History of Sonoma 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 time, Part 42

Author: Gregory, Thomas Jefferson
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1190

USA > California > Sonoma County > History of Sonoma 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 time > Part 42

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Mr. Connolly's consular term in Auckland was an exceedingly busy period. His official duties even as a foreign representative brought him constantly into close contact with colonial politics and colonial statesmen. As an American, his natural interest in labor, land and tax questions, and as an Irishman his native interest in anything touching Irish Home Rule questions, kept him fully employed. The British Colonial is intense in everything he attempts, and is about the most independent "critter" in the English-speaking world. Even the Americans with their boasted inventiveness and so-called native enterprise must go to Australia and her sister colonies for new and necessary features in govern- mental management. Among these earnest folk the man from California found a field for his political activities. New Zealand was progressing, and into the current of that movement was swept every intelligent and patriotic citizen or person in the country. When in 1893, after a severe illness, Mr. Connolly got leave of absence, and he made preparations for a visit to California, the people, believing he would not return, presented him with public addresses expressive of their appreciation of his public and private services which had been ever at ' their disposal. The following address was a feature of the reception given him by the citizens of Auckland, headed by the mayor and city council :

"Auckland, March 24, 1893. "J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul :

"Dear Sir: We, the undersigned citizens of Auckland, on the eve of your departure from amongst us, desire to express our sense of the ability and in- variable courtesy which have characterized the performance of your duties as United States Consul during the four years you have occupied that important position in this colony. Whilst earning universal approbation in your official capacity, you have also secured the respect and affectionate esteem of all who have enjoyed your personal acquaintance. You have ever evinced a generous interest in the welfare of this country, and your genial kindness and gentle- manly demeanor in private life have endeared yourself to a large circle of friends who now, parting with you with sincere regret, heartily wish you long life, health and a prosperous future."

With the above was a draft for one hundred pounds sterling.

This address was presented by the Irish Federation Association which had for its purposes the advancement of Irish Home Rule :

"To J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul at Auckland, New Zealand :

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"The members of the Auckland Branch of the Irish Federation Association desire on the occasion of your departure from Auckland to express to you their warm appreciation of your character during your sojourn amongst them. In your official station as representative of the greatest Republic in the world, and also in your capacity as a private citizen and co-worker in social and philan- thropic movements, you have won the esteem and respect of your fellow citi- zens, while the sympathetic interest you have displayed in questions relating to Ireland entitle you to the most cordial thanks and gratitude of Irishmen in these seas.

"This branch of the Irish National Federation regrets that your health now necessitates the severance of your connection with New Zealand, and in wishing you godspeed trusts that your health will soon be completely estab- lished, and that you will at no distant day occupy in the service of your country such a position as your talents and character most certainly merit.

"Signed on behalf of the Irish Federation Association of Auckland, New Zealand."

Here follow a long list of names.

The following is from the United Friendly Societies of Auckland : "To J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul.

"Dear Sir and Brother: The Friendly Societies conference of Auckland, New Zealand, consisting of the following orders, viz: Independent Order of Odd Fellows, M. N., Ancient Order of Forresters, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (American), National Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of Druids, Independent Order of Rechabites, S. U., Hibernian, Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, Protestant Alliance Benefit Society of Australasia, desire, on behalf of the 5,000 members they represent, to express to you, on this eve of your departure for the United States, their sincere admiration and appreciation of your many sterling qualities, whether it be in regard to your consular duties as representing one of the greatest nations of the earth, as a resident among us during the last four years, or as a member of a Friendly Society, ever taking an active part in whatever would be likely to conduce to the welfare of Friendly Societies, either as a body or individually, you have endeared yourself to all with whom you have been brought into con- tact by your admirable business qualities, cultured mind and urbanity of manner, and these qualities have ever been devoted to the advancement and well-being . of your fellowmen. Wishing you every happiness and prosperity in your future career, we have the honor to remain, on behalf of the conference,

"Yours sincerely and fraternally."

"On behalf of members of the Irish race resident in Auckland, we desire to address you on this the occasion of your leaving our city. During the years you have spent among us in the discharge of your duties as representing the great Republic, you have, by your capacity and gentlemanly deportment, won the highest opinions from our citizens gencrally. This they have already pub- licly testified to you.

"But it is because of your attitude as an Irishman towards the Irish of New Zealand, and the help you have on all occasions afforded us in the fur- therance of the Irish cause, more particularly in relation to colonial efforts put

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forth to assist our countrymen in the Old Land struggling for the right of self- government that we principally desire to express our appreciation.

"Some Irishmen occupying your official position might have made its rep- resentative character a reason for hesitating before associating themselves with the national work their fellow countrymen in Auckland are engaged in. But in your mind patriotism banished all meaner incentives and expediency never found a place in your thoughts. With an independent spirit, marked consistency and most distinguished ability you have serveri the Irish cause in Auckland. In Ireland's name and from.our hearts we thank you.

"Should we not have the felicity to welcome you back to our Colony we trust that the great country which you serve with such fidelity and which is famed for the recognition of zeal and capacity exhibited by her servants, will, by promoting you to a wider sphere of usefulness than our city affords, give to you an opportunity of still further distinguishing yourself by the exercise of that knowledge, ability and large sympathy which has characterized your public and private life in New Zealand.

"May God speed and prosper you.

"Signed on behalf of the Irish residents."

Here follows a long list of names. Accompanying the above address was a beautiful parlor table inlaid with New Zealand woods, the gift of the Irish women of Auckland to Mrs. Connolly.

There were one or two other addresses, one from the Tailoresses Union, whom he and the Rev. Joseph Berry, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, suc- ceeded in organizing into a union, which secured them shorter hours, better pay and prevented their employers from "sweating" them.

During his stay in the South Seas he formed the acquaintance and friend- ship of many noted men, both from European countries, as well as from the United States, among them being Robert Louis Stevenson, "Mark Twain" (Samuel L. Clemens) and many others whose memory and friendship he en- joyed and still cherishes to this day. He says with becoming modesty that there was no man left the shores of New Zealand in many years who received such a spontaneous and generous public "send-off" as he did. The citizens of Auckland on that occasion turned out in thousands to bid "good bye." The Auckland brass band played Yankee airs on the wharf for over an hour. He received letters and telegrams from all parts of the colony wishing him bon voyage and good luck. And when finally the good ship began to move slowly away amid the cheers of the multitude he stood upon the deck with tears in his eyes, and with a heart too full of emotion he tried to offer a few words of thanks and gratitude for the many acts of kindness he had received at their hands. But his tongue refused to respond : he could only say good bye and wave his hat.

After ten years' service in Auckland Mr. Connolly was relieved during the Mckinley administration by Frank Dillingham, a cousin of United States Senator Dillingham. When the experts of the Treasury Department had cast utp his accounts for ten years it was found that eight cents were due him. This he received in a treasury draft, and his bondsmen, Henry Lawrence, of Peta- luma, and Patrick Carroll, of Bloomfield, were discharged. That eight cents can be said to be Mr. Connolly's net earnings from his official employment in the diplomatic service of the United States, but while he returned poorer, he

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returned wiser than when he went away; and he also returned with the love and friendship of thousands of people he met in the far Antipodes. He was afterwards candidate for the California assembly on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated and lost under the Republican landslide that re-elected President Mckinley. John D. Connolly is now the genial "mine host" of the Altamont Hotel in Occidental, Sonoma county, Cal. Though he is out of public life he is yet alive to all matters affecting the public weal. Being Irish he is neces- sarily a statesman.

ALEXANDER ANDERSON, M. D.

The name of Dr. Anderson is so well known to the residents of Petaluma and the surrounding country that he needs no introduction, but as he has ac- complished much in medical and other lines of usefulness his name should not be omitted from the list of citizens who have contributed so largely to the up- building of this section. The descendant of Scotch ancestors, he was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, October 1, 1844. His father, Col. James Anderson, was born in Elgin, Scotland, and in his native land received a splendid medical edu- cation through a course of study and training in Guy's Hospital University. Following closely upon his graduation he entered the British army under Gen- eral Morse, commander of the Royal Dragoons, enlisting his services in 1812. He was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and to Quebec, to inspect and report to headquarters upon the condition of the fortifications there, and then returned to the continent, reaching there on the day immediately following the famous battle of Waterloo. During his career in the army he arranged to fight a duel with an aide-de-camp, but this mode of settling differences was contrary to army rules, and he had to resign before the duel was fought. Following this he returned to Scotland, where in attempting to relieve the pressure of royalty from some of the small farmers of Achriemsdale he was brought in conflict with the Duchess of Sutherland. She sent her rieves to the tenant who had leased the land in question, and as the recorder's office burned soon after she claimed title to the land. sold it. Still continuing his humanitarian efforts in behalf of his down-trodden countrymen, the colonel in 1832 chartered a brig and brought one hundred and eight of the peasants to Quebec, but about one- half of the number died before any large settlement had been made in this coun- try. The death of a brother in the meantime made it necessary for the colonel to return to Scotland to settle his estate. As an indication of the love which his countrymen bore toward him it is pleasing to note that on reaching his destina- tion he was met by about two thousand loyal citizens who took the horses from his carriage and themselves pulled it to the hotel. Upon completing the settle- ment of his brother's affairs he returned to Nova Scotia, in Pictou, opening an office for the practice of his profession. He built up an excellent medical practice and continued to make his home there until his death, at the remarkable age of ninety-six years. His wife, who had encouraged him in all of his ven- tures and undertakings, was before her marriage Miss Jane Campbell. a native of Achriemsdale, Scotland. She survived her husband, and one year after his demise, in 1868. she came to California with her daughter to join the son and brother in Vallejo. In 1882 mother and daughter removed to Anderson's

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Springs, a health resort opened and maintained by the son, and there the death of the mother occurred August 14, 1898, when in her eighty-fourth year.

From his father Alexander Anderson inherited his inclination toward the medical profession as a life calling, and at the age of eighteen he matriculated as a student in Harvard College with this idea in view. After his graduation in 1864 he returned to Nova Scotia and practiced his profession for two years, when, in the fall of 1866, he set out for California. The voyage was made by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and on May 12, 1867, he located in Vallejo. In his brother, Walter D., Dr. Anderson had a close companion and sympa- thizer, the two being class-mates in Harvard, and they were also associated in the practice of medicine in Nova Scotia, as well as in Vallejo, Cal., an association which was continued until 1872. In August, 1903, Dr. Walter D. Anderson died of apoplexy while chairman of the board of health of Vallejo and while engaged in an earnest fight to supply his home town with pure water.

After the separation of the brothers' interests in 1872 Dr. Alexander An- derson opened up Anderson's Springs, in Lake county, Cal., where he discov- ered quicksilver or cinnabar in a bank of sulphur, and endeavored to obtain a long lease of the land from the owner, but was unsuccessful in leasing it for more than one year, but for that year he sold the mining privilege for $14,000. Following the discovery of the rich deposits on the land the new owners re- fused an offer of $2,000,000 for the land, attempting to develop the mines them- selves, and it is only recently that they have realized any large profit from the undertaking. Dr. Anderson maintained his enterprise at Anderson's Springs for about four years, when he turned the business over to his sister, at the same time giving her a deed to the property. He then went to Napa and opened an office for the practice of his profession, but after continuing there for eight months, went to Virginia City, Nev., still later to Bodie, Mono county, Cal., and while in the latter place was county physician of Mono county until 1884. He then came to Tomales, Marin county, purchasing the practice and drug store of Dr. Dutton, which he maintained for ten months. Selling out the busi- ness at the end of that time he came to Petaluma, in 1889, and during the years that have intervened he has built up a large practice in the town and surround- ing country.

Dr. Anderson's first marriage occurred in May, 1878, and united him with Miss Marietta Reed, a daughter of Charles Reed, a well-known settler of Knight's Landing. She did not long survive her marriage, her death occur- ring December 29, 1879. Some time later Dr. Anderson married Mrs. L. C. Wales, a native of Yuba City, Cal., the daughter of James C. Cheney, a '49er and who was the first partner of John Mackey. Seven children were born of the marriage of Dr. Anderson and his wife, named in the order of their birth as follows : Charlotte Adelia, a graduate of the San Jose normal school and now following the teacher's profession ; Alexander Campbell, who graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco and is now practicing his profession in that city; James Garfield, who is a graduate of the same medical school and is now associated in practice with his father, making a specialty of surgery, in which he has achieved much success: Genevieve, Mrs. E. S. Smith, of Petaluma; Joseph ; Walter Duncan and Harrison Mecham, all of whom have been afforded splendid opportunity for obtaining an education.

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In his political belief Dr. Anderson is a Republican, and on the ticket of this party was elected a member of the city council in 1898, and was continued a member of that body by re-election for a number of years thereafter. In the line of his profession he is connected by membership with the Massachusetts Medical Society, Sonoma County Medical Society and Medical Society of Cali- fornia. Fraternally he is associated with Petaluma Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M .; is a charter member of Washington Lodge No. 22, K. of P., of Vallejo (the lodge bearing the name which he chose at the time of organization), and he also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Dr. Anderson's offices are in the Prince Building, on Western avenue, where he has a suite of four rooms, and where he maintains a bacteriological laboratory.

CHARLES JULIUS POPPE.

One of the best-known and most prominent residents of Sonoma county is Charles J. Poppe, postmaster of Glen Ellen, and also one of its foremost mer- chants. Possessing a remarkable degree of push and energy, he has built up for himself, in the face of severe obstacles, an extensive and lucrative mercantile business, in the meantime winning the confidence and esteem of his fellow-asso- ciates. He takes great interest in the welfare of town and county, and is not spar- ing of his efforts to help forward any measure that is for the general public good.

A descendant of German ancestors and the son of parents who were born in the Fatherland, Charles J. Poppe was born in Sonoma county, Cal., Novem- ber 21, 1853. The father is deceased, his death occurring in 1879, but the mother is still living, at the age of eighty-two years. Sonoma county has been the life-time home of Mr. Poppe, his first home being in Sonoma, where he at- tended school, and in which vicinity he later worked as a ranch hand, and in 1873 he established himself in the mercantile business in that place. With the experience of ten years as a merchant in Sonoma he came to Glen Ellen in 1883 and established himself in a similar business, one in which he met with increasing success from year to year until 1904, when he was overtaken by a series of disasters that would have undermined and overthrown the courage of a man less determined than Mr. Poppe. The first of these discouragements was a severe attack of typhoid fever, from which he recovered slowly, and the following year he suffered the loss of his entire stock by fire. But a few months later, in April, 1906, Fate dealt him another blow when the earthquake of that memorable year knocked down and totally destroyed a strong stone build- ing which he had just completed in Glen Ellen. Not dismayed by the obstacles that have been placed in his pathway, Mr. Poppe has risen in spite of apparent defeat and is proprietor of another mercantile store, larger and more complete than the original stock. In 1890 Mr. Poppe was made postmaster of Glen Ellen, a position which he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of his su- periors.

In 1883 Mr. Poppe was married in Sonoma to Miss Caroline H. Martens. who was born in Callao, Peru, South America, and of the five children born of their marriage, the eldest son is deceased. Those now living are Amy E., who is attending school in Los Angeles; Edna E., who is a graduate of the Sonoma

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high school; Roberta A., who is a pupil in the latter school; and Carl I., who will graduate from the grammar school in Glen Ellen in 1911. Fraternally Mr. Poppe is a member of Temple Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., at Sonoma, and is an active member of the Grange and at the present time is treasurer of Grange No. 299 of Glen Ellen. His interest in school affairs led to his election as clerk of the school board of Glen Ellen in 1884, a position which he has since filled acceptably. Proud of his right to be called a native son, he is an active member of the order, and since 1888 has filled the office of secretary of Glen Ellen Parlor No. 102, N. S. G. W. With his wife he is a member of the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellen, of which he is clerk and also treasurer. A life-long residence in Sonoma county, covering fifty-seven years, makes Mr. Poppe an interesting relator of events that have led up to the present epoch in the history of the county and state. He readily recalls to mind the time when Henry H. Haight was governor of the state, and he has watched the growth of Santa Rosa from the days when the plaza was the center of all activity, prior to the building of the court house, to its present prosperity, as one of the thriving cities of the state.

ANDREA SBARBORO.

One of the most engaging and striking personalities of the Pacific coast is to be found in Andrea Sbarboro, a resident of San Francisco, but one whose activities are not confined to that city nor to the state in which he lives, extend- ing rather throughout the entire country, or wherever his beloved country- men make their homes. It has been said that the men who are most loyal to the land of their birth and to their countrymen are the ones who show the deepest love for their adopted country and in whose minds patriotism is ever united with humanity and brotherly compassion. Nowhere is this truism more applic- able than in the life and accomplishments of Mr. Sbarboro, an Italian patriot whose life has been given to the cause of his people as truly as was that of another patriot from that same country, Garibaldi.

A native of Italy, Andrea Sbarboro was born near the city of Genoa, No- vember 26, 1839, a son of Stephen and Mary Sbarboro, who in 1844 immigrated to the United States and located in New York City. The son was then a lad of five years. Owing to his mother's prejudice against American public schools because they did not teach the Roman Catholic religion, he was not allowed to attend school and had to pick up his knowledge of English as best he could. When he was thirteen years of age his parents gave way to a deep-seated desire on their part to return to their native land, the year 1852 witnessing their return to sunny Italy, while the same year was made memorable in the life of their son by his advent in California. Setting out from New York by water, he made the voyage by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and finally landed in San Fran- cisco. After looking about and adjusting himself to his new surroundings he associated himself with his brother in the grocery business, a venture in which they were very successful from the start, building the business up from year to year, until they had one of the largest and best-paying establishments of the kind in the metropolis.

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During the years that had intervened up to that time Mr. Sbarboro had not been unmindful of the conditions of his fellow-countrymen who had come to this western commonwealth to take advantage of opportunities that their own country could not offer them. In order to give his time and attention more completely to a plan which he had formulated in the meantime for the benefit of his countrymen, he disposed of his grocery business and organized the West Oakland Mutual Loan Association, San Francisco Mutual Loan Asso- ciation, West Oakland Masonic Hall and Building Association, Italian-Swiss Mutual Loan Association and the San Francisco and Oakland Mutual Loan Association. Through these associations over twenty-five hun- dred people have secured homes for their families in San Francisco and the Bay cities. It was also owing to his personal efforts that the Italian school was inaugurated and maintained in San Francisco. In 1881 he began the colo- nization of a tract of land in Sonoma county. at Asti, known as the Italian- Swiss Agricultural colony. Here under the best possible conditions he planned that immigrants from these countries might purchase land at low prices and get a start in this country that would otherwise be impossible. They could not be induced to work on the co-operative plan, however, whereby they might have been independent financially today, so the directors started the colony and em- ployed their countrymen. First they became grape-growers, then wine-makers, and finally distributers.

For years Mr. Sbarboro has been identified with banking interests, and at the present time is president of the Italian-American Bank of San Francisco. The foregoing enumeration of activities and interests promulgated to aid his countrymen have been of inestimable value to them, but in a more intimate and personal way he is known to them as councillor and guide. Notwithstand- ing the pressure from all sides in maintaining the numerous interests with which his name is associated, he always has time and a sympathetic ear for the difficulties and trials of others, and none come to him in vain, always finding consolation and comfort in his words of advice. As a recognition of the regard in which Mr. Sbarboro is held in his native land, it is pleasing to mention that he was knighted by King Victor Emmanuel and at the exposition held in Milan, Italy, in 1906. he was presented with a gold medal by the Italian government for the services he had rendered his countrymen in America. This was especially complimentary in that it was the only medal awarded to anyone in the United States. While Mr. Sbarboro has never occupied a public office, he has done much for the state of his adoption in connection with the California promotion committee, the Manufacturers' and Producers' Association of California, and the Grape-Growers' Association of California, of which he was the leading spirit.

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History of Sonoma 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 time, Part 42

Author: Gregory, Thomas Jefferson Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif., Historic record company Number of Pages: 1190

Author: Gregory, Thomas Jefferson
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Los Angeles, Calif., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1190