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 95

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 95

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Henry Finnigan

John Kammerer Eva M. Kammerer

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

RAYMOND E. BRODER .- A California free- holder whose enviable position affords him an inesti- mable and far-reaching influence, which he never fails to exert for the public good, is Raymond E. Broder. one of the representative citizens of Folsom City. He is half-owner of the old Jacob Broder homestead on the Natoma Valley road to Coloma, about twenty- six miles east of Sacramento City, where he was born on December 2, 1895, the youngest child of Jacob and Mary (Studarus) Broder. The father was born in Sargas, Switzerland, on February 22, 1833, and died at Hayward on December 9, 1917. The mother first saw the light in West Virginia on July 31, 1851, and was brought by her parents across the great plains to California when she was a little girl only two years old. She died on May 3, 1922, at Krull Hospital, Sacramento, survived by seven children. May, who was born on November 3, 1870, is now Mrs. Quinn of Oakland; Frances, who entered the family on October 31, 1873, is at home in San Jose, where she is now Mrs. Hopkins; Joseph, who was born on December 17, 1877, lives in San Francisco; Irene is Mrs. Medau of San Lorenzo, and she was born on September 3, 1880; Walter was born on June 7, 1883, and lives in Oakland; Edith, who was born on September 20. 1885, is Mrs. Meininger, of Hay- ward; and Raymond E. is the subject of our review. A brother, Jacob, Jr., who was born on July 9, 1875, was accidentally killed at the railroad crossing at Folsom City on January 16, 1908.

The senior Jacob Broder followed to California his brother, Oswald, who had come out here as a gold hunter, in 1849, and had built one of the first cabins at Mormon Island, in Sacramento County. Later, disposing of this by sale, he bought land in Natoma Valley, where, in 1864, he erected the first house, since destroyed by fire. Jacob came into Cali- fornia and started iti a small way as a placer miner; then he began to buy land, and he added to his origi- nal purchase, from time to time, until his estate con- sisted in part of 1,080 acres of choice farm area, in what was known as Natoma Valley, together with a desirable ranch of 140 acres near Mills Station, at the Kinney schoolhouse. His life was a very active and busy one, and many stories were connected with it. The Studarus family, on the other hand, arrived in California in 1853, having crossed the great plains with ox-teams, and for a few months they conducted a public house at Mud Springs. Later. they settled near Perkins, where they took up farming.

Mr. and Mrs. Broder reared their family at Na- toma Valley, where Oswald Broder had one of the carliest vineyards in the state and made choice Cali- fornia wines which were sent to the mines and sold at high prices: and the father, Jacob Broder, served as a trustee of Mormon Island school, to which our subject was sent, preparatory to his going to the public school at Oakland. Up to 1908, Raymond had not embarked upon farming; but the death of his father in that year led him to take up the work where the old gentleman had left off. Since then he has made the ranch-house his home, caring for his aged mother in her declining years until her death May 3, 1922. The valuable estate has passed into his hands and into his brother's, share and share alike. Jacob, Jr., was for a short time a retail merchant of meats at Folsom City, and had established his well- appointed shop about a year and a half before his 3.1

death: he was a very likable young man, and had a host of friends who mourned his passing.

lui 1922, Mr. Broder began to develop an orchard, of forty-five acres of pear-trees and vineyard. The balance of the ranch is farmed to stock and grain and hay. Irrigation is carried on in the orchard by water leading from the Natoma ditch which trav- erses the ranch. The spacious home on the Broder hill is remarkable from the fact that the stone-work was laid over forty years ago, and recently, in 1917, a complete remodeling of the interior has taken place, making the home place a most comfortable residence. Mr. Broder is popular in social and fra- ternal circles, and is a live wire in the Natoma lodge of Masons.

JOHN KAMMERER .- A man of splendid judg- ment and keen business ability is John Kammerer, successful rancher and viticulturist, a native of the southern part of Russia, born near Neidorf in the Odessa district, November 7, 1870. His grandfather Jacob Kammerer was born in Württemberg, Ger- many, and was among the early settlers who came from Germany and located at Neidorf. The father of our subject was named Eberhardt and was a success- ful farmer. He was married three times, the last time to Margaret Long, who was John Kammerer's mother. The father passed away in 1884 at the age of seventy-eight, his widow surviving him until 1893. He had a very large family, there being children born of each marriage. The last union was blessed with twelve children, seven of whom grew up, John being the fifth from the oldest of these.

John Kammerer was reared on the farm and was early set to work, learning habits of industry and fru- gality, as was necessary in that country. When he was fourteen years of age, his father died; and after that he worked out on farms until he was twenty-one years of age, when he responded to the call to mili- tary service and served in the army from 1891 to 1895. During this time he was stationed at Bender and learned the shoemaker's trade and also studied and learned to read and speak the Russian language. He became an expert rifleman, and during his service made a record as a rifle shot for which he was given a first medal as a prize for proficiency.

Soon after his discharge from military service, Mr. Kammerer was married, on November 21, 1895, be- ing united with Miss Eva Maria Lippert, who was also a native of Russia, born August 24, 1874, a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Schlipp) Lippert, the former a cabinet-maker, who ran a furniture fac- tory, where he continued in business until his death in 1918, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife had preceded him many years before, dying at the age of forty-seven years. They had a family of fif- teen children, of whom Mrs. Kammerer is the sixth in order of birth. She was educated in the public schools in the vicinity of her home. After his mar- riage, Mr. Kammerer followed his trade for some time. He had become deeply interested in the Land of the Stars and Stripes, however, on account of the good reports that came to him through friends, as well as through the newspapers; and wishing to get away from the oppression of Russian militarism, he decided to cast in his lot with the United States. So in April, 1898, he arrived in North Dakota with his wife and two children, having $300 in his possession

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

after paying their passage. Soon afterwards, he homesteaded 160 acres in McLean County, which he improved, fulfilling the requirements of the law, and obtained title to the property. Later he added forty acres of land to it; and this homestead he operated until 1907, when he sold to come to California.

That year he had made a trip to the Pacific Coast to look over the country, and liked it so well that he was satisfied to move. He brought with him $9,000 when he located in Sacramento County, in 1907; and here he purchased 168 acres two miles east of Franklin, which he improved. He installed three different pumping-plants, set out a fifty-four-acre vineyard, and also engaged in dairying and raising alfalfa, success crowning his efforts. In 1918 he purchased the old William Bradford ranch near Bruceville, whither he moved his family and where he now lives; while his old ranch is now operated by his son David. On the Bradford ranch he has 110 acres of vineyard in full hearing, and all in shipping grapes, making a very valuable property, to the operating of which he gives all of his attention, the place being irrigated by five pumping-plants. He is a member of the Elk Grove Vineyard Association and the Florin Fruit Growers' Association, and a stockholder of the King Tire & Rubber Company in Oakland, and the Brad- ford Telephone Line, of which he is a trustee.

Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer have had eleven children: Mrs. Eva Waits, of Franklin; Mrs. Catherine Wei- gum, of Victor; John, who is farming a part of Mr. Kammerer's ranch; David, who is running the old home place; Benjamin, assisting his father; Gotlieb, attending high school; Rheinhold, deceased in in- fancy; Theodore and Tobias, twins; and Edwin Gus- taf and Fredrick, twins, the latter deceased.

On November 21, 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer celebrated their silver wedding at their residence, when over 100 of their friends gathered to make the evening pleasant. In 1922 Mr. Kammerer and his wife made a trip to the Dakotas, and also throughout the East, visiting the larger cities and various points of interest.

Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer were one of the three families that founded and built the Baptist Church at Franklin, the other families being those of Fred and Phillip Kammerer; and it is now a prosperous and large congregation. Mr. John Kammerer was a trustee of the church for many years, and the Sunday school superintendent as well.

As soon as Mr. Kammerer had been in this country the required time, he became a citizen of the United States. He is very loyal to his adopted country, and proud and happy in the thought that he had the good fortune to cast in his lot with the land of sun- shine and flowers. He and his estimable wife and helpmate are enterprising and progressive, and give of their time and means, as far as they are able, to worthy objects that have for their aim the building up of the community and the enhancing of the com- fort and happiness of its people.

FRED FEIL .- The successful manager of the Superior Feed Company, located on Stockton Boule- vard is Fred Feil, who is also a part owner in this thriving business. He was born in Adams County, Illinois, August 9, 1881, a son of August and Agnes (Bassett) Feil. Fred Feil received his education in the grammar and high schools of his native county; when he was fourteen years of age he had the mis-

fortune to lose his mother. He engaged in farming and also learned the carpenter's trade.

While residing in Illinois, Mr. Feil was united in marriage with Miss Eva Bliven, also a native of Illinois, and they are the parents of six children: Myrtle, Otis, Elvis, Katherine, Evan, and Loren. In 1905 Mr. Feil brought his family to California and located in Sacramento; and five years ago he became associated with the Superior Feed Company and for the past three years has been the capable manager as well as part owner of the company. While Mr. Feil believes in the principles of the Republican party, he does not restrict his vote, but supports the candidate best suited to perform the duties of the office which he seeks.

PETER L. OLSON .- Peculiar interest always at- taches to the life-history of the American of foreign birth who, identifying himself with his adopted coun- try, loyally takes up arms in defence of its institu- tions. Such is the life-history of Peter L. Olson, a Spanish-American War veteran, who for years served his country in camp and field. He is a native son of Sweden, born in the city of Helsingborg, on August 1, 1872. His father was a well-known Swedish con- tractor and builder. Both parents passed away in the old country and were laid away to rest in a quiet, Favorite spot. Peter L. Olson was the oldest of their nine children. He was reared in his native city in Sweden, and there attended the excellent schools for which that country is noted. In May, 1888, he emigrated to America and located at Manchester, lowa. Although educated in the schools of Sweden, he here attended the public day schools at Delaware, lowa, the evening schools in Dubuque, Iowa, and later the army school in Augusta, Ga. He came to have a great love for the land of the Stars and Stripes, and in 1894 he became an American citizen. For several years he was employed at railroading in Min- nesota and Illinois. In 1897 he enlisted in the United States Army, in the Hospital Corps, being stationed at Augusta, Ga., and also served in Cuba. At the end of three years he was honorably discharged at Au- gusta, and the same day he reenlisted in the same corps. He was sent on the hospital ship "Relief" through the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal to Manila, P. I., where he took part in subduing the Filipino insurrection. Afterwards he served on transports between Manila and United States ports, making nine trips across the Pacific, and one round trip from Manila to New York. He also served on the "Relief" on its trip to Taku, China, at the time of the Boxer War, in 1900. On being returned to the United States he landed at San Francisco and was sent to Fort Snelling and later to Fort Keogh, Mont .; and while there his second enlistment expired. On being mustered out he immediately reenlisted and obtained a furlough of four months, with permission to go beyond the seas. He made a trip to his old home in Sweden, where he spent a pleasant time visiting his relatives and friends, and on his return he again reported for duty. He had been given per- mission to report to any post in New York harbor. Thus it came to pass that he reported for duty at Governor's Island, and later he was stationed for eight months at the Statue of Liberty, a very instruc- tive and agreeable experience. Thence he was trans- ferred to Fisher's Island, where he served the balance of his third enlistment, being mustered out on Feb-

Pater L. Olson

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY

ruary 12, 1905. During his eight years of service in the United States Army he had traveled much and circumnavigated the globe twice, gaining useful expe- rience and imbibing much general knowledge which has since served him in good stead. He served as a non-commissioned officer, and also studied at the government school for nurses and pharmacists.

On settling down to civil life, Mr. Olson was mar- ried in New York City, in 1905, to Miss Signe G. Johnson, of that city. She was a womanly woman, and their union has proved a happy one; and their home at 3158 C Street is the scene of cordial hospi- tality. After his marriage, Mr. Olson immediately took up his residence in Sacramento. He was for one year in the employ of the Southern Pacific Rail- road shops, and then for a period of six years was in the freight depot of the same company. He then entered the employ of the city of Sacramento in the cemetery department, and there continued efficiently until 1920, when he resigned to accept his present position as superintendent of the Masonic Lawn Cem- etery, which had then just been started. Mr. Olson has since planted the trees and shrubbery, and com- pleted the many improvements that make the Ma- sonic Lawn Cemetery one of the most beautiful cem- etcries in the capital city, and one in which the citi- zens, as well as himself, take much pride.

Mr. Olson was made a Mason in Tehama Lodge No. 3. F. & A. M., Sacramento; and he is also a Scot- tish Rite Mason. He is a past commander of J. Hol- land Laidler Camp No. 5, United Spanish War Veter- ans; while Mrs. Olson is a member of Cynthia Moore Auxiliary, the United Spanish War Veterans, as well as of the Eastern Star. Both are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Sacramento, of which Mr. Olson is secretary and trustee. Mr. Olson has been a close observer and is well-read and well-posted; and it is a pleasure to visit and converse with him and his interesting wife.

JOSEPH BUSHART .- A pioneer of the Carmi- chael district, Joseph Bushart has probably done more development work here than any other of its resi- dents, as he was the first member of this colony to purchase land and settle here, in 1910. A native of Germany, he was born in Württemberg, March 24, 1857. He received a good education in the · public schools and then entered the lumber camps of his native country as a mill hand, continuing until he was twenty-one, when he entered the German army. After three years he was given his honorable dis- charge, and he immediately set out for the United States, arriving in New York in April, 1881.

Here Mr. Bushart went to work for the packing- house of D. J. Keefe, and two years later was put in complete charge of the pickling and curing depart- ment of the large Brooklyn plant of this concern. He remained with them for twenty-five years, becom- ing one of their most capable and trustworthy em- ployees, and seeing the capacity of the plant more than doubled. When the plant was acquired by Swift & Company, Mr. Bushart remained with them for five years longer, and it was with a marked de- gree of reluctance that his resignation was accepted when he decided to take up his residence in Cali- fornia. On arriving here he purchased land in the Carmichael district and immediately set to work to develop it to orchard. He not only has been an eye-

witness to the transformation of this region, formerly a wild pasture and stubble-field, but has done much contract development work for others in setting out orchards, and now after eight or ten years they are ready to locate on their properties, which in the meantime have been given such excellent care by Mr. Bushart.

In New York, in 1891, Mr. Bushart was married to Miss Bertha Strickland, also a native of Germany, who became acquainted with her future husband while on a visit to her sister in New York. One daughter was born to them, Augusta, who married E. W. Jones; her husband passed away in July, 1921, survived by five children: Beberle, Robert, Wendell, Hazel and Alma. Mrs. Bushart passed away in 1913 at their home at Carmichael, and her loss was deeply felt by her family and the whole community. Mr. Bushart received his United States citizenship papers in New York in 1891, and has ever since been a stanch citizen of his adopted country. He has for many years been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

HARRY DEWEY .- Many life histories prove the fact it is under the pressure of necessity and the stimulus of adversity that the best and strongest in the individual are brought out and developed. The truth of this statement is forcibly illustrated in the career ot Harry Dewey, whose early life was one of hardship and privation, but whose indomitable pur- pose and untiring effort have enabled him to rise superior to circumstances and take his place with the successful orchardists of Sacramento County.

Mr. Dewey is one of California's native sons. He was born in Grass Valley, Nevada County, August 6, 1864, and at a very early age was left alone in the world, both parents passing away in the sixties. He was the eldest of three sons, and his early childhood was spent in the Protestant Orphans' Home at Sac- ramento. When a mere lad he was taken from that institution by a pioneer rancher of Placer County, who compelled him to perform tasks far beyond his strength; and in consequence his boyhood was a per- iod of hard and unremitting labor, devoid of every pleasure and pastime of youth. In such an environ- ment he grew to manhood, and subsequently he worked at odd jobs in various parts of the county, accepting any employment that would afford him an honest livelihood. He carefully saved his earnings and at length acquired a capital sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account. In 1889 he went to Rocklin, Placer County, where he secured work in the quarries, but abandoned that position as he was unwilling to join the union which was then being formed, for he has never been in sympathy with the methods of organized labor.

In 1889 Mr. Dewey returned to Sacramento County and located on the Heintz farm, which he operated in partnership with Jacob Heintz until the latter's deatlı in 1896. After Mr. Heintz's death he was as- sociated in business with Mrs. Heintz until 1901. when he took over her interest in the ranch. For some years previous to the death of Mr. Heintz, Mr. Dewey engaged in farming on the San Juan grant, cultivating at times as many as 4,000 acres, on which they grew large quantities of wheat, barley and hay; and they also operated extensively on the Haggin grant, contributing in notable measure to the agri-

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cultural development of this region. He always has preferred the American type of worker, and was ever just, considerate and tactful in the treatment of his employes, who remained with him from season to season. Since the advent of land-colonization pro- jects, the men who formerly operated large tracts of arid land have gradually withdrawn from this field, and of the 385-acre farm which Mr. Dewey originally owned he now has about 180 acres, having sold some 200 acres. This tract is now known as Citrus Heights No. 1, and seven ranches have been de- veloped by irrigation and the planting of fruit trees. Mr. Dewey's ranch, Oaklawn, is situated twelve miles northeast of Sacramento, in the San Juan belt. In 1912 he began his development work, setting out twenty-five acres to almond trees. By subsequent plantings he now has eighty acres under almond cul- ture, and in blossom time his trees are a beautiful sight, giving promise of bountiful harvests. The marketing problem has been a difficult one for every grower, and since 1910 Mr. Dewey has given much time and thought to its solution. He has an expert knowledge of his occupation, and since 1917 has been a director of the Fair Oaks and Orangevale Almond Association. He is now serving for the third term as president of the organization, which is connected with the State Exchange and is now operating a newly completed modern plant at Fair Oaks. He reads broadly and thinks deeply, and is well-informed on the subject of the cooperative marketing of farm produce,

Mr. Dewey has made business but one phase of his life, and his influence has been a dominant force in community progress and upbuilding. He is a stanch and sympathetic friend of children, whose welfare is close to his heart; and he has worked untiringly to promote educational standards and facilities. He has served as school trustee, and it was largely owing to his efforts that the San Juan High School was erected on the site most advantageous to all in the district. His political support is given to the Republi- can party, and at various times he has served on the county grand jury. He is prominent in local fraternal circles, being a charter member and past president of Roseville Aerie, No. 1582, of the Order of Eagles, and also an Elk and an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 6 in the former organization and to Capi- tal Lodge No. 87, in the latter. He is intensely loyal and patriotic, and at the time of the war against Ger- many gave liberally of his time and means to further the interests of his country.

In 1888 Mr. Dewey married Miss Bertha Heintz, a daughter of the late Jacob Heintz, and to her help- ful cooperation, advice and sympathy he attributes much of his success. Four children blessed their union, but Letha L., the first-born, died in infancy. Harold J., the second in the family, married Miss Gladys Coppin, of Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, Cal., and they have a daughter, Esther Jane. In June, 1918, during the progress of the World War, he enlisted in the United States Army, joining Bat- tery G, Second Heavy Artillery, and was honorably discharged at Fort McArthur, Los Angeles, on De- cember 14, of that year. He is identified with Capi- tal Lodge No. 87, 1. O. O. F., and acts as manager of the orchard ranch at Oaklawn, having charge of the

planting of new almond trees. Alta W., the next in order of birth, also resides at home. Joseph H. en- listed for military service in 1918 and was sent to the officers' training school at Camp Fremont. He is now a salesman for a wholesale house in Sacramento. Mr. Dewey is modest and unassuming in manner, but public-spirited and progressive in thought and action. He has constructed his own success and the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity, so worthily has it been won, and so well used.

GRANT FRANKLIN GILLENWATER .- That many of the notable industrial establishments in Sacra- mento prosper in part because of the expert super- vision given them, is suggested by the prosperity of the Sacramento Welding & Machine Works, at 1406 J Street, whose proprietor is Grant Franklin Gillen- water, a gentleman now well-known in the capital city. He was born in historic old Placerville, Eldorado County, on February 9, 1865, the son of Thomas and Mary (Craig) Gillenwater, of an old Southern family descended from Scotch and English forebears, the former a pioneer who came over the great plains in the famous Argonaut year of 1849, and on arriving here went to work in the mines. He was a carpenter by trade, and as such he was in constant demand in the early settler days. He died, however, when his son Grant was a child; and his good wife, whom he had married in Tennessee, is also with him in the Silent Land.

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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 95

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