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 44
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Born in Savannah, Ga., January 21, 1813, John Charles Fremont, of this sketch, was a lad of five years when the death of his father cast the first shadow over his young life. Remaining with his widowed mother in Charles- ton, he there became a pupil in the public schools, where he displayed an aptitude and receptivity which made him a delight to his teachers. One es- pecially, Professor Robertson of the University of South Carolina, took a keen interest in him and gave him outside assistance in his studies that was of untold advantage to him. Circumstances over which he had no control, however, put an end to his school days, and at the age of nineteen the support of his mother, brother and sister fell upon his young shoulders. From his earliest school days he showed a fondness for mathematics, and it was along this line that he bent his keenest energies. Naturally he sought employment which would make use of his training, and this he had no difficulty in finding. His first practical work was as a surveyor in the rice lands of South Carolina, a task which involved considerable risk to his life, and was paid for accord- ingly. From 1833 to 1835 he was a teacher of mathematics on the sloop-of- war Natchez, and later became assistant to Capt. W. G. Williams of the United States topographical engineers. Subsequently he was appointed an assistant to Mr. Nicollet, who under the direction of General Sibley, with headquarters at old Fort Snelling, explored the country north of the Missouri river, at the same time discovering its source. In May, 1842, he set out on another expedi- tion, his object being this time to survey beyond the Rocky Mountains by the south pass, one of the members of his party being Kit Carson, the noted trapper and scout. On this occasion, on August 15, he scaled the peak that is now known as Fremont's Peak.
With a band of thirty-nine trusty men Mr. Fremont set out in May of 1843 for the purpose of finding a path to the Pacific Ocean. In his equip- ment he had the first India rubber boat ever constructed, and this was also the first boat that ever floated on Salt Lake, the explorers sighting this body of water for the first time September 6, 1843. It is a fact worthy of note that the maps which Mr. Fremont made of the country at this time were the same ones which Brigham Young used in making his way to that garden spot. Proceeding toward the coast, Mr. Fremont reached California in the middle of the following December, and in March of 1844 reached Sutter's Fort, near Sacramento. Having accomplished the purpose for which he came he began
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to retrace his steps on the 24th of the same month, reaching Kansas July I, 1844. Starting on his third expedition in 1845 he finally reached Monterey, the old capital of California, there raising the first American flag on Gaviota Peak, when threatened with attack by Castro's men. From Monterey he went to Klamath lake. Working under the direction of orders received from Wash- ington to defend the interests of the United States in California and to protect American settlers, with Stockton and Sloat he soon wrested northern California from Mexican rule, and July 4, 1846, was elected governor of California. By the treaty of Cahuenga, on January 13, 1847, he concluded articles of capitula- tion which left the territory in the possession of the United States. During the memorable year of 1849 he was elected United States senator from California, taking his seat September 10, 1850, the day after the state was admitted into the Union. He and his wife though southerners were advocates of a free state and it was largely through his influence that it was admitted as such.
In September, 1853, Mr. Fremont made his fifth expedition across the continent and three years later he became the recognized leader of a new polit- ical party whose slogan was "Free soil, free speech, freedom, and Fremont." The Republican Convention of June, 1856, witnessed his nomination for presi- dent. Returning to California in 1858 a few years later, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he was made Major-general of the regular army, commanding the western department. with headquarters in St. Louis. At the hands of Presi- dent Lincoln, in March 1862, he was given command of the mountain district in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, and in 1878 was appointed governor of Arizona. Further promotion and honor awaited him, for by act of Congress he was made Major-general of the regular army in 1890 and put on the retired list. He was not long spared to enjoy his new honors, however, for death came to him a few months afterward, July 13, 1890, while on a temporary visit to New York City.
In Washington, D. C., October 19, 1841, occurred the marriage of John C. Fremont and Jessie Benton, daughter of Thomas H. Benton, United States senator from Missouri. Opposition to the marriage on the part of Mr. Ben- ton proved no bar to the consummation of the plans of the young people, for they were quietly married without his knowledge or blessing. Subsequently Mr. Benton became reconciled to their marriage and in later years became Mr. Fremont's staunchest friend. Five children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fremont, but of these two died young. The eldest, Elizabeth Mc- Dowell Benton Fremont, was born in Washington, D. C., in 1842, and as long as her parents lived continued to make her home with them. She has been a resident of California since June. 1849. living first in San Francisco, later in Los Angeles, and in 1904, located in Long Beach, although she still retains her home in Los Angeles. The next child, John Charles, named for his illustrious father, was born in San Francisco in April, 1851, one of the first American children born in the state. As an officer in the United States navy he participated in the Spanish-American war and later was made commander of the U. S. ship Florida. His marriage was with Sallie Anderson, a daughter of Gen. Adna Anderson, who laid out the Northern Pacific Railroad. Their three children are John Charles (who is the third of that name and the second to serve in the United States navy) : Jessie Benton and Julia Van Wyck.
9 + Jacobs
Mars Anna . M . Jacobs
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Francis Preston Fremont was born in Washington, D. C., in May, 1855, and is a major in the United States army. His marriage united him with Caroline Townsend, a daughter of John D. Townsend, a prominent attorney of New York City, and they have one son Benton Fremont.
During the same year in which General Fremont died Congress granted a special pension to his widow, following which the women of California united in giving her a beautiful residence in Los Angeles. She was born in May, 1824, and died at the home just mentioned December 27, 1902. General Fre- mont's remains were interred on the beautiful banks of the Hudson in New York, and at her death her ashes were taken east and placed beside his remains. A woman of charming traits of character, she was an inspiration to all with whom she came in contact, and though dead she yet speaks, for she was a writer of considerable note. Not only are her writings entertaining, but they claim the greater merit of truth, and are based on her experiences in this west- ern frontier. Notable among the productions from her pen are: "A Year of American Travel"; "Souvenirs of My Time"; "A Sketch of Senator Benton"; "Stories of the Guard"; and "Will and Way Stories." At the time of her death she was engaged in the preparation of her autobiography.
Colonel Fremont was in Paris with his wife and daughter in 1851 and 1852, during which time Napoleon declared himself Emperor, and they were honored guests at the last birthday dinner given in honor of the Duke of Well- ington. They were also presented at court. In 1869, General Fremont, wife and daughter, again went abroad, this time visiting in Copenhagen and Den- mark particularly. Mrs. Fremont owned the first carriage that was ever seen in California, it having been built for her in the east and brought around the Horn. It was so arranged that she could use it as a bed at night, and in this conveyance she and her eldest daughter made many trips throughout the state with Colonel Fremont.
GEORGE H. JACOBS.
Considerably more than one-half century has brought its cycle of change to the manifold industries of California since first Mr. Jacobs passed through the Golden Gate into the harbor of San Francisco and thus became identified with the pioneer history of the coast. The long voyage from New York City had given him his first glimpse of the world beyond the boundaries of his native land, hut had only served to strengthen those ties of patriotic devotion binding him to the country of his birth. Nor have the experiences of maturity weak- ened the chords of loyal affection to country and commonwealth. Especially is he interested in the development of that portion of California to which Des- tiny led him and in which desire has made him a permanent resident. Within the boundaries of Sonoma county he has lived an active, useful existence, his industry bearing its fruitage of deserved success, so that he is now able to pass his declining days in comfort at his pleasant home in Healdsburg, his landed estates cultivated by others under lease and his investments made so that they yield him enough for the necessities of life.
Born in Chester county, Pa., in 1829, George H. Jacobs is a son of William C. and Mary (Price) Jacobs, natives respectively, of Germany and Pennsyl-
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vania. At this writing he has only one brother living, W. R. Jacobs, a resident of Texas. As a boy he attended school in Coshocton county, Ohio, whither his parents had removed when he was a child of three years, and there, at the expiration of his rather meagre schooling, he served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade, in which he became very skilled. April 19, 1852, he left Ohio in company with a relative and proceeded to New York City, where he boarded a ship bound for San Francisco. Coming on the Northern Light to Gray Harbor, after crossing Lake Nicaragua he boarded the propellor steamship Lewis destined for San Francisco, reaching that city July 7, 1852. The tedious voyage came to a safe termination when the vessel cast anchor at its destination, and thus he became identified with our western country. Temporary employ- ment as a blacksmith at Sacramento was followed by his removal to Petaluma in the spring of 1854, and about that time he relinquished work at his trade in order to develop a claim in Sonoma county. At the expiration of two years be removed from his original location to Sebastopol, and in 1857 he moved to the mountains, where he still owns twenty-three hundred acres of land, in the foothills of Black mountains, known all over as Jacob's ranch.
During September of 1861 Mr. Jacobs was united in marriage with Miss Ann Maria Caldwell, who was born in Missouri, the daughter of Hugh Caldwell, a native of New Jersey. At this writing two of her brothers, S. T. and John G. Caldwell, are residents of Sonoma county, the latter making his home in Healdsburg. Twelve children formed the family of George H. and Mrs. Jacobs, and of these seven are now living. William M. and Edward S. reside in the same part of Oregon, the former working as a blacksmith, and the latter culti- vating a farm. Ruby, Mrs. John Nerz, lives on Mill creek in Sonoma county. Minnie, Mrs. Stockstill, died about eighteen years ago, leaving a daughter, Min- nie Leota, who was reared by her grandparents and is now the wife of C. Fred- son, of Winnemucca, Nev. George, who is married and has two children, is now living on a mountain ranch near Healdsburg. Nettie, Mrs. Leach, has two children and lives at Willits, Mendocino county. Hattie makes her home with hier parents. Stella, Mrs. Henry Bowers, has two children and lives on a ranch in the Alexander valley.
For a long period the activities of Mr. Jacobs were concentrated upon his extensive mountain holdings, and the result was profitable, repaying him for privations and hardships incident to ranching in an isolated location. Finding that sheep did well on his land he invested in a large flock, and for years the sale of wool and lambs formed a considerable factor in his income. Eventually he disposed of his entire flock of twelve hundred head. A portion of his ranch he kept in meadow, and a large part furnished pasturage for the stock, while in addition he also became interested in practical horticulture and planted fruits of many kinds. On his ranch now may be found many varieties of fruits, although his specialty has been the raising of winter apples. Peaches also have proved profitable, and besides he has walnuts, figs and olives. It was a source of pleasure to him to experiment with nuts and fruits, in order that he might ascertain the varieties best adapted to this soil and climate, and his experiments proved helpful to those who afterward embarked in the fruit business.
The political affiliations of Mr. Jacobs have been with the Republicans ever since the organization of their party during the '50s, and meantime he has not
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oniy kept posted concerning publie questions, but in addition he has been pront- inent in local affairs. As school trustee and road commissioner he has aided in promoting two of the movements most vital to the well-being of any locality. His labors in both offices have been governed by wise judgment and guided by loyal devotion to the local progress. As early as 1852, while yet living in Ohio, he became connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining the local lodge at Utica, that state, but afterward transferring his membership to a western lodge, and is now one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the United States. In addition he has been active in promoting the good of the Rebekahs, to which his wife belongs. The people of the home town hold him in the highest esteem, and recognize in him the possession of the traits that make a man desirable as a citizen, successful as a rancher and companionable as a friend. Long after he shall have passed from earth his memory will be kept green in the hearts of the associates of olden days, as well as in the minds of the younger genera- tions, who realize their indebtedness to the self-sacrificing pioneers. In the annals of his county the name of George H. Jacobs is worthy of a permanent place.
P. E. GILMAN.
It would scarcely be possible within the borders of the United States to find a greater difference in climate than exists between the most northeasterly and the most southwesterly states in the Union. Mr. Gilman thoroughly appreciates the difference, having been reared in the former, and although he still has the kindliest feeling toward his boyhood home and all its surroundings, still he is grateful that the tide in his affairs turned his footsteps in the direction of Cali- fornia. where for nearly a quarter of a century he has enjoyed its unexcelled climate and at the same time made a success of whatever he has undertaken in a business way.
Maine was Mr. Gilman's native state, born in Houlton May 27, 1859, the son of Charles E. and Augusta (Tucker) Gilman, old-time residents of Maine, where the mother died in young womanhood, in 1868. The father was a well- known and prosperous business man of Houlton, in which locality he owned large farming interests, besides which he owned large lumber interests, in fact, was one of the largest lumber merchants in the Bangor section. After giving up his large business interests in that northern state he retired from business and came to California to spend his declining years in the salubrious, life-giving climate which has no equal. Here his earth life came to a close at the age of eighty-two years.
When he had arrived at the age of fifteen years P. E. Gilman had received all the training in schools that was to be his, and had begun his business career, at that age taking a position in a clothing house in his native town. He con- tinued with his first employer for ten years continuously, being promoted from time to time, but being attacked with the western fever about this time all in- ducements to continue in the east proved futile. His first move toward the set- ting sun took him to Minneapolis, Minn., where for two years he was employed in a clothing house, work with which he was familiar through long training in his native town. After giving up his position in Minneapolis he struck out for
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the newer west, going to Montana, where as a cow-boy on the range he enjoyed the free, out-door life of the ranchman for two years. This experience whetted his appetite for a taste of life in the far west, and in 1888 he completed the journey across the continent, going to the metropolis of the Pacific coast, San Francisco, and one year later coming to Santa Rosa, which has continued to be his home and the scene of his activities ever since. It was quite natural that in locating in his new surroundings Mr. Gilman should seek employment with which he was familiar, and this he found in the general store of D. N. Carouth- ers Company, where he was given charge of the clothing department, continuing with this company for the following twenty-one years. In the meantime he had made investments in real-estate from time to time, bought and sold five houses, besides buying and selling a number of ranches, until finally he felt justified in giving up his position and turning his entire attention upon the real-estate busi- ness. This he did February 1, 1910, and with T. J. Davis as a partner, under the firm name of Davis & Gilman, a very satisfactory business in this line has since been conducted. Although they have been in business but a short time comparatively, many valuable properties have changed hands through their of- fice, and judging from the high-class of work which they have thus far handled a bright and profitable outlook awaits them.
After coming to Santa Rosa, in 1892, Mr. Gilman was married to Miss Harriett E. Tucker, the daughter of Mace Tucker, who was one of the pioneer settlers in the state and a prosperous cattle dealer in Sonoma county. Two daughters have been born of the marriage of Mr. Gilman and his wife, Gladys, an artist in oils who has gained considerable distinction, and Barbara. In fra- ternal circles Mr. Gilman is well and favorably known, especially in the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in young manhood, becoming a member of Houiton Lodge No. 53. Though not a pioneer of California, Mr. Gilman is entitled to recognition among the upbuilding factors of the community in which he settled, Santa Rosa being vastly benefited by his citizenship of almost a quarter of a century.
RICHARD J. HARRIS.
The branch of the family to which Richard J. Harris belongs originated in Ireland, and it was there. in county Kildare, that his father, Richard Harris, was born in 1815. In 1840, at the age of twenty-five, he left his immediate home surroundings and located in Dublin, where he engaged in the manu- facture of two staple household necessities, indigo and starch. Notwithstand- ing the fact that his business outlook was the best considering the time and place in which he lived, he became a victim to the attractions of the United States at this time, 1849, on account of the finding of gold in California in that year. Closing out his business interests in Ireland, the same year found him among the immigrants who landed at Castle Garden eager to make their way to the gold fields. Upon his arrival in New York he found death and de- struction on every hand, due to the prevalence of cholera, and in order to es- cape being held in quarantine he lost no time in leaving the east. Going to Galena, Illinois, he remained there until the spring of 1850, when he started on the overland ronte to California. The six months journey by ox-teams was
& H Eades
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a sticcession of hardships and suffering, and it was with thankful heart that he finally , reached his destination. The mines of Placerville as well as those in Sierra county engaged his attention for a number of years, but with what success the records do not state; however, in 1857 he gave up that calling and came to Sonoma county, settling on a ranch on San Antonio creek, four miles south of Petaluma. Here he engaged in dairying, milking as high as sixty cows, and with the proceeds of his labor he made investment in land from time to time, all of which is now very valuable and is still in possession of the family. His purchases were included in two excellent ranches, one compris- ing three hundred and eighty-six acres, and the other three hundred and twenty. In 1882 Mr. Harris turned his property over to the carc of tenants and removed to Petaluma, living here retired from active business cares until his death, May 18, 1892. His marriage, February 1, 1863, united him with Miss Catherine Keller, a native of Cork, Ireland, who at her death, in January, 1907, left two children, Catherine, who resides on Howard street, Petaluma, and Richard J.
The younger of the two children comprising the parental family, Richard J. Harris was born on the family homestead near Petaluma January 23, 1868. The schools of the locality furnished him with a good fundamental education, and to this he has continued to add by the reading of well-selected literature, and as a result he is well informed on all general topics of interest. Having been born and reared tipon a ranch he early imbibed a knowledge of its duties and responsibilities, and when eighteen years old was competent to run his father's ranch alone. This he continued to do until 1894, when he located in Petaluma, the ranch being placed in the hands of tenants. Since coming to Petaluma Mr. Harris has been engaged in buying and selling cattle and horses, a business in which he started on a small scale, but which has since grown to enormous proportions, shipments being made to all parts of the county and state. He is an active member of a number of fraternal orders, notably the Eagles and the Foresters of America.
GEORGE HENRY EADES.
In retrospect Mr. Eades looks back on a life of seventy-six years, which be- gan in Sherborne, England, October 24, 1834. His experience in his native land was limited, for when he was still a youth he set sail for the United States, and therefore on this side of the Atlantic the best years of his life have been passed and his greatest achievements wrought. He was among the passengers who landed on our shores during the year 1846, and for a time thereafter he remained in and around the port of landing, New York. In 1852, however, he re-embarked on a sailing vessel bound for the Pacific coast by way of Cape Horn, and after a voyage of five months cast anchor in the harbor of San Francisco, reaching that city on the last day of the year 1852.
Interest in the mines was paramount to all other attractions at this time, and although Mr. Eades was offered employment in San Francisco the very day he landed (unloading ship cargo at $1 an hour or $5 a day) he did not consider the proposition, but instead made his way as rapidly as possible to
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the Yuba river, where he found employment with the Excelsior Mining Com- pany. The latter were running two shifts of men in their mill, the day hands receiving $5 and the night hands $6 for ten hours work. Mr. Eades continued in the employ of this company for nineteen months, during which time he ac- cumulated $1,350. Leaving the Yuba river district at the end of this time he went first to Sacramento and later to San Francisco, and in the latter city accepted a position as driver of a teani at $75 a month. Subsequently he bought a team and outfit and began teaming on his own account, continuing this until 1856, when he began ranching on what was then known as the old Stewart place, near Petaluma. The following year he purchased one hundred acres of the property and continued its cultivation until 1905, when he leased the land to his son-in-law, Perry Kuhnle. Mr. Eades made the improvements, built the residence, barns, etc., set out the orchard and cypress hedge, and now has a fine home place.
Mr. Eades was married to Miss Mary Casey, who was born in Ireland in 1836, but who was brought to this country by her parents at an early age. Five children were born of this marriage, but only one, Nellie E., lived to attain maturity. She became the wife of Perry Kuhnle, and they with their three children, Marie, Irene and Alice, make their home on the old Eades ranch. Politically Mr. Eades is a believer in Republican principles, and his first vote was cast for the martyred president, Abraham Lincoln, in 1860. He lives re- tired on his ranch, making his home with his only child, Mrs. Nellie E. Kuhnle. He is a member of the Catholic Church in Petaluma.
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