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 80

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

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JOHN W. JOHNSTON .- A seeming misfortune in the life of John W. Johnston, when ill health forced him to relinquish a splendid professional prac- tice in a most desirable location and seek a change of climate, proved to proffer in return a recompense of no small value. The practice of law in Sacramento has brought him into prominence through the north- ern part of the state and, while enjoying the benefits accruing from restored health, he also receives grati- fying returns from his practice, so that he has no reason to regret the apparent handicap attending his removal to this city. Since coming to Sacramento in 1899, he has built up an important clientele. Dur- ing a period of ten years he was associated in profes- sional work with the Hon. Grove L. Johnson, the father of United States Senator Hiram W. Johnson, former governor of this state.

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, and thereafter a reenlisted veteran for the remainder of the struggle. Eventually he received an honorable discharge, after peace had been declared. When he entered the army he left at home a wife and children, among the latter being John W., the subject of this sketch, who was born in Pike County, Ohio, in 1857. The wife, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Slaughter, was a native of Ohio, born of a Southern family, and numbered among her relatives a distinguished general, 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. Be- fore the third term had expired he was elected prose- cuting 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 in 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

John Woohuston

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

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 cam- paign, however, seriously impaired 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 in Ukiah, where he engaged in the practice of law for three years, removing then to the capital city, and establishing his present head- quarters in the Bryte building. Mr. Johnston was elected a member of the assembly of the California state legislature from the fourteenth assembly dis- trict at the general election in 1916, and was elected to succeed himself in the following elections of 1918, 1920, and 1922. He is now serving his fourth con- secutive term. He has been chairman of the Com- mittee on Prisons and Reformatories, and is now serv- ing as chairman of the Committee on Corporations. In the legislature he has taken a very active part, and during the four sessions has been conspicuous as a debater on all important questions that have arisen. He is recognized as one of the legislature's ablest debaters, being forceful in argument and quick, in a quiet, witty way, in making telling replies calculated to win his point. His influence has increased with each succeeding biennial session, and he has succeeded in putting through some good measures and needed legislation. He is very punctual and attentive, hardly ever missing a roll-call, and has fulfilled his duties with great care and ability.

While still making his home in Missouri, Mr. John- ston 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 consins served 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., district attorney of Contra Costa County, repre- sented that county in the California state legislature during the sessions of 1908-1909 and 1912-1913. Vol- ney C., the second son, resides in Sacramento. The three youngest children are Pauline, Lucille, and J. Willard. The broad and congenial fraternal rela- tions of Mr. Johnston have included membership with the Ancient Order of Druids, the Woodmen of the World, the Odd Fellows and the Masons, all of which at various times have benefited by his profes- sional knowledge, tactful spirit and unwavering adher- ence to the highest principles of honor.

HARRY C. MARTINE .- The musical interests of Sacramento County are certainly well cared for, if one may judge from the activities and the remarkably satisfactory results of such an institution as the Mar- tine School of Music, under the efficient and popular management of Harry C. Martine, a native of Man- chester, N. H., who came to California a good quarter of a century ago, bringing with him all that stands for Yankee genius, and luckily finding here, especially in the capital city, a larger and better field for the exer- cise and development of his rare talents. His parents were H. C. and Olive Martine.

Harry Martine began his musical studies early with S. H. Gerrish, John Flocton, Thomas Senyor and other capable teachers in Boston, during ten years, and during that time he himself gave piano lessons, not merely increasing his income, but adding to his

knowledge by trying to teach someone else. Later, he studied in Portland, Ore., Oakland and with Ed- ward Finck, Roswald W. Vincent and others, and in 1900 he located at Sacramento, where he opened the Martine School of Music, which has been more and more patronized. In addition to teaching music, Professor Martine has also written much on musical topics for the "Pacific Coast Musician," and other magazines, and has published a number of piano compositions for teaching purposes.

In this important, progressive work in higher educa- tion and the formation of a better taste on the part of the public for musical art, Professor Martine has the valuable and faithful assistance of Annette Martine, pianist and teacher of repute. She finished an aca- demic course at Milwaukee, Wis., and a collegiate course at St. Mary's, at Notre Dame, Ind., and then studied Mason's touch and technique with Mrs. Annen, a pupil of Dr. Mason, and aesthetic analysis with W. S. B. Mathews, and also a special study of Chopin's works with Thieman, of Berlin. Later, she studied or- gan, and for ten years had important positions as church organist. In 1921, she located in Sacramento; and with her husband, she is active not only in the management of the institute, but in teaching piano and theory, the Martine School paying special atten- tion to piano. Professor and Mme. Martine have cer- tificates from the University of America at Washing- ton, D. C., and being certificated by Alexander Henne- man, examiner for the Art Publication Society, they have authority to conduct a normal school. The nor- mal students of the Martine School of Music are cer- tified both by the Kroeger School in St. Louis, and by E. R. Kroeger of that school, and only certified teachers are employed by the Martine School of Music.

CHARLES WARDLE MORTON .- A representa- tive of the finely-trained, experienced class of men who contribute much by their residence and activities toward making Sacramento County notable, not mere- ly in California but beyond the confines of the great Golden State, is Charles Wardle Morton, who is as- sociated with Weinstock, Lubin & Company, at Sac- ramento. He was born in Derbyshire, England, the son of Charles W. and Martha (Wardle) Morton, and enjoyed the advantages of the excellent schools pro- vided for the training of English youth. At the same time, and while given some opportunity to come into touch with forces and influential men in the outside world, he profited by the healthy, athletic training which is always a part of English life. Having evi- denced a talent for original art, he pursued one of the best art courses available in his country, and then went over to Paris, where he spent four years in a famous art institute, from which he was graduated with honors. Then for three years he followed the profession of an architect, an interesting circumstance, considering that his grandfather had long been the leading architect of Newcastle.

In 1884, he came to the United States with Harry Thorp and opened a studio in New York City; and there he made a specialty of commercial display. For a while, Mr. Morton was associated with John Wana- maker, the great department-store man, who always knew what kind of an assistant he needed when he engaged anyone for his service; but since 1887 he has been in Sacramento with Weinstock, Lubin & Com- pany, and his gifts, experience and fidelity have

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

helped to win and also to hold for them not a few of their best patrons. He has been prominently con- nected with the peculiar local enterprise known as the Street Fair, leading in suggesting artistic and effective forms of display; and he has also made him- self felt in civic affairs. He was president of the Sutter Club, and is an active Republican. Mr. Mor- ton was one of the three originators of the National Association of Display Mfen, a vigorous organization now international in its working and scope, boasting a membership of thousands; and he served for two years as the president of that association.

At Fairfield, in 1895, Mr. Morton was married to Miss Martha Pearl Connolley, the daughter of a prominent pioneer of Solano County, where the family had resided for fifty years; and their fortunate union has been blessed with the birth of two sons, Charles W., Jr., who entered the service of his country in the late war as a private and came out a lieutenant, and Harry W. Morton, also a promising youth. The family attend the Episcopal Church; and besides being active in the social life of that organization, Mr. and Mrs. Morton are among the welcome participants in the social life centering in the Lodge of Scottish Rite Masons, to which he belongs. He is also a Knight Templar, a Shriner, and a thirty-third-degree Mason.

DR. DAVID F. HERSPRING .- A native son. Dr. Herspring was born in San Francisco, January 8, 1872, the son of Adolph and Frances (Krant) Herspring, both natives of New York State and now deceased. The parents were married in New York and came to California by way of Panama in 1852. The father was a prominent potato merchant of San Francisco and Oakland for many years. Eight chil- dren were born to this pioneer couple, and four sons are now living: David F., Louis, Joseph, and Harry.

David F. Herspring received his education in the Oakland schools; and when ready for the business world, he learned the candy-manufacturing business with Bruning Brothers, of Oakland, then the lead- ing confectioners of that city. He then went to Yolo County, and in Woodland engaged in the candy busi- ness for three years under the firm name of Siebe & Herspring, at the end of that period selling out his interest and making the journey to New York City, where his change of occupation was as radical as his change of residence, for he then became a member of the firm of O'Kane & Stillings, wholesale manu- facturers of harness and turf goods. Later he ac- cepted a position at the Palisade Stock Farm of trot- ing horses in New Jersey, acting as manager, trainer and driver of their finest stock. He is also the manu- facturer of Herspring's Salve, and Herspring's Stom- ach and Rheumatism Powders that are used through- out the United States and Europe.

Dr. Herspring attended the Detroit Veterinary Dental College, where he specialized in veterinary dental surgery. On returning to California, in 1907, he practiced his profession in Woodland, Yolo Coun- ty, until 1918, during seven years of which time he was chief humane officer of the county; and he also officiated as vice-president of the Humane Society of Yolo County.

In 1918, Dr. Herspring came to Sacramento and became manager of the Sutter Candy Company, the leading confectionery and cafe of the city, his early training and thorough knowledge of the business making him particularly adapted for managing the

details of this line of work. He is also a breeder of fine horses, and ships a carload East each year to Chicago for sale. He has bred and sold such well- known harness horses as Don Rosine, Edna Brown, Dan Logan, Bert Kelly, and others, all taken East and sold; in all, the doctor has made thirteen round trips across the country with his high-bred stock. He owns the imported Belgian stallion, Mosel, which was exhibited and took second prize at the Sacramento State Fair in 1922. The breeding and training of horses has always been his hobby, and his interest in this "sport of kings" has broadened his life in many way, making him cosmopolitan in character and outlook, with an ever widening circle of friends, both in Sacramento and other points where his interests touch. Fraternally, he is a member of the Sacramento Lodge of Elks No. 6; Sutter Fort Lodge, N. S. G. W., of Sacramento; Alpine Blue Lodge of Masons, No. 77, of New Jersey; Sacramento Chapter of the East- ern Star; and the Sciots of Sacramento; and he is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason and a mem- ber of Ben Ali Shrine, of Sacramento.

WARREN WALLACE WILLIAM WALTER

SMITH .- Born on the old Hart Smith ranch at Isleton, on May 3, 1877, W. W. W. W. Smith is the son of Hart F. and Maggie (McKever) Smith. The father was born in Illinois, and in 1852 came to California, settling in Sacramento County. Warren Smith was the youngest in a family of ten children born to these pioneer parents. He received his edu- cation at the Isleton grammar school, Hoitt's pri- vate school at Burlingame, and the University of California, graduating in the class of 1902 with the degree M. E. During his college days he was a prominent football star, and was known all over the country as "Locomotive Smith." At the University of California he was a member of the Skull and Keys, Winged Helmet, and Sigma Nu Fraternities. He was custodian of the famous "Stanford Axe" in 1901 and was elected football captain of the Univer- sity eleven for the year 1901. He made his three C's his Freshman year, playing right half in the football team, catcher on the Varsity baseball team, and second place in the hammer throw on the track. In 1901 he went to the University of Oregon as coach for the University football team. After finish- ing the season he returned to the University of Cali- fornia; but on account of his having been coach at the University of Oregon, he was barred from the intercollegiate football game, being classed as a pro- fessional football player, much to the disgust and to the great indignation of the students, who raised the college yells in protest, the slogan being, "We want Locomotive Smith! Remember Smith!" An all-round athlete, at that time Mr. Smith held the record for hammer-throwing, and was the idolized hero of his college mates.

After his college days, Mr. Smith returned home to the delta of the Sacramento River and engaged in ranching with his brother-in-law, Mr. Bryan, until the death of John W. Harris, another brother-in-law, the husband of his sister Annie. Mr. Harris had been the proprietor of a butcher shop in Isleton; and after his death Mr. Smith and his sister con- ducted the shop as partners until 1914, when the business was discontinued. In 1907 Mr. Smith's brother, John Kennedy Smith, died; and his wife having preceded him, Warren Smith inherited fifty-

Hanu 8 Smith

Lillian @ Smith

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

two acres, a portion of his brother's holdings, known as the John Kennedy ranch, located on Grand Island about two miles south of Ryde. In July of that year. Warren W. Smith started the erection of his fine home on the ranch and in December the family moved into their new residence, where they have since made their home, the ranch being mostly de- voted to fruit. On the death of Mr. Smith's parents, the old home ranch of 595 acres was conducted as a corporation for a few years; recently it has been divided, 148 acres coming to Mr. Smith as his share, which is devoted to orchards and to the growing of asparagus. A believer in cooperative marketing of farm produce, Mr. Smith is a member of the California Pear Growers' Association, California As- paragus Growers' Association, and California Peach Growers' Association.

The marriage of Mr. Smith, which occurred at the Wickstrom ranch on Grand Island, November 2, 1907, united him with Miss Lillian Catherine Wickstrom, born in San Francisco, a daughter of Charles August and Lisette (Huth) Wickstrom, the father a native of Stockholm, Sweden, and the mo- ther a native of Germany. Her parents came to Cali- fornia in pioneer days and were married in San Francisco, the father later purchasing a ranch on the Sacramento River near Ryde, where he spent most of his days, rearing his family there; and there Lisette Wickstrom still resides on the old home ranch, consisting of 100 acres devoted to fruit-rais- ing. Mrs. Smith has one brother, Godfried, of Hay- ward. She received her education in the schools of the Good Hope district, Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy, Rio Vista, and the California Business College at San Francisco. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Marion Anna and Warren Wallace.

Mr. Smith and his wife have both been prominent in civic, social, and fraternal life in their community. He is a member of Isleton Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O. F., in which he is a past grand; and with his wife he is a member of Hogate Rebekah Lodge, No. 294, Isleton, in which Mrs. Smith is a past noble grand. He also belongs to Sacramento Lodge, No. 6, B. P. O. Elks. Believing that protection is a fundamental principle in national politics, Mr. Smith is a strong Republican. He is very much alive to all projects in his district which mean the further development of its resources and the carrying on of the good work so ably started by his pioncer parents and their contemporaries in the early days.

CHARLES AUGUST WICKSTROM .- Among the early settlers on the Sacramento River on Grand Island who gave their best energy and efforts to the upbuilding of the Delta section, was the late Charles August Wickstrom, who passed to his eternal reward on October 11, 1901. He was born in Sweden in 1855 and came to California in 1875. He naturally tried his hand at mining and sought the elusive gold near Gibonsville, Sierra County, and afterwards in Nevada County. He spent about five years and at one time had accumulated quite a sum, but lost it again. In 1881 Charles A. Wickstrom came down to San Francisco and engaged in the theatrical business, running the Coliseum with its accessories, in which he was successful. He exchanged the Coliseum Theater for other property in 1884, and on Septem- ber 9, 1885, purchased 100 acres on Grand Island,

Sacramento County, about five miles above Isleton. Locating on the property, be built a residence and suitable farm buildings and engaged in raising fruits and vegetables, spending his time in the development of his ranch.

In 1881, Mr. Wickstrom married Miss Lisette Huth, a native of Germany, their union being blessed with two children, Charles Godfried and Mrs. Lillian Smith. Mr. Wickstrom was not permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labor; for he passed on, as above stated, on October 11, 1901, mourned by his family, friends, and business associates. His widow sur- vives him, still residing on her Grand Island ranch, and is much esteemed and loved by all who know her.

CHARLES W. CARRICK .- For over a half century Charles W. Carrick has been a resident of Sacramento County, coming with his parents when he was a babe in arms. He was born in the rural dis- trict near lowa City, Iowa, November 15, 1869, a son of William and Bridget (McCann) Carrick, both natives of Ireland. William Carrick came to Amer- ica with his older brother Thomas on a small sailing vessel as early as 1850 and conducted a small dairy near Albany, N. Y. While residing there, William Carrick was married to Miss Bridget McCann, who came to America with her parents in 1845. Six chil- dren were born to them: John Thomas, deceased; Mary E .; Lucy; Mattie; Margaret and Charles W., the subject of this sketch. Later, when William Car- rick removed to Iowa, he engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1870, when he sold out and came WVest, locating on the Yeager ranch in Sacramento County, where he farmed for three years; in 1873 he purchased 320 acres in the Sylvan district of the county where he continued to farm until his death in 1899, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother still remained on the home ranch, and with the aid of her son she handled the property to good advan- tage until her death in February, 1920, aged eighty- four. Charles W. Carrick now owns the home ranch in partnership with his nephew, Lester Carrick, the only son of John Thomas Carrick, the deceased brother of our subject. In politics, Mr. Carrick is a Democrat.

EMANUEL D. PERRY .- Prominent among the most popular of leaders in the fraternal world in northern California may well be mentioned Emanuel D. Perry, secretary of the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 1020, of Sacramento, a native Bostonian, having been born at the Hub on March 22, 1866. He was apprenticed to learn the printer's trade, and came to California in 1883, at the age of seventeen. He had two uncles in Kern County, who were sheep- and cattle-men; and after spending five months in their employ, he went to San Francisco for one and one- half years, and then to the mines, in Placer County, trying his luck at both Forest Hill and Iowa Hill.

Coming to Sacramento in 1910, he followed car- penter work for four years, and in 1914 he was ap- pointed janitor of the Sacramento high school, which position he now holds. He knows his business thoroughly, makes it a point to place his duties as janitor above all else, and therefore both to be punc- tual and dependable, and so enjoys the confidence of all who have to do with him, he being as popular with the youth as with the faculty and other officers.

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

Mr. Perry has been very active in the Moose Lodge, and was one of the organizers of Lodge No. 1020. which was started with fifty-four members, and now has six hundred. He was elected outer guard, and in 1917 was made secretary of the lodge, and has been a big factor in the building of the order. On September 4, 1921, he organized the second degree of the Moose, which corresponds to the Shrine degree in Masonry; he was told that this could not be ac- complished, but he nevertheless succeeded. The new organization includes twelve bodies in the Valley, and represents a total membership of 167. A movement is on foot to build a home, at a cost of $200.000, for the Moose order in Sacramento, and this will doubt- less succeed, with such men as E. D. Perry behind it. Mr. Perry has also been a member of the Knights of Pythias for twenty-one years, and in that circle he enjoys the same enviable popularity.

Our subject was married at Iowa Hill, in Placer County, in the year 1894, to Miss Albena Rossi, a native of Placer County and a member of a well- known pioneer family; and two sons have blessed the union. Russell M. Perry, aged twenty-two, is an employee of the D. O. Mills Bank, of Sacramento; and Francis J., aged eighteen, is with the Capital Cracker and Candy Company, of Sacramento.

JOSEPH P. McENERNEY .- A successful farmer, whose progressive methods have long been the ad- miration of those wishing to attain the highest results in agriculture, is Joseph P. McEnerney, residing about four miles east of Arno. A native son, very proud of his association with the great Golden State, he was born in Sacramento County, on the old Mc- Enerney ranch, on September 21, 1881, the son of Patrick and Bridget (Flaherty) McEnerney, the for- mer a native of West Meath, Ireland, the latter hail- ing from the County Galway, in the same green isle. As far back as 1867, Patrick McEnerney came out to California and settled at Stockton; and here he and his lady were married on September 23, 1872, after which they settled at Franklin, where they conducted a dairy. In 1880, the father moved onto what is now known as the Patrick McEnerney ranch, about three miles east of Hicksville, now called Arno; and there he passed away on January 26, 1921, esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. McEnerney and her two sons reside on these 221 acres, formerly known as the P. G. Williamson ranch.

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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 80

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