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 96
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During 1860 the Hooten family came to Healdsburg, and near here the father bought the Paxton ranch, where he remained until 1868, the year of his death,
Remaining at the home ranch M. V. Hooten aided his father until the lat- ter's demise, and afterward he superintended the estate until it was sold in 1879. Subsequent to that sale he bought and sold ranches near Healdsburg. A number of well-known places in this vicinity were owned by him at one time, but it was his custom, after making improvements on the land, to sell the same at a small profit and then buy unimproved property. Wheat was his specialty in the early days, and several years he sold as many as three thousand sacks in one season. In addition he engaged extensively in raising hogs and cattle, and one year he brought one thousand head of hogs to the San Francisco market. During the era of mining activity in Nevada he went to that state and worked in the mines for three years, but was not sufficiently successful to be encouraged to continue the mining industry. For some time he has made a specialty of drying peaches, pears and prunes, of which he dries more than two hundred tons per annum, and this work he finds both congenial and profitable. In the year 1864 he married Rebecca J. Marical, a native of Missouri, but from girlhood a resi- dent of California. Politically prominent in the Democratic party, he is known to politicians throughout the entire state and has served as a delegate to almost all of the Democratic state conventions held since 1860. In many of these gath- erings he bore a prominent part as a committeeman and active worker, and his counsel was often sought in the selection of candidates, as well as in the promulgation of measures for the benefit of the organization. Nor has his interest in politics lessened with declining years. On the contrary, he has main- tained an intelligent knowledge of public projects and has supported with earn- estness all movements for the permanent upbuilding of the party as well as the local enterprises for the county's advancement.
WILLIAM THOMAS LIGGETT.
A native son of California, William Thomas Liggett was born at what is known as Murderers Bar, Placer county, October 7, 1855, the son of James and Nancy (Gott) Liggett, the former born in Indiana in 1830, and the latter born in Ohio in 1831. The only other child born in the parental family besides William T. was Urilla E., who became the wife of Reuben Bray, and the mother of one son, James. Both of the children born to James Liggett and his wife were natives of California, whither the parents had come in the early days of the gold excitement to Placer county. The father followed mining in the locality of Murderers Bar for a number of years, but removed from Placer to Sonoma county about 1858, and he is now a resident of Australia.
William T. Liggett has practically been a life-time resident of Sonoma county, having come hither from Placer county with his parents when he was a child of three years. Here, in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, he passed his hoyhood, youth and young manhood, attending the schools of the city in his early years, and later becoming interested in agricultural pursuits. Ranching was his chief occupation for many years. hut since giving up that calling he
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has filled teaming contracts that have been very remunerative. One of these contracts was hauling all of the material used in the construction of the new court house in Santa Rosa, which was completed in 1909, prior to which time he had been janitor of the old court house for six years. No less well known in Santa Rosa than he is his wife, who is the proprietor of a hotel at the corner of Third and. A streets, where the wayfarer is assured of the best of accommo- dations for rest and refreshment.
Before her marriage Mrs. Liggett was Miss Zella Millsapp, who was born in Yolo county. Cal., October 15, 1859, the daughter of Graham Millsapp, who was born in St. Clair county, Mo., December 5, 1827. In the east he followed farming for a livelihood, but the gold excitement brought him to California in the year 1849, the trip being made across the plains with ox-teams. With him came his wife, who was formerly Miss Nancy Jane Clark, who was born in Missouri March 27, 1840. Five children were born of this marriage, Marian S., John W., Franklin C., Zella and Emma. The eldest, Marian S., became the wife of Hallie Brennan; Frank married Miss Ellen Moshner and has two children, Lena and Fern ; Zella is Mrs. Liggett; and Emma became the wife of Charles Mellens. Six children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Liggett, as follows: Thomas W., Maud L., Claudia J., Erma E., Emma E. and Ora May. Mand L., the eldest daughter, became the wife of Frank Burns, who was born at Occidental, Cal., October 7. 1870; five children have been born to these parents, John, Bessie, Bernice, May and Frazier. Erma E. became the wife of Joseph Cassani, who was born in New York city in 1870. Mr. Liggett is a stanch Democrat in his political belief, supporting the can- didates of that party as often as the opportunity occurs. Mrs. Liggett is a member of the Christian Church of Santa Rosa.
KNUDT LAURITZEN.
The tide of immigration which bore to the west so many of the industrious and capable sons of the Fatherland brought Knudt Lauritzen to Sonoma county in 1898, his decision to immigrate hither having been made after an unprejudiced comparison of the opportunities which his own land offered and those which others of his countrymen were enjoying on this side of the Atlantic. It was after carefully weighing the matter, therefore, that at the age of eighteen years (his birth having occurred June 2, 1881) he bade farewell to home and friends and embarked on a vessel bound for the United States. From the eastern port at which he landed he went by rail to Jones county, Iowa, and in that part of the middle-west he continued for about three years, working on farms in that locality and at the same time imbibing knowledge in various directions which has been of incalculable benefit to him.
With a good knowledge of the English language as well as a thorough understanding of farming as conducted in the middle-west, Mr. Lauritzen came to California in 1902, in the same year locating in Sonoma county, with which he has been so completely satisfied as a place of residence he has had no desire to seek a home elsewhere. On Rural Route No. 4 from Petaluma he leases a ranch of three hundred and ten acres upon which he conducts a dairy business
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supported from forty cows, and each year witnesses an increase in the size of his herd. He also gives pasturage to one hundred head of sheep, and four thousand chickens also add materially to his annual income. As with his dairy industry, so also in his poultry business each year finds an enlargement of the business and greater profits, all of which is due to the perseverance and energy of the owner. Personally he is a man who finds no inclination to ally himself with organizations of a fraternal or social character, finding instead ample di- version in the care of his ranch and its stock, and in his associations in the Christian Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. In the casting of his ballot he is independent of party names, voting at all times for the best candi- (late personally and with an eye to his capability for the position which he is to fill. On October 27, 1909, Mr. Lauritzen formed domestic ties by his mar- riage with Jennie Sammorini, and they have one daughter. Isalina.
BENONIA HOTCHKISS.
Throughout a long period of useful years Mr. Hotchkiss was intimately identified with the agricultural development of Sonoma county, and when death terminated his energetic endeavors a large circle of acquaintances testified to his worth as a citizen, his sterling integrity as a man and his skill in husbandry. Born in the Green river valley of Kentucky in 1833, he inherited the chivalrous spirit and polished manner characteristic of a long line of southern ancestry. It was his good fortune to enjoy the educational and social advantages offered by the blue grass state during the prosperous era that preceded the Civil war and as he was a member of a family possessing considerable means, he enjoyed opportunities equal to those extended to other young men similarly situated. Possessing a faculty of intense application and considerable will power, he early determined to rise to success in agriculture, his chosen vocation, and with the belief that the west offered more desirable advantages than those of his own state, he migrated to California prior to the war and in 1860 located in Wood- land, Yolo county, where for four years he kept one of the first hotels of the town. In 1865 he became a citizen of Sonoma county, where the remainder of his life was devoted to the building up of an improved estate. Sagacious judgment was one of his principal traits and he soon became numbered among the county's leading farmers, giving his attention with such exactness to private affairs that he never identified himself with politics in any way aside from voting the Democratic ticket in all elections.
Not a little of the success attained by Mr. Hotchkiss was due to the capable assistance of his wife, who was his wise counselor and willing helper, and who still survives to enjoy the esteem of old friends and the fruits of early labors on the farm. Prior to her marriage in 1857 she was Miss Virginia Edrington, being a daughter of Barrett and Jane (Kerr) Edrington, natives of Kentucky. Two children, William J. and Mary Jane, were born of this marriage.
William Joseph, more familiarly known as W. J., was the only son born to Mr. and Mrs. Hotchkiss. He received fair advantages, graduating from the Santa Rosa grammar school and becoming a trustworthy and capable business man. Some years ago he was honored by election to the state legislature and
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represented his district at Sacramento with fidelity and appreciated distinction. By his marriage with Miss Emma Grove he has five children, namely : Miller, Homer, Marius, Linvil and Hazel. The last-mentioned is a graduate of the University of California and the champion tennis player of the world. The old homestead. purchased by the elder Mr. Hotchkiss some time after his arrival in Sonoma county, comprises three hundred acres lying near Healdsburg. A portion of the land is in hay and pasture, supplying feed for the live-stock kept on the place. By far the greater part of the land is under cultivation to fruit of different kinds, the aim in each being to secure a superior quality as well as a variety that bears in abundance. Prunes and apples are among the specialties and each is an income-producer of no small proportions. The improvements inaugurated by the former owner have been maintained by the widow and son and no pains are spared in keeping the large orchards in thrifty condition. In the year 1911 they set out three thousand new prune and apple trees. Since early girlhood Mrs. Hotchkiss has been identified with the Christian Church, which was also the religious preference of her husband, the two being generous contributors to that organization in its missionary movements, while at the same time they were sympathetic co-operators in all enterprises for the well-being of their community.
HARVEY GREGORY.
Not unlike many others, Mr. Gregory came to California in the hope of regaining health impaired in activities east of the Rocky mountains. The de- lightful health-giving climate repaired the inroads which duties in a more rigor- ous climate had made, and for more than a quarter of a century thereafter he was able to accomplish what at the time of coming to the west he thought was impossible. He passed away at his home in Santa Rosa May 30, 1910, beloved by a host of friends who had learned to love him for the sturdy qualities which had been the foundation of his long and useful life.
Near Goshen, Orange county, N. Y., Harvey Gregory was born October 13, 1833, the son of parents who tilled the soil as a means of livelihood. He was educated in the public schools and academy near his home, after which he fol- lowed teaching for some time, or until he removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he purchased a farm and began life as an agriculturist. At the time of purchase no improvements had been made on the property, and the work involved in its transformation into the fine property which it later became was the means of impairing the health of the owner and ultimately bringing him to the Pacific coast. Coming to Sonoma county in 1883, Mr. Gregory located on a ranch two and a-half miles from Santa Rosa, where he was engaged in horticulture, selling out orchards of apples, prunes and pears, a business which he followed until January, 1904, when he disposed of his property and located in Santa Rosa, where he was living at the time of his death, May 30, 1910.
It was due to the untiring energy and indefatigable labor on the part of Mr. Gregory that the Sonoma County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company came into being in 1898, at the organization of which he was elected secretary, and continued in the office up to the time of his death. For the last five months
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however, he was unable to perform the duties of the office, and his wife nobly and efficiently assumed the responsibility, and after his death she was elected secretary for the remainder of his term.
The first marriage of Harvey Gregory occurred in Iowa and united him with Miss Melissa Holcomb, who at her death a few years later left one child, Clara, who is now Mrs. Shepherd, of Muscatine, Iowa. His second marriage was to Almira Bamford, who passed away in Sonoma county, leaving three chil- dren, as follows: Frank, who died in Oregon; Bion, of Mexico City; and Lester, of Fort Bragg. On March 17, 1897, Mr. Gregory was married in Santa Rosa to Mrs. Mary M. (Gilbert) Kniffin, who was born near Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of Hiram and Eliza (Benefield) Gilbert, born respectively in Kentucky and Indiana. Mrs. Gregory's paternal grandfather, Mordecai Gilbert, was a native of Virginia, whence in the early days he removed to Kentucky, and still later to Iowa. The maternal grandfather, Robert Benefield, came from Indiana to Muscatine county, Iowa, when that county was as yet practically uninhabited by white men. Mrs. Gregory was fourth from the oldest of a family of nine children born to her parents, eight of whom are still living. She was given the privileges of the public schools of Muscatine county. Her first marriage was with Isaac Kniffin, a native of New York state and later a farmer in Muscatine county. Iowa, where he was living at the time of his death. Some years afterward his widow removed to Hodgeman county, Kan., where she entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, but the country suffered from lack of rain during the years she remained upon it, and when the opportunity came she disposed of the land, after which she removed to Topeka. One child was born of her union with Mr. Kniffin, Minnie L., who became the wife of Dr. Beatty, of West Branch, Iowa. In his political belief Mr. Gregory was a stanch Republican, and with his wife was an active member of the Grange and the Methodist Episcopal Church. Personally he was a man of kindly, lovable qualities, a man of integrity and true worth, one whose greatest happiness was in showing kindness to those about him.
CHARLES E. WYATT.
A native son of the state, Charles E. Wyatt was born in Petaluma, Sonoma county, May 14, 1873, and was brought up and educated in the public schools of his native town. The financial condition of his parents made it obligatory upon him that he assume the responsibility of his own support at an early age, and as he had no opportunity to learn a trade, he followed the line of least resistance when he applied for work in the care of horses. A natural and inborn love for horses prompted him in his choice, and that it was a wise one has been apparent in all that he has undertaken along this line, and indeed throughout his life he has been associated with horses in one way or another. His first experience was at Agricultural Park, where he helped to care for Thorough and Standard bred horses, and it was not long before he had developed an ability in riding and train- ing them that was to be of invaluable help to him later on. In fact, for years hc followed this business with splendid success, and gave it up reluctantly when he became too heavy for the exercise.
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A subsequent position which Mr. Wyatt filled acceptably was as foreman of Haney's livery stable, continuing there for five years, when he became asso- ciated with Theodore Skillman, of Petaluma, an extensive importer of draft horses, and still later he was connected with the Petaluma Transfer Company, remaining in the last-mentioned position for two years. It was in 1892 that he entered the employ of George P. McNear, and his long retention in the position of foreman of the large stable of this well-known citizen speaks eloquently of his ability and all-around fitness for the position. Without exception the Mc- Near stable takes first rank in Sonoma county, and no small credit for this high standing may be given to Mr. Wyatt, who is an excellent judge of the value of a horse, whether draft or roadster, years of experience and association with horses making this accurate judgment possible.
In Petaluma occurred the marriage of Charles E. Wyatt and Miss Sadie Edwards, who was born in this city and has passed her entire life here. Three children have been born of this marriage, Anita, Gladys and Alice. Mr. Wyatt's fraternal associations are with the Eagles and Moose.
SAMUEL ELMER ADAMS.
A comparatively late arrival in the west and Sonoma county is Samuel E. Adams, who came here from the middle west in 1900 and has every reason to be satisfied with the opportunity for advancement which has come to him during the past decade. The earliest member of the Adams family of whom we have any definite knowledge is the paternal grandfather, Benjamin Adams, who was born in Kentucky and who in an early day became a pioneer settler in Brown county, Il1. Near Mount Sterling he entered a tract of land from the government for which he paid $1.25 an acre, and there his earth life came to a close. The duties which he laid down at his death were assumed and faithfully continued by his son and namesake, Benjamin Adams, until he too laid down the burden of life, his death occurring when he was only forty-four years of age. His marriage united him with Miss Mary McCoy, a native of Brown county, Ill., her father, Samuel McCoy, immigrating there from Ohio. Mrs. Adams survived her hus- band many years, passing away at the age of sixty-three years.
Of the three children originally comprised in the parental family Samuel Elmer Adams is the only one now living. He was born October 8, 1867, on the farm near Mount Sterling, Brown county, Ill., which had been the home of his grandfather and father before him. He was educated in the public schools in the vicinity, and in addition to his educational training he gained a good insight into farming through doing his share of the chores that almost without exception fall to the lot of farmers' sons. The training proved timely, for at the time of his father's early death he was able to step in and assume responsibilities which other- wise would have been impossible. He proved equal to the task thus suddenly laid upon his shoulders, and he continued the management of the farm until he was thirty-three years of age. After spending a short time in Chicago he came to Cali- fornia in 1900, and at Reclamation, Sonoma county, he was fortunate in securing employment as foreman on the Rose ranch, property of the California Sugar
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Company, where he continued for two years. He then came to Petaluma and became foreman of the warehouse for George P. McNear, after which he was foreman of a large alfalfa ranch in Humboldt county, Nev., for two years. At the end of this experience he again came to Petaluma and for one year was en- gaged in the poultry business, after which he carried on a grocery business in Santa Rosa for two years. It was in 1909 that he undertook the business in which he is now engaged in Petaluma, general contracting, teaming, heavy hauling, street grading and excavating. Beginning the business in a modest scale, it has constantly grown until from six to ten four-horse teams are necessary to carry on the business. One of the contracts which he executed was grading the switch yards for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad at Petaluma.
In Brown county, Ill., Mr. Adams was married to Miss Ada Frank, a native of that county, and four children were born of their marriage, Merle, Rita. Nanetta and Ila. In his political sympathies Mr. Adams is a Democrat, and fra- ternally he is a member of the Redmen and the Woodmen of the World. Push and enterprise are strong points in the make-up of Mr. Adams, and all who know him admire him for his integrity and straightforward business methods.
CHARLES WARREN YORK.
Although Mr. York had lived a quiet, unostentatious life, when death claimed him and removed him from the midst of those who had been associated with him for over thirty-five years, his loss was deeply felt, and they realized as they had never done before what his life and accomplishments had meant to the community in and around Healdsburg. For many generations his ancestors had been asso- ciated with the far-off state of Maine, and in that state he too was born, his birth occurring in Franklin county in 1838.
A natural inclination toward the blacksmith's trade led Mr. York to take up this business as soon as his education was completed and when he was strong enough to wield the hammer. He found the business fully as interesting and re- munerative as he had anticipated and had followed it in his native locality for a number of years when the attractions of the west brought him to California in 1861. After a time spent in northern California and Nevada he came to Sonoma county, and in Healdsburg established a blacksmith shop which he maintained until his death in 1896. During the years that intervened the merry ring of his anvil became a familiar sound to those who had business dealings with him, and his removal from accustomed scenes after many years of unabated energy was felt individually and collectively.
In his wife, to whom he was married in 1866, Mr. York had a true com- panion and help-mate. Before her marriage she was Miss Mary Chapman, a native of Ireland, who was born in 1839, the daughter of Irish parents. Four children were born to Mr. York and his wife, but only one of the number is now living, Anna M. Politically Mr. York was a believer in Republican principles, and upon all occasions supported this party's candidates and tenets. The only public position which he ever filled was that of town trustee, a position in which he discharged his duties efficiently and well, and had he any desire for other offices
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of trust he might have had them, for he was well qualified to fill any position to which his fellow-citizens might have elected him. His greatest interest centered around his home and family, and it was only those who were most intimately associated with him who were able to penetrate into his deeper nature and realize to the fullest extent the depth and breadth of his kindly, wholesome nature. Fraternally he was associated with but one order, the United Workmen of America.
HANS JUHL.
Not only is Mr. Juhl known as a tiller of the soil in the vicinity of Petaluma, but he is also known as a genial "mine host," owning and maintaining a small hotel at the head of Chelino valley, on San Antone creek. Mr. Juhl is one of the sons of Denmark who have found in the United States an opportunity for the development and expression of ideas and ideals which would not have been possible in the land which gave them birth. To the man willing to work for the attainment of his ideal even in the face of obstacles if need be, this new country has been a boon, as for one Mr. Juhl can testify. Born in Hadersleben, Denmark, November 18, 1848, he was a young man of eighteen years when he determined to come to the United States and begin life under new conditions, confident that if one avenue of support failed, another could be found whereby he could at least make a living. The voyage was made by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and on the 26th day of December, 1866, he landed at San Francisco, after a long voyage of land and sea travel.
From the metropolis Mr. Juhl came to Sonoma county and in the agricultural district he found ample opportunity to put his knowledge of farming to good account, for in the old country he had attained considerable proficiency in this line of endeavor. He worked in the employ of others for a number of years, in the meantime laying aside from his wages whatever was not actually needed to supply his wants. His object in so doing was a desire to become a property owner, but before taking this step he made investigations in other parts of the state, going first to Humboldt county and from there to other localities; but he finally returned to Sonoma county, satisfied that this particular part of the state offered advantages over any others that he had investigated. It was there- fore with considerable assurance that he came to Petaluma and purchased the ranch of forty-one acres upon which he has resided ever since. As has been stated, in addition to maintaining this property, he also runs a small hotel for the traveling public in the Chelino valley, on San Antone creek, just over the line in Marin county. His ranch, which adjoins the Sonoma county line and is five and three-quarters miles west of Petaluma, was formerly known as the Laguna station, but now is called Chelino Valley station.
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