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 118

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 118

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In 1888, Mr. Saunders was married. Twin sons came of this union; and today these boys, J. A. and

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

W. R. Saunders, are themselves local contractors. Mr. Saunders is a Mason, and took the third degree as long ago as March, 1876; and he also is numbered among the B. P. O. Elks. He is fond of music, and would like to see Sacramento become the musical center of the Golden State.

JOHN CHARLES ROWE .- Ever since the days of the early pioneer, Sacramento has been noted for its expert harness-makers, now worthily represented by John Charles Rowe, of 919 Fourth Street, who continues the old-time tradition of ready service, willingly rendered. He is a native of Cornwall, Eng- land, where he was born on July 9, 1871, the son of Samuel and Bessie (Stribley) Rowe, the former a pioneer of such early date that he came out to Cali- fornia when the Argonauts were swarming here, but after a while returned to his native land. Once

more, he sought his fortune in the Golden State, in 1880, and in 1884 his wife and children joined him in Jackson, Amador County, and this time they set- tled here for good. He was twenty years with the Southern Pacific Railroad as a blacksmith, and when he retired, it was to enjoy the company's testimonial in the form of a comfortable pension. Both parents are now dead.

John C. Rowe attended the public schools of Jack- son, and then in 1888 came to Sacramento and learned the trade of a harness-maker, under Simon Ross; and in 1892 he established himself in business, contin- uing for four years. Then, for seventeen years, he was with Frank Gehring, and for two years, he helped Mr. Potter; and he was also associated with Van Voorhies and Company at various times.

On the 23rd of May, 1921, Mr. Rowe bought his present place from Frank Wickwire, the old pioneer harness shop here, and here he is fast building up a desirable trade, doing all kinds of leather work, and by his exceptional skill, and through his valuable experience, affording his patrons fine and dependable service. He keeps abreast of the times, avails him- self of any new methods or inventions, and excels in the thoroughness of his workmanship. Like most such busy folks, for hours kept at the bench, Mr. Rowe is fond of outdoor life, and especially of those sports and recreations which one may enjoy to the full in Sacramento, whose interests he is ever glad to forward, as citizen, merchant and artisan.

JOHN W. ODELL .- Sacramento is justly famous, not only as one of the most attractive gardening centers of the Golden State, but also as a city of superior markets, among which must surely be in- cluded the poultry and produce headquarters estab- lished and so successfully managed by John W. Odell, who came here from Missouri, bringing with him the valuable traditions of that great agricultural state, and who has done what he could, since making this the home of his adoption, to assist others to enjoy California home life to the full.

John Odell was born on May 27, 1883, the son of Cicero H. and Jeannette (Fletcher) Odell, who mi- grated to California when our subject was a child, and located in Sonoma County, at Sebastopol. There John Odell enjoyed the advantages of the grammar and the high schools, and grew up in the comfortable surroundings of a dairy farm. His father and mother were progressive folks, infused with true

Eastern spirit, and ready to contribute what they could to the development of the more promising West: and they left a record of great usefulness. John helped his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, and then went into a grocery store, where he clerked for years. In 1917, he came to Sacramento, and established the Sacramento Poul- try and Produce Market, in the conducting of which he has been successful. He is a Republican, in mat- ters of national political import, although a non-par- tisan booster for the city and county in which he lives, operates and prospers.

In 1904, Mr. Odell was married to Miss Coosa Saunders, of Texas, the ceremony occurring at Sebas- topol; she was reared in California, and so is in sym- pathy with the ideals and spirit of California institu- tions. Two children, Lura and Mattie, atterd the Sacramento high school.

CHARLES LESLIE VANINA .- Prominent among the general contractors in Sacramento County, who are used to the undertaking of big things, and to their successful completion when undertaken, is un- doubtedly Charles Leslie Vanina, of the firm of Vanina & Son, located at 2022 M Street, Sacramento, but well-known beyond the confines of this section of the progressive Golden State. He is a native of Sacramento, and having grown up here, has had the advantage of always having been in touch and in sympathy with both city and county. He was born on January 4, 1897. the son of Charles A. and Au- gustine (Belltramineili) Vanina, the former a pioneer of forty years ago, who came here to Sacramento and married. Both parents came from Swiss fami- lies. Charles A. Vanina is now one of the oldest contractors in Sacramento.

Charles L. Vanina is the only son and youngest child of the family. He attended both the grammar and the high school, and was graduated from the latter in 1915; and then he took up studies at the Polytechnic in Oakland, and remained there until he entered the service of his country in the United States Army. Glad to respond to the call of his country, when the World War and its relation to America compelled the United States to enter the struggle, Mr. Vanina joined the 82nd United States Infantry and served six months. Having received an honorable discharge, he then returned home and joined his father in the business of contracting, under the firm name of Vanina & Son. Previously to en- tering the army, he had had some valuable experience as a deputy building inspector of Sacramento City. This wide-awake firm, which makes a specialty of residences and business houses, now employs twenty- six or more men and does more remodeling than any other concern in the county. Mr. Vanina be- longs to the Sacramento Builders' Exchange. He is in every way a public-spirited promoter of the best interests of his native city.

In Sacramento, on September 29, 1920, Mr. Vanina was married to Miss Elaine Goodman, a native daughter, of Sutter Creek, Amador County, and they have one child. a son named Robert Charles. In politics, Mr. Vanina is a Republican; and in fra- ternal affiliation, he is a member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks, and Sacramento Lodge No. 40, F. & A. M. He is fond of baseball, which indicates that he is the typical American.

Chas. L. Vanina.

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

ROBERT F. HUGHES .- An experienced builder and jobber who has fortunately become a very suc- cessful contractor in growing demand in and around the California capital, is Robert F. Hughes, a native Californian who first saw the light at San Rafael, on October 28, 1871. His father was Judge William S. Hughes, for a quarter of a century justice of the peace in the old Spanish town, a pioneer of 1847, who came across the great plains at a time when traveling was anything but luxurious, and who tried his luck in the mines, soon after the excitement about gold agitated so many thousands. He married Miss Frances Asbury, who had also braved the dangers and survived the fatigue of a cross-country journey; and both father and mother were of the right sort of folks, with respect to both their habits and prin- ciples, to help settle and develop the country.

Robert F. Hughes went to the schools in San Ra- fael, then farmed for a while, next worked on the railroad, and after a while joined the police force in Berkeley, and during the World War period he served as a deputy sheriff. He had learned the car- penter trade, and with such thoroughness that he is able to draw his own plans and to finish his designs; and for the past twenty-five years he has been fol- lowing carpenter work and contracting, with results that may well be pronounced successful. He has erected a large number of attractive buildings, and done innumerable minor and yet particular jobs in alteration and repair, and he has thus been able to render a definite service, in the most creditable man- ner, to the community in which he is always deeply interested. He is a Republican, but too broad-mind- ed not to give credit where credit may be due re- gardless of party labels.

Mrs. Hughes was Miss Achsa Belle Woods before her marriage, and she was born, a native daughter, in San Joaquin County, near the town of Woodbridge; and they have two children, Frances Willard and Ruth. Mr. Hughes is a Mason of the third degree; and he also belongs to the Knights of Security. He likes to go fishing; but he is especially fond of horse- back riding.

ALEXANDER FRANCIS JOHNSTON .- A typ- ical representative of the self-made men of this pros- perous state, occupying a well-deserved place of prominence in Sacramento County, is Alexander Francis Johnston, captain and owner of the boat "Feather Queen." He was born on a farm at Nico- laus, in Sutter County, on August 7, 1885, the son of Alexander and Mary (Hennessey) Johnston. Grandfather William Johnston was known to the pio- neers as Tula Johnston, and he came to Califor- nia across the plains in 1852. At Salt Lake his son Alexander was born, necessitating their remaining over the winter, and then they came to California the next spring, settling on a ranch twelve miles north of Sacramento. Alexander Johnston was a successful farmer until 1897, when he became part owner of a fish market in Sacramento, which he con- ducted until he passed away in 1917. His widow now resides on a farm they owned at Nicolans.

Alexander Francis Johnston was educated in the grammar and high schools of Sacramento, and then took a business course at Atkinson's Business Col- lege, and for three years was employed by Shaw Batcher Company. While living in Marysville, as "Rube" Johnston he was a player on the Marys-

ville baseball team, and was employed in a wholesale grocery concern operated by J. R. Garrett. He re- turned to Sacramento and engaged in business with his father under the firm name of Johnston & Son. Soon after his father's death, he sold the business and engaged in freighting and wholesale and retail wood business, and for the transportation uses two boats, the "Feather Queen" and the "Marie." His business necessitates the employment of from ten to forty men and the business extends from Colusa to San Francisco.

In Sacramento, on February 7, 1908, Alexander Francis Johnston was united in marriage with Miss Winnie Isabella Leavitt, the daughter of Capt. E. J. Leavitt, and a native daughter of the Golden State. She was reared and educated in Sacramento, being a graduate of Howe's Business College, and held a position with Shaw Batcher Company of Sacramento until her marriage. She is deeply interested in the cause of education and is therefore a member of the Parent-Teachers Association. They are the parents of four children: Harvey Francis, Roy Edward, Robert Alexander, and Irene Elizabeth. Mr. John- ston adheres to the Democratic party. He is an enthusiastic baseball fan and is very fond of the great out-of-doors. Deeply interested in the welfare of the community, he is an active worker and his public spirit is well-known to all with whom he comes in contact.

E. R. ZEIGERST .- An expert plasterer, thorough- ly familiar with the latest methods in modern con- struction, who has been in growing demand as a contractor, is E. R. Zeigerst, a native of New York, where he was born on March 1, 1870, the son of Joseph and Hattie Zeigerst, worthy folks who are now deceased. They belonged to the good, old-fash- ioned school, and prided themselves on their rela- tions as citizens, neighbors and friends; and while ordinarily most people do not fare as well, it may safely be said of them that they did not have an enemy, were esteemed in their day, and mourned when they were gone.

E. R. Zeigerst attended the ordinary primary and the secondary schools, and then, when ready to go to college, matriculated at the famous University of Pennsylvania, after which he took up mechanical engineering as a profession, and worked at that in various states. He set before himself. when a young man, the practical ideal of always doing whatever he undertook as well as he could, regardless of the immediate financial or other results; and with such an ideal as that, he was sure to win out. When he was ready to move westward, he had a valuable equipment of professional accomplishments, experi- ences, connections and references, and was unafraid of the exacting life among a new and ambitious peo- ple. He has mastered more than one specialty in building.

In 1904, Mr. Zeigerst came out to California, and for some years he settled in and around Los An- geles, where he added to his experience. In 1917, however, he moved north to Sacramento, and estab- lished himself at the capital as a contractor of the sort that the center of government needed. He con- fined himself first largely to homes, although he is now engaged in the full line of plastering. with many of the largest buildings of recent construction; and he is kept in such demand by an appreciative

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public, that he is able to employ regularly about fourteen men. He belongs to the Builders' Exchange, and believes in the platforms of the Republican party as best for trade. He never loses an opportu- nity to say a good word, or do a good deed, for the benefit of the section in which he lives, operates and prospers; and it is not surprising that in many ways the people of Sacramento and vicinity have proved his stanch patrons.

JOHN N. FREY .- A young man, who, by indus- try and good management, has made a success of ranching and is rapidly forging ahead in his chosen line of agriculture, is John N. Frey, a native son of California, born at Franklin, Sacramento County, July 25, 1886. His father, Henry Frey, was an early settler of Franklin, devoting his life work to farming.

John N. Frey was reared on the home farm and attended the local school. After completing the grammar school he entered Elk Grove high school, from which he was duly graduated in 1906, after which for some time he was employed in San Francisco and then on the steamer "Columbia" for a period of six months. He left this position just ten days before the vessel went down, having quit the steamer to follow lumbering with the Hammond Lumber Company of Eureka, continuing until his father importuned him to return home and assist on the farm. This John N. did, putting his shoulder to the wheel, and continuing steadily and energetically. 1n 1910 he came into possession of 102 acres of the old home ranch and he improved the place with residence and other buildings, until now it is a model ranch with its herd of Holstein milk cows, pump- ing plant and fields of alfalfa, as well as orchards of cherries and peaches. It is generally conceded that he has one of the finest dairy farms in the coun- ty. In 1921 Mr. Frey bought fifty-two acres near Thornton devoted to raising pears, plums, peaches and beans. The whole acreage is irrigated with an electric pumping plant. His farms are well improved and he operates them with the latest improved ma- chinery.

The marriage of Mr. Frey occurred in Sacramento February 19, 1915, when he was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Albright, who was born in Auburn, Placer County, a daughter of Jacob and Emma ( Rollins) Albright, natives of New York State and Nevada County, Cal., respectively. Emma Rollins was said to be the first white girl baby born in Ne- vada County, Cal. Grandfather Dana Rollins was horn in Maine but crossed the plains in pioneer days, and followed mining in Nevada County until his death. Jacob Albright followed farming and fruit- raising in Auburn until his death in 1921, while his widow still makes her home on the old place. Thir- teen children were born of the above union, of whom Mrs. Frey is the tenth in order of birth. She spent her childhood in Placer County until twelve years of age, when she came to Sacramento County to live with her sister, Mrs. E. B. Owen, at Franklin, re- maining until her marriage to Mr. Frey. Mr. and Mrs. Frey's union has been blessed with four chil- dren: Irma, John N., Jr., Clifford and Dolly Jane. Fraternally, Mr. Frey is a member of Franklin Camp, Modern Woodman of America, having served efficiently as clerk of the camp for ten years. He is also a popular member of Elk Grove Parlor, No. 41, N. S. G. W.

HENRY WULFF .- A highly progressive ranch- er, with an enviable experience in the cultivation of a commodity of increasing popularity, is Henry Wulff, who owns some 222 choice acres of celery ranch on the Lower Andrus Island, at Isleton. He is a native son, born near Bedney, in San Joaquin County, on July 10, 1870. His parents were Hans and Katherine ( Moore) Wulff, natives of Bamstadt, Germany. Hans Wulff was a seafaring man, and came to the United States about 1859, locating in New York. In 1861 he enlisted in the Civil War, as a member of the 158th New York Volunteer Infantry, and later was transferred to the United States Navy, serving on the monitor "Chickasaw." He served in defense of the American Union, and in behalf of the freedom of the African-American slave, and when the war was over he came out to San Francisco, and received his honorable discharge in the Bay City. He then went to Marin County and worked for a short time, helping to build roads, at fifty cents a day, and after that he went to Bedney, in San Joaquin County, and took up government land. He proved up on it, but the dry years "broke" him, and he was compelled to go to the Webb tract, where he rented some land. In 1872, he came to Brannan Island and took the job of boarding the crew of a thresher and header for a season; and in 1873 he came to Lower Andrus Island, and rented land. There he lived for the balance of his life, passing away at the age of seventy-one. He had eight children: Henry, of this sketch, who is the eldest; John, who died in infancy; then another son named John; then Anna, who is deceased; Peter, drowned when six years old; and William, Dora and Frank.

Henry Wulff attended the Staten Island district school, while he helped his father in farming; and then he purchased 222 acres on Lower Andrus Island, devoted to the raising of celery and truck-garden vegetables, and irrigated by the siphoning of the water from the slough. With two of his brothers, John and William, Mr. Wulff owns this 222-acre ranch, and they are jointly farming it.

Henry Wulff was married in San Francisco on October 18, 1905, to Miss Anna Beulo, who was born in Wisconsin. Her father was a native of Pommern, while her mother came from West Prussia. Her father was a farmer, who had lived in Wisconsin, and died at the age of sixty-nine; while his good wife saw only her fifty-third year. They had six children, of whom Anna was the third in the order of birth. Karl, the eldest, was drowned in his eighth year; Matilda was the second in the family; and after Anna came John, Emil and August. Anna Beulo came to California in 1904, joining relatives in San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Wulff have two children, Henry, Jr., and Lonise. Mr. Wulff is a Republican, and a member of the Sons of Veterans, Fair Oaks camp. His father, Hans Wulff, was a patriot through and through, and an amusing incident may here be told to illustrate his loyal and independent spirit. He had left Germany to escape military service, and during the Civil War he was summoned by the Ger- man authorities to return to the Fatherland and serve in the German army. In answer to the sum- mons he replied that if they wanted him they could come and get him from the Union Army, and that not until then would he be drawn away from the land of his adoption.

Hervey Wulff,

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

EDWARD C. KLOSS .- A self-made man who, by his energy and enterprise, has made a success in the stock business and has become a man of affluence and influence is Edward C. Kloss, who was born in Sacramento, May 20, 1875. His father, August Kloss, Sr., came from his native country of Germany to California, being first employed on the Colusa plains, where he worked on the McFessel ranch, after which he located in Sacramento, where he engaged in the grocery business on Second Street. Having a liking for the country and farming he purchased a ranch at Franklin, sold his business and began raising grain. In his progressive way he was one of the first to use a combined harvester in this section. His wife was Amelia (Rott) Frye, born in St. Louis, who was an able assistant to her husband and much loved and esteemed. She passed away in 1912, leav- ing four children, of whom Edward C. is the oldest.

He was reared on the farm at Franklin from his second year and in the local schools acquired a good education. Meantime from a boy he aided his father in his ranching enterprise until sixteen years of age, when he started for himself. He began in the butcher business, soon drifting into the buying of stock, increasing his business until he has become a large wholesale butcher.

Mr. Kloss purchased a four-acre place, and then in 1907 he bought 350 acres of the old Terry ranch, a place he had worked on as a young man, and liking the ranch he resolved he would some day own it: so when the opportunity came some sixteen years ago, he bought it and has since made it his home and headquarters for his large stock buying and whole- sale butcher business. It is well improved, for he has built many buildings, rebuilt fences, and has two pumping plants. The place is beautifully located on the State Highway about three-quarters of a mile south of Franklin. He also owns a stock ranch of 1.400 acres at Somerset, Placer County, as well as 320 acres at Slough House, hesides leasing two sec- tions on which he ranges his stock. He is active in buying all kinds of stock as well as trading in horses and is considered one of the best judges of stock in the valley. His ability to judge the value of an ani- mal, his quickness at decision, and his courage to back his convictions, no doubt are the secret of his success. In his wholesale butcher business he is well equipped to handle all kinds of stock, having special trucks he uses to convey live stock, while others are used to deliver to the retail trade in the county and Sac- ramento City.

Mr. Kloss was married in Franklin in 1904 to Miss Leona Kennedy, who was born at Elk Grove. She passed away, leaving him two children, Helen and Harold. Mr. Kloss married a second time, the cere- mony occurring in Sacramento and uniting him with Miss Annie B. Waite, who was born in Perkins, Sacramento County, a daughter of Thomas and Minnie (Keema) Waite, born in Germany and New Zealand respectively. They came when children from their respective countries to California with their parents. The father is dead, but the mother resides in Sacramento. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kloss resulted in the birth of two children: Frances and Edward C., Jr. Mr. Kloss is a very busy man, his energy seemingly knowing no bounds, and few men have been favored with as good a constitution as he has. Besides he is also endowed with a pleasing 52

personality, which has much to do with his being so well and favorably known. Fraternally he is a pop- ular member of Elk Grove Lodge No. 274, 1. O. O. F.

HON. DWIGHT HOLLISTER .- The descendant of a long line of purely American ancestry, the founder of which migrated from England in 1642, the Honorable Dwight Hollister during his lifetime fully carried on the traditions of his family, and be- came a forty-niner of California, and later prominent in government offices in the state. His birth took place near Marietta, Ohio, September 27, 1824, his father, a native of Connecticutt, having moved to Washington County, Ohio, near Marietta, in 1820, and there married, February 22, 1823. The mother was a native of the Emerald Isle, but was reared from childhood in Ohio.

Grandfather Roger Hollister was born in Connec- ticut May 23, 1771, and was there married to Miss Hannah Stratton, October 11, 1792; he was the fifth in descent from the Lieutenant John Hollister who was born in England in 1612 and migrated to Con- necticut in 1642, and his wife's family, the Strattons, were also American for several generations.

Dwight Hollister was educated in the district schools in Ohio and later took an academic course at Marietta. At the age of twenty years be began to work for himself and first became clerk in a dry- goods store, for about three years, and then did some flat-boat trading down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. On account of ill health he came to Califor- nia by way of New York and around the Horn in 1849, primarily with the view of receiving some direct benefit from the long voyage. Learning at one of the South American ports that the discovery of gold in California was an assured fact, he hurried on to the gold Mecca and after arrival mined in Placer County for one year. His success was noth- ing phenomenal at mining, and he went to trading among the miners, and for another year he conducted a trading post and tavern in Placer County. A third year was spent in the position of hotel clerk in Sac- ramento. In 1852 he became a partner in the firm of White & Hollister, in the nursery business in Sac- ramento, which continued for twelve years. Mean- while, in 1857, he returned to Marietta, and there married, on December 8, 1857, Nannie H. Alcock. a native of that city whose father was of English de- scent and whose mother was a native of Virginia.

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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 118

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