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 95
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
Descended from a long line of Celtic ancestry, humble in sta- tion but honorable in character, Edward Gillespie was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1829, and had such meager schooling as was possible in that locality and at that time. Hoping to find in the new world greater opportunities than awaited him in his na- tive land, he crossed the ocean at an early age and secured employ- ment in the mines of Pennsylvania. Some years after the discov- ery of gold he followed the tide of emigration to the Pacific coast and secured employment as a miner, but later settled in Sacramento county and here resided for fifty years or more, until the close of his industrious and useful life. For thirty-five years he remained in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a trust- worthy, intelligent and honored assistant of that company. Fond
951
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of his work, his home and his church, the latter part of his life re- flected in results the wise training and the sterling principles im- planted in his heart during the boyhood days in Ireland.
During 1895 Edward Gillespie was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret (Dugan) Monson, a native of Ireland and the daughter of parents who were lifelong residents of the Emerald Isle. When still a very young girl she became the wife of John Monson, a native of Germany, but a pioneer of California, where he died in San Fran- cisco prior to 1890. Surviving him, besides the widow, there were two children. The daughter, Viola Monson, is now the wife of Joseph Davy and lives in Sacramento. The son, John Monson, Jr., who received a thorough education, entered the government service dur- ing young manhood and was stationed in China for three years, but since 1908 he has been engaged as a vice-consul in India. The only child of the second marriage, Edward Gillespie, Jr., born in 1896, is now a student in the Christian Brothers College at Sacramento, where he is receiving a thorough training for the future responsi- bilities of business affairs.
MRS. ANNA G. GARDNER
Before the first trans-continental line of railway had been brought to completion and thus welded the west with the east by links of steel, Mrs. Anna Gardner came to California with her parents and settled in Sacramento. Among the pictures on memory's walls none is clearer to her mind than those associated with the long trip from the eastern home of the family to the then unknown and sparsely set- tled regions of the west. The plastic minds of youth readily absorb and long retain incidents of importance, and the young girl who ex- perienced a most delightful trip via the Isthmus of Panama has never forgotten those interesting events, although she since has passed out of youth into the afternoon of life's busy day and now has an honored place among the elderly matrons of Sacramento, whose growth she has witnessed for a period of more than forty years. Her father, Daniel Sloat, for years made his home in New York City, where she was born; her mother was a native of Kentucky and descended from southern ancestry but New York City was her home from childhood. Almost immediately after his arrival in Sacramento the father secured employment with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and con- tinned with them for a long period, but eventually returned to the east and there died. After having been spared to a ripe old age, the mother passed away in 1901 at Oakland, this state.
The first grammar-school ever conducted in Sacramento was
952
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
attended by Mrs. Gardner. In 1871, while she was still a young girl, she became the wife of Daniel Gardner, long a resident of Sacramento. Four children were born of the union and of these two sons are now living. The elder, Benjamin W., is a native of Sacramento and has spent his entire life in this city, with the exception of the period of his active service in the Spanish-American war; in his family there are four children, born of his union with Miss Clara Schondobie, a young lady of Sacramento. The younger son, Elmer R., likewise a native of the capital city, has a responsible position as manager of the Pacific States Telephone Company at Modesto, and is fraternally very active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also holds honorary membership with the Rebekahs. In the latter organization Mrs. Gardner for years has been a successful worker and her selection as past noble grand, also as the incumbent of other offices of trust and honor, indicate the respect entertained for her exentive ability and wise leadership by the members of the order in Sacramento.
JOSEPH F. HUMMEL
More than one-quarter of a century has brought its transforming revolutions into the annals of California since Joseph F. Hummel laid aside the burdens of existence and entered into eternal rest, but long as has been the period since his departure, his memory lingers green and fresh in the minds of the pioneers who knew him and in the hearts of his family, among whom his vacant chair nevermore can be filled. He belonged to that sturdy class of pioneers to whom we owe the early development of the state and whose tireless labors and patriotic devotion laid a broad and solid foundation for later sub- stantial development. When gold was discovered in California he was at the threshold of maturity and well qualified by rugged constitu- tion and tireless energy for the arduous tasks incident upon westward emigration. Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1819, he inherited the forceful qualities associated with Teutonic blood and, while he lacked educational advantages, for this deprivation there was a recompense in faculties of keen observation and careful reading of current literature. Mr. Hummel came to Philadelphia when a young man and there remained until 1852, when he came to California via Panama.
Upon his arrival in the west, a stranger unfamiliar with the language or customs of the people, Mr. Hummel found San Francisco a city of tents, filled with a cosmopolitan throng allured hither by the discovery of gold. With characteristic energy he found a place for
953
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
himself and embarked in business. Finding the conditions encourag- ing and the future assured in 1856 he returned to Philadelphia and there in June, 1856, occurred his marriage to Miss Lonisa D. Wetzel, a native of Metzingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, who before her marriage was an instructor in the art department at "Luthe" in Philadelphia. In 1857 the couple came to California, where Mr. Hummel had a comfortable residence in Sutter near Kearney, but he soon located in Sacramento and here they found a place suitable for housekeeping, thus beginning their long identification with the citizenship of the capital city. During 1858 Mr. Hummel opened a shoe store in Sacramento, on J street between Third and Fourth streets, after- wards locating on Fifth and J streets, where he continued to operate until his death, which occurred in 1876. His widow makes her home at No. 1619 L street and has many warm friends among the people of the city where for more than fifty years she has lived and labored. When yet a young girl in the home of her childhood she acquired a thorough knowledge of embroidery and afterward she kept up an interest in the skilled handiwork of the day, so that she became recognized as one of the most expert needlewomen in Sacramento, where for years she gave instructions in embroidery with gratifying success. Of her five children three are still living. Agnes is with John Breuner Co. and Emma is at the head of the art department of Weinstock & Lubin Co., while the son, Herman H., resides in San Francisco and is connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company in that city.
JOHN W. JOHNSTON
A seeming misfortune in the life of Mr. Johnston, when ill health forced him to relinquish a splendid professional practice in a most desirable location and seek a change of climate, proved to possess a recompense of no small value. The practice of law in Sacramento has brought him into prominence throughout the northern part of the state and, while enjoying the benefits acerning from restored health, he also receives gratifying returns from his practice, so that he has no reason to regret the apparent handicap occasioned from the removal. Since coming to Sacramento in 1899 he has built up an important clientele and during the past seven or more years he has been associated with Hon. Grove L. Johnson in professional work.
Among the thousands of Union soldiers whom Ohio furnished to protect the stars and stripes during the Civil war not the least conspicuous was Henry Johnston, a volunteer for three months at the opening of the Rebellion, then a re-enlisted veteran for the entire remainder of the struggle. Eventually he received an honorable
954
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
discharge after peace had been declared. When he had entered the army he left at home a wife and children, among the latter being John W., who was born in Pike county, Ohio, in 1857. The wife, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Slaughter, was a native of Ohio of southern family and had among her relatives a distinguished general, Slaughter, of the Confederate army. During the fall of 1865 the family removed to Missouri and settled at Kirksville, Adair county. The son, at that time a lad of eight years, received his education almost wholly in Kirksville and in 1881 he was admitted to the bar. Two years later he was elected city attorney of Kirksville and for a period of three consecutive terms he served satisfactorily in that capacity. Before the third term had expired he was elected prosecut- ing attorney of Adair county and for two terms he filled that office with conspicuous zeal and tireless energy.
When his long period of official service had been completed Mr. Johnston removed to Nebraska and opened an office at Omaha, where immediately he rose to professional prominence. During 1894 he was elected to represent Douglas county in the Nebraska state legislature and during his term he promoted the interests of his home city to the extent of his ability. The legislature of which he was a member elected Hon. John M. Thurston to the United States senate. The exciting and long continued campaign, however, seriously im- paired the health of Mr. Johnston and developed throat troubles that did not yield to ordinary treatment. A change of climate was advised and he therefore came to California during 1896, settling at Ukiah, Mendocino county, where he engaged in the practice of law for three years, then removing to the capital city, his present headquarters.
While still making his home in Missouri Mr. Johnston married Miss Juliet M. Hollaway, a native of that state and a descendant through her mother of the illustrious Lee family of Virginia. One of her cousins at present is serving his second term as a judge of the supreme court of Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of five children. The eldest, Thomas D. Johnston, the present district attorney of Contra Costa county, represented that county in the California state legislature during the sessions of 1905-06, 1908-09 and 1912-13. Volney C., the second son, resides in Sacramento. The three youngest children are Pauline, a graduate of King's Conserva- tory of Music in San Jose; Lucille, a student in a business college; and J. Willard, who remains with his parents at the family home, No. 1010 F street. The broad and congenial fraternal relations of Mr. Johnston have included membership with the Ancient Order of Druids, the Woodmen of the World, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic Order, all of which at various time have benefited by his professional knowledge, tactful spirit and unwavering adherence to the highest principles of honor.
955
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
GEORGE HOOK
The life of that once well-known Californian, George Hook, for- merly of Contra Costa county, spanned the period of thirty years, from 1851 to 1880. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, was there reared and educated and from there came, a young man, to California. It was at Placerville and in Contra Costa county that he passed most of his active life and in the latter place he died, sincerely mourned by a wide circle of acquaintances.
In 1874 Mr. Hook married Miss Mary Green, a native of San Bernardino, Cal., whose father in 1849, when nineteen years of age, left Ohio and crossed the plains to California. Mrs. Green, a native of England and now a resident of Sacramento, remembers all of the details of the eventful journey on the overland trail. Mrs. Hook bore her husband a son and a daughter, Henry and Sarah C. Hook. The former is married and lives at Roseville, Cal., and Sarah is a member of her mother's household.
JOHN REESE
As secretary and manager of the Florin Supply Company, Florin, Cal., for the past ten years, Mr. Reese has displayed the good management and business foresight which have distinguished his entire career, the increasing prosperity and firm condition of his organization bearing witness to the good judgment of his associates in placing him in charge of its affairs. A man of exemplary principles and quiet, magnetic personality, he has met life with both optimism and power, and retains, in spite of varied opinions on all sides, an individual discrimination in all matters which come to his attention.
A native of Utah, his birth having occurred in Payson, January 9, 1856, Mr. Reese came to Sacramento, Cal., four years later with his parents, John and Elizabeth (Anthony) Reese, natives of Wales. During his youth he displayed a power of concentration and studious temperament that stood him in good stead, enabling him to advance rapidly, and he graduated at the age of eighteen. Choosing an out- door life he took up farming, varied by occasional carpentry, and after conducting these pursuits with fair success until 1898, he turned his attention to a new field, becoming salesman for the Florin Frnit Growers' Association, a position which took him through the north- west. After two years, during which period he proved many times his exceptional worth and firmness of character, he was placed in charge of the Sacramento office, resigning in 1902 to become manager of the Farmers' Mercantile Company at Florin, and upon the purchase 54
956
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of the latter concern by the Florin Supply Company, was unanimously chosen secretary and manager. From time to time he added to his stock holdings and now owns a large interest in the business.
Mr. Reese was married November 23, 1873, in Sacramento, to Miss Addie Shaler, whose birth occurred in Sacramento and whose parents, Thomas and Adelia Shaler, were early settlers of Sacramento county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Reese numbered nine children, as follows: Lester, now book-keeper in the office conducted by his father; Mabel, Mrs. Milton Browning of Sacramento; Myrtle, post- mistress at Florin; Llewelyn, now a successful stenographer in Sacramento; Howard, who died November 7, 1911; David, clerking for the Florin Supply Co .; Winifred, attending the Sacramento high school; Mildred, and Melvin, all of whom have in no wise dis- appointed the hopes of their parents, who realize that they are partic- ularly blessed in their ambitous children.
As a Republican Mr. Reese is deeply interested in political developments and prompt to lend his influence as an elector to party candidates. He served as deputy sheriff under his brother David Reese and is now under the present sheriff. He maintains a thorough understanding of all matters relating to the public good and as a member of Florin Lodge No. 364, I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Grand, and as- a member of Rebekah Lodge No. 20, is enabled to keep in touch with the needs of humanity, his standard of life em- bracing nothing less than the Golden Rule.
JOSEPH C. HOBRECHT
The conservative opinion of those whose long experience entitles them to an expression of their impartial, accurate judgment indicates that Mr. Hobrecht has attained to a position of marked prominence among the electrical specialists of California. In identifying himself with the electrical business he chose by an apparent accident of fate the occupation for which nature admirably had qualified him. His success indeed comes from his natural ability in the line of his specialty; this ability, supplemented by education and study, has been developed until it secures for him recognition among men of his occupation throughout the entire west. When he opened his store in Sacramento, at No. 1012 Tenth street, on the 20th of September, 1909, it was with a thorough knowledge of his own qualifications for the management of such a business, which includes the exhibition and sale of exclusive designs in lighting fixtures. Not only are these designs
957
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
original with himself, but many of them are so beautiful as to attract wide attention and convince the observer of the artistic skill of the designer.
Born in Germany April 21, 1876, Joseph C. Hobrecht was a very small child when brought to the United States by his parents, Lawrence and Theresa Hobrecht. After landing in New York City the family traveled as far west as Nebraska and settled in Omaha, where the father, a skilled mechanic, secured employment at his trade. During 1903 he joined the other members of the family who had preceded him to California and settled in San Francisco, where he still lives, now being retired from occupational tasks that engrossed his earlier years. In the family there are eight children, all of whom are still living. One of the number, Philip J., is associated with his brother, Joseph C., in the ownership of the business at Sacramento and has spent considerable time in this city during recent years.
An education acquired in the public schools of Omaha and the Creighton institution in the same city qualified Mr. Hobrecht for the duties of the business world. In early life he assisted his father in a machine shop and thus acquired a comprehensive knowledge of such work, becoming indeed a skilled mechanic. For eight years he con- tinned in that occupation. Going to Montana he started to work as an electrician, and continued to operate a plant in that city for some time. During the year 1900 he came to Sacramento, where he worked in the employ of the Bay Counties Power Company for eighteen months. On leaving that position he entered the employ of the Electrical Suppy Company, with whom he continued for seven years or until he had determined to engage in the electrical business for himself. In February of 1911 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Lillian (McCarthy) Hanford, of Sacramento, daughter of Patrick McCarthy, a pioneer of Eldorado county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hobrecht are earnest members of the Roman Catholic church and he is identified prominently with the Knights of Columbus, a well-known organization under the anspices of that denomination. His fraternal activities are further enlarged through membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
When the city of Sacramento decided to install ornamental elec- troliers in the district bounded by I-J and L-M alleys and Front and Twelfth streets. embracing a section three blocks wide and one mile long, competition was sought from the leading electrical firms of the entire country. Designs were submitted from firms in New York City and Canton, Ohio, as well as numerous firms in San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, but it was reserved for Mr. Hobrecht to be the successful winner in the great contest. His design was adopted by the Retail Merchants' Association of Sacramento, approved by the city trustees, and endorsed by the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce,
958
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the J Street Improvement Association, the Realty Board, the Home Products' League and the Jobbers' Association. The first contract called for four hundred and sixty-four electroliers and these were manufactured in Sacramento (the contract is now about completed), so that the city may claim with pride that the artistic electroliers are a product of home skill, representing the inventive ingenuity of the designer and the mechanical skill of the manufacturer.
ELTON DENNIS SHARPE
Genealogical records indicate the identification of the Sharpe family with the history of England from a period so remote that authentic annals become merged into traditional lore. Some years before the opening of the Civil war a young Englishman, Samuel J. Sharpe, sought the opportunities which he believed to exist in the new world. Among the pioneers of Iowa he became interested in general agricultural pursuits and also followed the trade of a carpenter. With loyal devotion to the country of his adoption he offered his services to the Union immediately after war had been de- clared. Being accepted as a volunteer, he went to the front with Company G of the Ninth Iowa Infantry. For a period of four years, or until the close of the Rebellion, he remained in active service and meanwhile took part in thirty-two battles, among them being Gettys- burg and other history-making engagements. Notwithstanding his active participation in such a large number of fierce contests he was injured only once and that proved to be a mere flesh-wound. During the progress of the war he had the satisfaction of casting his ballot for Abraham Lincoln at the time of the second election of that illustrious statesman.
Upon exchanging the accoutrements of war for the tranquil pur- suits of peace Samuel J. Sharpe engaged at his trade of a carpenter at Canon City, Colo., besides which he followed general farming. About 1887 he became a pioneer fruit-grower in the Walla Walla valley of Washington and later he became interested in agricultural and horticultural enterprises near Mabton, Wash., a thriving little village in the Yakima valley. On his ranch there he passed away in 1904 and since then his wife has made her home with their son, Elton Dennis. The latter was born at Canon City, Colo., Jannary 21, 1871, and by dint of his own determination acquired an excellent education. From his earliest recollections he was ambitious to acquire knowledge and studious in temperament. After he had completed the regular high school course he attended an academy at Milton, Ore., and after- ward spent several years in Union College at Lincoln, Neb., from
959
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
which institution he was graduated in 1895 with a high standing.
Possessing the bent of mind that finds its highest enjoyment in educational activities, it was but natural that Professor Sharpe should have entered upon pedagogical labors when the time came for him to select his life work. From his earliest identification with the profession of educator he was successful and particularly so in the instruction of young men and young women. Those who earnestly and sincerely are preparing for the responsibilities of the future awaken his sympathy and aronse his deepest interest. To aid them in their noble endeavors he always has felt to be one of the greatest privileges that life can offer the vast army of teachers. Not only does he possess the desire, but in addition he possesses the ability to develop the mind and bring out the latent energies of the soul. In every sphere of mental training his co-operation proves beneficial to the student earnestly seeking to solve some of life's great mysteries.
As an illustration of the splendid leadership of which Professor Sharpe is capable it may be stated that at Lodi, Cal., he founded a normal school and built up an institution having an attendance of two hundred and fifty. However, the task proved too much for his health and nervous prostration resulted, which obliged him to resign the presidency of the school in the spring of 1910. Afterwards he spent one year with a brother at Mabton, Wash., and meanwhile en- joyed a gradual restoration to complete health. Upon his return to California, Professor Sharpe opened the Westsonian Normal College of Arts and Sciences during February, 1912, this being a training school for those who wish to secure training in arts and sciences. The school has ten departments operating, all of which have experi- enced success. It occupies one floor of the new Siller building on Ninth street between K and L streets, and has been elegantly fitted and substantially prepared for its specific use. Mrs. Sharpe, who prior to her marriage December 25, 1898, was Miss Sylvia Compton of Boise, Idaho, has proved a most able assistant to her husband and the two co-operate to secure the most gratifying results in the in- struction of each student. Music and art have their special depart- ments. There will also be afforded training for mechanical trades. It is the aim to develop professional and technical departments, also a research department for the study of astronomy and archaeology, and already the Professor has made arrangements with the Astro- nomical Association of Great Britain for co-operation in the securing of literature and in other movements for the upbuilding of the science. It is also his intention to conduct, under the auspices of the school, a series of illustrated lectures throughout the state, and indeed into every part of the west as far as practicable, showing the material resources and the commercial and educational advantages offered by the great Sacramento valley.
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.