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, 1923, Part 110

Author: Reed, G. Walter
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1026

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, 1923 > Part 110

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).

On May 10, 1922, clearly as reward of merit, for ability and fidelity, Mr. Bachelor was appointed to his present position, which carries with it many new and serious responsibilities. That he will not fail to meas- ure up to whatever may be expected of him is clear, and his many friends rejoice with him in his steady advancement.

WILLIAM M. MAXWELL .- A very interesting couple, representing worthy pioneer families, are Mr. and Mrs. William M. Maxwell, enterprising stock- raisers of Sacramento County. William M. Maxwell was born at Placerville, Cal., November 14, 1859. His father, William Maxwell, was born in Kentucky and came across the plains to California in 1850. He mined at Placerville; and there, too, he married Miss Catherine Parsons, who was also born in Kentucky and had crossed the plains in the early gold days. William Maxwell, the father, died in Placerville, while the mother died in Douglas County, Nev. Of the five children born to them, William M. is the third- born and the only one now living.

William M. Maxwell was reared in Placerville and in Alpine and Mono Counties, receiving his education in the public schools in the various districts where he lived. When ten years of age he went to work for T. B. Rickey, a cattleman in Mono County, and with him learned to ride the range and to rope and brand cattle. He continued with him twelve or fifteen years, during which time he acquired such adeptness and thoroughness in all that pertained to the cattle business that Mr. Rickey made him foreman of his ranch. During these years he became known as one of the best riders and horsemen on the range, and was an expert at breaking horses and training them for cow-ponies. Those were indeed good old times, as he now says when, in reminiscent mood, his thought turns back to those early and glorious days of his career.

At Woodfords, Alpine County, on Christmas day, 1883, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage with Miss Emma Trimmer, a native daughter of the Golden State, born in Diamond Valley, Alpine County, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Hunsaker) Trimmer, natives of England and Utah respectively. They were married in Utah, and in 1849 crossed the moun- tains to California, locating in Alpine County, where they were successful farmers and stock-raisers until they sold out to enjoy the fruits of their industry and labor. They are now living in well-earned re- tirement in Santa Barbara, a wonderfully well-pre- served old pioneer couple. They were blessed with twelve children, nine of whom are living, Emma being the third in order of birth. She spent her child-

752

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

hood on the home farm and grew up to enjoy the great out-of-doors, acquiring the health and strength that have enabled her to do for her family and be an able helpmate to her husband. At the same time she acquired a good education in the local schools and then remained at home and assisted her mother indus- triously until her marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell started in the stock busi- ness in Alpine County, preempting and homestead- ing land; and as they prospered they added to their holdings until they became the owners of 700 acres, besides leasing considerable range-land where they ran their stock. They met with deserved success; but meantime the years of strenuous work and the hardships of frontier life told on Mr. Maxwell, and his health became poorly. So in 1920 they sold out and located at Carbondale, Sacramento County, pur- chasing the present ranch of 204 acres, where they run sheep and cattle. Mrs. Maxwell also owns a ranch; so together they own 640 acres, a splendid holding located on Lagoon Creek, with running water the whole year through, making it a splendid stock ranch. Their union has been blessed with two chil- dren: William, who makes his home with his par- ents; and Mrs. Emma Jauch, who also lives on the Maxwell ranch. They also reared, as their own child, Irma Eona Maxwell Archer, now the wife of Don Shields, of Oakland.

Mr. Maxwell is a member of Gardenville Lodge . No. 36, at Gardenville, Nev., and also of Carson City Lodge No. 4, K. of P .; while Mrs. Maxwell is a member of Ione Lodge of the Rebekahs. Both are members of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Maxwell in early days followed sheep-shearing, in which he was very adept, being considered very expert and rapid in his work. While shearing for Joseph Giraud at Markleyville, Alpine County, his photograph was taken while at work; and this is reproduced in the eighth grade school history. He speaks Spanish fluently. During his years of range- riding and horse-breaking, he has had many excit- ing escapades and has met up with many interesting characters. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are great home folks, full of the milk of human kindness, and it is a pleasure to visit them and enjoy their hospitality. They are firm believers in protection as the funda- mental principle for the success of the- nation, and accordingly are strong Republicans in their political views.

ALEXANDER H. SMITH .- How Americans have materially advanced the science of dentistry is well il- lustrated in the progressive operations of Alexander H. Smith, the wide-awake and popular proprietor of the Great Western Dental Laboratory. He was born at Sacramento on August 31, 1892, the son of Alex- ander R. and Teckla (Hanson) Smith, and often heard his father tell how he came here early in the sixties. Mrs. Smith was a native of Sweden, and came with a sister; and our subject's parents were married at Sacramento. Alexander R. Smith was with the South- ern Pacific for forty-nine years; and the worthy couple are at last enjoying a deserved retirement, and in No- vember, 1922, he was pensioned.

Alexander Smith attended hoth the grammar and the high school, and at the early age of fourteen he took up the prosthetic end of dentistry. In 1917, the Great Western Dental Laboratory was formed by Mr.

Smith and a partner, E. T. Griffing. The laboratory employs eight men, and is rated among the best in the dental field in Northern California. In January, 1923, Mr. Smith bought Mr. Griffing's interest and is now sole owner of the Great Western Dental Lab- oratory.

An exemplary patriot, Mr. Smith enlisted in the United States Navy for the World War in January, 1918, and saw one and one-half years of actual ser- vice, and now belongs to the American Legion. A brother, Wallfred R. Smith, was in the aerial service, and died from pneumonia. In October, 1919, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary J. Stranmau, a na- tive daughter of Sacramento; and they have one child, Alexander H., Jr.

JOHN L. ANDERSON .- A resident of Sacra- mento County since the spring of 1866, almost his entire life, having been brought hither by his par- ents when he was a babe, John L. Anderson was born at Waukon, Allamakee County, Iowa, Septem- ber 12, 1865. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Vile) Anderson, natives of Yorkshire and Devon- shire, England, respectively, their marriage occur- ring in New York State, whither they had immi- grated. Later they removed to Allamakee County, Iowa, where he was a farmer. In 1866 Mr. Ander- son brought his wife and two children via New York City and the Panama Isthmus to San Francisco and soon afterwards they located on a 160-acre farm just north of Franklin. He was successful as a farmer and added to his holdings, owning 290 acres. He made his home on the place until he died in 1911, at eighty-two years of age, his widow surviving him two years. Two of the four children born of their union grew up, but John L. is the only one living and was reared in Sacramento County from the time he was six months old, so is to all intents and pur- poses a native son, as this is the scene of his first recollections. The only thing standing in the way of his claiming membership is the fact that he was born just before his parents started for the Golden West. Receiving a good education in the local school, at the same time he was assisting his father and making himself generally useful, he learned farming in its various details and became an adept at driving the big teams used in grain-farming. His father brought the first header used in the vicinity of Franklin about the year 1871. For five years Mr. Anderson had a foothill ranch where he resided, but he sold and returned to his valley ranch. When the Western Pacific Railroad was built through they gave right of way through their ranch, and after- wards Mr. Anderson subdivided a portion of his place as Franklin Farms Subdivision No. 1, having sold off about 100 acres in small tracts.

Mr. Anderson is a liberal and enterprising man and believes the best way to build up and improve the county is to supply the new settlers with smaller farms, so that by intensive farming production will be increased many fold and thus sustain a much larger population, as well as making the county a great deal richer. He is well posted on early day history and landmarks, has a retentive memory and is an interesting conversationalist. Fraternally, Mr. Anderson is a member of Sacramento Lodge, No. 1020, L. O. O. Moose.

John La. Andersm.

Havey W Frederick

757

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

FRANK N. KILLAM .- In public affairs Frank N. Killam takes an active and helpful interest, and as superintendent of operation and maintenance of state buildings he is doing effective service for the general good. He is one of California's native sons and was born in Petaluma, Sonoma County, October 13, 1876, of the marriage of John Cornelius Killam and Elizabeth Hawkins. They came to California in 1873 and settled in Sonoma County. The father is a mechanic by trade. The mother passed away in 1919.

Frank N. Killam attended the public schools of California and afterward studied electrical engineer- ing, in which work he engaged for twenty-four years, also acting as a salesman during that time. Subse- quently he passed the civil service examination and on March 1, 1922, was appointed to his present posi- tion by Governor Stephens. He is faithful to the trust reposed in him and his duties are efficiently and conscientiously discharged. He is also interested in agricultural pursuits and is the owner of a well- improved ranch in Butte County, this state.

Mr. Killam is a veteran of the Spanish-American War and saw service as corporal of Company B. Eighth California Volunteers. He is an Elk and has passed through all the chairs in the Odd Fellows Lodge. He is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason, and is also a member of the Ben Ali Tem- ple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is fond of fishing and hunting and is a member of the South Butte Gun Club of Live Oak. He is a loyal, public-spirited citizen, deeply interested in the welfare and progress of his community and commonwealth, and brings to his various duties in life a broad mind and keen intelligence, which are the basis of his success.

WINFRED D. WINTERS .- A spirit of enter- prise and progress has actuated Winfred D. Winters in all the activities of life; and as junior member of the firm of Wallace & Winters, construction engin- eers, he is well known in his line of endeavor. A native son of California. he was born in San Jose, May 17, 1868, a son of John D. and Sarah E. (Har- man) Winters. John D. Winters was a mining en- gineer and for a number of years was superintendent of the Yellow Jacket Mine; he also engaged in farm- ing and from 1878 until 1884 was a manufacturer of farming implements.

Winfred D. Winters began his education in the public schools; then he entered the Vander Naillen School of Mechanical Engineers in San Francisco and was graduated in 1895. After his graduation he worked in the mines as master engineer for a num- ber of years; then he became construction engineer with Allis Chalmers. In September of 1920, in part- nership with Mr. Wallace, he entered business for himself, which has proven a lucrative undertaking, the firm being called to different parts of the state in construction work.

Mr. Winters' marriage united him with Miss Freda F. Huber, and they are the parents of one son, Em- mett B. Politically, Mr. Winters casts his vote for the candidate best fitted for office, rather than to be bound by party lines; fraternally he is a Mason and a member of the B. P. O. Elks of Sacramento. In the B. P. O. E. he holds membership in Lodge No. 288, at Pendleton, Ore., where he joined several years ago and has never demitted. In Masonry he holds a membership at Neuman Hills Ferry Lodge No. 88.

HARLEY W. FREDERICK .- An expert photog- rapher who has done much to develop his chosen in- dustry, and to raise it to the dignity of high art, is Harley W. Frederick, the wide-awake and progressive proprietor of the popular Frederick Foto Service at 7181/2 J Street, in Sacramento. A native of California, he was born at Oakland on July 26, 1892, the son of Harley W. and Belle (Henderson) Frederick, the for- mer a native of New York, of fine old Knickerbocker Dutch stock. On the paternal side, Mr. Frederick is a lineal descendant of Anneke Jans, who came from Holland to New York City, being of the fifth genera- tion removed. He has a copy of her original will, dated January 29, 1663, a very interesting document, describing in detail her property, which is now in the heart of New York City, with Trinity Church located on a part of it. This property is still in litigation, and is now worth approximately $860,000,000. His mother was a native daughter, who first saw the light at Sacramento, where she entered the family of that hon- ored old pioneer James Henderson, a native of Scot- land and a soldier of fortune who came around Cape Horn in a sailer in the days of gold and followed min- ing here. Later he was a pioneer gold miner in Alaska, after which he attached himself to the United States Army, serving in the Philippines, where he died. Harley Frederick, Sr., was an actor, and for many years traveled in vandeville, until his eyes failed. Thereafter he engaged in business in Sacramento un- til he retired. Both parents are still living, the center of a circle of devoted admirers and friends. Harley Frederick, Jr., is the oldest of three children. His brother, Raymond D., served in the United States Navy for five years. During the World War he was sent overseas and was in the convoy service. He was on the U. S. S. Schurz when she was rammed and sunk, but fortunately escaped in a boat. After his five years of service he located in his home town of Sacramento, where he now resides. A sister, Thelma, is Mrs. Edson Gapen, also of the capital city. She has for many years been in the employ of the State Board of Health, and is in charge of the Bureau of Vital Statistics, having acquired a wide range of knowledge, and is one of the best-posted employees in the de- partment.

Harley W. Frederick, Jr., attended the school at Broderick, across the river from Sacramento City, and grew up in the capital city. When fifteen years of age he entered the employ of the McCurry Foto Company under William H. McCurry's preceptorship, and there learned the business in all of its details, con- tinning with him for ten years. When the United States entered the World War, although a married man, he resigned and on February 20, 1918, enlisted in the Photo Section of the Signal Corps in the United States Army; and after training at Columbia Univer- sity, New York City, he was appointed first-class sergeant, and in the same letter in which he received notice of his appointment was ordered overseas, leav- ing New York in June, 1918. Arriving in France, he served there for a year, much of his time being spent in securing photographic records and publicity pic- tures used by the Committee of Public Information for American Propaganda. He had the satisfaction of seeing scores and scores of his photos reproduced in leading papers, journals and magazines in the United States and England, as well as in France. While taking pictures in the vicinity of Metz, just before the taking of that city by the allied forces, he

758

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

was gassed and severely burned, and was out of ser- vice for about two months. Returning to his native land, he landed in New York City, May 30, 1919, and was honorably discharged at Washington, on June 6 of the same year, immediately returning to his home in Sacramento to rejoin his wife and circle of friends, all greatly rejoiced that his life had been spared. He was delighted to get back to his native state and to civil life, although now that it is all over he has no regrets at having had the experience in the war and at the front.

On his return, Mr. Frederick established his own enterprise as a commercial photographer; and he is today an aggressive leader in his field. He finds his study at Columbia University and his experience over- seas very valuable, and a great assistance to him, en- abling him to work up a big business and a most satisfactory clientele. His business is not confined to California alone, but extends into the different states and even to England.

When Mr. Frederick married he chose for his wife Miss Irene Gapen, a native daughter of California, born at Rio Vista, Solano County, whose parents crossed the plains in pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick had one child, a bright little boy named Donald L., who passed away at the age of eight months. Mrs. Frederick is a member of the East- ern Star. Mr. Frederick belongs to the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and to the National Exchange Club, and is a live wire in each. He is also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and in Sacramento Post No. 61, American Legion. Fraternally, he was made a Mason in Washington Lodge No. 20, F. & A. M., and is also a Scottish Rite Mason and a Sciot. He belongs to the ranks of the Republican party, but endeavors to be non-partisan in local affairs. Mr. Frederick has always been greatly interested in ath- letics, particularly baseball and basketball. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association and takes a prominent part in their athletics. He also enjoys outdoor sports, particularly hunting and fish- ing. He is a good shot, and excels in revolver prac- tice. He and his wife are thoroughly public-spirited, and have become the center of an enviable social circle.

UNA W. CARY .- Una W. Cary, daughter of J. S. and Mary K. Waggoner, was born in McGregor, Texas, and early in life came to California. After at- tending the public schools of Texas and California, she took up professional nursing, which work she followed for several years. Being of an ambitious nature she decided to become an osteopathic physi- cian and in 1912 was graduated from the Los An- geles College of Osteopathic Physicians and Sur- geons. Since ber graduation from that institution she has practiced her profession in Sacramento. From time to time she has taken special courses, interesting herself especially in women's and children's diseases.

Not only has Dr. Cary been interested in her chosen field, but she has found time to be forcefully identified with the upbuilding of Sacramento, helping to organize the Business and Professional Women's Club and acting as its first president; she also worked with the Y. W. C. A., serving as a board member. She is a member of the California State Osteopathic Association, and has served on a number of its boards. Fraternally, she belongs to the Eastern Star, and is

also a member of the Soroptomists Club. Dr. Cary is a very popular woman, and is always welcome in business, religious, and fraternal circles.

BINGHAM C. BRIER .- The extraordinary effi- ciency of the leading California courts is undoubtedly due in part to the proficiency of the California official reporters, prominent among whom is certainly Bing- ham C. Brier, of Sacramento, who resides at 1116 Thirteenth Street, in the capital city. A native Hawk- eye, he was born in Fayette County, Iowa, on May 20, 1856, the son of George and Jemima (Templeton ) Brier, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of In- diana. Both are now deceased, and their memory is cherished by all who knew and esteemed them for their industrious, influential and useful lives.

Mr. George Brier, with his family, crossed the great Plains by ox-team in 1862, and arrived in Sacramento the year of the big flood. He followed his trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker, and was an assistant architect at work on the plans and construction of the State Capitol. Later, he was employed in the shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He belonged to the Odd Fellows, and also to the Veteran Odd Fel- lows Association. The worthy couple had eight children, and four are still living: Charles B., Nora S., Bingham C., and Mrs. Catherine Veach.

Bing Brier, as he is familiarly known by his nu- merous friends all over the state, attended and grad- uated from the Sacramento grammar and high schools and Atkinson's Business College, after which he farmed for two years During this time he took up the study of stenography, studying at night with E. B. Willis; and stenographic work he has followed ever since. His first position as official reporter was in Placer County under Judge E. B. Myers. He con- tinued there as official reporter of that county for several years, after which he returned to Sacramento as official court-reporter He is also official reporter for the coroner of Sacramento County. His accom- plishment with respect to both accuracy and celerity, together with his affability and culture, have made him a general favorite. He belongs to Eureka Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F., at Sacramento, of which he is past grand, and also to the Veteran Odd Fellows Associa- tion. For many years he was a member of the En- campment and Canton, in which he served as captain under General Sherburn. Mr. Brier is enthusiastic for the preservation of California history and pioneer landmarks. So it is but natural that he became an active member of the Sacramento '49 Whisker Club, that put on the '49 celebration in May, 1922, which has done much to spread the fame of the capital city all over the United States, and throughout the world.

At Jackson, Amador County, Mr. Brier married Miss Mary C. Bogardus, now deceased, who was born in San Francisco, the daughter of J. P. Bogardus, a California forty-niner, and a printer by trade. He conducted a restaurant on Twenty-sixth Street, Sacra- mento, in 1850. . Later he removed to San Francisco, and while there printed and published the first al- manac put out in California, sending it forth in 1857. A copy of it owned by the family is still in a good state of preservation, and is a very valuable heirlooni. Two children do honor to their worthy parents. One is Mrs. Hazel Thompson, who presides over the home; and the other is Charles Jack Brier, engaged in the automobile business.

Bing bo. Brien

J. Leonard Aileron.

763

HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

J. LEONARD NILSSON .- A poultry fancier, par- ticularly well acquainted with Sacramento County con- ditions affecting the raising of high-grade fowls, is J. Leonard Nilsson, the proprietor of the Stirling Farm, near Sacramento. He was born in Sweden, on Sep- tember 3, 1877, the son of L. C. and Charlotte Nilsson, and often heard his parents tell how they came to San Francisco, when he was five years old, spent a year there, and then moved to Redding. They were thus pioneers at a period when an immense amount of the settler's work still remained to be done; and as such they deserve, and doubtless always will receive, all credit and honor.

Leonard Nilsson was fortunate in going through both the grammar and the high schools and then in taking up stock-raising under the guidance of his ex- perienced father. He kept at that until he came to Sacramento, when he bought, on January 5, 1910, this place of thirty acres so favorable to his poultry enter- prise, where he started with a few chickens, and stead- ily made improvements. He now has 12,000 laying hens, having only recently again increased his com- plete and model plant. He also has gone into, and been successful with the hatching of chickens, ship- ping one-day chicks to several of the Eastern states, and thus turning out, the past year, about 150,000 of the feathery dots. He produces all the eggs he un- dertakes to have hatched, is fortunate in having or- ders in advance, and calls to his aid no less than eight employees. He has built commodious and modern homes for his help as well as a model bunk house, and by kind treatment and generous compensation suc- ceeds in keeping his well-trained help permanently. He has, in short, the largest plant north of Petaluma.

Mr. Nilsson, in 1904, married Miss Jennie Palm, a native of Illinois who had become a social favorite in Sacramento. He belongs to the Moose, and he is a Republican.

MRS. JENNIE GOULD .- Born in San Francisco, Mrs. Jennie Gould is a daughter of Volney W. Still, a native of New York State, who during his first year was taken by his parents to the vicinity of Kala- mazoo, Mich., where he was reared. He was a cooper, and followed his trade until 1850, when he came around Cape Horn to San Francisco, in which city he became one of the pioneer grocery merchants, and was a member of the Vigilance Committee. In 1858 he married Anna M. Pearson, born at Kennett Square, Pa., who came to California with her uncle, George Pearson, via Panama in the early fifties. In 1870 Mr. Still removed with his family to Placer County, where he farmed; and later he located on a ranch at Auburn, engaging in horticulture. He was also in the building business. He spent his last days with Mrs. Gould, passing away on the ranch near Antelope, aged seventy-nine; while Mrs. Still died in Sacramento, aged seventy-six years. Mr. Still was a very pleasant and affable man, always jovial and optimistic, looking on the bright side of life. He was strong for temperance, and gave all of his influence towards civic righteousness and higher morals. Mrs. Volney W. Still was descended of good old Quaker stock. Their union proved very happy, and resulted in the birth of these children: Jennie, of this review; Mrs. Lucy Annette Armbruster, of Spokane; William Chester, of Rochester, Wash .; George, of Sacramento; Mrs. Sue Farman, of Roseville; Mrs. Elizabeth Sage-

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.

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, 1923, Part 110

Author: Reed, G. Walter Publication date: 1923 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1026

Author: Reed, G. Walter
Publication date: 1923
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1026