager of the Wilson Manufacturing Company. His first appointment as city superintendent of streets came to him in January, 1906, and for two years he filled the position with scrupulous fidelity, resigning in January of 1908 to serve as general inspector over country roads, which office had been tendered him by the county board of super- visors. At the expiration of a term of two years he was again ap- pointed city superintendent of streets and continued to fill the position with marked intelligence and industrious application.
The marriage of Mr. Irvine and Miss Adelaide Wells took place in Sacramento in March of 1881 and they have since been popular in society functions, also contributors to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with which they are identified. Always stanch in his allegiance to the Democratic party, Mr. Irvine is yet broad in his views and concedes to other voters the same choice of nominees and measures which he demands for himself. A man of genial disposition and companionable nature, he finds pleasure in social and fraternal activities and is one of the founders of the MeNeil Club of Sacra- mento. In addition he has been a leading local worker in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Knights of Honor, Loyal Order of Moose and the Masonic Order, in which he has taken many degrees, including that of Knight Templars and Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
R. MCELWAINE
Noteworthy among the industrial plants of Sacramento may be mentioned the one founded by Mr. MeElwaine and promoted through his intelligent, capable efforts as secretary and treasurer. This organization, incorporated under the title of the Sacramento Pump Manufacturing and Supply Company, is a somewhat recent acquisi- tion to the commercial institutions of the capital city, but already it has proved its value to the locality and has given promise of im- portant future development. The plant is located at No. 1800 R street, where machine work of all kinds and also foundry work may be done expeditiously and with thoroughness. With H. I. Seymour as president and with other capable business men and engineers con- nected with the foundry and machine shop, all contracts receive prompt attention and the business is promoted by sagacious super-
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vision. A specialty is made of centrifugal pumps for all purposes, also of refrigerating plant supplies and in these lines the firm has established a wide and excellent reputation.
A son of W. J. MeElwaine, for many years a citizen of Northern California, R. MeElwaine was born March 19, 1874, in the mining town of Oroville, in Butte county, so that he is eligible to member- ship with the Native Sons of the Golden West. At an early age he accompanied the family from Butte county to Solano county, where he attended the grammar school at Dixon and later became a student in the Dixon highschool. Upon the completion of the studies in local schools he began to earn his own livelihood, but there remained with him a desire for further educational advantages, and to gratify this ambition he entered the Leland Stanford University in 1896, continning a student in that institution for two years. From 1898 until 1900 he was connected with the United States navy in the transport service. Upon his return to Dixon he acquired land near that village and became interested in farming, which occupation en- gaged his attention until December, 1910, the time of his removal . to Sacramento. In this city he helped to organize the company of which he since has been secretary and treasurer and whose success he has promoted by personal efforts. Ever since attaining his ma- jority he has voted with the Democratic party and has maintained a warm interest in public affairs, although he has not solicited official honors for himself, nor has he exhibited partisan spirit in local issues. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias.
CASSIUS M. PHINNEY
The secret of snecess in all undertakings is to be found not alone in faithfulness to duty, but, as well, in the power to maintain through all situations a well defined, individual purpose; for rarely does failure reward the man who believes in his hopes and accords them the patience and energy essential to their frnition. Ambitious from boyhood to become a successful business man, and supplement- ing his yearnings by strong, concentrative effort, the prosperity of Mr. Phinney has been fully merited and in his work as a member of the well known engineering firm of Phinney, Cate and Marshall, who maintain offices in the Forum Building, Sacramento, he has justified the highest confidence of his associates.
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