USA > California > San Mateo County > History of San Mateo County, California, including its geography, topography, geology, climatography, and description, together with an historical sketch of California; a record of the Mexican grants; the early history and settlement, compiled from the most authentic sources; some of the names of Spanish and American pioneers; legislative history; a record of its cities and towns; biographical sketches of representative men; etc., etc > Part 35
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Francisco. He married Miranda Chase, of Chittenden county, Vermont, and their children are Burleigh C. and Carrie A.
John K. G. Winkler. The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia, December 24, 1829. In 1855, he emigrated to Australia. Having learned the trade of coachmaker in his native country, he followed that occupation while in Australia. He came to this state in 1869, arriving on the 5th day of May in that year. After a stay of three weeks in San Francisco, he came to Wood- side, where he opened a shop a short distance below where his present place of business is located. In 1882, he erected a frame building sufficiently large to accommodate a wagon and blacksmith trades, manufacturing wagons and carriages, besides carrying on a general wood and iron repairing for the far- mers and teamsters of the surrounding country. He married Maria Hoehne, a native of Prussia, and they have five children; John T. C., Louis E. H., Earnest, Bertha and Ferdinand.
George Winter. Mr. Winter first saw the light at Logansport, Indiana, June 22, 1841. In 1852, his parents moved to La Fayette, in the same state, where he was educated. Here he also learned the painter's trade. His father, and cousins Robert and William, being portrait and landscape painters, Mr. Winter was induced to study that art; but finding that it took years of toil and application to become proficient enough to gain a livelihood, he abandoned it for the more lucrative trade of house, sign and carriage painting, which he has since followed, except one year, which was spent in the postoffice department at La Fayette. In 1858, he joined a Georgia company en route for Pike's Peak, where arriving, they prospected for gold down Cherry creek, to its junction with Platte river. Prospected the Spanish diggings-took up some claims, and returned during the same year to Leavenworth City. On the 17th of March, 1859, he again crossed the plains, taking the famous Smoky Hill and Fremont mail route, on which route there was so much suffering, and was one of the rescuing party of the Blue brothers, that got lost, and killed each other, by lot, for the others to subsist on until rescued; when the last of the brothers was found, he had a part of the leg of his brother, last killed , hung over his shoulder, wandering near the plains, crazy. Arrived at the mouth of Cherry creek, he with several of his companions laid the foundation of Denver City and Aurora; each town on opposite banks of Cherry creek, and at its junction with Platte river. Went into the mountains and worked in the mines at Greg- ory diggings, meeting with good success; but being taken down with mountain fever, was brought out of the mountains down to Clear creek, where he was taken charge of by the same parties that he had crossed the plains with. They shortly starting for California, and not wishing to leave Mr. Winter sick amongst strangers, they placed him in the wagons and brought him on to
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California, where he arrived during the same year. He stopped at Anderson valley, Mendocino county, where he stayed a few weeks, when he came to San Francisco. He went to Fraser river in 1860, visiting all the gold regions in that section, and taking an active part in the Indian war. Was one of the pioneers in the Nez Perces mines. Helped to build Lewiston, at the junction of Clear Water and Snake rivers; done well in the mines in and around Elk City, on the American creek, to the Clear Water river. He sold out, crossed the mountains with a band of Nez Perces Indians, over into the Bitter Root valley, crossing the now famous Camas prairie. The taking of it from the Indians by interloping white men, was the real cause of the bloody war of Nez Perces against whites, in which General Howard had a hand, and thus made bitter enemies of a once fine and peaceable tribe of Indians. On the trip over the mountains was the guest of chiefs Cue-cue-sna-nie, Tu-i-tu-e and Ela-sco-lie. In the twenty-five days travel with them, was treated like a little god, receiv- ing from all some mark of attention. And on special occasions, when invited to a feast (high toned), was expected to eat stewed dog, jerked horse, camas, fat buffalo and choke cherries and pits, all mashed together and served on pieces of dried buffalo chips. Looked like blackberry jam, sugared with fine sand. For dessert, a squaw would produce a fine tooth comb, give a pull through her hair, fetching out a dozen or so of fine large fat lice, that were passed around on the comb for inspection and criticism. It was a special mark of appreciation of the squaw, by the guest cracking a louse between their teeth and eating them; the more they ate, the more the appreciation. Mr. Winter's teeth being dull, he took his whole. At this place, the very head of the Bitter Root valley and river, there was a week's gathering of Indians from all parts; grand pow wows, dances, and a final break-up, the Indians going over the Rocky mountains to Milk river, to hunt buffalo. Mr. Winter then went down the valley to Fort Owens, thence to Hell Gate, then to Walla Walla, where he wintered. Starting in the early spring for Salmon river, located at Florence City, in Babboon Gulch. Done well in these mines, returned to Walla Walla, and then pioneered it over into Idaho mines, and was one of the builders of the town of Bannock, now named Idaho City. From there went to San Fran- cisco, thence on a trip to Mexico; being in the city of Colima at the time the French and Austrians were there at war with the Mexicans, and Maximillian was taken. He took passage on the steamer Golden City for San Francisco, and on his arrival there worked at his trade. At the solicitation of Mr. Frank Gilman, a leading painter of San Francisco, he went down to San Mateo on the 18th of December, 1865, to paint the Episcopal church. He married Maggie Berry in 1866. Liking the place and people, concluded to cast his lot with them; did so, and opened out in the chicken business. In 1872, he moved to Knight's Ferry, Stanislaus county, but returned to San Mateo September 3, 1875, where he has since lived, working at his trade, and
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is also engaged in raising thoroughbred poultry. His children are Henry, Nattie, Arthur, George, Lillie, Charlie, Robert and Willie.
William Jackson. The early career of Mr. Jackson, one of California's pioneers, was unusually checkered and fraught with adventure. Born in the county of Wexford, Ireland, August 25, 1828, he at an early age adopted the sea as his profession. In 1846, he joined an American vessel, and came to the United States. Still in pursuit of adventure, he shipped on board the Baltic, captain Elbridge, commanding, bound for San Francisco, where he arrived in 1849. After remaining in that city five years, he began the culti- vation of a ranch near San Antonio, Alameda county, which he continued until February 20, 1860, when he came to San Mateo county and settled on the farm where he is at present residing. This farm comprises four hundred acres. Here, amidst the timber and the everlasting hills, this old pioneer, after years of toil and restless adventure, has made his home for nearly twenty-three years, steadily subduing the wilderness and making it to blossom as the rose. Mr. Jackson married Isabella Johnson, and they have four children living: Mary, William, Fannie and Thomas. A little granddaughter, Lizzie, is also with them, to remind them of the years that are passing, and the changes they bring.
John G. Moore. The name of Mr. Moore will be recognized as one among the pioneer shingle millmen of San Mateo county. He is a native of Rocking- ham county, New Hampshire, and born April 19, 1829. His parents took him to Lowell, Massachusetts, when seven years old, where he was educated. Here he was engaged in staging and teaming until he came to this coast round the Horn, and landed in San Francisco, March 13, 1850. He went to the mines, first at Angels' Camp, then to Mokelumne Hill and San Andreas, where he remained until 1852, when he returned to San Francisco. In May of that year he settled at Woodside and run a stage line from that place to San Francisco. He erected the pioneer shingle mill at Woodside, and followed the business of shingle making until his settlement at San Mateo in 1861. About the time of his arrival here, he operated a stage line running to Pesca- dero. He married Mary Jane Spencer, and Mary E., Malinda A., Libbie and John G. are the names of their children.
Andrew Taft. This well known stage proprietor was born in Ontario county, New York, July 7, 1828. He, with his father, emigrated to Macomb county, Michigan, in May, 1830. Mr. Taft came to California via the Nica- ragua route, and arrived on November 16, 1852. He proceeded to the mines, first locating at Placerville, El Dorado county; thence, in the spring of 1854, to Mokelumne Hill, where he followed the occupation of a miner until 1857.
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He next engaged in the livery business for one year, after which he purchased a stage line, and has continuously followed the business to the present time. He came to this county July 5, 1872, and now owns an interest in the stage line from San Mateo to Santa Cruz. He is married, and Andrew Adon and Hannah Ada are the names of their children.
Henry Frazer Barrows. The year 1861 will be ever memorable as the period when a great dissention between two vast sections of the country threat- ened the dismemberment of the nation. Joint resolutions had passed both houses of the California legislature, pledging the state to respond to any call from the President for assistance in putting down the rebellious foes of the government. The consequence was, that in many towns and villages through- out the coast, military companies were immediately organized and equipped for the emergency that was expected to arise at any moment. Among other organizations of this character, company H was fitted out in Trinity county, and became a part of the Fourth California volunteer infantry. Men were being called for to fill the ranks of this regiment, and the subject of this sketch was one of the first to respond. The regiment was divided, a portion being ordered to the north and a portion to the south. Mr. Barrows was among those who went into the southern country, camping for a short time, for drill, about nine miles from Los Angeles. They were then ordered to Arizona, Company H, to which Mr. Barrows was attached, performing forced marches of fifty miles, at times, over the burning sands of a glaring desert, beneath the torrid heat of a tropical sun, burdened with the weight of knapsack, cartridge box, and gun. It was indeed a patriotic motive that imbued these men with the strength and energy sufficient to enable them to endure the privations of that terrible march. They remained at Fort Yuma a short time and then resumed their march across the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, finally reaching the Rio Grande and establishing headquarters at El Paso, Texas. He then re-crossed the desert to the city of Los Angeles, and was honorably discharged at Drum barracks, Los Angeles county, after a service of three years, his record being that of a thorough soldier. We are not surprised that Mr. Barrows should have been found among those who loved their country better than life, and who resolved that the honor and integrity of the whole Union should be maintained, and that the stars and stripes should wave above every section of the United States as long as a single dollar or a drop of blood remained in the north, for he came from a family of patriots, and first saw the light in a state, the people of which love the grand old principles embodied in the motto: " The Union forever, and liberty to all men." Mr. Barrows was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 29, 1839. At the age of twelve years he went to New Orleans, where he was employed as a cabin boy on the steamer Susquehanna, plying on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Having followed this
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occupation two years, he returned to his native city, and remained there until he came to California, in the spring of 1854. He proceeded to Oregon and thence to Puget Sound, where he was in the employ of the government until 1860, when he returned to San Francisco, and in the following year enlisted as has already been described. At the close of the war he was employed in a general merchandise store in Los Angeles. In 1867 he came to Pescadero and afterwards to San Mateo, where he is at present the manager of Hon. James Byrnes' livery stable. Mr. Barrows is not, in any sense of the phrase, a policy man. He is either a friend or a foe, and he makes no concealment of his posi- tion towards those whom he likes or dislikes. He is, however, always kind and courteous, and generous to a fault, and bears an enviable reputation for honesty and sterling integrity in the community where he lives. As we close this brief sketch of this old settler and patriotic soldier, we cannot help expressing the heartfelt wish that many years may pass away before the bugle call of death shall summon him to the bivouac of eternity.
Judge James W. Bicknell. Was born in Green county, Tennessee, Octo- ber 21, 1813. Here he was raised and educated. In the year 1849, he left for California, crossing the plains with ox teams, and arrived in the same year. He engaged in mining in Amador and El Dorado counties, and subsequently on the south fork of the Yuba river. We next find him in Nevada City, where he lived till 1852. He then settled in Placer county, and from there returned to his home in Tennessee, where he remained about six months. He again came to this state, settling in San Francisco, where he engaged in business with his brother-in-law, T. D. Heiskell. In the fall of 1853 he sold out and again went to the mines in Amador county. Here, in 1860, he was elected county clerk. In 1864 he came to San Mateo county, and took up his resi- dence with A. Hayward. He was appointed county judge to fill an unexpired term of Horace Templeton, and in 1874 was elected to that office, which he held until the adoption of the new constitution. In the year 1869 he went to Los Angeles, where he was employed in the banking house of A. Hayward & Co. Here he remained three years, He moved to Redwood City in 1874, and has resided there till the present time. He was placed in nomination for county clerk in the fall of 1882, and elected to that office, which he now holds. In the year 1844 he married Elizabeth Heiskell, sister of T. D. Heiskell. She died in 1848.
Hon. L. D. Morse. The subject of our memoir was born in East Poultney, Rutland county, Vermont, December 25, 1821. He was educated at Union Academy of Wayne creek, Wayne county, New York, and at the state Univer- sity in New York City. In the medical department of that university he gradu- ated in 1846. He commenced the practice of medicine in the city of Perth
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Amboy, New Jersey. Here he remained about twelve years, then emigrated to Missouri, and settled a few miles west of St. Louis. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, he went into the military service as surgeon of the first regiment enrolled Missouri Militia, of St. Louis county, receiving his commission from Hamilton R. Gamble, governor of Missouri. At the time of General Price's raid near Springfield, Missouri, the doctor accompanied the regiment to that place, but was soon after ordered back to be examining physi- cian of recruits. He was honorably discharged from the service at the close of the war, after which he was corresponding secretary of the Missouri state board of Agriculture. At the time of his holding this position, he was also appointed state commissioner of statistics, and the six annual reports which he made while he occupied these positions, were remarkably exhaustive. The manner in which he filled the offices, and the high regard by which he was held by the educated men with whom he was associated, was the reason for his being selected by the board of curators of the university of Missouri, to examine, classify, and appraise the college lands of that state. These lands were chiefly located in mineral regions, and consisted of three hundred and thirty thousand acres. Dr. Morse was engaged in this work about three years. His reports on the agricultural capacities, botany, geology, mineralogy and extent of the dis- trict, was afterwards accepted as authority. A meritorious and high compliment was recently paid the doctor by the college law commission of Missouri, which
we quote: " It gives me pleasure to state that Dr. Morse's qualifications pecu- liarly fitted him for this work, and that he performed it to the entire satisfaction of the board of curators. That he did it well, subsequent examinations have confirmed." Dr. Morse came to this state in the fall of 1874, and the follow- ing winter settled at San Mateo, where he now resides. He has mainly devoted his time to the practice of his profession. On June 3, 1878, he was elected to the constitutional convention which met in Sacramento, where he performed the functions of his office worthy a man of learning and ability. He married Rebecca Daggett, a native of Jordan, New York, and Charles M., Mary E., Lucius D. and William H. are their children.
Edward Taylor. The subject of this sketch was born in Middletown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, January 26, 1819, where he lived until he was seventeen years of age. From this place he moved to New York, where he remained three years. About this time a relative of his, who was interested in a ship about to make a voyage to China, via Sydney, New South Wales, offered him a passage around the world. This proposition afforded the subject of our sketch an opportunity. to carry out a long cherished wish to become a sea- faring man, and he at once accepted the offer, and they set sail for their destination in March, 1840. This trip proved to be replete with incidents and adventures, and we record one of them. While on their way from Sydney to
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Manila, and when they arrived at the Sooloo group of islands, they spied a vessel coming from the north, and being anxious to obtain news of the opium war which was then progressing in China, and to while away a few tedious hours, some of the ship's crew, including Mr. Taylor and the captain, went ashore on an island, in a small boat. This craft was left in charge of one of the boys, while the rest of the party wandered along the shore sight-seeing. Suddenly they were attacked by a large party of Malays, and their retreat being cut off to the boat, they ran over the reefs, plunged into the water, and Mr. Taylor, not knowing how to swim, saved hislife by remaining under water until after the natives, who had become frightened in some way, had secreted them- selves in the adjacent bushes. The boy left with the boat, seeing the danger of his comrades, pulled out into the stream, and rescued all but two, who were killed by the Malays. Soon after this the ship proceeded on her way until she arrived at her destination. In May, 1841, while the battle of Canton was in progress, Mr. Taylor, together with other employees of the mercantile house to which they were attached, endeavored to escape to Whampoo in a small boat, and take with them the books and records belonging to the house. They were captured by the Chinese, beaten and cut in a frightful manner, and then taken to a building in the city. From this place Mr. Taylor was placed in a sedan, carried along a labyrinth of streets, out of the back gates of the city, where he was guarded in a camp of soldiers. He was, undoubtedly, about to be taken to a place for trial or execution, but on showing the commanding officer a star pricked in his arm with india ink, thus conveying to the heathen mind the fact that he was an American, he was allowed to remain. A short time thereafter, however, he was taken within the gates of the city, tried, and sent to prison. He was released after three days, went to Whampoo, and in due time returned to Canton, where he resided three years. In 1846 Mr. Taylor took another ocean voyage to Shanghai, and then came to California, arriving June 12, 1849. Shortly after his arrival he accepted a situation in the office of C. B. Post; but on January 1, 1850, he went into the employ of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and is now holding the responsible position as their cashier. His home is at San Mateo, to which place he moved in 1863.
A. P. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was born near Portland, Cumberland county, Maine, July 9, 1821. When nine years of age he went and worked on a farm in Oxford county, Maine, until he was twelve years old, when he went to Boston and learned the trade of painter. He afterwards studied at West Point in 1846, when the Mexican war broke out. He was assigned to company " A," corps of engineers, and on September 25th embarked with his company at New York for the seat of war. On October 12th, he landed at Brazos, St. Jago, Texas, from which place he marched thirteen miles to the Rio Grande, where a steamer conveyed him to Matamoras, arriving October 28th, and visiting
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Fort Brown on the 29th. December 2d they marched to Camargo and thence to Tampico. On the 6th, orders were received to return to Matamoras to join General Patterson's division. The march was begun on the 8th, and on the 22d they camped at Elmo creek; on the 25th they camped at Pederios, and on the 26th at San Fernando. They remained here until the 28th, camping that night on Boncous creek. On the 31st they reached San Leandro creek, where they were mustered by Lieutenant G. W. Smith, in command, and who became a general during the late civil war. January 2, 1847, they camped at St. Astoras, and on the 3d, on Lacorma creek. On the 4th they arrived at Victoria, where they joined Gen. Taylor's command. Taylor returned to the Rio Grande. They left Victoria under Patterson and Pillow on the 13th, and on the 23d arrived within two miles of Tampico, marching into the city on the 24th. On February 25th they sailed for Vera Cruz, arriving at Lobos island on the 27th. Here their force consisted of twenty vessels, with which they sailed, the sloop of war St. Mary taking the lead; the fleet, when under full sail, presenting a picture at once imposing and beautiful. On March 4th, they arrived at Antone Lizardo, where the vessel upon which Mr. Thompson had embarked from Tampico, ran aground. They floated off the next morning, and on March 9th, at five o'clock in the afternoon, they landed within three miles of Vera Cruz without opposi- tion from the enemy. On March 10th other troops were landed, and the work of surrounding the city began. On the 17th batteries were placed in position, and on the 22d they opened fire on the city, which surrendered on the 23d. April 11th, they left Vera Cruz and arrived at Del Rio that night about ten o'clock, joining General Twiggs' division at this point. On the 18th of April they fought the battle of Cerro Gordo, following the enemy after the victory as far as Eucerro. On the 19th they marched on Jalapa, arriving at ten o'clock on the afternoon of the 20th. Here they were joined by Worth's command, and started for Lahoys and the Castle of Perote, arriving at the former place on the 21st. They found the place abandoned, the enemy having left six pieces of artil- lery behind them in their flight. On the 22d they arrived at Perote Castle, which had also been abandoned, and left in charge of a first lieutenant of Mexican infantry to turn over. Mr. Thompson found this place a very formidable stronghold, built of stone, and used by the Mexicans as a military prison, as well as a fortification. On the 28th they arrived at Tepe Ialco, and May 9th camped at Amezoque. On the 13th following, the long roll sounded to arms, and Santa Ana with a force of Mexican lancers charged the American forces, but was repulsed. The army then marched to Pueblo, where they arrived on the 13th. August 7th they left Pueblo with Twiggs' division for the city of Mexico, camping on the Rio Priesto. On the 8th they bivouacked at San Martin, and on the 9th pitched their tents at Tesmeluca. On the 10th they reached Cadoba, and on the 11th arrived at Agotla. On the 12th they recon- noitered and found the enemy fortified at El Piñon, holding a position which
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swept the approaches for three miles. Worth's division came up on the 16th, but the attack at this point was abandoned, Twiggs' division being left to mask the movements of Worth's troops, to which Mr. Thompson was attached, and who by a rapid countermarch over a road deemed by the enemy impassa- ble, on account of the numerous obstructions rolled down from the mountain side. On the 19th of August appeared before General Valencia's position, which was strongly fortified and defended by twenty-two pieces of artillery. As soon as the Americans came within range, fire was opened by the enemy, which was returned from a light battery. This fire diverted the attention of the Mexicans until the attacking force could cross the ravines; the intention being to carry General Valencia's works by storm. This maneuver, however, was not executed until late in the evening, and the attack was postponed until morning, the grand final charge being successfully made at daylight. Seven hundred of the enemy were killed, several generals taken prisoners, and twenty-two brass pieces captured. The Americans pursued the Mexicans as far as San Ancel. A reconnoitering party was sent out to investigate the enemy's position at Cherubusco, and the result was the discovery of a battery command- ing the road leading to the convent, preventing a direct attack at that point. The party observed, however, that an eligible position could be secured on the left, and the troops being ordered forward to that point the battle commenced. The strife continued during three hours and a-half, with inconceivable fury on either side, resulting in the capture of the convent, but at a loss of 1000 of the American army. August 20, 1847, an armistice was signed, and the American troops went into quarters at San Ancel. On the 5th of September the negotia- tions were unsatisfactorily concluded, and the army was ordered to move on Tacubya, and within cannon range of the castle of Chapultepec. On Septem- ber 8th the Americans attacked El Molino del Rey, which they supposed to be only a cannon foundry garrisoned by a few troops. They found, however, a strong fort garrisoned by ten times the attacking force. After an obstinate fight of three hours, the Mexicans were driven from their stronghold. Batteries were erected on the night of the 11th of September, and the bombard- ment immediately following rendered the castle vulnerable to the storming par- ties which were thrown against it on the 13th, and resulting in the final capture of the fortification. Mr. Thompson's company then joined General Worth's division and pursued the enemy toward the city of Mexico, which they captured on the 14th of September, 1847, ending the war. After the war Mr. Thompson returned to West Point, where he remained about three months, when he resigned from the service and returned to Boston. He afterwards went to Moosehead lake, remaining in that section during the winter of 1849-50, returning in the spring of the latter year to Boston. He came to California via the Isthmus, arriving in San Francisco in March, 1853. He lived in that city two years, and then located on a ranch at Mountain View,
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