USA > California > Solano County > History of Solano County...and histories of its cities, towns...etc. > Part 48
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JEWELL, W. T., is a native of Sacramento city, California, where he was born on September 26, 1855. His earlier years were passed at the Seminaries of Calistoga, in Napa county, and Rio Vista, Solano county, after which entered business as clerk in the post office at Calistoga, where he served during the years 1875-6. In the month of August in the latter year he was employed as operator in the telegraph office at Yountville, in the same county, and in April, 1878, he moved to Cordelia and took charge of the telegraph office for Cal. P. R. R. Co. there, and on February 1, 1879, he became agent for Cal. P. R. R. Co. and Wells, Fargo & Co., which position he still holds.
JONES, F. S., was born in Windsor county, Vermont, March 1, 1828, where he was primarily and academically educated, first in the common schools, second in the Woodstock University. He changed his place of residence in 1849 to Brighton, Mass., and emigrated to this State in 1853, crossing via the Isthmus, settling in San Francisco, five years after which he moved to Sonoma where he abode ten years when he came to his present farm in Green Valley township, since maintaining a permanent residence. He is the largest grape grower in the valley as well as the most extensive manufacturer of all kinds of wine, which is fully set forth in the town- ship history. Married in Sonoma, Mary, daughter of William Swift, a native of Henry county, Kentucky, in 1858. Mary J., Frederick H. S., and Luman H. are their children.
PITTMAN, C. J., (deceased.) Born in England in the city of Bristol, in the year 1824, and emigrated to California in 1850, where he engaged in hotel keeping in Grass Valley, and conducting the International Hotel in San Francisco, after which he moved to Grass Valley, there also pur- suing the same occupation. In 1854 he returned to England and having married, he, accompanied by his wife, returned to the United States and landed in New York City, but only sojourned there six weeks. Mr. Pitt- man once more started for California in the fall of 1854, on board the steamer " Sierra Nevada," and, arriving in San Francisco he became pro- prietor of the City Hotel there, which he carried on for some time. In 1855 he settled in Cordelia, where he kept a hotel, and moving once more in 1862, he built the Bridgeport house, which establishment is now kept by his widow.
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Mr. Pittman married in Bristol, England, Louisa J. May, of that city, May 28, 1864, by whom there is an only daughter, Carrie E. J. He died in 1864.
PIERCE, LEWIS, the subject of this sketch is a native of York county, Maine, and born March 16, 1832. Here his father died when he was but five years old, and at the age of ten he took up a residence in Baldwin. At the age of fifteen removed to Bedford, York county, Maine, where he was educated in a Grammar school. It is no easy task to give the reader an idea of the sufferings, hardships and toils this boy experienced, thrown into the world as he was and on his own resources to obtain a livelihood at the age of ten. But with a courage that is commendable in one so young, and a determination to surmount all obstacles be they great or be they small, he went at work with a will, saved his earnings, and in March, 1851,-then but 15 years old-had sufficient funds to pay for a passage on the steamer " Pacific " to San Francisco, arriving July 2d of that year. For five years after his arrival in that city he was apprentice to a baker, after which he did business on his own account for five more years, then came to Suisun with a few thousand dollars, engaging in the grain trade amassing a fortune equalled by few in this county. Married Miss Nellie B. Staples, January 22, 1874. On a plateau in a westerly direction from Suisun, on the banks of Suisun Creek, stands Mr. Pierce's handsome new residence. The location is one of the most picturesque and attractive to be met with in this part of the county. It commands a magnificent view of the bold mountains that fringe the western border of Suisun valley. Half encircling it, is a grand amphitheatre of cliffs dotted with timber, grass lands and cultivated fields. The building is of wood, two stories above a basement of cut stone, constructed in a most substantial manner, and in an unique and highly attractive style of archi- tecture. It is finished and furnished in a manner appropriate to such an enterprise. This house enjoys a happy combination of the useful and the beautiful. It is a well-lighted, ventilated, convenient and cheerful home. Everything pertaining to its construction is substantial, heavy, rich and elegant, but not gaudy.
SCHULTZ, C., & Co. The brothers, C. and Henry Shultz are natives of Hamburg, Germany. The latter came to California in 1853, and in the spring of that year went to the mines, remaining until 1855, when he came to this county, settling near Bridgeport where he engaged in farm- ing. In 1858 moved to Sacramento county, returning that fall buying his present farm in Green Valley township. Mr. C. Shultz came from Germany in 1860 joining his brother in business in the fall of that year. He married Anna Schacht in 1871. Their children are Maggie C. S., and
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Gesine Henry. These brothers are engaged in manufacturing wine from their own vineyard, a full account of which appears in the history of this township.
WILSON, CURTIS. After receiving the foundation of a practical educa- tion, in the year 1848, with the rest of the world, Mr. Wilson emigrated to California, first proceeding to Oroville, Butte county, where he engaged in mining. He only continued at this occupation for one year, when, in 1850, he came to the Suisun valley and embarked in the occupation of farming. In 1852 he was elected to the office of Constable for Suisun township, which position he held until the year 1855, when he was called upon to take his seat as a Justice of the Peace for Green Valley town- ship. Mr. Wilson was elected to the office at the general election of 1855 and filled the position until 1879, a lengthy period of twenty-four years. In the year 1860 he was one of the Associate Justices of the Court of Sessions. In 1867 he came to Cordelia, and in the following year was appointed station agent of the California Pacific Railroad Company and agent for Wells, Fargo & Co., which he held until this year.
On February 7, 1866, Mr. Wilson married Miss Melia A. Gilmore, who was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, April 14, 1829, by whom he had an only child, Thomas, who died March 24, 1870. Mr. Wilson was born in Wayne county, Illinois, June 18, 1827.
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BENICIA.
BENNETT, WILLIAM F., is a native of England, born at Birmingham, August 23, 1822, and left his home at the age of seven for Australia, where he served an appenticeship as carpenter in Sydney, remaining there until 1849, when he sailed for San Francisco, arriving in August. After two weeks he came to Benicia and began work at the Government Barracks, where he was employed on and off till 1874, when he went to Australia and sojourned for three years, again returning to Benicia, where he has since resided. Mr. B. married Mary Ann Boornes, a native of Scotland, March, 1874, she being born Septembr 2, 1833.
BROWN, JOHN R., was born in Nova Scotia in 1845, where he learned the business of tanning and currying. He resided there until 1855, when he went to Woodburn, Mass., remaining there till 1859, when, in May of that year, he went to California and resided in Tuolumne county for one year, when, in the spring of 1860, he went to Santa Clara valley, where he began farming. In the fall of 1861 he purchased an interest in a stock farm on King's river and began the raising of stock, when the the flood of 1862 swept away most of the cattle. This disgusted him with the business, so sold out and returned to Santa Clara valley, where he found employment. He then went to Stockton and began tanning on a small scale. On March 16, 1866, he came to Benicia and again engaged in the tanning business. Messrs. McKay and Chisholm being afterwards in partnership in the same business.
Mr. Brown married' Annie Ross in 1863, by whom he has two children, Anna L. and Elma D. Mr. B. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has held office in the City.
BURNS, JAMES, was born in Ireland in the year 1840, and emigrated to the United States in 1864, first settling in California, for the last ten years of which he has been in this county, and for the last five years on his present farm. Married, in 1871, Mary Linehan, by whom he has John, Mary, Julia, Katie, Dennis, and an infant.
CHISHOLM, A., is a native of Nova Scotia, and was born in 1845. In 1865 he went to the United States and settled in Boston, where he was engaged in the business of tanning and currying, remaining only a short time, when he started for California, first settling in Santa Cruz, where he resided for a little over a year. He then came to Benicia and con- nected himself in the same business in 1867, which he still continues.
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CLYNE, JAMES, manufacturer of wagons, carriages, and agricultural implements, was born in County Longford, Ireland, February 22, 1847. In 1863 he came to California, and on September 20th of that year arrived in Benicia. There he served his apprenticeship with Charles Crawford Allen at his trade. In 1868 he established himself in the busi- ness which he still continues. Married in San Jose, May 14, 1871, Mary Donlon, by whom he has Joseph F., born February 14, 1872; Mary M., born September 9, 1874 ; Frederick, born February 23, 1877, and Therese, born March 25, 1879.
CUMMINGS, FRANCIS, is a native of Prince Edward's Island, having been born November 18, 1839, where he lived till the age of 18, and learned the trade of tanning and currying, when he went to South Hing- ham, Mass .; thence to Woburn, Mass., where he resided until 1873. En- listed in Company G, 5th Mass. V. I .; serving one year, and participating in a number of engagements in North Carolina, under Major-General Foster, 18th Army Corps ; after which he was honorably discharged, and returned to Mass,, where he resided till 1873, when he emigrated to Cali- fornia, first settling in Benicia on 16th of June of that year, and estab- lished a tannery, a history of which will be found in its proper place. Married in Woburn, Mass., Martha C. Richardson.
DALTON, ALFRED, was born in London, England March 13, 1830. At the age of 13 he went to sea, which he followed till 1852, during which period he visited his native place several times. He arrived at San Fran- cisco in July, 1852, on the clipper ship, " Antelope." Thence he went to Sutter Slough, and engaged in gardening and chopping wood. He re- mained there until April, 1853, when he was obliged to leave on account of a flood ; and having made some slough boats, was enabled to drift down with the current to old Rio Vista, where he resided till the flood subsided, which was about three weeks. Thence he went to Cache Creek Slough, and fixed a tent in the fork of a tree for fear of another flood, and con- tinued the same occupation until 1855, and came to Benicia in July or
August of that year. In 1859 he laid the first pipe to supply the city of Benicia with water. In 1860 he purchased a schooner and traded in general merchandise on the Sacramento river, and returned to Benicia January 1, 1862, where he has since remained. Mr. Dalton has held the office of School Director for six consecutive years, being elected in 1873. He is now clerk of the Board, and supervisor of this county, being elected September, 1878, on the Republican ticket.
Mr. D. married Mary Kenny in 1857, at Benicia, who died in 1871, by whom he has a family : John H., Alfred, Willie, James C., George E., Ella Flor- ence, living, having lost four children-one daughter and three sons. Mr. D. married again in August, 1873. Emma Carr, by whom he has no issue.
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DEMING, CAPTAIN JOHN, (deceased,) was born in Preston, Connect- icut, January 9, 1792, where he resided till 1808, when he went to sea, and at the age of twenty-one years old, was commander of a vessel following the sea for many years ; his last sea voyage being on the ship, "Iowa," which brought General Riley to the State of California, and landing at Monterey, the place for which they were chartered, early in 1849. From there they proceeded to Benicia, where he afterwards was engaged as a pilot, between Benicia, Vallejo, and San Francisco, for many years. He married Clarissa Hillard, in Preston, Connecticut, September 11, 1817. She was born in Preston, January 29, 1792, and died in New York City December 18, 1846. By this union they had six children. Ann Louisa, born July 10, 1821, who married, in New York City, Charles Edward Shea, died, in New York City, July 27, 1857, leaving four chil- dren and her husband died, in New York City, November 21, 1859. Their third son, Edward, was born March 18, 1826, and was married in Peakskill, N. Y., on March 18, 1850, to Esther McCoord. He died in New York City, March 1, 1852, leaving an only son, who is now re- siding in Brooklyn, N. Y. Clarissa J., born June 19, 1829, in New York City, died June 23, 1830. Charles; born in New York City, Octo- ber 29, 1832, died November 30, 1833. Charles Benjamin, born in New York City, March 29, 1837, now residing with his brother, John F., was married to Mrs. Annie G. Corwin, on August 12, 1868. John F. Deming, proprietor of Glen Cove Ranch, the second of the family, was born in New York City, July 9, 1823, where he resided till February, 1849, when he sailed for San Francisco, arriving there in the latter part of June, 1849. He immediately proceeded to the mines, on the north' fork of the American river, and prosecuted mining for a few months when he returned to Sacramento in December, 1849, and began the gen- eral merchandise business on K street, when the flood of 1850 swept away all of his possessions. He then proceeded across the river. In April, 1852, he returned to New York, and on December 16, 1852, was married to Mehetabel C. Geron, she being born in Blooming "Grove, Orange county, N. Y., December 12, 1823. Mr. D. returned to Cali- fornia in 1853, and immediately proceeded to Benicia, where he remained as book-keeper until the spring of 1855, and again returned east, where he remained one year. In June, 1856, he again returned to California, this time being accompanied by his wife, and settling on their present es- tate, where he now owns 460 acres of land, all under good improvements. Their family consists of two children; Clara, born November 19, 1858, and Henry B., November 14, 1861.
DILLON, PATRICK W., farmer and stone cutter, Section 28, Benicia Town- ship, Post-office Benicia, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, February
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3, 1820, where he resided till May, 1840, when he sailed for America, arriving in New York City in June of that year. He at once proceeded to Troy, N. Y., and resided three months ; thence to Lockport, N. Y., and remained one year. He then proceeded to Youngstown, on fourth Niagara, where he worked at his trade during the summer of 1842, and from there he went to Toronto, Canada, where he spent the winter of 1842, and '43. In March, 1844, he went to New York City, and worked till 1846, when in the fall of that year he went to St. Johns, New Bruns- wick, where he was employed till May, 1847. He again returned to New York and carried on his trade till Janaury, 1849, when he sailed for California, arriving in San Francisco July 8, 1849, and remaining in the city for a few weeks helping unload vessels at eight dollars a day. He then proceeded to the southern mines, on Wood's creek, and worked two months at mining with good success. He then went to Mogason's Creek, and from there to Mariposa, Mariposa county, but meeting with poor success he returned to Mogason Creek with a colony of Texans, who settled there for a short time, and continued mining in different places till May, 1851, during which time he endured many hardships. The stories told by Mr. D., during his life spent in the mines, are very interest- ing, but for want of space we will have to omit them. In May, 1851, he came to Benicia, bringing with him eighteen hundred dollars, which he invested in the wharf built at Vallejo while the Capitol of the State was situated at that place.
In 1851, he opened a stone quarry on his fruit farm, and in connection with the other, started the Pioneer Stone business in San Francisco, and among the contracts taken by him, is the St. Mary's Cathedral, at San Fran- cisco, and many other buildings. In 1856, he purchased his present farm, now consisting of four hundred acres of land, and seventy-six acres of tule. He married, at St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, Bertha G. Jordan, January 6, 1856, she having been born in Hanover, Germany, January 29, 1830.
DURNER, GEORGE ADAM. G. A. Durner was born at Weilheim, in Wur- temburg, Germany, February 16, 1827. In his early life he was appren- ticed to a tailor, and has pursued his trade ever since. In 1847 he left Germany for America, and arrived in New York in April of the same year. ยท
While working at his trade in New York he formed the acquaintance of one Rosy Anthers, the youngest daughter of the family of that name, to whom he was married in 1851. She was born at Algei, in Damstadt, Germany, September 10, 1831, and came to America in 1848, and resided in New York. In 1858 Mr. Durner left New York for California, by way of the occan, and was followed the year afterwards by his wife and
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children. He arrived in San Francisco the forepart of May, but re- mained there only one month, after which he came to Benicia, where he built himself a splendid home and has resided ever since, except at one or two intervals.
In 1863 he went to Virginia City, Nevada, where he worked both at his trade and at mining, for about six months, after which he returned to Benicia. He then worked at his trade until 1874, when he was employed by the firm then known as Brown, McKay & Co., tanners, as night watch- man, and has remained there ever since, although the firm is now known as McKay & Chisholm.
The products of his marriage were eleven children ; five were born in New York, two of whom died, both girls, and the remaining six were born in Benicia, one of which, a son, died some two years ago. At present he has living three sons, named John George, Charles, and Henry, the fourth son, Georgie, having died September 21, 1870. His daughters, five in number, are named Katie, Elizabeth, Matilda, Annie, and Henrietta. The two former are married and live at present in Benicia. The remaining children are at present at home going to school.
His eldest child and son, John G., is at present employed as traveling agent for W. S. Townsend's Steam Candy Factory, San Francisco.
The second son, Charles, was for a while employed as salesman in a large clothing house at San Francisco, after which he came to Benicia and started a business for himself, known as Durner's Palace of Sweets. He is but nineteen years of age, being born January 14, 1860. He has a thriving business and is doing well.
His third son, Henry, was rather unfortunate in being born a cripple, March 23, 1862, being but seventeen years of age. He received a somewhat ad- vantageous education, having entered St. Augustine College when but thirteen years of age, in August, 1875. He graduated here on June 1, 1878, with the first honors of his class and of the school. He was but sixteen years of age, still he was chosen to deliver the valedictory address on the occasion of his graduating, which won for him the hearts of many strangers. On September 28, 1878, he was appointed Page of the Con- stitutional Convention, then assembled at Sacramento, by the President of that body. He remained there the full session, which lasted until March, 4, 1879, since which time he has been studying law at his home in Benicia.
Mr. Durner is considered one of the most faithful and law-abiding citizens of Benicia. He is honest and upright in all his dealings, and his charac- ter is without a stain. His moral character can not be exceeded, and he is a diligent employe, aiming to do everything to the interest of his em- ployers. He has lived a quiet life, never mixing himself in political af- fairs, and always casting his vote according to his sound judgment.
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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.
ENOS, JOSEPH, was born in 1834. Iu 1852 he emigrated to the United States, and followed the sea for seven years. In 1859 he settled in Bed- ford, Mass., where he remained a short time, and in 1860 came to Califor- nia, and worked in the mines for two years; thence he came to Benicia, where he has since resided on his farm of 195 acres. Married to Mary Roderick in 1869, by whom he has a family of five: Constantine, born 1870 ; Joseph, born 1872; Mary, born 1874; John, born 1875, and Isa- bella, born 1877.
FISCHER, JOSEPH, was born in Switzerland, March 7, 1823, where he received his education. In 1844 he emigrated to the United States, first settling in Staten Island, fourteen miles from New York, where he found employment on a farm. He remained there one year, when he went to New York City, residing there until the spring of 1849, during which time he was employed in various ways. On March 7, 1849, he started across the plains for California, and arrived in Sacramento September 20; 1849, where, after about ten weeks, he went to Benicia, and engaged in butchering, with Lawrence Graber, which they continued two years, at the expiration of which they had saved some money. His partner wished to return to the States, and died in Salt Lake City. Mr. Fischer then took another partner, John Gorring, but a dissolution occurred in1861, since which time he has conducted the business alone. Mr. F. married Catherine Hall in May, 1854, by whom he has three children.
GRAY, SAMUEL C., born in Boston, Mass., October 11, 1816, where he re- ceived his carly education. At the age of sixteen went to Baltimore, and from there came to California. Married Miss Lucy, daughter of Chaun- cey Wetmore, of Middletown, Conn., December 14, 1847. In January, 1849, started for California, by way of Panama, where they waited seven weeks for the steamer "Panama," and arrived at Benicia June 3, 1849. Had remained in Benicia in business until elected County Treasurer in 1861. Has been in business, in the leather trade in Benicia, since June, 1867. Was a Trustee of the city of Benicia for seven years, until he left for San Francisco. Is the author of the interesting lecture on "Recollections of Benicia " in this work.
HANBRICK, PETER, was born in Rhenish Prussia, July 13, 1825, where he remained till 1849, serving an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade for two years, when he emigrated to America, first settling in Boston, Mass., where he resided until 1851, when he sailed for California, Decem- ber 18th, on the ship "Flying Child," and arrived in San Francisco April 12th. He immediately proceeded to the mines in Nevada, and continued mining till 1871, but during this time he visited his native place. He
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then returned to San Francisco, where he lived till 1878, when he came to this county and engaged in farming and the manufacture of wine. Married Mrs. Mary Diet, June 19, 1871, who was born in Europe Decem- ber 18, 1853, and who has, by her first marriage, two children. Mr. Han- brick has three children : John, born July 8, 1872 ; Benjamin, born No- vember 10, 1875 ; Clara, born March 17, 1878.
HASTINGS, D. N., was born in Newton, Massachusetts, December 17, 1821, and at six years of age went to Brighton with his parents, where he re- mained five years, when he removed to Wollertown, Massachusetts, and resided there three years. At the age of fourteen he left home and went to Boston, where his time was spent in the provision business, the last seven years of which being hard work. On September 5, 1849, he left Boston for New York, and sailed thence on the bark " Florida " on Sep- tember 12th. At that time it being impossible to obtain a through ticket to California, but could secure one to Chagres, Panama, where he re- mained four days, and continued his journey to Chagres, arriving in San Francisco December 1, 1849. On the Sunday following he was engaged in carpentering at $12 per diem, when, at the end of one week, he was put in charge of eight men at $20 per diem, and resigned that position on February 1, 1850. He then proceeded to Sullivan's creek, and turned his attention to mining, and worked for eight days, taking out $40, when he started for Stockton, a distance of fifty-six miles, when, after a week, he went to San Francisco, and was engaged to work in Fulton Market, on Washington street, remaining there until May 6th, when he was sent to Benicia, and opened a butcher shop, where he built himself a small market, 12x14 feet, which he occupied four months. A year afterwards he purchased a lot and carried on his business there until May, 1852, when he sold out, leased his property, and returned East to bring out his family. They sailed on the ship "Onward," via Cape Horn, and arrived in San Francisco December 11, 1852, going to Benicia the same day, there find- ing the Sheriff in possession of his property. It cost him $1,600 before he could recover it, after which he engaged again in the business of butcher, combining stock-raising with great success, till 1860, when he sold his business and retired, owning at the time three-fifths of 44,000 acres of land. He now possesses 3,000 acres. Mr. Hastings has never been a politician, although he held office under the city government of Benicia, and is at present one of the City Trustees.
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