*9fl 9 MM §31 m m ■ ■ 1 ■ ■i ■H 3| ■■■M - ■■■ ■1 I History of Solano and Napa counties, California, with biographical sketches of F868.S66 G8 13001758 _ Jgj CONTENTS CHAPTER I. page; Saint Solano — Apostle of the Indies 17 Soon after the Spaniard came 'the English — The Fair Amazonian, "Califa" — Spain In a Mad Dance of Death — The Chain of Missions. CHAPTER II. Spanish Civilization Moves Slowly _ 21 Before the Gringo Came — The Lame Padre Junipero Serra — In the Sleepy Mariana Days. CHAPTER III. Appearance of the Russians 23 Love Unlocks the Golden Gate — Settlements at Bodega and Fort Ross — First Real Estate Deal — A Two-Gun Chapel. CHAPTER IV. A Long-Distance Conflict 27 Sutter Consolidates the Two Forts — Introducing Solano County — Alta California Drifts to the Gringo. CHAPTER V. Life in the Sleepy Man ana Days _ - 29 Heav3 r Adobe Architecture — Tortillas and Carne for Everybody — Sim- ple Civic Governments — No Tax-Paying No Tax-Stealing. CHAPTER VI. No Ponderous Judiciary Needed 32 A Wise Alcalde 5 — Society During the Easy Spanish Era — Ever Charm- ing Latin Women. CHAPTER VII. Two Generations of Slumber - 34 A Ride Not Told in History— The Vaqueros of Alta California — The Indian On His Eminent Domain — Vallejo Was Kind to His Red Charges. CHAPTER VIII. Out on the Great Ranchos - 38 Among the "Floofs and Horns" — Little Local Revolutions — The End of the Missions Inevitable — The Officials Who Did Not Toil Nor Spin. CHAPTER IX. In the "Roaring Forties" 40 John Charles Fremont — "Pathfinder" — Picked to Find a Path to American Occupancy — Picked to Find a New Way — Setting a Pace for Sloat — Getting Ahead of John Bull — Protestants of All Ages. CHAPTER X. The "War" in California 43 Kearny's Dramatic Appearance — His Inglorious Career — How They All Loved Fremont — The Pathfinder's Complete Vindication. v i CONTENTS CHAPTER XI. Story of the Bear Flag 45 The Grizzly Passant — Fierce Americanos Stay For Breakfast — Cali- fornia's First Fourth. CHAPTER XII. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo 47 The General's Splendid Americanism — Always a Friend to the United States — He Was Weary of Mexico and Her Blunderings. CHAPTER XIII. Captain John Sutter - 50 At the Famous Fort — A House Prepared For Friends or Foes — The Splendid Trio, Vallejo, Fremont, Sutter. CHAPTER XIV. Then Came California 52 A State That Was Not a State — From San Diego to Sonoma — The Indian a Poor Pupil — The Franciscan Was a Good Cook. CHAPTER XV. From San Diego to Sonoma 53 The Passing of Three Centuries — The Kindly Spanish Priests — Coming of American Settlers — Early Leaders in California History. CHAPTER XVI. Solano — A Wind, a Saint, an Indian, a County 54 Chief Solano — Valley of The Suisuns — Putah Creek — Suisun Bay — Hills the Boundary Lines — Rich Soil and Vegetation — Mineral Products — Solano County Comes Into Being. CHAPTER XVII. Early Settlers of Solano County 57 John R. Wolfskill and Other First Settlers — Discovery of Gold in 1848 and Its Effect on Solano County — Benicia the Metropolis — First Legis- lature meets at San Jose. CHAPTER XVIII. Location of the County Seat 60 County Seat Convention — Township Delegates — County Seat Moved to Fairfield — Hall of Records Erected. CHAPTER XIX. Early Political History of Solano County 62 General Vallejo, Mexican Military Governor from 1835-1846 — Prefec- tures Presided Over by Alcaldes — Fight for Statehood — First Election Under New Order. CHAPTER XX. Mexican Grants 64 Solano County Originally Contained Six Mexican Grants — Interesting Old Documents. CHAPTER XXI. Benicia the Blessed 67 History of the Name Benicia — Bob Semple, the Originator of the Town — The Bark Confederacion — Benicia Becomes Seat of Govern- ment for a Short Time — Industries of the City. CHAPTER XXII. Montezuma Township ;. 71 Rolling Hills and Marsh Lands — Large Catches of Salmon — Birds Landing — Collinsville — The Passing of Montezuma City. CONTENTS vii CHAPTER XXIII. Along the Lowlands 72 Townships of Denverton, Rio Vista, Maine Prairie, Silveyville, Fre- mont — Origin of Town Names. CHAPTER XXIV. Suisun Township 73 "The Island" — Early Settlers in the Community — Industries. CHAPTER XXV. Industries op the Suisun Valley 74 Fruit-growing Takes First Rank — Dried Fruit a Factor — Cement a Valuable Product — Building the New Courthouse. CHAPTER XXVI. Vaca Valley 75 Manuel Cabeza Vaca — Solano Statistics — Acreage of Grain — Number of Fruit Trees in the County. CHAPTER XXVII. Navy Yard — Mare Island 77 The Necessity for Ship Repair Station on Pacific Coast — Commodore Hanscom First Naval Contractor at Mare Island — Introduction of Electricity — Gradual Improvement of the Navy Yard — How the Island Received Its Name — Commandants of Mare Island to Date — Navy Yard of Today. CHAPTER XXVIII. Vallejo 86 City Named for General Vallejo — The General's Generous Grant of Land and Gifts of Money — Early Buildings in the Town — First Cele- bration of Independence Day — -New Year's Day 1855 — First Newspaper — Election of Town Officers — Vallejo's Picturesque Site — Vallejo Schools — Vallejo's Homestead Association — Vallejo Land and Improve- ment Company — Building and Loan Association — Vallejo Postoffice — Society of California Pioneers — -Vallejo Savings and Commercial Bank — Citizens Bank — Newspapers — City Water Works — Vallejo City Water Company — Churches — St. Vincent's Benevolent Society — Fra- ternal Orders. CHAPTER XXIX. In Vaca's Fruited Vale 124 Ideal Location of This Garden Spot — Once a Great Cattle Range — Pioneer Grape and Fruit Raisers in the Valleys — Growth of the Indus- try — Suisun Valley Fruits — First Eastern Shipment of Fruit. CHAPTER XXX. A General Description op the Geological Features op Solano County... 133 Characteristics of the Mountain and Valley Formation — Action of the Rivers — History Told in Rock Formation — -Limestone Industry at Cement — Other Minerals Quarried. CHAPTER XXXI. The Native Vegetation of Solano County 136 Three Distinct Floras — Oaks Most Persistent of Silva — Spring Time Carpet of Flowers — The California Poppy. CHAPTER XXXII. History of Napa County 140 The Mountains and Valleys of the County — Flora of the County — Geology of Napa County — Soils — Land Grants — -Veterans' Home — County Infirmary — Railroad History — Electric Railroad. \ V 1 1 1 CONTENTS CHAPTER XXXIII. Viticulture of Napa County 147 This County the Pioneer in Wine-grape Growing — First Wine Cellars Erected — Growth of Wine Industry — Establishment of Government Experiment Vineyard. CHAPTER XXXIV. The; Trees, Shrubs and Flowers of Napa Valley 150 Description of the Valley — The Douglas Fir, Yellow Pine. Coast Live Oak, Oregon Maple, Redwood — Shrubs of Napa River Basin — Spring Time Carpet of Flowers. CHAPTER XXXV. Farmers' Organizations 153 Patrons of Husbandry — Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company — Poultry Association. CHAPTER XXXVI. City of Napa 155 Napa's First Building — Sweathouse Dance — Description of Early Set- tlement of Napa — Industries — Water Companies — Banking Institutions — Newspapers — Fire Department — Military — Clubs, Lodges, Goodman Library — City Parks. CHAPTER XXXVII. Institutions of Learning 164 The Napa Collegiate Institute — Napa Business College — Old Mound School — Central School — Lincoln School — Napa Washington School — Napa Franklin School — Napa High School — Napa Ladies' Seminary — Churches — Tong War of Napa — Conclusion. * CHAPTER XXXVIII. Bench and Bar 170 Napa County Well Favored in Her Legal Representatives — C. B. Seeley — C. B. Hartson — W. C. Wallace — Henry Edgerton — Wirt Pendegast — Dennis Spencer — Henry Hogan. CHAPTER XXXIX. St. Helena 174 Its Early History — J. H. Still, the Father of the Town — School History — Public Library — Baptists Establish First Church — Incorporation of Town — St. Helena Water Company — Napa Valley Electric Company — Splendid Stone Bridges — Town Officers — Fire Department — News- papers — Banks — Hotels. CHAPTER XL. Calistoga 177 Location of Calistoga — Origin of Name — -Town Surrounded by Pros- perous Farming Community — Hot Sulphur Springs — Calistoga's Water Supply — Methodists Erected First Church — Schools. I INDEX A Abernathie, George W 1025 Adams, John B... 484 Aden. Martin R..... 545 Aebi, Frederick 1029 Ahern, Jeremiah 436 Allan, George C 1003 Almada, John B 805 Almada, Manuel C 793 Alumbaugh, William E., M. D 780 Andersen, Charles H 540 Andersen, William P 370 Anderson, Andrew F 448 Anderson, Hans 401 Anderson, Niels C 353 Anderson, Perry 375 Anderson, Peter 421 Andrews, William 270 Armanino, Lawrence 614 Armstrong, John 800 Ashwell, Charles 340 B Bailard, Frank E., Jr 1016 Baird, William G 563 Baker, Robert E 1019 Baker, William 184 Baker, William S 215 Baldwin, Jabez M 701 Bassford, Henry A 755 Bassford, Henry L 234 Beagles, Mrs. Amanda M 558 Beagles, William H 557 Beddoe, Henry 1007 Belew, Thomas F 1034 Bell, Charles E 549 Bell, Edward S 788 Bell, Horace G 323 Bell, Theodore A 852 Bender, Elias 46C Bentley, Samuel W 486 Bergh, Henning E 318 Beririger, Jacob L 285 Betts Cement Company 509 Billings, Myron E '. 841 Bird, Albert S 1014 Bird, Henry 490 Bird. John 427 Blake, George M 665 Blake, Henry C 457 Blake, Rev. P. V 764 Blake, William P 692 Bleamel, Julius 498 Bogle, Robert 815 Boke, John H 546 Boland, M S 707 Bolomey, A. Henry 992 Bornhorst, William F 689 Bradshaw, John G 979 Braghetta, Isidoro C 996 Brandon, Owen H 430 Brazil, John 1027 Breen, Thomas J 252 Brennan, John H 948 Briggs, George N._ 552 Bristow, Samuel D 1031 Brock, Llewellyn T 1013 Brockhoff, Charles F 324 Brovelli, Joseph 1025 Brown, Arthur J 972 Brown, D. J 968 Brown, Edward 478 Brown, Homer G... 883 Brown, Hon. Jackson F 339 Brown, William A 507 Brown, William D 920 Brubacher, Christian 418 Bruno, Constant 752 Buck, William H 894 Buckles, Hon. Abraham J 334 Buhrmeister, August L 884 Bulson, Charles H., M. D.... 286 Bunce, Harry N 888 Burroughs, John 1004 Burton, James H 668 Butler, Guy K 216 Butler, Ralph M 198 Byrne, Rev. Joseph F 702 c Cagle, Samuel K 1003 Cahill, Mrs. Elizabeth.. 394 Cain, James 990 Callizo, Joseph 887 Campbell, Charles L 677 Campbell, Francis 848 Campbell, George P 288 Campbell, John L 845 Campbell, Mary F 845 Canevascini, John, 297 Cantoni, Charles 995 Carlin, William J 889 Carlton, Frank L 231 Carpenter, Milton 514 Carter, M. M 860 Case, Frank S '. 477 Cases, Albert 513 Casey, John 1030 Casper, Albert 472 Castagnetto, Gerolamo 995 Castle Rock Vineyard 226 Cereda, Carlo 900 Cereda, Domenico 486 Chapman, Lyman 531 Chapman, William H 459 \l INDEX Chiles, Henry L 459 Chiles, Joseph IV... 402 Chrisler, Leslie J 1034 Christensen, Anton 948 Christopher, Benjamin F 424 Chubb, Charles M 1028 Clark. Abraham 697 Clark, Alonzo C 850 Clark, Charles T 304 Clark. Joseph E 453 Clark. O. E 554 Clark, Hon. Reuben 303 Clayton, Henry B 245 ry, Rev. William r 244 Clevenger, [esse D 810 Coarhlan, John M 817 Collins, Tames S - in, William 1! Conner. Newton 53 Conway. John 845 k, Edward T 806 Coombs. Hon. Frank L... ; ~ Coombs, Nathan ^: Cooper, Charles M 857 »er, William B 858 Corcoran, Tames 829 ett, Hon. Robert .. 240 Corlett, William H 507 Crawford. Hugh \ 25 Crochat, Germain 1006 Crystal, George W 504 D Dado, Peter A 999 Dalto, George G 510 Daly, Times A.. .. 782 Dalv. Tames D .. 954 Danielson, John O 101O Darden. William C 1012 Darms, Baltahesar 0^4 Davidson, John 970 Davis, James S 671 Davis. John T 596 Davis. Joseph 805 Dearborn, Eugene I 251 Deming, Charles B 347 Deming, Edwin E ; 2 Dempsey, Robert B.. M. D 938 Denio, Cyrenus P> 914 Denning, William 918 Derby, Charles \. 22S Derrick, Frank W 893 Devlin, Hon. Frank R 641 Dickie. Albert A 559 Dickinson. Henry E 515 Dickson, Thomas 310 Diehl, Philip 823 Dineen. Patrick 542 Dito, Peter &3 Dittmer Brothers o >5 Dixon. Thomas V 1041 Doak, David „. 991 Dodini. Julius 097 Dolan, Patrick 532 Donnelly, Terrence C 240 Doogan, Bernard M 292 Dos' Reis Brothers 737 Dos Reis. Manuel 508 Downey, Tohn T J82 Downing, William E., M D 985 Drake. Harry C 721 Drouit, Frank 890 Drussel. Eugene T 962 Duffv. Phillip 987 Dunker, Henry H 534 Dunlap, David A 384 E Eaton. Charles F 594 Ebeling, \\ illiam 528 Edgcumbe, Joseph C 749 Edington, Joseph L 1005 Edington, Thomas B 822 Elgin, William A 786 Elliot. Harvey R 527 Ellis. Frederick W 773 Elmhurst Academy 787 Elting, Philip .'. 899 English, Joseph R 238 ight, Michael 566 Evey, Joseph 833 Ewing, Joseph Z 966 F Fagerberg, Oscar 812 Falconer, Charles D 274 Farrington, .Mrs. Sarah T 55° Fawver, J. Clark 913 Fawver. Thomas D 263 Fenley, Samuel B 828 Ferrea. Nicholas 585 Feudner, Edward L .1020 Filloon, John A 752 Filomeo, Antonio 1002 Firchow. Herman H 601 Fiscus, John B 821 Fisher. William M 345 Fitzgerald. James H 708 Fitzpatrick. Iven P 500 Fly, Quintus C 847 Ford, Patrick J 870 Force, Daniel H $75 Fossett, Horatio N 955 Foster, Andrew H 215 itain, S. H 846 Fox. Patrick 608 m, William C 913 Francis. George M 475 Freitas. Joe L 496 Freitas. Tohn E 496 Freitas. John L 719 Frese. John B 727 Furtado, Antonio F 990 G Galbreath. Tames E 5 "2 Gardner. Capt. George C 369 Gardner, George F 957 GarPeld, Zenas W 804 Garlichs, Garrard L 463 Garnett. Tames S 635 Garnett. William H 620 Gedge. William K 412 Geer. Hampton S 496 George, Levi 503 Gerlach, Tohn 485 Gildersleeve, C. H 956 Gildersleeve. Georare W 971 \ INDEX x 1 Gillon, Patrick 911 Glashoff, Matthias 543 Glazier, Sutton H 960 Glendon, John E 912 Glos, Charles 341 Godfrey, William S 902 Golds, Herman W 1004 Gonsalves, Matheus 999 Goosen, Henry 725, Goossen, William 333 Gordon, Joseph 821 Gordon, William 291 Gosling, Caleb 768 Graves, John 668 Greenwood, Chester C 411 Greenwood, Capt. George H 442 Greenwood, James A 435 Greenwood, John Q 387 Gregory, John M 1043 Gridley, Erwin S 522 Griffith, Calvin C 630 Griffiths, John P 464 Griffiths, Hon. Walter B 631 Grigsby, Franklin T 983 Grigsby, Terril L 446 Grigsby, Thomas A 471 Grinstead, Willis L 1015 Gruber, Albert C 666 Gunn, Harry L 273 Gustafson, Rudolf 1018 Gyte. Joseph 899 H Hale, Guy S 953 Hall, Charles E 859 Hall, Charles F 434 Hammar, Alrik 328 Hanns, Joseph P 715 „ Hanscom, John 581 Hansen, Carl 1017 Hansen, Hans C 644 Hansen. Hans N 974 Harley, Jordan R 497 Harrier, Lewis G 396 Harris, John W 835 Harris, Henry H 377 Harris, William M H33 Hartley. Clement M ....1042 Hartley, John 763 Hartman. Lewis M 809 Hartson, Chancellor 183 Hartzell, John W 649 Haun, Edgar. M. D 454 Hay, Henry E 908 Hayden, George W 881 Hayes, John F 614 Heald, Edward P 261 Healy, Jesse L 912 Heath, Leslie B 503 Hein, John 638 Henderson, Orrington L 588 Herbison, William 491 Higgins, William 300 Hildreth, George D 811 Hill, Ira Z 733 Hillman, Ernest C 495 Hobbs, Isaac 543 Hoffmeier, William 220 Hogan, Edward F 632 Hohberger, John 1038 Holden, Samuel E 989 Holdridge, Ambrose B 953 Hollenbeck, John 381 Holsten, Mrs. Georgine B 752 Hopmann, Dick 751 Horan, Micheal 255 Hornberg, William von G 774 Hoyt, Joseph H 209 Hoyt, William K 643 Huck, John 233 Hulen, George W 925 Huls, James W...._ 828 Hunt, John 975 Hunter, William 416 Husmann, Frederick L 363 Husmann, Hon. George 388 Huston, George A 757 Hyatt, Alexander A 901 Inman, Mrs. Ann E , 950 Isham, Murray L 459 J Jaensch, Ernest W 785 Jahn, Jochim 816 Jansen, Claus F 779 Jeanmonod, Auguste 476 Jennings, George A 830 Jepson, Martha Ann 834 Jepson, William L 834 Johnson, Andrew 943 Johnson, John 690 Johnson, Martin 943 Johnson, Peter H 1022 Johnson. William W — 372 Jones, Frederick S 282 Jones, William A 936 Jordan, Lester L 757 Joy, Charles 854 Joyce, John J 1023 K Keene, Kendall C 824 Kelsey, Mrs. Benjamin 728 Kelton, Edward A 550 Kemper, Melchoir 708 Kennon, Lewis C 704 Kerr, John A 625 Keys, James A 336 Kidd, Joseph 875 Kilkenny, Anthony 853 Kilkenny, Thomas A 854 King, Percy S - 584 Kiser, Joseph 893 Kiellander, John -1008 Kiam, John A 986 Klotz, Bernard J., M. D 720 Knapp. Henry H 394 Knief, J. F 799 Knudsen, Andrew 416 Koepp, Frederick 857 Kreuzier, John J 1038 Kuebeler, Louis 930 Kunzel, Wenzel 239 Kyser, David S 186 X 1 1 INDEX L Lain, William R 533 Lairamore, James W 661 Lambert, John W 415 Lambert, William H 617 Lambrecht, Julius 908 Lane, Charles W.... - 770 Larson, Par E 779 Laurent, Jean 613 Lemon, John B 623 Lemos, Joe F.... 519 Lennon, Patrick H.... 1001 Lepori, John 900 Levansaler, Charles L : 441 Light, Lucian E 570 Limo, Louis 988 Lincoln, Edward F 560 Lincoln, Harry L 791 Linder, John J 806 Little, John D 976 Little, Wade H 294 Livingston, Allan T... 281 Lockie, James S 905 Loeber, Fred W 775 Long, Edgar E 219 Long, Miss Minnie 538 Long, George W 1013 Lucas, Manuel 839 Lucey, Dennis 1014 Lundell, Hialmar 758 Lutley, Henry C... 317 Lynch, Philip B 696 Lyon, John L 611 Lyon, John P 538 Lyons, Herman W 1037 M McCann, William 978 McCauley, Cornelius 691 McClane, Daniel 1035 McCleary, Rush 209 McCord, James H ....1000 McCormick, C. E 410 McCudden, Hon. James 346 McCune, Hon. Henry E 207 McDonald, Edwin A 641 McDonald, James J 376 McKnight, Samuel J 674 McKevitt, Frank B 587 McLaughlin, James F 306 McMath, Archie B 941 McMillan, Charles 781 McMillan, Edward H... 907 McNeal, Franklin 191 McNeill, William 1018 McNulty, James 393 McQuarrie, Robert 495 Madison, Peter 798 Madrid, Manuel 792 Maeshner, Anton 502 Maggetti, Julius 1036 Maier, John D 322 Malchi, John 797 Malkmes, Frederick C 644 Maloney, Patrick H 448 Manasse, Edward 276 Manasse, Edward G 949 Manasse, Emanuel 237 Mangels, Louis 731 Mangis, Andrew B 489 Mansfield, J. M 1009 March, Henry T 1008 Marino, Pasquale G 1015 Marshall, Lindsey P 363 Marshall, Mrs. Mary.. '. 566 Marsili, Guido 637 Mason, George L 716 Mason, James 678 Mathews, Mrs. Margaret 297 Maxwell Nursery 403 May, George W 382 May, John H 383 Mayes, John S 351 Mayes, Roy D 607 Mayhood, James 317 Mayhood, John B 767 Meacham, Henry M..... 1010 Mee, George 998 Melvin, Margaret M 390 Merriam, Fred J 1026 Mesquita, Manuel S 988 Meyer, John 602 Miles, James L... 358 Miller, Allen C 869 Miller, Charles S... 366 Miller, David M 605 Miller & Cassidy 470 Mitchell, Rev. James - 357 Moffitt, M. M 992 Monlis, A 204 Moore, Robert M 974 Moore, Thomas — - 980 Moore, William 871 Morris, John 683 Morrison, William H 305 Morsberger, Paul 985 Mount St. Gertrude Academy 716 Mount, Timothy N 364 Mowers, Leonard J - — - 365 Mueller, John G , -,- 605 Mugridge, John H - 501 Mullaney, James A... 679 Munk, Victor C 498 Munro, Donald 648 Murray, Charles A 429 Musgrave, Benjamin F 863 N Napa Building & Loan Association.... 667 Neitzel, Charles H 300 Nelson, Ole - 929 Neuenschwander, Frederick 851 Newcomb, Clarence I — - 665 Newcomb, Lucius S 490 Newman, Charles H 566 Newman, Edward W - 703 Newman, James B 267 Noonan, John 680 Norton, Abraham W 865 Norton, Lewis J — - 756 Noyes, Arthur P..... 906 o Oberte, Joseph 969 O'Donnell, William T 564 Olson, Olof 979 Opici, Michael 986 Ornduff, Isaac 872 INDEX x 1 1 1 Otterbeck, Elias E 776 Otterson, Charles F 745 P Pacheteau, J 1040 Pare, James H 818 Parker, A. B 647 Parker, C. D 653 Parker, Theron M 395 Partrick, Jasper N 875 Passalacqua, Benedetta 563 Paul, George 492 Payne, Mrs. Lucy J 521 Peck, Nelson F 804 Peckinpah, Thaddeus E 428 Pedrick, William S 1030 Pedrotti, James 905 Perry, Manuel 679 Peter, Andrew 981 Peters, Henry 321 Peters, G. Henry 458 Petersen, Henry 440 Petersen, Lorense 932 Petersen, William D 973 Pinkham, George G 769 Plass, Philip 695 Pleasants, Ansel P..... 973 Pleasants, James W 971 Pleasants, William J 279 Pratt, Robert H 685 Pryor, Guilford 582 Q Quarney, John 527 R Radcliffe, William 312 Radelfinger, Samuel 221 Rammers, Richard F 929 Raney, Andrew J 389 Raney, George W..~ 501 Rasmussen, Andrew 404 Reams, James W 210 Reddick, Leonard 935 Reed, Samuel L 606 Renie, Edward 816 Rhodes, E. B 210 Richardson, Jerome B 618 Richardson, William N 829 Riehl, Gottleib 1027 Robinson, Columbus T 659 Robinson, Grant T 1026 Robinson, Maury 672 Roos, Frederick 982 Rose, Fay W...._ 926 Rosel Albert 941 Rossi, Anton 1007 Rowe, Jesse G... 993 Rowley, John L 637 Rule, Charles H 192 Rump, Conrad 329 Rush, Benjamin F 189 Russ, George H 895 Russell, Hiram J..... 1033 Rutherford, Wallace T 656 Ryerson, George L 525 s St. Alphonsus Turibius Church 244 St. Helena Catholic Church 764 St. Helena Sanitarium 947 St. Vincent Convent School 827 Sackett, John E 583 Sackett, Louis A 942 Salmina, J. Baptist & Felix 430 Samuels, William H 720 Saviez, Frank 887 Sawyer, Edwin H 655 Sawyer, French A 275 Sawyer Tanning Company 250 Scally, Michael 661 Scarlett, Franklin 439 Schaffer, Christopher 371 Schielke, Herman 516 Schleicher, John 836 Schlomer, George 852 Schmeiser, Carl E 997 Schulze, Oscar C 551 Schulze, Otto T 197 Scott, Ambrose F 324 Seeley, Chauncey B 599 Serpa, John F 1028 Sharp, Lawrence 684 Shearer, John L 213 Sheldon, Winfred C 600 Sherburne, John S 422 Sherer, Levi 1021 Shively, J. H 232 Shook, Silas S 896 Shouse, Berry 264 Shubert, Albert 465 Shurtleff, Hon. Benjamin 201 Siedenbur?, George (^73 Silva, Frank M 233 Silvey, Joseph 447 Simpkins, Thomas B 750 Simpson, George W 920 Siqueira, Louis J 750 Skoog, George P 864 Sloan, James 298 Smith, Charles E 1021 Smith, Thomas 243 Smith, William 931 Smith, William 937 Smith, William Egbert 327 Sneed, Wiley T 920 Snider, Thomas L 660 Souza, Joseph B 608 Sparks, Richard A 977 Sparks, Thomas A 590 Sparks, Martin V 977 Spear, Madison 3^2 Sperry, Asher 246 Spiers, William 840 Standard Portland Cement Company 197 Staniels, William EL... -.1039 Stanly, John A 195 Steiger, Alexander 204 Steiger, Frank A 262 Sterling, Robert H 738 Steury, Christian 348 Stewart. Robert 293 Stoddard, William J 445 Stratton, Samuel 1041 ?*■- "ich, Erne cf T 225 r , '--- , ybgn. William 451 X 1 V INDEX Sullenger, John C 575 Sullivan, James T 770 Sullivan, John 433 Sullivan, Thomas F 1042 Summers, Andrew G 1032 Sweitzer, Lowery 1009 Swift, John J 1005 Switzer, Burton W 686 Tate, Hon. Horace P 258 Taylor, Robert F., M. D 661 Teply, Jacob 520 Thomann, John 469 Thompson, Anton 744 Thomsen, Lorenz 370 Tiedemann, Henry 994 Tiek, William H 944 Timm, Hans 1024 Timm, Henry R... 315 Titel, George 866 Tobin, Margaret 593 Todd, James M 923 Topley, James 577 Tormey, William J 309 Torp, Carl A 1035 Towson, Allen 595 Towson, William B 409 Toynton, Harry G 1017 Trower, Charles E 587 Troxel, W. T 859 Trubody, William A 743 Truffini, Joseph 620 Trumpler, Walter 624 Tucker, Daniel L 534 Tufts, J. B 653 Turner, Charles M 299 Turner, George R 569 Turner, Squire Jackson 944 Turton, Luther M 982 Tyther, Richard 740 V Vallejo, Gen. M. G 761 Vice, Thomas 589 Vienop, Ernest J 660 Vogel, Charles 1036 Vorbe, Ephrem 629 W Wakerley, George 417 Walker, John 923 Wallace, Louis L 734 Wallbridge, Edway M : 502 Walton, Otto F 672 Ward, Joseph R 218 Warner, John M..._ 872 Watkins, Edmund G 959 Watson, James N 596 Watson, Robert C 513 Watt, William 463 Webber, Eugene L 726 Weber, George 312 Weeks, Samuel J. T 714 Weinberger, John C 924 Wells, James C 311 Whitaker, John R 571 White Henry K 288 White, John P 981 Wickstrom, Carl E 919 Wilger, Frederick 600 Wilkinson, Francis A 1011 Willey, Alden B 713 Williams, Emanuel V 569 Williams, Robert 452 Williams, Robert F...._ 428 Wilson, Earl G 360 Wilson, James 733 Wilson, John 740 Wilson, John L 439 Wilson, S. E 710 Winchell, Merritt G 483 Witt, Peter 222 Wolfskill, Frank 3 C 9 Wolfskill, Sarchel 423 Wood, William W 709 Woods, John 917 Woods, Warren A 519 Woolner, Benjamin F 739 Y Yates, Daniel S 991 Yolo, Peter J 996 York, John 558 York, William E 565 z Zimmerman, F. F 803 0511' TTWiE COUNTYSOLANO CALIFORNIA sc^lc ©IT WSEE COUNTY*NAPA CALIFORNIA 18 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES he wandered over these waters. Drake possessed a lifelong hatred for the Spanish and all his days he sailed the oceans in pursuit of their ships. He had pretty well swept the south Pacific of the treasure-laden galleons homeward bound from the Far East to Spain, and had plundered the Spanish ports until his little vessel, the "Golden Hind," was almost bursting with millions of golden loot. He could not return home by way of the Straits of Magellan, as his enemies were watching that route and cursing him most prayerfully. They also were supplicating all the saints — not otherwise busy — in the calen- dar, also the heathen gods of winds, to waft him safely into their hands. This "Perfidious Albion," not having any intention of seeing the prayers answered, concluded to go westward around the globe, and trust to luck to find through unknown seas his way. He sailed northward along the Sonoma coast, but baffled by contrary winds around Cape Mendocino, turned and entered a bay in latitude 38°, either Bodega bay or what is now called Drake's bay, just south of Point Reyes, in Marin county. Here, on the beach, he repaired the Golden Hind for her long journey. While his ship- carpenter was patching up the leaks, Drake put in the time annexing the whole coast to England, calling the claim "New Albion," because the yellow hills reminded him of chalky Dover. In a pile of stones on the shore he buried a penny ornamented with Queen Elizabeth's aristocratic face ; then he swore she owned all the ranches on this rim of the hemisphere — nothing small about Sir Francis. He was a real real-estate man. After a stay of about thirty-six days Drake sailed by way of the Farralone islands, slowly and surely finding his way into the Indian ocean, down the African coast, around the Cape of Good Hope, and home. He believed he was the first and only explorer in that region and advised Elizabeth to further secure the claim; but she joyfully accepted the gold and jewels he brought her, knighted him and dropped the matter. Land-madness among the nations or peoples of the earth was not so developed four hundred and thirty years ago. In 1594 Sebastian Cermeno, another Portuguese in the service of Spain, was sent along the upper California coast by Viceroy Monterey for the purpose of finding harbors of call for vessels homeward bound from the Philippines. Nothing was heard of the expedition for two years, when a small, rudely built vessel came into Acapulco manned by a remnant of Cermeno's crew. Their ship, the Augustine, had been wrecked in what is now known as Drake's bay and many persons were lost. The next navigator to attempt in their poor little ships the uncharted California coast was Sebastian Viscaino, who entered San Diego bay in 1602, sixty years after Cabrillo. It may be here mentioned that the discoverer called the bay San Miguel, but Viscaino changed the name to the one it bears today. While this navigator was not the first on the coast, he was the first in energy and enter- prise. Sailing northward, he passed and renamed the San Clementi and Santa Catalina islands San Pedro — named not for the Apostle St. Peter, but for Bishop St. Peter of Alexandria; threaded Santa Barbara channel on St. Barbara's day, giving the locality its name, and came to anchor December 15, 1602, in a noble harbor which he called Monterey, in honor of his viceroy and patron. The Fair Amazonian California. The sudden death of Viscaino checked all the preparations of the Spanish government for a large colony at Monterey. This settlement would have been one year older than Jamestown, but it died ere its beginning, and one hundred and sixty years went by before another Spaniard stood on the shore of Alta California. Galleons from Manila crossing the Pacific would strike this coast near Cape Mendocino and cruise down to Acapulco and Panama, but there being no surveyed ports, they never stopped. The territory passed back into the mists of the unknown. The name "California" has come HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 19 through broken accounts from an origin vague, distant, impalpable. The treasure-mad adventurers of Spain, always seeking undiscovered golden troves, believed, in the fierceness of their desire, there were other places on the new continent rivaling the stored wealth of the Peruvian Inca, from whom Pizarro looted so richly and murderously, or of Montezuma, the pitiful victim of the insatiable Cortes. Fictionists of the time wrote stories of mighty cities in the mysterious west peopled by semi-supernatural beings who jealously watched their vast treasuries. One of these writers was Ordonez de Montalvo, and his book, "Sergas de Esplandian," published in 1510, told of the mystic "Island of California," where beautiful amazons ruled and grim griffins guarded not only the feminine wealth, but the mineral treasure as well. The young and valiant grandee and knight of belt and spur, Esplandian, meets the wild queen "Califa" in her capital city, where, after many fierce fights between his followers and her dragon-like people, he succeeds, if not in conquering the place, at least in having her fall in love with him. Califa was devoted to her Spanish cavalier — something of the devotion of a tigress — and it took all the watchfulness and valor of her lover to keep his life secure when she had an unusual "tender spell." Her savage griffins had an unpleasant habit of flying around on their bat-wings and picking up white soldiers, which they would lift to a great height and then drop. Of course, the soldier thus treated was of no use afterwards. Because of their bird-like manners, Montalvo in his book dipped into Greek and called them "ornis," and "Califa" is from "Kalli" (beautiful) in the same tongue. "The T was inserted for the sake of euphony," said the late Professor George Davidson, the translator, hence "California" — beautiful bird. This golden Ali Baba tale was popular with the Spanish knights of fortune, and doubtless Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, when he saw the islands off the southern coast of this state, named them after the mystic amazon queen, as they were first known as "Las Californias." Could he have gone further into the province he found and named so fittingly he might have won the golden lure that drew him to the threshold of a greater discovery. But his death and burial on one of his newly discovered coast-islands ended further exploration. Spain in the Mad Dance of Death. During a slumber-interval of almost two centuries, Spain was moving downward. On land and sea her power was diminishing. She yet held her many colonies, but her grasp was weak. On the oceans her commerce was the prey of any nation or nations who chose to plunder it. English and Dutch privateers and buccaneers and freebooters from all parts of the globe issued from their lairs to rob her ships and ravish her ports at home and abroad. The energy, enterprise, courage and knighthood that had won her the highest place among the nations were passing — and she was dying in the demoralization of her own wealth and greatness. Her kings and nobles were in a mad dance in the midst of a national luxury never before known, while the poor were starving. Official stupidity, corruption, disloyalty and other forms of decay were rapidly weakening the once powerful kingdom and placing her at the mercy of her old-time enemies. Then Spain had a partial awakening. Her foreign lands must be colonized and these citizens be welded to the home country. Where colonists were not available, the natives must be Christianized, civilized and molded into citizens. It was an era of missionary zeal — in fact, as courage went down in the soldier it came up in the priest — and Spain proposed to use it to bulwark her threat- ened possessions. The Jesuits were encouraged to begin their labors in Lower California, and among these savages, about as degraded as any on the American continent, the padres soon had sixteen missions. They con- tinued until the royal edict drove them from the Spanish dominions. The 20 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Franciscans were given charge of the Jesuit missions of Baja California in 1768. From a material point of view it was a poor gift, as the sterile lands around the missions could hardly support a flock of goats, consequently Junipero Serra, the president of the order, moved northward and the chain of missions from San Diego to Sonoma was the result of this zealous father's labors. This work of occupation and colonization of Alta California was the joint work of the church and the state, hence when the work was secularized in 1834 — sixty- five years after — the government justified the act on the ground that the state was supreme in the control of the property. The first mission in Upper California was established at San Diego, July 16, 1769, and the second at Monterey, June 3, 1770. The newly appointed governor, Gaspar de Portola, marching along the coast from the south, seeking Mon- terey, reached that bay but did not recognize it. He continued northward and only when he reached what is now known as San Francisco bay did he learn of his mistake. Returning to Monterey, the mission of San Carlos de Borromeo was founded on the shore of the bay, but the following year Father Junipero Serra moved the site of the institution back into the Carmelo valley, away from the contaminating influence of the presidio soldiers. The Rosary of the Missions. The other missions were established on the following dates : San Antonia de Padua, in San Luis Obispo county, June 14, 1771 ; San Gabriel Arcangel, Los Angeles county, September 8, 1771 ; San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, San Luis Obispo county, September 1, 1772; Dolores, San Francisco, October 9, 1776; San Juan Capistrano, Orange county, November 1, 1776; Santa Clara, Santa Clara county, January 18, 1777; San Buenaventura, Ventura county, March 31, 1782; Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara county, December 4, 1786; La Purisima Concepcion, Santa Barbara county, December 8, 1787; Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz county, September 25, 1790; La Soledad, Monterey county, September 29, 1791; San Jose, Alameda county, June 11, 1797; San Juan Bautista, San Benito county, June 24, 1797; San Miguel Arcangel, San Luis Obispo county, July 25, 1797; San Fernando Rey de Espana. September 8, 1797; San Luis Rey de Francis, San Diego county, June 13, 1798; Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara county, September 17, 1804; San Rafael Arcangel, Marin county, December 14, 1817; San Francisco de Solano, Sonoma county, August 25, 1823. While the Franciscan missionaries here sowed the seed of civilization, it cannot be said that the seed dropped on other than sterile ground — and sterility, too, is a term foreign to California. Their voices went crying into the wilderness to fall in stony places, stony hearts, and the colonization scheme that was to shape the Indian into a militant part of the Spanish kingdom only resulted in a string of churchly landmarks stretched along the coast, more or less in ruins. Yet they tell a quaintly fascinating story, these adobe piles that stand on the "Camino Real," the Royal Road between the first and the twenty-first of the missions. They were the stopping places on that way — of seven hundred miles — that ran over llano and mesa, over piney slopes and oaken meadows, along the sharp ridges and through dark canyons northward, always northward. And the Padre Pathfinder, clasping the cross to his breast, fearing that death would meet him on the perilous way, walked over the sunlit hills where the oats tasseled at his corded waist and the poppies dropped their golden petals on his sandaled feet, until the last pioneer priest, Altimira, in Sonoma, the "Indian Valley of the Moon," planted the symbol of man's salvation and called the wild tribes to prayer — "In Nomine Patris." HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 21 CHAPTER II. SPANISH CIVILIZATION MOVES SLOWLY. After Portola's accidental "look-in" through the open Golden Gate in that early 1769, the Spanish colonization scheme moved slowly from its San, Diego beginning. The padres did their part, teaching the aborigines to pray and mold adobes, but the civil portion of the so-called civilization lingered — slept at the missions, where the priests and their Indian converts had beef, beans and wheat to sell or give — generally give. California was the last accumulation, the last domain added to the vast empire-kingdom of that monarch who was at once an emperor — Charles V of Germany — and a king — ■ Carlos I of Spain. He came to the German throne through his deceased maternal grandfather, Maximilian, and while fighting in the Netherlands he was lifted to the Spanish crown by the death of his paternal grandfather, Ferdinand. Charles- — or Carlos, whatever the reader may elect — was a good fighter, a good churchman, and made things interesting for his political and ecclesiastical opponents. As Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France were defeated though not discouraged candidates for the imperial part of his double office, and as Martin Luther at that period was shaking Europe with the Reformation, the emperor-king had full opportunity to exercise his mili- tant characteristics. But they wore him out in thirty years of battle, and, resigning his crowns, he died in the peace and silence of a monastery. The warlike qualities of his subjects kept him so busy that he did not see his kingdom — then the greatest on earth — for years, and the maladministrations of his six immediate successors further sent Spain on the downward road that ended when her flag dropped in Cuba and the Philippines. In constant ttirmoil at home, her far western possessions, Mexico and California, were left to get along with only intermittent attention. Between Portola (1767) and De Sola (1822) ten Spanish appointees had more or less governed Alta California, but these easygoing soldiers of fortune had stayed pretty close to the seashore. They found the pueblos of San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey and San Francisco more comfortable than the Indian- infested inland. The work of civilizing the wilderness and incidentally raising food and other luxuries for the government officials and their soldiers was left to the mission padres and their native converts. These Franciscan priests, when Charles had expelled the Jesuits from Spanish dominions, accusing them of plotting against his crown, succeeded to the rights and holdings of the deposed order on the Pacific. They also succeeded to the "Pious Fund," which had been set apart for the support of the Jesuit mis- sionaries in Lower California. This fund, grown to large dimensions and withheld by the Mexican government, was returned to the church a few years ago by a decision of The Hague. The Dominican order, however, had demanded a share in the mission field, and Junipero Serra, president of the Franciscans, looking over the sterile, uninviting hills of Baja California, where the Jesuits had labored under such discouragements, was willing to cede the whole peninsula to the other order. This Serra did, and the follow- ing years find him with his co-workers building missions from San Diego to Sonoma, seeking the soul-salvation of a savage who had more veneration for a pot of "carne y frijoles" (beef and beans) which the good fathers cooked than for cross and creed held up to his primitive mind. After the seizing of the pious fund, then grown to $78,000, upon which Mexico had kept hungry eyes for years, and the secularization of the mission property, the institution went down and the great adobe chapels began to crumble back to their 22 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES mother dust. The Spanish era was the "sleepy" period of California — the slumber just before the grand awakening when "the Gringo came." Of course the different governors and comandantes frequently aroused them- selves for family quarrels, in which there were generally more fluent talking and letter writing than real fighting, but a few concessions and cheap compli- ments brought peace — till the next row was due. Even when Mexico threw off the yoke of Spain in 1822 and had her own emperor, Iturbide, crowned as "Agustan I" for a few months, the change hardly rippled the placid surface of this portion of the new Mexican empire. And when luckless Iturbide lay dead before a file of Mexican soldiers, as did Maximilian, another emperor, later on. the Calif ornians quietly hauled down the new imperial standard and as quietly hauled up the tricolor of the republic of Mexico. It was "on again, off again " without any powder burned over the changes, in this "manana land/' Did Not Love the Gringo. Yet there was one question that drew these sons of Old Spain into something like unity, and while it did not cement the aggregated mass, it helped the Californians to present a considerable front to the common family enemy. That question was the man from the "States," the North American — in contradistinction to the Mexican of the south. From their minimum of geographical knowledge they knew that the Great AVall of the Sierras stood guard on their eastern border, and over those icy crests they desired no immigrant should come. For generations Spain had seen her standards torn and tossed on the English bayonets and her armadas go gurgling down in the deep at the mere will of the invincible Albion, and no descendant of Castile and Aragon cared to come in contact with even a branch of that mili- tant race. Moreover, the eagle of America and his brother-bird of Mexico were screaming warlike from shore to shore of the Rio Grande, and Texas was preparing the way for a march to the ancient city of Montezuma. The Spanish in California, with the purblindness which has been a distinct char- acteristic of the race always, often carried their senseless antagonism to their sole and more powerful neighbor to extreme length. They even desired to annex themselves to any one of the European governments whose fleets were hovering watchfully on this coast. They knew that it was the world's belief that California was a logical part of the United States, and the Stars and Stripes would wave on the Pacific beach whenever those color-bearers so desired. So to these colonists playing like children at state-building, galloping their mustangs over vast hidden mineral and agricultural wealth, yet finding it not, slumbering in a long siesta on the shore of a great waterway that was to bring to their harbors — after their day — the cargoed riches of countless argosies, it was anything but the hated "gringo." It was this knowledge that in 1842 hurried Commodore Jones with the U. S. Frigate United States into Monterey, where he hoisted his flag, even if he did haul it down next day, learning that General Taylor had not yet got his guns to working on Santa Ana ; and it was this knowledge four years afterwards that sent Com- modore Sloat in the U. S. Steamship Savannah racing up the coast with the British Frigate Collingwood, Admiral Sir George Seymour, commanding, in the speedy Yankee's wake. War was on with Mexico and the good old wooden ship Savannah, fit mother of the modern cruiser of steel, was out- sailing her Britannic majesty, the Collingwood, and a state was the prize. That was a glorious "ride" over the sea that merits a place in song with the runs of Revere and Sheridan, for when Seymour got in port next day Sloat's ensign was over Monterey, and it has never come down. The Lame Padre Junipero Serra. From July 16, 1769, the day Junipero Serra founded his first Upper Cali- fornia mission at San Diego, the Spanish colonists, if comparatively straggling HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 23 bands of ill-clothed, poorly paid or no-paid soldiers, with occasional poverty- stricken families, can be called colonists, began to settle along the fringe of coast. This "wave of civilization" rolled sluggishly towards the north, led always by the indefatigable lame parde, of whom Pope Clement said: "I would that I had more junipers like that one in my garden." Under Serra's supervision mission after mission arose in the California vales until bis body, bereft of the flame of a life-zeal, lay dead in the church of El Carmelo. In 1817 the Mission San Rafael was established, the beautiful Marin valley chosen for an establishment to relieve the poor, unselfsupporting Mission Dolores in San Francisco. This brings the reader along the chain of missions whose links measure seven hundred miles and whose walls were a half century in the building, until he stands at the door of the twenty-first and the last — ■ San Francisco de Solano, at Sonoma. CHAPTER III. THE APPEARANCE OF THE RUSSIANS. A decade previous to the establishment of the Spaniards north of San Francisco, the appearance of the Russians on the California coast for a time threatened to bring another portion of Europe to the new world. But with this people it was more a question of sea-otters than of sea-shores, and after they had hunted out the furr)^ herds, they sold out and sailed away. This nightmare of invasion came early to the sleeping Spanish. In 1792 — two hundred and thirteen years after Drake's day — Captain George Vancouver, another wandering Englishman, came spying out the land. He visited Yerba Buena, and was hospitably received, but he quietly ignored any prior claim to the territory. Noting that the country was an easy prey for anybody who cared to possess it, he advised his government to grab the entire domain. Great Britain just at that propitious time was trying to keep out of the great French Revolution, though occasionally taking a shot at Holland and at Spain nearer home. Also she was out of money, and the Bank of England had suspended specie payments. Moreover, she lately came out of the conflict with her rebellious colonies on the Atlantic seaboard second best, and she had no strong desire to get into a fresh fight just then so near the truculent Yankees. Otherwise, it is probable that a British fleet would have made short work of corralling the Spanish settlements along the coast, and California might have become a sister province of Canada. After Vancouver's departure there was an effort made to prepare for these "foreigners." Plans for port fortifications were adopted, one of which points was Bodega. Since 1775, when Lieutenant Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, of the Spanish navy, explored the bay and gave a portion of his considerable name to the place, the Yerba Buena comandantes had apparently forgotten the discovery. A military road was projected along the Marin county coast and a battery of four guns was menacing the world from the Sonoma shore. But this wakeful spell was brief. The military road reached the dignity of a sheep- trail and the guns gathered rust for a few months and were hauled back to Yerba Buena. Spain had her constant trouble at home, where the European states were busy with one another. No more dangerous foreigners appearing in the vicinity, California was left to sleepily work out her destiny. Love Unlocks the Golden Gate. While the otters led the Russians to Bodega bay and Fort Ross, these Alaskan colonists had previously visited this portion of the coast. Yet in both cases their coming was more accident than design. In Sitka during those 24 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES early times food — even for a Russian — was a problem indeed, and the principal freight-route across Siberia or by sea was long and arduous. April 5, 1806, Count Nicholi Petrovich Razanoff, the governor of Alaska, sailed into Yerba Buena, his ship loaded with articles for trade and his crew afflicted with scurvy. His first reception was neither cordial nor commercial, the peculiar trade restrictions of the Spaniards prohibiting intercourse with foreigners, although the people and padres needed the goods. Razanoff could have bought for cash, as the Spanish port regulations did not taboo Russian gold, but unfortunately he was without the coin of any realm. His country- people in Sitka were growing hungrier every hour and the stupid Spanish were holding the breadstuffs he so wanted. Then love — who laughs at locksmiths — unlocked the port of San Francisco. The Count, dancing attendance on Comandante Jose Arguello, trying to work that official into a more commer- cial attitude, met Donna Concepcion Arguello, and the old, old drama of the heart was played. The beautiful California girl took up the work that diplomacy had dropped. She consented to marry her noble Russian lover, and the stern Don was not proof against the coaxing of his daughter. Neither was Governor Arrillaga, at Monterey, for it seems that this fascinating Espanol-Americano had her own way in both the capital and the chief port of the territory. When Razanoff sailed with his new cargo for Alaska he parted from Concepcion forever, for on his way across Siberia to St. Petersburg, where he was to get the royal permission of the Czar to wed the Spanish girl, he was thrown from his horse. Before fully recovering from his injuries he attempted to complete the journey, but from a relapse he died on the road. It was years before Concepcion, waiting at San Francisco, learned of his • death. She then joined the order of the Sisters of Visitation, and after a long life devoted to noble work, died at Benicia. Bret Harte, the California poet, has placed in tender vers? this historical page of a woman's waiting years, when "Long beside the deep embrasures, where the brazen cannon are, Did she wait her promised bridegroom and the answer of the Czar ; Watched the harbor-head with longing, half in faith and half in doubt ; Every day some hope was kindled, flickered, faded and went out." Settlements at Bodega and Fort Ross. As he passed up the coast, hurrying his shipload of food home to his hungry countrymen at Sitka, and also hurrying himself to a meeting with the emperor which meant so much to him, Razanoff's mind was not so taken up with thoughts of the pretty Spanish girl he was leaving that he did not notice that Spain had some localities along the Sonoman shore quite suitable for Russian colonies ; much more so than the wintry north. While strolling with the fair Concepcion along the bay-beach at San Francisco, he had noted how weak were the fortifications and how few were the "brazen cannon" her father commanded. In fact, the Spanish never at any time had enough power in California to resist the attack of a single foreign ship of war. Only a special brand of luck, also that there was then plenty of unoccupied country for other land-grabbing nations, also because the incalculable value of this territory was a totally unknown quantity to the world, permitted Spain to possess California as long as she did. The Russians noted that the waters of this coast were teeming with marketable possibilities, especially sea-otter, the fur of which was extremely valuable. Nor was Count Razanoff the first to notice this harvest of the sea awaiting the hunter, for two years previous a sharp-eyed Yankee skipper, Captain Joseph O'Cain, in the vessel the O'Cain, had done considerable pelt poaching here, to be followed three years later by Captain Jonathan Winship in the same vessel, employed by the Alaska HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 25 Fur Company. Notwithstanding Governor Arrillaga issued strongly-worded pronunciamentos against illicit and contraband trade with foreigners, and against equally lawless hunting and fishing in Spanish waters, their vessels were constantly hovering around the Farralone islands and Bodega bay, and finding excuses to anchor in ports near the missions. In fact, it is remarkable how often these sly skippers ran out of fresh water or food or were in urgent need of repairs. The Spanish offilcials doubtless made efforts to carry out the government instructions, but the articles the courteous visitors had to sell or give away were too tempting. That peculiar commercial characteristic now known as "graft" must have been equally known in those sirhple days "before the Gringo came." Possibly the previous removal of the four-gun battery from Bodega in a measure caused the reluctance of the Spanish comandantes to obey home-orders. And the universally known fact that bribery shoots farther than cannon had much to do with the stay of the Russians on the coast. Early in 1811 Alexander Kuskoff sailed into Yerba Buena, and not enjoying his reception, in high dudgeon sailed out again. He stopped at Bodega bay and, still smarting from the insult, real or imaginary, annexed the whole territory to the Russian crown, naming it Roumiantzof. He noticed a large stream of water flowing into the ocean and called it Slavianki. These euphonious titles passed away with the "squatters," as General Vallejo always called them, but the river retained the name of "Russian." First Real Estate Deal. These pioneer squatters were more practical than the Spanish. They treated the Indians kindly and showered gifts upon the local chiefs, and went through the form of buying the territory they had taken possession of. There is no likelihood that Kuskoff was modest in the acreage of the land-present which he sliced out of Spanish dominion for the Czar, as it is known that Russian surveyors passed through the Santa Rosa and Russian river valleys. They ascended Mount St. Helena, leaving a copper plate on that grand land- mark inscribed with the date of the visit, and what is more important, the name of the Princess Helena, wife of Count Rotscheff, commanding officer of Fort Ross, a small port some eighteen miles above Bodega. But whether the big ranch was within the area now known as Bodega township, with or with- out other townships added, old records show dimly. However — and another credit to the Slavonians — here is the only instance where the original owners of California lands were ever paid for anything. The price gladly accepted by the Indians, according to statements made in later years, was three pairs of breeches, three hoes, two axes and four strings of beads. Certainly this early valuation of land was not a boom figure, but it must be remembered that California soil was figuratively and literally rated "dirt cheap" in those days preceding the dawn of the more modern real estate man with his florid lit- erature. But this peculiar purchase had its long, long day in court, as it passed to Captain John A. Sutter for $30,000, finally to William Muldrew for about one-fifth of that amount, and for years clouded the land titles from Tomales bay to Cape Mendocino. "Pie de Palo" (Foot of Wood), as the Spaniards derisively called Kuskoff because of his wooden leg, remained at Bodega seven or eight months, making good use of his time, notwithstanding the warlike protests from Yerba Buena. With his twenty Russians and fifty Kadiac Indians he secured two thousand otter skins worth in the world's market at that period nearly $100 apiece, and built a large storehouse on Bodega point. While the Russian farmers are noted the world over for crude workmanship, Kuskoff's agriculturists around Bodega which he had formed out of his fur hunters seemed to have done well. He built a commodious farmhouse at Bodega Corners and put under cultivation considerable grain land. 26 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES A Two-Gun Chapel. On his return to Sitka with his rich cargo of skins and equally rich accounts of the mild summer spent at Roumiantzof. Count Baranof, the Russian chamberlain, was easily persuaded to found a permanent settlement on the California coast. As Russia and Spain were then as much at peace with each other as was possible in those stormy days, it is quite possible that the Russian official was acting under secret instructions from St. Petersburg. As the Slav visitors at Yerba Buena had used their eyes around the poor fortifications of that port, the imperial government had little regard for Spanish objection, and was fully advised of Spain's inability to defend her dominions against invasion. A place on the seashore about eighteen miles north of Bodega, called by the Indians "Mad-shui-nui," was selected. Of course the newcomers had their "tribal" name, but the one they gave the settle- ment, "Kostromitinof," was too burdensome for the general usage of the time. The Spaniards called it "Fuerte de los Rusos" (Fort of the Russians), and this finally evolved to Fort Ross. Knowing the possibility of a hostile visit from the Spaniards or their allies, the Indians, the Russians built strongly and well. With a rude sawmill they got out lumber from the nearby redwood forest and erected a high stockade on the bluff overlooking the ocean. This enclosure, a rectangle containing about two acres, was at once a village and a fort, and the ingenious construction of its walls and bastions •showed the frontier skill of this sturdy, self-sustaining people. The stockade was of thick planks, the lower ends mortised into heavy timbers placed under- ground, and the upper ends of these boards or slabs, twelve feet above, were again mortised, every mortise being keyed with a wooden peg. Two angles of the wall were further protected with octagonal bastions twenty-four feet in diameter and two stories high, and built of hewed redwood logs strongly fastened together, and the whole covered with a conical roof. At one of the angles was the Greek Catholic chapel thirty-one feet long and twenty-five feet wide. As two of its walls were a part of the enclosure walls, they were strongly constructed and were portholed for cannon, as was the entire stockade. It must have been inspiring to the Spanish envoys, when attending divine service with the Russian officers, to see those guns before the altar devoted to the worship of the Prince of Peace, their muzzles pointed towards Yerba Buena and ready for business, even when the owners of the battery were professing brotherly affection for their visitors, and which profession the visitors knew was only entertainment provided by their diplomatic hosts. Two domes surmounted this church, one circular and the other pentagonal. A chime of bells called the farmers from the fields and the hunters from the sea at matin and vesper time. The chapel, also the large and roomy barracks building constructed within the fort, long withstood the ravages of the years and the neglect of the subsequent occupants of the place. The barracks, which had likely only been used by the officers of the fur company, is still the residence of the owner, but the church, before the earthquake completed its ruin, was in turn a grain storehouse and hay barn. The location from a military view was an admirable selection, as the ten and afterwards twenty guns of the fort commanded not only the land approaches to the town, but protected the shipping in the little harbor, which was itself a cozy cove lying under a high northern shore, a defense against the fierce storms sweeping down the coast. September 10 — or August 30, according to the Russian calendar, which was then eleven days behind the almanacs of other nations — 1812. they formally celebrated the founding of their settlement with gun salutes, mass and feasting. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 27 CHAPTER IV. A LONG-DISTANCE CONFLICT. The comandante at San Francisco promptly notified Governor Arrillaga at Monterey of this invasion of Spanish territory. The document, flaming with indignation, was transmitted to the viceroy at Mexico, who, with additional fiery comments, passed the package on to Madrid. After an inter- minable stage-wait, the answer and order would start westward, and after long stops at Mexico and Monterey would reach San Francisco, but the paper would breathe business. "Drive the Rusos into the sea !" would be the royal mandate, but as this would have been too big a contract for the Spanish in California, the pen, in this case, if not mightier, was safer than the sword; so the two parties at issue put in the time letter-writing, and while the matter was a serious one to the official scribes, there is a flavor of humor around that correspondence which the years do not stale. After the Russian com- mander at Fort Ross received the fierce Madrid ultimatum he would send it through the chamberlain at Sitka to the Czar. There are many, many versts of sea and Siberian plain between Ross and St. Petersburg, and Russia would . be farther behind the calendar before the emperor's answer would reach his "faithful Kuskoff," who, whatever the outward nature of the paper, could readily read between the lines — -"Hold the Fort !" While these polished diplomats were sparring for time and unreeling leagues of red-tape that stretched from Madrid to St. Petersburg via intermediate points, the Russian colonists were busy, and under their industry the new place thrived and grew by leaps and bounds. Much of the level land around the fort was put under cultivation, and, in fact, during the warmest part of the letter-war that threat- ened to plunge the coast into conflict these pioneer farmers of Sonoma were placidly sending to San Francisco in vessels of their own building, grain and vegetables of their own growing, lumber of their own sawing and leather of their own tanning. Fruit trees and berry vines procured from elsewhere bore, and were in that early day the commencement of the great acreage of orchard and vineyard that add so materially to the harvest wealth of the county. The home-made burrs of their gristmills, run by windmills, are among the historic relics of Bodega and Ross. The Indians of the neighboring ranche- rias were utilized for labor in the fields, while the Alaskans of the colony were used in the hunting and fishing. A little coaxing, a tiny drink of brandy and an insignificant wage made the Digger a passable workman. Moreover, the Russians took wives from out of the Indian camps, an officer legally per- forming the marriage services (when no chaplain was attached to the post) in the little Greek chapel, whenever the high contracting parties desired the blessing of "book and bell." These social and matrimonial alliances were of course confined to the rank and file of the company, as some of the officers brought out their wives from Russia to cheer the faraway exile. The Russian, who is said to be a Tartar below the skin-surface, and who is a fractional savage generally, was apparently more skillful in handling neighbor barbarians than were the more civilized Spaniards. The final abandonment of Ross was wholly voluntary on the part of the Russians. They had cleaned the fur- bearing game off the coast ; moreover, the imperial government had agricul- tural lands near home. Consequently, as peaceful as was their coming, they hastened away, leaving fort, village, farms, the shipping in the little harbor and the mounds in the graveyard extending east and west — on the parallel of latitude — as Russia buries her dead. 28 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Sutter Moves the Fort. Immediately after the evacuation of Ross, early in 1842, Sutter loaded his new schooner with movables, including the guns, which he might find useful at New Helvetia should the Californians conclude to make him an armed visit. His well-fortified adobe fort had always been practically a place of refuge to the Americans, and his kindness to the footsore immigrants trailing down the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains made his loyalty to the Mexican government a matter of some doubt. It is likely the captain's diplomacy and the rifles of his North American hunters, who could shoot true and far, had much to do with the toleration of New Helvetia. One of the guns removed from Ross is a history-maker in itself. It was a brass four- pounder cast in St. Petersburg, and first saw active service when Napoleon was whipping the allied forces under the sinking sun at Austerlitz. Though the Russians lost sixty pieces of cannon to the terrible Corsican in that famous battle, this gun was among the few saved. Sutter mounted the piece on the walls of his fort, but when he marched south with his company to help Fremont whip Castro, that fighting Californian took it away from him at the battle of Couenga. It was afterwards recaptured by the American forces and returned to Sutter, who presented it to the Society of California Pioneers. The famous gun of two hemispheres received its last baptism of fire when it and its kindred relics went down in the flames that swept San Francisco, April, 1906. With Sutter, as aids in that conflict, were General John Bidwell, afterwards of Chico, and Major Ernest Rufus, who in turn were in charge at Fort Ross. The schooner, which Sutter rechristened "Sacra- mento," doubtless finding her Slavonian name unpronounceable even for his cosmopolitan tongue, became a historical character before she went to the graveyard of ships. She passed through a wreck or two on the coast and the river whose name she bore, and passed it on to a street and wharf in San Francisco ere she went out of commission for all time. Introducing Solano County. As an introduction to the history of Solano county, the writer takes up in part the story of the state — a grand narrative, marching county by county towards the north. Sonoma may be said to start the second half of California's colonial history, San Francisco and the great central bays being practically the division. By "Sonoma" is here meant not the county of that name, but the great tract of territory spreading from the Pacific to the Sacramento, gathering in Napa, Solano and Yolo, also large slices of Lake and Mendocino. General Vallejo's government, when he was appointed to the command of the "Department of the Northern Frontier," gave him official control of this vast acreage and made him a land-baron indeed. This middle zone of the state has a story as distinct as the five distinct epochs marked on its page. Indian, Spaniard, Russian, Mexican, American — the invincible "gringo" — with the ubiquitous Englishman hovering near, has in turn worked out his role on this stage of the continent. The primitive aborigine, faltering in the first steps of a new civilization, saw the soldiers of Castile's knightly king with sword and cross move over these waters and valleys, stamping their monarch's signet into the land that had been the Indians' land since the day the Supreme signed the title deeds. Then the bearded boyars of the Ro- manoff appeared out of the north and planted the two-headed eagle of their sovereign and the double-beam symbol of their faith on the sea-cliffs of Ross, and the crosses of Spain and Russia shone at once through the twilight of a Christian civilization dawning over these shores. They, too, passed — the Castilian back along the track Columbus charted across the sea, and the Moscovian into white wastes of his north. Then came the officials of the nearby republic that was reared upon the red ruins of the Aztec, to rule and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 29 wrangle for a while, and cease to be, swept away by the irresistible Saxon. And finally the Indian turned from the successive coming and going to go before the last and fittest. Alta California Drifts to the Gringo. Thus in the drama of Las Californias is seen this portion of the territory claimed in turn by a kingdom, an empire, a kingdom, an empire (Iturbide's in Mexico), a republic (Mexico), a republic (United States). The Californians, weary of their Mexican governors, frequently resolved themselves into a "free state," and then wandered out again when some smooth politician came along with a brass band and a softly worded pronunciamento. The Bear Flag independencia was without national or official sanction, and the strongest argument for its existence was down in the barrels of its thirty-three rifles, but it foreshowed the coming of a new order that was to vitalize the Pacific seaboard. The hoisting at Sonoma of the banner of the grizzly — softly passant, or mildly regardant, to apply a heraldic term — over the last Mexican subject and the last Spanish mission, was well timed. It arose to mark the hour when the Republic of California would quietly annex herself to the Great Republic of North America. Spain's first — and best — claim had long gone glimmering; England's rights by reason of Drake's flying visit to this coast had lapsed — beyond the hope of the most sanguine and ardent litigant ; Russia barred herself from even the pleasures of litigation when she sold the Fort Ross junk to Captain John A. Sutter for $30,000 — about three hundred per cent more than it was worth — the captain was a poor trader; the Mexican empire didn't live long enough to learn that it claimed anything in California, and the Mexican republic was too busy handling its home revolutions; moreover, Madre Mexicana was gradually growing weary with the antics of her disobedient and troublesome nina, Alta California. The old sefiora was almost willing to let the daughter go — providing she did not go to the "malditos gringos." And that was the young woman's true destination, her final landing place — Kismet ! CHAPTER V. LIFE IN THE SLEEPY MANANA DAYS. This portion of California's history may be called a story of the prepara- tion for the coming of the gringo. The American in Mexic lands early received this title, and its origin being favorable, he accepted it. During this period the ballad, "Green Grow the Rushes, O !" was in the zenith of popu- larity, and all English speakers were a-warble. The Mexicans caught the constant "green-grow" of the refrain and handed it back as "gringo." The secularization of the missions may be said to have been a part of this prepa- ration — in fact, no phase or feature of the California mission system could be tolerated out of a crude, sleepy, Mexican day that was always "till tomor- row." And Spain — well, Spain was an infliction on the western hemisphere, notwithstanding Columbus, Isabella and the "Pinta." And yet Spain, being here, did well. The world looking over her blunders, her ruins, may see amid the debris of what was once her grandeur gleams of something that should be marked "good." The "well" she did was in pointing the way into the unknown. True, she used the sword — her knightly sword — turned and tempered in the test that was supposed to try the metal of the sword and the valor of the knight. With the trooper went the priest, and his cross was for he healing of the soldier's wounds. It may be that the steel cut too deep and too quick for the ministrations of the other instrument — as 30 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES noted in the propagandas of Pizarro and Cortes ; but the cowled warrior of Castile and Aragon among the savage peoples of the new world, was yet the invincible Spaniard when the military manhood of Spain was dying. Heavy Adobe Architecture. But the mother-country seemed to understand her simple people, and she selected for them just what they needed. A heavy political organization would have crushed them ; so she gave them a government tempered with maternalism, gave them burdens easy to be borne, and often failed to note and correct their faults. Possibly this lack of supervision made revolutions so frequent and popular in Spanish-America. The adobe in which these colo- nists housed themselves was not a thing of exquisite beauty — in fact, it was not anything but a structure exceedingly ugly ; but it was easily built and comfortable when occupied. There was no ornamentation without or within, but little variety, and while every man was his own architect and builder, he architected and built like his neighbor. Some of the mission churches were grand and imposing, while others, like the heavy dwellings of the people around them, were massed-up outside of every known rule of architecture. The Indian generally was the builder. He soon learned to cast these big clumsy mud-bricks, drying them in the sun, first on one side and then on the other, then mud-plastering the hard cakes into walls. He was a fairly good workman — fairly good for that California day, and not difficult to herd onto his job. Plenty of carne when the vaqueros rode in with a fat steer, and a little vino from the mission vineyard to wash it down. He never struck for more wages, because he never got any. The white man who taught him 'a new tongue took care that the word "wages" didn't get into it. Probably he was as well off herded with the other livestock of the haciendas as he would have been running free and rounding up the sprightly grasshopper on the golden summer hills. From dirt-floor to tile-roof in the big houses there was so little wood or any combustible that the fire insurance business was the last thing that got over the mountains into California ; and a full-fledged, active agent would have been considered fit for treason, stratagem and spoils. Only the aristocrats could indulge in board-floors. A description of the gubernatorial mansion in Monterey in 1814 says it was floored in wood ; its front door was rawhide and wooden-barred windows let in the sunshine and air. The front and upper story, if la casa had such, were the quarters for the don and his family, which was generally a large one ; and the other parts of the hacienda were for the ranch herders, house' servants and the retainers and hangers-on around the place. These latter were Indians, mixed-breeds and world-tramps of an unknown moral quality. Tortillas and Carne For Everybody. The Spanish-Californian was kind to his pensioners. Doubtless often in their quantity and uselessness he found them a never-ending nuisance, but while he had a league of rancho left or a head of cattle straying over it he shared it with them. The wheat lands did not then produce as they did later under the plow of the gringo, but there were plenty of tortillas — thin cakes beaten into shape by hand and baked before the fire, and eaten at every meal. Out under a convenient tree, in the clear, dry air. where it would keep fresh until the knife got it all, hung the carcass of beef, and when that was gone to the chile con carne pot, there would be more among the wild oats out on the hills. Beans — the pabulum of the Bostonese and the proletariat — was the chief of the rancho vegetable garden, and the gaudy red pepper — never absent from any table or dish of the time and place — grew between the rows. Coffee (when the ships brought it in) and wine (in the Sonoma and Santa Clara valleys where the grapes grew) were for the padre's table, and water, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 31 generally, for the rest. While the plains were covered with cattle, milk and butter were almost unknown on a Californian's bill-of-fare. It was the enter- prising Yankee who went into the dairy business here with the cow. Some of the missions had orchards hedged by willows and cactus, but tree-culture had little part in the early civilization of the country. Shade-trees, except the alamedas along the roads leading to the churches or places of public resort, were not in favor. In those days, when the noble oaks, the madrona or mother- tree, the peerless redwood and pine, the classic laurel, the wide-leafed maple and other princely growths made California a great natural garden, artificial planting was not necessary. That was to come when the axe and saw got well into the work of destruction among our groves — "God's first temples." Simple Civic Governments. A civic government in Spanish, dominion was simply and wisely handled. It consisted of the ayuntamiento (junta) or council, and its members were one or two alcaldes (mayors or judges), two or four regidores (councilmen) and a procurador-syndico (treasurer). The alcaldes were the presidents of the council. The syndico was not only the custodian of the pueblo coin, but was tax-collector, city attorney and a number of other useful and industrious things- — for all of which he got no salary. The care of the town money was generally the lightest of his official duties, as taxation and expenditure were in constant competition for the lowest point. Most all the cooking was done in outdoor kitchens, or in ovens, consequently there were no flues or chimneys in the walls to keep the fire department busy. The water utility was a well in the plaza, where the sehoras met with their ollas or water-jars, and the street lighting consisted of a lantern hung before the door from twilight to bedtime — or until the candle burned out. Street work ' was confined to occasional digging or shoveling before one's own premises. No member of the ayuntamiento was salaried — the office in those days sought the man, and held him after it found him. And as he was a sturdy old don, inclined to keep the municipal coin-sack tied up with a rawhide riata, there was no civic grafting in those adobe pueblos "before the gringo came." The few soldiers or a volunteer unpaid night-watch did the policing of the town. While the word "pueblo" is usually applied to a town or village, the area of an official pueblo was four square Spanish leagues, or about twenty-seven square miles in square or rectangular form. The lands were laid out in town lots, grain lands, public pasture lands, vacant commons, municipal lands (the rental of which went to defray public expenses) and unappropriated royal lands, also used for raising revenue. As under Mexican domination in California no tax was 'evied on land and improvements, the municipal funds of the pueblos were obtained from revenues on wine and brandy ; from the licenses of saloons and other business houses ; from the tariff on imports ; from ball and dance permits ; from the tax on bullrings and cockpits ; and petty court fines. Then men paid for their vice and pleasure and the money was put to good use. The following from Professor J. M. Guinn's excellently written California history, from which this writer has obtained many paragraphs of valuable information, will give an idea of municipal economy in the anti-golden times : No Tax-Paying, No Tax-Stealing. "In the early '40s the city of Los Angeles claimed a population of two thousand, yet the municipal revenues rarely exceeded $1,000 a year. With this small amount the authorities ran a city government and kept out of debt. But it did not cost much to run a city then. There was no army of high- salaried officials with a horde of political heelers quartered on the munici- pality and fed from the public crib at the expense of the tax-payer. Politicians mav have been no more honest then than now, but where there was nothing 32 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES to steal there was no stealing. The alcaldes and other city fathers put no temptation in the way of the politicians, and thus they kept them reasonably honest. Or at least they kept them from plundering the tax-payers by the simple expedient of having no tax-payers." CHAPTER VI. NO PONDEROUS JUDICIARY NEEDED. The judiciary was as simple as the legislative. Among the Spanish pioneers of Alta California there were few breaches of law and hardly any crime. The courts weighed the old, old questions of right and wrong, and not the verbal formation of a law term,- and Spanish justice was not lost under American technicalities. There were few law libraries in California, and written statutes were yet in the future. Minor offenses and actions involving less than $100 were examined and decided by the alcalde, while cases of more weight or importance were passed up to the district or supreme courts. Either party could demand a jury, and as this body of three or five persons was always picked from the best and most intelligent citizens of the pueblo, the case went through the court unhampered by wrangling lawyers and archaic rules of procedure. The jurisdiction of an ayuntamiento might be confined to a small village or a county, and its authority was often as extensive as its jurisdiction. Its members, serving without pay, were liable to fine for non-attendance, and resignations were difficult. Even under the 'government of a Spanish king, three-quarters of a century ago, California had the referendum. When a question of importance was before the ayunta- miento, and there was a division of opinion, the alarma publica bell was rung and every citizen gathered immediately at the assembly hall. Those who failed without reason were fined $3. Then and there the public, by the simple raising of hands, voted and decided the question. Some of the town ordinances were unique, but seem to have filled the bill, even though they often appeared to regulate the social as well as the civic functions of the pueblo. From an old municipal record it may be read that "all individuals serenading pro- miscuously around the streets of the city at night without first having obtained permission from the alcalde will be fined $1.50 for the first offense, $3 for the second offense, and for the third punished according to law." That third punishment must have been too fierce for expression in a municipal ordinance. A Los Angeles ordinance threatened : "Every person not having any apparent occupation in this city or its jurisdiction is hereby ordered to look for work within three days, counting from the day this ordinance is published; if not complied with he will be fined $2 for the first offense, $4 for the second offense, and will be given compulsory work for the third." It is evident these old-time city fathers intended to be severe in tramp-treatment, but it would be a simple-minded vagrant of any age that could not dodge those penalties. Just "keep a-lookin' " and no fine, no work. Some of these judicial alcaldes, many of them Americans, frequently handed down judg- ment as rare as the finding of an eastern cadi. A Wise Alcalde. A Sonoma woman complained to the alcalde that her husband, who was something of a musician, persisted in serenading another woman, and his honor ordered the accused into court. There was nothing in the city ordi- nances touching the playing of musical instruments, but the wise judge looked beyond the law and saw the fellow and his guitar at the disposal of the wrong woman, and he trusted that inspiration would lead him to an equitable adjust- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 33 ment of the matter. The man was sternly directed to play for the court the air that he had played for the too-fascinating sefiora, and after he had nervously done so was fined $2 by the very wise and critical judge on the ground that music so poor could only be a disturbance of the peace. Occa- sionally the padres got into the city ordinances measures tinctured like unto Connecticut. Monterey in 1816 had a blue law which ordered that "all persons must attend mass and respond in a loud voice, and if any persons should fail to do so without good cause they will be put in the stocks for three hours." It is presumable that the good father found the attendance at church dropping off and took this means of reminding the unfaithful of their backslidings. However, there is no record that any of them ever got into the stocks, or found the parishional regulations unreasonably severe. Tenacious of their ecclesiastical authority, and constantly clashing with the military, who were not loath to start "an argument," the Spanish priests main- tained a very mild and often vague spiritual dominion over the Californians. Possibly a place where nature casts her gifts so lavishly, and where heaven sends a benediction in every sun-ray and rain-drop cannot be governed with church-charts. These padres, in their strong opposition to a non-Roman Catholic society, laid the ban of the church on marriage between foreigners and native women. But dogma was no barrier to the pioneer American when he found one of the many comely sehoritas willing to annex him to the Republic of Mexico and to her fair self. Generally the local pastor was willing to baptize the new convert and then marry him to his new wife, but occasionally something would appear to delay the "yoking of the daughters of the land with unbelievers," or at least with husbands whose new faith possessed more sentiment than spirituality. Society During the Easy Spanish Era. While in officialdom change followed change, often with remarkable rapidity for a people of such characteristic slowness, down in the rank and file of California there was "never any hurry." Within the big adobes there was the same roominess, the same simplicity in furnishings, and on the great ranchos the same old slipshod methods from year to year. The rough table, a few rawhide-bottom chairs, a bench or two along the wall, in the bedrooms chests for the family finery, a rude shrine or a cheap picture of the family saint — these were the general arrangements of the dwellings from San Diego to Sonoma. While the Spaniard, and all his race, was dressy, he was loath to change the style of his fine feathers, consequently the grand- father's hat or coat could pass through the third generation. "Fashion" was one fever the early Californian did not have. That small vanity came in with the American. Yet they dressed well, and often richly; sometimes a don would be arrayed in $1,000 worth of apparel — a princely sum and suit for that day. His shirt would be silk beautifully embroidered, a white jaconet cravat tied in a tasteful bow, a blue damask vest and over this a bright green cloth jacket with large silver buttons. Up to 1834 he would be wearing the knee breeches or short clothes of the last century, but after that he would be clad in the calzoneras the later colonists brought from Mexico. These were long pantaloons, with outside seam open throughout the length of each leg, and on these seam-edges were worked ornamental buttonholes. In some cases the calzoneras were sewn from hip to middle of thigh, and in others buttoned or laced with silk cord. From the middle of the thigh downward the leg was covered by the bota or leggin. The Spanish gentleman wore no sus- penders, but around his waist and over the pantaloons was the beautiful silken sash, the most picturesque article of dress the world over, and this could always be seen under the ornamental short jacket. Embroidered shoes or slippers for his feet, and a black silk handkerchief, gracefully tied, covered his 34 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES head. A wide-rim, high-peak sombrero, often richly and heavily ornamented with silver chains or braid, was the hat of this gaudy grandee. For an outer garment was the serapa, the common cloak of the Mexicana, ranging from cheap cotton and coarse serge to the costliest silk and the finest French broadcloth. It was really a square piece of cloth with a hole in the middle, through which the wearer stuck his head, and this hanging over the shoulders and down the body as far as the knees made a useful as well as graceful article of clothing. Ever Charming Latin Women. All the world over there is no woman who can wear her clothing so well as the ever graceful daughter of Spain. She may have only the simple chemisette and skirt, but the combination is becoming, and there is enough lace, embroidery, silk and satin, flounces and drapery and brilliant color for the completion of the charming picture. A silk or .cotton roboso or mantilla dropping from the brow is the outer garment, and velvet or blue satin shoes are on her feet. The women of the Latin race, whether they hail from Genoa or Andalusia, alone of the world's sisterhood, have learned how to wear the hair — and that is without any covering. Hence the Californianne of the last century wore her black braids free of the hat or bonnet of the present day, and her comeliness has not been improved upon. Her general attrac- tiveness and her part in the social destiny of this territory are but a thought, and the Americans who wedded the daughters of the land found a pleasing cure for the loneliness and other ills of bachelordom. These natives made good wives, devoted to their pioneer homes, and good mothers to their large families. Whether the foreigner came from Europe or the United States, over the Sierras or from the Columbia river country, or by the broad ocean to the westward, if he showed a disposition to settle down to home-building, he soon found a young woman favorable to the project, and also a large segment of her father's big rancho for experimental ground. And as the Mexican don for years had been tending away from the narrowness and the intolerant aristocracy of Spain to the broad democracy of the North American, he generally approved of his young daughter's choice. CHAPTER VII. TWO GENERATIONS OF SLUMBER. From 1775 to 1835 the Pacific rim of this hemisphere slipped through sixty years — two generations — of peace. Europe passed from war to Avar, and the Atlantic seaboard trembled in the reverberation of hostile guns. California was too young and too far away and too little known, and her people between her mountains and her sea, left alone, eddied out of the great world's current. Their activities were the activities of children — a racial inheritance — and they were careless and free. They were fond of the fandangos, always ready for a dance, and made the most of their religious holidays with bull-fights and bear-baitings. Many of them were ex-soldiers, dead to the art of war and alive to the excitement of the cattle ranchos. Except in occasional official salutes, the old cannon on the presidio walls were silent and rusted from lack of use. The ex-mission Indians hanging around on the ranchos could be hired or cajoled into doing the little labor of the establishments, and this left the people in general idleness. The only dissipation they had, however, was gambling, and this was almost universal with both sexes and classes. Monte was the favorite card game, but any- thing that had in it the element of chance would be bet on. They accepted HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 35 their good fortune without any lively demonstrations of joy, and their losses with their characteristic childishness of mind, evidently caring only for the gaming and not for the winning. On Sunday afternoons, devotions being ended, some gay festivity was in order. With the broad, rich plains crowded with cattle more or less wild, the fleet horse was necessary, consequently there were few such riders in the world. However, that was before the day of that human centaur, the American cowboy. Wild horses, though every one had his claimant, scoured the leagues of fenceless lands, and those that were accounted tame would seem to any other people unbroken. Connection between points was generally by horse or pack mules, and the road was over the "pony-trail." When a don set out on a long journey, frequently he took a servant and a drove of horses with him, and as one horse wearied under the saddle another was made to bear the burden. In this way a rider could daily put long distances behind him. Often the weary or worn-out animals were turned loose to find their home-rancho at leisure, the brand or mark of the owner on the flank generally preventing the loss of the horse, if he was of sufficient value in that land of almost countless bands, to be stolen. A Ride Not Told in History. One of the most wonderful rides in history — though it has not been told in verse or set to music — was made between September 24 and 28, 1858, from Los Angeles to Yerba Buena by an American named John Brown. He was known among the Californians as Juan Flaco (Lean John) and was sent by. Lieutenant A. H. Gillispie, U. S. A., who was hard pressed by the hostile California forces, to Commodore Stockton for reinforcements. Brown made Monterey, four hundred and sixty miles, in fifty-two hours without sleep. He expected to find the fleet there, but Stockton had sailed, and after sleeping three hours the sturdy rider completed the remaining one hundred and forty miles of his great Marathon in the same speed and delivered his call for help. It was not "a broad highway," like Sherman's, nor was the road as smooth as that of the "Ride of Paul Revere," but was a mere bridle- path over high mountains, through deep ravines, around precipitous cliffs, across wide chaparral-covered mesas, along the sea-beach, always dodging the enemy, harassed and pursued, riding shoulder to shoulder with death night and day, losing several horses, one shot from under him, forcing him to go thirty miles afoot, carrying his spurs and riata, until he could com- mandeer another mount, Juan Flaco rode on and on, showing that a California man on a California mustang has outridden the storied riders of the world. The Vaqueros of Alta California. The boy at an early age was taught to ride at a breakneck pace and to throw the riata with unerring skill. The Spanish saddle was an elaborate piece of workmanship, the frame, or "tree," they called it, being fastened to the animal with a girth or "cinch" made of closely woven hair of his own tail. It was taking an unfair advantage of poor "caballo," but the hair cinch was stronger than any other, and would not slip on his smooth coat. Over the sometimes roughly-made tree was fitted a wide leather cover called "macheres," and on the stirrups to protect the rider's feet while rounding up a runaway steer through the thick undergrowth and chaparral were leather shields — "tapaderos" — and leather leggins were for the same purpose. The bridle and "hacamore," or halter, were always a costly, besilvered affair of braided rawhide, richly ornamental reins, but the peculiar shape of the bit made it an instrument of torture. To the half or quarter broken mustang this bit extending far within the animal's mouth compelled obedience on the slightest pull on the reins — in fact, the horse soon learned to take his 36 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES cue from the weight of these reins on his neck. Secured with buckskin thongs on the wide saddle-cover, the rider carried his blankets and food, and when night overtook him he made his camp in comfort, while his horse, picketed with the lariat, fed in luxury. And always a part of this picturesque rider's makeup was a pair of big spurs, general^ silver, the size and metal designating the owner's social or equestrian standing. Mount one of these skillful vaqueros on a spirited thoroughbred, saddle and bridle polished and ornamented, and riata hanging in graceful festoon from the horn, silk sash around the rider's waist and silk serapa flowing from his shoulders, silver- braided sombrero on his head, and then set the little bell-tongues on his spurs tinkling musically to the pace of his caballo, and time never produced a more artistic and perfect centaur. It was at the fiesta or fandango that troops of these caballeros would appear and take part in race or game, prin- cipally for the admiration of the sprightly sehorita out for a California holiday. The rodeo, or annual roundup of the stock, was the gala time for the vaquero, when the corraling, the roping and the branding of the herds made the rancho throb with excitement. Then the fandangos, where the guitars tinkled in the fantastic dances of Old Spain, and the satined dandy descendant of Aragon bowed and "looked love" to the western heiress of Castile. The Indian on His Eminent Domain. The Spanish pioneer found these slopes and valleys well peopled with a race of sturdy Indians, the mildness of the climate and the supply of game food in stream and forest making the country even for the aborigine an ideal place of abode. Possibly the idealic characteristics of this coast existing here generation after generation took from the original Californian much of the spirit, independence and fighting attributes of his fellow redmen of the east and north. It was early patent to the Franciscan padres that the Pacific coast natives would not make loyal and valuable citizens of Spain, and per- haps this is the reason the priestly trainers stopped trying, permitting the pupil to become a mere servant, and to be useful while the missions had beef and bread to feed their horde of retainers. Certainly they were, before and after the missions had them, a very un-savage race of savages, except when driven by the injustice of the whites to acts of retaliation. Then their sense- less work brought its own punishment, which hurried the grossly inferior beings along to extinction. Back within the wilds the native's daily bill of fare was any game,, flesh or fish that fell victim to their bows and arrows, nets or other kinds of ingenious snares. Bear meat was considered a delicacy on Lo's table, or, rather, in front of his campfire, but the strong California grizzly had other uses for himself. Ursus Major was the king of beasts in these woods of the west, and generally did the eating when the Indian and his crude weapons made the attack, but about every other creature that roamed the hills and plains graced the rancheria menu. When feet and fins were too fleet for hunters and fishers and the vegeta- tion store was exhausted, edible roots and grasshoppers filled out the depleted bill of fare — and the hungry Indian. A great circle of hombres, mahalas and pappooses armed with bushes and slowly drawing to the center where a hole had been dug surely drove the insect jumpers to destruction. These were considered a luxury when other supplies ran low. The grand oak of California shed manna for her forest tribes. In season the acorns were gathered and cached for safety in the mother-tree, and when required were hulled. These kernels were ground or mashed in the rude stone mortars that may be found on the sites of long passed away rancherias. With water heated by hot stones in the quaint and tightly-woven fiber baskets which only an Indian can weave, the meal was formed into a batter or dough and cooked in a mass or baked in loaves. This "daily HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 37 bread" of the wilds, seasoned with ashes and different kinds of dirt, was not rich in nutriment nor exquisite in flavor, but served with a plain salad of green clover and a relish of pinenuts, or served alone and in limited quantity, was to the quiet family meal or howling tribal feast what the rustic writer calls "a sumptuous repast." Bone or flint spear and arrowheads were used in hunting, also in fishing, when the finny game could not be herded into nets or traps ; and chips of obsidian, a volcanic glass, made passable knives before the Spaniards came with weapons of steel. It is not known how many tribes occupied this portion of the state, but creeks and mountain ranges seem to mark the boundaries of the different bands, and when one entered upon the territory of another without some kind of treaty of permission there was generally a bloody settlement. There were occasional fights between the tribes or rancherias, and sometimes severe ones, when a whole band would practically be wiped out in a dispute over some trivial or childish matter. Vallejo Was Kind to His Red Charges. Much of the time, however, of this historical period the Indians in the great valley between the Rio Sacramento and the coast were at peace, not because of a naturally gentle disposition, but because of the efforts of one strong white man, General Vallejo, Comandante at Sonoma, whose wise policy, wiser than ever before attempted in California, handled the natives with a fairness that made even the distant tribes his friends. Of the turbulence of the southern Indians, Mr. Bancroft says : "Turning to the northern frontier, we find a different state of things. Here there are no semblance of Apache raids, no sacking of ranches, no loss of civilized life, and little collision between Gentile and Christian natives. The northern Indians were more numerous than in the San Diego region, and many of the tribes were brave, warlike and often hostile ; but there was a com- paratively strong force at Sonoma to keep them in check, and General Vallejo's Indian policy must be regarded as excellent and effective when compared with any other policy ever followed in California. True, his wealth, his untrammelled power and other circumstances contributed much to his success; and he could by no means have done as well if placed in command at San Diego; yet he must be accredited besides with having managed wisely. Closely allied with Solano, the Suisun chieftain, having— except when asked to render some distasteful military service to his political associates in the south — at his command a goodly number of soldiers and citizens, he made treaties with the Gentile tribes, insisted on their being liberally and justly treated when at peace, and punished them severely for any manifestation of hostility. Doubtless the Indians were wronged often enough in individual cases by Vallejo's subordinates, some of whom were with difficulty controlled ; but such reports have been greatly exaggerated, and acts of glaring injustice were comparatively rare." 38 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES CHAPTER VIII. OUT ON THE GREAT RANCHOS. The "adobe" farmhouse, as was usual on those big ranchos, was the castle of the owner, where his retainers of vaqueros and Indians "herded," and where the don often ruled and entertained in the manner of the feudal overlord. The house was generally provided with a large porch, or a patio or inner court, the lounging place of the establishment, and here these early- rough riders, when not mounted and out on the range rounding up a band of half-wild cattle, passed the time smoking, playing the guitar, repairing a riata or plaiting a horsehair rope, with their vicious looking mustangs saddled and bridled patiently standing near. A call to dinner would hurry all hands to a long table, where great platters of chile-con-carne, frijoles (the universal beans) and tortillas (as the white flour cakes baked by an open fire are known in Mexic lands) were eaten with full-grown appetite. Then came the inevitable cigarette and the siesta in some shade, while the tough little horses standing with shut eyes by the porch, apparently do the same. When the sun gets well to the west the sleeping vaquero lazily rolls over and to his feet stumbles out to his horse, coils his riata on the horn of his saddle, sees that the cinch is still holding the clumsy wooden affair to the animal, who, by the Avay, is accustomed to that and other modes of torture. By this time the whole gang is making a like effort to get awake and in action. A Mexican vaquero has been said to be when afoot a lifeless thing, but when in the saddle one of the most animated. When the band gets mounted the riders start the big spurs to work, swing the riatas around their heads and gallop yelling down the arroyo and out on the range, often for no other object than to get into motion and shake off the drowsiness of the siesta. In that part of the hacienda devoted to the family of the padron or master there was more luxury, more furniture and more gentility. The grace and chivalry of Old Spain possessed by her grandees in the home land were also possessed by their descendants wandering in the distant west, and this racial characteristic was manifested in the hospitality of the California homes. Among the "Hoofs and Horns." "Cattle on a thousand hills," the favorite phrase of the wide, open west, was coined in California, where the great Spanish ranchos were crowded with livestock. In the mild climate of this "southland," with its broad sweeps of grassy plain, the bands quickly bred into countless numbers. Too numerous and valueless for branding, they roved the unfenced ranges virtually free, obeying no call except that of their native wilds. And they obeyed that call, as the herds of ownerless hoofs wandering over this portion of the continent bear testimony. A steer had some table-value — low because of his quantity — but he was more frequently slaughtered for the insignificant price his hide, horns and tallow would bring in the open market; and his carcass remaining where the rifle-bullet met him. After a mustang had been cut out from among his wild companions, roped and "broke," he was worth only- the short season he could stand under the torture of a Spanish rider and a Spanish saddle. After this trial he was fit only for the coyotes, who vied with the "Digger" in their love for a horse-diet. If the equine of early California was a colt of the noble Arabian breed that had been stabled in the pavilion tent of a Saladin, this poor bronco never knew it. The swarthy vaquero, spurring his flanks to ribbons and riding the life out of his un- shapely body, cared not a centavo for the horse whose sire may have borne HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 39 a king- through the courts of the Alhambra. The re-stocking of the ranchos was the first labor ,of the final settler, and that decade saw American horses, lithe and powerful, American cattle, short-horned and sleek-coated, a part of the equipment of the California farms. The heavy ox at last got his neck out of the yoke, and the sturdy horse from Normandy did the work much better. The burro — slave of all ages — was freed from the cart when the slim thoroughbred with a pedigree of speed took his place. The mild queen of the dairy from over the seas — from Holstein, and Durham, and Jersey- — came to create and run a local milk route. The Spanish cow had never been asked to make this contribution to the productive wealth of the state, and the word "butter" had melted from the language. Her tigress disposition, especially with her calf in the vicinity, generally made any attempt to milk her so near-suicidal, that Pedro or Jose, instead, milked the goat. Robbing Nanny's kid was easier and safer. Alta California was full-ripe for a change when the gringo came. Little Social Revolutions. California — preparing for the gringo — ran along for years without any practical help or advice from Spain or Mexico, the state having her own revolutionary recreations quite independent of mother-kingdom or mother- republic. This meant to the Spanish portion of North America, quivering under almost constant warfare, a condition that could hardly have been worse. Pablo Vicente de Sola, the last Spanish Governor of California, was a good man and tried to do something for the advancement of his state, but his efforts were in vain. When during the latter part of the year 1821, Colonel Agustin Iturbide, in Mexico, led his soldiers in a successful revolt against Spain and declared himself emperor of that country, Sola sadly lowered the Spanish flag in the plaza at Monterey. The next year another revolution shot the new emperor and scattered his infant empire to the winds. The tricolor of the Mexican republic arose in the plaza at Monterey, and so in the short space of a few months Alta California, with her governor, passed through three forms of government. Sola, worn and weary of the turmoil, hurried out of the country, and Antonio Arguello, a native son, became governor by virtue of his office of president of the provincial diputacion. The padres were bitterly disappointed in the change. They were most all natives of Spain, and moreover strongly opposed to republican ideas. The mother-country had established their missions, and had made them wealthy and powerful in the territory. Submitting to the republic, at heart they were loyal to the king, and this hastened the complete disestablishment of their institutions. In 1813 the Spanish Cortes decreed for the reduction of the missions into the civil governments of the pueblos, and the Mexican Congress in 1833 passed an act of secularization very similar to the decree of twenty years before. The End of the Missions Inevitable. Much sentiment has been expended over this disposal of "the padre's property," but there is nothing in the records to show that either Cortes or Congress decreed illegally or that the missions were ever intended to be permanent realty-holding institutions. The conversion of the Indians — the sole object of the missions — was a failure, and the massing of great tracts of the territory into mission ranchos having the area of old-world principalities was a barrier to immigration and a check to the progress of the country; the old conflict between the civil and ecclesiastical authorities was enliv- ened by the padre's open adherence to monarchial Spain, and secularization under all these conditions was the logical outcome. About the time the commissioners were appointed by the government to take charge of the work of subdividing the property among the neophytes, the mission man- 40 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES agers sought to dispose of their cattle, they knowing well how many of those great herds would be "lost in the shuffle" when the officials got at them. The stock was slaughtered by droves, the hides and tallow taken and the carcasses left on the range for the coyotes. The indiscriminate butchery turned the ranchos into red, reeking shambles. Officials Who Did Not Toil Nor Spin. Of course, with all this wholesale killing, there was much left for the rapacious official — they had them in those days, the forerunners of the "grafters" of more modern times. The fathers, objecting to see results of years of sacrifice and wearing labor pass into the hands of those who had toiled not, were not wholly unreasonable. But in many instances the lands and livestock were fairly partitioned to the mission Indians, and at least some effort made in their behalf. However, the effort in that direction ended without practical result. The missions, reduced to mere parishes, left the fathers without means or authority, and the neophytes free from the control of their spiritual superiors. They drifted away and their property — other than that only on paper — faded from view like a mirage. But no improve- ment was possible with them, and even the simolified theology taught them missed its mark. To these wild creatures the restriction of mission-life was fatal, and depopulation threatened. Immigration, which could not be checked, was demanding the lands which the missionaries held without title, and secularization hurried the end. The twenty-one missions whose adobe ruins lie along this coast are the melancholy evidence of an endeavor whose failure was inevitable. CHAPTER IX. IN THE "ROARING FORTIES." Time in California went faster when the years got well into the forties. The long siesta was over, "el maiiana" became less a rule of conduct, and events began to follow one another closer across the "estado." Monterey seemed to be the logical capital city of the state, though Los Angeles occa- sionally caught a governor — or at least a near-governor — whenever a rival made the southern municipality his headquarters. Juan B. Alvarado was the governor, October 19, 1842, when Commodore Jones raised the American flag at Monterey, but a newly-appointed rival was coming from Mexico. He preferred to surrender to Jones rather than to Micheltorena, his successor, and this he did. But next day the commodore hauled the colors down, apologizing for his "mistake," and this left the two gubernatorial aspirants to settle the office question alone. During the following four years there was more or less "war" with more or less governors, and other political changes. Americans, individually and in bands, took part on all sides, being lured there by rich promises of land grants; and they were the "fighters" of those "fights." However, it is not known that any gringos were killed in those fierce conflicts. During the spring of 1846 Pio Pico was governor, with headquarters in the south, and Jose Castro was the general of the state milLary, with his post at Monterey. John Charles Fremont, the Pathfinder. They were busy plotting against each other, with the custom-house the bone of contention, when something occurred to jar their attention to another direction. It was a party of American mountaineers riding over the moun- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 41 tains from the eastward, led by a young surveyor, who has made more history in the far west of this continent than all the other men in it. He was John Charles Fremont, brevet-captain in the United States Topographical En- gineers, known as the "Pathfinder," and then on his third exploring trip to the Pacific. In a short time he was met and "instructed" by Lieutenant Gillispie, a marine officer, who had been sent from Washington for that purpose. The orders, or instructions, brought to Fremont have never been made known, and only can be surmised by his after action. Following a long interview with Gillispie, he turned back from his surveying work in the northern portion of the state and made his headquarters at Sutter's Fort. Castro, stirred up by the presence in the country of Fremont and his armed party, was fulminating unusually strong against all "foreigners," especially against Americans. The general's threats to drive them out of the territory aroused the gringos to defense, and Fremont directed them to capture Sonoma. He had no authority over these settlers, but under instructions from Washington he was playing a game under cover. Commodore Sloat with his fleet was on the coast to take possession of California the hour Mexico declared war against the United States, and it was believed that the British fleet was here for the same purpose. The California officials were nibbling at English or French "protectorate" bait, with annexation a possi- bility, and the situation had grown extremely delicate. While the United States government was fully determined to acquire this territory, it. could not well do so during peace with Mexico ; and no other power should be permitted to get a foothold here. Heiice, an American armed forces — even if unauthorized and filibuster — holding some important point and acting as a deterrent to other forces, was the object sought when the administration secretly sent Gillispie by way of Vera Cruz, Mazatlan and Monterey to find Fremont. ' Picked to Find a New Way. So this topographical engineer, who had made a record exploring and mapping trails through the wild west, was picked for the task. That Senator Benton of Missouri, Fremont's father-in-law, one of the most prominent statesmen of the time, was deeply interested in the California question, doubtless influenced the selection. Albeit the object was attained when the Bear Flag party rode out of Sutter's Fort and across what is now Yolo, Solano and Napa counties, and early on the morning of June 14, 1846, took possession of Pueblo Sonoma. Comandante Vallejo made no resistance to the armed invasion of his post and home. In fact, he invited the armed invaders in to breakfast ; and it must be historically noted that they drank well that morning of the general's good mission brandy. There was no garrison at Sonoma, and the formal surrender of the old cannon, muskets and other property of the Mexican government was soon made. General Vallejo, also his brother Salvador, and another officer were transferred as prisoners of war to Fort Sutter. By Fremont's advice they did not use the United States ensign, but raised in the place of the Mexican colors they had lowered a white square of cotton cloth, on which were rudely painted a bear, a star, and the words "California Republic." William B. Ide was chosen captain, or governor, and Sonoma quietly settled down to be an American town. There was not the slightest disturbance, and the citizens and their property were protected. The names of this band of history-makers — of state-builders — are : Ezekiel Merritt, Dr. Robert Semple, William Fallon, W. B. Ide, H. L. Ford, G. P. Swift, Samuel Neal, William Potter, Samuel Gibson, W. M. Scott, James Gibbs, H. Sanders, P. Storm, Samuel and Benjamin Kelsey, John Grigsby, David Hudson, Ira Stebbins, William Hargrave, Harrison Pierce, William Porterfield, Patrick McChristian, James 42 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Beeson. Elias Barrett, C. Griffith, William C. Todd, Nathan Combs, Lucien Maxwell, Franklin Bidwell, Thomas Cowie, W. B. Elliott, Benjamin Dewell, John Sears and George Fowler. Setting a Pace for Sloat. Commodore Sloat in the United States frigate Savannah had sailed into the harbor of Monterey, July 2, having beaten the British frigate Colling- wood in a race up the Mexican coast. He was under orders to take possession of the territory when he was convinced war was on between the two republics, or if he believed conditions justified such an action. But he must exercise care, and not make the Jones error of four years before, when the flag went up to be lowered next day with apologies. On arrival he heard of the efforts being made to place this state under British protection, of the Bear Flag party at Sonoma, and Fremont with his "California Battalion" industriously chasing Castro and his soldiers out of the country. It was certainly a time for action, but the commodore hesitated, waiting for more definite information. As a matter of fact, war had been declared, and orders dated May 15, 1846, directing him to take Mazatlan, Monterey and San Francisco were then following him from port to port. Finally, convinced that Fremont was working under definite instructions — also pushed to action by his own officers, who saw the danger of delay — Sloat moved. July 7 he hoisted the flag over the custom- house in Monterey; July 8 Captain John Montgomery of the Portsmouth raised the ensign at Yerba Buena, and two days after Lieutenant J. W. Revere of that vessel lifted the Stars and Stripes at Sonoma. Getting Ahead of John Bull. Although Commodore Sloat took possession a few days before the slow- sailing Collingwood arrived, thereby forestalling any such move on the part of Great Britain, he was soon relieved of his command because of his timidity. This was not a period for hesitancy on the part of a government subordinate, whatever the policy of the government. Great Britain, Mexico and the United States, each from her corner, was watching the territorial prize in the center of the triangle. An English fleet was Avatching the coast, and the northern boundary matter was looming into prominence. We demanded nine degrees more of latitude than John Bull was disposed to concede, and "Fifty-four-forty or fight" was a party watchword until both countries at issue agreed to run the line along the forty-ninth parallel. The North and South were "debating" with increasing truculence the slavery question, the latter advocating the acquisition of territory for the negro-working plantations, and the former opposing with the cry of "plotting to rob Mexico." Time has shown the wisdom of the policy that set the southern boundary lines of this republic where they are today. No mistake was made when Fremont was secretly instructed to be operating a force of armed American settlers over California when the United States fleet arrived at Monterey to take possession. Only Sloat's hesitation imperiled the plan, as the British lion ashore would have been more difficult to evict than was the Mexican eagle. We "encouraged" Mexico to fight us, which policy has provided a theme for our moralistic critics who are only party-politicians in thin disguise ; but it was a good fight for both republics. It gave Mexico all the territory she could handle ; it rounded the United States out from ocean to ocean, making that country propor- tionately the central, the predominating, the most fa\ r orable patch of soil in the western hemisphere ; and moreover, it kept Europe with her automaton kings out of most of North America. Protestants of All Ages. All ages, all governments, have had protesting statesmen, and this age- so free of speech — has an unusually large delegation orbing around the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 43 national capital. The beauty and the inconsistency of this can be seen in the reception of the two states that came to the northern republic during that decade — Texas, not menaced by a foreign power, and barely justified in her action, won complete independence from Mexico, and then almost immediately offered herself to the Union. She was admitted, a slave state, by a whig administration whose central creed was anti-slavery. California, a ripe plum falling to a British squadron, her long length of ocean-shore to become a line of fortifications whose guns would train eastward toward the American frontier, her then miserable system of government promising to be a constant thorn in the side of her American neighbor over the wall of the Sierras, was encouraged to separation from the southern republic by a democratic administration in the face of a strong protest from these same whigs. The protesting statesmen, after the war, proposed that California be sold back to Mexico for $12,000,000, and if agreeable to the other party, the United States to retain San Francisco, shore and bay, allowing Mexico $3,000,000 on account. As this government by the treaty had assumed a Mexican debt of $15,000,000, due American citizens, these diplomats of finance considered they were pro- posing a highly profitable real estate deal. The next day — virtually — Marshall, digging a sawmill race in Coloma creek, shoveled California up to a golden figure nearer twelve hundred millions, and to a moral figure that has never been estimated. CHAPTER X. THE "WAR" IN CALIFORNIA. Sloat, soon afterwards relieved by Commodore Stockton, sailed for home, nursing his grievance that he had been overlooked by the administration and forced to take his cue from a couple of younger officers. Fremont and Gillispie got along better with Stockton, who had no private troubles nor professional jealousies to worry him. They were transferred to his command for shore- duty, and by him commissioned, respectively, major and captain. The subse- quent "war" in California was not a sanguinary one, nor were Stockton, Fremont, Gillispie and other American officers disposed to handle the "mild- mannered" Calif ornians with severity. From Monterey to San Diego, the Pathfinder as civil governor, co-operating with his superior, the commodore, was getting along very well. Scott and Taylor, in Mexico, were doing the work, and all that was required in California was just "police" the territory till the gringo soldiers were camping in the city of Montezuma. Whatever "war" was in this state, was "over" when Sloat got busy with the flag at Monterey. Kearny's Dramatic Appearance. There did not seem to be much to do when Brigadier-General Stephen W. Kearny, the latter part of 1846, arrived in California from New Mexico. He was burdened with folios of "discretionary orders," among which was one instructing him not to interfere then with the naval and other forces in con- trol of the seaports, but proceed to the organization of a civil government. But the secretary of war, from his long-distance view of the situation, was in error, as he assumed that only a narrow strip of coast was held by Stockton and his forces. The commodore was under the impression that, by orders from the department, he had done some pretty effective campaigning himself, and the country had about all the civil government it needed ; moreover, he failed to agree with Kearny regarding the reading of that officer's orders, and declined to recognize the commanding-rank and duty the general assumed. 44 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Unfortunately for Kearny, he met with a heavy "set-back" before he inter- viewed Stockton. At San Pasqual, a point just within the California line, he met a superior force of the enemy, and with childish recklessness invited inevitable disaster by his attack. If it were to gloriously herald his entrance into a new field of activity, he made a flat failure of it,' for the well-mounted Californians rode through his travel-worn, half-starved company, lancing at will. Among the wounded was Kearny, also Gillispie, who had recently joined the force to guide it into the state, and a considerable number of men were killed. The timely arrival of Stockton's force saved Kearny from capture and further disaster, and this battle — the only real battle of the war in the territory — the Americans will remember, because there they were signally whipped. Kearny, therefore, was not in a position to plunge into another fight — another San Pasqual — and with the doughty navy-man over a question of seniority of rank. So he waived that point till Stockton should be transferred from the Pacific, and turned his attention to Fremont, who was his subordinate. This threw the Pathfinder between his two warring superiors, forcing tipon him the choice of two conflicting sets of orders. Kearny's Inglorious Career. Kearny bided his time until Stockton's transfer, then proceeded to "fix" Fremont. Charges of disobedience of orders were prepared for the coming courtmartial, and previous to the departure of the accused and accuser for the trial at Fortress Monroe, Kearny and his subordinate officers wrangled and jangled like spoiled children over questions of rank. In fact, about the only thing they were united on was the degradation of Fremont. The American Army Conquest of California is about as inglorious as that of the various administrations of the Mexican officials. Fremont was found guilty of disobedience and sentenced to forfeit his commission. Tuthill, the historian, says : "On this trial Fremont behaved with spirit, and pleaded his cause with an eloquence that made the people of the States reverse the decision so soon as they read the proceedings. The court recommended him to the clemency of the president, on the grounds of his past services and the peculiar position in which he was placed when the alleged disobedience took place." Mr. Polk quickly discharged him from arrest — virtually ignoring the decision — and ordered him to report to his regiment for duty. But Fremont, smarting from the injustice of the charge and the farce of the trial refused to accept the clemency, though it was equivalent to acquittal, and retired from the army. But a man like Fremont could not remain in private life, and he was soon back in the saddle, again a pathfinder on the plains, popular candi- date for the presidency, state senator in California, major-general in the Civil war and governor of Arizona. How They All Loved Fremont. It is wonderful how little approval Fremont got from his brother-officers. When Montgomery in the Portsmouth first heard from Sonoma, he dis- avowed Fremont, though he afterwards loaned the "filibusters" some pow- der. Sloat followed Fremont's lead, and at the same time disavowing his leader. Then Stockton took his place and in the intervals between some tough skirmishes with the Californians in the southern portion of the state, did his share of the disavowing. Kearny marched into California late, but early enough to disavow Fremont's action. Shubrick, another commodore, had his ship on the coast long enough to lend a hand in the disavowing. Colonel R. B. Mason came last and disavowed, but as he was inspector of troops, possibly this was along the line of his duty. And they all did more or less disavowing of one another. At one time during this conflict California had two military governors, and as they were antagonistic to each other, the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 45 territory appeared to be back in its normal miserable condition under Mexican rule. Colonel Phillip Cooke, one of the latest arrivals, amusingly describes that prevailing condition : "General Kearny is supreme somewhere up the coast. Colonel Fremont is supreme at Pueblo de Los Angeles. Commodore, Stockton is supreme at San Diego. Commodore Shubrick the same at Mon- terey; and I at San Luis Rey; and we are all supremely poor, the United States government having no money and no credit, and we hold the territory because Mexico is the poorest of all." The Pathfinder's Complete Vindication. The writer gives this space and notice to a single individual because no history of the American West can be written without his name. Between the Missouri and the Pacific, from the Colorado to the Columbia, over peak and mesa, over vale and desert, stretch away the trails he found and mapped for the march of empire toward the sundown sea ; and along these trails passed the pioneers who Americanized Alta California. The title "Path- finder" came to John Charles Fremont, and could fit no other, and his lasting fame seems all the brighter because of the attempts to tarnish the laurels he won. The army men who saw service in California after Sloat finally got the flag up had nothing to do. Kit Carson with a company of his long-rifle hunters could have successfully policed the entire territory until peace was declared, consequently the newcomers had leisure to criticise and occa- sionally undo the work of the earlier arrivals. And the crown t>f their criticism and undoing was the farcical courtmartial for the Pathfinder. When Fremont was in full military authority, he naturally was officially and personally responsible for public supplies purchased, also for the arrears — pay of his volunteers ; and when he was suddenly superseded, his antagonistic successors used these unsettled obligations to further embarrass him. And the crown- ing wrong of all — when he was led eastward over the continent for trial — he traveled back along - one of the paths he had found and mapped for his west- ward-marching countrymen. CHAPTER XL STORY OF THE "BEAR FLAG." In the history of any county of this state should be the story of the Bear Flag, the rude standard of the "California Republic." Bancroft and other eminent historians of the Pacific coast have not stamped the "commonwealth" of '46 with their full approval nor its flag with importance. However, that ensign, passing from the Sonoma plaza, did not pass from further history. Its adoption by the California Republic June 14, 1846, makes its anniversary identical with that of the ensign that supplanted it, as June 14, 1777, Congress adopted the thirteen stars and the thirteen stripes as the national flag. Its adoption by the Native Sons, June 8, 1880, makes it the standard of their order, and its adoption by the legislature, March 3, 1911, makes it the state flag. Its lone star was the star of Texas, and is now the star of California on the national ensign. Its bear, at the request of Major J. R. Snyder of Sonoma, was engraved on the great seal of the state. The Bear Flag is yet in active service, and not one feature on its folds is idle. Its political life was only twenty-five days, but during twenty-three of them it was the sole American flag of any description in this territory, and its presence at Sonoma was a deterrent to the foreign powers hesitating to move for possession. Its presence 46 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES at Sonoma finally moved the hesitating United States naval commander at Monterey to send the Stars and Stripes ashore and seal California to Uncle Sam forever. The Grizzly Passant. In the knightly diction of heraldry, the Bear Flag is : A grizzly passant on field argent; star at right dexter point; legend "California Republic" in lower half; horizontal bar gules from base to base. As an armorial bearing the bear is a suitable choice. Often he has been met on his eminent domain, and as a true native son — representative of the wild west, he has qualified. His ordinarily mild manner and willingness to be let alone, also his latent prowess in argument when driven to the battle-point, are well knoAvn. His high moral and physical standing in the animal settlements of the American con- tinent make him socially fit for a place on anybody's flag. Though a carnivora, he has no objection to a huckleberry meal, but only dire famine will drive him to a diet of Digger Indian. And it is true that no Digger has ever eaten him. The single star is a reflex of the lone luminary that lighted Texas in the night of her deadly struggle, and the red colonial bar along the lower edge of the white cloth represents the California Republic's single colony. Mrs. Tohn Sears furnished the square of white sheeting, and Mrs. John Matthews, the Mexican wife of an American, contributed a flannel petticoat for the red stripe. Some unchivalrous historian has tried to establish the version of the various Bear Flag stories that one of the hunters of the party donated his only shirt for this purpose, but as the nameless patriot never acknowledged the honor and the sacrificial red shirt, the alleged incident must be left out of the record. Chivalry, modesty and self-denial are the cardinal characteristics ofen found in heroes, so possibly he was a life-sufferer from all three of these virtues, and died unknown, unhonored and unsung. The Fierce Americanos Stay to Breakfast. Early that morning after General Vallejo had been notified by his captors that he, his sword, the old brass guns on the wall, the rusty muskets in the Castillo, and everything else possessed by Mexico in Sonoma, were prisoners of war, the old don batted his eyes once or twice, said "Bueno," and invited the fierce Americanos to stay for breakfast. Sefiora Vallejo stirred up her Indian cooks, and soon the General's dining hall — that was never closed to a stranger, especially to an American — was thrown open, and on the tables were loads of chile-con-carne, frijoles, tortillas and wine from the mission grapes growing out by the old church of San Francisco de Solano. Needless to say, that banquet given by the premier Native Sons of the Golden West was a notable one. It has been reported that during the latter part of the feasting some of the invaders were swearing "Viva la Mexico," and General Vallejo was offered the presidency of the new republic. William Lincoln Todd, nephew of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, was the artist of the Bear Flag. Regarding the exchange of ensigns by Lieutenant J. W. Revere of the U. S. sloop of war Portsmouth, the following incident is told by James McChristian : "After the Bear Flag had been unbent from the staff-halliards and Revere was fastening Old Glory to the rope, Midshipman John E. Mont- gomery, the son of Commander John Montgomery of the Portsmouth, care- fully folded the square sheeting into a neat package and placed it in his coat- pocket, saying : 'This is worth taking care of.' The lad was at that time just my own age — 18 — a fine, manly fellow, and nobody objected to his action." The gallant middy of the old-time Yankee navy, who appreciated and cared for the passing Bear Flag, gave his life in the service of his country and this state, as he was killed in a fight with hostile Indians near Sutter's Fort soon after this event. McChristian, now 74 years old, one of the last of the Bear Flaggers, remembers clearly the stirring times in this county during the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 47 "roaring forties." He was employed by Revere to haul two 18-pounder brass guns from Sonoma to the Embarcadero, where they were to be shipped to the Portsmouth at Yerba Buena. The officer had found them on the wall looking frowningly across the valley, with their muzzles full of last year's swallow-nests, and he intended to have them mounted at the Annapolis naval academy as object-lessons for the cadets. McChristian's two-yoke of oxen balked on the job and his claim for the work has slept in its War Department pigeonhole for sixty-three years. California's First "Fourth." July 4, 1846, the Bear Flag republic had a "Fourth" at home. Out in the plaza this small band of "republicans" read the Declaration of American Inde- pendence under their own ensign, not having a United States flag in the new commonwealth. They had an oration, barbecued one of General Vallejo's beeves, and the ancient battery on the wall bellowed a salute to the big and the little republic. It was a remarkable observance — the only one of its kind in history. The guns of the Mexican Republic were fired by the California Republic to celebrate the birth of the American Republic. It was a republican voice of thunder from Forty-six speaking to Seventy-six. Over the space of seventy years — over the space of a hemisphere — rebel called to rebel, brother- hood to brotherhood, one flag — one blood — after all. CHAPTER XII. MARIANO GUADALUPE VALLEJO. The changing of flags in the plaza at Sonoma virtually changed the citi- zenship of the foremost citizen of California — Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Hijo del pais — son of the soil — was he, and alike under king, emperor or presi- dent, he was true to the land of his birth. Though a Californian, and sharing with other Spanish-born natives a natural distrust of strangers, Vallejo possessed an admiration and sincere friendship for the Americans, and received them kindly, even when his superiors demanded the expulsion of the dangerous foreigners. Though his patriotism was never doubted, he coun- seled annexation to the United States when he saw that Mexico had no government nor protection for California. His appointment in 1835 as military comandante and civil commissionado of the northern district proved to be a selection so wise that it stands out in relief from among the official errors of early California history, and during his ten years of almost autocratic rule at Sonoma, it is seen that he governed with rare justice and practical common sense. Vallejo was born in Monterey, July 7, 1808, the eighth in a family of thirteen children, his father being Don Ignacio Vincente Vallejo, and the mother Maria Antonia Lugo, both members of distinguished Spanish families. During his youth he was a cadet in the territorial army and a friend and comrade of General Castro and Governor Arguello. He was an earnest student and early acquired a fund of knowledge that fitted him to take a prominent part in and to a considerable extent shape political affairs of the territory, especially during the critical times just prior to the American occupation. When California passed away from Mexico, M. G. Vallejo was in all probability the first Mexican citizen within her borders ; and when the red, white and blue of America took the place of the red, white and green of Mexico, he was still of the best of the California citizenry. Tall and erect, with a distinguished military bearing, and with grace of gesture and manner inherent from birth and breeding, an easy and fluent speaker in English, though learned late in life, charming with the strength of purpose and the seriousness of diction, filled with the chivalry of the past day when Spanish 48 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES knighthood was in flower, was General Vallejo. While at Sonoma, 1840 and 1845, large companies of American immigrants came through the country, and though he was constantly "nagged" by his government to drive the foreigners out of the country, the comandante disobeyed orders and humanely treated the strangers. There is no doubt that Vallejo's gentle methods in dealing with the savage Indians surrounding him, his rare discretion in the management of his military affairs and his practical statesmanship making for the much-needed change of flags, proved him to be a greater man, a man more deserving of appreciation than any other within the limits of the territory, and it may be said in truth, deserving of more appreciation than he received. Before the junta at Monterey in April, 1846, when affairs were approaching such a crisis that even Governor Pio Pico advocated annexa- tion to France or England as an escape from that "mock republic, Mexico," as he rather disloyally called his political mother superior, or "that perfidious people, the Yankees," Vallejo made the following address, which may be given here, as it shows the sterling makeup of the man : nsr The General's Splendid Americanism. "I cannot, srentlemen, coincide with the militarv and civil functionaries who have advocated the cession of our country to France or England. It is most true that to rely longer upon Mexico to govern and defend us would be idle and absurd. To this extent I fully agree with my colleagues. It is also true that we possess a noble country, every way calculated, from position and resources, to become great and powerful. For that very reason I would not have her a mere dependency on a foreign monarchy, naturally alien, or at least indifferent to our interests and our welfare. It is not to be denied that feeble nations have in former times thrown themselves upon the protection of their powerful neighbors. The Britons invoked the aid of the warlike Saxons and fell an easy prey to their protectors, who seized their lands and treated them like slaves. Long before that time, feeble and distracted provinces had appealed for aid to the all-conquering arms of imperial Rome, and they were at the time protected and subjugated by their grasping ally. Even could we tolerate the idea of dependence, ought we to go to distant Europe for a master? What possible sympathy could exist between us and a nation separated from us by two vast oceans? But waiving this insuperable objec- tion, how could we endure to come under the dominion of a monarchy? For although others speak lightly of a form of government, as a freeman I cannot do so. We are republicans — badly governed and badly situated as we are — still we are all, in sentiment, republicans. So far as we are governed at all, we at least do profess to be self-governed. Who, then, that possesses true patriotism will consent to subject himself and his children to the caprices of a foreign king and his official minions? But, it is asked, if we do not throw ourselves upon the protection of France and England, what shall we do? I do not come here to support the existing order of things, but I come prepared to propose instant and effective action to extricate our country from her present forlorn condition. My opinion is made up that we must persevere in throwing off the galling yoke of Mexico, and proclaim our inde- pendence of her forever. We have endured her official cormorants and her villainous soldiery until we can endure no longer. All will probably agree with me that we ought at once to rid ourselves of what may remain of Mexican domination. But some profess to doubt our ability to maintain our position. To my mind there comes no doubt. Look at Texas and see how long she withstood the power of united Mexico. The resources of Texas were not to be compared with ours, and she was much nearer to her enemy than we are. Our position is so remote, either by land or sea, that we are in no danger from Mexican invasion. Why, then, should we hesitate HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 49 to assert our independence? We have indeed taken the first step by electing our own governor, but another remains to be taken. I will mention it plainly and distinctly — it is annexation to the United States. In contemplating this consummation of our destiny, I feel nothing but pleasure, and I ask you to share it. Discard old prejudices, discard old customs, and prepare for the glorious change that awaits our country. Why should we shrink from incor- porating ourselves with the happiest and freest nation in the world, destined soon to be the most wealthy and powerful? Why should we go abroad for protection when this great nation is our adjoining neighbor? When we join our fortunes to- hers, we shall not become subjects, but fellow citizens possessing all the rights of the people of the United States, and choosing our own federal and local rulers. We shall have a stable government and just laws. California will grow strong and flourish, and her people will be prosperous, happy and free. Look not, therefore, with jealousy upon the hardy pioneers who scale our mountains and cultivate our unoccupied plains, but rather welcome them as brothers, who come to share with us a common destiny." Always a Friend of the United States. Here stood this California patriot and in his plea for his country he uttered sentiments like those of Patrick Henry, so often heard around the world, and while the junta did not act upon the suggested annexation to the United States, the proposed European protectorate matter was heard no more. The French and English representatives perforce accepted Vallejo's address as the answer, and in a few months Commodore Sloat's guns were commanding Monterey, and virtually all California. This digression and advancement, out of chronological order, to a period when the internal dis- sension and mismanagement of the Mexican officials were ending, exhibits General Vallejo's part in the last act of that discordant drama. The final ten years of Mexico in Sonoma — and in California as well — must necessarily be largely of his acts as the comandante of that most important military post. Three times he took part in revolution against Mexico, in 1832-36-45, and the revolutionists won each time, but the successive governors they recognized always managed to get themselves in turn recognized by the Mexican gov- ernment, in consequence of which matters would drop back into the old rut. There is little wonder that Vallejo at Sonoma found his grandiloquent title of Military Comandante and Director of Colonization on the Northern Frontier burdensome, and occasionally asked to be relieved. And when the Bear Flag people did relieve him of further participancy in Mexican affairs, it was likelv to him a relief indeed. 50 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES CHAPTER XIII. CAPTAIN JOHN SUTTER. Another man whose name is associated with the golden pioneer period of the Pacific is Sutter — third in the trio of local land-markers. Vallejo, Sutter and Fremont were busy men here in "their day." From the "river" westward to the sea — from New Helvetia to Fort Ross — over the broad plains of Yolo and Solano, over the rich valleys of Napa and Sonoma, they "set their stakes," and the llanos and vegas are filled with their stories. The earlier stage-scenes of California were not propertied with flamboyant figures and moving-picture incidents. There were no army-people in the conquest and exploration of this upper portion of the territory, which left the work to be accomplished by ranchers, hunters and assisted later by miners. Fremont was a mathematical professor in the navy, but given the pay and rank of the lowest paid and ranking officer in the army when he was set surveying trails across the continent. Vallejo got his military titles out of the Mexican war department and Sutter was an "el capitaine" in his native Switzerland, or France, before he landed on the banks of the Sacramento. But nobleman or commoner, Sutter's new-world title is unclouded. His famous fortress (which, restored, still occupies its original site in the capital city) was a never-failing refuge and resting-place for the travel-worn immigrant, as Vallejo's beeves and acres awaited him farther west. Sutter and Vallejo were Mexican citizens — one native and the other naturalized — but they failed in their first duty to the southern republic when they failed to keep the gringos out of the territory. However, it is not probable that the weak territorial government could have influenced to any extent these two commanding officers. The earliest and best description of this stronghold and its sturdy riflemen has been furnished by Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere of the Portsmouth. This officer by a boat trip up the Sacramento river during the latter part of June, 1846, visited Sutter, and also noted the warlike preparedness of the place for the coming of anything not friendly. At the Famous Fort. "When we arrived at the embarcadero or landing," writes Revere, "we found a mounted guard, as the garrison had long been apprised by the Indians that our boat was ascending the river. These Indians were indeed important auxiliaries to the Americans during the short period of strife for the sover- eignty of California. Having been cruelly treated by the Spanish race, this helpless red people throughout the country welcomed the white strangers from over the Sierras. Entertaining an exalted opinion of the skill and prowess of the Americans, and knowing from experience that they were of a milder and less sanguinary character than the rancheros, they anticipated a complete deliverance from their burdens, and assisted the revolutionists to the full extent of their humble abilities. Emerging from the woods lining the river, we stood upon a plain of immense extent, bounded on the west by the heavy timber which marks the course of the Sacramento, the dim outline of the Nevadas appearing in the distance. We now came to some extensive fields of wheat in full bearing, waving gracefully in the gentle breeze, like the billows of the sea, and saw the white-washed walls of the fort, situated on a small eminence commanding the approach on all sides. "We were met and welcomed by Captain Sutter and the officers in com- mand of the garrison ; but the appearance of things indicated that our recep- tion would have been very different had we come on a hostile errand. The HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 51 appearance of the fort, with its cremated walls, fortified gateway and bastioned angles ; the heavily-bearded, fierce-looking hunters and trappers, armed with rifles, bowie-knives and pistols ; their ornamented hunting-shirts and gartered leggins ; their long hair, turbaned with colored handkerchiefs ; their wild and almost savage looks and dauntless and independent bearing; the wagons filled with golden grain ; the arid yet fertile plain ; the caballados driven across it by wild, shouting Indians, enveloped in clouds of dust, and the dashing horsemen scouring the fields in every direction ; all these accessories conspired to carry me back to the romantic East, and I could almost fancy again that I was once more the guest of some powerful Arab chieftain in his desert stronghold. Everything bore the impress of vigilance and preparation for defense, and not without reason, for Castro, then at Pueblo de San Jose, with a force of several hundred men, well provided with horses and artillery, had threatened to march upon the valley of the Sacramento. A House Prepared for Friends or Foes. "The fort consists of a parallelogram, enclosed by adobe walls fifteen feet high and two thick, with bastions or towers at the angles, the walls of which are four feet thick, and their embrasures so arranged as to flank the curtain on all sides. A good house occupies the center of the interior area, serving for officers' quarters, armories, guard and state rooms, and also for a kind of citadel. There is a second wall on the inner face, the space between it and the outer wall being roofed and divided into workshops, quarters, etc., and the usual offices are provided, and also a well of good water. Corrals for the cattle and horses of the garrison are conveniently placed where they can be under the eye of the guard. Cannon frown from the various embrasures, and the ensemble presents the very ideal of a border fortress. It must have astonished the natives when this monument of the white man's skill arose from the plain and showed its dreadful teeth in the midst of these peaceful solitudes." Captain Sutter evidently took no chances either with the Spaniards or Indians, and was at all times able to take care of himself and New Helvetia — and all the needy people who came to him. Whenever a tale of distress came down the great central valley, the gallant Swiss officer was immediately in the saddle and away to the rescue ; as in the Donner Lake tragedy, where one of his rescuers perished with the snowbound immigrants. General John Bidwell, in his "Life in California Before the Gold Discovery," says : "Nearly everybody who came to California then made it a point to reach Sutter's Fort. Sutter was one of the most liberal and hospitable of men. Everybody was welcome, one man or a hundred, it was all the same." The citizens of Sacramento city and the order of the Native Sons did well when they brought about the restoration and preservation of the old New Helvetia at the intersection of K and Twenty-sixth streets. Although being a Mexican citizen, Sutter hoisted the bear over his fort as soon as he heard of the change of flags at Sonoma and July 11, 1846 — or as soon as he heard of the change of flags at Monterey and could get an ensign from the Portsmouth — he raised the Stars and Stripes over Sacramento. The presence of Sutter, Vallejo and Fremont made it a famous flag-day. Like Vallejo, like Fremont, Sutter was ill-rewarded by those he kindly and faithfully served. 52 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES CHAPTER XIV. THEN CAME CALIFORNIA. Time slipped rapidly on to February 2, 1848, when at Guadalupe Hidalgo the two republics signed a treaty of peace, which was ratified at Queretaro May 20, proclaimed to the world July 4, and became known in California August 6. By its terms the United States assumed payment of all American claims, good, bad, indifferent — mostly the two latter — against Mexico, and in addition paid her $15,000,000 for everything she claimed north of the Rio Grande. In January of that year, J. W. Marshall, employed by Sutter to build a sawmill at Coloma, forty miles up the American river from Sacramento, found gold. At first Sutter and Marshall were skeptical regarding the value of the find and wished to delay the publication of the secret, but an Indian who had worked in the gold mines of La Paz caught sight of the nuggets, and his loud cry of "Ora ! Ora !" was heard around the world. As the tidal-wave of miners swept into the Golden West, the people, weary of military governors and old Mexican laws, clamored for statehood. The slave-holding portion of Congress arranged to make darky-plantations out of this slice of Uncle Sam's territorial gains, but the flood of gold-hunters from the northern states helped disarrange the plans. Washington doing nothing, a provisional government convention met at Monterey September 1, 1849, and California got busy. The . state lines were run, slavery forever barred, a seal adopted, San Jose selected as the capital and Peter H. Burnett elected governor. The first legislature lasted from December 17 to April 22, 1850, and is known in history as the "Legislature of a Thousand Drinks." The name is a joke and a misnomer, as that body did more real, sober work than any of its legislative successors. John C. Fremont was elected United States Senator on the first ballot and William M. Gwin on the second. The Pathfinder was a free-stater, while Gwin was a southerner and pro-slavery advocate, and was a compromise choice, the legislature being strongly against slavery. So California went to house- keeping as a full-fledged state nine months before her admission into the Union — an unusual thing, but showed the native enterprise of the far west. In Congress the admission of California was fiercely opposed by the South, led by Senator Jeff Davis, but the bill passed and President Fdlmore attached his signature September 9, 1850. The honor of placing California in the Union would have come to General Zachary Taylor, ending the work he began in Mexico, but his death in the presidential chair had elevated Vice- President Fillmore to the position. A State That Was Not a State. Thus California became a state de jure — the thirty-first star in the politi- cal union — and for four or five years was about as poorly managed a piece of territory as it had been under the Mexican government. The census of 1850 gave the state about 117,000 people, and two years later this number had grown to 265,000, and by the end of 1856 the estimate was over one-half million. The preliminary skirmishing of the great Civil war was on, and although the dominant politicians of the state were pro-slavery Democrats, their opponents, the Whigs, were morally no better, and the same rascally element flourished in both parties. The mines were turning out their annual golden millions, yet the public finances were at the lowest ebb, under the official incompetence and dishonesty that was the rule. But this was to be expected in a community peopled with the drift of the world — the human- float of the age — and things grew cleaner about the time the great bell of the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 53 Vigilance Committee began to ring. Then California grew steadily and rapidly. There was nothing to prevent this. Her mild, healthful temperature, her boundless resources, her every natural prospect pleasing, could not but attract a home-seeking people from afar. So she progessed — by accident. CHAPTER XV. FROM SAN DIEGO TO SONOMA. The reader has seen three centuries pass between San Diego and Sonoma — the beginning of Spanish dominion in Alta California, when Cabrillo's flag arose, September 28, 1542, and its ending when Vallejo's ensign fell June 14, 1846. He has seen the missions lift themselves over field and flock, strong in rights temporal and spiritual, flourish a while amid their acres and acolytes, and then go down to slim parishes and piles of adobe ruins — frequently to serve as topics for emotional writers. They were not strenuous Saxon years full of sound and fury, these centuries that came northward along the Pacific littoral ; they were slumberous Spanish years, made up of mahanas — tomorrows— that walked-in-sleep along the leagues of golden poppy plains, and across the emerald oaten hills to wake into — to break into — the day of the gringo. - If the Spanish priest and Spanish soldier left little to mark their presence here, they left no record of injustice or op- pression in their treatment of the simple natives of the land. The mild servitude of the mission and the government of the territory did not materially interfere with the Indian's creature comforts, and if his spirituality was shallow, his residence within sight of the chapel admitted him to the mission soup-house — and the Franciscans were good cooks. In the memory of that pastoral period the reader may hear amid the din of the money-mad present the faint, sweet echoes of the angelus bells coming from the missions that are dead and gone. The company of American settlers from the Sacramento, Solano and Napa valleys that rode down into Pueblo Sonoma were the new overlords of this princely domain, and their flag, rudely symbolical of mastery, nativity and permanency, was the advance sign of the change. Heading the line of California governors might in courtesy be placed Ezekiel Merritt, the leader of that band, though his incumbency lasted only a few days. However, history starts with Commodore John Drake Sloat, followed by another sailor, Commodore Robert F. Stockton ; then by four soldiers — Colonel J. C. Fremont, General S. W. Kearny, Colonel R. B. Mason and General Bennet Riley. The organization of the civil government in the "fall of '49" ended the military period, although the state did not get into official business until the autumn of '50 — the historical September 9. 54 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES CHAPTER XVI. SOLANO— A WIND, A SAINT, AN INDIAN, A COUNTY. Solano — first an east wind blowing across Old Spain ; then a young Spanish priest toiling in his western mission; then an American Indian, accepting wonderingly the white man's mystic faith ; and finally a section of California's noble domain. Sem-Yeto's capital city, seat of government, was a populous rancheria in what is now Suisun valley, though the tribes of his dominion were scattered over the great plain from Sonoma eastward to the Sacramento. The chief seems to have been an amiable aborigine and early fell in love with the mission fare and faith. After the padre had bap- tized him into the bosom of the church, Vallejo suggested for the convert the name of the Mission, so he was christened Francisco Solano. The comandante found the neAv churchman quite useful and quite faithful to the white settlers. "Solano was a king among the Indians," writes Vallejo in his annals. "All the tribes of Solano, Napa and Sonoma valleys were under tribute to him," and through this the comandante was enabled to keep peace in his great territory, covering much of what is now Napa, Solano and Yolo. As Solano fell into the ways of the palefaces — became more civilized — he lost much of the saintly character received at his mission christening, and frequently Vallejo would have to take his red friend in hand. But a night in the guard-house away from the wine-cup would prepare the chief for the headache and repentance of the morrow. Valley of the Suisuns. The Suisuns occupied the noble valley now known by their tribal name, and in 1850, when twenty-seven counties of the state were put into shape, the name of Solano was given the twenty-first. Let the reader, on the map of California, in its very center, find this splendid tract. Its five hundred and eighty-three thousand acres front the great waterways — the San Pablo and Suisun bays and the Sacramento river- — and the other boundaries are Napa county and its hill range on the west, Yolo and the Rio de los Putos on the north. This Rio de los Putos is a very accommodating river, arising, as it does, somewhere in the Napa highlands and swinging eastward among the hills toward the Rio Sacramento. Its sparkling waters mark the boundary lines and keep the county assessors of Solano and Yolo apart. And for this service the name-smashers of the two counties call the pretty little stream Putah creek, or "crick," which seems to be a popular California mispronuncia- tion. On the eastern side a meridian of longitude is the line for half the dis- tance and the Sacramento river is on duty for the remainder. One hundred and forty or fifty thousand acres of the southern portion of Solano are of the swamp and overflow lands, and every year some of the slough and bay bottom is turned up into the open air and into wonderful usefulness. From the extreme southwestern corner of the county, out in San Pablo bay, which touches the overflowed southeastern corner of Sonoma, to the most eastern point of Solano on the Sacramento, there is an uninterrupted navigable water- front of about sixty-five miles. This line, in the form of a crescent, begins in the west and, sweeping along its tule margin, takes in the fine bay ports of Vallejo and Benicia; in Suisun bay it incloses an archipeligo of islands, reclaimed lands, the richest of the rich acres of California; and then a long reach of Sacramento river before it cuts the Yolo line. Along the great stretch of waterway are the landing places, shipping points, the inlets and outlets HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 55 of this county's marvelous productivity. A line run north and south through the center of Solano from Putah creek to Chipp's island in Suisun bay would measure something like thirty-four miles ; and another county-center line from the Napa or Suscol hills running eastward to the Sacramento river would be about thirty-three miles long. This makes the mean measurement of Solano almost a square, not taking into consideration the sprit or jog — Vallejo township — -which extends westward sixteen miles through the tules. This cuts Napa from the bay-front, but it saves to Solano Vallejo, Mare island, an enormous sum of property valuation and approximately one-third of the population of the county. The western boundary line is not a line of grace and beauty, but it runs conveniently along the tops of the string of hills, zig- zagging on its freakish way northward to the headwaters of Putah creek. This using the everlasting hills for county "fences" is unusually common in California — a good idea, for it sets the limits of the sections and keeps the folks from drifting over into their neighbors' domains. The line may be ever so indelible, elusive, freakish, but the old mountain marks its locality. The student of this county's map, noting the peculiar topographical "lay of the land," will see a general restriction of the mountains to the northwestern corner. Napa continues her elevations into her neighbor's preserves, and the up-ranges of Yolo sink at the Putah to appear in Vacaville township ; or, to be clearer in description, they depress themselves, permitting the little stream gurgling down from its Lake county source to find its way eastward towards the Sacramento. This leaves the middle, eastern and southern por- tions of the county great sweeps of level, broken near the marshes by swells of treeless hill. These plains, beginning where the mountains abruptly cease, to reach away into the distant horizon, are in strong contrast to the wooded peaks and crags forever chained to their places in the north and west. Along the Suscols — or, as the Spanish called them, "Sierra de Napa" — the domes of elevation lift themselves sharply above the range, the heights running from the Elkhorn peak of one thousand feet to the Twin Sisters of sixteen hundred feet. Miller's peak, fifteen miles north of Fairfield, is the 1000-feet crest of the ridge that walls Pleasants valley from the plains ; and Blue Moun- tain, one of the Vaca range, towers over the fruitful vales of that region almost three thousand feet. These lands, high and low, peak and glen, are clothed in California's own wild vegetation, from the kingly oak down past the laurel, madrona, manzanita, the more lowly chaparral, to the humble oats and clover that alternately green and yellow the hills as the seasons go by. The upper framework of these hills is a silicious sandstone, erosion of which mingled with other drift from the hills comes down to the valleys, making a loose, warm soil, hence the early fruits and vegetables of Solano. Thus the old rocks up beyond the plow under the grind of time contribute of them- selves that which makes the lower lands so fertile. These sandstones with volcanic tufa and clay slate are good building material, fireproof and imperish- able, and are quarried for this purpose throughout the county. The hydraulic limestone or cement rock which is found abundantly in the hills near Fair- field has become one of the great industries of the state; and black basalt, in the western ranges, is sought for paving purposes. Among these rougher geological deposits is the cinnabar mined in the southern end of the Suscol range, and from which considerable quicksilver has been produced. Near Suisun is a quarry of fine white crystalline marble capable of a beautiful finish ; and where the deposit is tinted with oxide of iron it shows under polish like birdseye maple. Thus Solano's hills are as productive as her plains. Even the overflowed tracts that are being reclaimed and cultivated are rich in decayed vegetation and the sedimentary deposits from the higher lands. These are veritable gardens. This work of reclamation brings a twofold result. The great dredgers heaping up the levees that are to keep back the 56 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES tides and floods, deepen and widen the natural sloughs, making navigable waterways, around and through and by the new territory. Within this mesh of tule estuaries are Cashe, Merritt's, Bounds, Linda, Prospect, Miner's, Elk- horn, Grizzly and other sloughs not yet deepened and widened to the impor- tance of a name. Down from the hills flow the fresh water streams — products of the rains and springs — bringing moisture and fertility to the lands below. First of these is Putah creek, a Lake county contribution to the Sacramento river, splashing along the northeasterly edge of Solano till it loses itself in the tules of the big stream. Sweeny, Ulattis and Almo creeks start in the Vaca hills and end in Cashe slough, and Pleasants valley creek, threading that valley, adds itself to Putah creek. Suisun creek from the Napa hills and Green Valley creek from near the Twin Peaks flow down to the bays. Before the orchards and vineyards appeared in the incomparable valleys leagues of grain fields covered the slopes and levels and their yearly harvests poured in golden floods toward a world's market. Before these two periods a wilderness mapped by nature was hill and plain. A pioneer traveler in this noble garden has written : "Mile upon mile, acre after acre, the wild oats grew in marvelous profusion, in many places to a prodigious height — one great, glorious green of wild waving corn — high over head of the way- farer on foot and shoulder-high with the equestrian. Wildflowers of every prismatic shade charmed the eye, while they vied with each other in the gor- geousness of their colors and blended into dazzling splendor. One breath of wind, and the wide emerald expanse rippled itself into space, while with a heavier breeze came a swell whose waves beat against the mountain sides, and. being hurled back, were lost in the far-away horizon. Shadow pursued snadow in a long, merry chase. The air was filled with the hum of bees, the chirruping of birds, an overpowering fragrance from the various plants, causing the smallest sounds, in the extreme solitude, to become like the roar of the ocean. "The hillsides, overrun as they were with a dense mass of almost im- penetrable chaparral, were hard to penetrate ; trees of a larger growth struggled for existence in isolated sterile spots. On the plains but a few oaks of any size were to be seen, a reason for this being found in the devastating influence of the prairie fires, which were of frequent occurrence, thus de- stroying the young shoots as they sprouted from the earth, as well as scorching and injuring the older trees. This almost boundless range was intersected throughout with trails whereby the traveler moved from point to point, progress being, as it were, in darkness on account of the height of the oats on either side, and rendered dangerous in the lower valleys by the bands of wild cattle, sprung from the stock of the first or original settlers. These found food and shelter on the plains during the night; at dawn of day they repaired to the upper grounds to chew the cud and bask in the sun- shine. At every yard, coyotes sprang from the feet of the voyager. . The hissing of snakes, the frightened rush of lizards, all tended to heighten the sense of danger; while the flight of quail, the nimble run of the rabbit and the stampede of antelope and elk, which abounded in thousands, added to the charm, making the wanderer feel the utter insignificance of man, the 'noblest work of God.' "Then the rivers, creeks and sloughs swarmed with fish of various kinds that had not, as yet, been rudely frightened by the whirl of civilization. The water at the Green Valley Falls, that favorite picnic-resort of today, leaped, as now, from crag to crag, splashing back its spray in many a sparkle. Then the shriek of the owl, the scream of the panther or the gruff growl of the grizzly was heard." Solano county comes out of the void somewhere in 1817, when Lieutenant Jose Sanchez, with a small force of troops, crossed the Straits of Carquinez HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 57 "to explore the new country and to reduce the natives to Christianity," according to an old report of the affair. With characteristic Spanish prompti- tude, he reduced the rancherias and many of their inhabitants to ashes. That was about all the exploration that was done for almost a generation. Among the few Mexicans who early slipped into the locality were the Vaca (or Baca) and the Peha families. The date of their appearance is 1841. Manuel Vaca built his adobe dwelling in the noble valley that flowers and fruits in his name, and Juan Felipe Pefia settled not far away. Next year the Armijos occupied their grant a few miles north of the present county seat. These three families and Vallejo early owned all of what is now Solano, but now, of those big ranchos, only the memories remain. Even the names have dwindled. Vallejo is used to designate a city; Vaca (the gringos called it Barker) marks the limits of a valley; Armijo is a schoolhouse, and Pefia was changed to a creek, as enchanted persons in classic days were turned to fountains. Others of the early settlers have passed quite away, bag and baggage, date and name, leaving nothing for remembrance. But these im- provident Espafiols lived well during their short residence in Las Californias, and in their big adobes a rugged splendor was maintained. The ranchos were well stocked with horses, cattle, Indians and other forms of retainers, im- pedimenta. The adobe houses were not fairy structures, but were roomy and extremely comfortable, the thick walls making them warm in winter and cool in summer, and the tile roofs making them water-tight. When a don, with or without his family, went abroad, he went in state with gaily caparisoned vaqueros and servants for escort. CHAPTER XVII. EARLY SETTLERS OF SOLANO COUNTY. The first known American settler of Solano is John R. Wolfskill, who located on the Wolfskill grant on Putah creek in 1842. With his brother William he had first lived at Los Angeles, the two coming in 1838 from Kentucky and Missouri, where they had had ample opportunities to prove up on their sterling pioneer qualities. When John came northward from the southland he drove before him nine head of cattle. With his stock he first stopped at what is now Yountville, Napa County, and borrowing a fresh horse from the celebrated Napa pioneer, George Yount, he started eastward on a ranch-hunt. When he finally appeared on the banks of the Rio de los Putos, he was in the midst of a dense wilderness filled with fierce and dangerous animals. The first night of Wolfskill's residence on his estate was in a big tree with bears, panthers and other too-friendly carnivora prowling and howling around his bedroom or roosting-place. But John Wolfskill was not the kind of a man to shun the perils of the wilds, and his deadly rifle soon cleaned out the bands of bears and other original claim- ants. At this time he was the solitary American in Solano county, his nearest neighbors being George Yount in Napa and John Sutter at Sacra- mento. But with his brother Sershal he quickly cleared out the wilds and the noble estate on the Putah has long been the glory of that township. Outside of the Wolfskill ranch on Putah creek, Solano remained virtually a howling wilderness until 1846. Then other immigrants began to come in, among whom were Nathan Barbour and Landy Alford, just from Missouri. Alford went to Sonoma and Barbour that year enlisted in Fre- mont's battalion, serving with the "Pathfinder" for several months. In 1847 the two were together again, in Sonoma, each constructing a dwelling-house 58 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES and otherwise preparing to become permanent citizens of that pueblo. But a peculiar circumstance changed their plans. Dr. Robert Semple, one of the Bear Flag party, and United States Consul Thomas O. Larkin were interested in the building of Benicia. General Vallejo had donated the site on the north shore of the Carquinez straits, and only houses and their occu- pants were wanted, and Larkin was preaching an immigration to the new metropolis. He offered the two house-builders a site in Benicia, a bonus of $1,000 each if they would permit the removal of the domiciles. The offer was accepted and the beginning of Benicia went out of Sonoma. Probably the first American family in Suisun valley was that of Daniel M. Berry, who in 1847 located in a tent, about six miles west of Fairfield. This was near Rockville, where Chief Solano had lived, holding court over the red Suisuns. His adobe at that date was occupied by Jesus Molino, an intelligent Indian who farmed some of the fertile land lying around him. Captain Von Pfister was one of the notable arrivals in Benicia that year. He rented William McDonald's new adobe building and in this opened the pioneer store of the county. Among the early Solano residents who frequented this country emporium and sat on the captain's cracker barrels were Doc Semple, Charles Hand, Edward Higgins, Ben Burbush, Dave A. Davis, William Bryan (not Jennings), George Stevens, James Thompson, Stephen Cooper, F. S. Holland, Landy Alford, Benjamin McDonald, William Russell, Henry Mathews, William J. Tustan. Even from across the Straits of Carquinez came people, notably the Martinez family, "to trade" in Benicia. Samuel Green McMahon, the Longs — J. P., Willis and Clay — Albert Lyon and John Patton that year added themselves to the sparse settlement of Vaca valley. The great discovery of gold in 1848 shook up the world and California sprang full-populationed if not full-armed before the world. The last lap of the gold-seekers was from San Francisco up the bays, past Benicia and the Solano shore, and up the Sacramento river. In the winters of '49 and '50 large numbers of the miners returned to Benicia — those who were flush, to spend in the usual riot; and those who were not, to try their luck in more sober pursuits. Thus this portion of the new commonwealth began to show "on the map." In 1848 John Stilts, W. P. Durbin and Charles Ramsey located in Green valley. Landy Alford the next spring came up from Benicia and lived on what is now known as the Lewis Pierce farm, in Suisun valley. General J. B. Frisbie and Paul K. Hubbs about this time arrived at Benicia, and Mathias Wolf skill joined his brother, John R., on Putah creek. In the fall Nathan Barbour transferred his residence to Suisun valley; also there came to that locality J.~H. Bauman, W. A. Dunn and Harvy Rice. In 1850 Benicia and its rival — Vallejo, seven miles away — were becoming cities. They were rivals only in legislative honors when the state capital — on wheels — was rolling back and forth across the hills between the two places until it drifted "up the river" to New Helvetia. During the next year E. F. Gillespie, James G. Edwards located in Suisun valley; Charles Ramsey, J. B. Lemon and Captain Wing in Green Valley; W. G. Davison, George A. Gillespie arrived in the valley, and Elijah S. Silvey brought himself and his name to the town and township of Silveyville ; Dr. O. C. Udell was the pioneer physician of Putah creek, and J. M. Perry kept the first blacksmith shop in the county. In 1852 the first store in Suisun valley was opened by J. W. Seaver. The county was now settling up, and the wildness of the past growing tame in the hands of the newcomers. While many of the immigrants still lived in their early log cabins, occasionally frame dwellings would appear, though at considerable expense. John R. Wolfskill on the Rio los Putos hauled the timber for his residence from Benicia, distance forty miles. This cost him I2y 2 cents a foot, and the driver of his team cost him in wages $16 a day. At first the farms were not expensively han- dled. A few acres would, at the outset, be inclosed by a ditch and mound, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 59 with brushwood heaped on top to protect the growing crops from the depre- dations of wild cattle and other animals ; timber was not to be procured save under disadvantageous circumstances of fatigue and risk; while a still greater enemy was ever to be feared in the firing of the uncut portions of the wild oats, which, when ignited, burned with fearful rapidity. Civilization had, however, made its impress upon the land. Hay and grain were coming into the market, and between the Suisun landing, or embarcadero, small craft were transporting the produce to San Francisco. Benicia was the pioneer metropolis of Solano county and was for a time a candidate for metropolis of California — its rapid progress was marked. Major Stephen Cooper opened the first hotel in the county and called it the "California House." It was afterwards conducted by Captain E. H. Von Pfister at a rental of $500 a month. The first church was Presbyterian and was built in 1849, the frame of the building having been imported from one of the eastern states. The first school was opened during that year. The first birth was a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Barbour, and the first mar- riage was that of Dr. Robert Semple to Miss Fannie Cooper, the daughter of Stephen Cooper, Judge of the Court of the First Instance. The first record of a death is that of John Semple, a son of the doctor by a former marriage. In December, 1851, the plat of the town of Vacaville was filed and in 1853 a post-office was established at Cordelia. In this year Dr. S. K. Nurse located at what is now Denverton. The doctor called the place Nurse's Landing and it soon became quite a shipping point. The land under culti- vation in the county in 1852 was about 6,000 acres, and in 1855 this had increased to 18,500 acres, distributed as follows: Wheat, 7,500 acres, 150,000 bushels yield; barley, 5,200 acres, 156,000 bushels; oats, 700 acres, 28,000 bushels; hay, 4,000 acres, 6,000 tons; corn, 700 acres, 21,000 bushels; pota- toes 200 acres, 30,000 bushels; onions, 30 acres, 50 tons; other crops, 160 acres. In that year the county contained about 535,000 acres of land. To show the advance in seven years, the county assessor in 1862 reported the acreage of Solano to be 545,440, distributed as follows : Valley land, adapted for tillage, 292,000 acres; mountain and hill land, suitable for grazing pur- poses, 118,440 acres; swamp and overflowed lands (now being reclaimed), about 92,000 acres ; bays and estuaries within the county cover the surface of about 43,000 acres. The first legislature met at San Jose December 15, 1849, and the follow- ing February it passed an act subdividing the state into counties and estab- lishing seats of justices therein. In April the legislature established county courts of sessions, with a county judge and two justices of the peace as associate judges. This called for townships and Solano was subdivided into Suisun and Benicia townships. This arrangement was soon found to be unwieldy and Vallejo township was cut from it, as was Vacaville township cut out of Suisun. Then four divisions were found to be too few, and Green Valley township was chipped from Suisun and Vallejo. Other subdivisions have been made from time to time as the county grew in population and political importance, till now the townships are as follows : Benicia and Vallejo townships in the southwestern corner of the county; Green Valley, adjoining and directly north of Benicia township and bordering Napa county; Suisun, a large township but nearly one-half of its surface being reclaimed or- yet overflowed bay lands, situated in about the center of the county; Vacaville, in northwestern portion of the county, adjoining Napa and Yolo counties ; Elmira, a township almost square, east of the town of Vacaville ; Fremont lies in the northeast corner of Solano, bounded on the north and east by Yolo; Silveyville is between Vacaville and Fremont and bordering Yolo county; Maine Prairie is south of Fremont and Silveyville and borders Yolo on the east; south of these two townships is Rio Vista township, lying 60 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES its full length along the Sacramento river; west of Rio Vista and bordering on this river and Suisun bay is Montezuma township ; north of this and lying between Suisun on the west and Rio Vista on the east is Denverton township. CHAPTER XVIII. LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT, With population coming thickly to the upper portions of the county, the location of the county seat at Benicia was found to be too far from the county center. The result of this agitation was a county seat conven- tion met August 7, 1858, at Suisun City with the following delegates : Suisun township — Philip Palmer, R. D. Pringle, H. Russell, P. O. Clay- ton, John Wayman, John A. Payton, V. Hawkins, Frank Aldridge, J. P. McKessick. Vacaville township — H. B. Ammons, F. J. Bartlett, W. G. Fore, H. G. Davidson, E. L. Bennett, E. S. Silvey, Mason Wilson, J. M. Dudley, J. W. Anderson. George A. Gillespie. Montezuma township — E. A. Townsend, C. J. Collins, J. B. Carrington. Fremont township — R. S. Phelps, J. B. Tufts. Green Valley township — G. B. Stevenson, A. M. Stevenson, Samuel G. Martin, W. P. Durbin. It will be noticed that Benicia and Vallejo sent no delegates to the convention, but those present voted upon a location as they selected. Fair- field, Suisun City, Vacaville and Denverton entered the race for county seat honors. Captain Robert H. Waterman, for Fairfield, offered to deed the county sixteen acres adjoining the town, known as "Union Park," also four blocks adjoining this for courthouse grounds; A. P. Jackson, for Suisun City, proposed donating $5,550 in money, also a 120xl00-foot lot, then known as "Owen's Tavern Stand;" Mason Wilson, for Vacaville, bid four blocks of land and $1,000; J. B. Carrington offered Denverton without any cash induce- ments. In the vote Fairfield received sixteen ballots, Suisun City twelve and Mr. Carrington voted for Denverton. Fairfield was declared to be the chief candidate, to be voted on by the electorate of the county at the next general election. This took place September 2, 1858, with the following result : Fairfield, 1,029 votes; Benicia, 625; Denverton, 38; Suisun City, 26; Vallejo, 10; Rockville, 2; total, 1,730. This settled the county seat question and Captain Waterman gave bonds in the sum of $10,000 for the faithful performance of Fairfield's obligation. Union Park and the four blocks were deeded to the county, the first tract as a courthouse site and the additional lots to be sold for the benefit of the proposed buildings. It must not be imagined that Vallejo's ten votes were all she voted that auspicious day, or that they were the measure of a mild interest in the question. There is good reason to believe that the Vallejo vote could have kept the county seat at Benicia — only seven miles away — but for the remembrance of 1852, when the Carquinez city deprived Vallejo of the state capital. This is made evident in the following publication of the "disaster" in the Solano Herald of Benicia: "ET TU BRUTE! "In every general engagement, however glorious the bulletin of victory, there necessarily follows the melancholy supplement of casualties. In the list of killed and wounded of Wednesday's battle, our eye falls mournfully on the name of Benicia — Benicia! The long-suffering, mortally wounded, < o M ft hH 1837 : (Translation.) "To the Comandante-General M. G. Vallejo, Sonoma : "Francisco Solano, principal chief of the unconverted Indians and born captain of the 'Suisunes,' in due form before your honor represents : "That, being a free man, and owner of a sufficient number of horses and cattle to establish a rancho, he solicits from the strict justice and good- ness of your honor, that you be pleased to grant him the land of the Suisun, with its known appurtenances, which are a little more than four square HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 65 leagues from the 'Portzuela to the Salina de Sacha.' Said lands belongs to him by hereditary right from his ancestors, and he is actually in possession of it; but he wishes to revalidate his rights in accordance with the existing laws of our republic and of the order of colonization recently decreed by the supreme government. "He therefore prays that your honor be pleased to grant him the land which he asks for, and procure for him, from the proper sources, the titles which may be necessary for his security, and that you will also admit this on common paper, there being none of the corresponding stamp in this place. "(Signed) Francisco Solano." General Vallejo immediately issued a decree granting Solano tempo- rarily and provisionally the occupancy and use of the four leagues asked for. He also instructed the petitioner to petition the government of the state for the usual title deeds in order to make valid his rights. This the Indian did and in the answer written six days after (an American governor would have been nearer six years) Solano received the deeds to his rancho from Governor Juan B. Alvarado. The following is a translation of the grant : "Whereas, the aboriginal, Francisco Solano, for his own personal benefit and that of his family, has asked for the land known by the name of Suisun, of which place he is a native, and chief of the tribes of the frontier of Sonoma, and being worthy of reward for the quietness which he has caused to be maintained by that unchristianized people ; the proper proceedings and examinations having previously been made as required by the laws and regulations, using the powers conferred on me in the name of the Mexican nation, I have granted him the above-mentioned land, adjudicating to him the ownership of it, by these presents, being subject to the approbation of the most excellent departmental junta, and to the following conditions, to-wit : "That he may inclose it, without prejudice to the crossings, roads and servitudes, and enjoy it freely and exclusively, making such use and cultiva- tion of it as he may see fit ; but within one year he shall build a house and it shall be inhabited. "He shall ask the magistrate of the place to give him judicial possession of it, in virtue of this order, by whom the boundaries shall be marked out, and he shall place in them, besides the landmarks, some fruit or forest trees of some utility. "The land herein mentioned is to the extent of four sitios de granado mayor (four square leagues), with the limits, as shown on the map accom- panying the respective expediente. The magistrate who gives the possession will have it measured according to ordinance, leaving the excess that may result to the nation for its convenient uses. "If he contravene these conditions, he shall lose his right to the land and it may be denounced by another. "In consequence, I order these presents be held firm and valid; that a register be taken of it in the proper book, and that it be given to the party interested, for his voucher and other purposes. "Given this twenty-first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty-two, at Monterey. "(Signed) Juan B. Alvarado, "(Signed) Manuel Jimeno, Secretary." On October 3, 1845, the departmental assembly at Los Angeles issued an approval of the report and proceedings and Solano was confirmed in per- petual possession of his claim. The first application of Armijo was made in the following: "To the Senor Comandante-General : 66 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES "Jose Francisco Armijo, by birth a Mexican, before your honor, in the manner which may be best for me in the law, says : That having four sons, natives of the same country, without owning any lands to cultivate,, finding myself owner of about one hundred head of cattle, the product of which I annually lose, supplicate that your honor will be pleased to concede to me the place known by the name of Tolenas. That in company with my son, Antonio Maria, I dedicate myself to the cultivation of my own land and the breeding of cattle, with the understanding that the land which I solicit is from the place already mentioned, to Ololatos creek, containing about three leagues of land, more or less, and it joins with the Suisun rancho. "For this I pray that you will be pleased to decree as I have petitioned, for which I respectfully forward herewith the map. "This favor I shall perpetuate on my memory. [Does not know how to sign.] "Sonoma, November 22, 1839." Vallejo made an order on the margin of this petition in which permis- sion was given Armijo to occupy the premises described therein upon condition that he should not in any manner molest or disturb the wild Indians who lived upon it; but on the contrary should endeavor to inspire them with confidence in the whites; and should any act of rebellion occur among them, he should immediately communicate the same to Solano, the chief of the "Suisunes," with whom, by reason of his proximity Avith both parties, it would be convenient to advise as to whatever might conduce to the lives and tranquillity of the settlers. Armijo, upon this order, entered into the # possession of the land, and subsequently received his grant. Solano's title to the Suisun grant afterwards passed by purchase to General Vallejo, and Armijo's title to the Tolenas, upon his death in 1849, to his son Antonio. A long-drawn-out boundary dispute between Vallejo and Armijo over the north line dividing the Suisun and Tolenas grants for many years kept the titles of subsequent purchasers in the clouds. The litigation connected with Suscol and the Luco, or El Sobrante, grants was the most noted land controversy of the state. The Suscol title came from Vallejo and it was claimed by the subsequent purchasers that the eleven-league grant was given the general in consideration for money and supplies furnished the Mexican, or state, government. Also for his official services. After a long and expensive contest, the grant was declared invalid and the tract public land. Congress came to the relief of the pur- chasers under the Vallejo title with a special pre-emption act, which allowed them to enter their lands at $1.25 per acre. In the "Sobrante" case one Juan Luco claimed to have purchased from a Mexican vaquero a grant which he had received in all due form from the Mexican government. The size of the flimsy claim should have killed even an imaginary title, as it covered 284.000 acres. The grant was finally rejected by the courts, and the public domain made all the larger by said decision. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 67 CHAPTER XXI. BENICIA THE BLESSED. TBenicia would have been Francesco or Francisco but for the fact that the port of Yerba Buena, farther down the string of bays, "got there" first. The city on the straits of Carquinez was to take one of the names of Senora Vallejo (Francesca), but Yerba Buena got the name of St. Francis de Assisi, slightly changed it to San Francesco before her civic rival was ready for a title. So Benicia, another of Senora Vallejo's several Christian names, was substituted. The name means "beneficent," "beneficial," "blessing," and is a good one. Soon after the town survey was completed by Jasper O'Farrell, William I. Tustin, wife and son, from Sonoma, arrived at the place. They found the surveyor's stakes standing in the wild oats, the bay washing the shore, and that was all there was to Benicia the Blessed. The Tustins camped on the city site and three days after were joined by Dr. Semple, who came from Bodega with a schooner-load of lumber, a portion of which went into Tustin's house, and thus began the city named in honor of Francesca Benicia Maria Felipsa Carrillo- Vallejo. The town grew rapidly and was soon an important bay port, bidding fair to meet the anticipations of its founders. "Doctor" Bob Semple, the originator of Benicia, was a remarkable figure, as remarkable as ever came out of the blue grass meadows of Ken- tucky. He was almost seven feet tall and spare to thinness — but he was a "goer," and always busy. He was so long-limbed that when on horseback his feet were close to the ground — in fact, so far away from the animal's belly that he buckled the spurs on his legs instead of his heels. He was stoop-shouldered from having to bend his back in order to get down to ordinary people's height. He was sanguine and impulsive, kind and con- siderate, but quite determined to have his own way. and always sure that Benicia was destined to be the queen city of the great west. He ran the pioneer ferry between that place and Martinez — first by hand-power and after by horse-power, having rigged up a machine on his flat-bottomed scow. When the gold excitement startled the country and men were pre- paring for a stampede for the mines, Semple did not become enthused. His favorite mineral was coal, but he did not dream that across the straits, on the slope of Diablo, were great beds of the noble fuel. About this time Sam Brannan, on his way to Coloma, persuaded Captain Von Pfister to go in partnership with him, pack his stock of goods in Semple's ferry-boat and go up the Sacramento. Semple took them to a point as near the gold mines as he could, and when he returned to Benicia two weeks later he found an army of men and wagons en route to the "diggings" at the ferry waiting to cross. Von Pfister finally returned to Benicia, where he lived the remain- der of his life. The "doctor" formed a copartnership with William Robinson, John S. Bradford and Lansing B. Mizner under the firm name of Semple, Robinson & Co., for the transaction of general business. They purchased the Chilian bark Confederacion with her cargo of East Indian goods and moored her alongside the bank for wharf. That was her final resting place and she was long afterwards known as "the old hulk." The path between the bark and the store being over marshy tule ground, some of the muddiest places were paved with boxes of tobacco — that commodity being then a drug in the Benicia market, and lumber being correspondingly a scarcity. The firm prospered and soon added a two-story warehouse to their buildings. The 68 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES popularity of this trio of pioneers never waned. Semple was president of the first constitutional convention of the state and was the moving' spirit in that illustrious body that rushed this noble territory into the American Union. Bradford in the senate represented Solano in the first session of the legisla- ture at San Jose in 1850 ; he subsequently returned to Illinois and became mayor of Springfield. Robinson removed to Shasta county, where he was elected county judge. Mizner studied law, moved to San Francisco, where he successfully practiced his profession for years. He represented Solano in the senate, 1867-8, and was United States minister to Central America, 1889. His death occurred at his home in Benicia, December 9, 1893. In the latter part of 1849 L. B. Mizner and S. K. Nurse started a four- mule stage line, making tri-weekly trips between Benicia and Sacramento, connecting with San Francisco by sloop. This was continued till the arrival of steamers for the river run, when they sold their mules and quit. Bethuel Phelps was the pioneer building contractor, and even with lumber ranging from $200 to $600 per thousand feet and carpenter wages $16 and $20 a day, he put up stores and dwellings rapidly, but not too rapidly for the growing metropolis. Among the passengers who came to Benicia in the bark Confederacion were General Persifer F. Smith, the military com- mander of the department, and his staff; also C. E. Wetmore and family. The general was so impressed with the importance of the point that he immediately secured for the government sites bordering on Suisun bay for a military reservation. On this were constructed arsenal, barracks, maga- zines, quartermaster's storehouses and hospital. National troops have always been stationed at this post. The senior naval officer on the coast, about this time, brought the United States storeship Southampton to Benicia, mooring her near the town in what is now known as Southampton bay. He had other vessels of his fleet stationed in these waters, among which vessels were the 74-gun frigate Ohio, then the largest ship in the American navy; the frigates Savannah and Congress — the former had made the famous run into Monterey with Sloat and the flag that sealed California to Uncle Sam, and the latter vessel was afterwards destroyed by the rebel Merrimac in Hamp- ton Roads, Virginia ; the sloop-of-war Vandalia (lost at Apia in the awful hurricane that wrecked every craft in that harbor), and the transport Fre- donia (wrecked in the great tidal wave of 1868 at Arica, Peru) ; also the Levant (mysteriously lost at sea between Honolulu and Panama in 1866). Colonel Silas Casey, U. S. A., the first commander of the Benicia post, was first quartered with his staff and family on the old ship Julie, then moored in the mud near the arsenal building. The timbers of the ancient hulk are yet there. Among the soldiers, since famous, who were stationed at this post was Captain Lyon, afterwards General Lyon, killed at the battle of Lexing- ton, Mo., 1861. During an engagement with hostile Indians, one of his own men, by accident or design, shot a bullet through that officer's hat. In his report to General Riley, Lyon indignantly exhibited the hat, saying that the mysterious shot did not come from an enemy. "And it certainly did not come from a friend," answered the witty Irishman, and the investigation ended for want of further evidence. Rev. S. Woodbridge was one of the early arrivals in Benicia, and he soon organized a Presbyterian church — said to be the first Protestant church in California. Dr. Woodbridge also opened a day school, and among his many duties kept the records of the township. Dr. W. F. Peabody, during the summer of '49, established a hospital and was soon enjoying a large and paying patronage from return- ing miners. From 1853 to 1854 — for about one year — Benicia was the state capital. The city of Vallejo in 1851 had been declared the seat of govern- ment, but the members of the legislature were not satisfied with the accom- modations there, and other cities bidding for the honor of entertaining the lawmakers, there was a strong inclination to move again. January 12, 1852, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 69 both houses at Vallejo adjourned to meet at Sacramento on the 16th. On the afternoon of the 13th the steamer Empire left Vallejo for "up the river," and reached Sacramento next day. She was loaded "to the guards" with legislators and their friends. They were received with music, oratory, cannon thunders and other joyful noises and a grand ball given by the citizens com- pleted the welcome ceremonies. The county courthouse was prepared and on the 16th the legislature met for a session in the new capital. March 7 Sacramento was almost swept out of existence by a devastating flood, and the legislature next month hurried to pass an act again recognizing Vallejo as the permanent seat of government, and directing the governor to remove the archives from Sacramento to that city, without unnecessary delay, upon the adjournment of the legislature. Early in 1853 General Vallejo confessed his inability to carry out his portion of the contract. As in former years, many places bid for the capital, but Benicia with her offer of the new city hall won the prize. February 4 at Vallejo the legislature adopted a resolution to meet at Benicia on the 11th and on the 14th Vallejo was released from his obligation. May 18 another act was passed declaring Benicia the permanent seat of govern- ment, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, and it was de- clared unlawful for any court or judge to grant a writ of mandamus or other order directed against the state officers to compel them to remove the state archives or offices from Benicia or any other point in the state. The building in which the legislature met in Benicia is yet in existence, and is yet the city hall. Its walls are of brick and it is two stories in height. The rear portion of the lower story constituted the senate chamber, which was approached by a hallway from the main entrance. There were four large rooms in the building on that floor, opening into the hallway between the senate chamber and the entrance. In the upper story the assembly chamber occupied the rear part, and the front of the building was divided into two rooms. Although Benicia had done all she could to win, had carried out every agreement, was situated naturally for the capital city of the state, she was destined to lose ; and early in 1853 the "move" movement was in action. It was argued that only Sacramento could accommodate the offices and officers of the state and safely care for the public records. Gov- ernor Bigler in his annual message to the legislature, January 4, 1854, said : "Although deeply impressed with the importance as well as the necessity of economizing in every department of the state government, I feel it incum- bent upon me to direct your attention to the insecure condition of the public archives. The entire public records, as well as the state library, now number- ing 4,000 volumes, are kept in fragile frame buildings, without fireproof vaults or safes. The public records are now invaluable, and if destroyed could not be replaced, and their loss would involve the state and individuals in serious difficulties. In other states of the confederacy the officers of state are provided with substantial brick or stone buildings and the public records rendered entirely secure by being deposited in fireproof vaults or safes provided for that purpose. In this truly important matter we are admon- ished of the necessity of increased safeguards by the many and terrible conflagrations which have occurred during the past year. I trust, therefore, that you will, without delay, adopt such measures as you may deem neces- sary to render entirely secure the public archives in the several offices, and also the state library." On January 6 the governor sent a special message to the legislature transmitting a communication from the mayor and common council of Sacramento, offering, if the capital should be removed from Benicia to that city, to grant to the state government the free use of the courthouse and other suitable rooms for the accommodation of the state officers, together with fireproof vaults for the security of the public moneys and records ; to 70 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES remove the members of the legislature and the state officers and the govern- ment furniture and archives, free of charge from Benicia; and to grant to the state, for a building lot for the capitol, the public square between I and J and Ninth and Tenth streets. The courthouse tendered for the use of the legislature was the same building in which the sessions of 1852 had been held. It was of brick 60x80 feet in dimensions and two stories high. The people of Benicia offered the free use of the buildings then occupied for state purposes for as long a time as they might desire. The propositions were referred to special committees, to whom also were referred the various resolutions and bills that had been offered on the subject of the capital re- moval. A bill was introduced fixing the capital permanently at Sacramento, and after a hard fight for and against, passed both houses and received the governor's approval. A resolution to adjourn to the new capital city was hurriedly passed. and February 28, 1854, the governor and other state officers arrived at Sacramento, where they were received with numerous demonstra- tions of rejoicing, the Sutter Rifles escorting the newcomers through the streets and the mayor delivering an address of welcome. March 1 the legis- lature again met in the Sacramento courthouse and the Benicia statehouse was vacated. It became the county courthouse till the county seat removed to Fairfield, when it passed to its present status — the city hall. However, the loss of the capital was a disappointment, not a disaster. Nature gave what no legislature could take away — a noble site, a splendid position on the great waterway of California. It is a city of factories. The Benicia Iron Works, its buildings and yards covering an area of twenty-five acres, and from which is shipped a finished output averaging one thousand tons per • day, is located here ; as is the most extensive bolt plant in the west. The shipyards are an important feature of Benicia's prosperity. Here is the Turner which has sent its beautiful and graceful vessels to all portions of the globe. The Western Creameries Company, with a daily capacity of 5,000 pounds of butter, also a large output of condensed cream, adds to Benicia's commercial importance. In such a fruit county as Solano, a packing plant could be expected anywhere in the territory, consequently the Carquinez Packing Company now doing business in Benicia is in the usual order of events. Besides yearly 40,000 or 50,000 cases of fruit grown in Solano valleys, it packs thousands of cases of fish caught in Solano waters. The Benicia, the Shaw and the McKay tanneries employ several hundred men and annually turn out over $1,500,000 worth of leather. In 1853 St. Catherine's Academy, under the charge of the Roman Catholic Sisters of St. Dominic, was removed from Monterey to Benicia. Its faculty, the seven sisters, teach the one hun- dred and twenty day-pupils and thirty boarding pupils. The course of study is the same as the public grammar and high schools. Several other educa- tional institutions, public and denominational, are in flourishing condition. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 71 CHAPTER XXII. MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP. Principally this township is a tract of treeless, rolling hills for its north- ern portion and marsh lands for the southern. The soil of these hills is adobe, suitable for grain and hay, and the tract bordering the Sacramento river and Suisun bay is suitable for pasturage and dairying. Consequently much of the township is sparsely populated. Its only towns are Bird's Landing and Collinsville, the latter a small but lively shipping point on the Sacramento river, just where this stream and the San Joaquin river come together. This point is the great fishing ground of the state, and during the two salmon seasons of the year tons of this noble catch are canned here or sent to market in San Francisco. River steamers and other craft make Collinsville their regular stopping place and in daily connection with the outside world. C. J. Collins, in 1859, pre-empted this site and two years after he platted the place, built a store and wharf and gave it his name. Then a post-office was estab- lished with George W. Miller its postmaster. In 1867 he sold out to S. C. Bradshaw, who called the landing Newport. Bradshaw was a land-boomer and the fame of Newport and its greater future was soon known even in the east. Excursions from San Francisco brought buyers to the place and its lots were sold and resold. Finally E. J. Upham became the owner of the property. He was more practical and changed the town back to Collinsville, and also changed it from paper-Newport to the real place it is at present. Montezuma City. This metropolis is a has-been — in fact, it never was; but it was the pioneer town or city of the county; and this, with its kingly aboriginal title, maintains its place in history. In 1846 Lansing W. Hastings landed on the shore of Suisun bay near the present site of Collinsville. He was the advance agent of the Mormons to select a site for a colony of those peculiar religion- ists in then Mexican territory. Their hatred for the United States govern- ment would gain them the sympathy of Mexico and in the far west they would establish their new Canaan. Hastings thought he had found the ideal spot, and from the crest of a headland fronting on the bay he saw the Promised Land. Then he built an adobe house and called it Montezuma City to please Mexico and the Mexicans. It was not an unreasonable thought. The swell- ing tiplands to the north, which he immediately called "Montezuma Hills," were covered with rich verdure. The tall wild oats, a vast sea of green, waved in the almost eternal winds that swept, and sweep, over the country. There were no trees, but other vegetation made up for this, and wild game, such as deer and elk and other fauna, thickly populated the tract. To the south lay the grand twin-rivers and bays, waterways for the accommodation of the world's commerce. There were then several small settlements on the opposite or Contra Costa shore — the beginning of large cities in that portion of the territory. It was a panorama indeed that unrolled before this pioneer colonist — the snow-crested wall of the distant Sierras, with the majestic plain of the Sacramento between; grand old Diablo and her sur- rounding slopes and valleys across the waters ; the wide sweep of bay and coast range to the west, and the grand empire of mountain and level to the north. Here, thought Hastings, the Mormon would locate and thrive and wive and grow many and strong politically and defy his enemies. Bayard Taylor, in his book "Eldorado," which contains his travels in California during the last forties, speaks of the "City of Montezuma" as "a solitary house 72 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES on a sort of headland projecting into Suisun bay, and fronting its rival three- house 'City of New York,' " on the Contra Costa shore. But the dream of future greatness ended, though the embryo city of the Aztec passed into a deeper sleep. The American flag went aloft forever at Monterey and the possibility of establishing an independent Mormon commonwealth in California faded. Even its advance colonist drifted away, leaving his "city" to be tenanted by the local coyotes and visited by the passing sea-gulls. L. P. Marshall, with his sons, John and Knox, driving a band of cattle across the country during the winter of 1852-53, took posses- sion of the empty adobe. It was in a very dilapidated condition and had been stripped of every portable thing, even the doors and windows. In and about the house they found evidence that counterfeit coin had been manu- factured there by a wandering gang of counterfeiters or by Hastings to be used by his Mormon colonists. He never acquired title from either the Mexican or American government, but when he returned (from the mines) in 1854 he claimed pay for the improvements on the tract, consisting princi- pally of the old abandoned house. John and Knox gave him four mules, valued at $1,000. The Marshall people occupied this property many years as a cattle ranch after it passed to other ownership. CHAPTER XXIII. ALONG THE LOWLANDS. The townships of Denverton — which lies just north of Montezuma — Rio Vista, Maine Prairie, Silveyville and Fremont occupy much of the south and east portion of the county. Considerable of the surface is marsh re- claimed lands, though the other soils are extremely fertile and under high cultivation. Shipping places on the deep sloughs that reach inland from the bay afford ways to market for the country produce. Rio Vista, the prin- cipal town in the township of that name, was surveyed and started in 1857 by Colonel N. H. Davis. It is situated on the Sacramento river about one mile below the mouth of Cashe slough. In the memorable flood winter of '61 the old river literally washed old Rio Vista off its site and a newer and higher and safer site was found near where the present flourishing town of almost one thousand inhabitants is located. Fruit and fish canning is an important part of its industry, the broad river flowing by the place providing transportation. This section is a part of the old Ulpinos grant, formerly deeded to John Bidwell, then a naturalized Mexican citizen. Silveyville township gets its name from its pioneer settler, Elijah S. Silvey, who estab- lished the town of that name in the township. The town of Dixon received its title from Thomas Dickson, who donated ten acres of land for its site. It was to be named Dickson, but the first box of freight that was hauled into the new place was marked "Dixon" and could not be changed. Elmira town- ship, with its forty-five square miles of upland, is a veritable garden — fruit in the western portion next to that great orchard, Vaca, and grain in the east. Railroads pass through it hourly, the principal town, Elmira, being formerly called Vaca Station. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 73 CHAPTER XXIV. SUISUN TOWNSHIP. ''The Island" is Suisun City's original name, bestowed upon the place when the original human settler dispossessed the mudhens. A few lots, higher than the tides, but lower than the slough-bottom in practical value, were "The Island" in those far-days when Solano and his bucks chased game over these grain — and afterwards orchard — sites. The bay waters washed around and over the flats that now appear between the county seat and her — almost — self. This was contemporary with the time when the Mexican government gave Armijo three square leagues of these rare acres to gallop over, and waste just as soon as the land-grabbing gringo came along to wheedle him out of them ; "on or about" the time the Vacas (the Americanos who wouldn't speak Spanish called them "Barkers") and the Penas herded their cattle in the rich "Barker" valleys. There was deep water alongside the island and the fleet of small craft that began to cruise the sloughs made of it an embarcadero or landing place. Captain Josiah Wing, one of these skippers, located there — among the tules — and the mudhens embarked for other islands. From this Suisun City — they called it a "city" even then — ■ grew. The island spread and as the soil advanced .the slough receded Then landed Captain Bob Waterman, weary of the sea and its thirty years of turmoil, seeking the rest and seclusion which a house in Suisun valley grants. "Captain Bob" was a good citizen and lived quietly on his ranch near Fairfield. Lurid and amusing and saline-flavored are the tales which followed him from ship to shore. In them he was "Bully Waterman" and around and in the vicinity of "The Horn" he had dropped many a sail-reefing sailor from the yards rocking in the fury of a southeast gale. Then came Cal and D. D. Reeves, J. B. Lemon, Allen C. Miller, William J. Costigan, John W. Pearce, P. J. Christler, E. P. Hilborn and J. B. Hoyt. About 1860 R. D. Dobbins arrived in Suisun valley — with four-bits in his pocket — so he proudly affirms, though there be many of his neighbors who affirm that that coin, the pioneer of the millions of like coins he now possesses, was at that early time in his hand, ready for investment in the rich, fertile field of Solano ; albeit, Mr. Dobbins made good use of his time and now owns houses and lands and herds and banks "all over." While Suisun City down on her "island" was attaining the importance of the chief county port-of-entry and departure, another town was growing just outside of the "city's" ring of tules. This was the future county seat. When Benicia lost that distinction Robert H. Waterman offered a public park and new city blocks for public building sites. Captain Bob came from the state where the wooden nutmeg grows, and from a town named Fair- field — possibly the said nutmegs flourished unusually well in that field. The board of supervisors hauled the county records and the county officers up from Benicia, told the ex-skipper to hand over his town lots, built thereon a courthouse and jail and called the whole settlement Fairfield. The filling-in process between the twin-towns went on until the plank roadway was re- moved and "the island" was completely surrounded by land. That the two places — the town of Fairfield and the city of Suisun — do not combine, merge, mix and make a showing on the Solano map is of some wonder. By the last census the county seat is accredited with 834 population, while 640 souls inhabit "the island," and the question is — why do not the "Islanders" hook up with the " 'Fielders" and the two become one fair town? Solano's large 74 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES places are not many — they run: Vallejo, 11,340; Benicia, 2,360; Vacaville. 1,177; Rio Vista, 884; Fairfield, 834; Dixon, 827; Suisun, 640; Elmira, 397; Collinsville, 275; Army Point, 220; Batavia, 125. Suisun valley and its western neighbor, Green valley, were soon occupied, their fertile levels sheltered by the surrounding hills, early attracting the atten- tion of the immigrant. Quickly the big ranchos were cut up into farms and wheat was practically the staple product from the Suscol range to Putah creek. But the great, never-failing profit in fruit turned many grain fields to orchards, the warm, sheltered soils of this section of the state being nature's fruiting place. Between two parallel ranges of hills is Green Valley, its southern end being at Bridgeport, in the bay tules, and probably every acre of the valley proper is under cultivation, either in grain, trees or vines. A number of large dairies send their product from this fertile vale and the bor- dering slopes and hills are grazing grounds for a big beef-cattle industry. The noted Fred Jones cherry orchard occupies much of the upper or northern end of the valley. The output of this noble holding has made a special place for itself in the eastern markets. This place was first a vineyard, the remains of its stone wine cellars yet to be seen near the present cherry packing houses. F. S. Jones came to California from Massachusetts in 1853, first settling in Sonoma, where he married Mary Swift, the daughter of William Swift, a prominent and wealthy pioneer of Sonoma valley. About ten years later Mr. Jones settled in Solano county, where his son, Frederick H. S. Jones, now lives and thrives, growing the fruit that is known far over the world. Three large vineyards and wineries are located on the warm slopes of the valley. This division of Solano agriculture was commenced by John Votypka, an Austrian, who settled in 1858 near the foot of the "Twin Sisters" mountain and planted a vineyard. Votypka is now a resident of Santa Rosa, but his large orchard is a part of Solano's rich fruit belt. Besides her orchards and vineyards, Green Valley township has another source of wealth, which, however, is down under the rich soil. This is in the crushed rock and building stone quarry near Cordelia. It is located at a 250-acre hill of vol- canic tufa and the entire plant of expensive machinery is owned by the E. B. and A. L. Stone Company. CHAPTER XXV. INDUSTRIES OF THE SUISUN VALLEY. The fruit industry of Suisun valley is only in its beginning, but it is immense. No irrigation is needed for these orchards, but they earn each year probably a million dollars. Possibly a third of this amount is in the refrigerated carloads that roll eastward from Suisun every summer. During the picking season the orchards are hives of industry, where the busy workers harvest the golden output. Among these great tree-tracts are the Lewis Pierce, the Hatch and the Chadbourne orchards, principally of apricots, pears, cherries and peaches. Nor is the fresh fruit industry of all importance. The dried fruit business for six months in the year is of great volume. At Suisun and Fairfield are the large packing-houses of the J. K. Armsby Company and of the Ernst Luehning Company, which employ hundreds of people, and ship away to foreign markets an immense quantity of fruit and nuts. Another product of this wonderful valley is cement. The quarry and plant owned by the Pacific Portland Cement Company is located about six miles northeast of the county seat. The quality of the product is the equal of any known cement and is in use over all the Pacific coast. The plant turns out about three thousand barrels daily and gives employment to eight or ten hundred men. Here is the town of Cement, popiilated by the families of HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ' 75 the employes of the company. A school is maintained at Cement for the children of the locality, also a hospital for the sick or injured. The peculiar character of the rocks of Solano county makes the formation good building material and another source of wealth to the quarryman. Even at an early day fine dwellings and other houses were constructed of this natural material. The large church building at Rockville, about five miles west of Suisun, is of stone. Rockville, by the way, is a has-been village. Only its old church exists, and that is as silent as the small graveyard around it. Even its only historical claim — Chief Solano had a royal rancheria there — has lost interest; and the fact that it is, or was, the pioneer settlement of the valley is forgotten. The latest and most important building event in Solano county is the new courthouse. This noble white granite pile was erected in 1911 immediately in the rear of the old building. This was a convenient arrangement, as it insured the construction of the new house in the public park, and when the county officials stepped across the threshold into their new quarters, the old were immediately demolished and removed. The new temple is of two stories, stone, and the interior beautifully finished in marble. A splendid stairway leads to the superior court chamber and apartments above. Suisun and Fairfield, consolidated, will grow larger and become of greater importance. A line of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company splits the dual town, but in a near day the great electric system now reaching westward from the state capital will touch with a revivifying hand "the island" and its neigh- bor. The federal government is deepening and straightening out the sloughs that connect Solano's embarcadero with the great bays, and this will give Suisun a deep and straight-away run through the tules to the sea. The twin towns have their own water systems, and natural gas is now piped from the hills down into the streets. CHAPTER XXVI-. VACA VALLEY. There is a township called Vacaville, which is the general name for the northwest corner of Solano county, comprising about sixty-seven thousand acres. In this township is a valley and they call it Vaca, and Vaca valley, warm, rich vale of tree and vine, comes first to the stranger when he men- tally refers to the fruity output of California. Somebody tried to name this incomparable spot "Ulattis," but "Vaca" it would be, and is ; and the better title prevailed. After the Vaca and Pefia families came the Lyons, the Longs, the Hollingsworth, the Dollarhides — father and three sons — Edward Mc- Greary, John Fisk, Mason Wilson, J. G. Parks, W. R. Miller and W. A. Dunn. Vaca valley, five or six miles long and about two miles wide, between two ranges of high hills, extends northerly from the great Sacramento plain. In its two additions, the Pleasants and Lagoon valleys, is the wondrous fer- tility continued. For ages the alluvial accumulations from the bordering mountains have been deposited in these glens and in this rich soil all vege- tation springs to perfection. The first settler in Pleasants valley was J. M. Pleasants, who located there in 1851, and there in that beautiful vale, so fittingly named, the family has lived ever since. Among the orchards in these valleys are such names as Bassford, Buck, Kidd, Marshall, Smith, Scarlett and Elliott. Manuel Cabeza Vaca, in 1850, deeded to William McDaniel nine square miles of land, with the provision that on one of the square miles McDaniel would lay out a townsite and call the place Vacaville. The consideration was 76 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Manuel Cabeza Vaca. $3,000 and several of the lots deeded back to Vaca. McDaniel set apart for M. C. Vaca two hundred lots and sold L. B. Mizner an undivided half of the tract, three English miles square. The town was surveyed by E. H. Rowe, and the first building of Vacaville was erected that j^ear by McDaniel. The second building was a small hotel kept by James McGuire, and the first store was run by E. F. Gillespie. This was the beginning of the beautiful town sitting on both sides of the Ulattis creek. In 1869 the Vaca Valley and Clear Lake Railway connected the town and township with the outside world. And the place has kept pace with the times. Costly buildings, public and private, adorn its streets, notably its noble Union high school, brick public school and public library. The population within the town limits is about fifteen hundred, though the valley in the vicinity is thickly populated. During the fruit season these populations increase out of all limits. Solano Statistics. Every cluster of figures for this year, 1912, shows a large increase over those of the last year. The assessed valuation of county taxable property is $21,000,808, distributed by Assessor E. E. Long as follows: Real estate, other than city and town lots $10,852,729 Improvements on same 2,208,103 City and town lots 2, 199.924 Improvements on same 3,320,319 Improvements on real estate assessed to other persons than owners 20,000 Personal property 2,399,733 The valuation of all kinds of property in incorporated cities and towns assessed by the county is as follows : Benicia $ 781,439 Vacaville 497,963 Rio Vista 296.105 Fairfield '. 254,490 Dixon 416,235 Suisun _ 351,425 Valleio : 3,837,674 Total $6,435,333 Other Valuations. Cattle, $208,405; hogs, $29,860; mules, $128,700; jacks, $5,950; horses, $670,800; sheep, $125,300; poultry, $7,500; machinery, $150,000; automobiles, $136,500; oil tanks, $5,000. Acreage of Grain, Etc. Wheat, 150,000; barley, 110,000; hay, 40,000; alfalfa, 12,000; oats, 6,000; corn, 500; beans, 300; grapes, 3,150. Number of Fruit Trees. Peaches, 560,000 ; prunes, 460,000 ; pears, 304,000 ; apricots, 236,800; plums, 110,500; almonds, 110,000; cherries, 95,800; oranges. 8,000; apples, 6,500; figs, 6,000; walnuts, 6,000; olives, 6,000; lemons, 3,000; limes, 300. Superintendent Dan H. White of the county schools in his annual report gives the number of high school pupils as 441 and of the elementary schools 3,568; teachers in all schools, 142; receipts for high schools, $108,769.32; ele- mentary schools, $147,191.25; total, $255,960.57. Disbursements for high schools, $64,761.64; for elementary schools, $149,728.32; total, $214,489.96. High school property valuation, $84,968 ; elementary school property valuation, $243,260. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 77 CHAPTER XXVII. NAVY YARD— MARE ISLAND. By J. 0. Hanscom. It was early found out, when the United States came into possession of what is now called California, that it would be necessary to have a station where ships could be repaired, instead of sending them east around Cape Horn for that purpose. After Mare Island had been selected the secretary of the navy entered into a contract with the firm of Dakin, Moody, Gilbert & Secor to build a sectional dock for the Pacific coast. A floating clock, consisting of twelve sections, was put together in New York, then taken apart and shipped to Mare Island to be erected at that station for ship repairing. In the agreement it was stated that the contractors could have use of the sections for making repairs on the mercantile ships as well as war vessels, until six months' notice after completion had been given that the government would resume full possession of the sectional dock. As soon as seven or eight sections had been completed the Dock Company (so called) commenced to repair ships of commerce. The first vessel was the steamer Pacific, belonging to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Many other vessels from time to time were placed on the dock. When the government was notified by the contractors that the dock was completed and the government made a test of the same by placing the U. S. Naval Frigate Independence on the dock, rais- ing her and letting her stay over night, then on acceptance the secretary of the navy gave the agreed six months' notice for taking the docks out of the hands of the contractors. In 1856 the firm turned over the docks, disposed of all material and tools on hand and the navy yard authorities were the sole occupants of the navy yard. Before the sectional dock was completed the United States government entered into a contract with the same firm that built the sectional dock to build a basin and railway for the purpose of taking vessels out upon the land whenever extensive repairs were needed, leaving the dock free to take up other vessels. This basin and railway were constructed under the superin- tendence of Isaiah Hanscom, afterwards of the navy. In March of 1856 the late Commodore Isaiah Hanscom was appointed the first naval constructor for the Mare Island Navy Yard. In 1860 he was ordered to the Kittery Yard, and after the Norfolk Navy Yard was retaken from the Southern Confederacy, Mr. Hanscom was sent there to reconstruct it, as an attempt had previously been made to destroy it. Later he was ordered to the Charlestown Navy Yard, from which station he was promoted to the position of chief constructor of the United States Navy, which position he held for nearly two terms and was then placed upon the retired list, having reached the age of sixty-two years. It was finally tested by filling the sloop-of-war Warren with stone, floating her on the sectional dock, moving dock and ship into the basin and then hauling the ship out on the mainland, where she laid on the railway three or four days, when she was again pushed on the dry dock, floated out in the stream and then lowered into the water to resume her position alongside of the Warren, a storeship, later on being sent down to the Isthmus of Panama, where her bones now lie. In the latter part of the '70s a stone dock was built to take the place of the sectional dock, which from age had become unsafe to lift seagoing vessels. 78 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES This dock was built similar to the stone dock at the Norfolk Navy Yard. It was built under the immediate supervision of the late Civil Engineer Calvin Brown, a man of large experience in his line of industry. Later on another dry dock, still larger than the first stone dock, was built, capable of taking in the largest ship at present in contemplation of being built by the United States. Numerous troubles arose during the construction of the dock, and the original contractors were forced to give up their contract. From the early date in September, 1854, when Commander D. G. Far- ragut (later on captain) was sent to the Mare Island Navy Yard as command- ant, there has been a general progression in the way of efficiency. Quite often buildings, tools, etc., become obsolete and are dispensed with for later improvements. What is all right today is almost all wrong tomorrow. During the past three years there has been a tendency of the navy depart- ment to place its navy yards upon a mercantile basis, but improvements of this kind move slowly. The old-fashioned brick dwellings, under a plea of great damage by an earthquake, were demolished and wooden structures of modern design replaced them. Introduction of electricity at the navy yard has a history of its own and perhaps will be interesting for the future generations to read. About the first known use of electricity in the navy yard was when Captain Johnson, executive officer of the Mare Island Navy Yard, in the early '80s, purchased a clock run by electricity for his office in the brick office building located near the present flagpole. For some cause or other it stopped one day, and the captain could not induce it to move along, do what he would. He sent down to the steam engineering department for some good mechanic to make the necessary repairs. No one could be found who had any knowledge of electricity in the steam engineering department. Some one suggested that George E. Hanscom, who was learning the machinist trade in the construction depart- ment, and had made a little study of electricity, would be the right person to solve the difficulty. He was sent for, and upon making an examination immediately saw where the trouble was, but, like the venerable watchmaker, was shrewd enough to take his time about adjusting the works. However, he made the repair, which was of a very slight nature. The clock started on its daily run as if nothing had happened. This made the reputation of Hanscom, who was immediately called an electrical machinist. Admiral B. H. McCalla, the commandant of the station at that time, was favorable to electricity, and one day, sending for Hanscom to come to his office, asked if he could not put up a telephone from the yard gate to his. office with such old material as could be found in the yard, but not on charge, as the navy department at that time would not approve of the expenditure of a ten-cent piece for any- thing pertaining to the use of electricity. Young Hanscom took possession of some old wire rigging, found some old material which could be used for poles, and without assistance constructed a line from the commandant's office to the water's edge. He had to get his plant by picking up a little here and there, wherever it could be found. Finally a line was constructed serving nearly all of the necessities of the station. As time wore on, the navy de- partment began to learn something by experience. One day, some months after the above work had been performed to an extent as before stated, orders were sent to the commandant of the Mare Island Navy Yard to install a plant covering the ground of the work already done. It was the first authority given Mare Island to make use of electricity for various purposes. During the year 1911 the government detailed the U. S. S. Buffalo to carry electricians and other mechanics, under the direct command of Lieu- tenant E. H. Dodd, U. S. N., to go up north and arrange for wireless stations in and about the Behring sea. The result was that temporary stations were installed at Dutch harbor and at St. Paul's island (Prybiloff islands), in addi- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 79 tion to the station on Kodiak island. Three stations are in thorough working order and connect up with the Sitka station every night. The government contemplates sending the same parties north again in 1912 for the purpose of making the named stations permanent and installing plants accordingly. The whole Pacific coast of the United States now is cov- ered with wireless plants, which can be used in the daytime as well as by night. High aerials appear to have solved day operation of the wireless system for long distances. Very much of the success of the electrical system on the Pacific coast is due to the late Admiral B. H. McCalla, who was early interested in it and did all in his power to advance it. Immediately under George E. Hanscom's direction, all of the old works were placed one side and everything of a newer electrical type was installed, covering telephones to all offices and officers' quarters, even to the extreme south end of the island. As ships arrived at the station for repairs, electricity was installed on board for the various uses then known. Machine shops and foundries were erected in order that a large amount of the machinery, etc., required for the various stations might be made at the navy yard. Later on the success of Marconi as well as others in using high potentials of Tesla's discovery brought forward wireless telegraphy. Mr. Hanscom, on account of his experience and unvaried success in other branches of electric work, was given charge of the wireless department as the practical manager. Under his immediate supervision the following plants have been installed : Mare Island, Goat Island, the Farralones and, going south, a station at Point Arguello, and at about the extreme end of the United States' possessions, the last sta- tion, at Point Loma, several miles distant from San Diego. Going north of the Golden Gate, there is a station located at Table Bluff, another at North Head, in the state of Washington; another at Sitka, Alaska; another at or near Cordova, southwestern Alaska, and another at Kodiak Island (recently com- missioned). A station has also been located at Tatoosh Island, Oregon. There is every reason to believe that every one of the stations named will be in commission by September 1, 1912. It will give the United States government a wireless control of a good part of the Pacific ocean and will enable whalers to give notice of their whereabouts in the winter season. Various plants have been established at the navy yard for home manufacture of thousands of small articles now brought from abroad. The present wireless conditions on the Pacific coast are considered up-to-date and equal to any in any part of the world. From year to year new inventions are made and go into public use in a thousand different ways. The power is known to be unlimited. It is only necessary to know how to harness it and apply it in a shape to do the work required. Every year since the Mare Island Navy Yard was established there has been more or less improvement made in the plant. Better shops have been provided for to perform the work necessary to repair or build ships for the navy. Within the past two years the secretary of the navy has been making changes in the system of carrying on the work. It is the evident intention to eventually have the yard managed similar to a well-to-do private establishment of the ship-building order. The number of divisions has been cut down and labor is being performed to better satisfaction than heretofore. It has become necessary for the navy yard authorities to make a clean showing of the large amounts of money spent at the various stations. The Mare Island Navy Yard is forging to the front faster than any other in the way of doing more and having it cost less than any other navy yard on the Atlantic or Pacific. When the present contemplated improvements are completed it will give the authorities an opportunity to show that California mechanics can build as fast ships and at a cheaper cost than at any government station, either on the Atlantic or Pacific. A new power-house, designed to furnish power for all of 80 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the manufacturing shops at the yard, is nearing completion. It will make an immense saving to the government when once in running order. Mare Island — Its Name. \ There have been several claimants to Mare Island, as the following, taken from the records of the county at Fairfield, will show how the title has been attacked at different times : "In the year 1849 one V. Castro agreed to sell Mare Island to M. G. Vallejo. In 1859 V. Castro entered into a contract with M. L. Chase as agent for the Mexican government to dispose of Mare Island, and in 1857 V. Castro deeded an undivided one-half to J. I. Stockman. In 1852 J. P. Turner filed his possessory claim for 160 acres located on Mare Island. In 1852 L. B. Harkness filed his possessory claim for 160 acres on the island. In 1856 the sheriff closed out the interest of Harkness under execution to W. H. R. Wood. In the year 1857 R. Miller filed a lien on Mare Island, making J. D .Myers defendant, for services rendered for boring artesian wells. In 1870 J. W. Geory brought suit against H. Halleck, J. R. Bolton and F. Billings for an undivided 67-80th interest in Mare Island." i\ Late generations have questioned the name given to the island upon which the navy yard is located. Although several solutions have been given, we are inclined to believe the following as the true version. It was narrated by Dr. P. M. G. Vallejo, a son of the late General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, after whom the city of Vallejo was named. We read as follows : "In the early days the only boat for ferry purposes on the water near Vallejo and Benicia was a rude one, made chiefly of oil barrels obtained from whaling ships and propelled by sails. These barrels were secured together by beams and planking and it was divided into compartments for the accommodation of cattle, to the transportation of which it was chiefly devoted. One day while the ferry-boat was crossing from Martinez to Benicia, a sudden squall over- took it and the craft pitched fearfully about, and the animals (chiefly horses) became restive and some of them broke through the partitions and the boat upset, causing the living cargo to be thrown into the bay. Naturally, some of the live-stock was drowned and some managed to reach either shore by swimming. One of the horses (an old white mare owned and highly prized by General Vallejo) succeeded in effecting a landing on the island and was rescued from there a few days afterwards by the general, who thereupon called the place 'Isla de la Yegua,' or Mare Island." It lies in the San Pablo bay, at the mouth of Carquinez straits, and com- prises about 900 acres of land. Some time in the early '40s it appears that one Victor Castro obtained permission to herd his horses upon this island, and in 1846 Castro received from Governor Alvarado a deed absolutely con- veying the property to him and the title to the island. Among the first settlers on the island were William Bryant and Major Stephen Cooper. Later a number of others laid claim to the island, but their squatter title was of no value. Later they were all ordered away by the officers of the United States government, and the latter has remained in sole possession ever since. It was not long after California became practically a part of the United States, when Commodore John D. Sloat of the navy, who assisted in the capture of the country, saw the necessity of having some place where the government ships could be repaired, and thus save a long trip around Cape Horn, and to one of the navy yards on the Atlantic coast. The attention of the navy department at Washington was called to the fact, and on December 13, 1852, Hon. John P. Kennedy, at that time secretary of the navy, appointed a commission for the purpose of selecting a spot desirable for the location of a navy yard. The following-named gentlemen were selected to perform the duty : Commodore John D. Sloat, Commander W. S. Ogden, Lieutenant I. F. Blount and Civil Engineer W. S. Sanger. This commission, of all the various HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 81 points about San Francisco and the inland bays, decided upon Mare Island as being the most advantageous, and their report was duly forwarded to the secretary of the navy. Quoting from the commission's report, we read as follows : "We have the honor to state the island, including the tule opposite Vallejo, contains about 900 acres, in addition to a large tract of tule extending towards Napa and Sonoma. There is ample space for all the buildings required for a navy yard, with good anchorage for ships of war. We consider it the most eligible location near San Francisco." | On December 10, 1853, Secretary of the Navy John P. Kennedy forwarded a letter to W. H. Davidge, agent of W. H. Aspenwall, in relation to the pur- chase of Mare Island, and this letter formed, to a certain extent, an agree- ment between two parties for the purchase of Mare Island. A portion of this agreement reads 'as follows: "The United States shall agree to allow a con- venient ferry for intercourse and make a reservation of such land as the United States government may find convenient for ferry purposes, but the ferry to be so far under the control of the government as to compel the removal to any part of the public property which may be designated by the navy department for its own convenience or advantage. It also reserves the right to forbid any communication between Mare Island and the mainland." The bill of sale includes "all the tule or lowland and marsh belonging to the same, or which has ever been reputed or claimed to belong to the same." The expenses of the commission were $11,508, which was paid out of $100,000 appropriated for the purpose by Congress on January 4, 1853. The sum of $83,491 was paid by the United States government on account of the purchase of the island. The owners, who deeded the property to the government, were George W. P. Bissell of San Francisco, who owned 466-640 ; W. H. Aspenwall, who owned 124-640, and Mary S. McArthur of Baltimore, who held 40-640. In 1853 the United States government entered into a contract with Dakin, Moody, Gilbert & Secor of New York to build a basin and railway for the Mare Island Navy Yard at a cost of $840,000, for the purpose of taking ships out on the mainland and repairing them while the sectional docks were being used to raise vessels and make quick repairs on the dry docks. ^Previous to entering into the building of the basin and railway the government had con- tracted with the same firm to build a dry dock of ten sections. This dock was built in New York and then taken apart and freighted around the Horn and unloaded on Mare Island and reconstructed. Vessels loaded with this material began to arrive at Mare Island in September, 1852. With the material also came some workmen and superin- tendents. J. T. Dean was in charge with Darius Peckham as foreman me- chanic. Among the mechanics who came out from the east to erect the dock was John Callender. When these people first landed they found a solitary inhabitant, whose name was Griffin. He was familiarly known as "Pop" Griffin, and was of the western type of frontiersman. He was given employ- ment as a hunter by the dry dock company, and stayed in the same employ until the island became a navy yard, when all of the workmen were ordered to move across the channel to Vallejo. The vessels which brought out the dry dock were named the Empire, Queen of the East, Defiance and California Packet. The work of rebuilding the sectional dock was commenced in the latter part of 1852 and continued until 1855, when it was tested by the docking of the razee frigate Independence, this vessel, commanded by Captain Josiah G. Tatnall. having been ordered to the yard for that purpose. On July 29, 1854, the late Chief Naval Constructor Isaiah Hanscom assumed the superintendency of the dry dock company's work, completing the sectional dry dock and the building of the new basin and railway. From sound- r *■ 82 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ings made by the writer there was forty-two feet of water at high tide directly in front of the outer line of the last new dock built at the navy yard. Up to that time there were no obstructions on the island water front, and the water was clear enough to see the bottom of the river where it was covered by more than twenty feet of water. About September 10 Captain (he did not have that rank at that -date) D. G. Farragut arrived, with his wife, son and private secretary, Paul Loyall. at the island, accompanied by Colonel Daniel Turner, formerly a member of Congress from the state of North Carolina, who had been appointed a civil engineer for the navy yard, and with him were two daughters, Misses Alice and Helen. These ladies were afterwards married — Miss Alice to Dr. John M. Browne and Miss Helen to Dr. John Messersmith, both officers of the United States Navy. As there was but one good dwelling house on Mare Island at that time, and that occupied by the agents' of the U. S. Dry Dock Company, when Captain Farragut arrived with his family and Mr. Turner and his daughters, they were given, for a few days, room and lodgings with Messrs. Secor and Plans- com. That building is now located on the north side of the office building, which is located north of the flagpole. Captain Farragut immediately ordered the storeship Warren brought up from Sausalito, where the United States government had kept their stores for war vessels since the occupation of California. This ship was commanded by Lieutenant David McDougall, afterwards admiral. As soon as she arrived at the yard her main cabin was fitted up for the accommodation of the com- •mandant of the station, the civil engineer and their families. The wardroom was used by the officers of the vessel and some of the clerks which Captain Farragut had given positions to. On September 16 the flag of the com- mandant was raised on the Warren and later transferred to a new flagpole, where it stands today. The first officers to hold positions at the navy yard at its organization were: D. G. Farragut, captain and commandant; Thomas G. Corbin. lieu- tenant and executive officer ; Daniel Turner, civil engineer ; Abraham Powell, Jr., master carpenter and joiner; Robert S. King, master blacksmith; James Warner, master mason. It was late in the fall when grading for the foundation of the new brick blacksmith shop was commenced. Quite a large amount of earth was re- moved, and it was not until March 24 (Saturday) that the first brick was laid for this, the first permanent building erected on Mare Island. The building was completed the following October. In the meantime the new basin and railway were being built and the dry dock company was using the partially completed sectional dock for the purpose of repairing vessels of the merchant marine as well as such government ships as were in need of repairs. The first vessel to be raised on the section, after enough had been completed to do the work, was the merchant ocean steamer Uncle Sam. Following her, from time to time, all of the ocean steamers plying on the Pacific ocean were placed upon this dock and necessary repairs were made. The dock was finally tested on Monday, December 10, 1855. The vessel having been duly centered and located on the dock, the pumps were started at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, and at 40 minutes past 3 the big ship was all out of water, ready for repairs. On the next day (Tuesday) the dock was lowered and the Independence was put afloat again just as the announcement of the noon hour was made. The board reported the success of the trial at Washington. Finishing touches were put upon the different sections and the United States government gave a six months' notice to the contractors for the turning of the dock over to the navy yard authorities. It was a stipulation in the contract with the government that the contractors should have the use of the dock until six months' notice HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 83 had been given by the government. In the meantime the dock was used for the benefit of the merchant marine of the Pacific ocean. Captain Farragut, on assuming command of the station, immediately ap- pointed James Logan, late of Vallejo, as a watchman for the yard. A large wooden storehouse was immediately built, a little north of the present ferry- house. Work was commenced on a small house for the commandant and was also used as an office until more permanent buildings were erected. h The only parties who made any claim to Mare Island when Captain 1 Farragut landed on the territory was old "Pop" Griffin, a Mr. Turner and a French-Canadian with his family. Amicable arrangements were made with these people and no trouble of any moment was had afterwards with squatters, ts During the latter part of the year and in the spring following, a consid- erable work was performed under the direction of the commandant in the way of preparing foundations for permanent shops and dwelling houses. The latter were after the style of- those which had been built at the Norfolk Navy Yard, and not at all adapted to the California climate. In later years, when the residences had been pretty well shaken by an earthquake, the brick build- ings were taken down and more suitable ones erected in place of them. Communication, with San Francisco at this time was somewhat limited. A small stern-wheel steamer (about fifty feet long) ran from Napa City to San Francisco, touching at Vallejo and the navy yard one day and returning the next. The fare was $2.50 each way. By taking a private team one could go to Benicia and catch the Sacramento or Stockton boat and make the trip daily. Among the foremen of laborers (most of the early work was of that class) were Phillip R. Fendall, late colonel of the Marine Corps; Jordan G. Gardner, son of the late Admiral Gardner, and Samuel Barron, son of Commodore Barron. Young Barron was on board the Florida of the Confederate service when she was cut out of Rio Janeiro by Captain Napoleon Collins, U. S. N., second executive officer of the yard under Farragut. Barron happened to be on shore when the vessel was captured and he escaped being taken. Pendle- ton Colston, a son of the district attorney of Washington, D. C, was the first clerk of the yard and called the roll from a small building located alongside of the present flagpole, south of the office building. There were also two young men by the name of Dunlap — nephews of Captain David McDougall, who were given positions under the commandant. John R. Bird, afterwards lost on the steamer Golden Gate near Manzanillo, which was destroyed by fire on July 27, 1862, fifteen miles from Manzanillo, on the Mexican coast, and four miles off shore, was one of the well-known foremen. In 1855 Colonel D. Turner, the civil engineer of the station, was allowed an assistant, and John Williston was appointed to the position. He performed the principal part of the engineering work for a number of years and caused to be erected the first sun dial to be used at the navy yard. It was placed on a spot east of the present office building near the flagstaff. The sea-wall north of the ferry landing was built under his direction. In the fall of 1855 some of the officers' quarters were completed and were occupied by the officers who were on duty at the navy yard. Jesse Sawyer was appointed navy storekeeper and relieved the writer, who had been tempo- rarily appointed to the position by Captain Farragut. The social event of the season happened when at the latter end of the year the agents of the dry dock company gave a grand banquet on the final testing of the sectional docks. The building known as the new blacksmith shop was utilized for the purpose. All of the navy and army officers far and near, as well as prominent persons of San Francisco, Sacramento and Vallejo, took part in the festivities of the occasion. In March, 1856, the late Chief Naval Constructor Isaiah Hanscom was appointed as naval constructor and assigned to the Mare Island Navy Yard, I 84 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES being the first officer of that class on the Pacific coast. In 1858 he built the U. S. S. Saginaw, the first war vessel to be constructed on the Pacific coast by the United States government. In 1895 an earthquake shook the buildings in the navy yard to such a degree that the government decided to tear down all of the brick dwellings and in place of them erect new wooden buildings of modern design for officers' quarters, and such buildings were erected at an expense of $100,000. Gardens were laid out around them and today these residences are not excelled any- where in California for their beautiful surroundings, except in very rare cases. In relation to the water supply of the navy yard, while at present the station is bountifully supplied by the city of Vallejo from the large reservoir near Cordelia, about fourteen miles northeast of the city, in earlier days it was different. When the yard was first established, in 1854, there were two wells from which those living on the island were supplied. A third well, or spring, supplied water for stock and for purposes other than domestic. The best well, which furnished good drinking water sufficient for two or three hundred people, was situated where the southwest corner of the first large blacksmith shop now stands. The other well, which furnished a pretty good quantity of water, although slightly brackish, answered a great many purposes. There also was a spring situated on the west side of the island and down towards the southern end, which supplied considerable water for all purposes except drinking. It was somewhat brackish. At the present time there are a number of large cisterns for holding rain water to be used in case of emergency for domestic purposes. As it falls on slate roofs, in most cases, with the aid of some charcoal, it is good for human consumption. List of Commandants of Mare Island Navy Yard from September, 1854. Commander David G. Farragut, from September 16, 1854, to July 16, 1858. Captain R. B. Cunningham, from July 16, 1858, to March 13, 1861. Captain David McDougall, from March 13, 1861, to June 5, 1861. Captain W. H. Gardner, from June 5, 1861, to May 27, 1862. Captain Thomas O. Self ridge, from May 27, 1862, to October 17, 1864. Captain David McDougall, from October 17, 1864, to September 5, 1866. Commodore Thomas S. Craven, from September 5, 1866, to August 1, 1868. Commodore James Alden, from August 1, 1868, to March 17, 1869. Captain Reed Werden, from March 17, 1869, to April 15, 1869. Rear-Admiral Thomas S. Craven, from April 16, 1869, to January 1, 1870. Commodore John R. Goldsborough, from January 1, 1870, to April 15, 1871. Commodore E. J. Parrott, from April 15, 1871, to September 3, 1872. Rear-Admiral Thomas O. Self ridge, from September 3, 1872, to July 3, 1873. Rear-Admiral John Rodgers, from July 3, 1873, to April 17, 1877. Commodore E. R. Colhoun, from April 17, 1877, to January 15, 1881. Commodore Thomas S. Phelps, from January 15, 1881, to March 15, 1883. Captain John Irwin, from March 15, 1883, to November 8, 1883. Commodore John H. Russell, from November 8, 1883, to May 31, 1886. Captain F. V. McNair, from May 31, 1886, to June 15, 1886. Rear-Admiral George E. Belknap, from June 15, 1886, to March 9, 1889. Commander Louis Kempff, from March 9, 1889, to April 4, 1889. Rear-Admiral A. E. R. Benham, from April 4, 1889, to June 8, 1891. Rear-Admiral John Irwin, from June 8, 1891, to May 6, 1893. Captain Henry L. Howison, from May 6, 1893, to July 17, 1893. Captain Henry L. Howison, from July 17, 1893, to June 1, 1896. Rear-Admiral W. A. Kirkland, from June 1, 1896, to August 12, 1898. Commander J. J. Brice, from August 12, 1898, to October 5, 1898. Captain C. S. Cotton, from October 5, 1898, to October 8, 1898. Commodore J. C. Watson, from October 8, 1898, to May 15, 1899. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 85 Rear-Admiral Louis Kempff, from May 15, 1899, to March 29, 1900. CaDtain Merrill Miller, from March 29, 1900, to July 11, 1900. Rear-Admiral Merrill Miller, from July 11, 1900, to July 11, 1903. Rear-Admiral Bowman H. McCalla, from July 11, 1903, to June 19, 1906. Captain Alex. McCrackin, from June 19, 1906, to July 4, 1906. Rear-Admiral Henry W. Lyon, from July 4, 1906, to October 12, 1907. Captain Thomas S. Phelps, Jr., from October 12, 1907, to July 24, 1909. Rear-Admiral Hugo Osterhaus, from March 25, 1910. to (presumably) May 15, 1911. Captain Henry Thomas Mayo, from January 19, 1911. The Navy Yard of Today. The Mare Island Navy Yard has had a hard struggle for existence in its present location ever since the day of its birth. An attempt, the first one, was made to have the station removed to Benicia. Failing in that purpose, there had, seemingly, been a premeditated conspiracy to have the yard removed to the near vicinity of San. Francisco. The refusal of the captain of one of the government war ships to come to Mare Island from San Fran- cisco unless directly ordered to do so by the navy department (for the reason stated as fear of the vessels getting aground on account of the shoaling of the channel way) was the entering wedge upon which interested parties worked to make a change in the situation, even up to about 1911. Building of dykes for the purpose of contracting the Napa river and Car- quinez straits, thus making a swifter current to wash out the debris and make a deeper channel, solved the problem of having sufficient depth of water for any ship the government had on hand or might be built in the future and settled all knocking of removal. The honorable secretary of the navy, George von L. Meyer, after a special inspection of the station, arrived at the conclusion that there could be no better situation of a site for a navy yard than Mare Island, and at the present writing there are not any evidences that any further attempts will be made to change the present situation. Furthermore, that appropriations will be made yearly by Congress to bring the Mare Island Navy Yard up to a standard not surpassed by any naval station in the world. For many years the progress of the navy yard was hampered in other ways than by specially interested parties. Changes of administration, until the civil service law went into effect, would cause the discharge of one set of men not favorable to the administration and the employment of those who were favorable caused an unsettled state of affairs necessarily to the disad- vantage of .performing work on the yard. Experienced men went out and inexoerienced ones came in. No private enterprise could have ever been made a sucecss with these conditions. When men commenced being employed under the civil service law on account of merit, then a stability commenced to be established and the reports from the yard began to be favorable. While merit was intended to be the great factor in the employment of the clerical and mechanical force, at first it was weak, but kept getting stronger and stronger until now the working department compares favorably with any private establishment in the United States or elsewhere. A strong prejudice had grown up in the east against California on account of what was supposed to be the extravagant cost of all work performed on the Pacific coast. This made it hard to obtain the job of building vessels at the yard. After a very determined effort of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, the navy department was induced to build a war ship in a navy yard, and the New York yard was selected to build the vessel. Following this tirade, a collier was given to the Mare Island yard to see what could be done on the 86 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Pacific coast. The outcome proved that work of this kind could be done at this yard as economically as anywhere else. Now, on the strength of that effort, a larger vessel, also to be used as a collier, has been ordered to be built here, and there is no doubt at all that the result will be the building of a cruiser here. The present design of the government is to have two large navy yards on the Pacific coast — one at Mare Island and one at Bremerton, Washington. The plant here is from time to time being made as efficient as a naval station can be. It will tend to keep a large number of first-class mechanics at all times ready to push work very speedily whenever the occasion may require. Concentration is the order of the day and many improvements have already been made on the yard in this direction. All the power necessary for running the various mechanical departments is about to be generated in one large building just completed for the purpose. Power will be carried all over the yard by electric wires, and instead of half a dozen power shops, one only will do all the work, consequently making a great saving and also adding efficiency. Other branches of work in the yard are being likewise concen- trated and it will not be long before the yard will be on the same basis as any of the large mechanical works carried on by private enterprise and corre- spondingly saving labor and time. The present secretary of the navy, George von L. Meyer, has a hercu- lean task on his hands to thoroughly reconstruct the whole navy department, and he is making good as fast as it is possible to do so. A commencement was made at the Mare Island Navy Yard, and its good effects already shown will appear to still greater advantage later on. The Mare Island Navy Yard, situated on a large island of what will eventually comprise about one thousand acres, is the finest site for the purpose that the United States government owns and cannot help being the pride of the nation. It appears that the officials detailed for charge of the various depart- ments are changed too often. They get fairly in harness when they are detached and sent away to perform other duties, and new officers, not fully acquainted with the duties to be performed, are placed in charge. It is natural that the ideas of the new will be different from those of the old, and this cannot help being a disadvantage to the government. This may be remedied in time. CHAPTER XXVIII. VALLEJO. The city of Vallejo, named for General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, was practically a wide field of wild cattle and horses up to the time gold was first discovered in California, and immigrants began to flock to this portion of the Pacific coast from all parts of the world. The virgin production was mostly Avild oats, upon which the animals subsisted. Occasionally wandering tribes of Indians would locate here and there temporarily and use, for sub- sistence, the wild cattle and such wild game as would find something to feed upon. When the Argonauts traveled up the river from San Francisco to either the northern or southern mines, many a man cast his eyes over the large ex- panse of land, without ever having a wish to own a foot of it. There was too much vacancy of inhabitation to make it desirable, but when the state capital was in its infancy, and a prominent location was desired for it, there were plenty of designing people who easily came to the conclusion that what is now called Vallejo would be a good location for a state capital on account of HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 87 its geographical position in the state which was about being formed. General Vallejo, the owner, was consulted and an agreement was entered into by which General Vallejo was to tender the land to the state authorities, with certain propositions concerning the building of a state-house and other necessary- buildings. In this way Vallejo began to assume a position on the map, and in this manner its birthday happened. It seemed to be necessary to open the session of the coming legislature with a grand flourish, and in consequence the following general invitation was sent out : A grand Christmas ball will be given at Vallejo on the evening of the 25th instant, in the senate and assembly chambers of the new state capitol, on which occasion the Hon. Isaac E. Holmes will address the ladies and gen- tlemen at 7:30 o'clock. M , the pleasure of your company is respect- fully requested. Managers. — Hon. Isaac E. Holmes, Gen. P. A. Morse, Hon. T. Butler King, Hon. L. M. Boggs, Hon. William Smith, Hon. Martin Cook, Hon. Robert Hopkins, Hon. Daniel Fisk, Hon. E. Heydenfeldt, Hon. B. F. Keene, Hon. George Walton, Hon. James Walsh, Hon. W. H. Lyons, Hon. J. C. Fremont, Hon. P. W. Keyser, Hon. James Hudspeth, Hon. James Law, Hon. G. D. Hall, Hon. A. J. Cost, Hon. N. Smith, Hon. James F. Graham, Hon. Tames F. Burt, Hon. J. B. Weller, Hon. T. J. Henley, Gen. M. G. Vallejo, Gen. D. F. Douglass. Gen. John E. Addison, Gen. A. M. Winn, Gen. S. M. Miles, Gen. D. P. Baldwin, Gen. Richardson, Gen. Thomas J. Green, Gen. A. McDowell, Gen. G. F. Rains; Majors P. B. Reading, S. Cooper, George Wyatt Loring, U. S. A.; E. H. Fitzgerald, N. Davis, U. S. A.; William McDaniel, Robert Allen, F. A. Sawyer, Col. J. Hooker, U. S. A.; Gens. J. M. Estell and A. S. Booker; Captains Folsom, U. S. A.; John A. Sutter, H. Riddell, J. B. Frisbie, Steel, U. S. A.; Dr. Dyerlie, U. S. A.; Lieut. G. Page, U. S. A.; Capts. J. Watkins, P. M. S. Co. ; Randall, P. M. S. Co. ; Totten, P. M. S. Co. ; Walsh, P. M. S. Co.; Cols. John C. Hays, William Smith, H. Clay Mudd, J. B. Starr; Capts. C. Hyatt, George Yount, Sam Graham, William McMickle, E. Barry, J. W. Hulbert, S. Smith, Thomas Hunt, Col. R. Rust, Harvey Sparks, H. Lee, Hon. J. C. Winston, F. C. Ewer, Judge M. Lewis, L. P. Walker, M. T. Mc- Leland, Judge Stark, Judge Kilbourn, M. Combs, William Baldridge, George M. Cornwell, J. D. Bristol, J. S. Cripps, J. O. Farrell, E. L. Stetson, F. Vas- sault. J. E. Lawrence, L. B. Mizner, T. J. Harnes, S. Barnum, James Cooper, L. 0. Wilbur, E. F. Willison, John Nugent, Samuel Martin, Col. John R. Boyd, Dr. Robert Semple, Dr. Morse, B. F. Osborne, Capt. F. Marryatt, Capt. W. A. Howard, U. S. R. S. ; George N. Shaw, Dr. P. C. Pope, Cols. J. C. John- son, A. M. Latham, C. K. Fish, Stewart Perry, Dr. Pickering, Dr. Nicholas Parr, Hon. P. Tompkins, Major John Caperton, Col. J. Long, E. C. Kemble, F. Argenti, Charles R. Strode, Richard Maupin, Dr. Levi Frisbie, S. C. Mas- sett, Major Burney, Dr. Archibald Tennant, Richard Barry, J. L. L. F. Warren, T. K. Batelle, Col. Gregory Yale, E. G. Austin, F. R. Loomis, W. F. Kelsey, E. M. Hayes, L. D. Slamm, U. S. N. ; Aug. Case, J. Alden, S. R. Knox, G. W. Hammersley, Lieuts. T. H. Stevens, L. Maynard, T. B. King, Jr., William H. Davis, U. S. N. ; Hon. S. E. Woodworth, R. H. Taylor, Capts. A. Bartol, Doug- lass Ottinger, U. S. R. S. ; Col. George McDougal ; Capts. W. D. M. Howard, C. G. ; N. H. Wise, Henry F. Joseph, J. H. Redington, Dr. Hitchcock, U. S. A. ; Hon. H. Fitzsimmons, James Hubbard, Theodore Payne, William H. Talmage, Dr. H. M. Gray, Hon. P. A. Morse, Charles L. Case and Joseph C. Palmer. On the reverse side of the card the names of the committees were printed, as under : Red Rose — Committee of Arrangements : Capt. John Frisbie, Major Robert Allen, Gen. T. J. Green, Capt. Edward Barry, Major Wvatt, C. H. Veeder, F. Argenti, H. Clay Mudd. 88 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Blue Rose — Committee of Reception : Hon. Isaac E. Holmes, Hon. John B. Weller. T. Butler King, Capt. J. Alden, U. S. N. ; Col. J. Hooker, U. S. A.; Hon. B. F. Keene, Major F. A.- Sawyer, Capt. G. W. Hammersley, U. S. N. ; Col. E. J. C. Kewen, Hon. Tod Robinson. White Rose — Ballroom Committee : For Senate Chamber — Gen. S. M. Miles, Gen. J. E. Addison, Col. Hervey Sparks, Levi D. Slamm, U. S. N. For Assembly Room — Dr. Dierly, U. S. N. ; Capt. F. Marryatt, Dr. L. Frisbie and E. L. Stetson. On April 3, 1850, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo submitted a memo- rial to the state senate, in which he pointed out the advantages the town of Vallejo possessed over other places in the state for the location of a capitol. He proposed to grant twenty acres of land, free of cost, to the state for a capitol building and grounds, and one hundred and thirty-six acres in addi- tion for other state buildings, to be apportioned as follows : Ten acres for the governor's house and grounds. Five acres for the offices of treasurer, comptroller, secretary of state, surveyor-general and attorney- general, should the commissioners determine that their offices should not be in the capitol building. One acre to state library and translator's office, should it be determined to separate them from the state-house building. Twenty acres for an orphan asylum. Ten acres for a male charity hospital. Ten acres for a female charity hospital. Four acres for an asylum for the blind. For acres for a deaf and dumb asylum. Twenty acres for a lunatic asylum. Eight acres for four common schools. Twenty acres for a state university. Four acres for a state botanical garden. Twenty acres for a state peniten- tiary. But with a munificence casting this already long list of grants into the shade, he further proposed to donate and pay over to the state, within two years after the acceptance of these propositions, the gigantic sum of $370,000, to be apportioned as under : For the building of a state capitol $125,000 For furnishing the same 10,000 For building of the governor's house 10,000 For furnishing of the same 5,000 For a state library and translator's office 5,000 For a state library 5 ,000 For the building of the offices of the secretary of state, comp- troller, attorney-general, surveyor-general and treasurer, should the commissioners deem it proper to separate them from the state-house 20,000 For the building of an orphan asylum 20,000 For the building of a female charity hospital 20,000 For the building a male charity hospital 20,000 For the building of an asylum for the blind 20,000 For the building of a deaf and dumb asylum 20,000 For the building of a state university 20,000 For university library 5,000 For scientific apparatus therefor 5,000 For chemical laboratory therefor 3,000 For a mineral cabinet therefor 3,000 For the building of four common school edifices 10,000 For purchasing books for the same 1,000 For the building of a lunatic asylum 20,000 For a state penitentiary 20,000 For a state botanical collection 3,000 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 89 Among the reasons given for selecting this place for the capitol are the following: "That it is the true center of the state, the true center of commerce ; the true center of travel ; that while the bay of San Francisco is acknowledged to be the first on earth, in point of extent and navigable capacities, already, through- out the length and breadth of the wide world, it is acknowledged to be the very center between Asiatic and European commerce. The largest ship that sails upon the broad sea can, within three hours, anchor at the wharves of the place which your memorialist proposes as your permanent seat of government. From this point, by steam navigation, there is a greater aggre- gate of mineral wealth, within eight hours' steaming, than exists in the Union besides; from this point the great north and south rivers — San Joaquin and Sacramento — cut the state longitudinally through the center, fringing the immense gold deposits on the one hand and untold mercury and other min- eral resources on the other; from this point steam navigation extends along the Pacific coast south to San Diego and north to the Oregon line, affording the quickest possible facilities for our sea-coast population to reach the state capitol in the fewest number of hours. This age, as it has been truly re- marked, has merged distance into time. In the operations of commerce and the intercourse of mankind, to measure miles by the rod is a piece of vandalism of a bygone age ; and that point which can be approached from all parts of the state in the fewest number of hours and at the cheapest cost is the truest center. ''Your memorialist most respectfully submits to your honorable body whether there is not a ground of even still higher nationality; it is this: That at present, throughout the wide extent of our sister Atlantic states, but one sentiment seems to possess the entire people, and that is, to build, in the shortest possible time, a railroad from the Mississippi to the Bay of San Francisco, where its western terminus may meet a three weeks' steamer from China. Indeed, such is the overwhelming public sentiment of the American people upon this subject, there is but little doubt to apprehend of its early completion. Shall it be said, then, while the world is coveting our posses- sion of what all acknowledge to be the half-way house of the earth's com- merce — the great Bay of San Francisco — that the people of the rich possession are so unmindful of its value as not to ornament her magnificent snores with a capitol worthy of a great state? "To enumerate more especially the local advantages of this position, your memorialist will further add, that it is within two hours' steaming of San Francisco, and six hours from Sacramento and Stockton cities, and between these points much the largest travel in the state daily occurs. From this point three days' steaming will reach either Oregon on the north or San Diego on the south ; besides, the above named location is unsurpassed for abundance of lime and other building materials, with large agricultural advantages in the immediate neighborhood." In a report submitted to the senate by a special committee of the senate, we find as follows : "Your committee cannot dwell with too much warmth upon the magnificent propositions contained in the memorial of General Vallejo. They breathe throughout the spirit of an enlarged mind and a sincere public benefactor, for which he deserves the thanks of his country- men and the admiration of the world. Such a proposition looks more like the legacy of a mighty emperor to his people than the free donation of a private planter to a great state, yet poor in public finance, but soon to be among the first of the earth." On Tuesday, February 4, 1851, the senate having acted upon the com- mittee's report, which had been submitted by Hon. D. C. Broderick, Governor Peter H. Burnett sent a message to the senate that he had on that day signed 90 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES an act originating in the senate entitled "An act for the permanent location of the seat of government." In the meantime General Vallejo's bond had been accepted, his solvency was approved by a committee appointed by the senate, the report of the commissioners appointed to mark and lay out the tracts of land proposed to be donated by General Vallejo was adopted, and on May 1, 1852, bringing with it the concomitant influx of settlers, the capitol was erected on a piece of ground situated on what now is called York and Maine, facing Sacramento street. It was a two-story building, in the upper one of which sat the senate, the lower one the assembly, while in the base- ment was a saloon and ten-pin alley, which rejoiced in the nickname of the Third House. The office of the secretary of state stood on Main street, above Sacramento, but it was afterwards removed to Georgia street, south side, between Sacramento and Marin streets. This office was built of material brought from Honolulu. Sacramento was not satisfied with having the capital located at Vallejo, and immediately commenced a fight to have it removed to that city. When it came to a vote, the Sacramento bill was defeated through the efforts of Hon. Paul K. Hubbs and some of his friends. Sacramento did not submit quietly, but managed a couple of days afterward to have a reconsideration of the bill, and then the capital was removed to Sacramento. March 7, 1852, a flood occurred at Sacramento and on May 4, 1852, the legislature at Sacramento agreed to meet in the following January (1853) at Vallejo. As soon as the legislature convened in 1853, Sacramento, which did not have the courage to again ask to have the capital at that city, joined Benicia, and the capital was once more moved, this time to Benicia. The last sitting of the legislature in Vallejo was on February 4, 1853, only seventeen voting in favor and six against the proposition. Previous to 1850 there was no founding of a settlement upon the site where Vallejo now stands. In 1850 at least one iron building was erected on Maine street, all other buildings being erected during the short stay of the capital. The iron building was made use of in the latter part of 1854 as a hotel and called the Union. At that date the only buildings on Georgia street were the residence of General John B. Frisbie, where the Bernard House now stands, and a small dwelling occupied by Robert Brownlee as a milk ranch and located on the land now occupied by the Commercial Bank and White's stationery store. This building was afterwards moved to the east side of Sacramento streets, between Georgia and Virginia streets. For many years the building was used for justice of the peace courtrooms, until it was torn down and a brick building erected in place of it. The Central Hotel, erected by Major Wyatt in 1851, was in 1854 standing on the corner of Marin and Maine and was opened in October, 1854, as a mechanics' boarding house. Up to August, 1854, the town was practically bounded by Sonoma street on the east, the Napa river on the west, Virginia street on the north and Pennsylvania street on the south. On account of wild cattle, it was not safe to go beyond these limits on foot. When the capital was finally removed from Vallejo, about all of the in- habitants and even some of the buildings were removed to Benicia. The two Brownlee (Robert and Thomas) families. Captain Stewart, Flenry Hink (justice of the peace), C. W. and E. H. Rowe (civil engineers), Major Wyatt and wife and a few single men were all of the inhabitants who remained. It was in September, 1852, when ships with mechanics on board began to arrive at Mare Island, that Vallejo began to take life again and grow toward its present proportions. At first these arrivals had only the effect of reviving the hopes of the standpatters, for the men just coming lived on Mare Island, where the new sectional dry dock was to be built, previous to the building of a navy yard. In September, 1854, when Captain D. G. Farragut arrived and hoisted his flag over the first navy yard on the Pacific coast, all HISTORY OP SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 91 men not directly connected with the work on the yard, which required their presence at night on the yard, were ordered to move across the river and live in Vallejo. It was then that Vallejo experienced its second revival. The Central Hotel, on Maine and Marin streets, was immediately fitted up for a mechanics' hotel. Other parties made up clubs and built houses to live in. William Shillingsburgh and others built a house on Maine street near Santa Clara, calling it the "Happy Home." John Morrison built a house on Marin street on the lot now being built upon by P. Steffan, for stores and offices. Morrison's house was located on the south end of the lot, on the alley. The house was'afterwards moved across the street near the corner of York, and only a few months ago was again removed from that location to make way for other improvements. On January 1, 1855, Anson Clark and wife arrived and on the following day Samuel Rule and family arrived. On account of the scarcity of dAvellings, these people occupied rooms in the basement of the capitol building. As people began to arrive, dwelling houses and stores were erected in various parts of the town for their accommodation. In the same year a wharf was built on Georgia street to accommodate the steamer Napa City, which ran between Napa City and San Francisco, touch- ing at the Navy Yard and Vallejo. A small stern wheel steamer about fifty feet long, she went to San Francisco one day and returned the next. It took her about five hours to make the trip, as she had to be governed by the tide in Napa creek. Her hours were irregular ; her officers were : Capt. Samuel Goodrich, the pilot and purser. It was not long, however, before, through the influence of the dry dock agents, that the steamer C. M. Weber, re-christened Guadeloupe, Capt. F. P. Doling and Purser A. J. Douzel, was placed on the route, making daily trips and running up Napa creek to Suscol Landing. The Napa City connected with her, making the trip from Suscol Landing to Napa City. Previous to this daily service, if any wished- to go to San Francisco, Sacramento or Stockton, they had to ride to Benicia on the off days of the Napa City and take the San Francisco boats which made daily trips to these terminals. Well Fargo & Company ran its express on this route, having David McClure (afterwards a lawyer of some note) as the traveling agent, he being succeeded by Long. The resident agent of the company was J. R. Jacques, and his office was on the south side of Marine street, two doors east of Sacramento street. W. C. Greeves and a cousin of his by the name of Baker, erected the first brick store in Vallejo. It was located on the south side of Georgia street, west of Santa Clara street. Mr. Greeves, who is living today, at an advanced age, has always been a stanch friend of Vallejo, of strong character, honest in his convictions, upright in all his dealings with his fellow man, and of as good judgment as the most of men. He has done as much, if not more for the upbuilding of Vallejo, than any one man who has lived here from the rejuvena- tion of the city to the present date. The first brick dwelling was built by James Warner, who was the first foreman mason on the Navy Yard, on the north side of Maine street, west of Santa Clara street. It is standing today without any change from the day of its erection. Dan Williamson and brother opened a grocery store on the southeast corner of Georgia and Santa Clara streets and William Wetmore opened up a dry goods store on the southwest corner of Maine and Sacramento streets. G. R. Jacques kept a notion store on the south side of Maine street, east of Sacramento street and was the local agent of Wells Fargo & Company, who succeeded the Adams Co.'s express business. On July 4, 1853, we find the first celebration of Independence Day in Vallejo by a dinner at the Vallejo house and bonfire. At the former there sat down two ladies and eight gentlemen — Mrs. Robert and Thomas Brown- lee, Captain Stewart, Squire Hook, Edward H. Rowe (elder), West Rowe, 92 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Lemuel Hazleton, B. F. Osborne, with Robert and Thomas Brownlee. At an early hour Captain Stewart had donned his full uniform and called on all to celebrate the day with becoming ceremony. In October, 1853, Robert Brownlee, Jr., was born, supposed to be the first birth of a boy in the town. Dr. L. C. Frisbie, a brother of John B. Frisbie, was among the first physicians to practice here and continued to practice until the day of his death, which occurred a few years since. In 1854 a syndicate composed of J. W. Denver, Sam Purdy and H. Haight purchased an interest in the townsite of General Vallejo and sent J. C. L. Wordsworth here to make a disposal of the property, either by lot or acreage. Darlinton, Hanscom, Harmons and Secor purchased a number of lots on Georgia street and 160 acres of land north of the town (what was afterwards known as the Hannibal ranch) and erected a wharf at the foot of Georgia street for the convenience of the Napa and San Francisco steam- ers and the navy yard workmen. Such land as was not disposed of by Words- worth was deeded back to General Vallejo and General John B. Frisbie (son-in-law of Vallejo). On January 1, 1855, the new year was ushered in with old Boreas at the helm. The wind, it blew; the snow, it flew, and the merry crew of first-nighters looked out on one of the fiercest storms on record in Vallejo. The greatest disaster was to the shipping. Sailing vessels on their way from San Francisco to Sacramento and Stockton laden with all the necessa- ries and some luxuries for those who worked in the northern and southern mines lost their deck-loads coming through San Pablo bay. The next morning on the west side of Mare Island and extending north, on the tule shore, all kinds of wreckage was washed up. Doors, window frames and various kinds of lumber used for building purposes, boxes of canned goods and packages of liquor were found in the debris by those who were out early looking for flotsam and jetsam. During the day the beach was about all cleared of any articles of value. Someone's loss was another's gain. The most striking effect of the gale in Vallejo was the rolling up of a portion of the corrugated iron roof of the Union hotel, situated on Maine street, about one hundred feet west of Sacramento street. The force of the wind was so strong that the sheet iron was rolled up and the roll driven over the top of Tom Brownlee's hotel, and the bundle of iron rolled down the hill until it reached Marin street, near John Morrison's residence. It was a memorable "blow-out" that but few people are now living to tell about. At this time, there being no postoffice in Vallejo, the mail was brought in from Benicia about twice or three times a month, or whenever a mail steamer arrived from New York. A very large proportion of mail matter was carried by Wells, Fargo & Co., who issued special envelopes for the purpose. All business men patronized the company, as their correspondence was delivered immediately on its arrival and answers could be returned before the United States mail could be distributed. Many important matters transpired in 1855 in building up a new com- munity. In church matters the Rev. William Wilmot was the first clergy- man to make his appearance. The Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge of Benicia would occasionally preach on Sunday evenings. Mrs. D. G. Farragut, Miss Avaline S. Frost, the Misses Alice and Helen Turner and others interested themselves and founded a Sunday-school, and Mr. Wilmot had a congre- gation to preach to. During the year a wandering printer by the name of A. J. Cox brought some type and a printing press in town and started a newspaper called the Vallejo Bulletin. The first number was issued November 22, 1855. Its issues soon became uncertain and finally it passed out of existence. About HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 93 the same time M. L. Hanscom, now city auditor of Berkeley, purchased type and press and issued a small paper on Mare Island called the Advertiser. His departure for the east caused the venture, like many of its kind in Cali- fornia, to end. During the year a small wharf was built or extended at the foot or west end of Maine street and a larger and more extensive one was con- structed on Georgia street, extending out about one block from Branciforte street. It was built with a T at the outer end to facilitate the landing of the San Francisco steamers, which commenced making daily trips between Suscol Landing and San Francisco. The latter wharf was built by Durlen- ton, Hanscom, Hermans and Secor. The contractor for its construction was a Mr. Norris, father of Mrs. Anson Clark. The steamer Guadaloupe, formerly the C. M. Weber, Captain F. P. Doling, commenced running on this route. A. J. Donzel was the purser. In 1857 James Gamble and others built a telegraph line from Benicia to Vallejo and W. W. Hanscom laid the first cable across the Napa river to Mare island and connected up with the Gamble line. This insured com- munication with the navy yard and the outside world. Prior to the year 1866, the peace, order and good government of Vallejo had been invested in a justice of the peace and a constable. On the 23d of July of that year, however, a meeting was held and duly organized by the election of William C. Greaves, president; Eben Hilton, treasurer; William Aspenall, secretary, with Amos M. Currier and S. G. Hilborn as town attorneys, when ordinances were passed regulating the health and cleanli- ness of the town, and otherwise providing for its government. In the follow- ing February an act was passed by the legislature incorporating the city within the limits "beginning at the N. E. corner of the present town of Vallejo, as recorded by plan drawn in 1856, and running east 3,000 feet; thence running south to the water of the bay of Vallejo, or Napa river; thence running up the channel of said bay, or river, to a point west of the place of beginning; thence running east to place of beginning." The first board meeting after the incorporation of the city was held on April 1, 1868, when the following officers were elected : Trustees — A. Powell, president ; George W. Lee, H. W.Snow; marshal, J. L. Likens; treasurer, J. E. Abbott; assessor, J. W. Batchellor; receiver, C. W. Riley, R. D. Hopkins; health officer, Dr. L. C. Frisbie ; surveyor, E. H. Rowe. This year, though one wherein Val- lejo reached the proud distinction of having a charter of her own, was not unattended by disaster. On the morning of February 18 the Alpha block, one of the best and most substantial structures in the city, situated on the southeast corner of Georgia and Santa Clara streets, and owned by E. H. Sawyer, was destroyed by fire. The buildings stood on what was, until this catastrophe, the business portion of the town, and consisted of elegant brick buildings, and their destruction, at a loss of over $40,000, was a sad blow to the interests of the city for a time. But yet another misfortune visited Vallejo this year, namely, the shock of earthquake, which nearly laid San Francisco level with the ground, on the 21st of October, 1868. Vallejo, however, escaped any great damage, though one chimney was laid low, many yards of plastering displaced, and such articles as clocks, mirrors and lamps broken. On Wednesday, June 24, railroad communication between Vallejo and Fairfield and Suisun was inaugurated by an excursion, wherein the Masonic lodges took part, and it is also to this year that the incorpora- tion of a water company must be credited. In looking back upon the year 1868, it must be put down as one of great excitement to Vallejo, for General Vallejo's prophecy of this city of his becoming a great emporium for trade was on the brink of realization. Eighteen months before the town was com- paratively small, and its trade and intercourse with the outside world almost nil ; then the California Pacific Railroad existed only on paper, and its ulti- 94 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES mate construction was among the probabilities only. True, the bare proba- bility of such a road being built drew thousands to the spot who had never seen the place before, and for years had not even heard of it, save when mentioned in connection with the navy yard. As the certainty of the con- struction of the road began to be realized, Vallejo began to awake from a Rip Van Winkle sleep of fifteen years and to show signs of real life. Hotels, stores, shops and dwellings began to rise in every direction, and the old resumed an appearance of returning youth. But the railroad had not yet been built, and it was soon found that the little business awakened had been prematurely aroused, and the town began to relapse into its former som- nambulistic state. As the last spring opened, however, the iron horse started from the water front and began to make its way eastward, returning with well-laden cars freighted with grain of the rich and abundant harvests of Solano and Yolo, while ships of foreign flags bore it away to other climes, and travelers from beyond the snow mountains and from every part of the state took part in the whirl of business, and the future of Vallejo was thought to be secure beyond a peradventure. Alas, that this success should have been so short-lived. On November 13, 1868, the second board of trustees was organized under Philip Meagher, president; Henry Connolly and Edward McGettigan, trustees; Lyman Leslie, city recorder; George Edgar, city marshal; J. E. Abbott, city treasurer; Elisha Whiting, city assessor; Paul K. Hubbs, clerk; A. H. Gunning, city surveyor, and L. C. Frisbie, health officer. For the next few years affairs progressed right merrily. The propriety of erecting street railroads was early mooted, for which a franchise was granted in February. A steamer was put on the line to San Francisco, plying twice a day, in connection with the cars, while a grain elevator was being built. This edifice afterwards fell in 1872 from the want of proper foundations. Vallejo boasted five schools, which were said to be filled with scholars ; a large flour mill had been started and the city fathers looked after the interest invested in them. On the morning of November 7, 1871, Vallejo was again visited by a destructive fire which desolated one of the principal blocks in the city. The fire broke out under the saloon of John O'Sullivan, on Virginia street, and from information gained at the time, there is but little doubt that it was caused by the blackened hand of the incendiary. The damage was estimated at considerably over $50,000. Let us now draw this sketch of Vallejo to a close. Her interests pros- pered through the successive regimes of trustees and other officers. Appoint- ments had been made whereby the public coffers were filled and trade was brisk ; so much so, indeed, that the possibility of a decline never presented itself to the minds of the people. With General John B. Frisbie as a moving spirit, this conception of prosperity was almost reasonable ; but there came a day when his helping hand was of no avail, and the years of plenty, in a measure enhanced by the presence of the dock yard, gave way to a season of decline, which commenced in 1874, when trade diminished to a lamentable extent, continuing its downward course until 1878, when it, in a measure, again revived and left its lessened population once more on the increase, with a distant prospect of some day recovering the ground already lost. The officers of succeeding boards were as under: 1869 — Trustees. A. Powell, president ; S. G. Hilborn, Eben Hilton, A. P. Voorhees and E. T. Starr ; city recorder, Charles C. Hall ; marshal, Joseph L. Likins ; treasurer, J. E. Ab- bott ; assessor. J. W. Batchellor; clerk, C. A. Kidder. In this year a term of service of two years was first inaugurated. The fourth board was organized September 16, 1871, with John B. Frisbie as president, having for his col- leagues A. Powell, S. G Hilborn, A. P. Voorhees and E. H. Sawyer; treas- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 95 urer, J. E. Abbott; assessor, J. W. Batchellor; marshal, J. J. Watkinson; recorder, T. H. Lawlor; clerk, Judson Haycock; surveyor, E. H. Rowe. During the tenure of office of this board an act was passed whereby the corporation was empowered to borrow $50,000 as a fund to protect the city from fire, the principal to be paid off in twenty years, and bearing interest of eight per cent per annum. This act was passed on January 11, 1872. The original intention was to appropriate this fund for the building of a reservoir on Bolsa Hill, an elevation to the north of the town, but the project was abandoned on the formation of a water company. Fifteen thousand dollars of it was used on digging and planking the Fifth street cut, between North and South Vallejo; $8,000 was expended on the construction- of the city hall, while a considerable sum was spent on the city park. Other expenses of a desultory nature were incurred, swallowing the entire original sum, and, though the interest is met with becoming punctuality, the principal debt remains unpaid. South Vallejo had in the meantime claimed r.n interest in the governing affairs of the city; therefore, on May 12, 1872, Messrs. J. B. Robinson and Luke Doe were first elected from that portion of the town. On the 6th of March, 1873, John M. Gregory, Jr., was elected city clerk and attorney, and December 24, 1873, J. E. Abbott was elected city clerk and attorney, vice Gregory, resigned, and J. R. English as city treas- urer, vice Abbott, resigned. The election of March 26, 1874, resulted in the following selection: Trustees, W. Aspinall, president; C. B. Denio, E. H. Sawyer, D. W. Harrier, Henry Connolly, J. E. Williston ; J. R. English, treasurer; assessor, William Tormey; marshal, S. J. Wright; city clerk, J. E. Abbott. In 1876 a new era had commenced in the municipal elections, for a system of elections by wards had been inaugurated, with the accom- panying result : First ward, William Aspenall, Ed McGettigan, H. K. Snow ; Second ward, E. J. Wilson, president; P. R. Walsh, Charles Weideman; Third ward, John P. Dare ; treasurer, J. R. English ; assessor, George Rounds; marshal, Charles Derby; H. H. Snow, city clerk. The election of March 26, 1878, and the second by wards, resulted : First ward, D. J. Reese, J. A. Mclnnes, J. H. Green; Second ward, E. J. Wilson, president; S. C. Farnham, W. C. Greaves ; Third ward, F. Deininger ; marshal, W. McDon- ald; treasurer, J. R. English; assessor, W. A. Brace; city clerk, A. J. Brownlie. On the 13th of May, 1878, the board of health was organized, and the first meeting was held on June 6, when the following officers were elected: President, .James Frost, M. D. ; secretary, A. J. Brownlie, with a board composed of James Topley, F. Deininger and John Callender. Meet- ings were held on the last Thursday of each month. In reference to the different surveys of the city, the first was made in the year 1850 by Surveyor-General Whiting, Edward Rowe, Mason Fay and Dr. L. C. Frisbie, attended by three or four vaqueros to drive away the wild cattle while the lines were being run. Only that portion of the present city lying south of Georgia street was laid out as then surveyed. It contained about 160 acres of land. In 1856 another survey (already alluded to) was made, embracing a league of land ; while a third was made when the town took its rapid start in 1867 or '68. The site of the city of Vallejo is undoubtedly picturesque; the undu- lating hills which forty years ago General Vallejo had looked upon with becoming pride, have now been occupied by hundreds of beautiful homes, nearly all of which are snugly ensconced in their own gardens, surrounded by flowers of the richest hue and rarest perfume, while for miles around the hills, which promised so rare a fertility, are now sprouting with a crop finer than which no other country can produce. To the right and to the left, as far as the eye can reach, we gaze upon nought but the progress of civiliza- tion and the richest vegetation. Standing on Capitol hill the placid bay lies at our feet, its surface without a ripple, and glancing from its peaceful 96 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES bosom the many shadows reflected from the shore. The busy navy yard breaks what would otherwise be the monotonous water view. On its other side we have the San Pablo bay, while here and there a white shimmering sail proclaims the passage of some sailing craft, and a cloud of smoke de- fines the locality of the fast-traveling steamboat, and again, as it were, the background of the picture, Marin county shows it well-marked outline. The coast range of hills are followed in their uneven line, and grand old Mount Tamalpais stands like a stolid sentry over its lesser brethren. Below is marked the busy landing-place, whither flock passengers bound to all points of the compass ; the shrill shriek of the locomotive is heard above the other sounds, as it is brought back by many an answering echo. Now we hear the more hollow whistle of the steamer, as she arrives or departs with her freight of human beings. Again comes the toll of the time bell giving the hour to the weary workman in the yard ; while the scene is filled in with vessels of great tonnage riding cozily at anchor at the piers, awaiting cargoes of precious wheat to be taken across the seas. To the north the fertile Napa valley stretches away for miles, presenting a landscape of the most ravishing order, backed as it is by mountains of very fantastic shape, while in the foreground we have that glorious monument erected by the Sons of Temperance for all orphans whose parents have been called upon to cross the dark river. A noble thought nobly executed. Pity 'tis that the cares of rude business should blot so fair a scene. It may not be uninteresting here to produce among the curiosities of literature connected with Vallejo the specimens of ways in which it can be spelled. It is one of the axioms of English grammar that there is no rule for the spelling and pronunciation of proper names, a rule which would appear to be carried out with remarkable unanimity by the correspondents of residents in the city. The list was collected in six months from the Val- lejo postoffice, and is without doubt a most curious specimen of orthography. They number about one hundred and are as follows : Vallahoe, Valaho, Valao, Vallajo, Vallajoe, Vallajo, Valajoa, Vala Jae, Valaja, Vallago, Valago, Vallaiho, Valeejo, Valeajo, Valeijo, Valoege, Valegoa, Valegio, Valego, Valeio, Vallejo, Valle Jo, Vallejoe, Vallejio, Vallejaio, Valler, Vallejeo, Vallegeo, Valleo, Vallejho, Vallerio, Vallesso, Valeyo, Valleyo, Valleyoe, Valleyio, Valley Joe, Valleygo, Valleva, Valeyegoy, Vayego, Valgeo, Valgo, Valiego, Valigo, Valliejo, Vallijo, Valligo, Valigeo, Valliju, Valljo, Vallo, Valgho, Vally Joe, Valley Jog, Valyo, Vallyo, Vealejo, Veleajho, Velajo, Velaow, Vellajo, Velegio, Veleijo, Velego, Velegoe, Veleo, Vellejo, Vellego, Velleijo, Velighlow, Velijo, Velioe, Veliaho, Vel Ja, Vialjo, Villeiu, Villigi, Villejo, Villgo, Vallejalahoe, Ballejo, Belljo, Billejo, Salliegro, Levejo, Palesso, Ralejo, Wallajo, Wallego, Walleja, Walleio, Welayego, Yallejo, Yalleyjo, Valley Joow and Valahough. Vallejo Schools — Early Beginnings. — During the summer of 1855, a Mr. Wilmott, a Methodist minister, solicited subscriptions to raise funds for the erection of a building to be used jointly as a church and school-house. Admiral Farragut was then in command of the navy yard and Isaiah Hans- com naval constructor. The paper was circulated among the men on the yard and one thousand dollars subscribed, many of the men giving a day's pay. General J. B. Frisbie donated two lots on Virginia street, between Marin and Sonoma. The building was soon erected, most of the work having been contributed by the different mechanics in town. Miss Frost, a relative of Mr. Hanscom, opened a school in this building the same summer and continued it for several months. The church people desiring to plaster the room requested the school to vacate, and it was therefore moved into the old building now standing on the corner of Maine and Marin streets and known as Smith and King's blacksmith shop. (It is not known whether this teacher was paid in full by tuition bills or in part from public money.) HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 97 Miss Frost was succeeded in 1856 by George Rowell, who afterwards, in the fall of that year, moved into an old building known as the Virginia house, now standing on Sonoma street, near Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1857 a public meeting was called to see what action should be taken relative to building a public school-house. Responding to the call, the people assembled at the old state-house, then standing near where Eureka hall is now located (afterward burned), and General J. F. Houghton was chosen moderator. At this meeting it was voted to build a house and money was raised by subscription to pay for the same. Three lots were donated by General J. B. Frisbie on Carolina street, at the corner of Sonoma, James Newbert being the contractor and builder. The original building was about forty feet square, with ceiling some fourteen feet high. At about this time there were several teachers, who succeeded each other at short intervals — a Mr. Farmer, Miss Coyle, Miss Casson, Mr. Mason and N. Smith. Up to this time, spring of 1858, we have been unable to learn whether the teachers were paid in part with public money or entirely by tuition bills, but there is reason to believe some public money was received as early as 1857. E. M. Benjamin, now of San Francisco, was one of the trustees and employed Mr. Newbert to build the house in 1857. In the fall of 1859, or spring of 1860, Fred Campbell (now superintendent of schools, Oakland) took charge of the public school and remained until the spring of 1861. In June of that year Miss Root, now the wife of Hon. S. G. Hilborn, taught for one month, when Isaiah Hurlburt entered the school as principal, and Miss Root as assistant; they remained until June, 1862, when they were succeeded by Mr. Atchinson and wife, who remained about one year. J. E. Fliggle then took charge of the school, assisted by Miss Casebolt, who remained until the spring of 1864, when the latter resigned, and Miss Alice Pickle was appointed in her place. They continued the school up to September 5, 1864, when George W. Simonton took charge as principal and Miss Sophia A. Simonton, now Mrs. Harris, as assistant. Prior to 1864 there had been several boards of trustees. E. M. Benjamin was one of the first. J. W. Farmer, E. J. Wilson, A. Powell, M. J. Wright and others, but there is no data to fix either the date or order. Mr. Wright, however, was a trustee in 1864. At the time Mr. Simonton entered the school there were two rooms in the .school building, the one built by Mr. Newbert for the principal, and a small room some twenty feet square, added subsequently for the assistant. There were at this time in both rooms about seventy scholars. The school was ungraded and its entire management left to the principal. During all these years and up to about 1867 the salary of teachers had been paid, in part, at least, by rate bills, levied pro rata on all the children. From 1864 to about 1871 the increase of children in public schools was very rapid, and it was with great difficulty the trustees could furnish sitting room for the children. Taxes were levied on the people and paid cheerfully to build schoolrooms. In 1867 there were five rooms, with as many teachers, packed with children, each having from seventy to one hundred and twenty, fre- quently compelled to sit on the stage, on boxes or stools, for whole terms. No city in the state has shown more interest in the matter of education than Vallejo. Her people have ever been alive to the importance of giving the rising generation a liberal education. From 1867 to 1869 the influx of population was so great that the school trustees found it very difficult, with the limited means and accommodation at their command, to provide rooms and school furniture for the constantly increasing pupils. In 1869 the board of trustees, viz. : J. G. Lawton, M. J. Wright and I. S. Halsey, determined to submit to the people the question of taxing themselves for the purpose of 98 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES raising money to build a new school-house, and, to their credit be it recorded, the proposition was carried by a large majority and the tax was levied. Plans having been advertised for, those presented by Messrs. Hoagland and New- some, of San Francisco, were approved and the contract for constructing a large, commodious three-story building was awarded to J. W. Newbert, a citizen of Vallejo, for the sum of $14,000. With a desire to extend the efficiency of the school department, J. G. Lawton, acting under instruction of the trustees, prepared a special school law for the city of Vallejo, providing (among other things) for a board of education, to consist of a superintendent and four school directors, naming the following gentlemen, who should serve until the next charter election, viz. : J. G. Lawton, superintendent and ex-officio president of the board ; M. J. Wright, secretary; E. M. Benjamin, B. T. Osborn and I. S. Halsey, directors. The law was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor March 25, 1870. The gentlemen above named having been clothed with the proper authority, entered at once into the work assigned them and labored assiduously for the promotion of the educational interests of the city. On July 6, 1870, the new school-house was turned over to and accepted by the board, and although the third story remained unfinished, still the accommodation afforded greatly relieved the pressing demands upon the department. The following description will convey a very correct idea of this beautiful structure : The building is forty-eight feet front by sixty- eight feet deep. Ells eight feet wide. Single story, rear wing, fourteen by thirty and one-half feet. It is three stories high, with mansard roof, all inclosed in rustic style. Two wings, each eight feet wide, set out at each end of the building, furnishing broad entrances and stairways ; these wings are surmounted with observatories. The center of the building rises to a higher elevation, and upon its crown rests a turret, which serves both as a ventilator and belfry. The classrooms are lighted from the front by four double oval-topped windows, and the side elevations are equally well provided with large windows. The first floor is about four feet from the ground and the first and second stories fourteen feet six inches high ; the third fourteen feet. On the first floor three large schoolrooms are arranged for, each having entrance from the wings. Iron columns support the upper floors, and platforms for teachers occupy convenient positions. In the rear are two private rooms for teachers, halls, washrooms and wardrobes. The second story is also conveniently partitioned off, affording four good-sized classrooms. The general style of the building is neat, with no excess of ornamentation. Prior to the building of this house, the trustees were com- pelled to hire rooms in various and unsuitable parts of the city, paying there- for heavy rents, the colored school being in one of the rooms of the United States hotel. On July 9, 1870, the board adopted the classification and course of study in use in the public schools of Providence, R. I., with such modifica- tions as were deemed proper by the board. The following corps of teachers was employed to teach under the new and improved system: G. W. Simon- ton, principal of the high school, with W. F. Roe and Isabelle Murphy, assistants; A. W. Dozier, principal of the grammar department, with William Crowhurst, Miss Lawrence and J. McFadden as assistants ; Miss Sophia Simonton, Miss Mary Turtelott, Miss Foye, Miss Delia Sweatland, Mary C. Hall and Miss Rutherford, teachers of the primary department ; and Miss Wundenburg, teacher of the colored school; W. M. Cole, janitor. The salaries paid at this time were from $50 to $150 per month, aggre- gating, including superintendent, secretary and janitor, $1,151 per month. The regulations adopted by the board provided for a ten-months' school, divided into two terms of five months each, with mid-term vacations of one week. The school money received from the state and county was found in- adequate, and to make up the deficiency the following schedule of rate-bills HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 99 was adopted, payable monthly: High school department, each pupil, $2.50; first and second grade, grammar, $2; third grade, grammar, $1.75; fourth grade, grammar, $1.50; primary department, $1. At the end of the first month after the adoption of this order, viz.: from January 4 to February 15, 1871, the teachers reported to the board collections amounting to $543.70. At the end of May, 1871, the following teachers were elected for the next term : G. W. Simonton, W. F. Roe and Miss Julia Benjamin, for high school; A. W. Dozier, Misses Sweatland, Tourtelott, Benjamin, Murphy and Mrs. C. A. Kidder (nee Simonton), Misses Kate Hall, Anderson, Ruth- erford, Foye and William Crowhurst, principal of the South Vallejo school, and Miss Mary Tobin, Etta Thompson and Miss Watson, teachers of the colored school. On the 15th of September the following gentlemen, having been elected by the people as provided in the new city school law, were duly qualified and took their seats as the second board of education of Vallejo: Rev. N. B. Klink, superintendent; I. S. Halsey, secretary; Luke Doe, J. H. Green and E. H. M. Baily, directors. The newly-elected members entered at once into the good work begun by the previous board, and the Vallejo schools soon became famous throughout the adjacent counties, many pupils being sent here for instruction and large numbers of most excellent teachers mak- ing applications for positions as instructors. The first question of importance presented to this board for its con- sideration related to the finances of the department. The school money received from the state and county was only sufficient to maintain the schools for eight months. A special tax of thirty-five cents on each $100 valuation on the assessment roll was therefore provided for in the special law before mentioned to make up the deficiency. This tax was assessed and collected by the county officials, in the same manner and at the same time of assessing and collecting the state and county taxes, and without cost to the school public ; but, unfortunately, the state board of equalization the next year decided that all such laws throughout the state were unconstitutional, and issued an order restraining county assessors and collectors from assessing or collecting township and district taxes. They further promulgated this principle in the matter of taxation, viz. : "That all taxes levied and collected for township and district purposes must be assessed and collected by officers elected by the people to be taxed." This rendered a revision of the Vallejo school law necessary. The matter was referred to the secretary of the board with instructions to procure legal assistance and so revise the special school law as to secure the assessing and collecting of the usual special tax. On January 5, 1874, J. G. Lawton presented the revised law to the board, which, after some modifications, was approved, and the secretary instructed to forward it to the Hon. J. L. Heald, member of the assembly, by whom it was introduced for legislative action. On the 25th day of February follow- ing it was signed by the governor and has ever since been the school law of Vallejo township. The changes made related more especially to the matter of including the entire township of Vallejo in the school district and making provision for the election of a township assessor and collector as required by the order before mentioned, emanating from the state board of equalization. At the close of the school year ending December, 1871. Messrs. Gregory, Hilborn, Lawton, Ashbrook, Dr. L. C. Frisbie and Rev. C. E. Rich, assisted the superintendent, Mr. Klink, in making the usual term examination, and the report made by these gentlemen was highly creditable to teachers and pupils, and quite satisfactory to the board. On January 2, 1872, the board adopted a course of study, rules and regulations, and had the same printed in pamphlet form for gratuitous distribution among the people. During this year Mr. Simonton, the principal, obtained permission of the board to give 100 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES a number of public school entertainments for the purpose of raising money to purchase a suitable bell for house No. 1. His efforts were succe.ssful be- yond expectation, and the fine bell thus secured to the school department has ever since been ringing" out notes of praise to all Avho participated in this worthy object. The cost of the bell was $325. The teachers elected for the term beginning January, 1872, were the same as last term, with the exception that Mrs. Kidder resigned and J. McFadden was elected and assigned to the South Vallejo school. On April 23, 1872, Mr. Simonton, after so many years of faithful service in the cause of education, was compelled to hand in his resignation on account of failing health. After several ineffectual attempts on the part of the board to induce him to continue, his resignation was finally accepted on the 7th of May, 1872. After accepting the resignation of Professor Simonton, the fol- lowing resolutions were unanimously passed by the board : "Resolved, That it is with unfeigned regret Ave are called upon to part with our late principal, G. W. Simonton, he having filled that position for years with honor to himself, profit to the children of Vallejo and the perfect satisfaction of the board. "Resolved, That the thanks of this board are due and are hereby ten- dered to him for many valuable suggestions, and his unremitting efforts in assisting us to arrange and perfect our present school system. "Resolved. That we cordially recommend him to all interested in educa- tional matters as a gentleman in every way competent and worthy of their entire confidence and esteem." On July 11, 1872, the following teachers were elected for the term com- • mencing July next : C. B. Towle, principal of the high school ; W. F. Rowe, teacher of languages ; Miss Kate Hall, first assistant in the high school ; Miss Julia Benjamin, second assistant, high school; Miss Mary Tourtelott, third assistant, high school ; A. W. Dozier, principal of the grammar department ; Miss F. A. Frisbie, Miss Delia Sweatland, Mrs. C. A. Kidder and Miss J. Belle Murphy, assistants; William Crowhurst, principal of the primary de- partment ; Miss C. F. Barney, Miss Etta Thompson and Fannie Watson, assistants; J. A. McFadden, principal of the South Vallejo school; Miss Mary Tobin, assistant. On July 13, 1872, a petition having been received from a number of citizens residing near the Orphans' Home asking the board of education to open a public school in the home building, and the consent of the officers of that institution having been obtained, it was agreed to by the board, and Professor N. Smith was elected to teach the school, all to be under the same rules and regulations governing the Vallejo public schools. It may be here interesting to give the amount of money disbursed the past school year, as appears from the secretary's report, dated June, 1872; Salaries, $13,745.45; interest on Mackay's note, $750; interest on money borrowed to pay teachers, $510.40; repairs and improvements, $1,020.39; school supplies, $691.99; school furniture, $354.25; rents, $337; insurance, $264.35; grading and constructing sidewalks, $175.40; fuel, $148.33; Avater, $114.80; printing, $121.25; incidentals, $129.55: library. $50; expressage. $20; total, $18,433.16. The receipts for the same year Avere from the folloAving sources : Balance in treasury at beginning of the year, $69.36; received from the state fund, $4,741.35; received from the county fund, $7,842.65; received from the district special tax, $4,234.29; received from the city special tax, $2,415.21; total. $19,302.86. On July 13, 1872, the death of E. H. M. Baily, one of the school directors, Avas announced and suitable resolutions of respect and condolence were passed by the board. o o o a HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 101 On November 4 following, F. Carlton having been duly appointed school director by the superintendent to fill a vacancy in the board caused by the death of Mr. Baily, he qualified and took his seat. January 20, 1873, the board of education elected the following named teachers to act as city board of examination: N. B. Klink, president; C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Melville Dozier, William Crowhurst, A. W. Dozier and W. H. Fray, county superintendent. The following teachers were elected for the term beginning in January, 1873: C. B. Towle, principal of high school; W. F. Roe, professor of lan- guages; Miss Kate Hall, assistant in high school; A. W. Dozier, principal of grammar department; Miss Etta L. Thompson, second grade; Miss Mary Tourtelott, third grade; Miss Jennie S. Klink, assistant in third grade; Mrs. C. A. Kidder, fourth grade; Melville Dozier, principal, South Vallejo; N. Smith, principal Orphans' Home ; Miss Jane Anderson, colored school. The year 1873 was made memorable in the history of the Vallejo schools by the erection of the new and beautiful school-house now standing on the corner of Carolina and Sonoma streets. This improvement was made for additional accommodations for the grammar and primary departments. This work was done under a contract with Mr. Charles Murphy, a citizen of Vallejo, for the sum of $6,500. It was also during this year that the board adopted a diploma to be presented to the graduates from the Vallejo high school. The first graduates receiving this mark of distinction were Misses Maggie Tobin, Mary Mc- Knight, Hattie Dempsey and Mary Long. On Monday, March 16, 1874, the first election was held under the pro- visions of the amended school law, resulting in the choice of the following- named gentlemen: J. G. Lawton, superintendent; I. S. Halsey, secretary; L. Doe, J. Q. Adams and A. J. McPike, directors; G. T. Plaisted, assessor and collector, and on April 6 they qualified, took their seats and immediately entered upon the duty assigned them. Through the kindness and courtesy of the city trustees, early in the year 1874 the board of education was furnished with a very pleasant room in the city hall to hold their meetings and transact their business. June 5, 1874, G. W. Simonton having previously obtained permission of the board to give an entertainment for the purpose of raising money with which to purchase a piano for the grammar department, of which he was principal, reported $190 as the proceeds of the undertaking. A short time afterward the instrument now in use was secured. Graduating class of 1874: Misses Mary S. Halsey, Mary Wynn, Etta Foye, Mary Hobbs, Margaret Wakely, Josephine Sundquest and Margaret Dunn. Teachers elected in June, 1874: C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Jennie Dickin- son, Dora Harris, Mary Congdon, G. W. Simonton, J. T. Royal, William Crowhurst, J. S. Congdon, N. Smith, Mrs. C. A. Kidder, Julia Benjamin, Miss C. H. Pincham, Belle Murphy, Etta Thompson, Mary Tobin, P. A. Frisbie, Mary Foye, Jennie Klink and D. P. Whitney, janitor. The census marshal for 1874, J. H. Green, reports : Whole number white children in the township, between five and seventeen — boys 800. girls 762 ; total, 1,562. Colored children — boys 13, girls 3; total, 16. Mongolian children under seventeen, 20. Blind, 1. Total between five and seventeen, 1,599. Num- ber of children between those ages who have attended public school during the year: White, 998; negro, 14; total, 1,012. Number who have attended private schools, 263. Number who have not attended any school : White, 305 ; negro, 2: Indian, 1. Total, 308. Number of children native born, and having native parents, 865. Num- ber native-born children having one native-born parent, 301. Number of 102 HISTORY OF SOLAXO AXD NAPA COUNTIES children native-born, having both parents foreign, 1,292. Number of chil- dren foreign-born, 15. At a meeting of the board, held July 3, 18/4, a resolution was introduced to abolish the colored school and admit the pupils thereof to the graded schools. The question was fully discussed by members of the board, the citizens present, with one exception, favoring the proposed change. The resolution was adopted, and Vallejo took the lead in the important question by being the first city to admit colored children to the graded schools, and thus conferring upon them equal privileges with the white children. The whole number of children enrolled July, 1874, was 1,011. On December 30. 1874, Professor G. W. Simonton and Miss Belle Murphy resigned. April 2, 1875, School Director L. Doe having removed to Oakland, tendered his resignation, which Avas accepted, and David Ruther- ford was appointed to fill the vacancy. It should be here stated to the credit of Mr. Doe that while acting as a director he ever evinced a strong desire to advance the best interests of the Vallejo school department; always punc- tual in his attendance at the meetings of the board, and taking' a lively interest in all questions presented. On June 2, 1875, the board being in session, much interest was manifested in a proposition to abolish the de- partment of languages. Mr. Halsey moved the adoption of the following: "Whereas, It having come to the knowledge of this board that an effort will be made to induce its members to abolish the department of languages, now in the high school course ; and, "Whereas, Under the present arrangement, the children of the poorest of our citizens stand on an equality with those more fortunate, securing to them the same opportunity to secure a high school diploma, entitling them to the privilege of entering the State University; and, "Whereas, The proposed change would result in a serious drawback to the educational interests of Vallejo, and be looked upon as a step back- ward in the hitherto onward progress of our city; therefore, "Resolved, That we deem it expedient and for the best interests of Val- lejo and her citizens to continue the department of languages in the high school course." The question was discussed by members of the board and a number of citizens, including Messrs. J. E. Abbott. G. W. Simonton, Hon. M. J. Wright. C. B. Towle, J. P. Garlick and County Superintendent C. W. Childs. Many interesting and instructive ideas were presented, all tending to show the deep interest the people of Vallejo feel in educational matters. The resolution was finalty adopted, and the department of languages thus con- tinued. On May 28, 1875, Masters Lewis G. Harrier and Samuel Irving received their diplomas as graduates of the Vallejo high school. It is worthy of note to state in this connection that both of these young men were at once admitted to the State University. The teachers for 1875 and '76 were: C. B. Towle, principal of the high school ; W. F. Roe, professor of languages in the high school ; J. P. Garlick, principal of the grammar department; Viola R. Kimball and Sophia A. P. Kidder, second grammar department; Anna R. Congdon and Dora B. Harris, third grade department; Beverly Cox and Jennie B. Chase, fourth grade grammar department ; William Crowhurst, principal of the primary depart- ment ; Mary AV)mne, first grade primary department; Jennie Klink. second grade primary department ; Etta L. Thompson and Lucy Gilman, third grade primary department; Charlotte M. Barry, fourth grade primary department; J. S. Congdon, principal of the South Vallejo school, and Mary A. Foye. assistant; Nehemiah Smith, principal of the Orphans' Home school, and Fannie E. Smith assistant. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 103 School Census Marshal's Report, 1875 : Number of children from five to seventeen — boys, white, 826; girls, white, 799; total, 1,625. Number of colored children between those ages — boys, 4; girls, 7; total, 11. Number of children under five, 788; colored, 79. Children in public schools, 963; colored, 8. Children in private schools, 331. Children not attending school, 351. This board of education was elected in March, 1876: J. E. Abbott, superintendent, ex-officio president. School directors — John Farnum, C. H. Hubbs, D. Rutherford, A. J. McPike ; I. S. Halsey, secretary. Committees: On grounds, buildings, repairs, fuel and warming school- houses — McPike, Rutherford, Abbott. On janitors, school furniture, school library and apparatus — Hubbs, Farnham, Abbott. On teachers, rules and regulations and school discipline — Rutherford, Hubbs, Abbott. On finance and accounts — Farnham, McPike, Abbott. Board of examination : J. E. Abbott, city superintendent, ex-officio president; C. W. Childs, county superintendent, ex-officio; C. B. Towle, secretary; J. P. Garlick, W. Crowhurst, J. S. Congdon. Teachers: C. B. Towle, principal of the high school; W. F. Roe, pro- fessor of languages in the high school ; J. P. Garlick, principal of the grammar department; Sophia A. P. Kidder, second grammar department; Viola R. Kimball and Dora B. Harris, third grade department; Hettie Dempsey and Maggie Dunn, fourth grade grammar department ; William Crowhurst, prin- cipal of the primary department; Mary Wynne, first grade primary depart- ment ; Jennie Klink, second grade primary department ; Ettie L. Thompson and Lucy Gilman, third grade primary department; E. P. Fouche. fourth grade primary department; J. S. Congdon, principal of the South Vallejo school; Mary Tobin, assistant; Nehemiah Smith, principal of the Orphans' Home school. In 1876 the graduates were Misses Ida Hobbs, Susan Cheeseman, Carrie Frasier, Genie Martin, Carrie Barbour, Annie Crocker, Hattie Klink, with Masters Edward Lawton, Louis Long and Charles Batchellor. On September 29, 1876, Mr. Abbott resigned the position of superin- tendent, owing to pressing business in connection with the Vallejo Bank, and Rev. N. B. Klink was elected to fill the vacancy. Graduating class, 1877 : Edward Frisbie, Jr., Thomas Robinson, Thomas Dempsey, John Frisbie, Mary Rowe. Teachers' election. May, 1877: High school — C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Grammar school — J. P. Garlick, Sarah Farrington, Florence Goodspeed, Jennie S. Klink, Mary L. McKennan, Hettie Dempsey, Maggie Dunn. Pri- mary — Mrs. Sophia Kidder, Mary Wynne, Mary Hobbs, Etta Thompson, Lucy Gilman, C. M. Barry, E. C. Fouche, J. S. Congdon, Alice Blank, A. T. Stiles. Janitors — D. T. Whitney and H. D. Lazell. The school census report of J. S. Congdon. marshal, for 1877 was : Boys from five to seventeen, 745 ; girls, 733 ; colored boy, 1 ; girls, 4. Indians — Boys, 0; girls 1. Total, 1,484. Number under five years of age — Boys and girls, white, 795; negro, 2. Native-born and parents native, 706; native-born and one parent foreign, 384; native-born and both parents foreign. 1,149; foreign, 53. Early in 1878 the board purchased three additional lots adjoin- ing the school property, and had the same planted in evergreen trees and vines. The grounds are intended as playgrounds for the girls and will afford recreation very much needed. On March 25, 1878, the indebtedness on the Vallejo school property, amounting to $5,000, was paid, leaving the property entirely unencumbered. On March 18, 1878, an election for school officers was had, resulting in 7 7 7 O the choice of J. E. Abbott, superintendent ; John Farnham, D. Rutherford, D. W. Harrier, C. H. Hubbs, directors ; T. W. Chamberlain, assessor and collector. 104 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES On April 1 the board was organized, having duly qualified, and I. S. Halsey was elected secretary. The teachers for 1878 were: High school, C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe; grammar, H. W. Philbrook, Sarah J. Farrington, Annie Klink, Josephine Sundquest, Hettie Dempsey, Maggie Tobin ; primary, Mrs. M. P. Morris, Mary E. Brown, Mary Hobbs, Mary Wynne, Lucy Gilman, C. M. Barry, Mrs. E. P. Veeder; South Vallejo, J. S. Congdon. Jennie S. Klink. The census marshal's report for 1878 was : AVhite children from five to seventeen years, 1,481; negro, 7; Mongolians, 24, showing a total of 1,512. Add to these 753 children under five years — making a grand total of 2,265. The amount of money required to meet the expenses of the Vallejo school department may be gathered from the following exhibit, taken from the annual report of the secretary for the year 1878 : Receipts — Balance on hand at beginning of year, $5,122.84; total received from state and county, $18,681.20; total, $23,804.04. Expenditures— Current expenses. $17,132.80; lots purchased, $522.50; paid off mortgage, $5,000; sundries, $313.08. Balance in treasury, $835.66. Total, $23,804.04. At this term, 1878-79, there are employed twenty teachers, receiving salaries ranging from $50 to $150 per month. The monthly pay-roll of teach- ers and school officers aggregates $1,625.83. The session lasts ten months of the year, while the revenue is derived from the state and county and special district taxes, the amount required annually being about $20,000. The value of the school property, including a library of several hundred volumes, many of them standard works of reference, is $50,000, while there is yearly ex- • pended for library books, under the provisions of the state law. a sum oi $150 List of Graduates of Vallejo High School. Class of 1873 : Mary Long, Hettie Dempsey, Margaret Tobin and Mary McKnight. Class of 1874: Mary Halsey, Ida Hobbs, Mary Foye, Mary Wynne, Margaret Dunn, Margaret AYakely and Josie Sundquist. Class of 1875 : Samuel Irving and L. G. Harrier. Class of 1876: Genie Martin, Susie Chessman, Mary Hobbs, Edward Lawton. Annie Crocker, Carrie Fraser, Louis Long, Ella Barbour, Hattie Klink and Charles Batchellor. Class of 1877 : Mary Rowe, Thomas Robinson, Thomas Dempsey, Edward Frisbie and John Frisbie. Class of 1878 : Lizzie Cox, Abbie Dwyer, Eunice Hobbs. Lutie Dixon, Margaret Kavanagh, George Greenwood, Mary Sundquist, Lottie Kitto, Florence Devlin, Kate Brew, Welles Whitney, John Perryman, Minnie Englebright, Margaret Murphy, Julia Stotter, Emma Frey, George Klink and Charles Dexter. Class of 1879 : Nettie Meek, Kate Klink, Lulu Frisbie, Annie Wynne, May Towle, Edward Kavanagh, James McCalley and Louisa Grinnange. Class of 1880: Mamie Jefferies, Lucy Hackett, Minnie Morse, Lottie Green, Louise Rowe and Sarah Brew. Class of 1881 : Julia Frey. Agnes Holleran, Minnie Damuth, John Frey and Josephine Harvey. Class of 1882: Adele Hilton, Thomas Kavanaugh, Jennie Halliday, J. W. Kavanagh Carrie Klink and G. G. Halliday. Class of 1883 : Julia Hyde, Lovina Bushnell, Sarah Murphy, Julia Sweeney, Aggie McKnight and Alice Walter. Class of 1884: Amelia Wilson, Libbie Klink, Jennie McWilliams, Sarah Callahan, Susie Hayes, Annie Pennycook, Frank Devlin, Hattie Kitto, Emma Campbell and J. W. Farrington. Class of 1885 : Jennie Jones, Ida Campbell and AVallace Towle. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 105 Class of 1886: Ida Rounds, Alice McDowell, Francis Sweeney, Kate Perryman, Emma McWilliams, Edward Frisbie, Frank Griffin, Addie Lucy, Guernesy Jones and Sherman McDowell. Class of 1887 : Florence Kavanagh, Maggie Brennan, Ray Cassady, Daniel Flynn, Russell Towle, Essie Farrington and Desicignia Snider. Class of 1888 : Mary Gee, Mamie Daly, Ethel Thurber, Julia Cahill, Mamie Corbett, Jean Brownlie, John Toland, Persia Snider, Mary Cahill and May Holton. Class of 1889 : Annie Sweeney and S. J. McKnight. Class of 1890: Fannie Melvi-n, Maggie Bogle, Clara Hubbs, Mary Wil- son, Charles McEnerney, Gertie Carlin, Maggie Bruce, Lutie Griffin, George Williamson, Henry McPike, Joseph Smith, Mamie Dieninger, Anna Cassady, Addie Gookin, William Riley and Thomas Crosby. Class of 1891 : Mary Alvord, Maud Hanshe, Belle Burton, Maggie Ruth- erford, William Lake, Martin Cahill, Gertrude Brooks, Maggie O'Brien, Florence Cassady, Edward Brennan, Thomas McGill, Elmer Farmer, Joseph McManus, Nora Cahill, Ray Ashwell, Lillie Kitto, Joseph Drake, Charles Beardsley and Roswell Longan. Class of 1892: Grace Brownlie, Emma Kelly, Capitolla Berg, Letitia McDonald, Mabel Fisher, Isabella Roney, Emma Bagley, Estelle Lucy, Clifford Towle, Minnie Demming, Flora Nicholson, Frank Frey, Marguerite Kelly and Dora Wilzinski. Class of 1893 : Mabel Williamson, Nellie Gehrman, Fannie Mead, Eva McDonald, Gertie L. Doyle, Bert Winchell, Loretta Brooks, Rose Burton, May Lain, Rae Cleveland and Sadie Gorham. Class of 1894: Charles Meyer, George J. Hunt, Lottie M. Inmann, Mazie Roddy, Allan Fowler, Don E. Tripp, Kate T. Green, Velma Voorhees, Mar- guerite Deininger, Robert K. Cutler, Edna M. Greenwood, Mary L. Howard and Lillian A. Riordan. Class of 1895 : Marie J. Buss, Arthur E. Owens, Clarence F. Mead, Frank E. Powers, George A. Roney, Walter Roney, Bernard J. Klotz, Dollie Edgecombe, Lester R. Nichols, Nellie E. Redden, Alice Estelle Kimball, Birdie L. McEnerney, Elwood B. Houston and Lottie E. Saunders. Class of 1896 : Marie English, Adelaide Roddy, Lydia Wilson, Ida Kelly, Lillie A. Wickstom, Goldie Rounds, Lulu Luchsinger, Minnie McPike, John Luchsinger, Jr., Mabel Richardson, Ida Daisy Emerson, Daisy Kavanagh and Frank Maxson. Class of 1897 : Eugene Carpenter, George Brew, Maud Cleveland, Cecilia Hans, Maud Harvey, Frank Toors, Jessie Roney, Ella Thomas, Mary Me- garry, Agnes Van Dorn, Ralph Finell, Leila Warren, Jessie Greenwood and Leslie Fraser. Class of 1898: Ethel I. Towle, Alice M. Kenyon, Grace A. Mathews, Irene I. Finnell, Edwin J. Howard, Ida V. Bassford, Carrie Engelhart, Flor- ence B. Currier, Cass Redeuill, Frank W. Taylor, Francis H. Redeuill, Rose Lee Marcum, Florence H. Cleveland, Magdalene K. Ferrier, Henry J. Widen- mann and Carl A. Wickstrom. Class of 1899 : Addie Gormley, Mamie Luchsinger, Nellie Gedge, Carrie Luchsinger, Elena Kennedy, Ethel McQuaide, Ida Hodges, Charlotte Hodges, Helen Wren, Helen Wilder, Leila Warran, Bertha Williams, Cyetta Mc- Quaide, Alice Lamont, Mabel Currier, Joseph Cavanagh, Spencer Towle, William Widenmann, Lewis Williams, Henry Mini, Noah Hatheway, Fred Purcell, Joseph Raines and Elvezio Mini. Class of 1900: No graduates. Class of 1902 : James Brownlie, Ayao Hori, Thomas O'Brien, Harry Turner, Douglas Fraser, Marguerite Hunt, Violet Peterson, Ethel Ford, Edna Kraus and Arthur Swift. Class of 1903 : Lena Aden, Alma Kraus, Frank Mclnnis, Lizzie Wolfe, 106 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES William Callahan, Ethel Louden, Margaret McPherson, Mary Fratus, Louise Menefee and Edna Willis. Class of 1904: Oro Bruegge, James Dineen, George Roe, Nellie Wool- ridge. Albert Casper, Inez Farmer, Emma Steffan, Hazel B. Denio, Rudolph Gruettner and Lillie Steffan. Class of 1905 : Anna C. Aden, Jean Hood, Bertha Marcum, Elma O'Hara. Violet AVeniger. Lulu Dickinson, Henry Hussey, Clyde Murray, Maud Ryan, Fred Wolfe, Donald Fraser, Alice Kavanagh. Rudolph Miller and Bessie Smith. Class of 1906: Edith Brownlie, Nellie' McKee, Freda Tretheway, Jerita Blair, Mabel Nesbit, Ada Garrison and Emily Simons. Class of 1907 : Leo Anderson. Stella Clark, Margaret Foley, Kathryn Kavanagh, Marguerite McMillan, William D. Wolfe, Teresa M. Browne, Margaret Cooney, Marco Hanson, Dolores La Feore, Martin Mini. Ervin Casper, Hazel Greenwood, Hermine Hecht, Jeanette McMillan and Adelaide Simonton. Class of 1908 : Edith Bissland, Carolyn Dolan. Velma Greenwood, Irving Mclnnis, Stella Sides, Rose Braun, Susan Gedge, Roscoe Griffin, Stephen Martinez, Harry Suydam, Lois Weeks, Columbus Castagnetto, Henry Gordon, Oscar Hilton, Ray O'Brien and Reginald Venable. Class of 1909 : Raymond Bangle, Ellsworth Courtney, Sangora Ito, Earl Mitchell, Irma Casper, Genevieve McGinnis, Ellen O'Brien, Gertrude Wins- low, John Brownlie, Cecil Fitzgerald, Edward Kavanagh, Russell O'Hara, • Carrie Green, Marie McPherson, Myrtle Ross, Annie Wunnenberg, Jack Connolly, Francis Gatewood, Edward Mullaly, Mary Bedford, Irma Jamison, Rose Mullaney, Ethel Wetmore and Harold Fitzgerald. Class of 1910 : Lura Blair, Dollie Castagnetto, Vincent Dineen, Ruth Hascal. Edna Longfellow, George O'Hara, Eleanor Thornton, Leonard Boyd, Nellie Corcoran, Sadie Epstein, Gladys Jones, Gilbert Mellin, Margaret Sabin, Jeannette Watson, Edna Brennan, Luzina Denio, Sylvia Greenwell, Florence Kelley, Maxine O'Keefe, Vance Simonton and Helen Williams. Class of 1911 : Marguerite Boyd, Ilah B. Goodwin, Janet Hood, Anita M. Mullally, Ruth V. Roth, Edna B. Wolfe, Emery M. Gourley, Ralph P. Levee, Ruth Brownlie, Nathalie Hallin, Ella A. Lee, Eppy R. Munro, May Shilingsburg, Frank J. Anderson, George R. Greenwood, Charles C. Lund- gren, x^lma Campbell, Verna C. Harris, Romano- McCudden. Edith M. Roth, Elva A. Winslow, Charles C. Dexter, Julius S. Johnson and Edmund Ney. The Vallejo Homestead Association. — This association was incorporated on April 25. 1867, under the direction of the following-named gentlemen : Elisha Whiting, George W. Simonton, J. F. Smith. AVilliam C. Root, H. B. Bell. M. L. Tornbohm and Sanford C. Baker. Elisha Whiting was elected president and George W. Simonton secretary and treasurer. This association has been out of active existence for a number of years. The capital stock of the association was $27,000, and was to continue in existence for the term of three years from and after the date and the filing of the certificate, as above stated. Each member taking a share of stock paid into the treasury $2 on each share taken, as a fund for defraying the current expenses of the association, and $5 per month in advance on each share, to be known as the homestead fund, to be used in the purchase of land and improvements thereon. At the regular monthly meeting, held July 13, 1867, an election of officers was held, resulting in the returning of E. Whiting, president ; G. W. Simon- ton, secretary and treasurer, and five directors, viz. : J. F. Smith, H. K. Snow, M. L. Tornbohm, H. B. Bell and W. W. Skinner, who held office until the annual meeting of the stockholders, which was held on the first Monday in May of each year. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 107 The by-laws provided for a standing committee of three members of the board of directors, to attend to all matters relative to investment in real estate, title, price, terms of sale, etc., and the president appointed J. F. Smith, E. Whiting and M. L. Tornbohm. At a meeting of the board of trustees, convened on June 24, 1867, it was ordered that the report of the committee on the purchase of land be adopted, viz.: "That we purchase of General J. B. Frisbie five full blocks of land situate in the town of Vallejo, and numbered on map of said town, blocks 392, 394, 395, 398 and 399, containing eighty lots 50x130 feet, at a cost of $8,000." Thirty lots in blocks 396, 397 and 400 were bought on October 12, 1877, at the same rate as first purchase, $3,000, making in all one hundred and ten lots. On November 9, 1867, the land was distributed among the share- holders by drawing for choice of lots, with the understanding, which was voted in public meeting, that as the association had been to the expense of fencing in the property, those drawing corner lots should defray the extra cost of inclosing the same, to the extent of $10. The lots, when fully paid up, including the outlay for fencing, recording deed and other incidental expenses, cost the holders $122.25 for corner lots and for those on the inside $112.25. Vallejo Land and Improvement Company. — This company was incor- porated October 27, 1871, with a capital stock divided into 40,000 shares of $100 each, the whole capital being $4,000,000. The objects of the corporation were to purchase and sell and convey lands in the county of Solano ; to erect and maintain wharves and docks on the same for the purpose of manu- factures, trades, business and commerce ; to reclaim lands, purchase and otherwise improve the same by buildings, fixtures and erections to be placed thereon for warehousing and other purposes; to lay out public streets, avenues, boulevards, squares and pleasure grounds across, over and upon the land pufchased, and dedicate the same to the public use. It was then declared that the time of existence of said company should be fifty years, and the following trustees were elected to manage the affairs of the company, viz.: John B. Frisbie, Faxton D. Atherton, Leland Stanford, Milton S. Latham, Alexander De Laski and E. H. Green, the officers being : President, John B. Frisbie; vice-president, F. D. Atherton; secretary, J. K. Duncan; treasurer, Milton S. Latham. The first annual report of the company puts forth the state of the asso- ciation as being most flourishing. When submitted, on January 17, 1872, its property consisted chiefly of 2,000 acres of land in and near the town of Vallejo, the value of which was estimated at nearly $3,000,000. One thou- sand acres were situated within the town limits, including much in the best localities, and six hundred acres along the water-front. The portion lying inside the town limits was laid out in lots, while the balance was suburban lands and other tracts of considerable value. At this time the prospects of Vallejo had reached the zenith, and the relapse which has since occurred was not then deemed probable. The Vallejo Building and Loan Association. — This association was organized in 1911 and is now carrying on business in the city of Vallejo. Its officers are as follows: Charles E. Perry, president; W. J. Tormey, vice- president; J. B. McCauley, treasurer; L. G. Harrier, attorney; F. G. Dilker, secretary. Vallejo Postoffice. — Eleazer Frisbie was appointed postmaster at Vallejo January 19, 1855, previous to which time residents of the city of Vallejo were dependent on Benicia postoffice, particularly for the eastern mail. The following appointments were made succeeding Frisbie's term of office. William W. Chapman, March 3, 1857; Joseph S. Mclntyre, May 28, 1860; Edson J. Wilson, June 28, 1861 ; Edwin H. Sawyer, January 27, 1864; George 108 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES P. Westcott, June 17, 1864; Edson J. Wilson, December 27, 1865; James E. Ryan, June 5, 1868; Miss Mary J. Falle, April 16, 1869; Edson J. Wilson, October 23, 1869; Martin J. Wright, December 10, 1873. and reappointed January 25, 1878. The present postmaster is W. D. Pennycook. Vallejo Society of California Pioneers. — This society was established May 27, 1869, having for its object the cultivation of social intercourse and union among its members, and the creation of a fund for charitable purposes in their behalf; to collect and procure information connected with the early settlement and subsequent history of the county, and to form such libraries and cabinets and pursue such literary and scientific objects as from time to time may be determined, and in all appropriate matters to advance the inter- ests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, energy and enter- prise induced them to settle in the wilderness and become founders of a new state. The charter members of the association were Thomas Aylward, Milo J. Ayers, Gustave Bergwell, Henry Buckland, Henry Clayton, Fred Coyan, Henry Englebright, George Edgar, George B. Edgecumbe, W. P. Edwards, John B. Frisbie, Thomas Gunderson, Alexander Guffy, Jacob F. Griffin, George Gordon, Joseph G. Garrison, R. D. Hopkins, J. Hamill, G. N. Hutchinson, I. S. Halsey, Isaac Hobbs, Henry Hendrickson, Paul K. Hubbs, John G. Hudson, Ernest Hauff, Charles C. Hall, W. D. Jones, Thomas Keat- ing, John L. King, James R. Lee, Peter Laughran, John A. Lay, O. A. Munn, Lyman Mitchell, Charles Murphy, James Mann, William McKenna, F. Marion, John C. McLeod, W. Narvaez, Charles O'Dollel, B. T. Osborn, A. Powell. George A. Poor, R. Palmer, John Rose, William Rawson, John Roache, E. C. Reynolds, D. C. Ross, W. S. Ricker, J. Regan, O. H. Spencer, Henry Stege, Charles C. Southard, John Spruce, A. J. Shute, E. T. Seavy, W. H. Vanfine, John Woodall, Thomas K. Watson, Edward Welsh, William Williams, John Ward. At this time General M. G. Vallejo was elected an honorary member, while there were also admitted Tohn Morgan, J. D. Corn- wall, W. Sullivan, C. C. Hall, John Walker, C. M. Poor, W. C. Brooks. J. M. Dindlay, J. V. Saunders, A. Strohson, E. B. Campbell, W. H. Cheever, J. C. French, J. H. K. Barbour, M. Morrison, A. Peterson, J. A. Carnahan, E. Whiting. The first officers elected were : President, John B. Frisbie ; vice- presidents, Paul K. Hubbs, Gustave Bergwell, Abraham Powell; correspond- ing secretary, Robert D. Hopkins; treasurer, Isaac S. Halsey; directors, Isaac Hobbs, O. H. Spencer, Thomas Aylward ; and marshal, Thomas K. Watson. Many of these pioneers have long ago been gathered to their fathers, while there are still a few of the old-timers left whose gray hairs tell of Time's onward flight. They, too, will ere long be called upon to make the mysterious journey; happily, therefore, that their sons still live to perpetuate the noble example set by their fathers in the establishment of so well favored a society as is that of the California Pioneers. The Vallejo Savings and Commercial Bank. — This bank was incorpo- rated May 3, 1870, with an authorized capital of $300,000, under the manage- ment of the following officers: John B. Frisbie, president, and Henry Mackie, cashier. The directors were: John B. Frisbie, H. Mackie, J. F. Tobin, Captain C. H. Baldwin, L. C. Fowler, D. C. Haskin and Edward McGettigan. On May 17, 1882, it was reorganized under the laws of the state of California and called Vallejo Commercial Bank (No. 129) and authorized by the state banking department to transact both a commercial and savings business. Its advancement has kept up with the times and today has a combined capital and surplus of $150,000. The present officers of the bank are: G. W. Wilson, president; R. J. R. Aden, vice-president; S. J. McKnight, cashier; D. Bros- nahan, assistant cashier; B. C. Byrne, assistant cashier; directors — R. J. R. Aden, Frederic W. Hall, S. M. I evee, J. J. McDonald, James Power, S. T- McKnight and G. W. Wilson. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 109 The Citizens Bank of Vallejo. — This bank was incorporated through the efforts of Joseph R. English and its first officers were: President, John B. Frisbie; vice-president, Charles Widenmann; cashier and secretary, J. R, English. It was a great success from the start. In November, 1909, the name of the Citizens Bank was changed to that of the First National Bank and the savings department is now called the First Savings Bank. The pres- ent officers of the First National Bank are : President, P. E. Bowles ; vice- presidents, Joseph R. English and Frank R. Devlin ; secretary and cashier, B. F. Griffin ; assistant cashier, George Cadan. The following-named are the officers of the First Savings Bank: President, Joseph R. English; vice- president, Charles Widenmann; vice-president and manager, B. F. Griffin; secretary and cashier, George R. Cadan. Out of the earnings for the year over $18,000 was paid to savings depositors after paying the usual dividend. In addition over $8,000 was added to surplus and undivided profits. The present capital and surplus and undivided profits are over $165,000. Newspapers. — The Vallejo Chronicle was founded by F. A. Leach and William Gregg, the first issue being printed June 20, 1867. It appeared as a weekly edition of modest size and pretensions, and was continued as a weekly until November, 1868, when the present daily was established. In April, 1869. Mr. Leach bought the interest of his associate and became sole pro- prietor of the establishment. On assuming the full control he began the issue of the Weekly Chronicle, which had been suspended by the daily. The politics of the paper, which owing to the conflicting principles of the two proprietors had before been independent, was changed and it became inde- pendent Republican, and has ever since steadily advocated the views of that party. In November, • 1875, the ownership of the establishment was merged into a stock company, incorporated under the state laws ; Mr. Leach, how- ever, still retaining all but a fraction of the stock, and continuing in the abso- lute management and control of the business. March 1, 1879, feeble and still failing health compelled him to dissolve his connection with the journal, and he sold his whole interest therein to Thomas Wendell, a part proprietor and editor of the Chronicle for several years preceding. Mr. Wendell, on taking charge, united in himself the duties of business manager with those of editor. Following the death of Mr. Wendell, the paper passed into the hands of A. J. Brownlie, O. H. Hilton and Andrew J. McKnight, who after a short season of endeavor sold their interests to S. C. Farnham, who continued the publication till his death, when in March, 1884, it passed from the hands of his estate to Frank A. Leach, its founder, and W. D. Pennycook. Two years later L. G Harrier purchased Mr. Leach's half interest, and for a quarter of a century the partnership of Pennycook & Harrier continued in the suc- cessful conduct of the paper. On the 16th of January, 1912, this partner- ship was dissolved, and Mr. Pennycook is now sole proprietor. The Chronicle has been a prosperous journal from the date of its birth and has increased in stability and reputation with its growing years. The Vallejo Times. — This paper made its first appearance on September 28, 1875, under the caption of "Solano Daily Times." It was really a suc- cessor of the "Daily Independent." George Roe had purchased the plant of the "Independent" and formed a partnership with A. B. Gibson, and founded the "Times." This partnership was soon dissolved and another composed of George Roe, W. V. Walsh, H. J. Pelham and Thaddeus McFarland. Later on the interest of the two latter partners was purchased and the firm name was changed to Roe & Walsh. In 1870 the "Solano Weekly Times" com- menced publication. Still later, Roe formed a partnership with E. J. Winton ; finally the "Times" came under the present ownership. With new blood the "Times" very soon reached its former leading position as a Democratic news- 110 HISTORY OF SOLAXO AND XAPA COUNTIES paper, and has met with pleasing success as a newspaper ever since. The present owners are Messrs. Muller and Walker, who have the confidence of the public as newspaper men. The City Water Works. — As long ago as 1890 the subject of the city owning its own water works was acted upon in the way of having an elec- tion for the issuance of bonds to build the same. At an election that year the project was defeated, but in 1892 another election proved favorable to the issuance of bonds and the scheme commenced development. Several ranches were purchased a few miles from the town of Cordelia. A record of the further work and completion of the city water works is gathered from a spe- cially prepared article written by Mayor Tormey. It gives the status of the works up to date. The cost of land purchased amounted to $61,622.29. Contracts for reservoirs and pipe lines were let in 1893, and the work was completed the following year. The system as originally constructed in- cluded the following features : 1. A storage reservoir in Wild Horse valley, some twenty-two miles from Vallejo, having a capacity of 400,000 gallons and costing $45,416.13. It is fed by a water shed of 1860 acres. 2. A diverting dam costing $8,076.35, located about a mile down the canyon from the storage reservoir, and consisting of a small masonry struc- ture used to collect the waters of the canyon and divert them from their nat- ural channels into the city's mains. It is fed by a water shed of 1,500 acres, the natural flow from which supplies the system from December to April each year. When the stream became inadequate, additional water was let in from the storage reservoir above. The diverting dam is situated at an ele- vation of some 520 feet above tidewater. There are no live streams on the water shed. From the diverting dam the water was conducted through a wrought iron pipe line to a distributing reservoir on Fleming hill, two miles north of Vallejo, on an elevation 212 feet above tidewater. This is a concrete struc- ture, having a capacity of about 3,500,000 gallons and costing $12,530.36. The capacity of the original wrought iron pipe line as determined by actual measurement at Fleming hill was 715,000 gallons per diem. The total cost of the original construction, including general, legal and engineering expenses, was as follows : Real estate and rights of way $ 61,621.20 Engineering expenses - 18,943.50 Legal expenses 9,370.58 Other general expenses 3.579. 1 5 Total $ 93,514.43 Construction Proper. Storage reservoir $ 45,416.13 Diverting dam 8,076.35 Distributing reservoir 12,530.36 Pipe lines , 68,786.87 Distributing system 38.128.86 Tunnel 11,984.68 Total construction proper $185,296.45 Grand total $278,810.88 In 1902 the city authorities were brought face to face with the problem of increasing the supply and improving the service. Bonds were again voted and larger cast iron mains were laid on a part of the supply line and also in the distributing system. Again in 1905 additional bonds were voted and the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 111 remainder of the main pipe line was rebuilt and rim over a new and more ad- vantageous route. Still again in 1908 the rapid growth, of the city necessi- tated the issuance of more bonds for the construction of an additional storage reservoir. This one is known as Wild Horse Reservoir No. 2. It increased the total storage capacity of the plant to over a billion gallons, thereby insur- ing the city a bountiful supply of water for two years. The last addition to the municipal plant has just been completed, and consists of an additional distributing reservoir having a capacity of 13,000,000 gallons, and a duplicate 14-inch cast iron main running into town from the two distributing reservoirs. With this improvement completed, the city is in first class shape so far as its water supply is concerned. The system has been a great benefit to the city, furnishing an adequate supply of pure water at a reasonable price. It is largely responsible for the recent rapid growth of Vallejo, and has greatly improved the sanitary condi- tion of the city. The rates which were in force by the private corporation at the time when the city commenced business have been cut in half, thereby directly saving to the taxpayers and the United States government approxi- mately a million dollars, or an amount practically equal to the gross income since the municipal plant was installed, and last, but not least, is the moral advantage enjoyed by the city by reason of the fact that it is free from the annual spasm of rate fixing with a private corporation, which in so many cities is attended with much controversy and expense to both parties. The water rates in Vallejo are about one-half the average rates paid by the other communities about the bay, which fact sufficiently demonstrates the advan- tages of municipal ownership in this community. Receipts and expenditures of the Vallejo city water system for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1910 : Receipts. Sale of water $70,612.58 Tapping 685.25 Sale of material, etc 63.15 Total $71,360.98 Expenditures. Expended for operation $11,438.00 Expended for betterments 4,126.80 Total $15,564.80 Gain of receipts over expenditures, $55,796.18. To the late John Frey belongs all the credit of establishing the city water works and placing it on a permanent basis. It was owing to his persistent work that today the city of Vallejo has the best supply of the very best water that comes from the mountains. Vallejo City Water Company. — It is perhaps better known as the Chabot Water Works, it being owned principally, at the time of its incorporation, by A. Chabot of Oakland, Cal. The corporation was formed in 1870, and for a number of years, or until the city owned its own works, supplied the city, as well as the navy yard with the major portion of water used here. The main reservoir of the company is situated near the Napa road about three miles north of the city, and was built on a portion of the 425 acres which was purchased for the sum of $42,000. The dam is 300 feet wide, forty feet high, with 150 feet at the base and 100 feet at the apex, covering 160 acres of land. 112 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES The water is conducted to the city through a twelve-inch pipe. Since the city has established its own plant the Chabot company supplies but a small amount of water, and mostly to parties outside of the city limits. It should be owned by the city and would be a basis of one of the finest parks in the state of California. San Pablo Engine Company, No. 1. — This company was organized Feb- ruary 23, 1865, under the following officers, who were elected at the first meeting, held on the above-mentioned date : Foreman, John King ; first as- sistant, H. P. Soanes; second assistant, Edward Fitzmorris ; treasurer, F. S. Carlton; secretary, Laurence Ryan; financial secretary, John Kennedy. The location of the engine is at the Masonic Hall, on Virginia street. It is of the fourth class and weighs, exclusive of supplies, 3,700 pounds. The boiler is M. R. Clapp's circulating tubular patent, made of the best material and of sufficient strength to bear twice the pressure usually required. Steam can be engendered from cold water in from four to six minutes from the time of the lighting of the fires. The boiler is covered with German silver and banded with the same substance and princess metal. The cylinder is fitted to a bed- plate which contains all the steam passages, thus preventing leaky joints and condensation of steam. It is fitted with self-adjusting packing, requiring lit- tle or no attention from the engineer. The steam cylinder, steam chest and bed-plate are cased in German silver and princess metal. The main forcing- pump is double-acting, and made of a composition of copper and tin and highly polished. It is so constructed that it can be taken apart or put to- gether in a few minutes if required ; there is also a circulating valve for the purpose of feeding the boiler when steam is cut off. The large copper air chamber is of princess metal, with a nickel-plated water pressure attached. The steam cylinder is eight inches in diameter, and eight inch stroke ; the pumo is four and five-eighths inches in diameter and eight-inch stroke; the forward wheels are four and one-half and the rear ones five feet high. The engine is thoroughly equipped with tongue rope, hose-brake, lamps, head- light and all the paraphernalia for ordinary use. The hose cart is two- wheeled and carries 500 feet of carbolized hose, and is in good condition. Under the present form of commission government, a paid fire depart- ment has been substituted for the volunteer method. The various fire and hook and ladder companies are now under the new regulations, which may be changed from time to time. No city on the coast is better protected by the fire department than Vallejo. The Church of the Ascension. — Protestant Episcopal.— For many years prior to 1867 service according to the form of the Protestant w Episcopal Church had been held in Vallejo; but it was not until the 21st of July of that year that any steps had been taken to form a permanent association of the kind. On that Sunday the services were conducted by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Reverend Wilbraham Kip, and the Reverend Messrs. Treadway and Perry, during which intimation was given that a meeting of the association would be held at the office of the Honorable Paul K. Hubbs on the Monday following. The meeting was duly convened and an associ- ation incorporated under the laws of the state and the Diocese of California, under the name as given above, the following gentlemen subscribing to the Declaration and Articles of Association : Paul K. Hubbs, T. H. Gardner, R. D. Hopkins, W. H. Lamb, Paul Shirley, James Price, L. C. Fowler, Will- iam Taylor, Jr., Casper Schenck, Thomas A. Thornton, Ed. A. Willats, James A. Green, A. T. Hawley, W. C. Root, George Loomis, William A. Parker, J. W. Haskin, and W. H. Stanley. The subjoined vestrymen were thereupon elected : Messrs. Paul K. Hubbs, W. H. Lamb, L. C. Fowler, J. H. K. Barbour, W. A. Parker, J. W. Browne, W. C. Root, William Taylor, Jr., J. W. Haskin, Philip Hichburn, and R. D. Hopkins, with Messrs. Fow- ler and Hubbs as senior and junior wardens, and Messrs. Hopkins and Lamb HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 113 secretary and treasurer, respectively. After the election of these officers the Rev. A. C. Treadway was unanimously chosen the first rector of the Church of the Ascension at Vallejo. In the course of time laws and by-laws for the governing of the executive body were framed and brought into effect. On July 29 a building committee was appointed, with power to solicit sub- scriptions in aid of the erection of a church. Gen. John B. Frisbie generously presented them with two lots whereon to erect the sacred edifice ; plans and specifications were gratuitously prepared by Mr. Gunning, architect, of Mare Island, and a fair was held by the ladies of the congregation and their friends to still further augment the funds. The foundation stone was laid on the 4th of May, 1868. On April 8, 1868, Mr. Treadway, in a letter of great feeling, tendered his resignation, which was duly accepted, in fitting terms, in meeting assembled, when it was resolved to invite Rev. Dr. Breck to take charge of the parish, in connection with the associate mission, which he had established in Benicia. In the meantime, Mr. Treadway had returned to New York; but such was the estimation in which he was held that it was unanimously resolved on the 15th of July to invite him to return to his former charge, which he signified his willingness to do; and on the 10th of December he once more presided at a vestry meeting of the parish. During this period the building of the church progressed satisfactorily. On the evening of the 9th of March, 1870, the introduction of gas into the building was completed ; and on Sunday, the 13th, the edifice was duly consecrated by the Bishop of California, before an overflowing congregation. On August 5, 1871, Mr. Treadway once more tendered his resignation, the acceptance of which was declined, on the plea "that the interests of the church would not prosper so well under the min- istry of any other person," when the rector signified, his willingness that the question of his retirement remain in statu quo ; he, however, again opened the question on February 7, 1872, stating his intention of returning home to the east in April or May following. Still, the vestry were unwilling to part with their pastor, who, they suggested, should be tendered a leave of absence ; but at last he prevailed, and his resignation was accepted, to take effect on December 31, 1872. His farewell sermon is described as being a deep utterance of pastoral love, which was both appropriate and impressive. A successor was found in the Rev. Adam A. McAllister, who was nominated to the vacant rectorship on Novem- ber 13, 1872. On December 21 the vestry lost, by death, one of its most act- ive members, in Paymaster Mead, U. S. N., when condolatory resolutions were directed to be forwarded to his family; the meeting, however, whose painful duty it was to pass the foregoing, had a more pleasant one in thanking the "ladies of the Episcopal Benevolent Association of Vallejo, for having realized the means, and by their generosity, devoted them to the liquidation of the debts of the Church of the Ascension from embarrassment, and en- abling the church, unfettered by pecuniary obligations, to renew and enlarge its work." On January 5, 1874, Mr. McAllister resigned, when the pulpit was offered to and accepted by the Rev. E. L. Greene, who, on account of family affliction, sent in his resignation on February 18, 1875 ; it was ac- cepted; and on the 25th of the same month, the Rev. W. H. Moore was offered the parish. At a meeting of the vestry, held June 16, 1875, it was resolved to move the church back twenty-five feet, which was subsequently carried out, and the ground graded, a fence built, shrubbery planted, and the premises otherwise adorned. The funds of the parish were in somewise aided by a bequest, from the late Senior Warden Paul K. Hubbs, who had died on the 17th of November previously. In the death of this gentleman the church and parish lost one of its staunchest supports ; it was mainly to his good 114 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES offices that the "Church of the Ascension" was organized ; and the esteem in which he was held is touchingly alluded to in the resolution directing reali- zation of the bequest. On April 6, 1876, death had again entered in ; once more there was a vacancy among the wardens; this time in the person of W. C. Root, the first person confirmed in the parish. He was elected a ves- tryman at the time of the organization of the parish, and had been one of its officers in successive years. At a meeting held on the 18th of April, Rev. W. A. Moore announced his wish to resign, which took effect May 15th. Mr. McAllister once more temporarily occupied the pulpit until the appointment of a successor, who was found in Dr. Chapman, who in turn left the parish for his home in Sac- ramento in August, and was succeeded by Rev. George B. Allen, October 23, 1876. He resigned on November 22, and again was the Church of the Ascen- sion without an officiating clergyman of its own. The parish was then of- fered to Rev. R. T. Kline, whose acceptance was made known January 22, 1877. This clergyman remained with his congregation almost eleven months, handing in a letter of retirement November 21 of the same year. Mr. McAl- lister again occupied the pulpit from Sunday to Sunday until, on December 23, 1877, when it was resolved to call Rev. David F. MacDonald, D. D., from Arkansas. Dr. MacDonald was, as far back as 1856, the first missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this country. He was located by the Bishop of the Diocese at Benicia, where he labored amongst all classes with much zeal. He had often conducted services in the parish where he is now rector in a small building used as a Methodist Church, and it was a grateful . remembrance of former efforts which suggested, after the lapse of so many years, the tendering of the pulpit to him. The Church of the Ascension is situated on Georgia Street, between Napa and Sutter, and stands on an elevated knoll which commands a fine view of the harbor and surrounding country, and has a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty. A magnificent bell has been presented to it by Henry Sanger. Sunday services are held at 11 A. M. Methodist Episcopal Church. — The appended historical sketch of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the city of Vallejo has been supplied by the Rev. E. I. Jones, the present pastor. About the middle of 1855, Rev. William Willmott was appointed in charge of a circuit which included the towns of Benicia and Vallejo. During that year and a part of the one following, he preached at Vallejo and partially organized a Methodist church. Before his advent, Mrs. Commodore Farragut, the Misses Turner and others had con- ducted a Sunday School, which seems to have been the nucleus around which Mr. Willmott gathered his congregation. In January, 1856, Gen. John B. Frisbie donated and deeded the present church site to David G. Farragut, David Turner, Simeon Jenkins, Charles H. Oliver and James H. Green "in trust for the use of the Methodist Episco- pal Church in the town of Vallejo, etc." Upon this lot, and largely through the exertions of Farragut, was built a small, rough structure which served for a time the double purpose of chapel and school-house. Mr. Willmott went to the Atlantic in the summer of 1856 and his pulpit was supplied by Rev. George B. Taylor. Rev. C. V. Anthony, who became pastor in September, 1856, perfected the organization. Written by him and preserved among the church records is a quaint narrative from which the following extract is taken : "The church was built of planks placed endwise and battened with narrow strips. Only the casings and cornice were planed ; the other parts were rough and washed with yellow ochre and lime. The pulpit was a high, old-fashioned concern, with a trap door under the preacher's feet, where the sexton, who was gen- erally preacher also, kept the sperm oil and other things for lighting the church. In former times this room under the pulpit had served another pur- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 115 pose. The pastor who built the church put a cot down there and, when he retired, simply lifted the trap-door and went to bed, leaving the door up. During my first year, we succeeded in paying the old debt of $400. More comfortable seats were provided, the church was painted and a fence put around it. Aforetime, it had been a convenient place for cattle to shade themselves, and on Sundays we were often disturbed by their contentions and sometimes shaken by their scratchings against the corners of the church." At the close of this pastorate the church had fourteen members. This number does not, however, indicate the actual size or strength of the congre- gation, which included among its most zealous workers the adherents of other churches which then had no organizations in the town. In Mr. An- thony's narrative, David Turner and Mrs. Farragut, Episcopalians, and Ne- hemiah Smith, Presbyterian, are mentioned as having been notably active and helpful. Dr. Woodbridge, Presbyterian, held services in the church every Sunday afternoon, but had no organization. The following-named pastors succeeded, their terms beginning in Sep- tember of the vears specified: James Hunter, 1858; Kilpatrick. 1859; W. B. May. I860: J. W. Hines, 1861 ; B. F. Myers, 1863; P. L. Hayes, 1865. During the pastorate of the last named, the membership nearly doubled and the church was greatly improved by the addition of a vestibule and bell tower. Rev. Galen A. Pierce became pastor in September, 1867, and had a nota- bly acceptable term of two years, at the close of which there were fift^-five members and a property valued at $4,600. Rev. Charles E. Rich followed in August, 1869. The city was more populous and prosperous during his term than before or since. The congre- gation so increased that the church was lengthened fifteen feet, a vestry- room was added, and the whole edifice so improved as to be substantially a new one. A debt was, however, incurred which greatly embarrassed the church for about seven years. In August, 1870, there were ninety-five mem- bers and property valued at $7,000, including the present parsonage, then but recently acquired. Rev. A. K. Crawford was pastor for one year, from September, 1872, reporting fifty-five members at the close of his term. Rev. W. S. Urmy followed in 1873 and remained three years, at the end of the second of which he reports the membership at one hundred and $2,600 as having been expended upon the church property, mostly in partial pay- ment of the debt heretofore mentioned. At the close of his term the mem- bership had decreased to seventy-one, and nearly one-half of these were nominal or non-resident. Rev. E. I. Jones, the present pastor — 1879 — became such in September, 1876. at which time removals had so decimated the membership and business depressions so discouraged those remaining, that this pastorate opened un- hopefully, especially in view of the fact that there was still an indebtedness of about $1,500. On Sunday evening, December 8, 1878, the church was almost totally destroyed by fire, originating, it is supposed, in a defective flue. The proceeds of an insurance policy for $1,500 were applied upon the indebtedness. First Regular Baptist Church. — This church was organized November 21, 1869, a meeting being convened by public notice, calling on all those in- terested in establishing a regular Baptist Church in Vallejo to meet at Red Men's Hall. Rev. W. W. Hickie was chosen moderator, and Eben Hilton Clerk. Each of the brethren and sisters herein named presented themselves and were accepted by each other in unanimous vote of fellowship for the pur- pose of organizing a gospel church, and being fellow members of the same : 116 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES W. W. Hickie, Eben Hilton, Esther Hilton, Stephen Hathaway, Eleazer Frisbie, H. H. Dwyer, J. C. Voorhees, Anna Case, Sanford Baker, G. W. Mor- gan and wife. On motion of Mr. Frisbie, the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, as given in the Baptist Manual, published by the American Baptist Publica- tion Society, Philadelphia, was read, and by unanimous vote, as follows : Pastor, Rev. W. W. Hickie ; deacons, H. H. Dwyer and Eleazer Frisbie ; treasurer, Eben Hilton ; Sanford Baker, was adopted. The Rev. W. W. Hickie continued his labors with the church until June 1 following, when he abandoned the profession. Public worship was discontinued until De- cember 2, 1870, when the church called the Rev. J. H. Ruby as a successor, and then commenced to hold worship in Farragut Hall; and on June 13, 1871, an unanimous call was extended to Mr. Ruby to become its pastor. He accented, and continued in that capacity until September 1, when he re- signed. On .November 17, 1871, the church called the Rev. E. B. Hatch to its pastorate. On January 7, 1872, the American Baptist Home Mission Society hav- ing granted material aid towards the building of a suitable house for public worship, a committee was appointed with power to solicit subscriptions for building the same. In November following they reported having received subscriptions enough to warrant the commencement of a proper building, and that Gen. J. B. Frisbie had donated a lot and executed a deed for the purpose; but the piece of ground not being in a desirable locality, it was thought best to purchase a plot on Capitol, between Marin and Sonoma streets. A committee to superintend the structure was chosen, and the work begun. On March 1, 1873, the church and lot, which had cost over $4,000, was dedicated to the service of God. The Rev. E. B. Hatch continued to be its pastor until February 1, 1876, when, tendering his resignation, it was accepted. On that date Rev. R. F. Parshall was appointed to the pastorate, and, entering upon his duties on March 26, he continued to perform them until December 13, 1876, when he resigned. The church was without a pastor and public worship until April 1, 1877, when Rev. T. A. Gill, Chaplain U. S. N., was ordered to the Navy Yard. On his arrival a committee was appointed to wait upon him, with the request that he preach on Sunday mornings, with which petition he cheerfully com- plied, and entered upon the duties for an indefinite period. Mr. Gill and his wife labored with the church until May 28, 1878, when he was detached from the Yard, thus leaving the church once more without a pastor. At this juncture Rev. Frank B. Rose, U. S. N., Chaplain on board U. S. S. Pensacola, volunteered his services and continued them until October 13, when he, too, left the district. On October 27, 1878, Rev. E. H. Gray, D. D., was called from Washington, D. C. The Sunday School connected with the church was organized February 1, 1870, Henry Hall, superintendent. In June, 1871, J. C. Voorhees was elected in that capacity, and filled it till January 1, 1879, when Mrs. Veeder was appointed. First Presbyterian Church. — Previous to the arrival of Rev. N. B. Klink in Vallejo, the Rev. S. Woodbridge, D. T)., of Benicia, had preached to a con- gregation in this city for several years on the afternoon of every Sabbath. At the time there was no Presbyterian church ; service was therefore held in the Methodist Episcopal building. On ascertaining that it was Mr. Klink's intention to reside permanently in Vallejo, Dr. Woodbridge re- signed the duties to him ; and the Methodists, being now without a minister, invited him to supply them, and granted the use of their house of worship until September, 1863. The First Presbyterian Church was organized in November, 1862, while they were still worshipping in the Methodist Church. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 117 According to public notice the congregation met in the Methodist Episcopal Church November 22, 1862, for the purpose, if the way be clear, of organizing a Presbyterian Church. The meeting was called to order and opened with prayer. Rev. N. B. Klink was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Henry Blackman secretary. The following-named persons, being present with let- ters of dismissal from other Presbyterian Churches, and voluntarily wishing to be associated together for Divine and Godly living, were, on motion, formed into a Presbyterian Church of "the old school," within the bounds of Benicia Presbytery and Synod of the Pacific: Mrs. Helen Williamson, Car- rie E. Frisbie, Susan Callender, Elizabeth Chapman, Isabella Rule, Eliza Roloff. Phebe A. Frisbie, Sylvia M. Burns, J. Wright, J. Tessroe, with Messrs. Stephen Klink and E. H. M. Bailey. There being none present who were willing to accept the office of ruling elder, the church was only provi- sionally organized. The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and also the Form of Government and the Directions for Wor- ship, were adopted as their standards of faith and order; and A. Powell, Daniel Williamson, James Topley, E. H. M. Bailey and Stephen Klink were elected a board of trustees, and were also chosen as a building committee, when immediate steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship on two lots on the northwest corner of Marin and Carolina streets, which were the gift of Gen. John B. Frisbie. During the summer of 1863 the building of the church was proceeded with ; and on the first Sunday in September in that year the opening sermon was preached by Rev. A. Fairbairn ; though incomplete, worship was main- tained in it for full two years, when, November 5, 1865, it was solemnly dedi- cated to the worship of Almighty God by Rev. Dr. Woodbridge. The edifice and the bell cost $8,500. In April, 1866, Messrs. E. H. M. Bailey and L. G. Oliver were elected ruling elders ; and on May 8, they having been ordained, were duly installed as officers of the church, on which ceremony its organization became com- plete. The Advent Christian Church of Vallejo. — The Advent doctrine was first introduced into Vallejo by Elder D. D. Reid, of Santa Clara county, in the fall of 1870. The first sermon was preached in the Methodist Church. The first series of meetings was held by Elder Miles Grant, of Boston, Mass., in the Presbyterian Church, the pastor most warmly encouraging and sup- porting the good work. No attempt was at this time made to organize a church, as it was supposed the converts would be well nourished and fed by the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, who had been so blessed in the re- vival. But very soon after Elder Grant's departure he began to oppose the doctrines which had done so much good, and it became evident that the be- lievers must organize a church of their own. This was done on June 13, 1871, in the building known as George's Place, a building bought in New York and shipped around the Horn to San Francisco, set up and used in that city, and then taken down and removed to Vallejo. It had been used for the vilest purposes of those early times, and it was indeed a novelty to hear within its walls the voice of prayer, of praise, and of truth. The build- ing had been thoroughly cleansed and refitted for its new work. The charter members were Job Washburn, Samuel Jamison, A. J. Young, David West, George Redden, Mrs. George Redden, Mrs. Statira Snow, Mrs. Ella P. Pettis, Mrs. Hannah P. Moore and Mrs. A. J. Young. Many others were in sympathy with the organization, but did not unite until afterward. The officers consisted simply of a deacon and a clerk, Job K. Washburn and A. J. Young, respectively, holding the positions. This church was organized under Elder D. D. Reid. The first pastor was Elder O. R. Fassett, from Min- nesota, who had charge of the church for two years, preaching one-half the 118 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES time, while Mrs. Fassett preached the other half. They resided in San Fran- cisco. During this pastorate the chapel was built on Capitol Hill, on a lot donated by Gen. J. B. Frisbie. (Lot 14, in Block 306.) It was a plain, un- pretending structure 32x52, and cost about $1,000. The house was dedicated on Sunday, March 24, 1872, Elders Fassett and Reid officiating. Experience soon proved the location of the chapel too inaccessible to the people, espe- cially in the rainy season, and it was decided to move it. In April, 1874, it was moved to Georgia street and located on Lot No. 6, Block 284, owned by Mr. Tripp and leased to the church for this purpose. Catholic Parish of Vallejo. — The first Catholic Parish in Vallejo was formed as the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer's in 1855. The first church was built in that year by the Dominican Fathers. Its original location was on a lot adjoining the present city hall on Marin street. Generals John B. Frisbie and M. G. Vallejo donated the lot and bell used in the early structure. As the parish increased in numbers quickly, it was seen that more room would be needed, then General John B. Frisbie donated the block bounded by Santa Clara, Sacramento, Florida and Kentucky streets, to which the old building was removed. This building was partially destroyed by fire a few years ago. Rev. Father Louis Daniel, for over twenty years, or until his death, which occurred in 1876, presided over the parish, beloved by all. It was Father Daniel who caused the removal of the old church to the new site, where, soon after, the present new church was built. The old building was reconstructed and equipped with proper school furniture, and the Sisters of St. Dominic were called upon to open a school for girls. The new church was built on one of the prominent heights of Vallejo, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. It has a holding ca- pacity of nearly a thousand and the interior is the beautiful work of one of the members of the Dominican Order. St. Vincent's school, attached to St. Vincent's parish, was opened for the reception of pupils in 1870 by the Dominican Sisters from the Mother House in Benicia The old church did duty for a school for a number of years, new rooms being occasionally added to accommodate the rapidly increasing num- ber of students. The necessity for a school building in keeping with the importance of the city became more and more apparent until in 1893 Father Louis Daniel erected the present brick structure, which was dedicated by the late Archbishop Montgomery. The building comprises two large stories, with a spacious basement. The class rooms, music rooms, etc., throughout are large, airy and well lighted, and every detail that goes to make up an ideal Catholic educational institution has been attended to. The course of studies pursued is similar to that followed in the public schools, with four high school grades and a thorough, practical instruction is imparted by the devoted Sisters in charge. As an item worthy of notice, it should be observed that it is the rule that all pupils during their last two years of study are obliged to take up a busi- ness course embracing bookkeeping, typing, stenography, etc., thereby equip- ping themselves fully for any position in the commercial world. At the death of Father Daniel, Rev. Bernard M. Doogan, O. P., was ap- pointed his successor. Father Doogan was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1838, and was educated for the priesthood in the Dominican House of studies at Benicia after coming to America, and was rector of St. Dominic's Church in San Francisco, where he remained until coming to St. Vincent's Parish in 1896. Father Doogan holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Domin- ican Fathers on the coast, and he is widely known and honored. At the close of November, 1911, the aged priest celebrated the fifty-second year of his profession and a few weeks after he resigned the pastorate to retire to the Dominican Monastery at Benicia. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 119 During his fifteen years' stay in charge of St. Vincent's Parish, he en- deared himself to all, and as a token of their regard the members of the Young Men's Institute at Vallejo presented him with a silver watch. Had he been willing to accept a more costly present it would have been forthcom- ing with all the fervor of his many friends combined. Father Doogan has been succeeded by the present pastor, Father Clancy, O. P. Father Clancy was for 18 years attached to St. Dominic's Church in San Francisco, and his departure from there was the cause of sincere regrets on the part of hundreds of friends, which bespeaks for him the same popular- ity in his new surroundings that he enjoyed there those many years. St. Vincent's Benevolent Society. — This society is formed for the pur- pose of promoting each other's temporal and spiritual welfare ; for affording spiritual consolation and substantial aid to its members in time of sickness, and securing to them, after death, decent and Christian interment, in accord- ance with the faith of the Holy Catholic Church ; for the performance of works of mercy and charity towards distressed persons of the parish, and encouraging each other by good example, in the duties of Christian life, and, above all. the exercising of a spirit of fraternal charity. The establishment of this most meritorious association was effected on February 3, 1867, having for its first officers: John Louis Daniel, O. P., chaplain; Michael S. Derwin, president; Daniel J. Brennan, vice-president; John L. Daniel, O. P., bursar; Michael J. Cunningham, secretary, the members of the council being: James Doyle, Edward McGettigan, Lawrence Walsh, Hugh Cunningham, John Per- ryman, Daniel Wynn, James McGarvey, John Cronin and John Kennedy. The organizers of the St. Vincent's Benevolent Society were: Lawrence Walsh, Ed McGettigan, Hugh Cunningham, D. J. Brennan, Thomas Lynch, Patrick Crawley, Thomas Woods, Daniel Hayes, James McGarvey, Edward O'Malley, Peter Lyden, John Leary, Benjamin Martin, Thomas Ryan, Peter Bourke, Robert Casey, Charles White, John Walsh, Henry Buckland, An- thony Murray, W. J. Cunningham, James Doyle, Thomas Gannon, John Casey, Owen Behan, H. B. Hendrickson, John Crannin, John McManus, Thomas Hollern, Daniel Wynn, Thomas Kenney, Patrick O'Malley, John Mullin, John McGuire, Richard Walsh, John Kennedy, John Perryman, Nich- olas Clavo, Richard Palmer, Edward Lynch, Bartholomew Turner, Patrick Kelly, Patrick Lynch, John Hurley, Joseph Sullivan, Patrick Murphy, Law- rence Barry, Patrick Crotty, Henry Knowles, John Brennan, Thomas Car- roll, Patrick Delehanty, Charles Cunningham, Angus Mclnnes, Denis Driscol, William Browier, William Flynn, Michael Sullivan, James Toland, Patrick Tracy, John Wise, James Lane, C. Quinlan, Henry McCullough, T. J. Bald- win, Daniel Donovan, Lawrence Dempsey. Honorary members : Michael Derwin, Edward C. Doran, Lieut. F. Harrington, John Drennan, John O'Grady, Patrick Londregan and Mrs. Lawrence Walsh. Secret Societies, Associations, etc. — Vallejo is second to no other city in the state of California in the condition of its lodges, save, perhaps, with the single exception of San Francisco. The Masonic Order, as well as that of the Odd Fellows, is in a most flourishing condition, while the benefits which they confer are dispensed with due regard to the lessons inculcated by the several orders. Naval Lodge No. 87, F. and A. M. — This is the oldest lodge in Vallejo, and was organized under dispensation July 17, 1855. The first meeting was held August 4, 1855, when the following officers were appointed : William Wilmot, W. M.; Henry Hook, S. W. ; Joseph R. Bird, J. W.; Robert Brown- lee, treas.; William Aspenall, secretary; L. W. Bean, S. D. ; Denis Meagher, J. D.; John Lee, tyler. On May 7, 1856, the charter was granted, the mem- bers being Abraham Powell, W. M.; William Aspenall, S. W., and Isaac Hobbs, J. W. The first meeting held under the new charter was convened on May 28, 1856, with Deputy Grand Master William S. W^ells presiding, 120 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES when the following were elected to the various offices : Joseph R. Bird, W. M.; Benjamin R. Mitchell, S. W. ; William Aspenall, J. W. ; Robert Brownlee, treasurer; Alexander Guffy, secretary; L. W. Bean, S. D. ; Denis Meagher, J. D., and John Lee, tyler. Naval Chapter No. 35, R. A. M. — This chapter was organized under dis- pensation May 20, 1868, and granted a charter October 20 of the same year, its chartered members being Lyman Leslie, I. M. Brown, B. J. Taylor, P. B. Miller, Dan Harrington, Benjamin Benas, E. G. Moden, T. J. Crowlie and Philip Hichborn, the officers being Lyman Leslie, high priest; J. M. Brown, king; B. J. Taylor, scribe. Since its first institution the number of members has been considerably augmented. Solano Lodge No. 229, F. and A. M. — This lodge organized under dis- pensation May 14, 1873, and received the charter on October 18, 1873, the charter members being John Quincy Adams, P. M. ; Ellis Edward Hartwell, Frank E. Brown, Orren H. Butler, William Carter, Frank W. Cushing. John F. Denning, George C. Demmon, John K. Duncan, Joseph G. Edgecumbe, John Farnham, John Frey, William E. Frisby, Alden L. Hatheway, F. D. Higson. Adam A. McAllister, Edwin A. McDonald, Charles A. Moore, Matti- son Myers, P. M. ; William H. Pettis, George P. Plaisted, Ambrose J. Plum- mer, W. F. Roe, John B. Robinson, David W. Rogers, George E. Sides, Ed- ward T. Starr, George Thompson. Joseph F. Wendell, John T. Wells and Tohn W. Winton. The officers under dispensation were: F. W. Cushing, W. M.; J. T. Wells, S. W. ; W. H. Pettis, J. W. ; E. T. Starr, treasurer; A. L. Hatheway, secretary; Rev. A. A. McAllister, chaplain; John Farnham, S. D. ; • George C. Demmon, J. D. ; J. C. Edgecumbe, marshal ; Frank E. Brown, or- ganist ; O. H. Butler, W. E. Frisby, stewards ; Henry Stahl, tyler, who con- tinued to hold office until the next election. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Golden State Lodge No. 216. — This lodge was organized in 1872. the charter members being: John Hamill, V. W. Beckford, I. M. Rutan, I. S. Halsey, F. J. Trapp, S. E. Wilson, S. N. lamison, A. Clark, C. H. Hubbs, Joseph Burton, C. H. Hodgkins, H. Bruce, M. M. Moore, J. P. Fraser, J. Hobbs, George Woods, M. Handford and S. E. Wright. The first officers who served were : F. J. Trapp, N. G. ; I. S. Hal- sey, V. G.; S. E. Wilson, R. S. ; C. H. Hubbs, P. S., and I. M. Rutan, treas- urer. Knights of Pythias, Washington Lodge No. 7. — Of all the charitable organizations in the country, perhaps no other has labored under greater disadvantages and with more beneficial results than the Knights of Pythias. The first lodge was organized in Washington, D. C, February 19, 1864, in the midst of civil strife, when society was in a disrupted state and all secret organizations considered political. Its importance and numbers have, how- ever, steadily advanced, and now its condition is most flourishing. Wash- ington Lodge of Vallejo, No. 7, was organized September 17, 1869, and is the only one in the state which can claim the honor of being organized by the Supreme Chancellor of the World. The number of charter members was eighty-eight, while the first officers were : C. C, A. J. Perkins ; V. C, C. M. Price; R. S., A. C. Doan ; F. S., R. S. Williams; B., G. A. Poor; G., E. A. Hersey; I. S., John Kennedy; O. S., J. W. Williams. Improved Order of Red Men, Samoset Tribe, No. 22, was instituted June 4, 1869, with the undermentioned charter members : W. C. Lemon, O. L. Henderson, H. J. Ford, C. M. Price, Benjamin D. Egery, Philip Mager, W. Williston, J. Brownlie, A. P. Alexander, I. G. Martin, L. M. Knibbs, T. W. Woodward, James Currier, J. G. Smith, Henry Dexter, W. H. Green, M. G. Winchell, W. E. Bristow, Joseph Anderson, James Borton, John Law- rence, William M. Starr, Frank A. Leach, J. H. Powell, A. S. Carmen, L. C. Kincade, John Thompson, Van B. Smith, John W. Williams, Frank R. Cur- rier, James Frost, Martin J. Wright, John S. Souther, Ed. D. G. Fields, Aug. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 121 M. Street, O. H. Bryant, Edward W. O'Brien, M. D. Tobin, F. R. Arnold, L. S. Patriguin, Charles E. Young, O. K. Doan, George Bassford, George L. Quant, M. C. Whitney, John C. Hale, Thomas Evans, James Blessington, A. J. Chapman, R. Caverly, J. N. Sancts, James Jordan, Con Lunny, J. G. Cornwall. A. J. Perkins, C. B. Edwards, W. M. Sullivan, Charles J. Eger, William Moore, F. C. Bageley, D. M. McCool, John Reidfee, W. M. Stannus, Thomas McFarland, Benjamin E. Pressey, J. N. Stevenson, A. J. McPike, J. R. Hogan, A. C. Doan, John McCarthy, Walter F. Patterson, H. S. Chap- pelle. John Lambert, George A. Poor, John Hesketh, George P. Plaisted, N. D. Toby, James G. Masseyl, F. D. Higson, N. Carmichael, I. M. Rutan, W. G. Walsh, Milton Warner, John McPhee, James Carter, Alexander Anderson. The officers of the tribe first appointed were: W. C. Lemon, sachem; O. L. Henderson, senior sagamore; H. J. Ford, junior sagamore; C. M. Price, chief of records; B. D. Egery, keeper of wampum; P. Mager, first warrior; W. Williston, second; J. Brownlie, third; A. P. Alexander, fourth; J. G. Mar- tin, first; L. W. Knibbs, second; O. C. Chamberlain, third; T. W. Woodward, fourth braves ; James Currier, first, J. G. Smith, second powwow ; Henry Dexter, guard of forest ; W. H. Green, guard of the wigwam ; M. G. Winch- ell, first, W. E. Bristow, second sannap, and Joseph Anderson, prophet. Ancient Order of United Workmen, Vallejo Lodge No. 75. — This so- ciety, a new one in the state of California, was organized and chartered Jan- uary 6, 1879. It has already a roll of eighty-three members, while its officers are : P. M. W., Samuel Kitto; M. W., George F. Mallett ; G. F. M., G. Winch- ell ; O., William McWilliams ; recorder, James G. Smith ; financier, Robert B. Barr; receiver, S. S. Drake; guide, G. W. Martin; J. W., Charles H. Ben- nett; O. W., George W. Edgecumbe. Days of meeting, Monday in every week. Vallejo Masonic Hall Association. — At a regular meeting of Naval Lodge No. 87, F. and A. M., held at their hall in Vallejo April 19, 1866, the following-named persons were elected trustees to organize, incorporate and manage the affairs of a joint stock company, for the purpose of erecting a Masonic hall building in Vallejo, and that the names of the trustees be P. D. Grimes, J. M. Rutan, Joseph L. Likins, Philip Hichborn and Eben Hilton. The capital stock of the association was $8,000, divided into 320 shares of the par value of $25. The number of trustees, as provided in the articles of incorporation, to direct the affairs of the association for three months, was five ; and the names of those gentlemen were those above named. The annual meeting of the stockholders was held on the second Wednes- day evening in January for their election. At the regular meeting of stockhold- ers the representation of at least a majority of the stock issued was necessary for the transaction of business. No shareholder could serve as a trustee un- less he was a Master Mason in good standing, and was a member of some lodge within thirty miles of Vallejo, and the holder of at least two shares of. stock. Dividends of the profits of the association were declared annually, at a regular meeting of the trustees. The by-laws also provided that a dividend of the profits should not be declared to exceed twelve per cent per annum on the capital stock issued. It was provided that all revenues exceeding twelve per cent per annum be reserved as a sinking fund for the redemption of the capital stock, and that Naval Lodge No. 87 shall have all the benefits of this sinking fund for the purposes of redeeming the stock of the associa- tion. Naval Lodge No. 87, by the by-laws, was to have the full control of the hall, ante-rooms, entrance-hall to the same, and all the upper part of the building, for the term of its existence, to occupy, lease, and rent the same, by paying to the association a monthly rent of $20 and a free lease of so much of lots seven and eight, at the corner of Virginia and Marin streets, 122 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES as might be needed for the building and its uses. Three hundred and eighten shares of the stock were issued and fully paid up, and the building was erected in the fall of 1866, by A. Powell, contractor, and A. H. Gunning, architect and superintendent. P. D. Grimes and Eben -Hilton at the election were chosen president and treasurer, respectively, and A. P. Voorhees secre- tary of the first board. At the annual meeting held January 23, 1867, P. D. Grimes, J. M. Rutan, P. Hichborn, Eben Hilton and A. Powell, vice J. L. Likins, were chosen trustees. The new board organized by electing the officers of the previous year, who were nominated to fill the same position year by year until 1871. In November, 1870, P. Hichborn, who was about to leave for the eastern states, resigned, and at the regular annual meeting in the January following, Messrs. P. D. Grimes, A. Powell, A. P. Voorhees, N. G. Hilton and John M. Browne were elected trustees, Messrs. Grimes, Voorhees and N. G. Hilton being president, treasurer and secretary. On Janaury 17, 1872. the same trustees were elected, save Dr. J. M. Browne, whose place was filled by Al- exander Hichborn, the same officers serving as on the previous year. Jan- uary 8, 1873, the same board directed the affairs of the association, excepting A. Hichborn, who was succeeded by J. M. Rutan, the same officers officiating. At the elections held on January 14, 1874, and 25, 1875, there was no change in the direction. On January 12, 1876, Mr. Powell gave place to Charles Daly, while on that of January 19, 1877, Dr. I. S. Halsey was elected in the place of Mr. Daly, no other change being made. The Masonic and Odd Fellows' Cemetery Association of the City of Val- lejo. — The preliminaries to the incorporation of the above association were instituted in January, 1875, when Naval Lodge No. 87, F. & A. M. ; Solano Lodge No. 229, F. & A. M. ; San Pablo Lodge No. 43, I. O. O. F., and Golden State Lodge No. 216, I. O. O. F., appointed a committee consisting of the following named gentlemen, viz. : George F. Mallett, to represent Naval Lodge; Frank E. Brown, to represent Solano Lodge; Anson Clark, to repre- sent Golden State Lodge, and Sylvester Warford, to represent San Pablo Lodge, authorizing them to select and enter into a contract for the purchase of a tract of land suitable for a cemetery for the exclusive use of Masons and Odd Fellows, to inter the remains of their brethren and their wives and chil- dren. Tn pursuance with that authority, the committee selected a tract of land owned by Ira Austin, containing about fifteen acres, and made their report to the various lodges, who reappointed the same gentlemen to serve as a committee, with power to add a fifth member whereby a board of trustees should be constituted, with power to enter into and incorporate the Masonic and Odd Fellows' Cemetery Association of the City of Vallejo. In accordance with instructions, the committee met at the office of S. G. Hilborn on February 20, 1875, and appointed Peter D. Grimes as trustee, after which a board was organized with the following officers : P. D. Grimes, president ; Anson Clark, treasurer, and George F. Mallett, secretary. On February 23, 1875, the articles of incorporation were received from the sec- retary of state, the text of which is given below, stating the object for which the association is formed, and authorizing Messrs. Grimes. Clark, Warford, Brown and Mallett to serve as trustees until their successors be elected and qualified. Articles of Incorporation of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' Cemetery Association of the City of Vallejo: 1. The name of the corporation is the Masonic and Odd Fellows' Cemetery Association of the City of Vallejo. 2. The purpose for which it is formed is to purchase and hold a tract of land near the City of Vallejo, in Solano county, state of California, and to es- tablish and maintain a cemetery thereon. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 123 3. That its principal place of business is the City of Vallejo, Solano county, California. 4. That the term for which it is to exist is fifty years. 5. That the number of its directors or trustees be five. The annual meeting for the election of trustees and the transaction pi general business is held on the last Tuesday in March, and it is ordained that no person may be a trustee unless he be a Mason or Odd Fellow in good standing, or the owner of a lot. Each lodge is entitled to a vote for the elec- tion of a trustee, a like privilege being also held by the lot owners. Grand Army of the Republic, Farragut Post No. 12, G. A. R. — The ob- jects and aims of the association are attending to the sick and wounded sol- diers who served honorably during the great rebellion ; the burial of their departed comrades, and to cherish and encourage friendly feelings for one another, which should animate the bosoms of all true patriots. This post was organized on February 19, 1868, and reorganized in accordance with gen- eral orders from headquarters in August, 1869. The charter members were Edward G. Haynes, William G. Oberend, N. C. McMegonegal, R. L. Dun- can, E. C. Taylor, E. H. Forrester, E. S. Jenkins, John Ashton, Joseph An- derson and John L. Gamble, of whom Messrs. Duncan and Taylor are now deceased. The first officers elected to serve were J. L. Gamble, post com- mander; W. G. Oberend, senior vice-commander; Ed C. Taylor, junior vice- commander; Ed G. Haynes, post adjutant; E. H. Forrester, quartermaster. The Knights of Columbus. — This society today forms an important fac- tor in the makeup of Vallejo's organized institutions, and counts among its members many of the most prominent men of this city. Moreover, its mem- bers have shown an activity, as directed by their own exalted order, which is well understood by councils of neighboring cities. Vallejo Council was inaugurated in 1904, and is known as No. 874. The first Grand Knight was P. B. Lynch, and there were fifty-eight charter mem- bers with the following taking office in addition to Mr. Lynch : Deputy grand knight, John Cunningham ; chancellor, James J. Stanley ; recorder, F. A. McGinley; financial secretary, J. R. Whitaker; treasurer, J. J. McDonald; lecturer, T. J. O'Hara ; advocate, Thomas Smith ; warden, J. J. Kennedy ; in- side guard, Frank Fitzmaurice; outside guard, W. J. Towney; trustees, Luke Burke. J. A. Jones and W. H. McCrystle ; chaplain, Rev. W. A. Netterville, O. P. Since then the membership has virtually tripled, counting today one hundred and sixty active members with officers as follows : Grand knight, J. R. Ryall ; deputy grand knight, W. W. Lamburth ; chancellor, J. McCauley; warden, F. Blanco; treasurer, W. H. McCrystle; financial secretary, C. Walsh ; recorder, C. O'Donnell ; advocate, J. Magee ; inside guard, J. Con- nolly; outside guard, H. Dunphy; trustee, M. Horan ; chaplain, Rev. J. A. Netterville, O. P. A summary of the leading events in the history of the city of Vallejo will read as follows : In 1855 the steamer Guadaloupe made three trips a week from Napa to Vallejo, and from Vallejo to San Francisco. The Vallejo Bulletin was start- ed on November 22, 1855, and lasted just six weeks. The Chronicle was started on June 20, 1867; the Solano Times, now the Vallejo Daily Times, was started September 28, 1875, while the Morning News began its publica- tion in 1895. The Bernard House was opened August 10, 1872, and the How- ard House in December, 1876. The Vallejo Savings and Commercial Bank began business here May 3, 1870. The Citizens Bank was started in 1899. In February, 1867, the legislature gave to Vallejo its charter, and A. Powell was the first president of the board of trustees. The present freeholders' charter was adopted January 26, 1899. The first public school was started on Virginia street, between Marin and Sonoma, in 1855. The fire depart- 124 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ment was organized December 4, 1865. The Vallejo Gas Light Company was organized in 1867. In 1868 the California Pacific railroad was opened to Suisun and a steamer began to make two trips daily from Vallejo to San Francisco. Carquinez Cemetery was established in 1857, and the Masonic and Odd Fellows' Cemetery Association was incorporated in 1875. The Hillside Cemetery was opened in 1900. The Good Templars' Orphans' Home, which provides for about two hundred children, was opened in October, 1870. The Naval Union, a pleasant place of resort for sailors and marines, was opened on Christmas, 1893. The first electric lighting system began operations in 1893. After long service from a private water company, the city of Vallejo in 1894 secured a system of its own, drawing its supply from a large reservoir at Wild Horse valley. The public library was established in the early '80s. The Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1901. CHAPTER XXIX. IN VACA'S FRUITED VALE. By Frank B. McKevitt. One of the most famous fruit-growing locations in California is found in the northern part of Solano county. It is composed of three valleys, La- goon, Vaca and Pleasants, and is celebrated for producing not only the earli- est fruit in the state, but that of the finest quality as well. The principal of these is known as Vaca valley, extending from the town of Vacaville on the south to Pleasants valley, six miles north. Lagoon valley lies to the south- west of town and extends for three miles to the foothills that separate it from Suisun valley. To the north of Vaca valley lies Pleasants valley, ex- tending some five miles to Putah creek. This fertile section lies along the eastern base of the foothills of the coast range, and is cut off from the Sacramento valley by a lower range of foothills, most of which have a sandy soil, and are planted with orchards and vineyards. It is to this peculiar location that the valley owes its extreme earliness. The general direction of the high range of foothills or mountains to the west of the valley is northwest, shutting off the strong trade winds from the Pacific which prevail during the month of August, and the fogs which drift in from that direction all through the earlier part of the season. A low range bearing sharply to the southeast cuts across the lower end of Lagoon valley, shutting off the cold wind from Suisun bay, tempering it into a cooling and delightful breeze. Thus shut in, it is at once seen how thor- oughly protected these valleys are, and the reason why it is here possible to grow the very early fruit for which they are so justly famous. The climate is warm and pleasant in summer, cool and equable in win- ter. The heat of the great Sacramento valley is tempered by the cool sea breeze which blows every day during the summer, and in the winter, while there are a few days that frost, and sometimes even thin ice, are in evidence, it seldom happens that tender orange trees suffer and geraniums grow and flourish luxuriantly year after year, sometimes attaining almost the size and dignity of trees. Once a Great Cattle Range. Many years ago when the first white settlers came to the state, Vaca valley was used as a great grazing ground for the countless herds of cattle which then furnished the principal means of livelihood of the pioneers. At that time the valley supported each season a luxuriant growth of wild oats, and was studded at frequent intervals with magnificent oak trees, some of HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 125 them of the white, or valley oak, and others of the beautiful live oak, now seldom seen except in the rough and precipitous lands of the hills. Very few of these magnificent specimens of the forest now remain, most of them hav- ing been removed when the ground was turned from grain to fruit growing. The fertility of the soil was such that the natural vegetation attained a rank growth. More than one of the early settlers has told the writer that it was a common occurrence for a man on horseback to reach the standing oats on either hand and tie them together over his head while seated in the saddle. This would seem to be a romance, but as I have seen oats growing on the virgin soil of freshly cleared lands on the creek banks attain a height of seven feet, I have no reason to doubt the truth of the statement. The oats grew so high that droves of cattle feeding on the plain were entirely invisible and their presence was known to the observer only when the animals would happen to cross one of the numerous paths which had been made through the grain by their continuous tramping. At that time the country was supposed to be good for nothing but stock, it seeming to be impossible for people to realize that land which would produce such a wonderful growth of natural vegetation might be equally good for cultivated crops. Practically the whole of these three valleys, with considerably more, amounting in the aggregate to over 44,000 acres of land, were granted by the Mexican government to Pena and Vaca and were held by them for many years, but, as has been the case with so many of the early Spanish families, the lands were allowed to gradually slip from their grasp, until now the only portion of this rich domain remaining in the possession of the family is owned by Mrs. J. T. Rivera in Lagoon valley, Mrs. Rivera being the daughter of Dometro Pena, one of the original owners of the grant. Without having any official data at hand, it is impossible to give exact dates for the early settlement of the valley and the beginning of the fruit in- dustry there, but as nearly as can be learned the first planting of figs and olives was undoubtedly made by John Wolfskill on the south banks of Putah creek about the year 1845. These trees are still standing in full strength and vigor and are annually producing full crops. J. M. Pleasants was probably the second settler in the valley. He set- tled on land immediately south of Wolfskill's and made a small planting of apricots, apples and pears about the year 1852. These trees were planted for family use and flourished to a remarkable degree, some of them being still standing. About the year 1856 M. R. Miller settled in the valley about two miles south of Pleasants. Like his predecessors, he planted a family orchard of peaches, apples and figs, and undoubtedly has the distinction of having made the first planting of Mission grapes. G. W. Thissell, E. R. Thurber, John Dolan and Ansel Putman, John Huckins, William Cantelow, Louis Pierson, A. R. Pond, Joseph Weldon, Levi Korn, Sol Decker and J. R. Collins were other early settlers who engaged in the fruit business about the time, or shortly after, M. R. Miller. So far as we can learn the first commercial use was made of the fruit products of the valley by M. R. Miller, who grafted his Mission vines into Muscats. Loading his fruit into a four-horse wagon, he made trips to the mines, where he found ready sale of the product at fancy prices, frequently receiving as much as fifty cents per pound. It was gen- erally believed in those days that the only suitable places for growing fruit were to be found at or near the mouth of some one of the canyons which bi- sected the foothills to the west. This was probably owing to the fact that because of the formation of the range there was always a draft in such locali- ties. This was almost a sure preventive of frost in the spring, which was the only drawback to fruit growing in the valley. As the profits of the business became better known, and there being but few localities of this nature, plant- 126 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ings were gradually extended further and further away from these canyons until finally during the last thirty years practically the entire valley has been turned into one great orchard and vineyard. As early as 1863 or '64, M. R. Miller tried the experiment of shipping Muscats in cork dust to New York. Shipment was made via Panama, the cork dust being obtained in San Francisco from dealers who purchased the imported Almeria grapes, which were packed in that material. As the Muscat is the most tender table grape of the better varieties known, it is not at all surprising that the experiment resulted disastrously. Very early in the his- tory of the industry it was found there was a good market for fruit products in San Francisco, but as the plantings increased more rapidly than the de- mand, it was not long before growers were looking elsewhere for an outlet. When the Central Pacific railroad was completed small lots were sent to the east by express, and as the shipments were small and the fruit fine, high prices were received, but the cost of shipment was very great. In 1876 a carload of fine grapes was shipped from Pleasants valley to the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, one-half of this fruit being contributed by grow- ers to be used for exhibition purposes at the exposition, and to advertise to the people of the east the wonderful fruits of the state. The other half of the carload was purchased by the father of Edwin T. Earl and was shipped by him as a commercial venture. The venture was entirely successful, the fruit arriving in good condition and making a very creditable appearance at the exposition. It is not known whether any ice was used with the shipment or not, but it was forwarded in an express car, and it is possible that some cakes of ice were placed in the center of the car, as was the case with some shipments that were subsequently made. The growth of the industry was slow until the year 1880, when people in general began to realize the great possibilities of the business, and about that time there was developed a strong demand for land at constantly increas- ing prices and a rapid planting of orchards and vineyards began; it was not long before the growing of fruit became the principal industry of the entire section. In the early years there were larger plantings of grapes than of tree fruits, but about 1870 the vines began to droop and it was soon learned that the dreaded phylloxera was working on the roots. The pest first appeared in the northern part of Pleasants valley and worked its way south by slow degrees until practically all the old vineyards were involved, making it nec- essary after a few years to remove the vines and replace with trees. The most common of the early planting was the Mission, which was followed by the Muscat, then the Rose of Peru, Sweetwater, Fontainbleau, Zinfandel and many other of the more common varieties. It is believed that the first Tokays were planted by William Cantelow, and for many years this variety was considered worthless, owing to its shy bearing qualities. Later on its great size and beauty led to careful experi- ments, and it was found that its shy bearing qualities were due, not to the variety, but to the system of pruning, and that by changing same to meet the requirements of its growth it could be made to produce heavily. This fact being determined, it was not long before the new plantings were practically all devoted to this variety, until today it probably constitutes at least ninety per cent of the total. Another reason for this is the fact that it was found the Tokay root was more nearly resistant to the attacks of the phylloxera than any other of our table grapes, and it has been determined by experi- ments at the university that if we grant to the best grape roots twenty points of resistance, the Tokay is entitled to twelve ; as most of the resistant stocks generally used have but sixteen points, it is seen that the Tokay is pretty nearly a resistant itself ; in fact, there are Tokay vines growing and in full bearing in the valley that are known to have been affected with the phylloxera for many years. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 127 This section has long been noted for its early cherries, and in at least two seasons within the knowledge of the writer, this fruit has been marketed from our earliest orchards on the 31st day of March. Generally, however, the time of ripening is from the 15th to the 25th of April, and at no time dur- ing the last thirty years has the first of May passed without ripe fruit of this variety. Owing to its extreme earliness and the fact that no other summer fruit is available at that time, the first cherries bring fabulous prices and it is generally the case that the first box sells at a price varying all the way from $10 to $100, figures greatly in excess of actual value, of course, but be- ing paid by dealers who are anxious to secure the first shipment in order that they may use it for advertising purposes. The whole output, however, is marketed at splendid figures, and it is by no means uncommon for the en- tire crop of an orchard, advantageously situated and correctly handled, to bring an average net value of from $1.25 to $1.75 per box. As each box con- tains about eight pounds of fruit, the great profits that may be derived from the production of this fruit is realized. There is not a great deal of land that is available for cherry growing, owing to the fact that the tree is very par- ticular as to its location. To grow to best advantage it should be planted in a sediment soil, and preferably near a stream of running water. The soil must be deep, rich and well drained, but sufficiently moist to produce a good growth. In such localities the tree grows luxuriantly, and if of the right va- riety, will bear satisfactory crops. Early in the history of cherry growing it was customary to plant solid blocks of single varieties. When this was done it was found that very poor crops were produced, but it was soon observed that where different varieties were growing in close proximity the crops were generally better. This fact was taken advantage of in future plantings, and it is now customary to plant alternate rows of different varieties, so ar- ranging them that a naturally shy bearing variety is planted close to one that is noted for heavy bearing, provided the two bloom at or about the same time. The consequent intermixing of the pollen from the different varieties has been found to have a most beneficial effect on the crop, and while cherry trees do not generally bear as many pounds of fruit as other varieties, satis- factory crops are usually obtained and the financial returns of a good cherry orchard are exceedingly satisfactory. The varieties most commonly grown are Purple Guigne, Chapman, Burbank, Tartarian, Royal Ann, Rockport and Bing. There are some other new and fine varieties of large size and splendid quality, but owing to uncertainty in regard to their bearing qualities, they have not as yet been generally planted. The cherry output of the valley at the present time is probably in the neighborhood of thirty carloads annually. New plantings which are nearly ready to come into bearing will, in the course of the next five years, more than double this amount, and as this variety has practically no competition, there is every reason to believe that the industry will always continue a most profitable one. The peach is more extensively planted here than any other fruit, the soil being splendidly adapted to it, and the climate everything that could be de- sired. Trees begin to bear at three years and increase in productiveness rap- idly until ten or more years of age. After they are twenty years old they begin to deteriorate, principally owing to the fact that the wood is quite soft. and, becoming more or less spongy and decayed, there is considerable loss from breakage, although there are peach trees still in profitable bearing in the valley having an age of more than thirty years. The principal varieties are the Alexander, Hale, St. John, Triumph, Early and Late Crawford, Mary's Choice, Decker, Elberta, Susquehanna, Picquet's Late, Salway, Orange Cling, McKevitt Cling, White Heath Cling, Muir and Lovall. Those first mentioned are generally used for shipping, although all of them with the exception of Al- exander and Hale, can be dried. Orange Clings are frequently shipped east and south with very good results, while the McKevitt and White Heath are used 128 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES exclusively for canning, for which purpose they are unexcelled. Muir and Lovall are used almost entirely for drying and canning, these two being probably the best varieties for drying known. The Decker peach is a chance seedling which was found on the ranch of Sol Decker, and its commercial im- portance was discovered and the peach first propagated for commercial pur- poses by L. W. Buck. The McKevitt Cling was a chance seedling found growing on the ranch of M. R. Miller, who made the first large planting of some on the ranch which subsequently passed into the hands of Alexander McKevitt, from whom the peach took its name. Although there is consid- erable controversy about the origin of the Muir and Lovall, they were claimed to have been discovered on the ranch of G. W. Thissell, and by him were introduced to the general public. Mr. Thissell also had the distinction of first bringing to notice a seedling apricot, the earliest yellow fleshed variety known and which bears his name, Thissell Seedling. The peach season in Vaca valley opens the latter part of May and continues until practically the first of October. While a very considerable percentage of the crop finds its market in the fresh state in the east, a much larger amount is dried. The Climax and Wickson plum, as well as some other new varieties not so well known, can be picked when the fruit is of a creamy yellow color and will continue the ripening process after picking until it attains a deep and beautiful color and a flavor and sweetness that are unexcelled. These fine plums which have been enumerated are found to be profitable for eastern shipment, owing, not only to their earliness in ripening, but also to the fact that because of the ravages of the curculio in the east they cannot be profit- ably produced there, and for this reason they have the market almost entirely to themselevs. During the last few years many peach and apricot orchards have been grafted to these fine shipping varieties, and the output of them is constantly increasing, until now it is one of the most important fruits commercially that we produce. The life of the plum tree is much longer than that of the peach and stands on a par with that of the apricot. French prunes are very largely grown, and are of a size and quality unexcelled elsewhere in the state. The tree is very healthy and long lived, producing satisfactory crops with less attention and expense than almost any other variety. Owing to the dryness of the atmosphere and the absence of irrigation, the fresh fruit loses comparatively little in drying, and it sometimes requires but two pounds of green fruit to produce one of dried, although the average probably is about two and a half pounds. Prunes have in occasional years sold as low as a cent and a half base, but the average price would be nearly, or quite, three cents. At this figure the best orchards will produce prunes that sell for $100 per ton, and during the season of 1911 one specially fine lot of this fruit was sold on a seven-cent base, which means that prunes running from forty to fifty to the pound brought eight and three- quarters cents, or $175 per ton. The Imperial prune has attracted consider- able attention in the last few years, owing to its very large size and fine flavor when dried. Grown from the nursery the tree is dwarfish in habit, but when top worked on large peach and apricot trees it acquires a spread and sufficient bearing surface so that exceedingly profitable crops are produced. Prunes ranging in size from twenty to thirty to the pound are a regular product of this variety and sell for prices ranging from ten to fifteen cents per pound. For some time after the introduction of this prune it was considered a com- mercial failure, but the right method of handling was not known, and it is believed that to Fred M. Buck belongs the honor of having discovered the proper method of treatment, and credit for producing the first perfect dried product of this variety. The acreage devoted to the growth of vines is not large when compared with that producing the varieties heretofore mentioned. In the low range of foothills east of Vaca valley there are several hundred acres of vineyards and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 129 there are still quite a number in the valley proper. It is probable, however, that the output of grapes will not aggregate more than two hundred cars per annum, but as these are nearly all very early, satisfactory prices are received, and the industry is a paying one. Nearly all varieties do well here with the exception of the Muscat, which is a notoriously shy bearer in this section of the state. It is also a poor shipper, owing to the extreme thinness of its skin. The varieties most generally grown are Fontainbleau, Rose of Peru, Tokay, Cornichon, Emperor, and, to a limited extent, Malagas. As has been noted before, the phylloxera has been a recognized pest in the valley for nearly forty years, but notwithstanding this there are a number of vineyards thirty or more years of age still flourishing. A few plantings have been made on the so-called resistant roots, some on the native Californica and others on the Ru- pertists of St. George, but it has been generally found that better fruit is pro- duced by vines growing upon their own roots than on any of the resistants, with the possible exception of the Californica. In the early section of the rolling foothills an increased planting of grapes may legitimately be expected, but in the valley lands where the fruit ripens considerably later, it is only a question of time when they will be replaced with something more profitable. Practically every acre of land in these three valleys that is adapted to the growth of fruit has been planted either to orchard or vineyard ; this area has been estimated at about 15,000 acres of fruit lands. The average produc- tion for the past ten years would show an annual shipment of about 1,000 carloads of fruit to eastern markets.- There is no way of estimating the quan- tity shipped to the local market of San Francisco, but it is probably safe to say that not less than two hundred carloads are disposed of annually there. Be- side the green fruit shipment large quantities are dried, as will be seen from the statement that during a number of years past the average dried fruit out- put has been 600 tons of apricots, 1,200 tons of peaches, 100 tons of pears, 3.200 tons of prunes, 40 tons of almonds, 20 tons of English walnuts, 200 tons of figs. Measured in coin, the average return to the fruit growers of these valleys for many years past has been over one million dollars. When this splendid showing is considered in connection with the fact that for more than thirty years such a thing as a crop failure has been entirely unknown, it will at once be recognized that this section is one of the most favored on the globe. It is not true, of course, that the crop every year is a heavy one, but it is true that an entire crop failure has never been known. The shipping facilities of the valley are unexcelled. Several firms at Vacaville are engaged in the business of receiving and forwarding shipments to the various eastern markets, where they are sold for the benefit of the growers, who receive the full amount of their sales, less specified and thor- oughly understood charges to cover the cost of handling. San Francisco is but sixty miles away and furnishes a market for such fruits as become too ripe for eastern shipment. At the present time all shipments are made over the Southern Pacific railway, but an electric line is now in process of construc- tion and it will not be long before another outlet is offered to both San Fran- cisco and Sacramento, and at the latter city, connection can be made with other transcontinental lines, giving the advantage of the most complete dis- tribution possible to our products. At the present time the orchards and vineyards in this section can be bought for less money than in any place in the state of California enjoying similar advantages. In fact, there are many places where natural conditions are not nearly so favorable where naked land is selling for as much as will be asked here for good orchard property. The highest price ever paid in Vacaville for orchard is $600 per acre, and prices run from that down to $250. It is difficult to understand why, with all the advantages possessed by this 130 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES section, that this condition should exist. It is one, however, that cannot con- tinue long, and some day orchards and vineyards here will sell for as high prices as any in the state ; with the improved transportation facilities that are now nearly within our grasp, this day is not far distant. Suisun Valley Fruits. There is no better land in the state than is to be found here. In quality it varies from sandy to clay loam with some adobe. Clay loam predominates, the sandy soil being almost always found along the creeks and in the low range of foothills to the east of the valley. The soil is very deep and rich, from forty to sixty feet being common, and its wonderful fertility is under- stood when it is known that the entire floor of the valley is made up of soil that has been washed in from the foothills for countless ages, bringing with it the stored-up riches of centuries of decaying- vegetation and leaf mold. Strong alkali is practically unknown, and in the valleys the soil runs more uniformly even than is generally the case in California. It is easily worked and, when given proper care and attention, has a wonderful faculty for storing up the moisture from the winter rainfall, making it available for the support of vege- tation through the long, dry summers. The orchards of Solano county are a source of vast wealth, not only in the value of the product itself, but in the employment of thousands of hands in the fields and packing houses, and in preparing and transporting it to mar- ket. The fruit section extends from Green valley through Suisun, Lagoon, Vaca and Pleasants valleys and their adjacent hills to Putah creek, the county • boundary, and along the banks of that stream in a belt from two to six and eight miles wide for a distance of twelve or fifteen miles to the Yolo basin, which forms the eastern boundary of the county. In this splendid fruit belt are over a million trees, deciduous and citrus, with fruit ripening every month in the year. Being the first marketed in the several varieties the highest price is always obtained for the fresh product, while the dried fruit, raised on non- irrigated land, gives the highest percentage of marketable product, some va- rieties losing but half their weight in evaporation. The knowledge gained by study and experience is utilized in handling and grading the fruit, which is sold at a large profit throughout the United States. Great quantities of fruit are taken by canneries and carried to the consumer in that form, adding to the wealth of the grower, besides giving employment to hundreds of people. At the inception of the business the labor employed was almost entirely Chinese. These people furnish ideal laborers for horticultural pursuits. The Chinaman cannot be classed as a rapid worker, but he begins his work with rather a deliberate motion which is kept up continuously throughout the day and is just the same at night as in the morning. For work like picking and packing fruit this characteristic is a valuable one, as haste cannot be used if best results are to be obtained. Since the exclusion law went into effect the number of Chinese in the country has steadily decreased until now they cut very little figure, their place having been taken to a great extent by Japanese and in a lesser degree by Hindus. The Japanese are good laborers in the orchards and vineyards. They are bright and enterprising and are much quicker in their motions than the Chinese. They are also very ambitious, and this fact has raised them from the rank of laborers to that of employers. They are always anxious to lease fruit properties and do lease a great many of them, employing their own people to do the necessary work, but do not hesitate to employ our own people as well whenever their interests demand it. The enterprise of these people, and their desire in time to become land owners on their own account, have made them generally unpopular with Californians, but they have filled a place in the labor of the country that would otherwise have been left unfilled, and while there has been great objection raised to them, it is a fact that the fruit and vegetable business of the state would have HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 131 suffered most severely had it not been for their help. The Hindu is very un- popular, owing principally to his not over-clean habits, and is not likely ever to become a considerable factor in the labor problem of this section. During the last few years a considerable number of Spaniards have come into the country and are being employed in increasing numbers every season. They are very efficient help, and it is believed in time they will furnish a very con- siderable percentage of the people employed. With the opening of the Pan- ama canal in 1915, there is every reason to expect an influx of a large number of the better class of farm laborers from Italy, Spain and Portugal. These people furnish most desirable help and there is no doubt that they will aid materially in placing the fruit business of this section, as well as the whole state, on a better and more enduring basis than ever. The late Senator L. W. Buck, father of Frank H. and Fred M. Buck, was one of the first growers in California to risk the eastern shipment of his fruits. It was very largely owing to his sagacity, foresight and nerve that the business of eastern shipment immediately assumed commercial importance. At the time he began shipping, fruit was forwarded almost exclusively in ven- tilated cars and these were hauled on passenger trains as the freight service was entirely too slow to accommodate this class of business. Freight charges were very high, being $1,200 per car, and as the business began to assume increased importance, it was soon necessary for the railway company to limit the number of cars that could be placed in a train. The number was set at four, and in order to secure space it was necessary to arrange for same long before the fruit was ready. This probably furnished the first reason for the necessity for co-operation in eastern shipment, and Senator Buck at once be- came the leading spirit in the organization of the California Fruit Union, which was the first organized effort to band the fruit growers of California to- gether, Mr. Buck becoming the first manager of the organization and contin- uing so during its life. About the year 1889 the refrigerator car was first used in the transportation of California fruit. The experiment was made by the California Fruit Transportation Company, familiarly known as the C. F. T., in connection with A. T. Hatch of Suisun, at that time the largest grower of deciduous fruit in the state. The first car of fruit under ice was shipped from Suisun by A. T. Hatch, and also contained grapes of several varieties from the vineyard of the writer at Vacaville. These first shipments resulted disastrously to the shippers, as dealers in the east refused at first to buy the fruit, fearing it would spoil. It took one season to remove this false impres- sion, and that season's campaign cost the promoters a loss of over $10,000. In the early history of the business the apricot cut a very important figure, nearly one-third of all plantings being made to this variety. The Royal was most in favor and in fact was practically the only kind largely planted until quite recently, when the Hemskirk and Blenheim were found to be more desir- able. The small Pringle apricot is grown in a very limited way. In early years this variety was very popular, owing to the fact that it was practically the first fruit in season, coming immediately after the first cherries, which were then grown to a very limited extent. For many years splendid crops of apricots were grown and the quantity produced was so large that most of them were dried. Owing to the increasing scarcity of labor and constantly advancing price of same, and the further fact that other sections of the coun- try were growing apricots which would compete in the dried fruit market, less attention has been paid during the last few years to this variety and many of the orchards have been grafted into different varieties of plums and prunes, which can be marketed more profitably. The apricot is a long-lived tree and will flourish wherever the soil is suited to the peach. There are trees of this variety growing on the Pleasants place, in Vaca valley, which are known to be more than sixty years of age. 132 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Nearly all varieties of the plum family do exceedingly well and plums and prunes are increasing in commercial importance here every year. Most attention is being paid to the larger varieties of plums which command ready sale in the east, and it has been found that the heavy soils of the valley will produce as large and fine French prunes as can be grown anywhere in the world. The plum season opens about the same time as that of apricots and continues well into August. Other varieties later than this could be grown, but ?re not profitable, owing to the competition of the same fruit from Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The principal varieties grown for eastern shipment are Clyman, Climax, Diamond, Wickson, Santa Rosa, Grand Duke, Hungar- ian or Gros prune, Burbank, Giant and Tragedy. Most of these are the so- called European varieties, but some of them, such as Climax, Wickson, Bur- bank and Kelsey, are of Japanese origin, all but the Kelsey being hybrids propagated by Luther Burbank, of Santa Rosa. While nearly all plums will ripen and be palatable, althoug-h picked from the tree before complete matur- ity, some of the Burbank varieties have this property developed in a high degree. Of pears the Bartlett is the principal variety grown here. The tree flour- ishes on ground that is too heavy and damp for most varieties, and grows with even greater vigor on better classes of soil. A peculiar thing is true of the Bartlett pear grown in this section. The earliest shipments are made from here ; a little later the crop from the Sacramento river, and following that, that of Suisun valley is harvested. AVhen shipment from these sections begins, the growers of Vacaville stop picking their pears and allow them to hang on the trees until nearly the middle of August. By that time the two other sec- tions have practically finished their shipment and a profitable field is left open for the Vaca valley product. These pears are of fine quality and splendidly adapted to shipping purposes, owing to their long keeping qualities. There are a few early varieties, such as the Comet, Lawson and Wilder, grown, and in former years some of the later varieties such as Winter Nellis were com- mon, but it has been found that the Bartlett is the best paying variety of all and cultivation is now almost entirely confined to it. Of all deciduous fruit trees the pear is unquestionably the longest lived, and there are trees standing on the Pleasants and Dobbins ranch which are undoubtedly over sixty years of age, still strong and vigorous and giving promise of rounding out more than a century of growth. While the fruits above enumerated are those principally grown, and of the most commercial importance, they do not by any means constitute the entire list. Oranges grow and flourish here nearly if not quite as well as further south. Lemon and grape fruit do not do quite as well, as they are more easily affected by frosts, which are not uncommon in the months of De- cember and January. Olives grow splendidly and the fig finds here a most congenial home. Some of the largest fig trees in the state are to be found in various places scattered throughout the valley, and annually bear immense crops of this delicious fruit. The apple is not extensively grown, but nearly every family orchard contains a few, early varieties doing very well. The later varieties bear abundantly, but, owing to the hot summers, ripen too quickly to have the long keeping quality that is desirable. The date palm flourishes and in occasional seasons, when the winters are open, ripens a very satisfactory quality of fruit. The almond tree grows well, and when varieties have been carefully chosen, has proven a satisfactory bearer. The English walnut also is success- fully grown. The California black walnut is splendidly adapted to the soil and climate of this locality, and when top worked to the English makes a magnificent tree in point of growth and productiveness. Walnut growing is increasing and will probably in the future assume considerable commercial im- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 133 portance. The pecan also does very well. The trees attain a size and growth which are quite remarkable, and never fail to produce a crop of nuts, such a thing as a failure of this crop being entirely unknown. CHAPTER XXX. A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SOLANO COUNTY. By Frank A. Steiger. In describing the geological structure of Solano county it will be the object of the writer to confine his statements to a simple description of the general characteristics of the mountain and valley formation and to refer in a general way to the different geological changes which have taken place since the birth of the Coast Range mountains, of which Solano county is a part. Long before the age of man, probably several hundred thousand years ago. during the greater part of the age of mammals and at a date as far back as the age of reptiles, the Pacific ocean beat up against the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains ; and the Coast Range mountains as we now know them did not exist. The rivers of the ancient Sierras carried down to the ocean immense quan- tities of gravel, sand and silt. These sediments spreading out over the floor of the ocean gradually accumulated in stratified beds, forming a layer which has been estimated to have been at least five miles thick, the immense weight of which caused a sinking of the floor of the old ocean. Geologists claim that the addition of this extra thickness to the earth's crust caused the earth's interior heat and molten condition to rise, thus fur- ther weakening the already weak sedimentary strata until, under shrinking stresses or some other unknown force, the whole bed of sediment was com- pressed and crumpled and folded and forced up into a ridge of mountains, parallel to the shore line, and thus were the Coast Range mountains born of the Sierras. The formation of a mountain range by foulding, faulting and uplifting of the earth's surface is not in the nature of a tremendous convulsion in which the whole mountain range is suddenly raised from the depths of the ocean or from a level plain, but the process is a slow and gradual one, with possibly local disturbances in the nature of earthquakes, causing first one portion and then another to mount higher and higher until finally the general elevation ceases. The process is not a uniform one and probably some portions may be lowering while the mass in general may be rising. Evidently the different portions of the earth's surface are never at absolute rest. As soon as any portion of land is raised above the surface of the ocean the winds and rains and even the ocean itself begin to attack it and wear it away and the process of mountain sculpture begins. The softer strata are worn away most rapidly, leaving the harder ridges to stand as hills and moun- tains, while the rivers and creeks rapidly carry away the sediments to the sea or to fill up some river valley and thus form our rich, fertile soils. It was thus that the Coast Range mountains as we now know them were formed, and, what interests us more, it is thus that we account for the present geological features of Solano and Napa counties. The history of the ups and downs of Solano and Napa counties is recorded in the rock structure which is exposed in many places in the hills and moun- tains, and the geologist who makes a study of the relative positions of the rock strata and examines the fossil shells and prehistoric bones to be found in many 134 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES places is able to judge of the relative age of the rock formation and to judge as to the upliftings and the depressions of the land at different periods since the birth of the Coast Range. Rock belonging to the original upheaval of the Coast Range at the close of the Miocene period is now found in many places and is characterized by beds of moderately hard sandstone, interstratified with thick beds of shale, all highly tilted so that the edges of these strata, particularly the sandstone, are now exposed and in many places form the crest of the hills or mountain ridges. A striking example of this formation, which geologists call cretaceous, is found in the Vaca mountains runninig north and south along the west side of Vaca valley and crossing Putah creek into Napa and Yolo counties. The beds of sandstone and shale comprising this range of mountains dip or slope down- ward to the east ; that is, down under the Sacramento valley. This is the gen- eral direction of the dip of the stratification of this older formation in this part of the Coast Range mountains, but in the neighborhood of Benicia and Vallejo and all along the Carquinez straits the uniformity of the dip has been inter- fered with by local movement of later date which has formed the break through the mountains through which the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers now drain to the ocean. Evidences of this secondary movement are to be observed from Mt. Diablo to the Golden Gate and the cretaceous strata in the neighborhood of Benicia has a decided dip downward under Carquinez straits. In the southwestern portion of Solano county, beginning a few miles north of Benicia and over a considerable portion of Napa county, this older stratification has been altered by heat and pressure into what is termed meta- morphic rock, so that it has lost its original characteristics and the stratifica- tion is no longer discernable. A considerable portion of this same territory has been covered by rock of a volcanic nature, the source of which is not known, but it is thought to have come from the north, possibly from Lake county. Much of it consists of volcanic ash or dust, which in places seems to have been deposited in and to have settled down through the water. This is the soft, light-colored rock that has been used for building purposes in the neighborhood of Rockville. Rock of similar nature is also found at the head of Pleasants valley near Putah creek. In places this volcanic ash or tufa is covered with a cap of hard basalt, as at Cordelia and at the head of Green valley. Within the limits of the city of Benicia is a deposit of fine sand and gravel, of very recent origin, which in many places contains fossil marine shells, and as these shells are now found many feet above the level of high water in the bay, we can see that the land in that neighborhood is now much higher than it was at one time, when evidently this portion, at least, of Benicia was beneath Carquinez straits. In these sand beds are also found the remains of the masto- don and of the prehistoric horse. The elevation of the land in this neighborhood as shown by the shells noted above is thought to indicate the last movement of the earth's surface that has taken place in this portion of the Coast Range. However, each earth- quake that has visited us during the last few years has caused more or less permanent disturbances, that is, rise or fall, of the earth's surface in certain localities, and it might be stated that an earthquake is but the manifestation of a movement of the earth's crust — severe at the point of greatest disturbance and less noticeable as we are further away. The character of the land formation in the level portion of Solano county, that is, the Sacramento valley, is difficult to determine, as the stratification is not exposed to view as it is in the hills and mountains. In general, the underlying structure, as determined by well borings, seems to be composed of sedimentary deposits brought down from the mountains, HISTORY OF SOLAXO AND NAPA COUNTIES 135 but the depth of these deposits and whether formed by being deposited under water, or by streams emptying and spreading out over the land, is difficult to determine. Possibly the heavy clay and adobe soil found over large areas from the foothills to the tule is the old floor of the inland sea which existed when the land surface was lower than it is now and when the waters of the Pacific ocean extended up to the head of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and into Napa valley and all the small valleys about San Francisco bay. The fine sedimentary soil as found in the Dixon ridge country, in Vaca, Suisun and Napa valleys and at many other points, is the result of the out- pourings of the creeks coming down from the mountains. As an example of the manner in which soil is distributed by a creek, it is said that in the early history of Putah creek, before the restraining hand of man was laid on its wanderings, the creek bed was but a shallow depression and was heavily timbered. Opening out of the south side were numerous shal- low swales through which, during the rainy season, the flood waters flowed without hindrance and, crossing the country in a southeasterly direction, de- posited the sediments brought down from the mountains. Naturally these sediments accumulated most rapidly along the banks of the swales and the unconfined nature of the current allowed the bottoms of the swales to fill up as well, so that finally the streams were flowing in shallow troughs along the tops of ridges. Gradually these ridges built up higher and higher until finally the stream would break through the confining banks and seek to follow the lower ground, so that ultimately the whole section was covered with a deep deposit of sediment. The last channels occupied by the water before they were dammed off at their junction with Putah creek now appear as dry swales, hav- ing generally a southeasterly direction, while the earlier channels are indicated in many places by beds of gravel which are met with in well boring or which are opened and quarried to obtain gravel for road purposes. Putah creek not being allowed to spread out over the adjacent country during the periods of high water, was forced to cut the broad, deep channel which it now occupies, so that its present bed is many feet lower than formerly. Deep borings in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys indicate that these valleys have been filled up with sediment for many hundred feet and it seems probable that at one time these valleys were much narrower than at present and very much deeper. During that time, which was before the period of depression spoken of above, the whole continent was higher than now and the small valleys, such as Napa, Suisun and Vaca valleys, were worn down to the underlying bedrock and existed only as sloping mountain canons, which have been filled up, as the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys have been filled by sediment brought down from the mountains and deposited in the inland sea during the period of later depression and by the outpouring of the present creeks as described for Putah creek. There are but few geological features of particular interest from a pop- ular point of view in Solano county. Probably the most interesting is the bed of limestone at Cement, as that is the source of an immense industry, employ- ing hundreds of men. This deposit of lime rock has been forming during cen- turies of time and is the result of deposits from mineral springs. Mineral waters, because of the carbonic acid gas which they contain, are capable of carrying a certain proportion of dissolved mineral, such as limestone, and on exposure to the air the gas evaporates, leaving the mineral to be de- posited, ofttimes gradually building up to form immense beds, as at Tolenas Springs and at Cement. When conditions are right the mineral matter com- bines, as it is deposited, into compact crystalline form, giving us the so-called onyx, both white and banded, that is found both here and at Tolenas Springs. In early days limestone was quarried in the neighborhood of Benicia and 136 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES being 1, impure, that is, containing a certain proportion of clay and silica, was burned to form a natural cement resembling the Portland cement of today. The quality and quantity of the rock are too uncertain to warrant present operation of the works, which still stand as a relic of the past. In the range of hills running north from the vicinity of Vallejo and Be- niHa, quicksilver has been mined at two places at least — at the St. John quick- silver mine and at the Hastings Mine, but the quantity is not great. Trap or basalt for road purposes is quarried at Thomasson, near Corde- lia, and Hoyts Station, near Benicia. Large beds of first-class trap exist at other points, but as yet have not been developed. N'ear Yacaville is a bed of Fuller's earth which has just been opened and which promises to be the source of considerable industry. Several attempts have been made to discover crude oil by deep boring, but as yet without success. Natural gas has been found at a point several miles south of Elmira and is utilized for fuel, being piped to Suisun. CHAPTER XXXI. THE NATIVE VEGETATION OF SOLANO COUNTY. By Dr. Willis Linn Jepson. Professor in the University of California — Author of A Flora of Western Middle California, The Silva of California and The Trees of California. The county of Solano possesses three very unlike floras. The flora of the valleys and plains, the flora of the mountains and foothills, the flora of the salt marshes. Its native vegetation is therefore varied and it is sufficiently rich to be highly interesting to the botanical traveler. In one particular there is a marked deficiency in native growth in that the county possesses no forests nor scarcely anything that may be called woods. There is, however, considerable woody vegetation in the way of scattered trees, and under the same category would be included the brush or chaparral. If one followed in early days the old Spanish trail in the Sacramento valley as it held southeastward toward Lagoon pass, his eye would have been met by wide-reaching utterly treeless plains, foothills mostly barren, and, rising above the foothills, purple-hued mountain ridges with long, remarkably unbroken or even skyline. It is only as the traveler approaches the foothills and mountains that he is attracted by the arboreous growth which is mainly confined to canons or to northeasterly slopes. There is only one pine in the county, the digger pine, a highly picturesque tree which has its best development with us in the hills between Putah creek and Putman's peak, but it extends also to Dunn's peak and ranges south in the Vaca mountains (mainly on the lower slopes) to the neighborhood of To- lenas Springs, giving name to Pine peak towards the head of Walker canon. The only other tree of the coniferous class is the California nutmeg which grows or once grew well up in Gates canon. This species has suffered heavily from repeated brush fires, as indeed have most other species represented by few individuals. The low seasonal rainfall, to be sure, would not in any case permit a heavy forest, but the extreme thinness of tree growth generally in So- lano county and the all but extinction of certain species has been caused by repeated fire devastation carried on during many past centuries. Our arboreous growth which has persisted consists almost wholly of oaks scattered over mainly grassy non-brushy hills, the most common ones being bkie oak, interior live oak and California black oak. These species grow in HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 137 the English and Araquipa hills, on the lower slopes of the Vaca mountains, south through the Tolenas hills and westward to the wide, open slopes of Twin Sisters peak bounding Suisun valley on the west. At that latter station the interior live oak meets the coast live oak, which comes in from the coast through the Benicia hills, where it is the common and well-nigh the only oak, and has here its easterly limit. These two oaks are indifferently called live oak by the people, but the coast live oak ripens its acorns at the close of the first summer, whilst the interior live oak matures its acorns only at the end of the second summer. The black oak is most common on Twin Sisters peak. In this region it has hybridized with the interior live oak and given rise to the form known to botanists as the Morehus oak. The leaf is not deeply cut as in a black oak, but shiny, strongly toothed and often suggesting a chestnut leaf. A "chestnut" type of tree stands on the road to the summit of Twin Sisters peak and rather near the foot of the grade from the valley floor. There is also a Morehus oak at the northerly end of Lagoon valley ; it stands by the county road on the banks of Laguna creek at no great distance from the Lagoon school. Both of the above trees are interesting trees and should be preserved. Our silva, otherwise, is very scarce in species and in individuals. There are a few big-leaf maple scrubs in Miller, Weldon and Gates canons of the Vaca mountains and many rather fine trees dappling the slopes of Twin Sisters peak. A few scrub madronas are found in Jameson canon not far from Cordelia, barelv entering our region from the west. There is a little clump of maul oak on the very summit of Mt. Vaca, and another on the summit of Twin Sisters ncak. Another rare tree with us is the white alder, which is mostly confined to a few deeo canons, such as Miller canon in the Vaca mountains. No other tree gives such charm to the mountain canons, whether one regards its entrancingly slender trunk or its white bark and green, airy crown. But of all trees in the local silva, there was none and is none to compare in landscape interest with the valley oaks — the oaks of the valley floors which have been so generally removed by the axe. These fine trees, with their tall crowns and wide-reaching branches ending in long pendulous cord-like sprays, which often sweep the ground, gave to the valley floor a certain noble aspect and distinction, a charm and even glory that stirs the senses and lifts the im- agination. But the fine groves of the floor of Vaca and Suisun valleys have given way to straight lines of orchard and vineyard, and the great oak trees, saving only scattered relics, are now among the things of the past. Although so scant in development, the oak stand of the hill country has had not a little economic value, in that it has been cut for fuel for sixty years. The writer has estimated that the hills have fed one hundred and fifty thou- sand cords to the plains people in that time. After the harvest time, I remem- ber as a child, the wagons heavily loaded with trunks of trees drawing out from the hills down the long road over the level, the hot dust rising, the heat lines quivering over the plain, and far on the horizon, lifted into the air above the Sacramento river, were trees and groves, streams and lakes, the whole a palpitating mirage. And that small lad wondered why trees should be pulled so wearily in that direction when trees were already there. Indeed, the alluvial banks of the Sacramento river support a narrow fringe of trees of many species. Here grow white alder, valley oak, interior live oak, western sycamore. Oregon ash, California black walnut, black willow, red willow and yellow willow. On account of the rich soil of the river banks and the abundant moisture, all these species grow thriftily and frequently develop remarkably fine individuals. To go back to the mountains. Typical chaparral consists of dense and mostly extensive colonies of shrubs, usually of several or many different kinds, 138 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES but essentially similar in height and general aspect. In our county chaparral occurs abundantly on the Vaca mountains and sparingly on Twin Sisters peak. Such brush is with us mainly above fifteen hundred feet altitude. In the Vaca mountains it consists of buck brush, Jim brush, two species of manzanita, pea chaparral, hard tack (or mountain mahogany) and scrub live oak, with some other less typical species intermixed. Such shrubs are rigid, spiny and tough, forming a dense thicket which is well-nigh impenetrable, the despair of the hunter and the delight of the botanist. Chamise is a different sort of thing. It forms extensive and rather thin low thickets, often on steep south or west slopes, the typical colonies being always of one species, namely, Adenostoma fasciculatum. It is abundant at the higher altitudes in the Vaca mountains, a low dark-foliaged spreading bush Math very small leaf fascicles and clusters of small whitish flowers. The flora of the plains, as well as of the* valley floors, save for the scat- tered stand of oaks, is wholly herbaceous and the herbs are mainly annuals. In early days these plains and valleys were in the springtime a wonderful nat- ural garden, literally with a hundred flowers to the square foot, the whole in riotous abundance and running out across the low hills in streamers of yellow and of blue. In good years we still get a rejuvenescence in favored areas of the primitive growth. It takes many years of cultivating and pasturing to over- come completely the flowering plants that have for tens of thousands of years and more seeded and germinated and flowered under natural conditions. It was a rich inheritance for a child to have been born in such a wild garden and grow into a lad with the flowers rioting each springtime over his head, making for him a hundred ways and a thousand tempting fairy places, all aglow with color, all distinctive with delicate structures, all alive with curious interest. The high delicate flush of the springtime* as revealed by the flowers is all too brief. Hundreds of radiant living flowers arise and develop quickly — all at once. Lupines, cream cups, pop-corn flower, allocaryas, gilias, birds' eyes, clovers of many kinds, lasthenias, gold-fields, baby blue eyes, shooting stars, owl's clover, escobita, yellow pansy, buttercups, larkspurs — all these and many more come and go in a few short weeks. All those which have been mentioned are common species, all are widely distributed throughout the county, and all play their part, either in the wide splashes or in the little bits of color which in springtime focus the eye of the traveler. Of all our flowering plants none other attracts so much attention as the California poppy, and none other has, as it behaves with us, so long an active period. It begins to grow from the root with the first rains and in November or December the tufts of finely cut pale or bluish foliage dot the plain ; by March or April the plants are lifting great golden cups borne on stiffish erect stems, and from this time on the flowers are borne profusely nearly or quite until the rains break. While, our poppy is thus very remarkable for the length of its flowering period, it is even more remarkable for the curious changes which are brought about in the color of the petals as the sun passes northward. In March and April the flowers put forth solid golden petals, remarkable for their metallic lustre or sheen ; in May these wonderful structures are tipped with yellow, and as the summer runs on the flowers become much smaller and wholly pale yellow or straw color. Now, be it remembered that all these small pale flowers arise from the same root that bore the great golden cups of March. The writer in this matter has made his observations and collections from na- tive plants marked in the field and observed from season to season. So much for widely distributed and abundant flowers. There are, of course, many species found only in local or peculiar situations. It is only in the shade of trees or brush, in such places as Gates, Weldon and Miller canons, or in the upper Suisun valley, that one finds the beautiful crimson eucharidium. Chinese houses grow only in the foothills in openly wooded country. Scarlet bugle- is found on Dunn's peak. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 139 On the plains, originally, and to some extent yet, are found little vernal pools which have no outlet. These dry up eventually and their contracting margins support in succession a number of peculiar plants; the delicate blue and white downingias, the red dwarf monkey-flower and several others with inconspicuous flowers. Finally in midsummer the beds of these pools are filled by the harsh growth of the native coyote-thistle. No account of the flora of Solano county would be complete without some reference to the vegetation of the marsh lands. The sedges, rushes and tules are the dominant plants, but these have as their associates a host of other plants, most of which, like the starry asters and goldenrods, burst into full bloom in October. This is the month when the Suisun marshes vie in floral luxuriance with the most favored spots of the plains in April. Only a very little may be told in so brief a space of the natural history of the native plants, but enough has been here set down to show their interest and variety. He who does not know the hills, streams and wild creatures of our county by so much is he ignorant of a wide field of true pleasures and de- lightful resources, by so much indeed is his outlook narrowed and restricted. For there be many who love this land of hills and plains and the native life which is here nourished, and to these life is made sweeter, the sympathies en- larged and the home loyalties deepened. Thus it is that when in foreign climes, heart-weary for the home sky, there comes in sleep visions of olden days, of the springtime cloth of gold spread between the river sloughs, of the sun lying warm and fair on the Benicia hills, and of the home-call of the quail in the Vaca chaparral. 140 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES CHAPTER XXXII. HISTORY OF NAPA COUNTY. By C. B. Seeley. The writer can select no locality more favorable for bringing to the notice of the reader a comprehensive view of the mountains and valleys of Napa county than some elevated point on St. Helena mountain. Standing within the county's extreme northern boundary and at an altitude of 4,500 feet above the sea level, Napa valley, over thirty miles in length and varying in width from one to five miles, stretches away in the distance until ultimately meeting the waters of the bay. On the west and near the city of Napa, Brown's valley with its attractive suburban homes nestles between low, cultivated hills on either side. On the east from the point of observation lies Pope valley, ten miles in length and from one to three miles wide. Then follows Chiles valley, six miles in length and of varying width from one to three miles, and beyond a range of intervening hills is to be seen Berryessa valley, ten miles in length and from one to three miles in width. Three smaller valleys may be men- tiond, namely: Capell, Gordon and Wooden valleys, which, with Berryessa, yield annually large crops of grain to the farmer. The streams in all the val- leys find an outlet to the bay either through Napa river or Putah creek, in Berryessa valley. On the western range of the valley appears Mt. Veeder, a prominent ele- vation named for a pioneer clergyman of those early days. On the east and near St. Helena is Howell mountain, an elevated plateau some miles in width and being noted for its favorable climatic conditions. Atlas peak is another elevation east from Napa and highly recommended as a health resort. Mt. George, a little farther south and belonging to the same mountain range, stands two thousand feet above the sea level and smooth at crest as the crown of its aged owner, A. Van Der Nailen, the distinguished author and scientist, who passes part of the year near his Radium Spring, whose waters, gushing from the mountainside, possess, as he claims, the "elixir of life," which con- fronts and repels the approach of advancing age. The flora of Napa county, plants indigenous to its uniform climate, are worthy of mention. There is scarcely a growth of any kind unfriendly to its generous soil. Here are to be seen nearly all the cereals as well as the decid- uous fruits familiar to the agriculturist; the apple, the pear and the peach, together with cherries, plums, prunes, apricots and grapes. Walnuts, almonds and olives are also grown throughout the county, while some of the semi- tropical fruits, such as the orange and lemon, are likewise to be noted, though as yet they are not of commercial value. But Napa's undisputed claim to the world's admiration is the charm of its beautiful scenery. Let the observer stand upon the summit of some elevation during the month of May and behold this far-famed valley in all its native grandeur. Its parallel ranges clothed in emerald with ever-changing shadows — vineyards, orchards and cheerful abodes where happiness abides, spring flowers with whose breath the winds are laden, crystal streams sparkling in the sun as they hurry to their ocean home, the gentle breeze from off the sea, vocal with the lark's liquid notes voicing his praise to early spring — all united in presenting a picture of such transcendent loveliness as to merit the words of that lover of the beautiful who thus paid tribute to an enchanted scene : "The landscape saw its Lord and smiled." O Q h~ > 4 at three years old; Nemonio, 2:09%, and Miss Winn, 2:10^. He raised the dam of Mono Wilkes, 2:03%; Aerolite, 2:05^ at three years old, that was sold for $8,000. In the Suisun valley he owns a fruit ranch of seven hundred acres six miles northwest of the city, of which forty acres are in full bearing. The orchard is in peaches, apricots, prunes and pears, all of which Mr. Rush has set out since purchasing the ranch. In 1876 Mr. Rush was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. McKean, a native of Astoria, Ore. Of the seven children born to them we mention the following: Richard I., who graduated from Stanford University with the degree of E. E., is a rancher and stockdealer of Suisun ; Frederick W. gradu- ated from the same university with the degree of C. E., and is now cashier of the Kern County Land Company at Bakersfield; Eleanor is at home; Mary is Mrs. Gurnett, of Fairfield; Benjamin is connected with the Kern County HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 191 Land Company at Bakersfield; and Hiram and Annabelle are both at home. For some time Mr. Rush assisted in the management of the Solano County Republican, one of Suisun's leading papers, and also served four years as sheriff of Solano county. He is a director of the Solano County Bank, was the first president of the Solano County Agricultural Society of the thirty- sixth district, for the past twelve years has been a member of the State Agri- cultural Society, and for six years president of the society and ex-officio regent of the State University. In 1904 he was elected state senator for Napa and Solano counties, his re-election following without opposition in 1908, and in this honored office he puts forth the most conscientious efforts in behalf of his community, all of the members of which have faith in his executive ability. Mr. Rush was a member of the committee for selecting the location of the state agricultural farm at Davisville, securing a tract of nearly eight hundred acres for the agricultural department of the State University. He was chair- man of the agricultural committee during the first and second sessions, and also the last two sessions. He is now chairman of the committee on hospitals and asylums, and was active in securing the necessary appropriation for the Napa state hospital and the Yountville Veterans' home, and is also a member of the committee on finance, agriculture and dairying, drainage, swamp and overflow lands, mining and oil industries, fruit and vine interests, and roads and highways. Mr. Rush is an intimate friend of Governor Johnson, both meeting on common ground in their labors for the best interests of their be- loved state. The name of Mr. Rush is well known in Masonic circles, he having taken the Scottish Rite and the Knight Templar degrees, and he is also a member of the Shrine. Thoroughly optimistic in his outlook on life, Mr. Rush fully merits the high regard of his countless friends and associates. FRANKLIN McNEAL. After having followed agriculture, surveying, and in his younger years following the teacher's profession for a brief period, Franklin McNeal directed his energies to the fruit industry and after he came to California, settling in Solano county during 1895, he devoted himself to horticulture with gratifying results. The various occupations in which he engaged indicate the versatility of his mind. It was possible for him, through sagacious judgment and pains- taking industry, to accumulate a competence and eventually he retired from manual labor, renting his farm and enjoying in contentment the comforts ac- cumulated during a long and useful existence until his death, February 3, 1912. Ohio was the native commonwealth of Franklin McNeal, and April 8, 1839. the date of his birth. When he was a boy Ohio was at the extreme edge of civilization. Beyond it were the vast forests, the uncultivated prairies, the wild animals and the yet wilder savages. There were few schools in the Buckeye state and the children of the pioneers became more skilled in farming or in the domestic arts than in literary lore. Through arduous efforts, how- ever, it was possible for Mr. McNeal to secure a fair knowledge of the three R's, and when he became a teacher in young manhood he was qualified for thor- ough work with the pupils. During the Civil war his sympathies, always eagerly enlisted on the side of the Union, led him to offer his aid to the coun- try and he was accepted as a private in Company I, One Hundred Forty-eighth Ohio Infantry. Assigned to duty in Virginia, he acted as a guard on the James river for some time and was also sent to other points near the border line between the two armies. Upon receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war Mr. McNeal returned to Ohio and for several years made his home in the vicinity of Mari- etta. When he followed the tide of emigration that drifted toward the west he 192 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES first settled in Illinois and for some time held a position as deputy surveyor of Christian county. Going still further toward the west, he settled in Kansas and took up a homestead near Clay Center, the county seat of Clay county, where he tilled the soil in the summer and taught school during the winter months. In addition he engaged to some extent in surveying, and defined a large number of boundary lines in that new country. Upon leaving Kansas for California he brought with him considerable capital, representing the re- sult of years of arduous labor, and this capital was largely invested in his fruit farm in Solano county. Here he owned twenty-one acres, one-half in apricots and the rest in peaches, all bearing. % - The first wife of Mr. McNeal bore the maiden name of Mary Alexander and was a native of Ohio. At her death she left two daughters. Bernice is the wife of O. W. Bryant of Monrovia, and they have one son. The other daughter of that union, Blanche, is Mrs. Charles Cahill of Vallejo. Mrs. Mc- Neal was Miss Jessie Stacy, a native of Lowell, Ohio, and the mother of one daughter, June Louise McNeal, attending the Winters high school. In fra- ternal relations Mr. McNeal held membership with the blue lodge of Masonry, and his wife has been a leading worker in Yosolano Chapter 218 of the Eastern Star at Winters, of which she is past matron. The Republican party received the ballot of Mr. McNeal in all national elections. In common with other old soldiers, he found much to interest him in the activities of the Grand Army of the Republic and was a member of the post in the several places of his resi- dence, contributing with kindly generosity to the philanthropic work con- ducted by the organization. CHARLES HENRY RULE. Identified with the development of Solano county from the initial period of American supremacy, the Rule family has resided here for a period of sixty years, and meanwhile has contributed to the progress of the community with whose destiny their own has been cast. The first of the name to seek a home in the far west was Samuel T. Rule, a Pennsylvanian by birth and a representative of a prominent and old-established race. Born in Philadelphia in 1825, he passed the years of youth in the City of Brotherly Love. The environment that formulated his character and molded his aspirations was similar to that of city lads of the period. The educational advantages he re- ceived were of an excellent nature and gave him the requisite foundation for a comprehensive knowledge of commercial conditions. After he had learned the trade of carpenter and had followed the occupation as a journeyman in the east, in 1850 he joined the vast army of Argonauts bound for California and arrived in San Francisco during one of the most exciting periods in the turbu- lent history of that great mteropolis. After one year in San Francisco, removal was made to Vallejo, and in the adjacent country Mr. Rule secured a squatter's right to one hundred and sixty acres, but this tract he lost at a later date because it was claimed as a Spanish grant. The remainder of his life was passed in Vallejo, and here he died in 1883, surrounded at the last by the comforts of an advancing civiliza- tion and by the affectionate ministrations of other pioneers. During young manhood he married Isabelle Moffitt, who was born in Erie, Pa., in 1832, and died at Vallejo, Cal., in 1890. It is worthy of note that they have five sons who are prominent workers in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, all of them being past grands and leading members of Vallejo Lodge No. 216, I. O. O. F., and the encampment. The five brothers with the assistance of their brother-in-law initiated into the order a young man belonging to the family (their nephew) and conferred upon him the initiatory degree, this HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 195 being probably the only instance of the kind in the history of the fraternity. Born in the city of Vallejo March 19, 1862, Charles Henry Rule attended the city schools between the years of six and sixteen, after which he worked for two years on his father's ranch. Finding agricultural affairs not wholly congenial, he turned to the machinists' trade, and in it he has been successful. After an apprenticeship of one year in Vallejo and two years in Crockett, he was qualified to work as a journeyman. During 1884 he began to work at Mare Island navy yard, and since then he has been employed steadily, having held his present position of quarterman machinist since 1899, discharging his duties with credit and ability. His marriage, solemnized in 1906, united him with Miss Carrie Apperson, who was born in Placer county, Cal., and was a school teacher of recognized ability and successful experience. For some years she taught in Solano and Yolo counties and was vice principal of the Dixon school. The family of which she is a member comprises five sisters and three brothers and of the former three have taught school successfully. The father, James E. Apperson, a native of Richmond Va., and a California pio- neer, crossed the plains with ox teams and settled in Shasta county as early as 1852. From that time he continued to reside in this state until his death in 1910, at the age of seventy-five years. During the same year there passed into eternity his beloved wife, Eliza (Cooper) Apperson, who was born in Arkansas seventy-two years before, and who had spent the greater part of her useftil existence in the west. As pioneers they evinced the sturdy qualities that marked the careers of the early settlers of the state and gave substantial and permanent basis for the subsequent upbuilding of agricultural and indus- trial enterprises. JOHN A. STANLY. One of the most eminent jurists of his time, Judge John A. Stanly came from a family long intimately connected with the history of our country and with her political life. Inherited as well as inherent qualities made his choice of a profession especially appropriate, as he was well fitted to be a successful attorney, and the prominence which he gained in the political life of California was due to his sterling worth and his earnest desire to do the right thing regardless of any personal loss. The history of the Stanly family is traced to John Wright Stanley, who changed the spelling of the name to Stanly. He was a grandson of a Mr. Stanley who came from England with Lord Baltimore, surveyor-general of the new colony of Maryland. Tradition says that he was a son of the Earl of Derby. John Wright Stanly was a merchant of large business interests. When the feeling between the colonies and the Mother Country was at its height he was in India with his merchant fleet and there met a young British officer, who said: "I see your name is Stanley; I presume we are related." "How do you spell your name?" The officer replied, "Stanley." Whereupon John Wright Stanly replied, "I spell mine Stanly, and we are no relation." John Wright Stanly had two sons, John and James, and the children of the first mentioned were Edward, Fabius, Alfred and Alexander. The only child of Alexander Stanly was John A. Stanly of this review. His parents dying when he was a small child, he was placed in the care of his uncle, Edward Stanly, who was a man worthy of the trust placed in him. Edward Stanly was a prominent Whig orator and a member of congress, and in his home in Washington he entertained many of the great statesmen of his day. In this hospitable home John A. Stanly received many advantages and the privilege of becoming acquainted with the foremost men of the coun- try, a privilege not to be lightly considered, and one which no doubt made a 196 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES great impression on the young nephew, for to meet such brilliant men as Webster, Clay and Calhoun and form their acquaintance was a splendid educa- tion for the lad. His early training and natural inclination led him to take up the study of law, and so enthusiastically and attentively did he apply him- self to the work that he was admitted to the bar at an early age. The saying, "Nothing succeeds like success" proved true in Mr. Stanly's case, as he was successful from the start in his legal career. He at once took an active part in politics, and when the Union party of the south nominated Bell and Everett for president and vice-president of the United States, John A. Stanly stumped the state for the cause, one of the most enthusiastic and loyal supporters of the party. At the time of this election he was presidential elector, nominated on this ticket. His able uncle, Edward Stanly, upon whom John Stanly looked as a father, was appointed governor of North Carolina by President Lincoln. In 1866 John A. Stanly turned the course of his destiny westward and, taking up his residence in San Francisco, became a member of the law firm of Stanly, Hayes & Stanly, and ultimately became one of the leading attorneys of the state of California. He had established such a splendid reputation that, in 1872, Governor Haight appointed him to a vacancy in the superior court of San Francisco and his choice was ratified by the people in that they re- turned him to that office at the next election. He was chairman of the board of Freeholders that framed the charter of Oakland and in 1890 he received the nomination for chief justice of the supreme court of California, a position for which he was eminently fitted, but he suffered defeat at the polls. A large estate came as an inheritance to John A. Stanly upon the death of his uncle. Edward Stanly, when he received a splendid tract of sixteen hundred acres in Napa county, the ranch being under a high state of cultiva- tion and planted to grapes and other fruit. This property is now being farmed by his grandson, Edward Stanly Coghill. A splendid vineyard occupies two hundred and eighty acres, stock for which was imported from France, except the Val de Penas variety, which was imported from Spain. There is a modern wine-cellar on the place, where the grapes are crushed and ten varieties of wine, all French but one, are manufactured. Twenty-two acres are in pears, fifty-five acres are in prunes, and the remainder of the land is in grain, pota- toes, corn and pasture. A fine dairy is also a part of the ranch, stocked with thoroughbred and imported cattle. At the present writing there are over one hundred milch cows and more than one hundred head of young stock and steers in the herd. To successfully carry on the labor done on this ranch it is necessary to employ a large amount of help and at some seasons of the year as many as sixty men are employed. At the age of twenty years John A. Stanly married Miss Sara J. Cason, in North Carolina, and of the four children born to them two grew up, but only one is now living, Edward having accidentally shot himself while hunting in 1880. Catherine became the wife of Thomas B. Coghill, the family making their home in Oakland, at No. 1304 Jackson street. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coghill, a son and daughter. Edward, previously mentioned, as having charge of his grandfather's ranch, married Miss Bertha C. Blum, a native daughter of California, whose father came to the state in the early '50s and settled in Contra Costa county ; they have one child, Catherine Rose. Catherine Elizabeth Coghill became the wife of John G. Treanor and they have two children, Thomas S. and John S. Judge John A. Stanly passed away in 1899, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, in which he had been reared. His life had been filled with worthy activities, which the younger generation who are assuming the leadership in civic affairs might do well to emulate. His widow makes her home at No. 1221 Jackson street, Oakland, where she is surrounded by relatives and many friends. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 197 OTTO T. SCHULZE. Standing in the front ranks of the medical profession in Napa is Dr. Otto T. Schulze, who is a sterling representative of a fine old German family and is third in line of descent from the establisher of the name in California. A record of the accomplishments of his grandfather and father, given elsewhere in this volume, bear testimony to their worth as men and citizens in the com- munities where their lots were cast, and though the present representative of the family, Otto T. Schulze, is still a young man, he has added prestige to a name which was already held in high repute. The birth of Dr. Schulze occurred September 3, 1881, while his parents, Oscar C. and Caroline (Todt) Schulze, were living in Germantown, Glenn county, Cal. Up to the age of nine years he made his home in his birthplace, when the family removed to Dixon, Solano county, and in that city he attend- ed the public and high schools. While in the junior year of his high school course he passed an examination which permitted him to enter the University of California as a freshman in 1899, and in 1903 he graduated from that insti- tution with the degree of B. L. In the meantime he had decided to follow the medical profession, and thereafter his studies were conducted with this ulti- mate idea in view. Immdiately following his graduation from the university he entered the medical department of the same institution and graduated four years later, in 1907, with the degree of M. D. After one year's practical ex- perience as interne at the University of California Hospital, he came to Napa in 1908 and opened an office for the practice of his profession in the Miglia- vacca building, where he is still located. In addition to the large private practice which he has built up in the comparatively short time which has since elapsed, he is also surgeon for the San Francisco, Vallejo and Napa Valley Railroad. In San Francisco Dr. Schulze was united in marriage with Miss Edith Currey, a native of that city and the daughter of Hon. Robert J. Currey, ex- member of the legislature, and a granddaughter of Judge John Currey, who was an honored judge of the supreme court of California for twelve years during the early days and a practicing attorney in Benicia during the '50s. Judge Currey is still living, at the age of ninety-seven. One son, Oscar Carl, has been born to the doctor and his wife. Not unlike his father before him, Dr. Schulze is a believer in the principles of Masonry. He joined the order in Dixon and is now a member of Yount Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., at Napa; King Solomon's Chapter No. 95, R. A. M., at San Francisco, besides which he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Native Sons of the Golden West. He is also a charter member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity, University of California; a member of the Golden Bear Senior Society, and of the Nu Sigma Nu, a medical fraternity connected with the same institution, while in the line of his profession he is identified with the county, state and American medical associations and is secretary of the Napa County Medical Society. Dr. Schulze is a man of wide popularity as a suc- cessful physician and surgeon, and a record of still greater usefulness in his profession and in his community as man and citizen may be confidently pre- dicted. STANDARD PORTLAND CEMENT COMPANY. Portland cement was first discovered in Portland, England, in 1811, and has been used extensively during the past century, especially during the last generation, for with the Bessemer discovery of the manufacture of steel by means of decarbonization, a product was placed upon the market that made the value of Portland cement enhance wonderfully, for the two, used together, are 198 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES now considered as the mainstay of large building enterprises the world over. The Standard Portland Cement Company was established for the manufac- ture of this valuable commodity at Napa Junction, Napa county, in 1903. Its plant covers some six hundred acres and more than three hundred men are employed in the manufacture of the daily output of two thousand three hun- dred barrels. A large portion of the stock of this company is owned by Napa residents and most of the employes are residents of Napa and vicinity, and for these reasons the plant looms largely before the public as a local industry, serving local ends as well as national. It is ceaseless in its activity, for it is never closed down, working day and night with two crews of men. The stor- age capacity of the plant is one hundred and fifty thousand barrels. The man- agement claims that a finer grade of cement is manufactured here than in the east, owing to the fact that a rigid chemical test and standard is required for the product. To serve this end the plant is equipped with a chemical labora- tory, under the direction of an expert chemist, so that each barrel is tested before it leaves the plant to find out if the proportion of lime and other ingredi- ents is correct and up to standard. The manager of this extensive commercial plant that is looked upon as one of the principal industries of Napa county, is A. G. Lang, a native of New Britain, Conn., and a graduate of the Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass. For the last six years he has been connected with cement plants both in this country and Europe. RALPH M. BUTLER. Perhaps no industry is more inseparably associated with the horticultural development of Napa county than the Napa Fruit Company, of which Ralph M. Butler acts as manager, and also as a member of the board of directors. While during the packing season the plant affords employment to a large number of persons, its importance in that respect is secondary to its direct connection with the upbuilding of an enviable reputation for Napa products in eastern markets and with the promotion of the fruit industry throughout this county. A steady demand for the Napa pack exists throughout the east and a large percentage of the output is shipped annually to Europe. Dried prunes form the principal product of the plant. The care and cleanliness ex- ercised in their preparation for the markets prove the wise oversight of the manager, whose attention is closely given to a rigid supervision of every detail connected with the large business. In all else except birth Mr. Butler is a typical Californian, and he has lived in this state ever since his earliest recollections. Born at Monmouth, in Oregon, in 1871, he was brought to Napa by the family in 1872 and received his common school education in this city. Upon completing these studies he was sent to the Oregon State Normal School, and later took a course in Heald's Business College in San Francisco, where he qualified himself for the details of commercial affairs. On his return to Napa he became bookkeeper for the Napa Fruit Company and filled the position with such efficiency that soon he was promoted to be manager, in which capacity he has remained up to the present. The occurrence of his marriage in 1904 to Miss Elizabeth Packham proved the beginning of a happy union and the young couple, with thier daughter, Annie, have a pleasant home, furnished with a taste that indi- cates the highest refinement and culture. Of a genial nature, Mr. Butler finds recreation in his lodge work, and has been affiliated for some years with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, main- taining a warm interest in all their local activities. The concern with which Mr. Butler holds prominent connection was es- J»oos«,«»c»i<«» HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 201 tablished in 1893, and has enjoyed a steady growth from the first, being now one of the largest plants of the kind in this part of the state. The present offi- cers are A. D. Butler, president, and F. W. Bush, vice president. Upon the board of directors are Charles E. Trower, Dr. M. B. Pond, A. D. Butler and R. M. Butler. The curing and drying of prunes is the firm's specialty. The fruit is bought from the horticulturists of the region and placed in the com- modious drying yards, after which it is prepared for the market. Every im- provement of modern device is to be found in the packing house. The equip- ment is thorough and the preparations for packing are unexcelled. An adja- cent railroad renders the task of loading on the cars an easy one. In fact, every facility has been secured that will promote the promptness and dispatch with which the business is prosecuted. HON. BENJAMIN SHURTLEFF. Benjamin Shurtleff was born on September 7, 1821, in Carver, a small town near Plymouth, Mass., named in honor of John Carver, the first governor of Plymouth colony. He was the son of Charles and Hannah (Shaw) Shurt- leff, the former one of the founders of the first agricultural society in Ply- mouth county. The ancestry is traced to one William Shurtleff, who was born in England and immigrated to America in boyhood and is found identi- fied with the Pilgrims at Plymouth about 1634. He engaged in military service in 1643, and married Elizabeth Lettice, whose father, Thomas, had settled in that historic town. Benjamin Shurtleff is a lineal descendant of Isaac Allerton, an enterprising merchant, who was one of the one hundred and one emigrants who came to America on the Mayflower and settled in Plymouth, Mass., in 1620. Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff was reared on a farm and the hard work incident thereto developed in him a robust constitution that has permitted him to lead a life of more than unusual activity, and yet retain, at the age of four score and ten years, the appearance of a man in his sixties. His education was secured in the common schools of his native place and in Pierce Academy at Middleboro, in the same county. In those days opportunities for securing an education were limited, but he eagerly availed himself of such as were possible. By teaching school he saved enough money to render possible the study of medicine, which he took up under the direction of an older brother, the late Dr. G. A. Shurtleff, a prominent physician of Stockton, Cal., in later years. He further pursued his studies with Dr. Elisha Huntington, of Lowell, Mass., and also attended Tremont Medical School at Boston. He matricu- lated in the medical department of Harvard University at Cambridge, from which he was graduated August 23, 1848. In the Tremont Medical School and at Harvard he was a pupil of Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes. While attend- ing Harvard he heard Rufus Choate's celebrated defense of Tirrill for the alleged murder of Mrs. Bickford. Just before he had completed his medical education and was looking about for a favorable location, news came of the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia. He decided to come to this coast, this decision being later confirmed by President Polk's annual message of December 5th. He quickly made his arrangements and set sail January 27, 1849, on the schooner "Boston," from the port of the same name, proceeded via the Straits of Magellan to San Francisco, arriving July 6, of that year. Stopping but a few days in that city he went to Sacramento on the schooner "Olivia/' thence to Beal's Bar, on the American river, where he mined a short time. Reports came to this camp of the rich strike at Reading's Springs (now Shasta), and in the fall of '49 he 12 202 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES went to that locality. In October he was working a rich mine in the bed of Middle creek, but the floods of the rainy season, which began with great severity early in the morning of November 2nd, drove him from the claim and he thereupon abandoned mining and began the practice of medicine. Early in the spring of 1850 he formed a partnership with Dr. Jesse R. Robinson, the first clerk of Shasta county, under the name of Shurtleff and Robinson. Possessing great skill, supplemented by a thorough training in Harvard, it was not long before the people came to recognize his ability and appreciate the services rendered by Dr. Shurtleff as a physician, and he was in almost constant demand. There being no roads to any extent, he was forced to ride horseback all over that country. There were no bridges, and as boats were not to be had, he would swim the streams and climb the moun- tains with his faithful horse. He endured privations and hardships that to us today would seem impossible, yet his sturdy constitution enabled him to withstand every exposure without serious results. Soon after his arrival in Reading's Springs Dr. Shurtleff was elected alcalde of the district, and the duties of the position he discharged to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. There was unlimited power vested in the alcalde, adequate to any emergency that might arise. He had supreme jurisdiction in all cases, from larceny of a pocket knife, to murder in the first degree, but almost all important cases were adjudicated by a jury of twelve men. It was "squatter sovereignty" complete and absolute, yet under his wise administration the mission was fulfilled and it was dissolved by universal consent when the state and federal governments came and assumed authority. It was during his occupancy of this important office that one act of his life stands out more strongly than any other. A man named Bowles was arrested • on suspicion of having murdered his partner during the night. Awakening in the morning he discovered him lifeless, with a mark of a bludgeon on the side of his head. He so reported the circumstances and at once was taken in charge by others in the camp and was about to be hanged without further delay. The matter was brought to the notice of the alcalde, who at once de- manded that the man have a fair jury trial and all the circumstances sur- rounding the affair investigated thoroughly. After considerable parley his demand was granted and his ideas carried out to the end that it was found the deed had been done by some murderous Indian for some fancied wrong that had been done him. He had sneaked up and struck the blow that killed the man, and so sudden and sure was his aim that there was no struggle, and the partner who was sleeping beside him under the same blankets was not awakened. Mr. Bowles was ably defended by the late Judge W. R. Harrison, who became the first county judge of Shasta county. The prosecution was carried on by the late Chief Justice Sprague, and though he ably conducted the case he was satisfied at the finding of the man "not guilty" and he was freed, much to the satisfaction of Alcalde Shurtleff. Dr. Shurtleff took an active part in the organization of Shasta county and was elected the first treasurer of the county. With the late Chief Justice Sprague and Isaac Roop as trustees, he established the first public school in the northern part of the state and has ever taken an active interest in educa- tional matters. One school district in Napa county was named in his honor. Soon after he had reached his majority the people of his native town elected him a member of the school committee and made him chairman of the board. In 1861 he was elected state senator for his district, that comprised Trinity and Shasta counties. He filled the office of county physician of the latter county for ten consecutive years, by appointment by the supervisors. In 1857 he was tendered the appointment of county judge by Gov. J. Neely Johnson, but declined the honor. In 1872 he was chosen by the Republican state convention as alternate presidential elector-at-large. He was a member HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 203 of the board of examining surgeons of the bureau of pensions at Napa during Harrison's and also during Roosevelt's administrations, and still is called upon to do duty along that line. When Dr. Shurtleff came to Napa in 1874 he found a hearty welcome and he soon established a large and lucrative practice, which continued until 1901, when he retired to private life. In Napa county he has been equally as active in promoting the welfare of the county as in his former home. June 19, 1879, he was elected delegate at large to the constitutional convention on the non- partisan ticket, from the third congressional district, and took an active part in the deliberations of that body. In 1876 he became a member of the board of trustees of Napa and was re-elected in 1878, officiating as president both terms. In March, 1880, he received the appointment from Governor Perkins, as a member of the board of trustees of the Napa State Hospital, and for the following sixteen years acted as president of the board, retiring in June, 1896. Since 1901 he has been a member of the commission of physicians appointed to examine persons charged with insanity ; he has sent in his resignation, but the superior judge refuses to accept it. He was president of the board of freeholders and assisted in framing the present charter of Napa, and became the first mayor by election in May, 1893. Dr. Shurtleff is a life member and was elected in 1911 a vice-president of the Society of California Pioneers; is a member of the California State Medical Society, of the Harvard Medical Alumni Association, and is an honorary member of the Harvard Club in San Francisco. The doctor is president of the Napa City Water Company and is a director in the Napa Savings Bank. He is the only survivor of the physi- cians and medical students present at the first public surgical operation in the world at which ether was administered as an anaesthetic, performed by Dr. John C. Warren at the Massachusetts State Hospital in Boston, October 16, 1846. In August, 1911, the Benjamin Shurtleff Hospital Company of Napa was named in honor of Dr. Shurtleff. Returning to his old home in Massachusetts via Panama in the fall of 1852, Dr. Shurtleff was married February 21 following to Ann M. Griffith, a native of Wareham, Plymouth county. She was a daughter of Ellis Griffith and a lineal descendant of Miles Standish. They returned to California via the Isthmus of Panama that year and ever since were residents of the Golden State. Mrs. Shurtleff died September 2, 1905, aged seventy-seven years, nine months and nine days. Their long married life was one of mutual helpfulness, each working for the welfare of the other and of their three children : George C. who is a successful rancher in Brown's valley, Napa county; Charles A., a prosperous attorney in San Francisco; and Benjamin E., who died while pursuing his studies in the medical department of the University of California. His death was the heaviest sorrow to enter the lives of the doctor and his wife. Napa county has but few men who are better known or more highly honored than Dr. Shurtleff, whose name stands for energy, capability, tact and public spirit. He is ever ready to aid any movement for the advancement of the general welfare of the people or county, or for the promotion of the moral or social conditions. Though ninety years of age his faculties are as keen as a man of fifty. He has always advocated development of the re- sources of the county and has tried to do his part as a citizen to bring about this end. His has been a long and useful life, and, blessed with plenty of this world's goods, he has contributed liberally to all charities, and all of his acts have been done in an unostentatious manner. He is a student, and has a large library of valuable books and finds much pleasure in their companionship. When his life comes to its close there will be no man who will be more greatly missed than Dr. Shurtleff, whose name is almost a household word. 204 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES A. MONLIS. While it may be true that other men have larger vineyards and wine cel- lars with a capacity that is greater than his, it is also true that few men in the wine-making business have achieved more success than has A. Monlis, who is a prosperous rancher and grape grower in Napa county, near Calis- toga. He was born at Castres, department of Tarn, in the south of France, March 19, 1852, and in his native land he received a valuable experience in grape growing by working in a vineyard where wine was manufactured. He has been able to apply much of the knowledge thus gained to practical pur- poses in this land of sunshine that so fitly reminds him of the green fields and purple vineyards of his own land. Mr. Monlis came to America in 1886 and for two years remained in San Antonio, Tex. Coming to California in 1888, he was first employed in the vineyards in Napa valley, and later on he rented a ranch for himself near St. Helena. He bought his present place in 1902. It consists of one hundred acres of good land, fifteen acres being planted in vine- yard and some prune trees, and the balance is used for pasture and for general ranching purposes. Each year the owner receives a good income from his property, the land being very productive. In 1889 Mr. Monlis married Miss Julia Vanherscke, a native of Esquel- becq, Nord, France, and the following children were born to the union : Emile, Augustine, the wife of E. Dore of Oakland and the mother of two children, Emile and Rosa; Emily, and Carmilla. Mr. Monlis is a member of the San Francisco Ancient Order of Foresters. His sons, Emile and Carmilla, are members of the Foresters and Native Sons. Although born in a foreign land, Mr. Monlis is loyal to the institutions of his adopted country and is a sup- porter of equity and civic righteousness. He and his family are well known residents of the Napa valley. ALEXANDER STEIGER. Few men have more intimate knowledge of the wonderful advances made in machinery and the science pertaining thereto than Alexander Steiger. His knowldge is not merely theoretical, for he has been associated with the trade in this state since 1859, although it is true that for the latter portion of this period he has been living on his orchard near Vacaville, Solano county. He was born in Boston, Mass., September 22, 1833, the son of Conrad and Mary (Alexander) Steiger, both natives of London, England, and both passed away in New England. Alexander Steiger was educated in the public schools of Boston, and after his graduation he followed the bent of his mind by studying engineering in a practical manner and learning the same as a trade. At the age of twenty-six years he left Boston for California, via Panama, and landed in San Francisco from the steamer Golden Age in March, 1859, and at once had an opportunity to engage in his trade. Among other positions he held was that of foreman for von Smith, who received the contract for the con- struction of the first dry dock at Hunters Point, Cal. In 1868 Mr. Steiger worked on this important undertaking in the capacity of foreman. San Fran- cisco was made his headquarters for about thirty years, during which time he traveled all over the state and Nevada as expert machinist for the Vulcan Iron Works, putting in mining and water works machinery. He installed the first water system in Hamilton and Treasure City, Nevada. In 1856 Mr. Steiger was married in Boston, Mass., to Miss Mary Abbie Jones, a native of Maine and a daughter of Moses and Abbie Jones, both also natives of that state. Mrs. Steiger came to California in 1862. The eldest of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Steiger was Melville Randolph, born in 1857, who is married and living in Red Bluff, where he is a farmer and stockraiser. Frank Alexander, born in 1863, is a civil engineer; he married .*yK^V)sUyn<2^ HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 207 Miss Kate Saxton of Vacaville. Ida Isabel, the widow of William W. Davis, also lives in Vacaville. Harry Lincoln resides in Berkeley. Mr. Steiger has been a life-long Republican, and for many years he has been a member of the board of school trustees of Pena district. He purchased land near Vacaville in 1873, since which time he has improved it with an orchard, the entire place, including one hundred and twelve acres, being in fruits and vegetables of all kinds. He has arranged hot beds for the early starting of vegetables. The ranch is located two and a half miles north of Vacaville. Although over seventy years of age, Mr. Steiger is enjoying the twilight of life in his own home and is content to lend his influence for every worthy project in a quiet unassuming way. HON. HENRY EWALT McCUNE. Foremost among the citizens of Solano county is Senator McCune, who is a splendid example of one who has risen to the heights of achievement because of sterling qualities of character. His well-earned success has been attained through industry and perseverance. He came to California fifty- eight years ago and encountered all the obstacles of early pioneer life. The vast number of acres owned by him, the high regard in which he is held, the large influence he has been able to wield in the community, show in what way these obstacles were overcome. His early life was spent in Pike county, Mo., where he was born June 10, 1825, his parents being John and Rebecca (Ewalt) McCune, of Scotch and German ancestry. The father was a native of Penn- sylvania and the mother of Virginia ; they were married in Kentucky, but soon moved farther west and settled in Pike county, Mo., where the father died in 1853. He served in the War of 1812, under Col. Dick Johnson, and the grandfather, William McCune, was in the Revolutionary war, and, being taken a prisoner by the Indians, was kept in captivity for three years. In Pike county, Mo., Henry Ewalt McCune received his education. At the outbreak of the Mexican war he enlisted in Company E, Third Missouri Mounted Volunteers (Colonel Ralls' regiment), and served gallantly. He was wounded in the battle of Vera Cruz and, after eighteen months of service, was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Resuming private life once more Mr. McCune engaged in stock-raising, and in 1854, in partnership with M. R. K. Biggs, he undertook the tedious journey across the plains to Cali- fornia with three hundred head of cattle. They settled in the northern part of Solano county, and Mr. McCune still owns the quarter-section of govern- ment land which he pre-empted at that time. In marked contrast to his pres- ent beautiful dwelling is the house in which he began life in California. His neighbors envied his little hut, 16x16 feet in size, with the boards running up and down, and a lean-to shed twelve feet square. The portion of the county where they located was termed the "desert" at that time, showing how little the people in general knew about the fertility of the soil and the productive- ness of that particular section. The land was quite barren of trees and among the most notable improvements put in by Mr. McCune are the trees which he planted on his property. Some of these trees have attained large propor- tions and beauty, one in particular, which is probably the largest gum tree in California. In 1868 he planted a grove of gum, walnut and elm trees which today proves the term "desert" to be a misnomer when applied to Solano county. The nearest postoffice was Vacaville. Mr. McCune fenced in his land and began to raise grain. Later he built a residence, but this was de- stroyed by fire in 1880. As he was prosperous in all his business ventures he invested his money in real estate and began to purchase land in other counties, thus acquiring a number of large ranches. He is today one of the largest land owners of the county, owning twelve hundred acres in one body, 208 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES devoted to grain raising; twenty-five hundred acres, part of which is in the foothills and utilized both as a grain and a stock farm ; seventeen hundred acres, known as the Big ranch, devoted to grain; four hundred and seventy- five acres, known as the Bank ranch, also devoted to grain ; the McMillan ranch, of three hundred and twenty acres, also a grain farm ; and in addition, he is associated with other capitalists in the ownership of large tracts of land throughout the state. Not only has he conducted an extensive grain-raising business with great profit, but he has also maintained an excellent record as a stockman and cattle raiser, breeding both thoroughbred Hereford and Dur- ham cattle on his ranches. His cattle were numbered by the thousand at one time ; together with J. S. Garnett, he brought fifteen hundred head of cattle to Solano county. He generally kept several thousand head of sheep and also raised hogs extensively. With these different pursuits to take up most of his time and attention, Mr. McCune still finds it possible to engage in the raising of fine fruits with considerable profit. Mr. McCune was married in Ralls county, Mo., February 1, 1849, to Miss Barbara S. Rice, a native of Garrard county, Ky., and was well fitted to share with him all the hardships of the pioneer's life. She lived to enjoy his suc- cesses as well as his trials and fulfilled most loyally and faithfully the duties of wife and mother, rearing a large family of children. The following are the children and grandchildren : Mary M., now deceased, was the wife of J. A. Hill and the mother of three children, Irene, Edna and J. Silver; Ruth A., the wife of P. R. Garnett, has three children, Inez, Reba and Hugh ; Rebecca E. is the wife of H. C. Silver and the mother of two children, Ruth and Rose ; Jessie S., the wife of C. A. Rice, has one child, Sadie; Sarah E., deceased, was the wife of Dr. M. Gardner, who later married A. Lindley; Joseph H., de- ceased, first married Elizabeth Baker, by whom he had two children, Barbara and Willie, and by his second wife, Sallie Baker, he also had two children, Josie and Ermyl ; Elizabeth R. and Rose B. McCune are deceased. The mother of these children died at Dixon February 2, 1907. Senator McCune has five great-grandchildren. His home in Dixon is a beautiful place, well kept and highly improved. He was one of the organizers and is now a director of the Bank of Dixon. Politically Senator McCune is a Democrat, but was elected joint senator of Solano and Yolo counties in 1873 on the People's ticket, serving four years, and was chairman of the committee on agriculture. He has been of great service to the public in furthering the cause of education, having expended a great deal of time as well as money in perfecting plans for the educational advancement of the community. For thirty years, or from its organization, he was a trustee of California College at Vacaville, later at Oakland, for more than twenty years of that time being president of the board. He was one of the organizers and president of the board of trustees of Dixon Academy, until it was turned over to the high school district. Senator McCune has been active not only in secular, but in religious af- fairs as well. He has served as a deacon of the Baptist Church for over fifty years and has also taken active part in Sunday school work. His financial support to the church is generous. He was largely instrumental in building the Baptist Church at Silveyville in the early '60s, there having been no church building prior to that time, services having been held in the schoolhouse at Vacaville in 1856 and later in the Vacaville high school building. Subse- quently the present fine edifice was built in Dixon. Senator McCune was made a Mason in Suisun Lodge, F. & A. M., afterward was a charter member of Vacaville Lodge and still later a charter member of Silveyville Lodge No. 201, F. & A. M., a member of Dixon Chapter No. 42, R. A. M., Sacramento Commandery No. 2, K. T., and is also identified with the Eastern Star at Dixon, to which his wife also belonged. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 209 JOSEPH H. HOYT. An important responsibility was assumed by Mr. Hoyt with his accept- ance of the position of superintendent of the Solano county hospital, to which post he was appointed by the board of county supervisors. Born at Benicia, Solano county, in March of 1863, Joseph H. Hoyt is a son of Joseph Hoyt, Sr., who for years past has been a leading citizen of Benicia. The financial cir- cumstances of the family were such that the son was enabled to gain an excellent education, having supplemented the studies of the local schools with attendance at the St. Augustine College. Upon leaving college he began to work at the stock business under his father's supervision and soon acquired the knowledge of the work necessary for its prosecution alone. When finally he sold off his stock and quit the business he became interested in machinery for the crushing of rock and for nine years he operated extensively along that line, doing considerable road work in the county. For eighteen months he was engaged in the navy yard at Mare Island. During 1900 he was honored with an appointment as sheep inspector and for a long period he filled the position with characteristic ability, finally resigning in order to accept the position as hospital superintendent, which he has filled since December 1, 1908. meanwhile improving conditions at the hospital and directing affairs with skill and economy. The marriage of Joseph H. Hoyt was solemnized in 1896 and united him with Miss Adeline Lermen, who was born in San Francisco and received excellent educational advantages in that city. Her father is deceased, but her mother is still living and makes her home in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt have one child, Olivia, who is a pupil in the Suisun schools. Politically Mr. Hoyt is a Republican and fraternally he belongs to Vallejo Lodge No. 559, B. P. O. E., and the Woodmen of the World. RUSH McCLEARY. The experiences of Rush McCleary culminated in his arrival in fertile Solano county in 1891, at which time it is recorded that he leased land for a number of years. He was born in Montgomery, Mo., May 23, 1865, and re- ceived his education in the public schools, showing much interest in his work and doing his utmost to make the most of the educational opportunities afforded him. His boyhood days were thus spent profitably, and after com- pleting his studies his time was variously employed, chiefly in following agri- cultural pursuits, until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he left his native state and came west. In 1888 he settled in the state of Washington, and there for a few years he lived and followed farming with fair success for a livelihood. In 1891 he came to Solano county and after leasing land for a few years, in 1897 he purchased one hundred acres under cultivation. He now has twenty acres in vineyard, ten acres of apricots and five hundred almond trees. During the season of 1910 the yield from the vineyard was seventeen hundred crates of Tokay grapes and four tons of dried apricots, in addition to a fair average yield of other varieties. On one section of the land Mr. Mc- Cleary cultivates vegetables, for which he finds a ready market at good prices. He has ten acres of beans and ten acres of corn, and grazes enough stock for the efficient working of the place. Mr. McCleary was married in July, 1893, to Kate Hallam, born in Bir- mingham, England, and coming to California in 1892. They have two children, Walter N. and Violet W. Politically Mr. McCleary is a Democrat, and fra- ternally he is a member of Winters Lodge, Woodmen of the World, and the Independent Order of Red Men. Mr. and Mrs. McCleary enjoy the acquain- tance of a large number of the residents of Solano county and hold the esteem of many friends. 210 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES E. B. RHODES. A resident of Solano county since 1894, E. B. Rhodes has been a factor in the development of the community in which he lives and has also achieved a measure of success in his own private enterprises. Born in Lowville, Lewis county, N. Y., in 1846, he came to California in 1894, immediately taking up his residence in Solano county, and has resided here ever since, following the time- honored vocation of farming, into which he had been initiated in boyhood years in New York state. He leased property belonging to his brother, Wes- ley D. Rhodes, of Pleasants valley, who recently died in Santa Rosa, Cal. At the present time he owns thirty acres of fruit land, having purchased the same from Ned Wolfskill. The orchard on this land is about nine years old, and consists of eight hundred peach, one hundred apricot and four hundred almond trees. In the season 1910 nine tons of peaches represented the yield of this marketable commodity and apricots and almonds returned $1150. The ranch is thrifty in appearance and shows every evidence of care and attention. Mr. Rhodes was married to Miss Sarah Ann Philbrick, a native of New York state, the ceremony taking place in the same state. From that union there were two children born, Rolla and Minard, and they have an adopted daughter, Winnie. Rolla married Eva Spence, and they reside in Hoquiam, Wash., where the husband is engaged in the milling business; Minard married Ina Earle and resides with his wife and son, Earle, in Pleasants valley. Po- litically Mr. Rhodes is a stanch supporter of the Prohibition platform, and religiously he is a member of the Christian church. JAMES W. REAMS. A native of Ohio, born December 27, 1837, James W. Reams lived in that state until attaining young manhood, when he took up his residence in Fayette county, 111., residing there until 1875. He then came to Napa county, Cal., and engaged in farming in Gordon valley. It was there that his mar- riage with Miss Martha Ralston took place. Nine children were born to them, as follows: George William, of Solano county; Theodore O. ; Monte- zuma B., deceased; Calvin U., of Gordon valley; James L., of Suisun ; Stone- man, of Gordon valley; Anna M. ; Daisy D.; and Grace. Daisy D. married William Alexander of Vallejo; Grace became the wife of Alfred Smith of Vallejo, and mother of two children, Ralstin and Verna ; James L. married Mazie Swift, and has one daughter, Shirley; Stoneman married Nellie San- born, and they have two children, Donald and Robert; Anna M. became Mrs. J. R. Chadbourne of Suisun. Mr. Reams was actively connected with the public affairs of his county. Politically he was affiliated with the Democratic party, and not only voted that ticket, but allied himself with the party in an official way. He was a candidate for county treasurer and afterwards, in 1904, was a candidate for state senator on the Democratic ticket. For some twenty years he was a clerk of the board of school trustees in his district. His de- mise occurred October 4, 1908, and he is survived by his widow and five sons. Theodore O. Reams was born in St. Elmo, Fayette county, 111., February 20, 1868, and lived at that place with his parents until 1875, when the family came to California and lived for two years in Napa and Solano counties, and then settled in Gordon valley, where the son, Theodore O., remained until he was twenty-one years of age. Having attained his majority, he decided to strike out for himself and earn his livelihood by mining. Accordingly he went to Siskiyou county and engaged in hydraulic mining, meeting with consider- able success while in the business for himself. Subsequently he leased other mines, and it was then that he suffered financial losses. He owned a complete hydraulic outfit and had four claims, all of which he sold to return to farming. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 213 He acquired fifty acres in Gordon valley at his father's death, twenty-five acres of which are planted in almond and Bartlett pear trees. In 1910 he realized six and one-half tons of almonds and one hundred and seventy boxes of pears. The other twenty-five acres of the property are pasture land, Mr. Reams keeping four head of horses and seventeen hogs. With his brother, George W., Mr. Reams is engaged in well drilling, having a modern steam outfit. While residing in Siskiyou county Mr. Reams was married to Miss Meda Sanborn, a native of Oregon, and they are the parents of four children : Neal C. lone M., Theodora and Ordray. Besides being capable in his occupation of farming, Mr. Reams is a practical engineer. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge. JOHN LAUGHLIN SHEARER. The supervising principal of the public schools of Napa is a member of a family identified through several successive generations with the industrial development of the east, notably Pennsylvania, where his parents spent their entire lives. Himself a native of that commonwealth, born at Peru Mills, Juniata county, February 4, 1850, he is a son of the late Samuel and Nancy (Taylor) Shearer, natives respectively of Upper Strasburg and Ambersons Valley, Franklin county, Pa. For many years the father engaged in the tan- ning business at Peru Mills and later carried on a similar enterprise at Black- log, Juniata county, but his last days were spent in retirement from business cares at Lewistown, MifHin county, that state, while his wife passed away at Academia, Juniata county. All but one of their eleven children grew to mature years and seven are yet living. Of the large family the only one to settle in California and the seventh in order of birth, John Laughlin, received his education in the common branches in the grammar and high schools of Juniata and Mifflin counties, Pa., and at the age of eighteen taught school in the former county. Going as far west as Illinois in 1870, he taught school in McLean county near Bloom- ington, and with the savings of his first experiences in pedagogy he entered the State Normal University at Normal, 111., from which in 1875 he was gradu- ated with a high standing. All of his expenses in the university were paid by his own labors. During 1878-79 he acted as principal of the White Hall (111.) public schools. July of 1879 found him in San Francisco and during August he came to Napa, which since has continued to be his home. For thirty-two years Professor Shearer has filled faithfully and well the office of principal of the Napa grammar schools. From 1883 until 1887 he also officiated as county superintendent of schools, to which position he was elected on a Democratic ticket in a strong Republican county. Since 1883 he also has acted as a member of the county board of education and for the past twenty years he has been honored with the presidency of the board. During 1906 the title of supervising principal was adopted by the board and since has been used in connection with the position he fills with such re- markable tact and intelligence. At the time of the arrival of Professor Shearer in Napa there were three small grammar schools with about five hundred pupils under the care of eleven teachers. Now there are twenty-five teachers superintending the in- struction of more than one thousand students. The buildings were small and illy equipped for successful pedagogical efforts. The Polk street school at that time contained two rooms for the primary department. These have been relinquished and a new structure, the Washington primary school of four rooms, has been erected. Franklin street school, then containing two primary rooms, has been rebuilt with three rooms for that purpose. The 214 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Lincoln school, erected during the '80s, is now a building of eight rooms. For ten years the Central building was utilized for high school purposes under the Caminetti law, but when the new high school law was adopted the neces- sity for a high school building arose and finally by repeated efforts a suitable structure was secured. During the first year of the identification of Professor Shearer with the Napa schools he introduced grammar school graduation, an innovation never before attempted. The diplomas were printed at the old Reporter office. The next year the state passed a law for graduation from all grammar schools and diplomas were thereupon prepared and printed under the charge of the state board of education. Later the Caminetti graduation diplomas were adopted for use. At this writing it is the custom for the Napa grammar schools to promote and graduate pupils in December and May of each year, which plan, followed for the past ten years, has been deemed preferable to the old system of one promotion and graduation each year. About the year 1905 a fire drill was instituted in all the rooms and this has been carried forward to such per- fection that now the building is emptied of every pupil in just forty seconds. In the midst of the manifold duties of a position so important as that which Professor Shearer long has filled, he has found leisure for active par- ticipation in the work of the National Educational Association and for helpful service in the Napa County and California State Teachers' Associations, be- sides serving as a member of the library board of Napa. Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Shearer for his work in connection with the Napa schools. In the capacity of supervising principal he has raised them to their present high standard and has accomplished for them results that would have surpassed the predictions of the most optimistic resident of the city twenty- five years ago. Not only as an educator has he won a high place in the com- munity, but he is honored as a courteous gentleman, esteemed as a tactful friend, respected as a public-spirited citizen and appreciated as an upbuilder of the morals of the city to a high standard. The value of such men to their community cannot be overestimated. Without their patient, intelligent and scholarly labors not only the present generation, but also generations yet to come, would be the losers of much that adds to the happiness, the dignity and the usefulness of life. Professor Shearer was married in Napa July 16, 1884, to Miss Louise P. Wilson, who was born in Benicia, Cal., the daughter of James St. Clair Wil- son, who, though born in New Hampshire, was reared in Boston, Mass. Mr. Wilson came to California as an argonaut in 1849, crossing the plains with ox-teams. After following mining for a few years he became agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company at St. Louis, continuing there until elected treasurer of Sierra county, the county seat being at Downieville. He con- tinued in this position until his death in November, 1863. The wife of Mr. Wilson bore the maiden name of Maria Louise Everts, and was born in La- porte, Ind. She traced her ancestry back to Ambrose Everts, of Salisbury, Conn., who served in the Revolutionary war and was sergeant in the Connecti- cut line at the Lexington alarm. Ambrose Everts was a direct descendant of Miles Standish, captain of the Plymouth colony. Another direct descendant was Rev. Eleazer Wheelock, founder and first president of Dartmouth Col- lege. Mrs. Wilson came by the Nicaragua route to California with her brother, Frank Everts, who was also a '49er, the trip being made on the Brother Jona- than. The boat proved unseaworthy, and also caught fire during the voyage, and the passengers suffered many hardships and privations, until landing at San Francisco in February, 1854. Mrs. Wilson was married in Marysville in 1855. She survives her husband, and at the age of eighty-one makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Shearer. Mrs. Wilson's son, Ralph E. Wilson, is a merchant in Napa. Mrs. Shearer completed her education in the Indian- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 215 apolis high school and followed teaching in Napa until her marriage. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Shearer, Louise Wilson, died in the year of her graduation from the Napa high school, April 6, 1904. ANDREW H. FOSTER. High up in the roster of the braves who gave their lives as a willing service to their country in the time of need during the Civil war stands the name of Andrew H. Foster, who is now a resident of Vallejo, Cal. Although his life was not sacrificed upon the altar of service, he nevertheless gave it readily and fought a brave battle for the cause that was near his own heart. He now lives in retirement from the activities of a busy life, enjoying that rest and repose that can come only to those who have faithfully discharged their duties. Mr. Foster was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., August 10, 1843. Twenty years later he went to Michigan and enlisted in the army, being associated with his fellow soldiers in the First Michigan Artillery, Battery F, first under the command of Byron D. Paddock and later under Capt. B. Hawley. From Grand Rapids the battery went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and then to Lexington, Ky., and from the latter place marched two hundred and twelve miles to Cumberland and on to Knoxville, Tenn. There they were reorganized and drew a fresh set of horses. As the Michigan Light Artillery in the spring of 1864 they started on the Atlanta campaign of four months, with six horses to each gun. They were then detailed for service in Alabama, and in that and adjacent states saw much active service. Finally Mr. Foster was discharged on July 3, 1865. On their way home the company received a splendid recep- tion in all of the cities through which they passed. Mr. Foster then went to visit his mother in Saratoga county, N. Y., and was engaged in farming there until he came to California in 1872. Before coming to Vallejo he was employed in the street railway service in San Fran- cisco. About eleven years ago he purchased two lots in Vallejo, upon which he built a house and barn. He has improved his land and now he has four hundred and fifty mammoth blackberry bushes in full bearing and yielding a good annual crop. He also has forty fine fruit trees. He also keeps chickens, having only pure bred stock of the White and Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds. In Stockton, Cal., Mr. Foster was married to Miss Olive Littlejohn, a native of Calaveras county, and she passed away on February 9, 1879. The only child of this marriage, Gilbert, married Hazel Fawcett, and they reside in Sacramento. Andrew H. Foster is an active member of Farragut Post No. 4, G. A. R., of Vallejo. WILLIAM S. BAKER. A well known and respected citizen of Winters, Cal., is William S. Baker, who was born November 13, 1869, second son of William and Margaret J. (Hanna) Baker, both natives of Missouri. He received a good primary edu- cation and early in life fitted himself to accept responsibility by assimilating the lessons inculcated within the sacred precincts of his home. After public school requirements had been met the young man went to California College, East Oakland, Cal., and graduated from the academic course in 1889, complet- ing his education with one year in Leland Stanford University. He then returned to Winters and commenced his business and professional career by acting in the capacity of bookkeeper for the firm of grocers, Fenley & Baker. This position was retained for four years, and then for a similar term he served 216 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES in a like capacity for T. S. Spaulding, a grocer of Woodland, Cal. Returning to Winters, he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the Bank of Win- ters, and after three years of faithful service he was elected cashier of the same institution, which position he filled efficiently for four years. On the organization of the Citizens Bank of Winters, June 13, 1907, he was tendered the position of cashier, which position he accepted, and the rapid growth and success of the institution show how well he has fulfilled his trust. The bank was organized with a capital of $50,000, and on account of its growth, in 1910 it was increased to $100,000. It has paid six semi-annual dividends at the rate of eight per cent per annum and has a surplus of $1825, and in undivided profits $4665. The bank has just moved into its new building, erected at a cost of $40,000, and it is the concensus of opinion that it is the most artistic and substantial individual bank building in the Sacramento valley. The ex- terior is of white granite base and the balance of white terra cotta blocks ; the inside finish is mahogany woodwork, with sides of massive pilasters and heavy panel ceiling, marble floor and marble counter. Mr. Baker has held a number of responsible positions in fraternal organi- zations. He was made a Mason in Buckey Lodge No. 195, F. & A. M., of which he was secretary for many years. He is also a member of Silveyville Chapter, R. A. M., of Dixon, and Yosolano Lodge, O. E. S., of Winters. In addition to his banking interests he is also interested in the Anderson-Baker Company, a large general merchandise establishment in Winters. Mr. Baker is also interested in horticulture. In 1909 he bought sixty acres of fertile land one and a half miles south of Winters, in Solano county, suitable for an orchard. Thirty acres are in royal apricots and black figs, ten acres in almonds and twenty acres in peaches. Under his wise direction his orchard is doing well and promises large returns. November 9, 1905, Mr. Baker married Miss Florence M. Preble, a native of San Francisco. She is a graduate of the University of California, and taught in the Winters Union high school for three years. To this union there were born two children, Jane, who died in infancy, and Martha Mae, born October 17, 1910. Kindly and loving in disposition, progressive and energetic, able and sagacious, Mr. Baker has many friends, who admire him for his fine personal traits. In him the weak have a champion and the strong a friend, and he can be found on the side of any movement that will mean the advance- ment of the interests of the people of the community in which he lives. GUY K. BUTLER. A native of Vermont, Mr. Butler was born in Grand Isle county, a son of another Guy K. Butler, whose history goes back into the history of the New England states. His father was a carpenter by trade and also a shoemaker by occupation. His grandfather had six hundred and forty acres of land on what is now called Butler's Island. This land he put under cultivation by hand and all the details connected with the planting and reaping of grain were so conducted, as that was long before the time of the modern farm implements. The father and mother of our subject were natives of Vermont, and the family moved from that state to St. Lawrence county, N. Y. After a stay of three years in that state they moved to Illinois, when the son was eleven years of age. Here he received his education in the public school and generally fitted himself to take his place in the ranks of men and women who are forced by circumstances to earn their own livelihood. After a stay of thirteen years in Illinois, in 1858 Mr. Butler removed to Kansas, in time to participate in the campaign that was being waged at that time to make it a free state. He lo- cated in Johnson county. He enlisted in the army of the Union in the Tenth HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 219 Kansas Infantry, Company A, in 1861. He saw active service during the war and participated in many important engagements. One of these was at Prairie Grove, Ark., when their side was outnumbered two to one. After engaging in many adventures with the Confederates and distinguishing himself by his bravery, he was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, the same place at which he enlisted. The discharge came on August 18, 1864, after which he went to Olathe, Kan. Later he went to Lawrence, Kan., making his home there for more than thirty years. There he followed farming for a time and was also a member of the police force of that city for seven years, and also jailer in Johnson county for four years. He is proud of the fact that he helped to make Kansas a Prohibition state. Mr. Butler came to California in 1895. He had previously come west to Colorado in 1860, driving five yoke of oxen to Pike's Peak, and in all was three months on the way, going via Fort Laramie to Denver. After arriving in California in 1895 he remained inactive for three years, or until 1898, when he secured work in the Mare Island navy yard. For six months he worked as blacksmith's helper and then secured a position as ship keeper for four years, and, being injured in a street car wreck, was forced to retire. Subse- quently he built a store on the corner of Marine and Illinois streets, which he now rents. This, together with the pension he receives from the government for his services during the Civil war, is sufficient for himself and wife to live on comfortably. Mr. Butler was married in Olathe, Kan., at the close of the war to Mary T. Davis, and the following children were born to them : Woodman L., Paul J., Eli O., Walter (deceased), Elizabeth L. and Jennie (deceased). Woodman married Emma Gibson of Kansas and they have five children. Paul married Isabell Burwin, since deceased; he is interested in aviation and is at present engaged in the building of an airship ; he also has two launches on San Fran- cisco bay, the Marathon and the Aquatic. Eli O. married Hattie Clark, and they reside at Willows with their two children. Mr. and Mrs. Butler recently celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary. They are well respected in Vallejo and have done much to alleviate the sufferings of others by their cheery dispositions and their philanthropy. EDGAR ERNEST LONG. An illustration of the opportunities afforded by California is exhibited in the modest but substantial success that has been the justified result of the efforts put forth by Mr. Long, a native-born son of the state and a leading citizen of Suisun, now and for a long period in the past the incumbent of the office of assessor of Solano county. Born at Vacaville, December 19, 1860, he is a son of the late Alexander R. Long, a native of Missouri, and a pioneer of Vacaville, Cal., where he died about 1899. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary A. Hostetter, was born in Ohio and came at an early age to the west, where she continued to make her home until her death, in 1886. It was the privilege of Edgar E. Long to receive not only common-school advantages, but also a collegiate education, and by diligent application to his studies he laid the foundation for the broad knowledge he now possesses. At the age of sixteen years, in 1876, he entered upon his business career by securing employment with J. M. Miller, whose store he later acquired by purchase. From 1883, the date of his removal to Suisun, he owned his own business until 1909, when he disposed of the same, retiring from the activities that had engrossed a large share of his time and attention during the inter- vening years. The establishment of domestic ties, dating from February 23, 1886, united him with Miss Clara Gillespie, who like himself was born and reared in Vacaville, the child of California pioneers, now deceased. 220 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES The family of Mr. and Mrs. Long comprises three children. The eldest, Isabel G., born in 1891, is a graduate of the grammar and high schools of Suisun and now attends the California State University at Berkeley. The older son, Milo G., born in April, 1893, is now a student in the Santa Clara (Cal.) College. The youngest member of the family circle, Edgar G., born in 1895, has completed grammar-school studies and is now a student in the Suisun high school. Deeply interested in educational matters, Mr. Long has given to his children the best advantages his means rendered possible, and he also has endeavored to aid in securing for all children fair opportunities to acquire knowledge, for he believes that an educated citizenship furnishes the basis for all permanent prosperity. As early as 1885 he was chosen a school trustee and for about twelve years he served as chairman of the board, mean- while accomplishing much for the material upbuilding of the Suisun schools. For twelve years he was president of the board of trustees of Suisun, and the present water supply for the city was secured and completed during his presi- dency of the board, giving the city mountain water brought from Twin Sisters, a distance of nine miles. The political views of Mr. Long bring him into sympathetic relationship with the Republican party, and invariably he has given his support to the men and measures representing that organization. First elected county assessor in 1898, he has since been re-elected four times in succession and still fills the office with characteristic fidelity and intelligence. Various fraternities have the benefit of his co-operation. In Masonry he is connected with Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M. ; Solano Chapter No. 43, R. A. M. ; Vacaville Com- mandery No. 38, K. T. ; Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of San Francisco; and the Eastern Star, and in his relations with all he has endeavored to exemplify the doctrines of brotherhood for which the order stands. Besides being identified with Suisun Lodge No. 78, I. O. O. F., he is an honorary member of the kindred order of Rebekahs. The Native Sons of the Golden West, Solano Parlor No. 39, of Suisun, number him among the prominent members of the organization, and he further holds connection with Suisun Lodge No. Ill, K. P.; Suisun Lodge No. 1467, F. O. E., and Vallejo Lodge No. 559, B. P. O. E. WILLIAM HOFFMEIER. Proprietor of the Napa brewery, one of the largest institutions in the "North of Bay Counties," William Hoffmeier was born in Holungen, Province of Saxon, Kreis Worbis, Germany, March 9, 1858, son of William Hoffmeier, who was a farmer and freighter. The subject of this review was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools until fifteen years of age. At this time he was apprenticed to learn the trade of bricklayer and after this he learned the wheelwright's trade. In 1880 he came to the United States, first working at the wheelwright's trade in Wilkesbarre, Pa., and soon afterward starting in the wagon and carriage business in Parsons, Luzerne county, Pa., continuing there for himself with good success until 1888. Having read of the great opportunities of the Pacific coast and having a desire to come to the far west, he located in Tacoma, Wash., that year and opened a wagon and carriage business which he conducted successfully for the following seven years. In 1895 he located in Roslyn, B. C, and with a partner, Frank Dryer, erected the Columbia brewery. Two years later they sold this and went to Sandon, B. C, and together built the New York brewery and carried on a successful business until Mr. Hoffmeier sold his interests and accomplished a long cherished trip to the Fatherland and visited his father, who was living there in the old home place. On his return to the coast, Mr. Hoffmeier located in Napa county and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 221 later purchased the Napa brewery, since which time he has remodeled the building and now has a well equipped and modern plant for the manufacture of steam beer, with a capacity of thirty barrels. The product is shipped to different cities of this section and is well received. He is also the agent for the Blue and Gold Brewery products of Oakland, Cal., and the distributor of the famous lager manufactured by that company. The Napa brewery was built about 1880 by Gottfried Wagner, who conducted the business until pur- chased by its present owner. It is the oldest establishment of its kind in the county. Mr. Hoffmeier was united in marriage in Napa to Miss Mary E. Ornduff, a native daughter of Napa county. Her father, Isaac Ornduff, was one of the old and highly respected settlers of the county. Of this union two sons have been born, William John and Uriel Francis. In fraternal circles Mr. Hoff- meier is a member of the Eagles and the Royal Arch. He is a genial, whole- souled man, always ready to assist those worthy projects that will build up the city and county. He has been successful and all that he has made has been the results of his own efforts. In Napa, where he is well known, he has a host of friends and, with his family, enjoys a wide circle of well wishers. SAMUEL RADELFINGER. Native of Switzerland, Mr. Radelfinger was born in Canton Berne in 1839 and spent the early days of his boyhood with his family in the land of alpine glories. There he received what education he had and also learned the first principles of farming and dairying. At the age of eighteen years he left his native land and set out ion the United States. Arriving in New York in 1857, he went to Indiana and three years later came to California by way of the Isthmus, reaching San Francisco on October 28, 1860. After a short stay in Contra Costa county he went to Placerville, Eldorado county, and dur- ing the winter of 1860 he mined there, returning to San Francisco on October 5, 1861. For three years during the war he was a member of Company E, Second California Volunteers, under Captain Gibbs and went from San Fran- cisco to Vancouver barracks. There he remained until the following May and then came to Humboldt county and later to San Francisco. After a short stay in that city the company was ordered back to Humboldt county and there they made a thorough tour of the county looking for Indians, who had become very troublesome to the inhabitants. For one year they did police duty and then returned to the south, going to Benicia barracks, Solano county. Again they were sent back to Humboldt county to assist the mountaineers and to guard them and in 1864 they were released from their scouting duty. Mr. Radelfinger then engaged in the hotel business, principally in Humboldt county, until 1891, when he came to Napa and engaged in horticulture, set- ting out an orchard and remaining upon it until 1903, when he removed to Napa. For years he was employed in the Mare Island navy yard, but in 1910 he retired. Mr. Radelfinger was married in Humboldt county to Matilda Stanis- lawsky, a native of San Francisco, but of Prussian descent, her parents having come to California in 1851. To Mr. and Mrs. Radelfinger ten children were born, as follows : Henry H., Frank G, Frederick E., Samuel M., Mary A., Ida M., Emma E., Anna L., Florence G. and Grace M. Mary A. married Henry F. Allen and they reside in Humboldt county with their four sons; Ida M. married Z. M. Harris and with their two children make their home in Eureka, Cal.; Frederick enlisted as a private in the Thirty-fifth United States Volunteers at the outbreak of the Philippine war and after a service of about two years was honorably discharged at San Francisco, where he now 222 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES makes his home with his wife, formerly Sadie McDermott; Florence G. mar- ried Capt. A. C. Parker and lives in Napa; Emma married J. L. Edington, and they are also residents of Napa county, living in Chiles valley with their two children; Anna, Grace and Samuel are single and reside in San Francisco; Frank G., a graduate of the University of California, married Blanch Imogene Peterson,' a daughter of the vice-consul of Norway and Sweden ; he is de- ceased and his widow resides in Washington, D. C, with her only child, Blanch Helen. Mr. Radelfinger now resides in Napa, rounding out the years of his useful life. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Mrs. Radelfinger is a member of the Relief Corps. PETER WITT. A native of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, born in 1842, Peter Witt started to follow the sea at the early age of thirteen years. After making a few voyages from Hamburg, he sailed into the harbor of New York in 1860. For three years thereafter he made trips out of New York along the coast and to other lands and in 1863 he sailed on a two-hundred-day voyage around the Horn on the Shakespeare to San Francisco. The vessel on which he sailed carried a load of coal for the Pacific Coast Steamship Company. After arriving in San Francisco he worked along the shore for some time, and then, tiring of land employment, he shipped on the Bremen brig, Gazelle, Captain Hoslop, loaded with a general cargo for Mexican ports. Shortly prior to this, the old side-wheel steamer, Golden Gate, outward bound from Panama to San Francisco, carrying a valuable cargo of bullion, caught fire and was wrecked off the Mexican coast, and one and one-half million dollars worth of gold was lost. The following is the story told by Mr. Witt of the finding of this treas- ure, the stealing of the same and the escape of the thieves across Panama to the east: "As soon as the United States Government became aware of the loss of so much gold, they sent divers to the scene of the wreck with instruc- tions to recover the precious metal. One of the divers, the first one sent down, found the gold and moved it into shallow water and, on coming to the surface, he reported to his commander that the gold could not be found. The quest was thereupon abandoned and the diver returned to San Francisco. Just be- fore the good brig Gazelle put out from Golden Gate, three passengers were taken aboard, and, on arriving in the vicinity of the wreck of the Golden Gate, the Gazelle anchored and the three men went in the ship's boat, in the night, to the wreck on the rocks and recovered the treasure which the diver had placed in the shallow water, and concealed it on board the Gazelle. One of the three men was the diver who had found the gold. Later these men escaped with their plunder and the gold was never found. Numerous searching parties have gone to the Mexican coast in a futile attempt to recover the lost treasure." Mr. Witt states that this is a true story, as he was a sailor on the Gazelle at the time and saw the deed done. Continuing to sail out of California and South American ports, Mr. Witt finally became an officer with the Pacific Steamship Company and during his nautical experience he met with splendid success. Coming to Napa county in 1882. he bought the ranch on which he now resides, on Carneros creek. This consists of sixty-three acres of good land, ten acres being planted in bearing fruit, prunes and cherries. The owner is a member of the Farmers' Union. Mr. Witt was married in San Francisco to Sophie Dosher, a native of Germany, and of the- seven children born to the union, two are deceased. Those living are Lillian, wife of William Tossie ; Annie, the wife of Fred Boland; Henry, Grace and Madeline. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 225 CHARLES AUGUSTUS DERBY. The life herein delineated commenced in Burlington, Vt., December 8, 1845, and ended near Santa Rosa, Cal., January 19, 1906. Mr. Derby left his birthplace in 1862 and started for California via the Panama route. All went well until the vessel carrying him from Panama to San Francisco was entering Golden Gate, when a very heavy sea was encountered and much damage done to the ship. The deck house and the pilot house were washed overboard and the lives of the passengers endangered. Ultimately the vessel reached dock and Mr. Derby never cared to take another sea voyage after that harrowing experience. Coming immediately to Napa county, Mr. Derby settled first on the Sammon's ranch in the Carneros district, where he farmed with some success. After a while he moved into Napa city and entered the employ of the Wells- Fargo Express Company, and for thirty years he was faithful to his duties. During ten years of this time he acted in the capacity of agent for this national concern. For twenty years he was agent of the Union Ice Company of Napa, handling the whole of the company's output. For about twenty-five years he was a director of the Bank of Napa, being a member of the finance com- mittee. During his tenure of office he took a very prominent part in the affairs of the bank and was well known to its many depositors. During 1892-93 he served one term in the city council of Napa. Fraternally he was a member of the Knights of Pythias and much interested in the progress of that order. His death occurred January 19, 1906,- and thus was ended the career of another of earth's strong men. He was a man of sterling integrity and character that was unblemished, a man whose word was as good as his bond, and he has left an example worthy of emulation. He was married in Napa, Cal., in 1876, to Florence L. Tracy, a native of Shelburne, Vt. ERNEST L. STREICH. One of the most picturesque section in Napa county lies about seven to ten miles west of the town of Napa. Its fascinating natural scenery of hill and canyon is typically Californian and has been further enhanced by the de- velopment of vineyards and the building of comfortable homes. Sequoia, Elk Park and Castle Rock Vineyard deserve special mention on account of their beauty both in their scenic attractions and in their vine-clad hills. Passing the first two and driving through the heavily wooded canyon of Mill creek, whose source is a few miles further on the southern slope of Mount Veeder, we come upon a massive giant rock raising its broad cliffs hundreds of feet into the blue sky. This is Castle Rock, the silent sentinel of the place or vineyard called by the same name. Right across from its perpendicular front lies Mount Veeder and at its base flows Mill creek, whose waters rush tumultuously over boulders and falls shaded bv tall redwoods and firs, mute witnesses of the flieht of time for centuries. Continuing our way for a half mile of an ascending road we come to the prettily gabled and modern home of the owner. It lies in the open on a knoll and commands a fine view of the canyon which we just left behind. The apti- tude which the owner of Castle Rock vineyard evinces in his specialty of viti- culture comes to him as an inheritance from his father, Nicholas Streich, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1833, and reared in a wine district. As early as 1856 he made his first trip to California, via Panama, and took up the work of mining in Butte and Sierra counties. In 1865 he returned to Germany to marry and establish a home in his native land, where he became a prosperous winegrower near Freiburg. When in 1880 he again came to California he 13 226 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES brought his two eldest sons with him and selected the location in Napa county, which is now the home of Ernest L., his choice of this section being influenced by the altitude of fifteen hundred feet, the fertile soil and the general adapta- bility of the land to grape culture and winemaking. Nine years of activity in this line of work, during which part of the present vineyard was wrested from Nature's untouched and wooded hills, were fol- lowed by the return of Nicholas Streich to Germany, where he continued to cultivate his farm and vineyard until his death in 1898. Surviving him and residing at the old homestead is his wife, Barbara (Schmidlin) Streich, a na- tive of Baden. Near her live her married daughter, Emily, and her youngest son, Seth, who is the proprietor of a hotel and resort located on the Streich estate. The second son, Robert, is a resident of Chicago, 111., where he is en- gaged in the wholesale and retail wine business. The eldest member of the family, Ernest L., was born near Freiburg, Baden, June 2, 1868, and attended school both there and here. Trained from early life in the work of viticulture, the present owner of Castle Rock continued the work of his father when the latter returned to Ger- many. When that destructive insect, the phylloxera, also got into his vineyard, he replaced the dead vines with resistant stock, using for that purpose mostly the Rupestris St. George. After much and continued hard work, during which years his perseverance and courage were severely tested, he has now over forty acres of thrifty and well bearing vines. A small wine cellar was built some years ago, but this is about to be supplanted by a larger one in order to afford better facilities and to meet future demands. Modern improvements bespeak the owner's progressive spirit, such as steam power and the applica- tion of the latest methods of winemaking. It is noteworthy that all these achievements were realized by dint of persistent effort and with but limited means. The wines so produced are of a high character and find a ready market in Chicago, where the Streich Bros. Co. are the distributors. The subject of our sketch has not only been identified with the develop- ment and improvement of viticulture and winemaking, but has also concerned himself with other matters of general interest, particularly that of better high- ways and the efficiency of district schools. He has been one of the prime movers and active workers in the plan of a great highway from Napa toward the Redwoods, one-half of which is now completed and the other three miles being about to be laid down. He has also acted as school trustee and secre- tary for the Redwood district school. In his domestic relations he was blessed with the companionship of a devoted wife, but bereaved by her death on De- cember 29, 1908. A son and daughter, Robert Jordan and Emily Barbara, blessed their union. Mrs. Streich was formerly Miss Lillie Mabel Kunzel, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Kunzel, who lived for years on a farm at the head of Browns valley, which is three miles west of Napa on the way to the Redwoods. She was born in Denver, Colo., but came to the Pacific coast at an early age and was married in 1903. She was well liked by every one who knew her and had the personal traits that win and retain the affection of friends and acquaintances. In like manner is Mr. Streich's standing in the community due to his integrity, which gains the confidence of his associates and friends and forms the foundation of his success. CASTLE ROCK VINEYARD. That hilly district seven miles west of the prosperous little town of Napa, Cal., known as the Redwoods, or Napa Redwoods, has certain features of both soil and climate that are going to give it a good name for the production of high-class dry wines. The rainfall is abundant every year and it is dotted HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 227 with springs all over, whose waters are devoid of mineral matter, and therefore exceedingly wholesome to drink. The soils are good, though of varied kinds, and are well adapted to viticulture, and the climate is agreeable. Hot summer davs are tempered by cool breezes and the winter frosts yield before a warm noon sun. The presence of the redwood trees speaks for not only rich soil, but also for abundant moisture. Fogs that stay on the floor of Napa valley all day here disperse long before midday. No wonder that under such conditions the grape vine finds a good habitat for its growth and productiveness, and the so-called dry wines reveal a remarkably good vinous character in that district. Much as location and soil determine the quality of our California wines and are allowed to establish the reputation of certain districts, there is still much to be wished for regarding the efforts of intelligent vvinemakers in fur- ther developing such natural quality by more exact and scientific methods. Even localities where wines are only of fair quality could by these means be made to yield a superior product. In other words, better wines could be made everywhere if winemakers in general were more ambitious to make a little extra endeavor and put in some of their time, money and thought for the greater reputation of California wines in general. What helps all will surely improve the market and the export of our wines. The object of this article is to call attention to such new or improved methods of winemaking as have been advocated time and again by the men of science at our State University, but which the writer believes were first sys- tematically carried out on a somewhat larger scale at Castle Rock vineyard by E. L. Streich. It required years of patient effort and a continual criticism of the results, so that the methods employed often had to be modified to suit the conditions of the locality. The writer doubts if there is in this whole state an establishment, small though it be, where so progressive an effort has been made for a higher standard of winemaking. During the last six vintages so conducted more uniformly better wine was made than ever before. In other words, the extra labor and thought bestowed upon these methods are war- ranted by the results. The writer has been associated with Mr. Streich for some years and can vouch for the absolute purity of his wines as well as for their good keeping qualities and high character in general ; and the conviction that this industry could be wonderfully developed in this blessed state of ours along just such lines of work caused him to publish a book in which these methods were set forth in detail by the operations followed at Castle Rock vineyard. Such improvements in winemaking should especially appeal to the smaller producer, for it requires more personal attention for the individual tanks in fermentation than can be given at a large plant. Of course, it is not encour- aging to make this extra effort if the product is lost among the cellars of the dealers, but where a direct market can be obtained and the customer knows the origin of the wine and has confidence in the brand, such extra efforts are well applied. For the true progress of the industry every possible encouragement should be given, morally and financially, for better methods of making the wine, so that a larger percentage of it may be sound and uni- form in quality from the very start. The winemakers may be largely at fault for the present conditions of affairs, but the dealers also hold out no induce- ment in the way of prices that would warrant the extra work and care. The main object of these improved methods of winemaking is to have control over the fermentations. The old haphazard style must be abandoned and the complex conditions of the vintage reduced to greater certainty by more effective and exact operations. In the first place, the winemaker should acquaint himself with the effect or working power, as it might be termed, of pure yeast, the fundamental idea being that the natural or "wild" yeasts that ordinarily start the fermentation are not sufficiently strong to withstand or 228 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES fight down the many harmful germs that enter the juice during the vintage. As it is, the outcome of fermentations is to some degree uncertain because of the temperautre of the weather and the quality of the grapes, both of which factors are gifts of nature. Pure yeast, though powerful in its action, should be assisted by sulphur to some extent, which acts as a germicide on the var- ious bacteria in the must, so that the yeast may be all the more effective in its work. Sulphur has not only a cleansing effect, but also causes the result- ing fermentation to be more even and thorough, and through its influence the wines are cleaner and sounder from the start. Nearly all the sulphur disap- pears during the process of fermentation, and there can be no objection to its limited use. For the further control of the fermentations the cooling of the must or juice is a very important item of the methods advocated. It means that the fermenting must is to be kept within a certain limit of temperature, the maxi- mum in our manipulations being from 82° to 84° F. The object of this is to preserve the aroma and render it finer by not exposing the essential oils in the juice to excessive heat. It will also keep the alcohol from volatilizing, so that with the given sugar in the grapes we obtain a relatively higher per- centage of alcohol than under uncontrolled temperatures. Such cooling gives us a softer and more unctuous wine, which may in part be due to the produc- tion of glycerine. Even wines that are apt to show a sherry odor or flavor in time under the ordinary fermentation do not, under this treatment, develop this undesirable feature. Cooling requires, of course, a good supply of cold water. At Castle Rock vineyard there is a special spring for that purpose, yielding about 400 gallons of water per hour at 56° F., which does some very effective work in that line. Cooling should, however, be done accurately and like any other operation in these methods calls for promptness, judgment and calculation. In the main it is a simple matter and a little practice soon enables one to strike it right. The results of these new methods, combining the work of pure yeast, a limited use of sulphur, and relatively low temperatures in the fermentations, may be summed up as follows : 1. Greater smoothness and quality. 2. Better or finer aroma and vinous character. 3. Early brightness. 4. Good keeping qualities. Tf with these methods we show an aptitude for the work as evinced by promptness of manipulations, exactness of observation, and particularly scrupulous cleanliness, the probability of unsound wines should certainly be reduced to a minimum. Such effective control of the fermentation removes winemaking from the domain of luck and makes it possible for our wines in California to compare favorably with the products of Europe. It is the writer's firm conviction that light dry wines will do more for the cause of true temperance — that is, mod- eration in drinking — than the enforcement of total abstinence can ever hope to accomplish. Drinking such wines with one's meals is the best cure for the indulgence in heavier beverages, besides being an aid to digestion and general health. Millions upon millions of Americans will still have to learn this im- portant lesson from the nations of Europe. Any effort in the direction of making our California wines more palatable is therefore a move for the great- er advancement of the industry and for the enlargement of our market. The writer hopes that similar work as that done at Castle Rock vineyard will be taken up all over the state wherever feasible, because only then can we main- tain a high and more uniform standard in the wines of our superb California. Rudolf Jordan, Jr. FRANK L. CARLTON HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 231 FRANK L. CARLTON. For nearly half a century which elapsed between the location of Mr. Carlton in Vallejo and his death, no project lacked his cordial support and enthusiastic assistance. It is often said that the successful conduct of busi- ness is inconsistent with high moral character, and that the temptations of a life that is at all active are too great for a man to attain distinction without some fall to blemish his character. In Mr. Carlton we have the answer so often made by such men that earnestness of purpose, determination to succeed without injury to others, broadening of the mind by active association with all kinds of men, keeping the heart warm and the spirits alert, will bring success and lead a man away from all that is undesirable or enable him to abhor it, strengthen his Christian character and added to all this, give him the love and admiration of his associates. This honored pioneer of Solano county was born in Brookfield, Vt., July 4, 1833, and passed away in March, 1908, at the old family residence in Vallejo, which is still the home of the widow. In his youth he was given fairly good educational advantages, and as a preparation for his after life in the world of activities he learned the trade of engineer in Massachusetts. Knowledge of his trade was an important equipment, but better still was the training which he had received at the hands of his parents, who were substantial New Englanders and who instilled in the mind of their son those principles of uprightness and justice toward his fellow-men that characterized the most trivial undertaking of his entire life. At the age of twenty-five years, in 1858, he left his New England home and set out for the far west, going by the Panama route and reaching his destination without encountering accidents or set-backs of a serious nature. From San Francisco, where he landed on the Pacific side, he finally went to Sacramento and found work at his trade and while following this was on the lookout for a field that offered brighter possibilities than the one before him. Altogether he remained in Sacramento two years, then, in 1860, came to Vallejo, and from that time until his death he continued to live in the same square in which he first located. Upon com- ing to Vallejo he was fortunate in securing a responsible position as engineer in the employ of the United States government at Mare Island and no better testimony of his efficient services could be given than in stating that he re- mained in this position for thirty years consecutively, and when he retired to private life in 1885 he carried with him the good will and friendship of all with whom he had business relations, all recognizing his superior qualities as man and employe and valuing him at his true worth. Upon coming to Vallejo Mr. Carlton purchased property on Georgia street at a nominal figure as compared with the price at which the same land is held today, and here, after giving up active business life, he lived for many years in the enjoyment of those comforts which the accumulations of former years had made possible. Sharing these comforts was the wife of his youth, who before her marriage was Miss Mary F. Gay, a native of Union, Me., and the daughter of Elijah and Joanna (Curtis) Gay, of that city and there their marriage occurred in 1856. To a man of Mr. Carlton's temperament and training a selfish life was impossible, and his greatest happiness was found in doing for others whatever lay in his power to do. He was a great lover of music, for which he had a natural gift, and for over twenty years he served as organist of the Methodist church of Vallejo, of which he was trustee for over a quarter of a century. Besides his activities in the various departments of the church and as a member of the school board, he was also well known in fraternal circles, being a charter member and one of the founders of San Pablo Lodge of Odd Fellows of Vallejo, and was senior member of his lodge at the time of his death. Since his death Mrs. Carlton has built stores on their residence lot. 232 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carlton the only child who lived to mature years was Frank E. Carlton, a resident of San Jose. From his father he inherited a love of music which he has made his life profession and is a teacher of considerable prominence in San Jose, being a graduate of King's conservatory of that city. J. H. SHIVELY. Among the well-to-do ranchers of Napa county is J. H. Shively, who has been a resident of California since March 10, 1876. He was born in Howard county, Inch, September 17, 1850. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, and came to America when twelve years of age and with his father set- tled first in New York and then in Howard county, Ind., where he followed farming. In 1853 he removed to Davis county, Iowa, and improved a farm from the wild prairie land, purchasing it from the government at $1.25 an acre. He worked at mauling rails at $1 per hundred, and turned out about two hun- dred per day. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Second Iowa Infantry and served nearly three years. By the practice of economy he succeeded in attaining a competency on the farm and retiring from active duty, he moved to Coatesville, Mo., where he died at the age of eighty-seven years. He married Ann Meliza, who was born in Rockingham county, Va., of German parents. She died in Coatesville at the age of seventy-seven. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are living. Their oldest son, George, served in the Twenty-first Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at Pittsburg Landing. J. H. Shively, third child in his father's family and the only one in Cali- fornia, was reared on the farm in Iowa and educated in the public schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, at which time he engaged in independent operations, locating in Dallas county, where he followed farming until 1876, when he came to California. From early childhood he had heard of the advantages to be found in California, but it was not until the above-named year that he was enabled to enjoy the fruition of his hopes. He landed in Napa county March 17, 1876, and began work as a farmhand, and since his arrival has been engaged in farming. In 1881 he went to Santa Clara county and near Mountain View cultivated a vineyard for four years, when he returned to Napa county and bought ten acres, the nucleus of his present holdings. He resides on this land, which is located about two miles north of Napa, where he engages in general farming. From time to time he has added to his place until he now owns one hundred and thirty-five acres in one body, upon which he has made all the improvements, showing what can be done by industry and close application. He has beautified his place by planting trees and shrubs, among which is a row of pines in his driveway. Besides his own property he leases other land, farming about two hundred and thirty acres. He engages quite extensively in raising full-blooded Shrop- shire sheep. For recreation he loves to hunt and fish and owns his own boat, with which he cruises around the bay and its sloughs. Mr. Shively was married in Napa county to Miss Laura Robinson, a na- tive of Boston, Mass., and a daughter of E. W. Robinson, who was born in Maine, and came from Boston to Napa county, Cal., where he followed farm- ing. Mrs. Shively was but seven years old when she accompanied her parents to California. Here she has been reared and educated. Two children grew to maturity and are living: Mabel R., an artist and an instructor in Myers School of Art in Berkeley, and John Edwin, attending the local schools. In national politics Mr. Shively is a Republican. He is interested in the develop- ment of oil in Napa county as a stockholder in a company formed for that pur- pose, besides having other business interests. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 233 FRANK M. SILVA. The development of a high civilization with its complicated system of laws necessitates the presence in every community of men of logical reasoning faculties, broad knowledge of jurisprudence and habits of thoughtful research. These qualities in a large measure enter into the temperamental faculties and trained abilities of Mr. Silva, who has attained a high standing at the bar of Nap,a a city noted for the eminent attainments of its attorneys and their inti- mate knowledge of the law in all of its departments. It has been possible for him, through natural endowments and thorough training, to rise to a position of respect and influence among others of the same profession and throughout the entire county he is recognized as a concise reasoner, a discriminating counselor and an accurate exponent of the laws as expounded by the master legal minds of the world. The earliest recollections of Mr. Silva cluster around the little city of Napa, where he was born March 6, 1879, and where his parents, Manuel and Elizabeth Silva, made their home for many years. Immature childhood found him giving promise of unusual talent and he therefore was given the best ad- vantages posisble, being sent to St. Mary's College in Oakland after he had completed the course of study in the Napa public school. His college career was gratifying to his friends and honorable in every respect and in 1898 he graduated from St. Mary's with the degree of A. B. Returning to Napa, he took up the study of law in the office of Hon. Theodore Bell, and later prose- cuted his legal researches in Hastings Law College at San Francisco, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903. On the 15th of May, same year, he was admitted to the bar of the state. In 1911 his Alma Mater con- ferred upon him the degree of A. M. Upon his return to Napa the young attorney became associated with the law firm of Bell, York & Bell, and in that office he broadened his knowledge of the law by active practice and thoughtful attention to the methods employed by experienced attorneys with whom it was his privilege to be associated. During May of 1907 he was chosen city attorney and held the position until the following September, when he resigned in order to accept the office of dis- trict attorney. Both of these posts he filled with energy and intelligence and in both he showed a mind stored with legal lore, fortified by research and quickened by ripening experience. At the expiration of his term, on the 1st of January, 1911, he entered upon a general practice at Napa and now gives his time and attention to cases brought him by his increasing clientele. His com- fortable home is presided over with grace and dignity by Mrs. Silva, who is a native of Texas and a graduate of the University of California. Prior to their marriage in 1908 she bore the name of Elizabeth B. Strohl. One son, Francis J., blesses the union. Fraternally Mr. Silva holds membership with the Be- nevolent Protective Order of Elks (of which he is, 1911-12, exalted ruler), the Eagles, Knights of Columbus (having passed through all the offices of the same) and the Native Sons of the Golden West (of which he is past president of the local parlor), and he is also identified' with the Young Men's Institute of Napa. JOHN HUCK. Within the shadow of the Vosges mountains and not far distant from the beautiful waters of the Rhine dwelt the Alsatian family of Huck, the head of which, Simon Huck, served for fourteen years in the French army and was loyally devoted to the welfare of that country. There he was born and there in 1885 he passed away at the age of eighty-two years. One week before his demise his wife had died at seventy-nine years of age. Their son, John, was 234 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES born in Alsace-Lorraine in 1864 and received a thorough education in both French and German. At the age of fourteen years he completed common- school studies and entered a French college, where he carried on the regular course for three years. Meanwhile the country had passed through a critical period of the national history and the beautiful land of his birth had passed out of the hands of the French into the government of Germany. These and other reasons induced him to seek another home in the New World. After crossing the ocean and proceeding to Illinois, Mr. Hack settled in St. Clair county, where he was employed in a grocery business and on a farm. From 1881 until 1883 he remained in that locality, but in the latter year he came to the western coast and settled in San Francisco. Although he came alone and had no friends in the west, he experienced no difficulty in securing employment, for he was a reliable workman. For a time he worked in Napa county and also in the Suisun valley, his position in the latter neighborhood being first in the orchard of a well-to-do widow, next at the Hatch orchard and then as a ranch laborer. Later he returned to San Francisco and worked in a bakery, but soon came back to Solano county, where ever since he has made his home. The marriage of John Huck in 1897 united him with Miss Mary Connelly, who was born in the Suisun valley in 1867, a daughter of Edward Connelly, late of Solano county, but deceased in 1904. Mrs. Connelly still lives at the old homestead. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Huck, namely: Emil, born in 1898; Elwin, 1900, and Mabel I., 1904, all now students in the Fairfield schools. It was during the year 1902 that Mr. Huck embarked in the transfer business and since then he has operated the only business of that kind in Fairfield and Suisun. Since 1904 he also has engaged in selling coal and wood on Union avenue, Suisun, where he has built a warehouse and where he has established a large trade in grain, coal, wood and builders' supplies, the largest fuel business in Suisun or Fairfield. Mr. Huck is a Democrat and is serving his second term as a trustee of the town of Fairfield, and in that position, as well as in the capacity of a private citizen, he has been one of the most earnest, as he was also one of the first, agitators of the project to introduce a sewer system into the town, believing it to be an improvement sorely needed and sure to bring sanitary and other returns that would more than justify the expense. HENRY LEROY BASSFORD. A native son and proud to own it, Henry Leroy Bassford was born March 2, 1881. near Vacaville, and here he passed his youth in the public schools, finishing his training by taking a business course in the Vacaville high school. At the close of this course he went to work on a fruit ranch belonging to his father, remaining there until 1908, when he leased two hundred acres of or- chard land and a similar quantity of pasture land two miles west of Vacaville and engaged in horticulture and stock raising, and during the busy season he employs upward of seventy men to do the necessary work in the orchard. Mr. Bassford has shown his ability along horticultural lines by the suc- cess that has attended his efforts in the cultivation of prunes. On one hun- dred and ten acres of fertile land he makes a specialty of French Imperial prunes, originally imported from France and said to be among the finest prunes in the world. The crops that are gathered bear testimony to the fer- tility of the soil and the knowledge of the cultivator. As high as two hundred tons of prunes have been raised on this ranch in one season. In April, 1909, Mr. Bassford was married to Miss Lela May Raine, a na- tive of Missouri, and they have two children, Henry Ambrose and Louise. ^'T^^^x^//^ 4sU< L HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 291 school days he returned to the home ranch in the Suisun valley and shared with his father the duties which the maintenance of the ranch involved. After the death of the father in 1906 he assumed entire charge of the property. In the early days this was a waving field of grain, yielding splendid harvests from year to year until the raising of fruit had passed the experimental stage, when the elder Mr. Campbell planted the entire acreage to fruit. The change of crop proved a wise one, and for the past twenty-five years the income has been from fruits which flourish best in this part of the state. . At present he is the owner of one hundred and nine acres, of which seventy-eight are in orchard — pears, peaches, apricots and prunes, all of which are bearing. Mr. Campbell was married in 1895 to Miss Ella May Robinson, a native of Iowa, and the daughter of Washington and Margaret Robinson, the former deceased, but the latter still living and a resident of Hanford, Kings county. The eldest of the two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell is Ina Vivienne, now attending the Armijo high school in Fairfield. The other daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth, is a student in the local school. Politically Mr. Campbell is a staunch Democrat, but has never sought or accepted positions of trust and responsibility. WILLIAM GORDON. As a representative of a pioneer family, there is no name better known in Napa county than William Gordon, a resident in Gordon valley, named after the family. Mr. Gordon was born in Toas, N. Mex., September 27, 1833, and when seven years of age was brought to California by his father, William Gordon. The latter was a native of Ohio, of Scotch descent, who came from New Mexico by way of Arizona on horseback to California. He remained in Los Angeles until the spring of 1841, then with others went to the northern part of the state, crossing Carquinez straits in a rowboat and swimming their horses behind them. On reaching the northern side they engaged some Indians to pilot them up the bay and Napa river. Arriving in what is now Napa county, they camped under some large sycamore trees on the present site of George Yount's home and for about a year the elder Gordon engaged in farming on a small scale, raising some cattle and feed and produce for his own needs. From this location he removed to what was afterwards named Washington, the first county seat of Yolo county, situated on the banks of the Sacramento river. Here Mr. Gordon met Captain Sutter and was engaged by the latter to construct a mill at that place, he having told Sutter that he was a mill- wright. During the construction of this mill, which was operated by horse- power, Mr. Gordon made his home in Sacramento county, on the opposite side of the river, and crossed to and from his work daily in a canoe. For this labor Mr. Gordon was given forty-two head of cattle (cows and heifers) in lieu of money. The next move of Mr. Gordon was made two months later, when he went to a location northwest of what is now the city of Woodland and here he secured a grant of three leagues of land and settled down to farming, which continued his occupation until his death. As one of the early pioneers of California, he had to undergo many privations and hardships in establishing a home and, like the majority of those men of that period, aided in all move- ments that had for their object the development of that section of California. William Gordon, of this review, accompanied his parents on their migra- tions in California and received such educational advantages as they were able to give him and, when old enough, assisted with the work about the ranch. After he was old enough to conduct independent farming operations, he settled on Cache creek, where he remained two years. In 1862, he settled in Gordon valley, where he has twelve hundred acres of land, which he secured 292 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES from his father and which was originally part of a Spanish grant. Here Mr. Gordon has a valuable property, which yields him a substantial income annually. This has been developed to its present condition by its owner, and it is conceded to be one of the most valuable properties in the entire valley. There are two hundred acres improved in orchard, consisting of apricots, peaches, prunes, oranges and almonds, one of the largest orchards in Napa county. His orange grove consists of one acre and beautifies his yard and its fruit, raised without irrigation, is of superior quality. Thirty acres are in hay and the balance is used for pasture land for his cattle and horses, about ten head of the latter being kept for use on the ranch. All of the improvements on the place have been placed there by Mr. Gordon. He has erected several sets of buildings, commodious houses for his sons and daughters, who are all living on the ranch, and to whom he leases the property on shares, he having retired from active farm work. Ample facilities have been provided for caring for the fruit, including a dryer and an almond huller for their own use, besides which they take care of their neighbors' almonds. This ranch is watered from the Gordon creek, which flows through the center of it, and withal it might be considered one of the show places of Southern California. Two lofty oak trees, supposed to be about two hundred years old, mark Mr. Gordon's place of residence and stand like sentinels over his home. Besides these trees, the yard is decorated with ornamental shrubbery and flowers, giving it the appearance of a typical California city home. In Napa, June 18, 1861, Mr. Gordon married Juliette Chapman, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Levi Chapman, who came to California in the early '50s, and was engaged in mining until his death. Of the children born of this marriage we mention the following: George E., who is farming a part of the old home place, married Clara Leonard; Frank L., also interested in farming on the old homestead, was road-overseer for several years ; he married Nettie Gosling and has two children; William H. married Rosa Chapman; Sophronia became the wife of W. A. Clark; and Loleta married Thomas H. Loney. The sons were educated in the public schools and in Napa College, and have been able assistants to their father in the development of the ranch. Each of the children has inherited from their parents those qualities that have given them a place with the representative people of their county. .Ever since locating in Gordon valley, William Gordon has aided in its development, assisting to construct roads, organized the Gordon school district and served as trustee for many years. In politics he is a Republican, although has never been an aspirant for office. His public spirit and regard for the welfare of the people have. been frequently demonstrated and now in review- ing his life work, as he looks over his broad possessions he recalls the time when he was engaged in mining during the exciting period of 1848-9, when they were washing out their gold and often would get as much as $50 or more in one pan. He compares his present condition, when he is assured of an annual income, to the precarious occupation that he followed as a young man. Mr. Gordon is a quiet, conservative man, and while he has always worked to advance his own interests, has never neglected the duties of a citizen. REV. FATHER BERNARD M. DOOGAN. The history of the Catholic church in California is so intimately con- nected with the general history of the commonwealth that no detailed ac- count of one could be written without mention of the other. The needs of a church of this denomination in Vallejo were aoparent as early as the year 1855, and resulted in the organization of St. Vincent's church. From the first the organization attracted wealthy and influential communicants and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 293 friends, among them being General Frisbee and General Vallejo, the first men- tioned donating the site for the church, and the latter giving the bell, which had formerly done service in the old mission at Sonoma. With the passing of years the congregation outgrew the original building and with the same generosity which had prompted his former donation, General Frisbee donated the entire block embraced by Santa Clara, Sacramento, Florida and Kentucky streets, and to this location the old edifice was removed in 1870. The wide scope of the new grounds made possible the development of the well-laid plans of the pastor, Rev. Father Louis Daniel, whose keen ambi- tion was to extend the usefulness of the church by the erection and mainte- nance of a school for girls. This was accomplished by remodeling and equip- ping the old building with school furnishings, and under the direction of the Sisters of St. Dominic the institution flourished. However, before the build- ing was remodeled for school purposes a new brick church was well under way and the able pastor who had worked so indefatigably in making it a pos- sibility, ministered a number of years thereafter to the growing congregation who gathered within its walls. His death in 1896, at the age of sixty-six, was the cause of universal mourning among the faithful members of his congrega- tion, who keenly appreciated the material and spiritual labors of their pastor in their behalf. Not only was his loss felt by his own congregation, but by the entire community, without regard to creed or occupation, for during the thirty-two years of his life in Vallejo he had won the love and respect of all citizens by his broad, humanitarian spirit. The present pastor of St. Vincent's church, Rev. Father Bernard M. Doogan, is a native of Ireland, born in Dublin, May 24, 1838, and the greater part of his education for the priesthood was obtained on this side of the At- lantic — in fact, in the state in which his life work has been cast. Supplement- ing his preparatory studies he began active preparation for the priesthood in the Dominican House of Studies at Benicia, Cal., and from 1866 to 1873 was rector of St. Bridget's church in San Francisco. In the year last mentioned he went to the Monastery of St. Dominic at Benicia, from there being trans- ferred to St. Dominic's church in San Francisco, remaining there until his call to St. Vincent's parish at Vallejo in 1896. Not unlike his predecessor, Father Doogan is a man of large heart and deep intellectuality, and is in every way fitted for the important office which he holds as spiritual guide and leader of his congregation. ROBERT STEWART. For centuries the history of the Stewart family was linked with that of the Scottish Highlands, and all who counted John Stewart among their friends call to mind the interesting accounts of his life in that picturesque country, famous in song and story. Born in 1822, he came to America alone during early life, settling first in Canada, where in 1856 he married Miss Christina Ferguson. Both parents are now deceased, the father dying in 1891, and the mother in 1900, at the age of sixty-eight years, after many happy years passed in California. It was while his parents were making their home in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Canada, that Robert Stewart was born June 11, 1862, but so far as 1 his memory serves him he has always been a resident of California, for he was a child of four years when removal was made to the Pacific coast country. Settlement was first made in Petaluma, Sonoma county, but a year later the family removed to Solano county and settled at Rio Vista, where the father entered upon the occupation of rancher with zest. The son was educated in the schools of Rio Vista and as soon as he was old enough his services were enlisted in the care of the ranch, the duties of which had increased from year 294 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES to year and taxed the strength of the father. The association of father and son continued uninterruptedly for a number of years, or until the latter was twenty-three years of age, when he purchased a ranch of his own in the vicinity of Rio Vista and carried it on for about five years. Mr. Stewart's identification with Suisun dates from 1890, when he dis- posed of his property near Rio Vista and settled on the ranch which he now occupies. At the time he came to the valley grain and fruit were both raised, but now the latter is raised almost exclusively. Mr. Stewart's orchard con- tains a variety of trees, such as apricots, peaches, prunes and pears. The pears are usually packed and shipped east, while the other fruits are chiefly dried on the ranch. Mr. Stewart has sixty-five acres about seven and a half miles from Suisun, which has been practically all reset by himself and now he has a full bearing orchard. In 1902 Robert Stewart formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Anna Marie Bailey, a native of Iowa, and their marriage has resulted in the birth of two children, Mary Elizabeth and Romaine. Fraternally, Mr, Stewart is identified with but one order, holding membership in Suisun Lodge No. 78, I. O. O. F. Mr. Stewart having great faith in the future success of the fruit industry in the valley, has made it a study and his aim has been to raise the fruits that are best suited to soil and climate, and, having a variety, is given time to harvest the crop as it matures from month to month. It is to men of his type who, having the interest of the community at heart, that Solano county owes its present state of development and prosperity. WADE HAMPTON LITTLE. Although comparatively young in years, having been born on a farm in Berryessa, Napa county, Cal., in 1878, Wade Hampton Little has already ac- quired the reputation of being one of the coming horticulturists of the Suisun valley. During and following his school days he acquired an experience on a general farm and later engaged in the hotel business with his brother in Monticello. In 1909 he invested his earnings in a ranch of twenty-five acres and has since devoted his time to the raising of prunes and apricots. One- half of this was set to orchard by himself and now the whole of the ranch is in trees. For the year of 1910 he received for his crop $1900, and the season was not regarded as up to the standard. He is making continual improve- ments on his place, and its atmosphere of neatness, thrift and progressiveness may well serve as inspiration to prospective ranchers. The family of Mr. Little was represented very early in Napa county, especially on the maternal side, as his mother, Mrs. Carrie Sweitzer Little, a native of Iowa, crossed the plains with her parents when she was only five years old, a child too young to appreciate either the dangers or advantages surrounding homeseekers who had left their all the other side of the Missis- sippi, and forged in an ox train of '49 towards the little known and fabulous west. This courageous pioneer woman's mental storehouse has parted with none of its treasures of memory, and she still delights the younger genera- tion with accounts of days of incredible hardship and incessant toil for the bare necessities of life. She has been a widow for many years, and still oc- cupies the homestead at Monticello. Mr. Little has no political aspirations, and while inclined towards the Democratic party, casts his vote for the man best fitted for the office. His pleasant home is presided over by his wife, formerly Emma Mangels, a native daughter of the Suisun valley, whom he married in April, 1909. Mrs. Little is the daughter of Louis Mangels, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. cMoAarQA&t c4laJmu/J HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 297 JOHN CANEVASCINI. In the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, Mr. Canevascini was born in February, 1847, the son of Giacomo and Annuciata (Piantoni) Canevascini, who were both natives of that country, and there passed their entire lives. At the age of twenty-two years, in 1869. he came to the United States, land- ing on the Atlantic coast, and from there coming to California. From San Francisco he came soon afterward to Solano county, finding employment in a vineyard ; he also built twelve miles of fence in Monterey county. All of this experience was of untold value to him, not only giving a much-needed in- come, but giving him an excellent opportunity to see the country at the same time. In 1877 he purchased property near Suisun, and this has been his home ever since. His ranch comprises six acres and is planted to vines and fruit exclusively. Mr. Canevascini's marriage united him with Miss Rosa Nessi, who had come to this country from Switzerland in 1877, the year of their marriage. Two children were born of this union, but only one is now living, Ida, at home with her parents. MRS. MARGARET MATHEWS. If Mrs. Mathews could be prevailed upon to write a detailed account of her life it would be found interesting reading for old and young alike, begin- ning with her voyage across the Atlantic in young womanhood and followed by early experiences in the new and undeveloped west, her residence in Solano county covering half a century. Although she has reached an age when average persons would consider themselves eligible to the retired list, Mrs. Mathews possesses a temperament too energetic to permit of idleness or inactivity and each day finds her ready to take care of her varied business inter- ests which have engaged her attention all these years and assumed such large proportions. A native of Londonderry, Ireland, Miss Margaret Anderson, as she was known before her marriage, came to the United States in young womanhood, in 1856, the voyage on the sailing vessel Franklin Sister con- suming five weeks and four days. From the port of landing Miss Anderson went to Philadelphia, Pa., remaining there for about five years, when, in 1861, she made the journey to San Francisco, and during the same year occurred her marriage to Mr. Mathews. Thomas Mathews is still remembered among the old-time settlers of Vallejo, where he settled in the early '50s and where he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life, content with whatever condi- tions fell to his lot. This happy, wholesome faculty of adapting one's self to conditions gracefully proved a valuable asset to Thomas Mathews when he came to California in youth, ignorant of the ways of the world, but deter- mined to meet conditions bravely and prove to himself and to others that he had made no mistake in taking up life on the Pacific coast. One of the pioneers of the early '50s, he came directly to Solano county, and in the imme- diate vicinity of his first location he passed the remainder of his life. Before Mare Island was taken over by the United States government he settled on the island and for many years gave faithful service as watchman at the navy yard. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mathews settled near Vallejo, where they established and conducted what was known as the Three-Mile House, on the Napa road. This was a famous place for refreshment and rest for travelers during the early days, and many are the pioneers still living who can recall the hospitality freely dispensed at this well-known hostelry, which 16 298 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES could well be compared to an oasis on a desert. Many a stranded wayfarer who came to them enjoyed the same comforts as those who were able to pay for their accommodation, it being an unwritten law with Mr. and Mrs. Mathews to turn no one away hungry, and in spite of their seeming unbounded hospitality and generosity they were not impoverished thereby, but apparently prospered the more. The property upon which they then settled has been added to by purchase from time to time until it now consists of nine hundred acres of very valuable land, which Mrs. Mathews now leases to ranchers engaged in the dairy and cattle business. Mrs. Mathews is an exceptionally clever business woman and was an invaluable assistant to her husband in the maintenance of the hostelry during early days. Besides owning the ranch already mentioned, she is the owner and proprietor of the well-known Harbin Springs resort in Lake county, besides which she owns valuable real estate in the city of Vallejo. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews were both particularly averse to all games of chance, especially card-playing, disapproving of the practice so strongly that they did not allow card-playing in their hotel, nor indeed any other pastime that would suggest gambling or chance. Mr. Mathews passed away in Vallejo, July 22, 1897, mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who had learned to love and honor him for his noble traits of character that ennobled all lives that came in contact with his own. JAMES SLOAN. By virtue of a life of honorable action, Mr. Sloan is enabled to spend in retrospection many moments free from regret, secure in the knowledge that at all times his efforts were directed by conscientious ambition and sterl- ing integrity. He has materially aided in the development of Vallejo, having resided in that community for the past forty-five years, and enjoys the uni- versal respect of his fellow-citizens. Born August 2, 1829, near Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, James Sloan is the son of William and Margaret (Esler) Sloan. In 1852 he immigrated to Buffalo, N. Y., and for a short time clerked in a store. In the fall of that year he enlisted in Company C, Fourth United States Infantry, serving in subsequent Indians wars in Washington territory. In 1857 he was honorably discharged, being physically unfit for duty, having received several wounds, including an injury in his right breast. Upon his return to Buffalo he en- gaged in the grocery business, and while in that city witnessed the passing of Abraham Lincoln's funeral train in 1865. Mr. Sloan was united in marriage July 7, 1859, in Niagara Falls, Canada, with Miss Annie Eliza Fosler, a native of that city, and a daughter of Cor- nelius Fosler, whose birth occurred in Somerset, England, and who became a carpenter and builder in Niagara Falls, Canada. His wife, formerly Mary Kerr, was born in the north of Ireland and both passed away in Canada. Three daughters were born to them, Mrs. Sloan being the eldest. In 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Sloan removed to Vallejo, Cal., where the former was employed in the Mare Island Navy Yard until he retired, and with his wife is now re- siding in their comfortable home at No. 945 York street. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sloan : Mary Helen, now Mrs. H. W. Clark, of Globe, Ariz., who has one son, Henry ; Margaret Esler, wife of Capt. Otto J. Johnson, who has three children ; Julius, a graduate of Vallejo high school and now employed in the auditing department of the Southern Pacific Railroad, Harold and Esler; Sarah Jane, now Mrs. George L. Rogers of Edenvale, Cal. ; and James Esler, of Oxnard, Cal., who has three daughters, Bernice Helen, Annie Elizabeth and Ardis. Mr. Sloan is a stanch Republican and, with his wife, is a member of the Vallejo Episcopal Church. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 299 CHARLES M. TURNER. Not the least of the legacies left Solano county by its early pioneers are the sons who bear their names and painstakingly carry on their work. Some- thing of the iron of these courageous settlers has entered into the lives of their progeny, who, placed in entirely different and less exacting circum- stances, fulfil their destiny with equally commendable zeal and conscientious- ness. Charles M. Turner was born August 19, 1855, on the place in the Armejo Grant where his father first settled, and which adjoins the place he now owns. A native of the south, William H. Turner was born in Mecklenburg county, Va., December 27, 1816, and in 1838 he went to Cape Girardeau county. Mo. There, on July 23, 1839, he married Susan J. Elliott, a native of Granville county, N. C. For about seven years after their marriage they made their home in Cape Girardeau county, and then located in St. Clair county, 111., in both of which places Mr. Turner followed farming. During 1850 he crossed the plains to California, and for the first five months followed mining in the vicinity of Nevada City. From there he went to Red Bar, Trinity county, and continued mining until 1851, when he returned east. On the return trip in the following year he brought his wife and six children across the plains, the ox-team journey coming to an end in Suisun, Solano county, August 28. 1852. Four miles north of town he settled on a farm and built a house of timber that he hauled from the Napa redwoods. Eventually, in 1871, he was dispossessed of this ranch and the improvements. In the meantime, in 1860, he had purchased and located on the ranch which con- tinued to be his home until his death, a place of two hundred and thirty-eight acres about four miles northwest of Suisun. Here his wife died October 11, 1867. Three more children were added to the family after removal was made to California, but of the nine children born to them only one is living, Charles M.. the subject of this article. On September 27, 1871, Mr. Turner married Salina J. Rogers, like himself a native of Mecklenburg county, Va. She died June 1, 1884, having become the mother of six children, of whom three are now living: George R., a horticulturist of the Suisun valley, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere; Leland J., employed in Benicia; and Virgil F., of San Jose. William H. Turner paid in the first money at the land office in Solano county. Charles M. Turner was educated in the public schools and followed farming with his father until his marriage, then removing to his present place, to which he has added one hundred and sixty acres, making a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres five miles north of Suisun. A large portion of the land is devoted to raising grain and hay, besides which he has twenty-seven acres in prunes, and he also raises hogs and mules for the market. The marriage of Charles M, Turner, November 2, 1884, united him with Alice Boynton, who was born on the old Boynton place, one and a half miles west of Fairfield. She is the daughter of Harrison and Frances C. (Farwell) Boynton, born in Lyme and East Jaffery, N. H., respectively. In 1849 Mr. Boynton started for the gold mines of California and arrived the following year. Returning east he was married in Boston in 1854. Coming again to the west, he became an old settler and prominent farmer near Fairfield, where his wife died in 1902, and where he also passed away in 1907. Mrs. Turner was educated in the public schools and in Nana Seminary. Of the two chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Turner, the eldest, Frank E.. died at the age of eight years. Henry B., born in 1886, is a graduate of the Vacaville high school and is still at home with his parents. Mr. Turner has subscribed to the prin- ciples of the Republican Darty since the beginning of his voting days, and latterly he has been prominent in the councils of the same, serving in various local capacities, and doing effective work as a member of the school board. 300 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES His personal qualifications are of the practical kind ; he has push, determina- tion, and rare common sense, and is an effectual exponent of scientific farm- ing and harmonious country living. WILLIAM HIGGINS. Among those who have lifted themselves from small beginnings into prominence and success as general farmers and land-owners is William Hig- gins, whose farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Suisun township, Solano county, affords expression of his intelligent industry and progressiveness. Primarily he is interested in dairying on a large scale, but a portion of his land is devoted to fruit and grain raising. Mr. Higgins was fifteen years old when he felt County Limerick, Ireland, where he was born in 1835. For eight years he was variously employed in Massachusetts, principally as a boat hand, and in the fall of 1860 he came to California by way of Panama, bringing with him his wife, formerly Elizabeth Egan, whom he married August 19, 1860, and who also is a native of Ireland. The parents of Mrs. Higgins died in Ireland during the first years of the young couple's residence in this state, while Mr. Higgins' mother died several years previous to the passing of his father, Lawrence Higgins, in 1865, at the age of eighty-four years. William Higgins landed in San Francisco from Panama, and two months later came to Solano county, where he found employ- ment on a farm. Later he engaged in contract work of various kinds, and at the end of fifteen years had saved enough to purchase his present farm in Suisun township. He is interestingiy reminiscent of the early days of the locality and recalls having shot deer and other game at a time when the scarcity of his income made it essential for the maintenance of life. In political affiliations Mr. Higgins is a Democrat, but his vote is influ- enced largely by the character and fitness of the candidate. As road overseer for many years he had much to do towards the present fine condition of the public highways of the township, and as school trustee he has lent practical assistance to the establishment of a high grade of instruction. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins became the parents of eight children, six of whom are living : Law- rence, born in 1862, a farmer of Green valley, this state ; Minnie, born in 1864, wife of George Kenlock, a resident of Suisun ; Kate F.. born in 1866, wife of James Clayton, of Berkeley; Sarah, born in 1868, the wife of Daniel H. White, of Fairfield; William Higgins, Jr., born in 1871, and an employe of the Union Iron Works Company, of San Francisco ; and Josephine, the wife of Philip Winkleman. a farmer of Shasta county. John Robert Higgins, the sixth oldest of the children, born in 1873, was killed by a railroad train in Berkeley in 1905. and Eugene Higgins died in infancy. CHARLES HENRY NEITZEL. As assistant manager of the wholesale commission business of the Stewart Fruit Company, at Suisun, Charles Henry Neitzel enjoys merited prestige and authority as an expert in his line, and as a dependable promoter of the highest possible standards of horticulture. Both education and special training have fitted him for his work, as well as local pride engendered through almost life- long association with Suisun township. Inheriting the practical traits of Teutonic forefathers, he was born in Rockville, Solano county, November 14, 1863. and received the common school education afforded in Suisun township. His earliest recollections center around his father's ranching enterprise, and a different kind of experience grew out of his apprenticeship to a blacksmith, which trade he subsequently combined with farming. Beginning with his HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 303 thirty-seventh year he operated the home place in partnership with his brother, and was thus employed until actively engaging in the fruit business in his present capacity. The name of Neitzel first became known to the residents of Solano county through the arrival here in 1854 of Frank Egan Neitzel, father of Charles Henry, who was born in Germany, and immigrated to the United States at the agre of sixteen years. The elder Neitzel has justified the reputation of his countrymen at large for practical and thrifty endeavor, and though now approaching his eightieth year, maintains oversight of his ranch which for so many years has borne testimony to his industry. His wife, who is now seventy-nine years of age, was in maidenhood Johanna Higgins, and is a sister of William Higgins of Green valley, October 10, 1901, Charles Henry Neitzel was united in marriage to Cora Gordon, a native of Shasta county, this state, and of the union there are two children : Isabella, born November 24. 1902, and Catherine Louise, born January 24, 1908. Politically Mr. Neitzel is a Democrat. Agreeable and straightforward, having excellent business faculty and judgment, he takes a lively interest in the educational and general interests of the community. HON. REUBEN CLARK. So much of- Mr. Clark's life has been passed in California that he has little recollection of any other home. His earliest memory, however, is of a country home in Chickasaw county, Iowa, where he was born December 16, 1855. the son of Abraham and Electa Jane (Snider) Clark, of whom a sketch will be found on another page. He lived in Iowa until about eight years of age, when the family crossed the plains to California, parents and children and household effects being conveyed in wagons drawn by horse teams. Pri- marily educated in the country schools of Chickasaw county, Iowa, after reach- ing the west Mr. Clark continued his studies and completed his education by taking a twelve-month course in Pierce Christian College. It is but just to say that he made the best use of his opportunities, and at the age of twenty years, when many youths were still in school, he was deep in the cares of business as manager of a twelve-thousand-acre ranch in Colusa county. This was the well-known Stovall ranch at Williams, which he plowed from the virgin soil, and upon which he remained for seventeen years, during this time gaining the reputation of raising more grain than any other man of his age. In garnering his grain he ran three combined harvesters, propelled by thirty-two mules. Since 1892 Mr. Clark has been located in the Berryessa valley engaged in farming and stock-raising, and it is safe to say that in the vicinity of Monticello, or in fact in Napa county, there are few ranchers more successful than is he. Persevering and energetic by nature and temperament, he knows no such word as fail, and while his experiences have not been unmarked by many trials and disappointments, his large vision and hopeful spirit have buoyed him on to success. He is now renting an estate of about twelve hundred acres, of which one thousand acres are pasture land, for the lessee is interested in stock-raising. He has several valuable stallions, forty-five head of work stock, one hundred and thirty-five horses and mules, and four hundred head of hogs. The old residence on the ranch was erected by Mr. Clark's father during the years 1880 and 1881, an immense structure contain- ing twenty-two rooms. A part of the old adobe house is also still standing. Mr. Clark's marriage in 1883 united him with a native daughter of the state. Miss Cordelia Stovall, and the following children were born to them : Elmer R., born February 28, 1884, and Foster, March 30, 1886. Shortly after 304 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the birth of the second son the wife and mother died, on June 1, 1886. In 1898 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Lulu Danner, of Colusa, and four children have been born of this marriage: Dorris V., Reuben Curtis, Agnes and Meredith B. The eldest of Mr. Clark's children, Dr. Elmer R. Clark, is an osteopathic physician, practicing at Oakdale, Stanislaus county. While a resident of Colusa county Mr. Clark joined the Masonic fra- ternity, becoming a charter member of Tuscan Lodge No. 261 at Williams, and he is also a member of Colusa Chapter, R. A. M., and of Colusa Com- mandery No. 24, K. T. Honors came to Mr. Clark in 1882, when he was elected a member of the legislature, representing Colusa and Tehama counties in the assembly, and serving in the session of 1883 and the extra session of 1884. He was active in securing needed legislation for his district and was a member of several committees. As a mark of appreciation of his services his fellow-citizens endeavored to retain him as their representative in the legisla- ture, but he refused to accept the candidacy in 1884, and in 1886 he refused to be a candidate for the state senate, preferring private to public life. All his life he has been a stanch Democrat and has been a member of the Demo- cratic state central committee. Mr. Clark is one of the type of men of which the world has all too few. Under all circumstances he has proven master of himself and all who are brought in contact with him feel the impulse of his strong and purposeful mind. CHARLES THEODORE CLARK. The proprietor of "Folly Rocks" ranch, near Napa, Charles T. Clark was born in Ohio City, Ohio, December 14, 1837, a son of Castmor H. and Mary E. (Stockwell) Clark. The former was born in Vermont and his father, Harri- son Clark, was a native of New York state and a prominent contractor and builder for over sixty years in Rochester, where he died. C. H. Clark was reared in Rochester, N. Y., and also followed contracting and building. He later moved to Ohio, where he was married, and still later removed to Oak Creek, Milwaukee, Wis., which remained his home from 1841 until 1850, when he crossed the plains to California. Two years afterward he returned to Wisconsin and in 1853 brought his family by the Nicaragua route to San Francisco. He located on Broadway between Taylor and Jones streets and became one of the pioneer builders in San Francisco. In 1858 he purchased one thousand acres in Napa county, five miles from Napa, and located on what was called Napa de Arroyo. He improved the ranch and for many years carried on general agricultural pursuits with good success. Finally he sold out and retired to private life, d} r ing in Napa at the age of ninety-five years and seven months. His wife was a daughter of Leonard Stockwell and a native of New York state. Mr. Stockwell was drum major under General Scott in the war of 1812. He was a pioneer of Wisconsin of 1840, developing a farm at Oak Creek. He spent his last days in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Clark came of a very musical family and she was an accomplished vocalist and pianist. She died at Oak Creek. Of the four children born of this mar- riage three grew to maturity and two are now living. C. H. Clark married the second time, Mrs. Elenore Helsert Mount, a native of Toledo, Ohio; she died in Napa. Of this marriage three children are living. Charles Theodore Clark was the second child by his father's first marriage and was reared and educated in Wisconsin from the age of fourteen until 1853, when he accompanied his family to California and after locating in San Fran- cisco, attended the public schools there. He learned the builder's trade under his father's direction and in 1856 he first came to Napa county, permanently locating here in 1858. In 1860 he began contracting and building, which busi- ness he has since followed with the exception of the time spent in prospecting HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 305 and mining in Butte, Tuolumne and Mono countries, Cal., and in Nevada. He built a beautiful home on a tract of three and one-half acres one and one- half miles from Napa, on West First street, a romantic place known as "Idle- wild" and improved with fruits. Mr. Clark was married in Napa to Miss Lucretia Hogle, a native of Jeffer- son City, Mo., and who came across the plains to California in 1853 with her parents. Of this union six children have been born : George P., a real estate dealer in Lancaster, Cal. ; Frank C, a physician in Los Angeles ; Edwin C, in the postal service in Aberdeen, Wash.; Robert A., a contractor and builder in Hoquiam, Wash.; Ella J. and Susie. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are both adherents to the doctrines of the Christian Church. Mr. Clark is a prohibitionist and has taken a very active part in advocating the platform of this political party. For fifty-five years he has been a resident of Napa county and during this period has taken an active part in civic affairs and has exerted his influence for the real betterment of the county. WILLIAM H. MORRISON. Born at Dundee. Monroe county, Mich., June 7, 1854, Mr. Morrison was only one year old when his father, Josiah C. Morrison, bade farewell to the family and started alone for the unknown but alluring west. Four years later, deciding to remain in California permanently, he sent to Michigan for the family, so that the son was a child of five years when he accompanied his mother via the Panama route to the Pacific coast. Landing at San Francisco they proceeded to Sierra county and the boy was sent to a public school at Downieville. When removal was made to San Francisco he attended the Lincoln grammar school, where he was one of the very first pupils. Ambitious to earn his own livelihood, he secured work as a newsboy with a leading San Francisco daily. The route over which he delivered the paper extended from Seconu street to the water front and the circulation at that time was only six hundred and fifty copies. During 1870 the family removed to Napa county and the father is still a resident of the county, where he has a high standing as an honored pioneer and energetic citizen, and where in the years of his activity he engaged extensively in the dairy business. When the son started out for himself he worked as a rancher and on two occasions he worked in Oregon, but in 1882, at the time of his marriage, he settled on the ranch in Solano county, where he still makes his home. The tract is one of the most fertile in the famed Suisun valley. A specialty is made of fruit and with the exception of twenty-five acres in grain the entire property aggregating one hundred and seventeen acres is under cultivation to fruit trees of the choicest varieties. Having found horticulture more profitable than stock-raising he has given little attention to the latter department of agriculture, but devotes his time principally to the care of the trees and the harvesting of the fruit. The marriage of W. H. Morrison united him with Miss Frances McEwen, a native of Ohio. Nine children were born to them, all still living with the exception of Florence, who died in infancy. The eldest member of the family, Emily C, is the wife of Albert Kerr. Three sons, W. J., C. E-, and D. B., are married and reside in the Suisun valley, where they are well known as representatives of the sturdy and energetic younger element of the citizen- ship. J. H., who. is still single, resides with his parents. Bessie E. is her mother's capable assistant, while the others. Gladys and Julian, are attending grammar school. A thorough believer in education, Mr. Morrison has will- ingly aided all movements for the upbuilding of the local schools and has served with efficiency as trustee of the same. Never has he turned a deaf ear to those in sorrow or sickness, but always he has been a helper and a 306 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES thoughtful neighbor. A hard-working man and a quiet but public-spirited citizen, he belongs to that class whose citizenship has been indispensable to the betterment of the county and state. james f. Mclaughlin. The life whose varying experiences this chronicle briefly depicts began at Manchester, Hartford county, Conn., July 17, 1838. The family has been represented in the new world for a number of generations and has borne an honorable part in our national growth ever since the original emigrant crossed the ocean to brave the dangers of an unknown land. Tradition de- clares that the ancestry came from Scotland, but was forced to flee to Ireland at the time of the religious persecutions, which exiled many of the oldest clans of the kingdom. Michael McLaughlin was born November 10, 1810, and died in 1895, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Rose Fagen, passed away in 1888. Their son, James F., went with them into the city of Hartford during the year 1846 and there attended school for a brief period. After one year at Hartford the family removed to New Haven. When he left school at the age of fourteen he stood at the head of his class, and had acquired a fund of information sufficiently broad to enable him to later teach school with gratifying success. The first employment secured by Mr. McLaughlin was that of an ap- prentice to the clockmaker's trade under Chauncey Jerome, who established the first clock factory in the United States, and was the inventor of the first brass clock. At work in the same room with the young apprentice was Seth Thomas, who afterward became the most noted clockmaker in the entire world. During the autumn of 1854 P. T. Barnum, famous in circus history, formed a stock company with Chauncey Jerome and they manufactured ninety thousand clocks per month, building up a business of national im- portance. A dislike for factory work and a desire to see the great west led Mr. McLaughlin to leave the old home in 1855, at which time he became a pioneer of Wisconsin. During July of 1858 he went still further west and at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., entered the government service, being sent to Fort Smith in December of the same year. During the summers of 1859 and 1860 he engaged in fighting the Indians and served under Major Sedg- wick and Captain Sturgis. While still working for the government he was imprisoned at Fort Smith and sentenced to be shot, but fortunately the sen- tence was changed to imprisonment at the very last moment of suspense. Upon being released from prison in August, 1863, he enlisted with the First United States Engineers, and remained in the army until March 18, 1866, when he received his final discharge and left the service with an enviable record for courage and faithfulness. During the fall of 1865 he helped to build two bridges across the Rio Grande river and from there he was sent to Mobile bay, where an explosion wrecked his ship and caused a heavy loss For some time after the war Mr. McLaughlin remained in Texas, but in 1874 he returned to Wisconsin and there he continued to make his home for ten years, meanwhile helping to build the first bridge over the Wisconsin river. During 1884 he started for California, but en route stopped at Win- slow, Ariz., and worked at the carpenter's trade. Next he made brief so- journs in the Santa Clara valley of California and in Solano county, working as a carpenter in both localities as well as in other parts of the state. Later he worked at his trade in Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., whence he returned to the east for a sojourn of four years and then came back to California to establish a permanent home, since which time he has lived in the Suisun valley. Politically he is a Democrat and cast his first presidential ballot for HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 309 Stephen A. Douglas. For one-half ccntur\ or more lie has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for a long period he also has affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic. WILLIAM J. TORMFY. In tracing the family history of Vallejo's chief executive we find that generations of the name had flourished on the Emerald Isle and that the immi- grant to the new world was William Tormey, the father of William J. Born in Ireland in 1848. William Tormey came to the United States in 1867, and to California in 1868. Coming direct to Xapa county, he first found employment with his relatives. Tormey & Fagan, wealthy cattlemen and large land owners in Suscol. Subsequently he secured a position with A. J. Murphy in the grocery business in Vallejo. and in 1869. with Thomas Burke as a partner, he purchased Mr. Murphy's interest, and thereafter business was carried on under the name of Tormey & Burke, their store being located on Georgia street near the wharf. Some time later Mr. Tormey bought out his partner's interest in the business and ran it alone for several years, or until selling it out in 1878. Later he established himself in the ice manufacturing business, continuing this until 1883, when he removed to Sacramento, where he held a number of responsible positions under the secretary of state, T. L. Thompson. Returning to Vallejo. here he was again in public office, in 1887 being ap- pointed to the office of chief clerk in the steam engineering department at Mare Island navy yard, remaining there for two years. In 1889 he became proprietor of the Astor House, in addition to which he also conducted a profit- able wood and coal business, continuing this until his death in 1894. In the '70s he was city assessor of Vallejo for several terms and also served as a school director and was acting superintendent of schools for a number of years. In addition to the offices mentioned, he also at one time served as city trustee. His marriage in 1872 united him with Fannie E. Bromley, a native of Benicia. and the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Bromley, pioneer settlers in that city. She died in 1902. at the early age of forty-five years. Eight children were born of their marriage, as follows: William J., Fannie, Ella, Mary, Raymond. Rose, Genevieve and a son who died in infancy. The eldest child in the parental family. William J. Tormey, was born in Vallejo. June 15. 1875, and he obtained his education in the public schools here and in Sacramento Institute. Later he took a course in Heald's Business College, from which he graduated in 1894. It w r as while he was assisting his father in the management of the Astor House that his name came into promi- nence as the candidate on the Independent ticket for the office of city auditor and assessor, to which he was elected in 1902, a position in which he gave entire satisfaction, but which he resigned on April 15, 1903, to accept the appointment of city clerk to fill out the unexpired term of T. J. O'Hara, re- signed. In 1904 he was elected city clerk, and was his own successor in 1906 by his re-election to the same office. In November of that year he was nomi- nated as the candidate for county auditor of Solano county on the Democratic ticket, and his election for a four-year term followed. Resigning the office of city clerk, he took his seat as county auditor in January, 1907, serving until April. 1908, when the affairs in the city clerk's office had become so involved that he was induced by the city trustees to again accept the city clerkship. which he did after resigning the office of county auditor. He took up the duties of city clerk and in 1910, under the new primary law. received the nomination of both parties and was duly elected and served acceptably until the new commission form of charter took effect, in May. 1911. and at the first primary under the new charter was a candidate for mayor of Vallejo. being 310 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES elected to the office with a majority of nearly one thousand votes over the Socialist candidate. The people have every confidence in him and feel sure of his loyal support of the highest ideals that make for good government. He took the oath of office as mayor July 1, 1911, for a term of four years, and since then his time has been fully occupied with the management of the new system of city government. The following from the Vallejo Times indicates unmistakably the high opinion his fellow citizens have of him : "And 'Billy' Tormey, honest, capable, efficient, obliging 'Billy' Tormey, is the first mayor of Greater Vallejo. Not by a plurality, not by a scant majority, but by a vote of more than two to one, a majority so big and so grand that those of the opposition are surprised and dumbfounded. William J. Tormey, the candidate of all the people, the candidate of no class, of no clique, no organization or no set of men, was yesterday elected to the highest position of honor and trust within the gift of the electors of this great municipality, Vallejo by the Navy Yard." In San Francisco, in 1909, Mr. Tormey was married to Miss Agnes M. Higgins, a native of that city. In addition to his municipal duties, Mr. Tormey is interested in a number of enterprises, among them the Vallejo Building and Loan Association, of which he is vice-president. He is also a prominent figure in fraternal and social organizations, being a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; Vallejo Parlor No. 77, N. S. G. W., of which he is past president and is now treasurer; past dictator of Vallejo Lodge No. 468, Loyal Order of Moose; Knights of Columbus, Royal Arcanum, and the Samo- set Tribe, I.'O. R. M. THOMAS DICKSON. During the first half of the nineteenth century a young- Scotchman, WilHam Dickson, left the land of his nativity and the home of his progenitors to seek hoped-for fortune in the new world across the seas. Chance directed his steps to Canada and he settled in that fertile strip of country lying between lakes Erie and Huron, where he took up an unimproved tract of land and fol- lowed farming. In his new location he formed the acquaintance of a young Canadian girl, Jannet Larkin, who was born in 1826. Their son, Thomas, born at the home place in county Oxford, Canada, in 1851, was only three years of age when the father was taken from the family circle by death, in 1854. Afterward -the widow married again and eventually with her second husband came to California, where she died January 5, 1909, at the age of eighty-two years and two months. The public schools of Ontario afforded Thomas Dickson fair opportu- nities for acquiring- an education sufficient for the transaction of all business affairs. From early life he was familiar with farming and depended upon such work as a source of livelihood. Just before he left Canada for the United States, in 1878, he was married to Miss Jane Melrose, who was born in Perth, a county adjoining Oxford. Her parents were born, reared and married in Scotland. They crossed the ocean to Canada and settled in county Perth, where she was born and educated. The father made a trip to Scotland and died there. The wedding tour of the young couple consisted of a trip from the old Canadian home to California. With them came three brothers of Mr. Dickson, their mother and stepfather. After his arrival in this state Mr. Dickson and his wife lived with an uncle for a few months. Meanwhile he investigated conditions and property. Finally he bought three hundred acres in the Suisun valley four miles north of that city and here since 1879 he has made his home, meanwhile improving the property with needed buildings and engaging in the raising of grain and stock. As a farmer he is a believer in the maintenance of soil fertility and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 311 considers it necessary for that purpose to keep an adequate supply of stock on the laiul. The eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Dickson is Margaret M., the wife of William C. Hale, a farmer in the Suisun valley. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are the parents of one child. The second daughter in the Dickson family is Agnes Elvie, a graduate of the Armejo high school and now a teacher in the grammar schools of that place. Ernest E. Dickson, educated in the local schools and the Polytechnic College at Oakland, is now assisting his father on the home place. Lester A. is a graduate of the Armejo high school. The children are natives i->i the valley and all have received good educational advantages, for Mr. Dickson is a stanch believer in education and has himself rendered effective service as a member fi the school board. Politically he is a Republican. JAMES C. WELLS. Tyler county. \Y. Va.. was the native home of James C. Wells, and De- cember, 1821. the date oi his birth. The family was a race of frontiersmen. Nature had endowed them with the qualities needed by all pioneers and they were happiest when carving out homes from the dense forests or breaking up the virgin soil o\ the vast prairies. The travels of the young Virginian began when he was ten years of age, his parents seeking a home in the then wilderness of Ohio, where he aided in bringing under cultivation a tract of raw land. Later on he took up agricultural pursuits for himself. During 1855 he moved from Ohio to Iowa and settled near Marion, Linn county, where he remained for nine years. Meanwhile a purpose had been growing in his mind and a resolution to remove to the west finally deepened into action. \ start was made across the plains April 27, 1864, Mr. Wells bringing his wife and two children, and at the expiration of an eventful journey Vaca- ville was reached on the 14th of x\ugust. All along the way guards were stationed at night to protect the emigrants and the stock, but fortunately the Indians did not molest the party, although they annoyed the train just ahead of them as well as the one immediately behind. Stock was stolen and left on the north side of the Platte river, where it was retaken by soldiers of the standing army and returned to the rightful owners. The route took the emigrants through the rough country of the Black Hills and on to Salt Lake. Two of the party had gone west before and were of the greatest aid in giving suggestions as to directions of travel. On the 4th of July they camped near Salt Lake and were visited by Brigham Young and his family, as well as many of his people. Evidences of his power were apparent on every hand and the Gentiles were as deeply impressed as he could have de- sired. The expedition camped for a time at Donner lake, where the ill-fated Dormer party had endured indescribable sufferings from hunger and ex- posure. The later expedition, fortunately, had only the ordinary discomforts to endure and safely reached Virginia City, where the train was divided, a number going to Oregon, while others sought different points in California. With kindly feelings and sad farewells the party disbanded, never to meet ai his ranch enterprise. While a resident o\ Canada. September 29, 1862, Mr. Radcliffe was united in marriage with Margaret Robertson, who was born near London. Canada, in 1842, and was therefore twenty years of age at the time of her marriage. lit children were horn to them, but only five are now living. The eldest >n these. Frederick Ross, is a resident of King City, Cal. ; Edith Anna, the wife of Elmer G. Morgan, is a resident of Lester, Wash.; Myra A., Mrs. Edward Hocking, died in Lester, Wash.; Milton A., who is farming the old home place, was married in Cloverdale to Maggie Camp, who died in 1897 leaving one child. Florence Mabel, who is attending the Armejo high school; Victor is a blacksmith in Vacaville; Maud is a professional nurse and is super- intendent of the operating room in the City and County hospital in San Fran- cisco: a deep bereavement befell the family in 1895, when the youngest son, Cecil, was killed by the accidental explosion of a gun. Politically Mr. Rad- cliffe is a Democrat, but has not been active in public affairs. HENRY R. TIMM. Upon the establishment of the Northern Solano Bank at Dixon and the opening of its doors for business February 1, 1910, Henry R. Timm entered upon the duties of president. (This was afterward, January 1, 1912, changed to the First National Bank of Dixon.) A capital stock of $75,000 was sub- scribed by the stockholders and a modern building was erected for the head- quarters of the bank, an equipment being provided that surrounds the em- ployes of the institution with every needed facility for prompt and accurate work. In the administration of the financial affairs the president has the co- operation of the vice-president, R. E. L. Stephens, and the cashier, H. L. Bissell, as well as the following board of directors : R. E. L. Stephens, T- D. Grady. E. D. N. Lehe. J. J. Clark, W. J. Weyand, Robert Watson, W. R. Madden and H. L. Bissell. all prominent and honored residents of the com- munity. The Timm family is of Teutonic origin and dates its establishment in America from the arrival of Peter Timm in 1855, this emigrant having come from Holstein, Germany, wdiere he was born November 18, 1836, and where he had learned the trade of a cabinetmaker. Shortly after his arrival in this country he secured employment on a farm in Iowa, but in 1859 he left that state for California, making the trip with ox teams and wagons across the plains. For two years he mined at Placerville, next he engaged in farming and soon afterward turned his attention to cabinetmaking in San Mateo county. During 1864 he removed to a ranch five miles east of Dixon. Four years later he purchased a ranch o£ one hundred and sixty acres and moving to the new location he gave his attention to the development of the land. Until his death, which occurred December 17. 1909. he continued to reside at the old homestead. Meanwhile he was prominent as a farmer and citizen. For years he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also served as an officer of the Society of Dixon Grangers No. 19. When the vil- lage of Dixon began to be built he aided in moving hither a large proportion of the houses in Silveyville and Maine Prairie. During 1872 and 1873 he served as county assessor of Solano county and during 1874-75 he was county tax collector. At the time of coming to the United States and of later seeking a liveli- 316 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES hood in the remote west Peter Timm had not established domestic ties. It was during May of 1867 that he chose a wife and for the first time had a home of his own. The young lady whom he married. Miss Cecilia Beuck, was born in Germany on Christmas day of 1846 and came to this country during early life, settling with relatives in California. Born of the marriage were four children, namely: Laura A. of Dixon; Henry R. ; William D., of Idaho; and Louisa, Mrs. A. C. Holly, of Dixon. The first-named son graduated at the Leland Stanford University in 1893, with degree of A. B., and for the next two years served as principal of the Elmira high school, after which he held a position as assistant cashier with the Bank of Vacaville for three years and subsequently became a director in the Bank of Dixon, but resigned in 1909. His identification with the banking business by no means represents the limit of his activities. As a stockman he is widely known and in the dairy business he has built up a reputation extending throughout all of Northern California. He is extensively interested in cattle and sheep (of which at one time he had thousands of head), but of late years has concentrated his agricul- tural activities upon dairying, being proprietor of the Certified dairy, the largest of the kind in the entire state. The dairy consists of two hundred and sixty-five cows, exempt from tuberculosis and all disease, cared for by skilled workers and maintained largely by alfalfa hay raised on two hundred and fifty acres of meadow. The milk is shipped to San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland, twenty-four hundred quart bottles daily. The milk is inspected by the milk commissioners and certified to as absolutely pure, which enables the proprietor to secure a higher price for the product than is paid to the pro- ducers of ordinary milk. He supplies the Pullman dining cars of the Southern Pacific at San Francisco. When new cows are added to the herd they are kept separate and no milk is saved until they are given the tuberculin test by a veterinary appointed by the milk commission. The condition of the large dairy barn is strictly sanitary. Cleanliness is observed in even the most unimportant details. Cows are cleaned with curry comb and brush before milking and the milkers wear clean white suits and caps. Silage is recognized as indispensable and two modern silos form a part of the equipment. The vicinity of Dixon is recog- nized as an important milk-producing section and no dairy in the locality has attained a higher rank or has done more to add to the local reputation for pure milk than has the Certified dairy, whose inception is due to the modern methods employed by Mr. Timm. He is one of the directors of the Alfalfa Land Company of Dixon, a company devoted to the dividing up of large tracts and selling to homeseekers, thus encouraging the immigration of citizens to Solano county. He is also a director and vice-president of the Solano Machinery Company, a company formed for the purpose of manufacturing and introducing a sanitary paper milk bottle, which has already been demonstrated a success. On December 21, 1911, Mr. Timm was married at Santa Cruz to Emma Jane Bowen, a native of Missouri. She graduated from the University of California in 1905 with the degree of A. B., and was a teacher in the Dixon high school. When at leisure from his duties in the bank and from other business activities Mr. Timm is always to be found energetically superintend- ing his dairy affairs and planning improvements that will add value to his already splendidly equipped establishment. In fraternal affairs he is con- nected with the Masons, belonging to Silveyville Lodge No. 201, F. & A. M., at Dixon, and has been a leader in the philanthroDic movements for which this order is noted. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Psi. HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 317 I \MI".S MAYHOOD. \ native of Canada, James Mayhood was born in Napanee, Lennox county, in 1850, the son of John and Mar) (Harrison) Mayhood, who died at the age of sixty-one and eight} five years respectively. James Mayhood re- mained contentedly in his native home until nineteen years oi age, when, in the spring oi 1870, he came to California, for two years living in Cordelia, and then coming to the Montezuma Hills, which has been his home ever since. On the home farm in Canada he had received a good insight into agriculture and lie was able to apply this knowledge to conditions which he found in his new surroundings in the west. For a time he worked as a farm hand, later having charge oi ranches, which he rented, among these being the Hall ranch of six hundred and forty acres, which of late \ cars has been in charge of his son. Clyde C. In 18 c 'l. Mr. Mayhood bought three hundred and eighty-one acres of land, which is a part of his present home place. In 1 ( '02 he added an adjoining one hundred acres, now having four hundred and eighty <>ne acres, all of which is devoted to grain-raising and hay. as well as to Stock-raising, having over eleven hundred head of cattle. The ranch is located two miles west <>i Rio Vista and is known as the Mayhood ranch. It is equipped with all of the buildings to he found on a well-regulated ranch, including a com- modious, modern residence, large barn and outbuildings. In 1876 Mr. Mayhood was married at Lowville, \. Y., to Miss Emma Copley, a native of \ew York, and the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Phillips) Copley. Of the six children horn to them, four are living. The eldest of the children, .Yorris R., horn April 2'». 1877. died December 20. 1 ( )07; he was a graduate of Atkinson's Business College; he was married in 1006 to Annie C. Anderson, who since his death* has resided with her parents. Cora Mabel died in childhood; Clyde C. who was educated in Howe's Academy, Sacramento, is engaged in farming on the Hall ranch: he married Miss Edith Barnes, and they have two children. Bessie Leola, a graduate of Mills College, is now Mrs. Pezzaglia, of Rio Vista, and the mother of one child. Mabel Ernestine. Ernest I)., born June 23. 1890, educated in preparatory work at Rio Vista, later taking a course in the Polytechnic at Oakland, is now assisting his par- ents, lames Russell, horn March 14. 1895. is attending the Armijo high school at Fairfield. James Mayhood is a charter member of Rio Vista Lodge No. 165. Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are members of the Congrega- tional Church at Rio Vista. HEYRY CHARLES LUTLEY. A native of England. Henry C. Lutley was horn in Somersetshire in November. 1866, and by way of Yew York came to California, landing in San Francisco July 3. 1884. He at once entered the employ of Miller & Lux, well-known stock-raisers, with whom he remained for almost a year. He then went to Toombstone, Ariz., where he first engaged as a wood contractor, and later was engaged with his brother William in the freighting business. While in Arizona his brother Frederick was killed by Geronimo's hand, and our subject came near meeting the same fate at their hands. He remained in Arizona until 1887. when he returned to San Francisco. After a period of employment under the Stanford University authorities, he came to Napa county in 1888. and among others was employed by William Denning. Mr. Lutley married Miss Phoebe Denning, a native of Napa county, and six children were horn to them: Harry F... Robert Y.. Herbert I!.. Winifred F.. Bessie 11. and Ruth. The three older children are attending grammar school and show much proficiency in their academic pursuits. In Yapa valley Mr. and Mrs. Lutley have made for themselves a comfortable home. Mr. 318 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Lutley farms one hundred and seventy acres, a part of the Maycamus Rancho, three acres of this being vineyard, two acres orchard, twenty acres alfalfa and pasture, and the balance in grain. Fifty head of horses and cattle and twenty head of hogs constitute the stock of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Lutley are turkey fanciers and have a very fine breed of Bronze turkeys. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows, and politically is a Republican, and his religious support is given to the Episcopal Church, in which institution he was brought up in his native land. Popular and progressive, Mr. and Mrs. Lutley are becoming better known every day and they and their family have access to the best homes in the community in which they live. HENNING E. BERGH. D. V. S. One of the representative sons of Sweden has contributed to the citizen- ship of Suisun since 1909, in the person of Pfenning E. Bergh, a veterinary surgeon whose skill and ability in his profession have enabled him to' build up a large and profitable practice. He was born in Skane, Sweden, July 20, 1883, the son of Olof Hansson Bergh, who was a man of considerable promi- nence in legislative affairs in his native country, being a member of the lower house of the Swedish congress. Henning Bergh was given good educational advantages, which included a course in the gymnasium, and after his school days were over he served two years in the Skane Hussar Regiment of the Swedish army. Following his service in the army Mr. Bergh became interested in the study of mechanical engineering, getting his training in a machinery manu- facturing plant in Landskrona. His proficiency in the business led to his promotion as traveling salesman for the company, an arrangement that was mutually agreeable and profitable, but which was terminated when Mr. Bergh determined to come to the United States at the request of the company. Going to Chicago, he was fortunate in securing a position with the McCor- mick Harvester Company, while in their employ diligently endeavoring to adjust himself in his line of business as conducted in this country. It was while he was in the employ of this company that he resolved to take up the study of veterinary surgery, and after the decision was made he lost no time in carrying out his plans. With this idea in view he came to San Francisco in March, 1904, and in the following year he entered the San Francisco Veterin- ary College, from which he graduated in 1909 with the degree of D. V. S. In April, 1909, he successfully passed the examination of the state board, and equipped with his diploma he was qualified to open an office and begin the practice of his profession. It is interesting to mention in passing that Avhile taking his course in college he procured the means for his tuition by working in the Palace hotel, and during the earthquake and fire he was able to be of untold value to the management, not the least of his accomplishments in this catas- trophe being the saving of jewelry belonging to Col. J. C. Kirkpatrick to the amount of $25,000. While the Palace hotel was occupying temporary quar- ters at the corner of Post and Leavenworth streets he was serving in the capacity of night clerk, twice during this time being instrumental in saving the hotel from fire with the aid of the fire department, his prompt discovery of the fires and alert handling of the same until the arrival of the department undoubtedly saving the building from total destruction. It was in August, 1909, that Dr. Bergh came to Suisun and opened an office for the practice of his profession. That his choice of a profession as well as his choice of a location was wise, has been demonstrated in the three years that he has made this city his home, and not only has he been favored from a professional standpoint, but he has also enjoyed life in a larger and fuller way in the accumulation of congenial friends and associates, who find HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIKS 321 in him qualities of strength and manhood too rarely seen in this work a day world. In San Francisco Dr. Bergh was married to Miss Selma Mclin. a native of Oland, Sweden. Two children have been horn to them, Esther Svea and Henning Emil, Jr. He is a member of Odin Lodge No. 393, I. O. O. F., in San Francisco, and is also a member of the San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association and the frater- nity of Lambda Xn. of San Francisco. HENRY PETERS. One of the most extensive and prosperous ranchers in the Sacramento valley of whom we have knowledge is Henry Peters, of Dixon, whose opera- tions are not confined to Solano county but extend into Yolo county. He bears the reputation of being the largest sheep breeder in the entire Sacra- mento valley, a reputation which is rightfully his, as a further perusal of his life sketch will prove. A native son of the state, he was born near Dixon, February 21, 1876, one of the five children comprising the family of G. Henry and Katherine (Scheel) Peters. (A sketch of G. Henry Peters will be found elsewhere in this volume.) Henry Peters was educated primarily in the public schools of Dixon, and he completed his scholastic training with a course in Heald's Business College in San Francisco, graduating therefrom in 1892. He then returned home and was given the superintendency of his father's ranch, a position for which he was well qualified, notwithstanding the large responsibility which it involved, and when his father died two years later he still continued the man- agement of the estate for five years. In the meantime the youngest son had attained his majority and the property was divided among the heirs. Follow- ing this Henry Peters carried on horticulture and farming near Vacaville for a number of years, or until 1900, when he began making a specialty of raising grain at Maine Prairie. In the following year he established the nucleus of the sheep industry that has since grown to such large proportions. Mr. Peters' home place comprises fourteen hundred and seventy-five acres, two and a half miles east of Binghampton, which when he located upon it was virgin soil, and its present state of development is therefore due to his own personal efforts. Besides erecting a commodious residence and three large barns he has fenced the entire acreage. The land included in the homestead, however, is only a fraction of the acreage that is under the control of Mr. Peters, the land which he rents for grain raising and grazing including nine- teen thousand nine hundred and forty acres. Of this fourteen hundred and forty acres are in grain, as follows: eight hundred acres of the G. S. Woods tract and six hundred and forty acres of the Cutter Paige tract, both of these properties adjoining the home ranch. The eighteen thousand five hundred acres which he leases for grazing purposes are as follows: forty-one hundred and twenty acres of the J. X. Garnett land in Yolo county; twenty-five hun- dred acres in Solano county belonging to the same estate; fourteen hundred and forty acres of the Carmichael tract in Yolo county; eight hundred and eight yacres of the R. Mason Smith land in Yolo county, adjoining the Garnett place: six hundred and forty acres of the McLaughlin Company land in Solano county: nineteen hundred and twenty acres of the Winters Development Company's land in Yolo county; three thousand acres of the J. H. Peterson tract in Yolo county : and four thousand acres of the Sweitzer tract in Yolo county. Altogether the acreage under his control includes twenty-one thou- sand four hundred and fifteen acres, probably the largest tract under the con- trol of one individual in the Sacramento valley. Mr. Peters plows his land IT 322 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES with steam traction engine and the same motive power is used with his com- bined harvester in gathering the crops. Mr. Peters makes a specialty of raising the Merino and Shropshire strains of sheep, from ten to twenty thousand head constituting his herd. During the summer and fall he is obliged to lease considerable land on Ryer Island over and above that already mentioned to properly care for his large herds, in the care of which he employs from fifteen to twenty-five hands. Mr. Peters makes a specialty of mutton sheep, breeding for size and wool. He well merits the distinction of being the largest sheep raiser in the Sacramento valley and throughout this section of the state he is a recognized authority on the sheep industry, and is a valued member of the Pacific Coast Breeders' Association. Mr. Peters' marriage united him with Miss Bertha Wolfe, a native of Silveyville ,and they have one child, Henry Elwood. Fraternally Mr. Peters is well known. He was made a Mason in Silveyville Lodge No. 201, F. & A. M., at Dixon, is also a member of Dixon Chapter No. 48, R. A. M., Vacaville Commandery No. 38, K. T. ; Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco,' and with his wife is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge at Dixon. He is also a member of Vallejo Lodge No. 559. B. P. O. E., Vacaville Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Franklin Lodge, K. P.. of Vacaville. In his political views Mr. Peters is a stanch Republican. JOHN D. MAIER. The city of Vallejo is fortunate in the possession of one who embodies so many admirable traits of citizenship as does John D. Maier, who is a native son of the state, and who has been a resident of Solano county since he was seven years of age. Born in Oroville, Butte county, April 26, 1859, he is a son of John D. Maier, who was born in Germany, and who as a young man left the Fatherland in the early '50s for the land of golden opportunity. Coming direct to California, he was attracted to Butte county on account of the mining outlook there, and he continued to follow this calling there for a number of years, or until coming to Solano county in 1866. In the home he established in Vallejo his earth life came to a close. John D. Maier was a lad of seven years when his parents removed from his birthplace to Vallejo, and in the public schools of this place he received a good grounding in the essentials of learning. To this foundation he has con- tinued to add by observation and reading of good literature and today he is intelligently informed on all of the important subjects with which the world at large is concerned. When his school days were over he was ambitious to engage in business and thus begin his independent career, and in accepting the position as street sprinkler in Vallejo he undertook a business which he was destined to follow for twenty years. At that time the sprinkling of the streets Avas done by private contract with the property owners. After giving up this business Mr. Maier was employed for a number of years in the Mare Island navy yard in the capacity of boilermaker. During a portion of the time Mr. Maier was engaged in filling the sprink- ling contract in Vallejo he was employed in the winters in the survey of the water system from Green Valley. Not only was the work interesting in itself, but the knowledge and experience later became a financial asset, when, in 1908, he was offered the position of assistant superintendent of the Vallejo water works, and care-taker at the head of the water works in Green Valley. In this responsible position he has the care of four miles of watershed, which he watches jealously to prevent trespassing or the pollution of the water. His duties also include the supervision of both lakes in the Wildhorse valley, as well as the pipe line to Cordelia, and the line from Green Valley falls to Vallejo. Those who have seen Green Valley falls are loud in their praise of the beauty which the spot presents. The pure sparkling water supplied to the HISTORY OF SOLANO WD X \PA COUNTIES 323 residents of Vallejo rolls over a cliff aboul one hundred feet high, rising above which arc basalt cliffs hundreds of feel in height, all of which combines to make the source of the waterfall seem like a huge howl. The sides of the cliffs are lined with trees, shruhs and ferns, all adding to the witchery of the place, which is conceded to be one >>i the beauty spots of California. It is a sight which would well repay many miKs of travel, and the citizens of Vallejo are not only to be congratulated upon the possession of such a beauty spot in their midst, but also upon the abundance and purity ^i the water which they enjoy. Mr. Maier has occupied his present position with the water company since April 1. 1908, and that he is the right man in the right place goes without saying, judging from the satisfaction which is accorded his services. Mr. Maier's home at No. 932 Capitol street. Vallejo, is presided over by his wife, whom he married in San Rafael as Miss Mamie E. Pincombe, who was born in Vallejo. They have one child. Edna. By right of birth in the state. Mr. Maier is eligible to the order of Native Sons of the Golden West, and he is proud oi the fact that he assisted in the organization of Vallejo Parlor No. 77. which has been in active operation since March 6. 1886, and which he has served as president. Politically he is an independent Republican. At one time Mr. Maier was a member of the old hook and ladder company in Vallejo, and for one term was treasurer of the fire delegation. Personally Mr. Maier is a man who enjoys the respect and admiration of his fellow citi- zens win* are appreciative of his ability in a public capacity, and also of his splendid traits of character. HORACE GREELEY BELL. Born in San Francisco,. July 16, 1860. Horace G. Bell is the son of Abraham and Anna (Blackburn) Bell. The former, a native of Boston, Mass.. came to California in the early '50s, and followed his trade of a con- tracting plasterer in San Francisco, where he died in 1867 at the age of fifty- five. I lis wife was born in the North of Ireland, and died in Petaluma in 1902, aged eighty-four years. After the death of her husband she reared her son to manhood's estate and gave him the best education and advantages that were possible. In 1869 she moved to Petaluma. where Horace G. was reared: his education was obtained in the public schools of that city. At the age of nineteen he was employed by David Walls at Haystack Landing, below Petaluma. and it was while thus engaged that he became imbued with the desire to follow the life of a sailor. One year later, 1880, he secured a place on board the steamer Pilot, Captain Graves, and soon became mate and was aboard her when she blew up on Petaluma creek, above Lakeville, May 25. 1883. eight of the passengers and one of the crew being killed. The Herald was chartered in her stead and he was employed in the same capacity, under Capt. Nathaniel C. Gould, until the latter had completed the steamer Gold. On this new vessel he became first mate and later was made pilot. In 1886 he became master of the steamer Zinfandel, Capt. X. H. Wulff, owner, and ran her between Xapa and San Francisco for the following eleven years when he resigned. Following this he was master of different vessels about the bay until he was employed as master of the Hercules by the DuPont Powder Co., plying between Hercules and San Francisco for the following three years. In l'^ll he entered the employ of the Xapa Transportation Company as master of the St. Helena, and is making regular runs between Xapa and the metropolis. The marriage of Mr. Pell occurred in San Francisco, and united him with Miss Mary A. Graham, a native of New York state. They became the parent- of two children: Randall, engaged in the poultry business on his father's ranch in Cedar Grove Park in Petaluma: and Sophia. Mrs. T. Hoi- 324 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES land, living in San Francisco. Mrs. Bell died in San Francisco, September 5, 1910. Mr. Bell was made a Mason in Amity Lodge No. 370, F. & A. M., San Francisco; he is a member of the Masters' and Pilots' Association No. 40 of the same city. Captain Bell is well and favorably known in shipping and business circles on San Francisco bay and its tributaries, and by his kindly smile has won and retained many friends. CHARLES F. BROCKHOFF. Standing among the foremost of the younger generation of Napa county's prosperous citizens is Charles F. Brockhoff, a resident of St. Helena. He was born in Napa county, June 6, 1880, the son of Charles H. and Emma (Hillens) Brockhoff, natives of Germany; the former crossed the plains with an ox-team train in 1861, coming via Denver. On this trip they experienced a number of skirmishes with the Indians, in one of which a man was killed and a number of cattle stampeded. Via Virginia City, Nev., Mr. Brockhoff went to Oregon, and, locating in Jacksonville, worked for four years in the brewery business. From there he went to San Francisco in 1865 and entered into several com- mercial enterprises that proved successful. Now a resident of Alameda, he owns a thirty-five-acre orchard and vineyard and fifteen acres of pasture and timber near St. Helena, which his son manages. The parental family num- bered six children, those besides Charles F. being William A., Emil M., Emma, Sophie and Minnie. William married Laura Thoman and has three children; Emma married Herman Brinzer and resides in Yreka ; Minnie is the wife of Justin Werle and has two children. Charles F. Brockhoff remained with his parents until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to San Francisco and obtained employment with a well-known firm, with which he remained for five years. Coming to Napa valley at the end of that time, he has since had the management of his father's property near St. Helena. His marriage united him with Miss Gertrude Rowson, a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Brockhoff have made many friends in Napa county. AMBROSE FRANCIS SCOTT. One of the early settlers of Solano county was Walter Scott, who was born in Pine Plains, Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1846, and came to California via Panama in the early '60s. He first engaged in the cattle business, and later took up ranching on property which he purchased in Solano county. Here his wife, who was a native of Ireland, passed away in 1884, and here also he died in October, 1909. The son of Walter Scott, Ambrose Francis Scott, was born in Maine Prairie, Solano county, in 1872, and received his education in the public school. His first employment was on a ranch, and at the age of eighteen he began working in a dairy. Having a liking for the sea, however, when twenty-five years old he embarked on a sailing vessel and ultimately ran a schooner of his own for three years with great success. About eight months after giving up the sea-faring life he moved to town and was elected city marshal, discharging the duties of this position for two years, after which he accepted a position with the telephone company, and for the last five years has had full charge of the Power Company's plant. In addition to this he holds a position with the Electric Company and is superintendent of the Water Company and the fire department, and for five years he was in charge of the ways at Rio Vista. In 1904 Mr. Scott married Mrs. Emma Lewis, a native of Sweden, whose parents are now living in Monterey county, Cal. By her first marriage she had HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 327 one daughter, Viola, attending the academy a1 Rio Vista. Of her tnarri with Mr. Scotl two children have been born, Francis Lucina and Julian Bernard. Politically Mr. Scott is a Republican. He is a member of River View Lodge No. 165, K. of 1'.. of Rio \ ista, and al one time was president of the Order of Native Sons. Civic righteousness, equity and principles oi morality are Mr. Scott's watchwords, for he earnestly desires the advancement oi the community in which he resides. WILLIAM EGBERT SMITH. The life of W. Egbert Smith began in Finesville, Warren county. N. J., December 13. 1836. and closed in Napa, Cal.. May 6, 18* >S. the span of his life covering sixty-two years and being tilled with activities of various kinds, always directed toward progress both for himself and for his fellow-men. I [e was ambitious as a lad. not content to gain merely surface knowledge, but desirous of acquiring a broad and thorough education. In his school work he was diligent and faithful and on completing the curriculum afforded by the grammar schools of his native place he took a course in the Collegiate Institute at Charlotteville. X. Y.. and prepared himself to follow the profession of a teacher. He taught school in the east until 1865, when he removed to Savannah. Mo., where he engaged in the manufacture of stoneware. Three years later he accepted the position of principal in the city schools and after serving in that capacity for two years he moved to Deer Lodge, Mont., to accept a similar position in that city. There he became imbued with the mining spirit of that district and in the summer of 1875 he went to Butte City and spent some time prospecting for mineral lodes in the Summit Valley district. After locating and recording The Banker, Clear Grit, Oro Butte, Silver Smith, Jersey Blue and other properties, now patented mines, he began development on- The Banker lode, producing silver ore of a high grade, and in the fall of the same year built an arastra for the reduction of his ores; this was the first arastra built in Montana. In 1876 he became associated in the ownership of mines with Harry B. Kessler and the partners were very success- ful in their mining enterprises. One of the earliest successful efforts in the reduction of silver ore in the Summit Valley district was made by the arastra owned and operated by Smith and Kessler of Yankee Doodle Gulch. Their arastra was run by water power day and night, winter and summer, without cessation, for five years, commencing in 1876. The water was taken from the creek in a covered ditch, only five hundred feet long, to a fifteen-foot overshot water wheel under cover, and never froze, even in that extremely cold climate, so that work never had to be suspended on account of the tem- perature at any time during the period mentioned. The daily capacity of the mill was one and one-half tons of crude ore. The net profit was about $20,000 annually. On the death of D. Anson Ford, the postmaster at Butte City, in December. 1878, Mr. Smith accepted that position and in the spring of 1879 was appointed to the office by President Hayes and re-appointed by President Arthur in 1883. Mr. Smith's marriage occurred May 9, 1883, uniting him with Miss Rose M. Roff. a native of Xewark. X. J., the ceremony taking place in that city, where Miss Roff was visiting her uncle. II. Ailing. She was the daughter of George and Abby M. (Ball) Roff. of New Jersey, her father being a cousin of George Ward of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of one son, Egbert A., who was educated at Stanford University, and is at present in charge of a ranch two and a half miles northwest of Napa, which is named Rosemont, as a compliment to Mrs. Smith. Egbert A. Smith was married in Berkeley. Cal.. June 2. l'»10, to Miss Anna Holmes of Kellogg, Sonoma county: they have one child. Anna Dalrie. 328 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Politically Mr. Smith was a Republican, and being a public-spirited man and well equipped for public service, it was but natural that he should have served his country in an official capacity. For two years he held the office of territorial superintendent of public instruction of Montana, to which position he was appointed by Gov. B. F. Potts in 18/9. Mr. Smith came to Napa in 1887 and established his home on Napa creek, northwest of the city of Napa. His first purchase was a property of fifty acres, but he later added to this until he had in all one hundred and seventy-five acres. At present there are one hundred acres in orchard, as follows : Twenty in walnuts, fifty in prunes, ten acres in apples and peaches, and twenty acres in almonds. The fertility of the soil and the excellent care which is given the orchard, are indicated by the fact that from five acres of peaches fifty-five tons of fruit were taken, in addition to that wasted. Re- cently twenty-five acres have been planted to cherries. Mr. Smith planted one hundred acres of trees on the place and otherwise did much to develop the property and place it in its present splendid condition. Mr. Smith was a strong temperance man, and advocated teaching the American youth total abstinence, believing that to be the most successful manner in which to combat the evil of intemperance. When Frances E. Willard first visited Montana he introduced her to the public and he and his wife entertained her at their home. Mr. Smith was a man of considerable literary and intellectual attainments, being an authority on educational mat- ters, and also a fluent speaker, so that he was enabled to voice his opinions in a manner that gave them weight with his hearers. He was a firm sup- porter of church schools. Being engaged in agricultural pursuits he took an active interest in farmers' organizations. He was president of the Farmers' Club, in which he gave practical and material help in the reading of a paper on "Frost and Its Prevention," and in various other ways assisted the club in its work. He was withal a useful citizen, a broad-minded man who was talented in many ways and who was always eager to have others benefit be- cause of his ability. ALRIK HAMMAR. Naval service covering more than a quarter-century has given Mr. Ham- mar the advantages of travel in various parts of the world and the opportuni- ties afforded by an intimate knowledge of the different nationalities. Of the entire time of his identification with the navy fourteen years were spent at sea and it was his privilege during 1898 to be stationed on board the Olympia when Admiral Dewey made his famous charge upon Manila. Other engage- ments of the Spanish-American war were participated in by him and since his removal to Vallejo he has been prominently identified with Lawton Camp No. 1, Spanish War Veterans, of which he now acts as surgeon. During the period of his service at sea he was honored with election as commander of the Army and Navy Union on the U. S. S. Yorktown, and in that responsible position proved himself an ideal leader. For his life-work Mr. Hammar was fortunate in securing the best of educational preparation. Born at Kalmar, Sweden, in 1863, he received his primary education in the schools of his native land and later matriculated in the University of Lund, Sweden, where he studied with assiduous devotion and commendable success. Going from there to Germany he studied success- ively in the Universities of Greiswald and Heidelberg and enjoyed exceptional advantages in those ancient and famous institutions. Striving for still further intellectual advancement, after he came to the United States in 1884 he studied for one year in Columbia University, leaving that institution in HISTORY OF SOLANO WD WI'A COUNTIES 329 February <>t' 1885 to outer the United States naval service as an apothecary. In that capacity he continued until September 15, 1898, when he was ap pointed pharmacist For twelve years he served under an assignment at the China station. The first association oi Mr. I laminar with California came in 1899, when lie was appointed on duty at the medical supply department at Mare Island navy yard and arrived at his new station on the 15th of December, thai year. For a considerable time he continued in the position, but eventually ill health forced his temporary retirement, and Ma\ 8, 1905, he was sent to Fori Bayard, Xew Mexico, for treatment. Two years later, having recovered his health, he returned to Vallejo and immediately was ordered to duty at the naval hospital at I. as Animas. Colo., and assisted in the completion of that famous institution, after which he returned to Mare Island. March 14, 1910. Re- suming his former duties in the medical supply department, he still remains in that capacity and shows the fidelity, energy and accuracy characteristic of him in ever}' association of life. In addition to his commendable success in the government service Mr. Hammar has risen to considerable prominence in the Masonic order. For years he was identified with Naval Lodge Xo. S7, 1". & A. M., of Vallejo, and Naval Chapter Xo. 34. R. A. M.. also of Vallejo, in which latter he is past high priest. Naval Commandery Xo. 10, K. T.. of Vallejo. has the benefit of his efficient labors as past commander. During the Masonic conclave held in San Francisco in l n 04 he was at the head of the Naval Commandery of Vallejo and no spectacle connected with the pageant was more imposing than the display made by this branch of the order. For some years he has been a member oi Islam Temple, A. A. O. X. M. S.. at San Francisco. At this writ- ing he acts as patron oi Silver Star Chapter Xo. 3, Eastern Star of California, ami gives to the organization the benefit of his varied experience in all details connected with Masonic observances. He is also a prominent member of the Vallejo lodge o\ Elks. Mr. Hammar's marriage, solemnized in 1905, united him with Miss Lillian M. Bond, who was born, reared and educated in Vallejo, Cal., being a graduate of Irma Seminary. She is the only daughter of Jonathan and Mary G. (Clark) Bond, who came from Xew Hampshire to Vallejo in 1862. Mrs. Hammar's only brother. Dr. F. T. Bond, has been a prominent physician and health officer of Vallejo for over ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Hammar are the parents of a daughter. Kalmar. who was born in Silver City, Xew Mexico. Hammar's Xaval Pharmacy is one of the most modern, creditable and beautifully fur- nished drug stores in Vallejo, and is located at X T o. 414 Georgia street. Mr. Hammar has not lost his fondness for the water, but retains his love for all forms of pleasure that take him again to the ocean, the lakes or the rivers. When the Vallejo Yacht and Boating Club was organized he took an active part in it- inception and for some time afterward he served as a member of the board of directors. By the people of Vallejo he is well known and highly honored. Hi- attainments are recognized by a large circle of acquaintances, all of whom unite in bearing testimony to his strength of character and breadth of mmd. CONRAD RUMP. The story of the life of Conrad Rump covers a comparatively short period thus far. but nevertheless it furnishes interesting reading for old and young alike. A native of Germany, he was born in Lueneburg, Hanover, April 21, 1873, and was brought up in the city of Hanover, attending the public schools and there laying a good foundation for his later life. At fourteen year- of age his learning from text-book- was completed and his education in the 330 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES world of experience began. At this youthful age he apprenticed himself to the carriage builders' trade in Hanover, continuing this for three and a half years, when he was equipped to do journeyman work and applied himself to this in Germany and Holland for a number of years thereafter. The year 1892 found him among the immigrants who landed on our shores, but instead of remaining in the east he made his way to Wisconsin, and in the northern part of that state he found ample opportunity to apply his knowledge of the carriage-maker's trade. Subsequently he went to Milwaukee and followed his trade, but the same spirit of unrest that had brought him to the United States was again aroused within him and in April, 1894, he set out for the far west and in due time arrived in the metropolis of the Pacific coast, San Francisco. There, as in Wisconsin, he found no difficulty in applying his trade, but nevertheless he did not remain there long, for about four months later, August 22, 1894, he made his advent in Vallejo. Work was apparently awaiting him in the carriage manufacturing plant of G. B. Kennedy, for he immediately took a position there and during the two years he was connected with the business at that time he had full charge of the carriage works. October of 1896 found Mr. Rump on board steamer bound for South America, a trip which he undertook with no fear, for thus far experience had proven that wherever he might go he need have no anxiety about securing work at his trade. This proved to be the rule in Guatemala, Valparaiso and Santiago, in all of which places he was able to apply his trade. From the last-mentioned city he set out on a trip over the Andes mountains, making his way through this mountain fastness on foot through the Upsalata Pass. He and his companions followed the trail to Argentine Republic, and in the province of Mendoza Mr. Rump remained for a time, presumably to replenish his purse, for it is recorded that he found work at his trade there as he also did in Buenos Ayres, whither he later went. In the latter port he embarked on a vessel bound for London, England, and later re-embarked for the port of New York. After a short visit in Milwaukee, Wis., he returned to California in 1898, satisfied with his experiences abroad, but better satisfied than ever before to resume his duties and obligations in the golden west. For the first three months after his return to the state he was employed in Oroville, after which he came once more to Vallejo and resumed his position with G. B. Kennedy. After remaining two years more with his old employer he felt justified in undertaking the management of a plant of his own, and on the corner of Marin and Carolina streets he established a carriage and blacksmith works that was a source of profit for a number of years. Having outgrown these quarters, in 1902 he removed to his present location, erecting carriage and blacksmith shops suitable for his enlarged business. As an outgrowth of his original business and in order to keep up with the demands of the times, he erected a brick garage in 1910 at the corner of Marin and Capitol streets. Not only is he prepared to manufacture and repair wagons and carriages of all kinds, as well as blacksmithing, but he is equipped to do automobile repair- ing and is agent for many of the best-known makers of horseless carriages and trucks. In his repository may be seen a full line of Studebaker, Studebaker & Garford, E. M. F. and Flanders cars, United States Motor Company's lines, Maxwell and Columbia cars ; also the Haynes and International motor wagons, besides a full line of the best makes of carriages and wagons, agricultural implements, traction engines and road machinery. In 1908 Mr. Rump incor- porated his business under the name of Vallejo Carriage Works, with himself as general manager and secretary, Theo. Rump, president, and David Jeffers, vice-president. From the foregoing account of Mr. Rump's activities it would be but reasonable to suppose that his time and energies would be exhausted, but not so; he is also interested in horticulture and farming, and owns an apple orchard 3 <* HISTORY OF SOI WO VND NAPA COUNTIES 333 adjoining Napa which is a credil to himself and to the community. Another interest which commands his attention is the growing of eucalyptus trees for commercial purposes, and as president of the Vallejo Eucalyptus Company he has been instrumental in accomplishing much along tins line. The com- pany has a tract of one hundred and eighty lour acre-- near Napa Junction set out to this rapid growing tree, and in a few years it i- expected large returns will result from the undertaking. In San PranciSCO Mr. Rump was married to .\liv- Mary Rittlcr. a native of Munich. Germany, and two children, \ era and Jack, have been born to them. Mr. Rump was a member of the board of freeholders that framed the new city charter, a forward movement in which he was greatly interested and one in which his influence and co-operation were appreciated. Fraternally he is a member oi the Odd Fellows order, being past grand of his lodge; is identified with the Knights ^i the Maccabees, the [J. P. C. E. and the Herman Son-, of which he is past president, and he is trustee of the Golden State Lodge, I. O. O. F.. and treasurer of the Golden State Mall Association. Politically Mr. Rump is a Socialist, and on the ticket of this party he was at one time candidate for the senate and assembly. In addition to the affiliations above mentioned he is also a member of the Merchants' Association and the Solano Automobile Club, in both of which organizations he is a valued and influential assistant, as he is indeed in whatever project he lends the weight of his influence. WILLIAM GOOSSKX. Of German descent. William Goossen was born in Green valley township, Solano county, in 1858. his parents being the first German settlers in the Suisun valley, and the father was the first Republican voter in this township. At his death Mr. Goossen owned three hundred and five acres of land, on which his widow lives, now in her eighty-sixth year. After an education in the public schools William Goossen began working on a farm and also in the fruit business. When he was only fourteen years old he started out on his own account, gradually fitting himself for the greater responsibilities of life. His first independent venture was on a rented orchard, and after following horticulture until 1898. he then bought one hundred and ninety-one acres of land adjoining Cordelia, to which he has since added by purchase, until he now has four hundred and twenty-eight acres of as fine land as one could wish for. the whole being devoted to grain raising and pasture. Besides raising horses, cattle and hogs for the market, he permits the hunting of game on his premises, maintaining a hunting club for this purpose. His property is traversed by the Pacific power line and is steadily increasing in value. Mr. Goossen's marriage. November 12. 1892. united him with Miss Lizzie Dunker. a native of Germany, who on coming to this country first settled in Germantown. Glenn county, Cal.. and the same year came to Cordelia. The eldest of their five children. William, born in 1893, was educated in the public schools, besides taking a course in Heald's College, and a course in mechanics; Freddie, born in 1896, also had a public school education ; Marguerite, born in 1897. is a graduate of the school in Green valley; and Emma, born in 1899. and Walter in 1902. are both in school. William Goossen is a man of prominence in his locality, and besides being fish and game commissioner, has for the past two years been roadmaster. As was his father before him. he i- a Republican, belongs to the Good Templar-, and with his wife is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Goossen has just completed a fine residence in Cordelia, where he resides with his family. He has risen to hi- present position because of his genial 334 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES personality and his readiness to work hard for the attainment of any specific end. Civic righteousness is his joy, and every measure for the advancement of the community in which he lives receives his unqualified endorsement and assistance. HON. ABRAHAM JAY BUCKLES. The name of Buckles needs no introduction to the people of Solano county, for the strong and admirable traits of character of Judge Buckles are rooted in the history of the county and state and in the legal profession, of which he is a brilliant member; his name is a synonym for probity and justice. The lineage of the family is traced to Virginia, where the great-grandfather of Judge Buckles fought in the defense of the colonies against the Mother Country. The spirit of daring and enterprise which had brought this immi- grant to these shores was bequeathed to his descendants, his son settling as a pioneer in Ohio, where he reared his family. Among the children was Thomas Newton Buckles, who was born near Dayton, Ohio, but who in later life settled in the adjoining state of Indiana and in Delaware county con- tentedly tilled the soil until the attractions of California drew him to the west. Crossing the plains in 1852, he carried on mining for a number of years, but finally settled down to the labor of former years, and on a farm near Dixon, Solano county, he rounded out a long and eventful life. In young manhood he had married Rachel Graham, she also being a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Porter Graham, who was born in New York, his wife being a native of Ireland. Mrs. Rachel Buckles died in Indiana, having become the mother of five children, only two of whom are now living. The eldest of the family, Francis M., was in the Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and lost his life in Nashville, Tenn., while in service. Next to the oldest of the children in the parental family, Abraham Jay Buckles was born near Muncie, Ind., August 2, 1846. His boyhood and youth were passed in the vicinity of his birth, and such school privileges as the locality offered he took advantage of. These were meagre, however, and as circumstances made it necessary for him to assume the responsibilities of his own maintenance at an early age, it is only justice to say that he is largely self-educated. He was a lad of fifteen years when the tocsin of war called able-bodied men to the defense of the country, and in June, 1861, he was among the number who responded to Lincoln's first call for three-year men, being attached to Company E, Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Mus- tered in at Indianapolis, his regiment became a part of the Army of the Poto- mac, and as a member of the Iron Brigade he took part in the second Battle of Bull Run. In that engagement he was shot through the thigh and was confined in the hospital for three months, after which he again offered his services and took part in the first and second battles of Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville and Gettysburg, being attached to the color guard. It was his ambition to be the color bearer of his regiment and for that reason stationed himself on the left so that he would be next to the bearer and ready to take the colors in case the color bearer was injured. The bearer was wounded in the morning, and young Buckles promptly picked up the colors, which he proudly carried until the afternoon of the same day, when he, too, was wounded, having received a shot through the right shoulder. Handing the flag to his comrade next in line, he was taken from the field and was confined to the hospital for several months. His anxiety to be in the field of action once more secured his release before his wound was entirely healed, but he was able to resume his old post as color bearer and was serving in this capacity in the Battle of the Wilderness, when he was once more disabled, this time being shot through the body. As before, in spite of his intense suffering, he HISTORY OFSOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 335 did not allow the colors to disappear, handing the flag to young Devilbuss, who lost his life soon afterward. \t the Battle of the \\ ilderness Hie regiment became scattered in the rush through the woods, and inasmuch as he could no field officer, Color Bearer Buckles led the charge himself, the nun mptly following, and in the conflict Mr. Buckles received what was thought to be a mortal wound, being shot through the body. In spite of the fad thai he badly wounded as to be given up for dead, he managed to make lu> the rear, when the ambulance came up and he was taken to the temporary hospital. The examining surgeon pronounced his case hopeless and would not even probe the wound, the same being true of his treatment in the held hospital, to which he was later removed. Finally, when orders were ted to remove the inmates to Fredericksburg, Buckles sent for the physician and begged not to be left behind. The doetor replied that his orders were strict ami as he had been given up to die, could not be removed. He remon- that the physicians had said two days before that he would die and that he found himself no worse, and Anally obtained the promise that if he could stand when the ambulance came he would be removed t>> Fredericksburg and receive proper care. To make the promise good, Buckles Stood, with the aid of Mick- for crutches, and was taken to the hospital, and a- soon as his wounds were given attention he began to recover. lie was able to rejoin his iment before the Battle of Petersburg, having been promoted and com- missioned second lieutenant. During all this time, however, his wound was still open and remained so until early in 1870. While on skirmish duty, March ; . he was again wounded, this time in the right leg. which necessitated amputation -even inches from the body. Mis honorable discharge followed two months later. May 15. 1865, after the close of the war. He was awarded a medal of honor by congress for meritorious conduct upon the battlefield of the Wilderness. May 5. 1864. lie returned to his home in Indiana, battle scarred and disabled, ami as yet a mere boy in years, not nineteen years old. After his return he attended school in Mtmcie for nine months and obtained a certificate to teach. In the meantime he had made up his mind to prepare for the legal profession and for a time continued teaching and studying law. In the spring of 1875 lie was admitted to the bar and immediately thereafter can; ilifornia and located in Dixon, Solano county. Opening an office for the practice of his profession, the recognition of his exceptional ability and justice in the handling of legal complications was apparent from the first, and was the forerunner of a large and influential clientele. Substantial recog- nition of his ability came to him in 187'>. when he was elected district attorney county under the new constitution, and at the close of his first term he was re-elected, serving altogether over five years. In 1884 he received the nomination for the office of superior judge and as the successful candidate he took the office in January, 1885, and for over twenty years thereafter he held the office continuously. In April. 1605. he was appointed by Governor Pardee from the superior bench as one of the judges of tin- appellate court for the third district, and after the close of his term he again took up the law. at this time locating in Fairfield. As on former occasions he I in building up a commendable practice, but he was n"t long allowed t" confine his attention to private practice. Judgl Devlin, who had I superior judge in l'>08. held the office jusl one month and twenty day- when pressure of private business made it necessary for him to resign, whereupon lletl appointed Judge Buckles to fin the unexpired term fudge Buckles' marriage, December 5. 1.H65. united him with Mi^s Louisa B. Conn, who was born in Mum ie. Ind. Two children were born to them, Addie Jessie. Mr-. I'.. F. Cassidayof Vallejo, and Lola I'... Mrs. George Donald Sacramento. Judge Buckles keeps in touch with his comrades of war 336 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES days through membership in Gen. Sol Meredith Post No. 176, G. A. R., at Fairfield. He is a prominent figure in Grand Army circles, and in 1890 was department commander of California and Nevada. He is also a member of Suisun Lodge No. 78, I. O. O. F. ; Suisun Lodge No. Ill, K. P., of which organization he is past grand chancellor of California, and Vallejo Lodge No. 559, B. P. O. E. He is a member of the California Commandery of the mili- tary order of the Loyal Legion. It would be superfluous to add further com- ment in praise of the life and accomplishments of Judge Buckles than is por- trayed in the account of his war and legal record. He is a man of irreproach- able character, tenacious and loyal to every cause that he espouses, and all who know him love and honor him as a man among men, one whom it is a privilege to call friend. JAMES A. KEYS. Many of the fine old families of the south enjoying affluence before the war, found themselves almost depleted of worldly goods after the close of the Civil war, and naturally turned to the far west to recuperate lost fortunes. Among those who came to sunny California was James A. Keys of the Suisun Lumher Company of Suisun, Cal. He was born just at the close of the war, in December, 1865, in Montgomery county, Tenn. Being left an orphan he determined to seek opportunities in the new country on the Pacific coast, and in 1882 he came to Solano county. He became a pupil in the public school at Denverton, near Suisun, which was to become the scene of his manhood's activities. With that thirsting desire for education which char- acterizes the true Tennesseean, he was not satisfied with what a country school afforded him, so he entered St. Mary's College at San Francisco. After his graduation at that college he returned to Denverton, where he found employment in the general store of Dr. S. K. Nurse. A year later he engaged in the lumher business, which has held his attention for twenty-two years. From its small beginnings the Suisun Lumber Company has gradually ex- tended its business until it is a big factor in the community, and Mr. Keys, as its head, and still a young man, may be pointed out as an illustration of the ultimate success which rewards determination and hard work. Mr. Keys was one of the organizers of the old Solano County Bank, which was nationalized in January, 1912, as the First National Bank of Suisun, and has been a director since its organization. He also had great faith in the agricultural resources of the county, as is demonstrated by his ownership of ranches to the extent of five hundred acres east of Suisun, where he is en- gaged in raising grain. In addition to his other interests he is vice-president and manager of the Rochester Oil Company, which, while exploiting for oil on the Freitas lease, struck a large flow of natural gas. This was found in commercial quantities and has been piped to Suisun, Fairfield and Cement, supplying the citizens with gas for cooking and lighting. Mr. Keys has always been an active adherent to Democratic principles and for many years has been a member of the county, state and central com- mittees, and ever since being a voter has been a delegate to county and state conventions. In 1900 he was chosen delegate to the national Democratic convention at Kansas City, Mo., where William J. Bryan was nominated. In 1904 he was again a delegate to the national Democratic convention at St. Louis at which Alton B. Parker was nominated, he also being a member of the committee on credentials, and he took an active part in the results and deliberations of that body. Elected treasurer and tax collector of Solano county in 1894, he was re-elected to the same office in 1898. At the close of this term he again proved his popularity as a public office holder by being elected sheriff of the county in 1902, in which capacity he served one term. HISTORY OF SOLANO AM) NAPA COUNTIES 339 Mr. Keys lias not neglected the social side of life, being a member oi \ allejo Lodge, B. P. O. E. In 1889, Mr. Keys was married to Miss Laura E. Goodwin, and to them were horn five children: Marguerite. Genevieve, Emetine, Madeline and I.ueile. After the death oi the mother of these children lie married, in 1 ( W. Miss Agnes Crimin. HON. JACKSON F AY BROWN. The opportunities that Solano county offers to energetic men find no hotter illustration than in the life of -Hon. Jackson Fay Brown, who was one oi the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers in this section of the state. The homestead on which he lived for many years is a model of its kind. In vvs; he erected a residence containing eighteen rooms and equipped with every modern convenience. ' The place is built upon a rise and a fine view of the country for miles and miles around can be obtained. When Mr. Brown came here first there were no trees and the place was uncultivated, and it now presents a very different spectacle and indicates the vast amount of work- entailed in placing it in its present condition. There are fruit trees and a vineyard in a high state of cultivation, as well as an abundance of water for irrigation. At the time of his death Mr. Brown owned three thousand acres of good land (having given to his children as much more), and the largest residence in the agricultural district of the county. Mr. Brown was horn in Chittenden county, Vt., October 7, 1835, a son of Reed and Electa (Fay) Brown, representatives of substantial old families of Xew England. During his boyhood he worked on the farm and attended the district schools, and at the age of twenty-one he decided to seek his fortune in the far west. Accordingly, in 1857, he came from the Green Mountain state via the Isthmus to California, and being familiar with the dairying business, he sought employment in that industry. For fifteen months he worked on a dairy near Petaluma, Sonoma county, receiving $40 per month for his services. On account of physical disorders he was obliged to seek another location, and. going to Marin county, he continued to work as a dairy employee for two years. With the money he thus saved he bought twenty- five head of cattle, paying S60 per head for six cows and $40 each for the balance. In the year 1861 Mr. Brown came to Solano county and bought a quarter section of land where his son Arthur J. now resides. At the time of the original purchase there were only two settlers in the vicinity. In the redwoods of Marin county he split timbers, posts and shakes, which he brought in boats to Maine Prairie Landing, from there hauling it to his claim and building a 12x14 house. About a year later he brought another consignment and built a new house 16x24. He originally started in the dairy business, and from this he branched out into general farming and stock-raising on a large scale. The butter from his dairy was shipped to San Francisco by water, and in the latter place it commanded the highest market prices. During those first years it was a constant struggle for Mr. Brown to make the advances he desired to make. Water was pumped by hand and in other ways manual labor had to be used where, in these days, machinery does the work. He remained in the dairy business for thirteen years, meanwhile caring for his ranch land, plowing and sowing barley and oats, for the latter in early days receiving three cents per pound. For some time he devoted most of his energies to wheat raising, but later made a specialty of barley. As he pros- pered he added to his property until his possessions aggregated three thousand acres, the land being largely used for the pasturage of his stock, for he owned about five thousand head of sheep and two hundred hogs, as well as a large number of cattle, horses and mules. 340 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Politically Mr. Brown was a Republican ; he served for many years as county supervisor, filling that office with great credit to himself and his con- stituents; for three years he held the office of deputy county assessor, and in 1888 was nominated for the assembly, to which he was duly elected and served the session of 1889. After coming to Solano county he was married November 13, 1862. to Miss Eliza Hopkins, who was born in Cambridge, Vt. Her father was Hiram Hopkins, a native of Vermont, who spent his last days with his daughter, Mrs. Brown, dying at the age of eighty-one years, three months and twenty-one days. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of eight children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are Arthur J., Homer G., Lillie May, Lulu Irene and Clayton H. Mr. Brown's death occurred April 23, 1910, the widow and children mourning the loss of a kind husband and father, and the community a citizen who had its welfare at heart. CHARLES ASHWELL. The experiences of a long life of intelligent activity have brought to Charles Ashwell in advancing years many memories that bring pleasure to his hours of ease. The city of Vallejo, as he recalls its appearance at the time of his arrival in 1876, was a small hamlet insignificant in commercial importance and unpromising as to future development. Then, as now, the climate proved a valuable asset in attracting newcomers, and other induce- ments brought a steady influx of settlers to identify themselves with the growing community, so that the foundation of a permanent civic prosperity was laid in the early clays of material upbuilding. While plying his trade at the Mare Island navy yard he has found leisure for participation in the local movements of importance, and has proved public-spirited in his devotion to his adopted city. The Ashwell family comes of English lineage. The first to migrate to the shores of America was George, who settled in Canada and remained there until his death. After he had come to the new world he married a young Canadian girl, Mary Springer, who survived him, dying in Canada in 1905. Two sons are living at this time, one of whom, Daniel, remains in Canada and makes his home in London. Charles Ashwell, who was born in London, Canada, September 18, 1844, was reared on the old homestead near London until at the age of eighteen he crossed into Michigan, where, in Lexington, Sanilac county, he served an apprenticeship to the trade of a cabinet-maker. While working at his trade in Michigan he married. June 9, 1869, Miss Lydia Goodall, a native of Canada, and a woman of gentle dis- position and fine mind. Her death, which occurred at Vallejo in 1893, was mourned by a large circle of friends. In all the relationships of life she was mild and gentle. No harsh judgment fell from her lips. No word of unkind- ness from her ever bruised the heart of a fellow-being. As a mother she was wise and loving, and the two children who survive her (one having pre- viously died) hold her memory in the deepest affection. The son, Charles Irving, has been connected with the postal department at Vallejo for a number of years. The daughter, Ray, Mrs. Charles C. Bowman, makes Vallejo her home. Some years since Mr. Ashwell relinquished his work at the Mare Island navy yard and entered upon a period of leisurely enjoyment of his comfortable home in Vallejo, doing little work except such as is suited to his advancing years and congenial to his tastes. He still retains considerable stock in the Pacific Fruit Canning and Evaporating Company, which has a large plant at Newcastle and its main office in San Francisco. Other investments return him a neat income and give to life's afternoon the material comforts of which HISTORY OF SOLAN* I AND NAPA COUNTIES 341 he is so deserving. For a long time he ha^ been actively connected with Naval Lodge No. 87, F. & A. Si., at Vallejo. While ho has never cared for official honors and has not been a candidate for any position at an) time, he nevertheless is loyal to the welfare of the city, solicitous for its growth, devoted to its progress and a contributor i" enterprises for the general up- building. CHARLES GLOS. ( >t" all of the residents in Nana county perhaps none has entered more fully into the hardships and privations of frontier existence than have Charles (d<>- and his self-sacrificing, helpful wife, to whose early experiences in the region there befell the trials >>\ pioneering. Notwithstanding their hardships they look back upon that time with pleasure, remembering only its joys and pleasures, forgetting its pains and perils. Indeed, their affection for their mountain home became so intense that only the educational needs of their growing family induced them to return to the valley. Born in Bavaria, Germany. May 10. 1858, Charles Glos received a fair education in the excellent schools of his native land. When a mere lad he bade farewell to family and friend- as he departed from the old country. On the 15th >>i May. 1874. he landed in New York City, whence he crossed the continent to San Francisco and secured employment as a clerk. Ultimately he acquired the management <>f a meat market on Montgomery and Market streets. While living in that city he married Miss Annie- M. Ureitch. a native rermany. During 1885 they came to Napa county and took up a homestead • •f one hundred and fifty-one acres on the mountain side, reached by a trail -<■ winding and so filled with underbrush that Mrs. Glos held a flag aloft so that her husband could keep her in sight. For one-half year they lived in a tent ne occasion Mrs. Glos killed three rattlesnakes. Deer and bear often fell beneath the trusty rifle of Mr. Glos. and in one evening he killed seven skunks. while he also had to his credit the killing of many wild hogs and wild goats. In that lonely place Mr-. Glos and the children frequently remained alone for weeks at a time, yet never were they molested and seldom did they feel the least fear. As the land was brought under cultivation and a vineyard of four- teen acres had come into bearing, while trees gave an abundance of fruit in season, the family became greatly attached to their mountain home and their feeling of security was strengthened when nine families, one after another, moved into the neighborhood. However, there was a lack of educational advantages. Their oldest daughter. Louisa M.. was sent to a convent school in San Francisco and. after an attendance of two years, was graduated with honors. During 1001 the family removed to St. Helena in order that the children might attend school, and pleasurable as were their sensations in the new home purchased there. Mrs. Glos went as she bade a last farewell to the beloved place that for -' > many years had been their home. The Glos family originally comprised ten children, of whom the following attained mature years: Charles J., who married Mabel Stice. and ha- one son: Fdward J.; Lester I".: Louisa M.. Mr-. I'. F. Dado, who has two children ; 342 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Elsie M. and Virginia M., who remain with their parents on the farm. After four years in St. Helena the family bought thirteen acres in Napa valley, moved to the new purchase and sent their younger children to the Rutherford district school. Their property, purchased at a cost of more than $4,000, has been greatly improved under their supervision. The small cottage has been enlarged, a barn has been built and a large number of fruit trees have been planted, besides which three acres have been brought into alfalfa. The family hold membership with the Roman Catholic Church, and fraternally Mr. Glos affiliates with the Woodmen of the World. Though interested in public affairs, he is not a partisan and maintains an independence of views in politics. For almost five years he was a member of Battery C, Second Artil- lery, California National Guard, and in every respect he has proved loyal to the country of his adoption. PATRICK DINEEN. Among the Irish residents of California we herewith present the name of Patrick Dineen, who was born in Ireland, March 17, 1846, and descended from an humble but old and honorable family of the Emerald Isle. Unable to secure even a common-school education on account of the family poverty and dis- couraged by prospects as a farmer there, he left Ireland in 1871, crossed the ocean to the United States and during 1872 landed at Vallejo, his present place of residence. At that time the old horse-car road, the first street railroad to enter Vallejo, was in process of construction, and he secured employment as a laborer in grading the Main street cut. Next he worked on Mare Island for Charles Murphy, a contractor, who had been given a contract to build the first modern dry dock on the island. The young Irishman's work was in the excavation of dirt, and with the aid of a team of five mules he ploughed a hole forty-five feet deep. From there he went to the hydraulic mines at Smartville, Yuba county, and the Pictolas mine in the same locality. After a brief interval of employment with a threshing machine crew on Sherman Island in the Sacramento river, Mr. Dineen became an employe of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and utilized his knowledge of civil engineering and surveying in his labors in resurveying the railroad fences from Vallejo to Knights Landing. Later he worked as a section foreman in the San Joaquin valley for a time, returning to South Vallejo July 9, 1876, and shortly afterward embarking in the liquor business, which he still con- ducts. In the interests of South Vallejo he has been a tireless worker and his efforts in that direction have earned him the title of "Mayor of South Vallejo." To his determined efforts was due the connection of the two towns with sidewalks, a measure that aroused much opposition in the town council, but was successful nevertheless. For twenty years Mr. Dineen served as treasurer of the South Vallejo fire department. Through his efforts the steam engine, the Yellow Jacket, was installed in South Vallejo, and this engine, lately remodeled, is now in splendid working condition, as fit for prompt response to fire alarms as when first secured for that purpose. For two terms he served as a member of the board of trustees of Vallejo and for a similar period he acted as president of the board of health. During 1883 he was united in marriage with Miss Katherine O'Brien, a native of Ireland. They are the parents of four children. The eldest, Timothy P., is a machinist at the Mare Island navy yard ; he married Miss Anna Reidy of San Francisco, and has one son, Ignatius. James, the second son, is with his father. Marie E., the only daughter, is a young lady of excellent education; and Vincent P., the youngest son, graduated from the Vallejo high school in 1910, and graduated from the commercial depart- ment in 1911. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 345 WILLIAM MORS]-. FISHER. The value of horticulture as a profit producing adjunct t<> the varied activities of the farmers of Napa county has been proved in so many instances that the experience of William Morse Fisher is needed less to prove that point than to depict his success in developing the old home place where he was horn and reared. To an unusual degree prosperity has rewarded his efforts. This result may be attributed to his energy, determination and intelligent application to whatever duty is hefore him. Early in life he became convinced that the soil and climate ^\ Napa county were suited to the production of fruit, particularly oi prunes, which accordingly he has made his specialty. His orchard of one hundred and fifteen acres comprises prunes almost wholly and recently lie planted twenty acres in a new prune orchard. From his old prune orchard the average yield is five tons of green fruit to the acre, but during the season of 1910 he took one hundred and twenty tons from fifteen acres, which stands listed among the record yields of the state. Born in 1865 on the farm where he now lives, William Morse Fisher is a sou of the late William A. and Sarah (Atwood) Fisher, and is a grandson of John and Elizabeth Fisher, descendants of ancient Scotch families. His father was born in Rosshire, Scotland, March 13, 1820. and at the age of ten years accompanied his parents to Upper Canada, where he grew to manhood upon a farm and latter took up agricultural pursuits on his own behalf. During the year 1850 he left Canada and went to New York, where he boarded a vessel hound for California and, after a voyage lasting a little more than three months, he arrived in San Francisco during September of the same year. For twelve months or more he worked at the gold mines, after which for a season he farmed near Marysville. From January of 1853 William A. Fisher was identified with the history of the Napa valley. Immediately after his arrival he bought a tract of raw land, but this he sold the following year. For twelve months he engaged in the purchase and shipping of grain at Napa. At the end of that time he removed to a farm he had previously purchased, the same comprising a tract of three hundred and fifty acres situated two miles northwest of Napa on the St. Helena road. The former owner had been C. Fry and the land was devoted to the raising of stock and farm products. During 1864 the new owner brought a bride to the country home and the young couple began house- keeping in the little farm house, where the following year their eldest child, William Morse, was born. The father remained there until his death in 1898, meanwhile engaging in general farming and taking a warm interest in all movements for the uplifting of the community. Principles of sound policy were advanced by him. From the organization of the Republican party he aided and sustained its local work. In the co-operative movement for the advancement of all interests connected with agriculture, he intelligently per- formed his part and to general progressive projects he contributed his quota. In the list of the pioneers of the county his name justly occupies a prominent place After studying for some years in the schools of Napa county, William Morse Fi-her was sent by his father to the old Canadian country and there he had the privilege of attending a large college in Toronto. Since his return to California he has remained at the old home ranch, and has devoted his attention to fruit-growing and shipping. During the year 1904 he erected at Union Station, near his home, a large packing plant with every equipment necessary and with all the modern machinery for the drying and packing of fruit. In addition to the fruit raised in his own orchards he buys largely from other growers and usually ships from fifty to seventy-five cars of fruit per annum. Such is the care used in the drying and packing that his brands of 18 346 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES prunes bring the very highest market prices in the eastern cities, a fact that furnishes abundant testimony as to his skill in the industry. With his wife, who was Miss Anna Behlow, a native of San Francisco, he has a cozy country home, brightened by the presence of their daughter, Florence, a well-educated young lady, and their son, William D. HON. JAMES McCUDDEN. Whatever of success may have rewarded the resourceful activities of James McCudden and whatever of prominence he attained in the public affairs of his county, such success and such prominence may be attributed to the resolute perseverance which he exhibited in every association of life and to the keen intelligence which guided his investments in the city of his adoption. Always he regretted his lack of early advantages, but he had the compensation of self-reliance and independence developed through the stern struggles of youth. Born in 1837 in County Fermanagh, Ireland, into the home of Michael and Catherine (Smith) McCudden, both natives of Ireland, he began the struggle for a livelihood at an early age. but the necessity for self-support did not prevent the development of a robust constitution and stalwart physique. While a mere boy he determined to come to the United States, but the carrying out of his plan was not possible until he was sixteen years of age. After he had crossed the ocean he secured employment in the city of New York in 1853, and for a few years was employed in a wholesale crockery store, beginning as an office boy and working up to the position of expert china packer. About 1857 he came to California. The expenses of the trip had been so heavy that he arrived in the west almost penniless, a condition that his industry soon changed to one of increasing prosperity. After having saved a small capital through his frugal economy, Mr. McCudden in 1861 opened the Union Hotel at Vallejo. and in a short time he added to his duties those of agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company in his home town, a position that he held until his death. August 12, 1902. The hotel business he finally abandoned and in 1874 he established the busi- ness that still is conducted by some of his heirs. The yard at first was used only for coal, but in 1876 he put in a large stock of lumber and later he opened a meat market. While progressing in the fields of commercial enterprise, he was no less active in local projects and in the councils of the Democratic party. For several terms he served as city trustee and for some time acted as president of the city council. The high estimation in which he was held by others found abundant expression in his long retention as county supervisor and in his election to the California state senate by a flattering majority. As senator he was able to secure legislation of direct interest to the people of Solano county. October 14, 1861, Mr. McCudden married Veronica Horn, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to California about 1857. Two years later her father, Matthew .Horn, came to this state, accompanied by his wife and other members of the family. From the time of her marriage until her death, which occurred March 25, 1906, she remained a resident of Vallejo, where she reared her children and assisted her husband in the building up of a beautiful homestead. Their family consisted of eight children, six now living, namely: Mary A., wife of Webster Edson, of Sacramento; James H., who died December 21, 1896, at the age of thirty-one years; Genevieve, wife of Walter Bollard, of Sacramento; Thomas and Leo, both of whom are married and reside in Vallejo; and Miss Katherine, who remains at the old homestead. The home, which she still occupies, is one of the most beautiful in the locality. When the site was purchased years ago by Mr. McCudden he filled in a part HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 347 of the water front for a lawn, which he adorned with shade trees and broad walks. Rowers in profusion add to the beauty of the place and the bay may be seen through fascinating vistas of foliage. CHARLES BENJAMIN DEMING. In this era of activity, when a restless desire for new scenes leads people from one point to another, it is refreshing to come in contact with one of those honored pioneers who. through long identification with one spot, bestows upon his old homestead an affection that cannot be measured by dollars and cents. Such a pioneer is Charles B. Deming, one of the oldest surviving settlers of Solano county, and the possessor of a unique record in that he has resided on the same farm for fifty-six years, or since the year 1855. Originally sum- moned here by the request of his father that lu take charge of the land, he reluctantly gave up the mining interests that filled his days with variety and a fascinating charm. The country was lonely; settlers were few; of improve- ments there were few or none ; little there was to attract a young man fond of life and enjoying the pleasures of intercourse with others. Yet as the years passed by he found that his love for the place constantly increased. To this place he brought his bride after he had kept bachelor's hall for a long period. Here his children were reared and trained for lives of usefulness. Mere, with characteristic energy, he planted the first orchard for miles around. The venture, critically inspected by others, finally won the commendation of all who witnessed the large harvests of fruit gathered and sold. At this writ- ing he has ninety acres, about one-half of which is in fruit and nuts, a specialty being made of the almond. All of the trees on the place were planted, pruned and developed by the present owner, who has transformed an unattractive tract of land into an abode of beauty as well as a source of profit. Mr. Deming planted a row of cypress trees which have grown very large, hence he has given the [dace the name of Cypress Hill. Born in the city of Xew York. March 29, 1837, Charles B. Deming is a son of Capt. John and Clarissa (Hillard) Deming, natives of Preston, Conn., the father born January 9, 1792, and the mother January 29 of the same year. Their marriage was solemnized in their native city September 11, 1817, and resulted in the birth of six children, namely: Ann L., who was born July 10, 1821. and died July 21. 1857; John F., who was born July 9, 1823, and died in Oakland in 1904; Edward, who was born March 18, 1826, and died March 1. 1X52; Clarissa J., who was born June 19, 1829, and died June 23, 1830; Charles, born October 29. 1832. and deceased November 30, 1833; and Charles Benjamin, whose name introduces this article. The father went to sea at the age of sixteen years in 1808 and rose so rapidly that at the age of twenty-one he commanded a vessel. For a long period he continued to follow the sea, his last ocean voyage being on the United States government ship Iowa, which brought General Riley and his troops to California and cast anchor at Monterey early in 1849. From that place the captain proceeded to Benicia and bought a large tract of wild land, but this he put into the care of his sons, while he himself engaged as a pilot between Benicia. Vallejo and San Fran- cisco. His wife had died in Xew York City, December 18, 1846, and his demise occurred in 1861. Their son. the late John F. Deming, came to California during June of 1849 and for a few months engaged in mining on the north fork of the American river. During December of 1849 he came to Sacramento and opened a general store on K street, but the great flood of 1850 caused him to p.ll of his property. Returning to Xew York City in 1852 he there married Mehetabel Gerow. who accompanied him to California the following year. For a time he was employed as bookkeeper at the Mare Island navy yard, but resigned in 1855 and went back east. Upon his return in 1856 he settled at 348 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the home ranch near Benicia, where he resided until he sold his interest and located in Oakland. Surviving him are two children, Clara and Henry B. While engaged in mining in Meadow valley, Plumas county, Charles B. Deming received a summons from his father to go to Benicia and take charge of a ranch which had been purchased prior to that time. In answer to the request he took up his abode on the estate and here he has since remained, devoting himself with assiduous care to the management of the property, which now belongs to himself and is exceedingly valuable. To this place in 1868 he brought his wife, Mrs. Anna (Jackson) Corwin, born in Washington- ville, Orange county, N. Y., and died at the homestead Cypress Hill, near Glencove, leaving three children, Charles Edward, Minnie and Frances, the last-named being the wife of George Munroe, of Vallejo. The two former reside with their father, aiding him in the management of the place. CHRISTIAN STEURY. Born in Switzerland, June 15, 1859, Christian Steury came to the United States in 1877 as an emigrant on a French steamer sailing from Havre. On his arrival in the new world he worked in a hotel and earned the money necessary to defray his expenses as far as Omaha. There for a time he worked on a dairy ranch. With his earnings he bought a horse, saddle and blanket, and then, in company with four other young emigrants, he started across the plains horseback for California. The usual route was followed along the North Platte, on to Salt Lake, thence across the sink of the Hum- boldt into California, where the party disbanded at Cascade. Securing em- ployment in the mines he worked for eighteen hours a day until he had earned $20. Already he had experienced many troubles since immigrating to the new world and further unpleasant experiences awaited him. While there he was sent to clean out the pipe that was the outlet to the lake that supplied the railroad company and mine with water. He completed the task, but took such a cold it resulted in a paralysis that lasted for many months. He was then sent to Sacramento and put in a hospital, but it was not until a year later that he regained the use of his limbs. Meanwhile his $20, his horse and saddle were stolen, and he was left with practically nothing, feeble in health and unable to endure sustained labor. Seeking light employment Mr. Steury went to Oakland and secured work in a brewery, where he remained for six months, his task being the care of the malt. Next he went to a dairy ranch as a laborer and in 1881 he came to Napa county, where he now resides near St. Helena. At this writing he leases two hundred acres for $1,000 per year and engages in the raising of grain; also has a vineyard of sixteen acres. Four work horses are kept on the farm and twelve cows form a dairy of great value to the net profits of the place. In former years he milked as many as forty-five head of cows and such was his energy that he spent the entire night at the task of milking, while during the day he hauled rock to be used in the construction of the largest wine cellar in the world. He now owns twenty acres three miles south of St. Helena, all in alfalfa. During the year 1892, sometime after he had located on his present ranch in Napa county and after he had experienced many previous hardships in his travels through the country, he was horned by a cow in the eye and lost the sight in it. About the year 1899 his team ran away and threw him from the wagon, breaking his thigh in such a manner that he was left permanently lame. When working on a barn about the year 1904 he sustained a fall in which two ribs were broken and his head quite seriously injured. The marriage of Mr. Steury united him with Miss Mary Thomann, who was born in Switzerland and accompanied her mother and sister to the Xf <^CZjJZj HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 351 United State-, settling in Napa county. The} arc the parent- of four children: Christian I'.. Rosa A.. Lilla M. and Emma A., the youngest still at home with her parent-. Christian F. is with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Rosa A. i- the wife of Frederick Schurtz and the mother of three sons. Frederick, Clifford and Leslie. Lilla M. is the wife of Henry Gilbert, and the mother of one child, Vivian A., the family living in San Francisco. The family hold membership with the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Steury has given to its missionary enterprises as his means justified. Politically, he is a Republican. For twenty years or more he has Keen identified with the local lodge of Druids, and still keeps posted concerning its activities and charities. JOHN STEPHEN MAYES. The life history of John Stephen Mayes, now deceased, who was one of the pioneers oi Solano county. Cal., is familiar to all in this section of the state, and although he had followed ranching pursuits in the vicinity of Dixon for more than half a century, to the very end he maintained an active interest in business affairs and commercial industries. He was born in Princeton. Ind.. March 16, 1829, a son of John and Isabel (McCormick) Mayes. His parents moved to Missouri when he was a child, and it was in that state that he grew to manhood, being reared on a farm. In 1850 he was lured to the it by the mining prospects, and leaving his home he crossed the intervening country to California, where, for two and one-half years, he followed pros- pecting and mining along the American river and other sections of the state. However, he met with but little success, and having to borrow money to come to California, he had to work hard in order to pay this back from his first earnings. Although not successful in his mining operations, Mr. Mayes, was favorably impressed with the country and with the future of the western state, and he felt confident in those early days that California would eventually become a farming country. In the course of his travels he met Eli Emerson, who told him of the vast plains stretching away to the west of Sacramento, where nature produced abundant supplies. In 1856 he came to Solano county and in this section all his interests were centered. He selected a quarter section of land and preempted the same, plowing forty acres of it and sowing barley. His next move was to build a board house, measuring 14x16 feet. In this way. by having things very primitive, he obtained a start on the land and laid the foundation for the building of his fortune. After fencing his land he added stock and fruit raising to his industries. He met with many dis- couragements, and during the dry spell in 1857-58-59, when barley yielded only from seven to ten bushels per acre, he still persisted and won success. He later built a fine residence on his land. From a small beginning Mr. Mayes became a large land owner and successful farmer. Among his extensive possessions was a tract of twelve hundred acres in one piece, also four hundred and eighty acres in another, adjoining Dixon on the west. His farms were well stocked with cattle, horses, -beep and hogs in large number-. Mr. Mayes was twice married, first to Frances H. Hood, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of Monroe Hood, who came to California in 1864 and settled in Solano county, where he died. Mrs. Frances Mayes died in Dixon in 1883. In September. 1884. Mr. Mayes was married to Miss Anna Dunham, a native of Missouri. Two children blessed this union, John S. and Roy D. The former fell from a horse and was accidentally killed when he was ten years old. The latter is the representative of his father. Mr. Mayes passed away in June. 1907. I lis personality was pleasing and his rugged, open hearted manner made him a welcome visitor in any gathering. Behind his unassuming quietness was hidden all the courteous grace and true dignity of the thorough gentleman. 352 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES MADISON SPEAR. To Madison Spear, now deceased, belongs the distinction of having planted the first grafted apple trees in California. One of the trees he planted, now forty-four years old, is bearing today and may be seen in the old garden at St. Helena, Napa county. The annals tell us that Mr. Spear was born in New York state in May, 1815. In 1847 he set out on the trip across the plains with an ox-team train, nine months being consumed before he reached his journey's end. The party met the now famous Whitcomb party just the day before they were killed, on the Oregon trail. The Indians did not bother them and, with the exception of one man killed and one drowned, the party remained intact. When the Spear party reached the head of the Columbia river, they built boats, cutting the wood from the forests for this purpose, and these they sent over the rapids, having loaded them with their goods and some of the party that had fallen sick. Then they commenced to tow the boats down the river. From a party they met coming up river they pur- chased some provisions, paying as much as $50 for a sack of flour. They had a wedding, a funeral and a birth on the trip. Rev. Asa White, father of Mrs. Spear and captain Of the train, performed the wedding ceremony. On arriving in California, Mr. and Mrs. Madison Spear first went to San Jose Mission, remaining there for a few months, and later on located on Humboldt Bay. One of the men crossing the plains in the Spear train brought with him some eastern fruit trees, a small nursery in fact, and from him Mr. Spear succeeded in getting a few hundred of the apple trees, and these he set out in 1851. In addition to planting these trees on Humboldt Ray he also planted some of them in his own garden in St. Helena, Napa county, about 1867. Later Mr. Spear went to Sonoma county and then came back to Napa county, locating in the Hitchcock canyon, where he ran a grist mill for two years. One of the treasures of the family today is the chest of carpenter's tools that the ancestor brought across the plains with him in 1847, it being in the possession of the son on the old home place in St. Helena. Mr. Spear died November 21, 1891, after having lived a useful life and striving, to the best of his ability, to live the principle of the golden rule. In February, 1836, Mr. Spear was married to Miss Jane White, a native of Pennsylvania, and the following children were born to them : Asa, now of Oakland ; Etta, Mrs. Kisler, deceased ; Mary, Mrs. Sewall ; Hattie, Mrs. Haskins, and Edwin C. Spear of St. Helena. Edwin C. Spear was born in 1860 near Healdsburg, Sonoma county, and in youth attended the public schools. Later he assisted his father in the care of the ranch at St. Helena, and after his father's demise he became possessor of the place and now carries it on. The ranch is well cared for and presents a pleasing sight to the traveler. It is twenty-five acres in extent, and culti- vated to prunes, berries and alfalfa. In 1894 Mr. Spear married Miss Laura Bishop, a native of Calistoga, Cal., and they have one son, Roy. Rev. Asa White, the father of Mrs. Jane Spear, was a Methodist Epis- copal minister in Illinois before coming to California. On his arrival he founded and organized the first congregation of the Methodist Episcopal denomination in California, and assisted in raising the money to build the first church of that denomination in San Francisco, known as the Taylor Street Church. It is interesting to chronicle that in his zeal for its success he went into the saloons and gambling places and the men gathered there listened to his request and donated generously. In Humboldt Bay he also started a congregation, besides organizing and building the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Kelseyville, in which he labored until he retired from the ministry. His last days were passed in his home in St. Helena, adjoining the ranch of his son-in-law, Madison Spear, and there he died. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 353 NIELS CHRIST] \N ANDERSON. \ native of Denmark, Niels Christian Anderson was horn in Odcnse, Fyen, April 16, 1851. His boyhood was passed in attending the public schools of his birthplace and also in working on a farm, and in spite of the fact that at the age oi fifteen years he was able to d>> a man's work he received only $4.20 per month. When he was twenty years old he determined to come to the United States, setting OUl alone, and in tine time he came to Sonoma county. Cal. As his health was poor for about two years he was content that he was aide to drive a team, for which he received $1 a day. and he continued this employment until 1876. Mr. Anderson's marriage in Rio Vista. October 8. 1876. united him with Miss Annie Christine Thorhaven, who was horn in Sleswick, when it was under the Danish flag. To this union there were horn nine children, all native sons and daughters. Louise Anderson, educated at the public school and at Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy of Rio Vista, now resides in Rio Vista; she is the wife of James Calahan and they have three children ; Andrew Niels married Minnie Nagle, and is now employed with the Southern Pacific Rail- road at Sacramento, where they reside with their child; William Randolph married Georgia Campbell of Rio Vista, and with his wife and one child lives at home with his parents; Holger Walter married Miss Rosie Bennett, and now has charge of one of his father's ranches on Sherman Island, where he resides with his wife and child; Niels Christian, who married Nell McClaren, has charge of another of his father's ranches on Sherman Island; Edward Albert, educated in the public school, took a course in Hill's Business College at Sacramento, and is now employed as the foreman of the testing room in the Sampson Iron Works at Stockton, Cal. ; Annie Christine, educated at Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy in Rio Vista, is the widow of Xorris R. Mayhood, who died December 20, 1907. and she now resides with her parents; Clarence Clayton, who was educated in the public school and took a term in Hill's Business College in Sacramento, now resides with his parents ; Iva Leora Anderson, educated in the preparatory school in Rio Vista, later attending Mills College. Oakland, is now at home with her parents. After his marriage. Mr. Anderson first rented tule land, and erected his own buildings thereon. During the first three years floods devastated the property, and caused him to lose $3,000. He then rented some high land, but after a good season at the end of the second year, a fire consumed his hay in the Toland warehouse, which was not insured. Not deterred by this second disaster, Mr. Anderson then rented four hundred acres, which he worked for a number of years. He and his brothers then rented three thousand acres for seven years. In 1900 he bought five hundred and ninety-five acres of land, four years later three hundred acres more, still later ninety acres, in 1906 another one hundred and fifty-six acres and in 1911 bought seventy-five acres more; at this time his holdings amount to thirteen hundred and fifty acres. Seven hundred acres of this land are on Sherman Island and devoted to the raising of beans, onions, potatoes and alfalfa. In 1910 the crops from this portion of his estate netted $35,000. beans alone bringing $30,000. The six hundred acres of his estate at home are planted to grain, as well as being devoted to the raising of stock for the market. He also breeds and raises full blooded horses, at the head of which is Louis, a full-blooded imported Norman from France, a beautiful black, twenty-one hundred and sixty pounds, purchased for $4,000, and which is the finest horse in the county. Mr. Ander- son also breeds and raises sheep for the market. His ranch is located four miles west of Rio Vista and is well improved with modern conveniences. Politically. Mr. Anderson is a Republican. He held the position of school trustee for the Toland district for many years. He came to this country with- 354 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES out a dollar, and in thirty-eight years, in the face of great reverses, has amassed more than $125,000. He is a member of Rio Vista Lodge No. 165, F. & A. M., and himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church at Rio Vista. O. E. CLARK. The same characteristics that enabled Mr. Clark to give to his country efficient, patriotic service during the entire period of the Civil war afterward assisted him in the attainment of a gratifying degree of personal success in business. Life presented meager opportunities to him in the years of boy- hood. Destiny had reserved for him a deep bereavement in the loss of a de- voted father at a time when his helpful guidance was most keenly needed. The family had been residents of Erie county, N. Y., and his birth occurred there in 1844, but four years later the father took wife and children to Michi- gan, hoping to better his condition in a new, undeveloped agricultural region. Establishing a frontier home in Kent county, he had started to gain a foothold as a farmer when death ended his labors in 1856, leaving the family with little means in a new country. The widow returned to New York with the children, but in 1861 brought them again to Michigan, and about the same time the son, O. E., enlisted as a member of the First Michigan Regiment of Engineers and Mechanics, attached to the army of the Cumberland. It was the duty of the regiment to build forts, railroads and bridges, but toward the close of the war the men were placed under the command of General Sherman and made the famous march to the sea, later participating in the grand review of troops at Washington. The young soldier returned to his Michigan home with honors deservedly won, and a record for efficiency unusual for one whose majority had been at- tained only at the expiration of the war. Securing employment in his home county he took up the task of earning a livelihood and submerged the thrilling experiences of war beneath the quiet avocations of peace. Although fairly successful he was not satisfied in Michigan and during 1879 he sought the opportunities of the West. His first location was at Leadville. Colo., where he engaged in the lumber business, also in surveying and in mining. From Colorado he came to California in 1890 and settled in Napa, where he had charge of building the electric light plant for the Thompson-Houston Electric Light Company. On the completion of the plant he was made its manager, a position that he filled with marked ability from the first. Transferred by the Thompson-Houston Company to the road as a travel- ing salesman, Mr. Clark made his headquarters at Oakland from 1892 until the fall of 1897, when he was sent back to Napa by the company to fill the position of manager of the electric light works. During the following year the plant changed hands. The Napa Gas & Electric Light Company was organized and he was retained as manager by the new owners. The Pacific Gas & Elec- tric Company took over the plant in 1901, retaining him as manager, which position he continues to fill. Through all the changes in ownership he has been called on to remain in the same position, a fact that testifies abundantly as to the value put on his services and the general recognition of his thorough equipment for this line of work. For twelve years or more he has been identi- fied with the Pacific Coast Gas Association, an organization whose membership comprises representatives of all the gas companies west of the Rocky moun- tains. While still a resident of Michigan, Mr. Clark married Miss Vera M. Hyde, a native of New York, and at the time of their marriage in 1869 a resident of Rockford, Mich., where she had received an excellent education. Their union was blessed with one son, Ray D., born in Michigan in 1872. Coming to Napa HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES .^7 strangers, Mr. and Mrs. ilark soon won the friendship of people of culture and refinement and have continued to be leaders <>f thought in their community. In addition to his business affairs. Mr. (."lark has hern active in several fra- ternities, including the blue lodge "\ Masonry, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. REV. JAMES MITCHELL. \ native ^i Ireland. Rev. James Mitchell was horn in County Down, April 6, 1841. After attending the common schools of his native place he prepared for college at the Belfast Royal Academy, and then entered Queen's College. Belfast, where he took a degree that placed him in a position to advance in his chosen calling. Graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1866, he then passed one year in the Theological College. Belfast, going from there to Magee College. Londonderry, where he took a two-year course. This, together with the year he spent in Assembly Hall. Belfast, gave him a splendid theological education. In 1869 he was ordained pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Curran. County Deny. For four years he was actively engaged in preaching the gospel and attending to a pastorate in that county before he joined the tide of emigration that had set westward from his home land. It was in 1873 that he came to America as a home missionary, whose specific duty it was to assist in the upbuilding of the smaller and weaker churches of his faith. In connection with this work in May, 1873, he came direct to Calistoga. Xapa county. Cal.. where he took charge of a new church that was heavily in debt at the time of his advent. By his able and masterful ability he was successful in clearing a debt of SI. 800 in one year. In connection with his work at Calistoga Mr. Mitchell also held services at St. Helena, and in May. 1874, he organized the St. Helena Presbyterian Church with sixteen members. The congregation now numbers one hundred and the church is free from debt. For twenty years Mr. Mitchell served both churches, but of late has given all of his time to St. Helena. The church property at this place is valued at S8.000. and in addition to the main audi- torium there is a finely appointed Sunday school room, where social gatherings are held during the week. There is no parsonage connected with the church, but Mr. Mitchell owns his own house on Crane avenue, besides which he also has a thirteen-acre prune orchard. At the time he purchased this latter property it was a hay field, but by indomitable energy he has improved it, planting the prune orchard and shade trees, besides building a residence, all of which has greatly increased the value of the property. Mr. Mitchell's marriage in 1883 united him with Sophie M. Alstrom. the daughter of S. Alstrom. an early settler of St. Helena. He it was who buiit the White Sulphur Springs, that ultimately became one of the fashionable resorts of California. Two sons were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell : John A., a civil engineer with the Southern Pacific Railroad at Oakland, Cal.. and James H., a graduate of the University of California and now a post graduate in architecture. Fraternally Mr. Mitchell is a Mason, being a member of the St. Helena blue lodge and chapter. He is a man that takes great pleasure in hunting and fishing and he has spent some leisure time with his two sons in the mountains near his home. Mr. Mitchell has a very strong hold on the people of St. Helena, where his influence is greatly felt, and he is universally called by outsiders to officiate at marriage^ as well as funerals. When the synod met in Berkeley he was unanimously elected moderator of the synod of California, the highest office in the gift of the clergy of the Presbyterian Church in the state. 358 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES JAMES L. MILES. Although Mr. Miles passed from the scene of life's activities many years ago, the impress which his noble, upright life made upon the community in which he lived for so many years, is still felt and reference is often made to the t ; me when he lived and labored among his fellow-citizens in Suisun valley. A native of the south, he was born in Davidson county, Tenn., near Nashville, March 3, 1822, the son of parents who followed farming for a livelihood. The son remained on the farm where he was born until he was about sixteen years of age, when his ambition to earn wages led him to accept a rather menial position on a steamboat plying the Cumberland river. His desire to get ahead in the world made him faithful to any task assigned him and as a result he was honored with advancement and during the twelve years that he followed river boating he worked in various capacities on a number of boats, during the last five years being engaged as pilot. While discharging his duties in this latter capacity, news reached him of the finding of gold in California, and thereafter he knew no peace of mind until he was on his way to the Eldorado. April 5, 1850, was the day that marked the beginning of his long journey to the west, crossing the plains with ox teams, and August 20 he arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville, one hun- dred and thirty-seven days being consumed in covering the distance from the Missouri river. His mining experience was of the average rather than of the exceptional order, a few weeks of the miner's life sufficing to prove to him that his efforts did not lie in that direction. From Placerville he went to Sacramento, looking about in the hope of finding employment, but as none was forthcoming he came to Solano county and arrived in Suisun Valley October 21, 1850, depleted in strength and in finances as well. He was grati- fied to find work awaiting him at $4 a day and by saving his earnings he was able to lay by a neat sum for future use. In 1851 he settled on what was thought to be government land in the valley and began farming, making a specialty of raising potatoes. In July, 1852, he made the first shipment of produce from Suisun on the steamer Ann Sophia, Josiah Wing being the owner and captain. Following a short visit to his old home in Tennessee in 1857, Mr. Miles returned to the land on which he had previously settled in the Suisun Valley. Instead of being government land as he had supposed, it proved to be a part of the Suisun grant claimed and held by a Mr. Ritchie. Those who had in good faith purchased land in the grant came together in their common grievance and in the name of the citizens' league undertook to protect the title to their farms, Mr. Miles being a prominent member and one of the officers of the league. A long and stubborn fight for justice ensued, but the case was decided in favor of Mr. Ritchie and the disappointed settlers were compelled to seek locations elsewhere. In December, 1858, Mr. Miles went to the Montezuma hills and for a time lived near Morse's Landing, two years later removing to a location six miles north of Rio Vista. Eight years later he sold that ranch and in October of 1869 returned to Suisun valley, in July of the following year purchasing the ranch of ninety acres on which he passed the remainder of his life. On December 18, 1851, James L. Miles was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Quentien, who at her death, in 1866, left an only daughter, Mary, also deceased. In 1877 Mr. Miles married Mrs. Melinda Angelina McKinley, a native of Arkansas and the daughter of Edward and Mary (Gregory) Samuels, natives of Alabama. From Arkansas Mr. and Mrs. Samuels removed to Cali- fornia in 1854, crossing the plains overland with horses and oxen, their daughter. Mrs. Miles, then being only two years of age. Mr. Samuels settled on a farm in the upper Suisun valley, and was accidentally killed by a horse when fifty years of age. By her first marriage Mrs. Miles had three children : Samuel McKinley, of Point Richmond, Cal. ; Elizabeth J., the wife of R. Clay- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 359 ton, of Xapa; and Alice Lee. Mrs. William Reams, of Gordon Valley. One daughter, Gussie. Mrs. lloxie, of Sacramento, was born of the second marriage. The citizens of Suisun were drawn together in common sorrow on July 30, 1 ( >00. when it became known that James L. Miles was no more. Their grief was keener from the fact that he was cut off while in the enjoyment of good health, the result of an accident. The buggy in which he was driving to Suisun was struck at the cannery crossing by a west bound Pacific Express train and Mr. Miles was killed instantly. He was mourned as a good citizen and neighbor and as a thoroughly honest man, one who was worthy of the respect which lie enjoyed during his residence of half a century in Solano county. Closely following upon the sudden death of her husband. Mrs. Miles was called upon to mourn the loss of other relatives. In April, 1901, her mother, Mrs. Mary Samuels, died at the age of seventy-one years, five months and sixteen days. In November of the same year a niece was killed by being thrown from a horse: she was Jessie L. Wiley, aged eleven years, three months and fifteen days. A sister of Mrs. Miles. Mrs. Amanda E. Wiley, and the mother of the child just mentioned, died in February, 1903. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Miles has resided upon her ranch of two hun- dred acres seven miles northwest of Suisun. where she superintends the orchards and keeps the ranch up to a high standard. Her orchard consists of prunes, apricots and almonds, and the land not in orchard is devoted to the raising of grain, hay and as pasturage for stock. While the care of her ranch occupies the most of her time, she is not unmindful of those less fortunately situated than herself and is well liked b} r every one. FRANK WOLFSKILL. The privilege of traveling to other parts of the world, nothwithstanding the fact that he has enjoyed a residence in California during the greater part of his life, has been accorded to Frank Wolfskill. one of the well-known fruit- growers of Solano county and a representative of a family honored in action and leaders in pioneer development. Personally he has no knowledge of California as a frontier region. His earliest memories cluster around scenes of refinement, a high civilization and the uplifting influences of a keen general intelligence. Born in October of 1873, he entered into the advantages ren- dered possible by the efforts of the early settlers and received the educational advantages for which the state long has been noted. After having remained at home until 1897. Mr. Wolfskill then took a trip north which lasted three months. Next he started from Seattle for the Argentina and enjoyed a prolonged experience in ocean travel. Following his return to San Francisco he settled in the old home enrivonment and has since leased and operated a fruit farm. The tract comprises forty-nine and one-half acres, of which twenty acres are in fruit and the balance in crops or pasture. During the season of 1910 sixty tons of apricots were harvested from the farm and the crop brought the highest market prices owing to the superior quality of the fruit. Mr. Wolfskill married Miss Myrtle Cooper, a resident of Solano county. With his wife, who has efficiently served as associate matron, he has been active in the work of the Eastern Star. The blue lodge and commandery of the Masonic Order also number him among their members. Independent in his pohtical views, he has never given allegiance to any party nor has he ever been a candidate for office. In his possession are a number of interesting articles sent him by his fathe-. Edward Wolfskill, who is now located at Angel Island in San Francisco harbor. During the period of his service in the Philippine Islands as quartermaster's clerk he was stationed principally at 360 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Mindanao, from which island he sent his son an assortment of woods native to the place, including a block of black ebony wood that had been in the possession of one single Spanish family for three hundred years. He also sent a rifle, a cocoanut raincoat such as the natives wear, and five panels from the old Spanish fortress, Fort Zamboanga. This grim and formidable struc- ture, which cast its frowning gaze over the Basilan Strait and the great ocean beyond, was commenced by the Spaniards in 1635, but was not completed until 1730. From that time it was in constant use as a soldiers' barracks until the occupancy of the islands by the American troops in 1898, when the old building was torn down. EARL GRAY WILSON. There are many to whom electricity is an uncanny spirit, mysterious and unknown. Others, however, possess a natural bent toward the science and are never more interested than when solving the problems incident to its use. To the latter class belongs Mr. Wilson, a young electrician residing in Napa, and known throughout this part of the state as a scientist of promise as well as a practical worker of experience and keen judgment. From youthful years he has been interested in electricity and has given to it the unreserved strength of his intellect, the result being that he has grasped its technicalities with unerring skill. Much of his electrical work has been done in Napa, but he has been called elsewhere to fill important contracts and always he has discharged his obligations with accuracy and skill, proving himself to be a master of his occupation. Born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., September 1, 1880, Mr. Wilson has been a resident of California since 1889, and received his grammar-school edu- cation principally in Trinity county, this state. His father, Friend W. Wilson, a California pioneer of the early '50s, became identified with Napa in that early day and helped in the building of the old Goodman and Revere houses. Later he went to Vallejo and was employed at the Mare Island navy yard. After several trips to New York state he eventually became a resident of Trinity county and there he made his home until his demise. By trade he was a millwright. In his work he was always reliable, energetic and painstaking. Like all pioneers, he was devoted to the land of his adoption and with unceasing pride he watched the early development of his adopted state, contributing to its progress by his own manly endeavors. The first position secured by Earl G Wilson after he had learned the electrician's business was in the electrical department of the mines in Trinity county. Later he worked for the Pacific States Telephone Company in San Francisco, Auburn and Sacramento. Next he entered the employ of the Pa- cific Gas & Electric Light Company as an electrician in their plants succes- sively in Oakland, Woodland and Napa, being with the company in this city for four years. During 1907 he embarked in the electrical business for him- self. The beginning was small. The equipment filled a small room in his home and there he had his office. Gradually the business has increased until now he owns a finely equipped plant on Main street and has been given the contract for all recent public buildings and private homes in Napa. In addition he has installed some of the equipment at the state experimental farm at Davisville, Yolo county, installed several private farmers' telephone lines outside of his home city, also installed a Program clock in the Napa high school, and has had charge of contracts for electricity in buildings in Vallejo and St. Helena. Recently he completed an important contract on the Hagen ranch east of Napa for Mr. Hestahl, and another recent contract was that for the lighting of the Spreckels stock farm near Napa. Notwithstanding a devotion to his chosen occupation that has precluded 'C'&isuC'Cajcjs jr /tyz o^e^C *^6£ HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIKS 363 participation in political movements, Mr. Wilson has found the leisure to grai ifv his inclinations toward fraternal activities. Various lodges of Napa have the benefit of his energetic identification. Included among these may be men- tioned the Independent Onlerof Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective Or- der oi Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and he is also connected as an honorary member with the Pythian Sisters. In this part of the state he is well known as an expert electrician, who commands a broad knowledge of his chosen occu- pation and exhibits in his work the enthusiasm of the young combined with the tact, conservatism and caution of age and long experience. LINDSEY POWELL MARSHALL. The name of Marshall is well known to the residents of Solano county ami vicinity, for here the family has lived for a number of years and has been identified with all that is highest and best in community advancement. A native of Missouri, Lindsey 1'. Marshall was horn in Booneville. January 7, 1843, the son iA Lindsey P. Marshal!. Sr. The father was the descendant of an old Virginia family, members of which later moved to Kentucky, and in Stanford, that state, his birth occurred in 1800. In 1850 he first came to California across the plains, and as stated in the history of Montezuma, be- came the oossessor of the Montezuma ranch. He continued the ownership of this property until his death, although he was engaged in farming near Benicia. He passed away at Rio Vista January 11, 1884. In maidenhood his wife was Sallie M. Knox, a native of Virginia, and in 1820 she moved to Missouri. In 1856 she came to California and joined her husband, and her death occurred in Oakland in 1894. when she was eighty-four years old. The year 1856 found Lindsey P. Marshall crossing the plains with other members of the family, their party being piloted by his oldest brother, John. The family first resided in Benicia, where Lindsey attended school, and in 1861 he graduated from St. Augustine College. He then took up the study of law in the office of Haggin & Tevis of San Francisco, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar. Opening an office for the practice of his profession, he continued to practice until ill-health obliged him to give up further work in his profession, and it was this circumstance that induced him to locate upon his ranch in 1875. The old Montezuma ranch as it is known has been in posses- sion of the Marshall family for many years, and on this ranch was erected the fir^t house in Montezuma township. In its present improved condition the ranch represents much labor, for the owner is a man who believes in employ- ing modern implements and methods in order to bring about the best possible results. FREDERICK L. HUSMANN. The opening years of the twentieth century have witnessed the aroused interest of the government in movements for agricultural and horticultural ex- pansion. Formerly, to the detriment of the country's vast acreage, the na- tional executives held aloof, leaving each land owner to work out his problems by expensive experiments. Xow a unity of purpose is recognized and those who have the responsibility of developing the soil realize that back of them is the government support, which, if necessary, will take form in practical helpfulness. Modern methods have been adopted. Xew offices have been created and men of wide knowledge have risen to fill them, giving their best talents to the promotion of the specialties for which they have been engaged. A comparatively new position, and one whose importance cannot be over- estimated, is that of viticultural superintendent of the United States depart- 364 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ment of agriculture, and since 1907 the occupant of this position in California has been F. L. Husmann, a man possessing a thorough knowledge of vines and grapes. Eminently qualified for the position by natural endowments and wide experience, he already has achieved commendable success in fostering and promoting the welfare of vineyards throughout the state. The best methods of pruning are thoroughly understood by him, as are also the most effective plans for conquering disease among the vines and increasing the output per acre. Born at Hermann, Gasconade county, Mo., December 18, 1868, Frederick L. Husmann is a son of George and Louisa (Kielmann) Husmann, who came to California during 1881 and settled in Napa county. The father took up land and developed a ranch, the management of which afterward was assumed by the two sons, George C. and F. L. Fruit was made a specialty and the raising of grapes interested father and sons in particular. Through long experience they became experts in the industry, and for years they were considered the best-posted men in the county in all details connected with grape culture. During the spring of 1903, F. L. Husmann was called to superintend the pruning of the vineyard of the Italian Vineyard Company, a tract of five thou- sand acres in Cucamonga, San Bernardino county, which has the distinction of being the largest vineyard in the world. During March of 1904 the Mount Diablo Vineyard Company engaged him to take charge of their vineyard in Contra Costa county, and he remained with them until the Italian Vineyard Company persuaded him to return to assume the management of their vast properties. Meanwhile he had attracted wide attention by his successful work in vineyards, and during the spring of 1907 his ability was recognized by his appointment as viticultural superintendent of the twelve government experi- mental stations in different parts of California. The work is new and was inaugurated by the government somewhat in the nature of an experiment, but its success has proved its value as a permanent enterprise. All who have formed the acquaintance of Mr. Husmann in an official capacity recognize his adaptability for his present position and believe in him as a horticulturist with a bright future in his chosen sphere. What the future may hold for him is of course unknown, but judging from the past it may be said that all honors will be worthily bestowed, all responsibilities will be faith- fully discharged and all horticultural advances will be developed by modern methods of work. In the midst of his busy life and many personal duties, Mr. Husmann finds leisure for participation in public affairs and has served with characteristic enthusiasm as a member of the Republican county central com- mittee of Napa county. While his work takes him to different parts of the state he continues to reside at Napa, where he is prominent politically, socially and fraternally, holding an influential place among the lodge members of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. TIMOTHY N. MOUNT. It may be stated as an unquestioned fact that few men in Northern Cali- fornia are more familiar with land values or more conversant with the possi- bilities of land development than is T. N. Mount, who for many years has been extensively engaged in the real estate business at Napa, and meanwhile has had charge of the subdivision of various large properties into lots or small tracts. His long period of residence in Napa has familiarized him with local conditions, while habits of close observation have enabled him to grasp realty possibilities in their minutest details. Narrowness of views is prevented by his membership in the National Union of Real Estate Men of the United States and by his systematic study of conditions as they exist over the entire country. Aside from his interest in his home town from the standpoint of a HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 365 realty agent, he is deeply interested in its civic, educational and moral devel- opment and as a loyal citizen lias contributed constantly to its material up- building. Born in Toledo. Ohio, August 12. 1846, T. \. Mount dates his residence in California from June 16, 1853, when he was brought hither by the Panama route accompanying members >>i the family, the vessel casting anchor in the harbor ^i San Francisco. Ever since May 7, 1857, he has made his home in Napa, of which city he is not only a pioneer, but also a prominent citizen. During boyhood he attended the old Polk Street school, where years after- ward ids children also received their grammar-school educations. It was also his privilege to attend the Napa College. For a time after leaving college he lived on a ranch ^\ six hundred and forty acres in Brown's valley. On his return to Xapa he served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade with A. W. Norton, and afterward secured employment as foreman and bookkeeper <.^i the laekson Lumber Company. Four subsequent years were devoted to agricultural pursuits with a specialty of the dairy business. At the first elec- tion after the adoption of the new constitution of California he was elected constable of Xapa township and for three years he filled this position. Identification with the real estate business began with Mr. Mount's asso- ciation with J. H. Boke, and the partnership continued until the death of Mr. Boke in 1905, since which time the firm of Mount & Son has engaged in busi- ness, the junior partner being John X. Mount, a progressive young man. whose entire life has been passed in this city. The subdivision business has engaged much of Mr. Mount's time and attention. As far back as 1883 he subdivided seven hundred acres, constituting the Coombs tract at Coombsville. three miles northeast of Xapa. During 1885 Coombsville Xo. 2. a tract of seven hundred acre-, was put on the market and later another tract was subdivided known Coombsville Xo. 3. Mr. Mount subdivided the Fly tract of seven hundred acres in 1886 and also put on the market three hundred and fifty acres, form- ing the Parsons tract, situated three and one-half miles west of Napa on the Sonoma road. The Rhodes tract was cut into town lots in 1890, and later the Ficthaler tract in the city limits was subdivided into lots. The present firm put on the market the Pellet home tract of twenty-eight acres, situated near St. Helena, dividing the same into small properties. Their latest subdivision is known as the old Estee ranch or "Hedgeside Farm." comprising five hun- dred and ninety-six acres, located three and one-half miles north of Napa. This large estate was platted into lots varying in size from ten to fifty acres. Avenues were laid out. in order that every lot might have access to the county road. Besides the large realty enterprises of the firm they represent a number of first-class insurance companies, notably the Hanover Fire Insurance Com- pany, the Union of London, the London Assurance, and the Prussian National Insurance Company. Mr. Mount having been agent for the last named for thirty years. During 1871 Mr. Mount was married to Miss Emma V. Jenkins, a native of Wisconsin. They have three children living: John N. ; Mabel S., wife of E. B. Deakin, of Vacaville ; and Edythe E., Mrs. G. B. Maxwell, of Xapa. Fraternally Mr. Mount is a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 23, K. of P., in which he has passed through all the chairs and for fifteen successive years has held the office of master of finances. He has been identified with the Xapa Building and Loan Association ever since its organization, being one of the original stockholder-. LEONARD J. MOWERS. The first thirty years of the life of Mr. Mowers are closely associated with his home town in Kansas He was born in Silver Lake. Shawnee county, in 1866. and received his education in the public schools of that city. He then 366 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES began to prepare himself for his place in life and up to the age of thirty he was employed in his native town and its neighborhood, forming habits of thrift and industry, which stood him in such good stead when he came to California. He came to this state in 1896, and after remaining a short time in San Francisco, came to Vaca valley, Solano county, and was employed at horticulture. As opportunity offered he made some good investments, and today he owns two hundred and twenty-three acres of fine land about two and a half miles north of Vacaville, his shipping point. His orchard of one hundred and twenty acres is principally in plums, peaches, pears, cherries and grapes. The parents of our subject, Jerome and Louisa (Johnson) Mowers, were born respectively in New York state and Illinois, and were pioneers of the Kaw valley, Kan. They now reside in Silver Lake, Kan. Mr. Mowers is a Democrat and for several years has held office as school trustee of Pena dis- trict. Fraternally he belongs to Vacaville Encampment, I. O. O. F., and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World. He is well known in these orders as one who does all he can to promote the welfare of the members and adher- ents of the organizations to which he belongs. In 1900 Mr. Mowers married Mrs. Tina (Rutherford) Wentworth, a native of Kansas City, Kan., whose parents came to Vacaville and here died. The only child of this union, Delbert Austin, was born in 1905. By her first mar- riage Mrs. Mowers had two children, Mabel, Mrs. Chamberlain, of Vacaville, and Helena, of San Francisco. A stanch believer in the power of the Golden Rule to alleviate half of the ills in the world today, Mr. Mowers acts on this principle in the support of measures for the upbuilding of the community or county. CHARLES S. MILLER. A native son of the state, Charles S. Miller, was born at Two Rock, Sonoma county, February 26, 1858, the son of Carlyle Smith Miller, who was born in Erie county, Pa., February 10, 1828. When he was about five years old he removed to Michigan with his parents and later went to Iowa. A still later removal took him to Illinois, residing there until 1846, when with his parents he crossed the plains with ox teams and made location in Oregon. Coming to California in 1849 Mr. Miller followed mining for a time, coming to Sonoma county after this experience and making location at Sebastopol. After farming for a time he engaged in dealing in cattle, driving them to the mines. Returning to the east in 1857, he was married in Galena, 111., to Miss Sarah Farley, a native of County Monaghan, Ireland, born October 29, 1829. Coming to the United States, she settled in Illinois and taught school in Galena. The wedding journey of Mr. and Mrs. Miller consisted of a trip overland and on October 18, 1857, they arrived in Sonoma, and later they settled in Two Rock valley. In 1860 they removed to Marshalls, Marin county, where Mr. Miller was engaged in the dairy business until 1873. In that year, on account of better school privileges, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining Petaluma and there he resided until his death, in 1907. His wife had died in 1904. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are living. The eldest of the children in the parental family, Charles S. Miller, was reared on the coast until 1873, when he went to Petaluma with his parents and was there educated in the public and high schools, graduating in 1881. After his graduation he worked on the home place until his removal to Napa county in 1883, when he bought a grain and hay ranch of two hundred acres on the Sonoma road, seven miles west of Napa. Napa county has been his home ever since, and in the raising of grain he has- been especially successful, besides which he also raises sufficient stock for his own needs. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 369 War Petaluma, November 18, 1890, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Martha E. Benson, who was horn in Appanoose county, Iowa, the daughter of losiah Heath and Mary 1. i \ Yale) Benson. The latter crossed the plains with their five children by the overland trail about 1863, locating near Peta lntna. where Mr. Benson followed Farming until his death. Altogether seven children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Benson, and Mrs. Miller was the fifth in order ^i birth. She graduated from the Petal Uffi a high school in 1880. after which she attended Washington College, thereafter teaching in Sonoma county until her marriage. To this union two children were horn. Gladys 1>., who died in July 1910, at the age of thirteen, and Verna Ruth, who is the delighl of their home. Mr. Miller has always been a friend of education and has served many years as a member >n the board of school trustees of Carneros district. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have many friends in Napa county and vicinity. He is a man who is ever ready to d^ all in his power for the upbuilding of his home county. CAPT. GEORGE CECIL GARDNER. ( me "i the well and favorably known young business men of Xapa county, rge C. Gardner was born in the county, in the Soscol valley, June 21, 1884. a son of George Frank and Dora L. (Hill) Gardner. (For a more detailed account ^\ the family, see the sketch of G. F. Gardner on another page of this work, i G. C. Gardner was educated in the public schools of Napa and to better equip himself for a business career he attended the Napa Business College. Completing his course he accepted a position with Deweese & Gard- ner, searchers >A records and abstractors in Xapa. In 1904 he was engaged as a bookkeeper for one year with F. S. Noves Lumber Co. From 1905 until 1010 he was engaged in the retail tobacco business, meeting" with good suc- In 1 ( >09 he purchased the Fashion Stables and embarked in the livery business and for one year he was interested in both the tobacco and livery business, but the latter was increasing and he disposed of the former to give his entire time and attention to developing and building up a business second to none in the county. His stables are located on First, near Main street, and here he is ever ready to serve all who come to him. Besides the livery busi- ness he has the contract for carrying the United States mail, and conducts a sta^e line to Monticello, making daily trips. Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Matilda Anderlina. who was born in San Francisco, and a daughter. Dorothy Matilda, was born August 31. 1911. In fraternal affairs he is prominent and is president of the Napa Order of Eagles ; past grand of the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows of Napa, and past chief patriarch of Live Oak Encampment, and a member of Napa Canton. To preserve the memory of the pioneers and to promote the well-being of the country he holds membership in Napa Parlor, N. S. G. \Y. He has been very prominent in the National Guard, in which he etdisted June 13. 1901, as a member of Company II. Fifth Regiment Infantry; he was elected first lieu- tenant October 4. 1904. and March 2?. 1905. was elected captain of his com- pany, and had command of the company in San Francisco during the earth- quake and fire of 1906. In May. 1907, the company was reorganized and be- came Company H. Second Infantry, N. G. C. Mr. Gardner continued as captain until March 11. 1908. when he resigned from the service. Llowever, he re-enlisted as a private in May of that same year and in October was elected second lieutenant. After he had completed a ten years' service with the military of the state he resigned in July of PHI. During his connection with the National Guard he assisted in advancing its welfare and maintaining a model company. In business circle> he is well known and. having spent 19 370 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES his entire life in the county, has had opportunity to become interested in its progress. He is prominent in lodge and social matters and has been a con- tributor to those movements that have had for their end the betterment of the general condition of the county at large. He has never cared for official honors, but prefers to give his undivided attention to his increasing business, and in his treatment of his patrons he is kind and courteous. In the estimation of those who know him best and of the friends he counts by the score, there is a bright future ahead for him. With his wife he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know them. WILLIAM PETER ANDERSEN. It would be almost impossible to mention any occupation in which one might engage, that if conducted on fair and square lines would, not only redound to the well-being of those engaged therein, but also to the entire community in which the business is located. This statement is applicable to the Andersen brothers, William Peter and Jacob Christian, who as bakers in the town of Fairfield are supplying their patrons with the best of everything usually made and sold in a first-class, up-to-date bakery. Although both of the brothers are native sons of California, they are the sons of foreign born parents, Mitchell and Maren (Torp) Andersen, both natives of Denmark, the former born February 19, 1833. He is now deceased, passing away in Solano county May 28. 1902, but the wife and mother is still living in Fairfield, now in her seventy-sixth year. The early home of the parents in California was on Roberts Island, Solano county, and there it was that William Peter Andersen was born in April, 1865, being the first white child born on the island. Jacob C. was born in the same place in 1867. The family lived on the island until the eldest son was about four years old, when, in 1869, they came to the mainland and in 1872 they took up their residence in Suisun. With the approach of young manhood when the question of future usefulness and activity had to be thought of and settled, William P. Andersen drifted into the bakery business, and in San Francisco both himself and his brother learned the trade of baker. From 1888 until 1895 they followed their trade in that city and in the year last mentioned they opened a bakery in Suisun. In 1901 they built their present place on Union avenue, in Fairfield, where they have a business house 40x70 feet, two stories in height. William P. Andersen has never formed domestic ties, neither has he ever held public office of any kind, however he is not a recluse nor indifferent to the well-being of his native county and state. On the other hand, he is ever on the alert to do what lies in his power to advance the interests of both, which he deems the privilege and duty of every native son. Fraternally he is asso- ciated with Rincon Parlor, N. S. G. W., and with the Ancient Order of For- esters, while politically he is a Republican. LORENZ THOMSEN. Born under the Danish flag, at Abenrade, Sleswick-Holstein, Lorenz Thomsen began life November 26, 1850. He was reared on his father's farm and was educated in public schools. Going to Denmark in 1870, he remained there for three years, and in 1873 embarked for the United States. After a brief stay in New York he went to New Jersey, remaining for about twelve months, when he came to California. From San Francisco he came to Solano county and near Collinsville was employed on a farm for about three years. Subsequently he went to Contra Costa county and still later to Napa county, remaining in the latter from 1877 to 1893. During that time he engaged in HISTORY OF SOLANO U*D NAPA COUNTIES 371 various lines of business, for eleven years being engaged in the livery busi- ness. Mr. Thomsen had purchased properly in Napa county, but an excellent opportunity offering, he traded this For land in Vaca valley. Solano count). To this he subsequently added fifty acres, and today his holdings consist of one hundred and four acres of good land, of which seventy five are in fruit. This is of such nature that it is profitable for either home use or can be shipped to eastern markets. As an indication o\ the untiring industry of this man we note that he only had thirty-five acres of fruit trees planted when he hecame the possessor of his present property. Since that time he has added to the value of his land in every way and today is one of the most successful horti- culturists oi Vacaville. From a young man without means excepting his hands and stout heart he has risen to an enviable position in his neighborhood and has demonstrated that perseverance and hard work bring their own re- ward. The Twin Teaks ranch nestles in the English hills four and a half miles north of Vacaville, and is one of the valuable orchards of the valley. The fruits to which it is set embrace plums, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, figs and grapes. A- a student of horticulture Mr. Thomsen has become thor- oughly posted in the raising of fruits, and is also informed regarding soil values. The ranch is equipped with suitable buildings, and modern con veniences for the handling and marketing of fruit. In 1901 he took up his residence in Vacaville and from here he superintends his ranch. In 1885 Mr. Thomsen married Miss Ella Errington, who was born near Prescott, Dundas "county, Canada, the daughter of John and Harriet E. (Ser- I Errington, oi English and German descent, respectively. Mrs. Thomsen came to California in 1869. traveling on one of the first trains to cross the continent, (ler mother died in 1894. and her father two years later. Mrs. Thomsen holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and in Rebekah Lodge No. 80, of Vacaville. They have one child, Harry Lorenzo, who was born in Napa City September 25. 1887. and educated in the Vacaville grammar and high schools. He makes his home with his parents and has charge of the ranch. He has the distinction of being the youngest member of Vacaville Lodge No. 83. I. O. O. F. Politically he is a Republican, and in religion he is a Lutheran. CHRISTOPHER SCHAFFER. As indicated by the name, Mr. Schaffer comes from Teutonic ancestry, belonging to that sturdy stock of German heritage early planted in the eastern colonies and long identified with the national upbuilding. The substantial characteristics of the family find evidence in his own modest but noteworthy success, achieved in spite of lack of educational advantages and notwithstand- ing the loss of his father by death when he was a child of only four years. With untiring self-sacrifice the mother kept the little family together until each was able, in turn, to start out to earn a livelihood in the world and now, at the age of eighty-six years, she is enjoying in her Pennsylvania home the comforts justly won by long and arduous toil. In her family there were six children, namely: John; Christopher; Charles, who married Ida Scott and had a family of four children; Lucy, Mrs. John Pensinger, the mother of seven children; Kate. Mrs. Martin Murray, who has four children; and Elizabeth, Mrs. John Porter, who is the mother of three sons. At the age of less than eighteen years Christopher Schaffer left the home where he was born in March of 1859 and where his early days had passed un- eventfully. Crossing the continent by train he settled in Marin county, se- cured employment and remained there for a considerable period. While living in that county he married Mi^s Ella Dillon, daughter of George and Matilda ("Walters I Dillon. }\er father came to America from Scotland in young man- 372 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES hood and made a brief sojourn in Massachusetts, whence in the early 50's he crossed the plains to California. In the same expedition was the young lady, a native of Massachusetts, who became his wife. For years they lived in Marin county. Their family consisted of the following children : William, who married and had one child ; John ; George, who chose as his wife Miss Marv Irvin, and became the father of one child ; Jerome ; Joseph, deceased ; Fannie, Mrs. Charles Reed, the mother of four children ; Catherine, Mrs. Joseph Keiser, who has two children ; Anna, Mrs. Edward Gallagher, who has four children ; and Ella, Mrs. Christopher Schaffer, the mother of two sons, Charles and George. The elder son, Charles Schaffer, now living at Oxnard, this state, married Amelia Micher, and has a son, William C. The younger son. George, married Miss L. Harris, and lives in Rutherford. Removing from Marin county to Bird's Landing, Solano county, Mr. Schaffer engaged in butchering for fourteen years and meanwhile built up an important meat business, notwithstanding the limited population of the local- ity. When he came to the Napa valley in 1903 he bought fifty-three acres, on which there was a vineyard of sixteen acres, with an average production of forty-five tons of grapes. Twenty acres of the farm are in alfalfa, forming a very valuable crop. The balance is in grain. About eighteen head of horses and cattle are kept on the place and at this writing there are also twenty head of hogs, it being the owner's custom to add to his annual income by the regular fattening of a few head of swine. In Napa county he is well known and highly esteemed by the business men. His interest in local progress has been steady and unwavering, but he takes no part in politics aside from casting a Republican ballot at the general elections. WILLIAM W. JOHNSON. One of the contented and satisfied citizens of Vacaville is William W. Johnson, who since 1905 has efficiently held the position of foreman of the F. B. Chandler Lumber Company's planing mill. His earliest recollections are of a home in Wisconsin, for he is a native of that state, his birth occurring in LaCrosse January 1. 1860. His father, Alfred Johnson, was a native of Il- linois, where he carried on farming, as he did also in the vicinity of LaCrosse, Wis., and in Nashua, Iowa, where his last clays were passed. In LaCrosse, Wis., he married Gertrude Kennedy, a native of that city, and there their two children were born, only one of whom is now living, and there also her earth life came to a close. William W. Johnson was a young boy when the family home was trans- ferred from his birthplace in Wisconsin to Nashua, Iowa, and there he was privileged to attend the public schools. His early training as a farmer's son had made him familiar with the life of the agriculturist, and as it did not appeal to him especially, he determined to learn a trade. Choice was made of the carpenter's trade and at the age of eighteen he began an apprenticeship in Austin, Minn, that lasted four years. It was from there in 1885 that he came to California equipped with a working knowledge of his trade, and in Benicia, where he first located, he found no difficulty in finding work in his line, and ultimately became foreman of the planing mill at that place. As an evidence of mutual satisfaction to employed and employer, it may be said that he continued in this position for twenty years, or until 1905, in which year he came to Vacaville and entered upon his present duties, as foreman of the F. B. Chandler Lumber Company's planing mill. Here as in his former posi- tion, his services are appreciated by his superiors, a just tribute to his con- scientious labors. In Dixon, Cal., Mr. Johnson was married in 1889 to Miss Frances Blair, a native of that city and the daughter of James Blair, who came to California HISTORY OF SOLANO \\'l> NAPA COUNTIES 375 around the Horn and settled as a pioneer in Solano county. Seven children have been born of the faarriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, as follows: Ger- trude, Viola, Mildred, William, Agnes, Alfred and Harold. Besides giving his children such advantages as have been within his moans, he has also accumu- lated some property, the most of which is in Benicia. He is identified with a number of fraternal organizations, his name being in the list of members ot the local orders ^i the Independent Order >>i Foresters, Druids and Independent ( >r.br of Red Men. PERRY ANDERSON. Xear Odense. on the Island <( the latest inventions and conveniences possible of application in an insti- tution of this character. In 1889 Mr. McDonald was married to Adelia Devlin, a native of Solano county, and the daughter of John Devlin. Four children have been born of this marriage: Aloysius J., Francis I., Justine E. and Cyril J. Politically Mr. McDonald is a supporter oi Democratic principles and fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of the World, the Foresters of America, and the Independent Order of For- esters. Personally Mr. McDonald is a man of pleasing characteristics, courte- ous, kindly and sympathetic, qualities which have won for him a host of friends as well as a successful business patronage. HEXRY H. HARRIS. Xapa county numbers among her most conspicuous citizens many men who cast their lot with the pioneer interests of the community. Among this class none have been more actively identified with the development of the resources of the county than Henry H. Harris, who is now located on his ranch of one thousand acres, one and a half miles east of Rutherford. In addition to its cultivation and improvement he superintends his other ranch, formerly owned by Harvey Porterfield, comprising three hundred and eighty-six acres, on the Sonoma road, five miles from Xapa, his principal interest there being a dairy supplied by forty-five cows. Henry H. Harris was born near Memphis, Scotland county, Mo., April 24. 1838. a son of Presley F. Harris, the latter a native of Kentucky, where he was reared on a farm. In 1833 he removed to Missouri, taking his family with him. he having married Mary J. Mize in Kentucky. In addition to farming he was employed as a carpenter in Missouri, where he remained until April 1. 1853. when he joined the tide of emigration, setting toward the west. They traveled by ox-teams in a train composed of fifteen wagons, reaching Xapa valley September 24, 1853. Mr. Harris then purchased a land grant located near Yountville, remaining, however, but a short time, when he removed to Oregon. After three years' residence there he returned to Napa county, and later removed to Contra Costa county, where, at the age of sixty-five years, he died in 1872. With the exception of two years spent in Oregon in mining, Henry H. Harris has been a resident of Xapa county since coming west with his father in 1853 at the age of fifteen years. He has followed the example of his father since becoming independent, devoting his time to the cultivation of fruit and the various interests of a ranch. He purchased his present property in the fall of 1870. and the home place now consists of one thousand acres of hill and tillable land. This is said to be the finest prune land in the valley and Mr. Harris attests to this statement. He has fifty acres in prunes, and a portion of this commenced to produce fruit to the extent of six tons to the acre when the trees were only five years old. The same orchard has produced as high as eleven tons to the acre. In 1003 Mr. Harris disposed of $3000 378 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES worth of prunes and in 1911 the prune crop sold for $11,000. For the product of his vineyard, which comprises forty acres, he built a stone cellar 60x104 feet, three stories high, with a capacity of two hundred thousand gallons. .The driveway to his home is lined with black walnut trees which he planted in 1875. He has met with gratifying success in his efforts and has accumu- lated a valuable property and one that adds to the general value of land throughout the community. The marriage of Mr. Harris united him with Lurinda Stice, also a native of Scotland county, Mo., and to them was born one daughter, Minnie M., They have also taken into their family and reared three orphan boys, giving freely of their time and means to those less fortunate than their own child. In his political convictions Mr. Harris is a Democrat, and as an active and wide-awake citizen, interested in the welfare of the entire community, he has been selected at various times to occupy public office. In 1884 he was elected sheriff of Napa county on the Democratic ticket, in a Republican county of seven hundred nominal majority. His popularity was attested by his re- election in 1886. He has also acted as supervisor for six years, from 1878 to 1884, serving as chairman of the board for two years. He was made a Mason in St. Helena Lodge No. 67, F. & A. M. In 1894 he was appointed by Governor James H. Budd a member of the board of managers of the Napa State Hospital and on the organization of the board was elected chairman, serving the entire term of four years in that capacity, and being interested in the upbuilding of the hospital, until today it is one of the leading institutions of the kind in the United States. He has always been greatly interested in the building up of Napa county and has ever been ready to give of his time and means to aid others and to forward those measures that have for their trend the advancement, betterment and moral uplift of the community. ABRAHAM CLARK. Contrary to the old adage, "A rolling stone gathers no. moss," Abraham Clark, born in Buckinghamshire, England, with indomitable will power and a determination to succeed, mastered one situation after another that would have spelled failure to many. He was the son of Abraham and Henrietta (Falkner) Clark, born in June, 1820. Believing that there were more oppor- tunities for success in America than England, they set sail for this country, landing in Oneida county, N. Y., where they remained for one and one-half years, and then went to Frankfort, Herkimer county, where they remained till 1835, then emigrating to Huron county, Ohio. From 1836 to 1842, they lived in Crawford county, then returned to Huron county, where they re- mained for four years. For six years thereafter they farmed in Wyandotte county, then moving to Spring Grove, Green county. Wis., and a year later going to Chickasaw county, Iowa, where Abraham Clark had the distinction of being the first man to turn the sod in that county. He remained there for ten years, and then with his family came across the plains, a five-month journey finally bringing them to Napa county, Cal. Mr. Clark's sole capital was S2.50, and he mortgaged his team for wheat, feed and seed, and rented the farm that is now owned by Fly brothers. One year later he rented the Davis place in Sonoma county, and here had the misfortune to lose every- thing he had made the previous year. Undaunted by his failure, however, and $1000 in debt, he still struggled on. In 1866 he located in Berryessa valley, remaining there four years, when he rented a thousand acres in Colusa county and carried on agriculture successfully for two years. With the means he had been able to accumulate he returned to Berryessa and purchased a homestead of seven hundred and twenty acres, to which he added from time to time until >B| ^N HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 381 he bad thirteen thousand acres in the valley, in 1880-81 he built a palatial residence, in which he passed his remaining years, dying March () . 1891. I lis w ife died in l l '0°. Mr. Clark was married, November 5, 1845, to Electa Jane Snider, who was born in Cayuga county, N. Y.. January 28, 1820, the daughter of Jacob and Lena (Daugherty) Snider. Six children were born to them: Alonzo Curtis, born in Wyandotte county, Ohio. February 15, 1848, was married in May. 1877, to May Y. Stafford; Norman, born February 27, 1854, lives in Napa: Reuben was horn in Chickasaw county, [owa, December 16, 1855; Amanda J., born in Chickasaw county, [owa, June 29, 1858, is the widow of lohn Anderson. >.A Napa valley; Henrietta, also born in Chickasaw county. November 4. 1860, is the wife of J. \Y. Hani-, of Napa; and Alice, horn in Berryessa valley, May 17. 1867, became Mrs. G. McKnizea, and died in Rer- rvessa. leaving three children. Vbraham Clark was gifted with a remarkable memory and his stories of pioneer days were replete with vivid touches of pathos and human interest. Through the many years o\ struggle and privation, encouraged by the counsel and sympathy of his courageous wife, he strove dauntlessly on till he reached his goal. His ranch i^i thirteen thousand acres of productive land, under the management of his sons, bespeaks the thrift and character of their parents. He was a Democrat of the old school. Napa county may well be proud of this tine example of good citizenship and the sterling qualities that led to his great achievements have won the respect and admiration of the entire com- munity who now mourn his loss. JOHN HOLLENBECK. The experiences of John Hollenbeck are not limited to the narrow confines Solano county: indeed, memory carries him back to other days and other states. He was born in Xew York, August 2. 1834, and at the age of ten years moved with his parents to near Geneva Lake, Walworth county, Wis. That was the home of the family for ten years, during which time the son received his education in the public schools, and also became familiar with farming as conducted in that section of country. With the knowledge and experience obtained up to this time he set out for the west in 1854. when he was twenty years of age. The journey by ox-train from Wisconsin to Cali- fornia consumed six months and was not devoid of troublesome experiences, for the Indians attacked them and one of the party was killed at their hands. A halt was made at Council Bluffs, then only a small trading post, and from there to Salt Lake City occupied almost three months. At the latter place the party ran out of provisions and had to subsist on boiled wheat three times a day until they arrived in California. On reaching his destination Mr. Hollenbeck worked out as a farm hand at Courtland. In 1864 he was enabled to mike his first purchase of land, ami today he owns more than three hundred acres of rich land "ii Ryer Island. His firsl crop was a yield of onions from two acre- that netted him S2.000 in 1864. and to this start he gives credil for his splendid success. He still raises onions, besides beans, potatoes, alfalfa. grain and hay. There is also a fine section of the ranch reserved as range for the horse- and cattle which the owner raises. Mr. Hollenbeck'- first marriage occurred in 1864 and united him with Miss Mary Mehan. a native of Ireland. Of the seven children born of thi- marriage, five are living, a- follow-: James, part owner and captain of the dredger Grand Island; Mary Elizabeth, Mr-. Hampton, of Ryer island; John. engineer on the dredger Grand Island: and George I. and Daniel I*'., both farmer- on the island. September 17. 1878, the mother of these children died, and in 1880 Mr. Hollenbeck married Mi-- Mary Bird, a native of Boston, 382 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Mass., and the four children born of this marriage are Lizzie K., Mrs. Kelley, of Ryer Island ; Gertrude, Albert H. and Ethel, the three last mentioned still at home. Mr. Hollenbeck was one of the prime movers in organizing Ryer Island as a reclamation district. The whole island is now enclosed by a dike and about twelve thousand acres are approximately sixteen feet high, assuring almost perfect safety from floods, as it is now several feet higher than any flood. Politically Mr. Hollenbeck is a Republican. For the past thirty years he has held the position of clerk of the school board of Ryer district, his long retention in office proving his efficiency as a business man and his general attitude toward things educational. Mr. Hollenbeck has all those characteristics of his parents, who were natives of New York, that have made their memory revered in the home town. Kind and generous, every good cause finds him ready to help, and every opponent finds in him a man "worthy of his steel." He has not only won, but has also retained the esteem of his fellow-townsmen, because of his integrity of purpose and great desire to better conditions of his locality. JOHN J. DOWNEY. Born in Ireland, at the age of twenty-eight Patrick Downey left his na- tive land and came to the United States. He remained in New York for several years, and then becoming interested in mining, he spent five years in Idaho. In 1868 he came to San Francisco and engaged in general con- tracting for a while and then came to Yountville, Napa county, in 1871. Here he remained until he died, July 28, 1910. He farmed one hundred and seventy acres of land, of which only about seventy acres could be placed under cultivation, and of this fifteen acres were devoted to vineyard and the balance to pasture and hay. Patrick Downey married Ellen O'Sullivan, and the following children were born to them : Katherine ; Patrick S., of Oakland ; John J., of this review ; James C. ; Timothy D., and Agnes M. John J. Downey was born in Yountville in 1878, and was educated in the public schools of his district. Early in life he developed a liking for the cultivation of the soil and farmed with fair success on rented land, but for the past ten years he has been foreman of the Chase ranch, which was form- erly the old Grigsby place, near Yountville. The farm contains four hundred and twenty-five acres, of which eighty acres are in vineyard and six acres in orchard. The balance is used for hay, grain and pasture land. The appear- ance of the place speaks volumes for the able manner in which Mr. Downey manages it, and his employer speaks in high terms of regard concerning the way his property is managed. Fraternally Mr. Downey is a member of the Napa Parlor. Native Sons of the Golden West, and is well liked by all. GEORGE WESLEY MAY. A native of Missouri, George W. May was born in Harrison county, October 3, 1851, a son of George and Mary (Connolly) May. The father was born in east Tennessee, later settled in Harrison county, Mo., and in 1852 emigrated to Green county, Iowa, being the first settler in that section. He died in 1870. The mother was born in Kentucky and died in Iowa. There were three sons and four daughters in their family, of whom two sons and two daughters are living. George W. May was next to the youngest and was reared in Iowa, attend- ing the district schools until he was fourteen, when his father moved to Jefferson, the county seat, and he finished in the grammar school in that city. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 383 I lis father died when the son was eighteen and he had to set out to seek his own living. In 1872 he engaged in the express business, but two years later disposed of that, and in 1874 located in Napa county, which has been his residence ever since, with the exception of four years that he spent in ranching on the plains near Sacramento, after which he returned to Napa and engaged in the wood business. He formerly owned a ranch of one hundred and twenty- seven acres, from which he cut all the wood and then sold that and purchased fifty acres in Coombsville, from which he also cut the timber, set out a vine yard and then disposed ^i that. The next purchase was one hundred and sixty acres in Capell valley, which he improved and sold the following year, and also owned two and one-half acres near the State Hospital for the Insane, improving this with the same care that had made the other properties valu- able. Since 1899 he ha- been a resident of Napa City, where he has a comfort- able place at No. 1111 Second street, and is also engaged in the wood business, being about the oldest dealer in that line in the city. Mr. May has been deal- ing to some extent in real estate, and has owned several other parcels of prop- erty besides those mentioned. Mr. May was married in Napa to Miss Louisa Stark, who was born in Iowa. They have three children living: Boyd, in Petaluma ; Jennie, at home; and John 11.. a contractor. In politics Mr. May is a Republican. In his many years of residence in this section of the country it has been his pleasure to see the country grow and develop and in all these things he has done his part as a public-spirited citizen. JOHN HENDERSON MAY. At Napa Soda Springs, Cal.. John H. May was born June 17, 1881, the son of George Wesley May (whose sketch appears above). The only son and youngest child of the family, he received his education in the public schools of Napa county and was reared on a farm, following this occupation until 1904, when he came to Napa and began working at the cement business under C. H. Gildersleeve. Three years later he entered the employ of the United States government at Mare Island navy yard, and for one year he was engaged in laying tiling and stone, and as a cement worker. In April, 1909, he returned to Napa and began taking contracts for himself, doing cement and concrete work of all kinds in Napa and vicinity. He has a well-equipped yard where he is engaged in the manufacture of water-troughs, tiling, drains, culverts and pipe. Among the buildings on which he has contracted for the cement and concrete work are the following: Stoll flats, creamery, cement building on the Spreckels ranch, and on the Shurtlefr ranch, reinforced concrete building for Armstrong, of Calistoga, many miles of cement sidewalks in Napa. Calistoga and Vacaville, besides many of the foundations for the State Hospital, and universally engaged in building reinforced concrete chimneys. Aside from this he is engaged in heavy teaming and excavating and building sewers, employing from six to twenty-four men. Mr. May was married in Sacramento November 8. 1905, to Miss Rosalie M. Greenlee, a native of the vicinity of Calistoga, Napa county. Her father, Milton Greenlee, was born in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1857. the year of the Mountain Meadow massacre, came overland with ox-teams to California. For a time he was engaged in mining in Calaveras county, after which he engaged in ranching in Sonoma county. Later he located near Calistoga and in that locality he improved several places and was engaged in the stock business until his death in 1877. Her mother. Elizabeth Greenlee, was born in Jefferson county. Mo., and was a woman of great force of character. She died in 1901. Mrs. May is the youngest of seven children and was educated in the Silverado 384 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES school. She is indeed a helpmate to her husband and has contributed no small amount to his success. Mr. May is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Encampment and Canton, and is interested in the welfare of the order. He has directed his attention to building up his business and has made a success thereby. In movements for the betterment of the community he has ever been ready to aid those that he deems of interest to the greatest number, and with his wife shares the friendship of a host of friends and well-wishers throughout Napa county. DAVID ANDERSON DUNLAP. A strong, forceful character, typifying all that is substantial in mental at- tributes, and all that is sterling in fearless honesty, marks the sturdy person- ality of David A. Dunlap and has qualified him admirably for efficient dis- charge of duties connected with the office of sheriff. Recognizing his genuine adaptability for official responsibilities, the people have chosen him to fill the sheriff's post both in Nevada, where formerly he made his home, and in California, where since 1885 he has resided permanently. It was during the year 1875 that he first came to the Pacific coast country, removing hither from Missouri, where he was born in Steelville, Crawford county, March 16, 1854. His parents were Samuel F. and Amanda (Anderson) Dunlap, the former a native of Lafayette, Ky., and the latter a native of Crawford county, Mo. In his native town the son received such advantages as the common schools of the period and place afforded. From early recollections he mani- fested deep interest in tales of the west, and as soon as he had attained his majority, being free to choose the scene of his future activities, he came to the Golden state, settling in Humboldt county, where he secured employment and remained a few years. While living there he formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah E. Strong, a native of Humboldt county and member of one of California's pioneer families. The young couple were united in marriage in 1880 and for six years afterward made their home in Nevada, where he served for one term as sheriff of Lander county and for four years acted as chief deputy in the sheriff's office, also as deputy county assessor. Returning to California in 1885, Mr. Dunlap spent nearly two years farm- ing in Humboldt county, and in November, 1886, he settled at Napa and for a considerable period acted as proprietor of the Napa hotel, but for some years he made his home at No. 219 Seminary street. The family of himself and wife comprises two sons, Harry C. and Edgar S., who are operating the home ranch. Some time after his settlement in Napa county, Mr. Dunlap bought sixty acres of land nine miles north of Napa and near the hamlet of Yountville. Later he added to the original purchase until now he owns one hundred and eighty acres. The development of the property represented years of intense effort and unwearied industry. However, the task brought its own ultimate reward in the profit-producing products sent out from the ranch. Years ago he began to plant fruit trees and to start a vineyard. Eventually he had twenty-five acres in bearing grapes and fifty acres in prunes of the very best quality, but even this large acreage does not represent the limit of the owner's activities, for recently he planted seventy-two acres in prunes and pears. In addition he has a family orchard of all kinds of fruits. The ranch is one of the best fruit-growing properties in the entire region and the fine quality of the fruit enables the owner to sell at the highest market prices. After his settlement in Napa county Mr. Dunlap soon became interested in politics as a local leader in the Democratic party. Reared in the Democratic faith in old Missouri, he has never swerved from a steadfast allegiance to party principles and always he has been influential in political affairs. His JOHN Q. GEEENWOOD HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 387 popularity is evidenced by the fact that in 1894 he was nominated for sheriff oi Xapa county on the Democratic ticket and was beaten by only one vote. In 1898 lie was again candidate for sheriff and was elected to the office, in a county that usually gives a large Republican majority. Twice he was re- elected and served for twelve years altogether, being as efficient and popular an officer as ever tilled the post. Fearless in his discharge of the law. he endeavored to secure justice for all and succeeded in maintaining order among the class ofttimes troublesome or little inclined to be law-abiding. In 1910, in spite oi the solicitations oi members ^i both parties, he declined to further participate in office-holding, and at the end of his term, in January, 1911, returned to his ranch. The fraternal orders to some extent have won the allegiance of Mr. Dun- la]). Those with which he has identified himself are the stronger for his per- sonal labors and generous, helpful spirit. In the Yount Lodge Xo. 12, F. & A. M.. he is a past master and member i^i Xapa Chapter Xo. 3. R. A. 3VL, and in Napa Commandery Xo. 34. K. T.. he is a past commander, his work in Masonry being well adapted to promote the local progress of the order and enlarge its membership. Since the organization of the Napa Lodge of Eagles he has officiated as treasurer and has given considerable time to the develop- ment of this popular society. In addition he is the treasurer of the local camp of Improved Order of Red Men. During the years 1908-09 he served as presi- dent of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, and under his personal direction, and almost solely by his effective leadership, the money was raised with which to pay off the debt on the Chamber of Commerce building, a modern structure, following the lines of mission architecture and containing every appointment suggestive of twentieth-century civilization. The building, devoted exclu- sively to the organization, is an honor to the city and is entirely free from indebtedness. JOHN Q. GREENWOOD. Living retired on his ranch on Vallejo road, Napa county, is John Q. Greenwood, born near Calais, Washington county, Me., in October, 1830. Living within sound of the Atlantic ocean, he learned to love the sea and for a time he followed sailing on the coast of his native state. When he was only nine years old he made a trip to the Barbadoes with his father, Capt. George D. Greenwood, as sailing master. When he was nineteen years old he set out on a trip around the Horn on the ship Saratoga, the voyage ending in San Francisco. August 11, 1849. The inactivity of shore life did not appeal to him. so he began building a schooner for himself, and when his task was completed he named it in honor of his wife, Sena Greenwood. For several years he engaged in coast trade and in running up the river to Sacramento and Stockton. In 1860, feeling the need of something to do that would be more permanent in its results, he bought five hundred acres of land in Napa valley. So^col district, and for many years raised large crops of grain, and he has also rented his ranch. At the present time he is looking after his property and is not engaged in farming of any kind, living retired and enjoving the rest and quiet that long years of toil have made possible. Early in life Mr. Greenwood married Lucina Larrabee, a native of Mis- souri, who is now deceased. Many large trees adorn the property owned by Mr. Greenwood, and these, except the native oaks, were planted by him many years ago and stand as sentinels to the past. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of Xapa county, and has been no small factor in its development and progress. 388 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES HON. GEORGE HUSMANN. Of Teutonic ancestry, George Husmann v/as born November 4, 1827. in Meyenberg, near Bremen, Germany, of parents that Avere highly honored and much respected. The father of Mr. Husmann held important civic positions, was a justice of the peace and instructor for over twenty years, and under his able direction and training George Husmann received instruction for only six months prior to the emigration of the family to the United States, the boy being only eight years of age at that time. This schooling and some private lessons given him by his brother, Frederick, who was eight years his senior, was all the instruction he received outside of self-education. He venerated his brother in grateful admiration and his portrait, an old family oil painting, always held the place of honor in his study. At the time of the discovery of gold in California, the ambition of Mr. Husmann carried him across the plains and for a few months he was located in the "golden west." On receiving word from his favorite sister, Josephine, that her husband had died, he returned to the east via Panama to take charge of the estate, and in 1851 he settled in Hermann, Gasconade county, Mo., and there he commenced his horticultural career, establishing one of the oldest concerns in that state for the manufacture of wine by home-grown products. The firm of Husmann & Manwaring was organized in 1858 and remained an aggressive participant in commercial circles until the demise of Mr. Man- waring, after which Mr. Husmann continued the business in his own name. On January 18, 1862, he was commissioned by Willard P. Hall, acting governor of Missouri, first lieutenant and quartermaster of the Fourth Regiment of Vol- unteers, and in the following February he was mustered out. After his active service was over he followed the business, established and conducted extensive nurseries and one of the largest fruit farms in the state, known as a model farm, his fruits and wines receiving first prizes at all the fairs and expositions held in that vicinity at the time. Having made a careful study of horticulture, he pub- lished, in 1868, his first book, "Grapes and Wine," and later in the year he and Carl Schurz were elected by the state of Missouri electors at large for presi- dent and vice-president of the United States. He was also a member of the constitutional convention for revising the constitution of the state of Missouri. In 1898 he began the publication of a journal devoted exclusively to grape growing and wine making, "The Grape Culturist," and continued this work about four years. About the time of the appearance of this journal he became president of the newly organized Bluffton Wine Company, of Bluffton, Mo., and later, in 1870, was appointed a member of the board of curators of the Missouri State University. To him belongs the honor of being one of the first to ship cuttings of American resistant vines to France for the purpose of re- establishing her vineyards. In 1872 he established the Husmann Nurseries at Sedalia, Mo., which were conducted until 1878, when he was appointed pro- fessor of pomology and forestry in the State University of Missouri. He was a charter member of the Missouri Horticultural Society and of the State Board of Agriculture, and remained a member of the board until he left the state. In 1878 he and Parker Earle originated and organized the Mississippi Horticul- tural Society and two years later, in 1880. the second book, "Grape Growing and Wine Making," was published. In 1881 he resigned his professorship in the University of Missouri and ac- cepted the management of J. W. Simonton's estate, the Talcoa Vineyards, in Napa county, Cal. Four years later, in 1885, Hon. Norman J. Colman. United States commissioner of agriculture, appointed him state statistical agent of California and while acting in this capacity he served as a member of the viti- cultural congress, convened at Washington, and collected the wine sent from this state to the Paris Exhibition, which was awarded some twenty medals. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 389 In 1888 his third hook. "Grape Culture and Wine Making," was published, and a new revised edition followed in 1892, and in 1896a fourth edition, revised and written with additions, was issued. The closing years ^i his life were spent writing for various horticultural and viticultural journals and papers to which he was a regular and constant contributor. The tranquility of his home in Napa and his ranch in Chiles val- lev. in Napa county, served as places of recreation and enjoyment from his literary pursuits. On November 5, 1902, one day after he had reached seventy- rive years of age, Mr. Hnsmann died, leaving an honorable record and an ex- ample well worthy the emulation of his children. Me was married to Miss Louisa Carolina Kielmann. at Hermann. Gasconade county. Mo.. July 13. 1854, and to Mr. and Mrs. Hnsmann un children were horn, of whom six are living: Louisa Charlotta Josephine; Amalia Wilhelmine; George Charles Frederick; Johanna Cecelia; Josephine Lucie, and Frederick Ludwig, who. together with their mother, mourn the loss ni their loved one. ANDREW JACKSON RANEY. Among the well-known pion» tesidents of Napa county the late An- drew Jackson Raney was for many years closely identified with its agricul- tural interests. He was horn August 23. 1828, near Lexington, Ky., a son <>i John Thomas and Maria Elizabeth (Coghlan) Raney, both natives of Ken- tucky. A. I Raney was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools and remained at home until 1849, when he crossed the plains with ox-team to California. Arriving in the state he spent some time in the mines in Yuba and Placer counties and in 1851 located in Xapa county, remaining about six months in Xapa. then went to Browns valley. There he was in partnership with Dr. \\ . W. Stillwagon for some time, and later embarked in farming in- dependently in that same locality. In 1852 Mr. Raney married Antonia Arenas, and the following year the young couple located in Rag canyon, where he took up government land, improved it with buildings, fences, etc.. and continued there until 1855, when he sold out at a profit and purchased a farm five miles from Xapa, now known as the old Hagen place. In 1856 he sold this property and located in Gordon valley and became manager of the Gordon and Coombs stock ranch, remain- ing in that capacity for thirty-two years. In the meantime he had purchased a ranch in Capell valley and in 1888 located there with his family and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was instrumental in the survey of the road from Monticello to Berryessa valley and was one of the superintendents of the building of the road. His ranch comprised sixteen hundred and seventy acres all in one body, and upon this he carried on sheep and cattle raising and also engaged in horticulture. Mr. Raney was always interested in the advancement of the interests of the county, though he never cared for office at any time. It was the wish of his fellow citizens to nominate him as a candidate for sheriff, but he refused. However, he was induced to run for supervisor of his district and was elected by a large majority, and after the first two terms of two years each he was elected without opposition, serving sixteen years in all. Two years prior to his death, which occurred June 12. 1909. he became blind and removed to Napa, but superintended the business of the ranch until his death. He wished to resign from the board of supervisors on account of his affliction, but the other members would not accept his resignation and he continued in that office until his demise. He was a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Raney 's marriage, in Xapa. October 10. 1852. with Miss Antonia Arenas, united him with an old Spanish family. She was born in Guaymas, Mexico, a daughter of Capt. Augustine and Incarnacion (Robles) Arenas, the 390 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES former a native of Spain- and the latter of Sonora, Mexico. Captain Arenas went to sea as a boy and followed that vocation for many years, becoming captain of sailing vessels, and rounded Cape Horn many times, and sailed to all the important ports of the world, finally locating in Sonora, Mexico, where he married, and in 1852 sailed for California as captain of a vessel. He arrived in San Francisco and retired from the sea, locating in Napa. Both he and his wife died in Napa county. Since Mr. Raney's death Mrs. Raney has made her home in Napa with her daughter, Mrs. Charles Reams. She owns the old Raney place in Capell valley, which is managed by her son, George W. Of the eight children born of this marriage, three died in infancy ; John died at the age of twenty-three ; Jotham at the age of fourteen ; and Nellie Mathilda at the age of eight. George W. is living on the home place, and Martha is the wife of Charles Reams, of Napa. Mr. Raney was always known as "Uncle Jack Raney," and a world of significance was expressed in that endearing term, showing the love and esteem in which he was held by every one, all admiring and loving him for his sterling worth and many acts of charity and kindness. MARGARET MAY MELVIN. The qualities which have won for women of talent and steadfast purpose admission into the leading professions and occupations form noteworthy at- tributes in the character of Miss Melvin, who as county superintendent of schools wields a distinct influence upon the educational upbuilding of Napa county and carries forward with intelligent resourcefulness measures for the promotion of the usefulness of the schools. The impression that she leaves with a stranger is of an educator singularly well qualified for the pro- fession and fully equal to every emergency necessary to be met in the course of her work. To her friends her presence brings with it a feeling of confi- dence and a realization of her thorough familiarity with every detail con- nected with the office which she fills with accepted dignity and tact. Of remote French lineage and direct New England descent, Miss Melvin is a daughter of Harrison A. Melvin, a native of the Green Mountain state and a settler of California during the latter 60's. For some time he engaged in the sheep industry on a ranch in Lake county, first with a partner and later alone. Eventually he removed to Sisters, Crook county, Ore., where he still makes his home, carrying on ranching enterprises as well as a milling business and owning a large tract of farm land in the vicinity of the village. After coming to the west he met and married Miss Mary McCulloch, who was born in Indiana and died at San Francisco in 1905. Her father, Alexander McCul- loch, came to California in 1853, crossing the plains accompanied by his family and settling in the Potter valley in Mendocino county, where he was an hon- ored pioneer. The family of Harrison A. and Mary Melvin comprised four daughters and two sons, namely : Julia, now the wife of W. H. Davidson, of Ukiah ; John W., who is engaged in the drug business at Redding; Margaret May, of Napa ; Bertha, who is employed as money-order clerk in the Redding post- office ; Eugene, in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Reno, Nev. ; and Anna E., who died in young womanhood. Miss Margaret M., the third member of the family circle in order of birth, was born June 13, 1877, at the home ranch, situated at the foot of San Hedrin mountain in Lake county. During girlhood she was a pupil in public schools in Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties, and in 1899 she was graduated with honors from the Santa Rosa high school. Her first experience in educational work was gained during a year as teacher in Lake county. Next she' secured a position <3ciaajz£ ^^/fuJkzr- HISTORY OF SOLANO \\h NAPA COUNTIES 393 as teacher in the Ybuntville public schools. At the expiration of one year she was promoted t<> be principal and continued to fill the position with recognized ability and gratifying success until she was elected county su- perintendent oi schools. As the nominee of the Republican party she was chosen for this office in November, 1910, and took the oath of office January 1. 1911, since which time she has concentrated her entire atten- tion upon the work of the position. Already she has become known as an intelligent, able county official and her advisory work with inexperienced teachers has won particular commendation. The schools are maintained at the high standard previously established by other capable superintendents and it is her proud ambition to achieve results equal to those secured by her predecessors. Devotion to educational movements has given her especial prominence in this field of usefulness, but she is also well known and highly honored in other lines of citizenship. In social circles her position is one of assured influence, in religion iti its broadest and most liberal sense she has been an uplifting factor in her community, while the maintenance of a high moral standard among the youth of the county has been one of her chief aims as a private citizen and as a county official. JAMES McNULTY. The history of Mr. McNulty's childhood is a record of struggle with ad- versity. Born in Oswego. X. Y., October 1. 1840. his earliest memories con- cern the region lying on the shores of Lake Ontario and the little cottage home occupied by his father. John McNulty, a sturdy workman whose early death in 1847 left the family without means of support. Two years later the mother also passed away. Both were natives of York state and possessed splendid traits of character. When ten years of age James McXulty left Oswego for Penn Yan. Yates county. X. Y., and there he attended school at such times as he could be spared from the work in which he aided. His principal occupation was that of boating and rafting on the lakes and rivers of western Xew York. At the age of nineteen he came alone to California, in April, 1860, via Panama, and locating in the Suisun valley, secured employment as a farm laborer, later renting land for himself. For three years he owned and conducted a livery barn in Fairfield. At that time no railroads had been built and travel was done almost wholly by means of horses. Returning to Xew York state Mr. McXulty there married in 1868 Miss Alice Dorman. a native of that state. Mrs. McNulty died, leaving no children, and in i898 Mr. McXulty was united with Miss Ida Keefer. a native of Ran- som, Hillsdale county. Mich., and a woman possessing many attractive quali- ties of heart and mind. They are the parents of two children : James Elmer, who was born in 1900 and is now a pupil in the local schools; and Lola May. The first land bought by Mr. McXulty in California comprised six hundred and one acres on Putah Creek, in Xapa county. This he held for three years and then sold at a fair advance over the original <-ost. Xext he bought fifty- two acres in the Suisun valley. Upon selling out he bought eighty-two acres, which later he sold. Since then he purchased and located upon a fruit farm of one hundred and thirty acres in the Suisun valley, of which he has sold off por- tions until he now owns only seventy acres. On these places he set out trees and made improvements. His peach orchard of twelve acres brought him $1650 in 1911. and during the same year he received S2600 in return from his vineyard. The latter, however, is being replaced with Bartlett pears. Tilton apricots and French prunes. The ranch is located seven miles northwest of Suisun. in the fertile valley of that name, and is well improved with permanent buildings. In addition to his home farm he owns eighty acres near Fairfield. 20 394 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES which is under cultivation to grain. All of his property represents his unaided exertions and furnishes a silent testimony as to his intelligent management and sagacious judgment. On coming to California for the first time Mr. McNulty made the trip by water. When he returned east it was also an ocean voyage and in the same way he brought his young wife back to the western coast, but in two sub- sequent trips he made to the east he traveled by railroad and enjoyed the com- forts of modern methods of transportation. Politically he has voted the Re- publican ticket ever since he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. For forty-six years he has been connected with Masonry and has held membership in Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M., to the philanthropies of which he has been a regular contributor through all of these years. MRS. ELIZABETH CAHILL. By those who know her best, Mrs. Cahill is conceded to be a woman of splendid qualities and rare courage, possessed also of an exceptional amount of good business ability, which has greatly aided her in the undertaking which for the past nineteen years she has successfully managed, the Cahill house ranking among the best private hostelries in the city. A native of County Galway, Ireland, Elizabeth (Hessian) Cahill immi- grated to America at the age of twelve years, joining her parents, who had preceded her, the family settling in Lowell, Mass. In 1864 Mrs. Cahill jour- neyed to California via Panama on the Golden Age, which, upon taking fire, ran into Acapulco and transferred its passengers to the Golden City. Arriving at San Francisco, she proceeded to Vallejo, at that time but a small hamlet, and three years later became the wife of Martin Cahill, also .born in Ireland, and who settled in California in 1859. A farmer by occupation, he ranched extensively for many years on the Napa and Solano county line, specializing in grain and stock. For a time he carried on his affairs in part- nership with General Frisby, later farming alone on the Frisby land. After he gave up farming he moved to South Vallejo, and some years later he was appointed roadmaster of that district of Solano county, ably performing his new duties until his death in March, 1910. Being owners of the old South Vallejo house, in 1893 the Cahills moved into it, improving it and renaming it the Cahill house, and assisted by her daughters, Mrs. Cahill by wise management has placed the enterprise on a good paying basis. To Mr. and Mrs. Cahill were born five children, as follows: John, who resides in Vallejo; Henry, overseer of roads, Vallejo district; Julia, whose home is in San Francisco ; and Margaret and Elizabeth, who ably assist their mother in conducting the hotel. Earnest members of the St. Vincent's Cath- olic church, Mrs. Cahill and her daughters are highly esteemed throughout the community, their unfailing courtesy and generous principles being ex- emplified in their daily lives. HENRY HAY KNAPP. Perhaps no one whom the westward tide of migration brought to Napa was more highly esteemed by people in all walks of life than was the late Henry Hay Knapp, who not only achieved success in business in this place, but attained that more greatly to be desired, viz. : the affection of intimate friends and the highest respect of a wide circle of acquaintances and busi- ness associates. Indeed his popularity was so great that the Republicans of the county urged the presentation of his name in convention as a candidate HISTORY OF SOLANO VND N \l'.\ COUNTIES 395 for governor and certainly both his ability and his attainments qualified him for the highest post within the gift of the i >c-i >j >K- of tin- state. Born at Spafford, Onondaga county, X. Y.. Inly 23, 1832, Henry Ha) Knapp was a small chiKl when the family removed to the then frontier terri- tory of Michigan ami took up land in Lenawee comity. 'The hardships o! itence on the frontier fell to his lot ami deprived him of any opportunity to attend school, vet by observation ami reading he became a man oi broad information. As early as 1852 he joined a party bound for California and after his arrival secured employment at the trade of a carpenter, working successively at Stockton. Marysville and Knights Landing. Returning to the east about 1854. at Warsaw. Ind.. he married Miss Jennie Knapp. a daugh- ter of Amos S. Knapp, who was born at Canandaigua, Ontario county. X. Y.. but removed to Michigan in the early settlement of that territory, driving from New York through northwestern Ohio and over the corduroy roads into southern .Michigan. Later he removed to Warsaw. Ind.. from which point, in 1859, accompanied by his family and Henry II. Knapp and wife, he crossed the plain.- with OX-teams. From that time until his death he made his home at Xapa. Of his three children. Mrs. Julia Richmond died in San Francisco. Elizabeth. Mrs. C. G. Ault. who was educated in the Xapa Collegiate Insti- tute anil the Napa Ladies' Seminary, resides with Mrs. Jennie Knapp. for whom in her widowhood and ill health she wisely and tenderly cares. The lumber business which was established in 1860 by Henry Hay Knapp became one oi the leading enterprises of Xapa and brought to its proprietor returns as gratifying as they were deserved. For many years he also engaged in the building industry, but in September of 1900 he disposed of his lumber and building interests in order to devote his attention to other enterprises. Meantime, in 1889. he had become connected with the bank oi lames II . Goodman as a director, and later he was chosen manager of the business, which he guided with a conservative policy until his death in 1901. The institution thrived under his sagacious leadership and brought growing dividends to its stockholders. In addition to his laborious duties connected with the bank management he found leisure for civic responsibilities and served ably as a city trustee and as president of the Napa City Water Com- pany. In the councils of the Republican party he was a leader and wielded large influence in the state conventions of the organization, where his splen- did mental attainments aided in the formulation of a code of principles and suggested necessary changes in the platform. Not only was he one of the prominent Republicans of the state, but also he was one of the most influ- ential members of the Masonic Order in California, and at one time officiated _; r and high priest of the grand chapter of this commonwealth. Locally he held membership with Yount Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M.; Napa Chapter No. 30. R. A. M.. and Napa Commandery Xo. 34, K. T., in which last named organization he was honored with the offices of treasurer and eminent com- mander. THERON M. PARKER. \ native of Tennessee. Theron M. Parker at an early age came to Cali- fornia across the plains in 1855 in an ox-team train. Locating in Yountville, Xapa county, he farmed there for several years on a ranch of three hundred acres, devoting his time and attention to the raising of grain. Later he came to Xapa. and for three years he was engaged in teaming, finding this not only pleasant, but also profitable. He was a member of the Xapa Grange, and near this city he died December 21, 1890. On April 9. 1863. Mr. Parker married Adriana Coverdill, who came across the plains with her parents and two other children in 1850. when she was two years of age. Her parents were Fli and Leah (Sprouse) Coverdill, both na 396 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES tives of Illinois. The family settled on a farm of three hundred and forty- acres near Yountville, Napa county. Mr. Coverdill went east overland and returned the same way in 1854, bringing with him his sister and his two oldest children who had been left with relatives. He died in Kansas in 1888. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker those living are as follows : Emma, wife of E. B. Walker, of Napa; Anna V., wife of W. A. Walker, of Stockton; Minnie E., wife of George Thompson, of Napa; William J., a sketch of whose life follows; Adelia, wife of William Thompson, of Napa, and Pearl, wife of George Hammond, of Stockton. William J. Parker, the only living son of Theron M. Parker, was born at Yountville in 1872 and was reared on his father's farm. Later he was em- ployed at the Veterans' Home, Yountville, for six years. Viticulture has always been an interesting study to him, and for the past twelve years he has had congenial employment as foreman of the La Rue ranch, formerly the old Hopper place, at Yountville. The ranch consists of one hundred and forty acres of resistant vines and under the wise direction of the expert foreman the place has become one of the most productive vineyards in the Napa valley, never failing to produce a large crop to the acre. William J. Parker was married July 17, 1897, to Miss Caroline Lerch, the daughter of Prof. J. T. Lerch, who was educated in music in Germany and was there married. He came as a pioneer to Sonoma county, where he taught music and made his home throughout the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have two children, Clarence and Emil. Mr. Parker is a member of Napa Lodge. Knights of Pythias, and the Woodmen of the World. LEWIS G. HARRIER. Not alone by his thorough education, but by his innate ability as well, Lewis G. Harrier has been enabled to successfully discharge the duties of life which have thus far fallen to his lot. He was born in Solano county, and. with the exception of a few years spent in the mining regions in his boy- hood, has lived in this county all his life. His father, D. W. Harrier, who, at the age of seventy-eight years, recently retired from active commercial life, for the past forty-five years carried on a splendid business, and filled many city and county offices with credit and ability. His mother, Maria (Lee) Harrier, a native of Massachusetts, came to California with her father, John Lee, in 1854. and is the sole survivor of a family of nine. In Amesbury, Mass., is a house which is now preserved as a historical building, which in 1654 was the home of Anthony Colby, an ancestor. Graduating from the grammar and high schools of Vallejo, Lewis G. Harrier entered the State University, where he acquired the degree of Ph.B., thereafter taking up the study of law. From 1880 to 1897 he taught in the Vallejo public schools and later, having entered into partnership with W. D. Pennycock, became the editor and publisher of The Chronicle of Vallejo. He was admitted to the bar in 1885 and in 1889 was elected to the office of assist- ant district attorney of Solano county, in which capacity he served four years. He also held the position of city superintendent of schools. Vallejo, from 1892 to 1896. in 1894 having been elected city attorney, which office he held six years. In 1895 he was admitted to the supreme court at Washington. Judge Harrier was united in marriage in Berkeley, Cal., May 19, 1897, to Miss Jessie V. Penny, daughter of Charles W. Penny, one of the founders of the Republican party at Jackson, Mich. Mrs. Harrier, who graduated from the University of Michigan in 1892, is a descendant of the Puritans, her ancestors having journeyed to America in the Mayflower. In 1905 Judge Harrier was appointed by Governor Pardee to the office ^"^c^C-^^^^^^^^k HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 401 of superior judge of Solano county and was elected by the people i«» a second term. At the close of his second period of service he voluntarily retired and resumed his legal practice. fudge Harrier is interested in a number of business enterprises, and by reason of his exceptional executive ability holds office in many corporations. He is past master of Solan.. Lodge, F. & \. M.. a member of Naval Chapter and Naval Commandery, K. T.. and is also a member <>i Islam Temple. X. M. S.. the Odd Fellows, Native Sons of the Golden West, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Eastern Star. Both Judge Harrier and his wile are members of the Episcopal church and are vitally interested in all things pertaining to the welfare oi the community in which they make their home. Politically he is a stanch Republican and holds an honorable position in the judiciary of this state. HANS ANDERSON. Solely through his own exertions, without influential friends to assist him in securing a foothold in the agricultural world and without the capital so important in beginning as a farmer. Mr. Anderson has risen to a position of considerable prominence in his locality and has attained a financial independ- ence reflecting credit upon his laborious application and sagacity of judgment. His parents, both of whom are deceased, bequeathed the old homestead to his sister, this being the wish of the brothers in California, and he had no aid from them in his efforts to earn a livelihood, but, being throwm early upon his own resources, he developed powers of self-reliance and sagacity necessary to the attainment of even the most modest degree of success. The large hold- ings that he possesses have come to him through constant effort in the midst rcumstances ofttimes most discouraging, and their acquisition evinces his own force of character and power of application. Hans Anderson was born near the city of Odense. on the Island of Fyen, in the fertile land of Denmark. October 23. 1853. This island is referred to by the poet as the "Pearl of the Sea," and among these surroundings he was reared, obtaining his education in the public schools until the age of sixteen, when he became an apprentice to learn landscape gardening and floriculture on the estate of a nobleman for a period of five years and, as was the custom in that country, he received no pay during this time, but on the other hand had to pay for his tuition. Then at the age of twenty-one he came to Cali- fornia, and on the 28th of May. 1875. he arrived at Rio Vista, Solano county, where two days later he secured employment as driver of a wagon at $40 per month. The first money he saved was used in paying a debt of S80 for his pa-sage to this country. His next savings were held for future investment, and in two years he had $680 to his credit. With this modest capital he started out as a farmer. Misfortune fell to his lot from the first. For several years he was flooded out each season so that the crops were entirely lost, and when he left the rented farm he had a burden of $4,000 indebtedness resulting from the floods. The kindness of creditors enabled him to start anew. Removing to the hill country he rented a small portion of the Toland estate, and there was enabled to retrieve his losses. During 189" he sold his stock, implements and lease and bought ten hundred and seventy-eight acres in the Suisun valley, forming what is now known as the Fredensborg ranch, meaning the "abode or dwelling of peace." Fredensborg ranch is located seven miles north- 3t of Suisun and nestles serenely against the foothills of the Green Valley ran^e. and the contour of the hills lies in the shape of a crescent facing the east. The orchard, comprising cherries, apricots, peaches and pears, was all set out by Mr. Anderson and the location is especially adapted to the early ripening of cherries, hence they command the highest price, lie laid out the 402 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES orchards and park with its drive lined with orange trees, and the hills and mountains in the background, resplendant with verdure, make a beautiful setting, and one of the most attractive places in the county. From the time of the purchase to the present Mr. Anderson has continued to occupy and operate the land, to which he has added by the purchase of seven hundred and fifty acres, making a total of eighteen hundred and twenty-eight acres. The land is utilized largely for pasture and is well adapted to grazing purposes. Horses are raised on the land, some being retained for the work of the ranch and others being sold in the markets. Usually several hundred head of cattle are kept on the ranch and very recently Mr. Anderson returned from a trip to Wyoming, bringing with him two hundred and fifty head of cattle bought from farmers of that state. While stock-raising is an important feature of the ranch activities, it does not represent the limit of the owner's energies, for he has improved eighty acres with fruit trees and finds that his large. orchard adds materially to his income each year. Mr. Anderson's first marriage, April 21, 1877, was to Christine Sorenson, who died in Rio Vista leaving three children, Tillie and Emma, both at home, and Andrew, who was adopted by his uncle, Peter Anderson, of Rio Vista. Hans Anderson's second marriage in Rio Vista in September, 1886, united him with a sister of his first wife. Miss Kerry Sorenson. who was also born at Xyborg, Fyen, Denmark, and to them have been born four children. Charles died at two years of age. Edith. Leslie and Florence are under the parental roof and are graduates of the grammar schools. Since he became a citizen of the United States Mr. Anderson has been a Republican and has kept well posted concerning the problems confronting our government. In their locality Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are supporters of all movements for the general wel- fare, believers in progressive projects, friends of education and contributors to charities, kindly in their dealings with others and accommodating in their associations with neighbors. JOSEPH BALLINGER CHILES. In the name of Chiles Valley, Napa county, is represented more than a growing community of progressive men and women, more than an increase of barns and storehouses, it stands for the life of one of the best and noblest pioneers that ever came to California, and represents and memorializes that life-toil cheerfully given and spent, so characteristic in the efforts of Joseph Ballinger Chiles. On June 25, 1885, he passed away, leaving the epistle of his life an open book for all to read and learn therefrom many of the lessons of life. Joseph Ballinger Chiles was born in Clark county, Ky., July 16, 1810, a son of Henry and Sarah (Ballinger) Chiles. Reared on a farm, he had only the advantages of a common school education. In 1831 he moved to Jackson county. Mo., and engaged in farming and in stock-raising until 1838, when he enlisted in a regiment of Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned captain on the battlefield. He engaged in the Florida war, participating in the hard-fought and decisive battle of Okochobee, as well as many others of lesser importance. After the war he remained in Missouri until April, 1841, when, together with thirty-one men, one woman and one child, he started across the plains, bound for California. In his party were Sam Andy and Benjamin Kelsey and the latter's wife and child. By way of the North Platte river they finally reached the Sink of the Humboldt. The course then lay southward along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Joseph Walker Pass, then down the Stanislaus and San Joaquin rivers. Cali- fornia was reached in October, 1841, and the first stopping place was at Dr. Marsh's place at the foot of Mount Diablo, the site of Martinez, on the north- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND N KP \ COUNTIES 403 cm side. They then wont to Sonoma, where passports wore issued to them on Or. Marsh and other American residents vouching for their good behavior. After the receipt of passports, Joseph B. Chiles and Charles Hopper spent tin- winter in traveling and in getting acquainted with the country generally. In the following spring they went to Sutter's Fort and there provided themselves with provisions for their return trip east. In traveling around during the course of that winter. Joseph Chiles passed through what is now known as Chiles valley, the genera! contour of the land and the apparent fertility of the place deeply impressing him. In 1S42 he returned to Missouri with a company of nine men. Almost immediately after their arrival they set about organizing another party to take the western trip, and in 1843 Joseph Chiles, with a company of fifty or sixty under his care, well equipped with stock, wagons, provisions, and a well-filled" medicine chest, set out to journey across the plains to California. This medicine chest is now the property of Henry L. Chiles. At Fort Hall they were met by Capt. Joseph Walker, and his services as guide were se- cured. Colonel Chiles then took thirty horsemen and by way of Fort Boise and Pitt river went to Sacramento valley, arriving safely at Sutter's Fort. In 1844 Colonel Chiles came to Xapa county and took the proper steps to secure from the Mexican government the tract of land now known as the Cataculu rancho : all he paid for this princely domain was $5 for the paper on which to write the deed, and in the same year he built a log house. This was followed by an adobe house, later a mill was erected, whip-sawed lumber being used, and he also put in the old dam and built a blacksmith and wagon shop. He also built a distillery and raised cattle, mules and hogs extensively. He was a prominent figure in the Bear Flag war, protecting the families of General Vallejo, Jacob P. Leese and others. In 1847 Colonel Chiles returned to Missouri with the Stockton party, act- ing as pi lot. for which he received $2 per day, returning to California in 1848 with another party. Five years later, in 1853, he again returned to Missouri, and the same year he was married in Missouri, and in 1854 brought his wife t'> California and settled on one thousand acres, the Vines tract, now the site of Rutherford. Here he resided for many years, and in 1864 located on his grant in Chiles valley, continuing to make his home here for eight years. In 1872 he located in St. Helena, where he built his residence. He was the oldest American settler in Xapa county at his death. His life was filled with hard- ships and battles won, all of which formed material for stories which he was able to recount in a most realistic manner, because they were pages from his own life history. Colonel Chiles was married in Missouri. December 25. 1855, to Margaret Jane Garnhart. a native of Jefferson county. Va., born January 27. 1827. By a former marriage there were four children born: Mrs. Fannie Brown, of Los Angeles: Mrs. Leonard Tully, of St. Helena; James R.. who died in Blue Mills. Mo.; and Mr--. Jerome Davis, of Sacramento. By his second marriage there were six children: W. G.. of Siskiyou county; Amelia and Susie, de- ceased: Joseph B.. of Marin county: Dixie V., Mrs. A. X. Bell, of St. Helena; and Henry Lee. who resides on a part of the old home place. Joseph B. Chiles passed away June 2b. 1885. and his widow survived him about fifteen years, dying at the old home in St. Helena. MAXWELL NURSERY. Xo history of Xapa county would be complete without mention of the splendid enterprise known as Maxwell Nursery, started in 1895 by John Max- well. In his native land. Ireland, he had ample opportunity to learn the nursery business, and when he came to America in the early 80's he was 404 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES eminently qualified to earn his livelihood in the line of his training. It did not take him long to decide that Napa county was very well suited to his pur- pose, and the nursery which he established was the first in the county. With the passing of years it has developed to large proportions, more than justify- ing the faith shown by its founder. Mr. Maxwell's demise occurred in Napa, May 26, 1910: He was a popular Forester and a well-known figure in all progressive movements in the county. When he died the county lost a keen business man and one who was interested in its welfare. Maxwell Nursery is now conducted by Thomas Maxwell, son of the founder. Commenced in a small way, the business gradually increased to such an extent that the premises had to be enlarged, and today the business is conducted on fifty acres of rich land, a portion of the Guy Young ranch, on the bank of Napa river. A specialty is made of French prunes and cherries. The nursery does a large business in all parts of the state, not only in prune and cherry trees, but also in other fruit trees. The Maxwell Nursery, is one of the progressive industries for which Napa county is noted, and as the val- ley develops will necessarily lead to even greater successes in the future than have been enjoyed in the past. ANDREW RASMUSSEN. A native of Denmark, Andrew Rasmussen was born near Fladerslev, Schleswig, March 1, 1860. His father, Peter, was a farmer and in 1864 re- moved to Bornholm, the latter being an independent island, but now a pos- session of Denmark. On locating: there he boueht a farm and carried it on until his death at the age of sixty-four years. He had married Kathrina Larsen, who passed away at the age of sixty-two. Of their five children there are two living and Andrew is the only one in California. Andrew Rasmussen was reared on the home farm in Bornholm and there received his education in the public schools. When he had reached the age of sixteen years he decided to take up ranching for a life work. Having an uncle. Hans Rasmussen, living in Omaha, Neb., he came to America and joined him in 1876. This uncle was a farmer and a contractor and builder and had been in the United States for many years. After being with this uncle three years he decided to come to California, and in 1879 we find him in San Francisco as a helper in a machine shop. During the year he worked in the machine shop he attended night school. In 1880 he came to Napa county and found employment in the Talcoa vineyard, here taking up the study of viticul- ture under Prof. George Husmann, during the following four years. In 1884 he accepted a position as foreman in Mr. Husmann's vineyard in Chiles val- ley and for two years was engaged in that capacity. The next three years he was employed in Wheeler's vineyard and winery near St. Helena as foreman, and held the same position in the Lemme vineyard and winery on Spring mountain the following year. During all these years spent in the study of this line of industry, Mr. Rasmussen had developed remarkable aptitude and in 1890 he was engaged as superintendent of the Summit vineyard and winery of one hundred and thirty acres. Eight years later he resigned from this position and bought a place near Calistoga consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, all in timber; of this forty acres are cleared, thirty acres being in vines. He did the work himself and also erected a comfortable house and suitable outbuildings to carry on the place. About this time he entered the employ of the California Wine Association at the Graystone winery and each season for the following five years had charge of the manufacture of the wine. In 1903 he was sent to Fresno by this company and for three years had charge of their Scandi- navian vineyards and winery. In 1906 he accepted a position with Prof. JT(% £ tf-frtrtLe?*-^ lJcxj cJ( C, oV^tev^ HISTORY OF Sol. \\o AND X \l'.\ COUNTIES 409 George C. Husmann as special agent in viticulture and at that time was the only special agent in this state. He filled the position for about a year and then resigned to accept a position as superintendent of the Fresno vineyards and wineries for the California Wine Association, which was tendered him in 1907. Me there had supervision of twelve hundred and forty acres of vineyard ami two wineries'. In 1 () 09 he was transferred h\ them to the same position in the Xapa wineries, the two having a capacity of 2,100,000 gallons of wine. Mr. Rasmussen still owns his ranch near Calistoga, which is looked after by his son Rolla. It is known as the Monte Vista or mountain view vineyard. In St. Helena occurred the marriage ^i Mr. Rasmussen and Miss Evelyn Penland. who was born in Xapa county, and a daughter of Isaac l'enland, who came across the plains to California in 1853 and was one of the pioneer farmers in Napa valley, lie married Susan March, who was horn in Oregon, and they are still living on a ranch near Calistoga. Mr. Rasmussen and his wife have four children: Pearl. Rolla. Edna and Ivan. In politics Mr. Ras- mussen is a Republican and has assisted in putting into office the men of his choice. He was made a Mason in St. Helena Lodge No. 93. F. & A. M.; is a member of Calistoga Chapter, O. E. S., and of St. Helena Lodge No. 167, I. O. O. F. The family are comfortably located on their home ranch and in the county they have surrounded themselves with many friends. In busi- - circles Mr. Rasmussen is well known, and during the many years that he has been connected with the wine business and the growing of grapes has become a recognized authority along those lines. WILLIAM B. TOWSOX. The last bugle-note, summoning from earth her bravest and best, has called from life's activities many of those whose names are indissolubly con- nected with the early history of our own state and who have stood the brunt of the battle of pioneering, leaving us to the enjoyment of their work. Such is the case with the subject of this sketch, William B. Towson, now deceased. The life herein delineated began in 1831 in Baltimore, Md., and ended in Vacaville in 1896. During the sixty-five years indicated, there came many experiences that rounded out the character and developed his personality. For five years Mr. Towson remained in Baltimore, Md., with his parents, then the family moved to Missouri and two years later the mother died. The boy received the advantages of an education in the public schools of Missouri and then, upon his graduation, he learned the cooper's trade. At the age of eighteen years, with all the hopes and anticipations of life to the full strong within him. he set out for California in 1850, crossing the plains and ultimately settling near Vacaville, Solano county. He first purchased land near Laguna Lake, and with his partner, Edward Graham, engaged in grain raising for three years, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Towson purchased one hundred and ninety acres, where his widow now lives. Here he con- tinued to raise grain and stock up to the time of his death. In 1864 Mr. Towson was married to Miss Mary E. Stark, a native of Palmyra. Mo., born in 1843, the daughter of Ambrose D. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Stark, natives of Kentucky. Mr. Stark came to California in 1850 across the plains. Returning to Missouri in 1853, the following year he again came west, this time bringing his wife and their six children, the ox-team journey lasting from April until September, location being made in Solano county. The death of the mother occurred in Colusa county when they arrived in the state, and the father died in 1891. Mrs. Towson was educated in the public schools of Vacaville. To Mr. and Mrs. Towson were born thirteen children, three of whom are now deceased. Xamed in the order of their birth 410 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the children are as follows : Allen, of Vacaville ; Robert, deceased ; Adna, residing in Vaca valley, the wife of Ben Christopher; Ruth, the wife of Charles Christopher, and residing near Vacaville ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Pierson, of this val- ley; Ralph and Jennie, both deceased; Frank, a carpenter at Richmond; Everett, a chemist in the sugar refinery at San Francisco ; William B., Jr., now living with his mother on the ranch ; Leroy, a graduate of the dental college in San Francisco, and one of the leading dentists in Vacaville ; and Reuben and Rupert, twins, the former of Woodland and the latter at home. Mr. Towson was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically he was a Democrat. He was one of the earliest settlers in Solano county and was known throughout Vaca A-alley as a very successful rancher. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Towson has continued to operate the ranch, making a specialty of horticulture, and has set out about seventy acres of trees, including prunes, peaches, cherries and plums. The ranch is located about one and a half miles west of Vacaville and is well improved' with a large residence, packing house and all modern conveniences for farming and horticulture. C. E. McCORMICK. D. O. The first representative of Dr. McCormick's family in the west was his father, William N., who was born in Arkansas in 1845, but passed the years of boyhood in Missouri, and during 1863 crossed the plains to California with mule-teams. The party which he accompanied consisted of fifty-two men and two women, the two most prominent men being Dr. Hugh Glenn and Marion Biggs. With the expedition there were brought four hundred and thirty-six head of horses and mules. Starting out from Omaha, the party proceeded slowly on the way and met with no special hardships or perils. At the expiration of sixty-two days they arrived at Sacramento and there dispersed. After an experience of two years as a rancher in Mendocino county Wil- liam N. McCormick removed to Napa county in 1865 and settled at St. Helena, where he became interested in ranching and later acquired a large drove of stock. The fattening of cattle on his ranch led him to open a butcher shop, and in addition he carried on a dray and express business. Fourteen years were spent on the ranch and in associated business pursuits, after which he acted as proprietor of the White Sulphur Springs hotel for five years and conducted the Walters' Springs hotel for one year. Coming to Napa during May of 1910, he has since lived in retirement from business activities, but still maintains a warm interest in all enterprises for the general welfare, and is as devoted to the state of his adoption as in his younger and more active days. The marriage of William N. McCormick in 1870 united him with Miss Nancy Jane York, a native of California, and now enjoying the distinction of being the oldest Native Daughter in the state. The children of the union are as follows: Dr. C. E., of Napa; Rodney; John W. ; Henry M., and Lloyd; Carrie, wife of F. J. Smith, of Oakland; Nellie, who married T. J. Dufficy, of Portland, Ore.; and Anna. Mrs. William N. McCormick was a daughter of that honored pioneer, John York, who died in 1909. Born at the old St. Helena homestead in Napa county, in 1878. C. E. McCormick obtained his primary education in the public schools and later attended the old academy at St. Helena. For three years he took the nurse's course in the Burke sanitarium near Santa Rosa, Sonoma county, after which he matriculated in the California College of Osteopathy. It was his privilege to graduate with the second class completing the required course of study in that institution. After the completion of his course he engaged in the prac- HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 411 ticc of his profession in San Francisco until the great fire of 1906 temporarily wrecked the city. During January of 1907 he came to Napa and opened an office, since which time he has built up a large practice and a growing popu- larity as a successful exponent of osteopathy. The science which he has studied and now practices embraces the principles of drugless healing, based upon the principle that the body has been endowed by nature with all the fluids and forces necessary for the preservation of health and recovery from disease, providing the mechanism which produces and distributes these fluids and forces is in perfect mechanical adjustment. Osteopathy was discovered by Or. A. T. Still in 1873, when he was at Baldwin, Kans. The founder, a physician and surgeon of the allopathic school, was a surgeon in the Union army throughout the Civil war and estab- lished the first College of Osteopathy at Kirksville. Mo., in 1893. There are now eight colleges in active operation in the United States. The minimum requirement ^i these colleges for graduation is three years of study of nine months each, or twenty-seven months, as compared with a minimum course of four years of six months each, or twenty-four months, which is the mini- mum requirement of the American Medical Association. There are nearly five thousand osteopathic physicians in practice. Their system is designated by the degree of Doctor t ->t Osteopathy, conferred by osteopathic colleges in contradistinction to the M.D. degree conferred by medical schools. In more than forty states osteopathy is accorded legal recognition. In many of these states it maintains its own state board of osteopathic examination or regis- tration or has one or more representatives in the state board of health. The science regards man as a machine. It deals with disease as primarily a dis- order in the mechanics of the body. It believes that the human body is its own chemical laboratory. It defines health as the perfect flow of life's fluids, disease as obstructed flow. Xormal nerve force is the best medicine life knows and pure blood is the best germicide. Osteopathic treatment is by adjustment. The marriage of Dr. McCormick occurred in 1899 and united him with Miss Eva Bradbury, a native of Kansas, and by the union he is the father of three children. Harold. Ruth and Marvin. The Fraternal Brotherhood and the Woodmen of the World number him among their members, while also he is actively associated with the Native Sons of the Golden West and serves at this writing as an examining physician of the order and of the Fraternal Brotherhood. CHESTER C. GREENWOOD. A true American, ambitious and energetic, Mr. Greenwood has attained, by his recognized ability and strict attention to duty, his present position of trust as quarterman shipwright in the Mare Island navy yard, to which office he was appointed by virtue of his standing in a competitive examination. Born in Vallejo. September 5, 1870. Mr. Greenwood is the third eldest son of the late Capt. George Hugh Greenwood (whose sketch appears else- where in this volume), who was prominent in the transportation industry on San Francisco bay. Mrs. Greenwood, formerly Elizabeth Colby Lee. of Ames- bury. Mass.. passed away in San Francisco in 1904. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are living. Chester Greenwood spent his youth on the home farm, receiving a good education in the public and high schools of Vallejo. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed as a shipwright in the Mare Nland navy yard, and after completing his trade five years later, he continued in the government service until taking the competitive examination which secured him hi~ present appointment. Upon the incorporation of the Greenwood Company, he became a director and a participant in the manage- 412 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ment of the estate. Included in the estate are two schooners, in constant service, known as the Roy Summers and the Jennie & Edna, the latter having been built by the captain. The property holdings include real estate in Vallejo and San Francisco, among which is a substantial three-story rein- forced concrete business building, the most modern in Vallejo, recently erected on Marin near Georgia street. Mr. Greenwood was united in marriage in Vallejo, December 30, 1894, with Miss Jane Shouse, born at the old home in American Canon, Napa county, and a daughter of Berry Shouse, Sr. (represented elsewhere in this volume). They have one child, Chester Lazelle. Fraternally Mr. Greenwood is a member of Golden State Lodge No. 216, I. O. O. F., of Vallejo, of which he is past grand. He also holds membership in Vallejo Parlor No. 77, N. S. G. W., having served efficiently as president. A Republican, maintaining a broad and intelligent interest in political devel- opments in general, he is also a conscientious and progressive citizen, always among the first to respond in aid of civic movements. Mrs. Greenwood is an active member of the Vallejo Baptist Church, in which field she finds many avenues for the practical expression of her womanly sympathy. WILLIAM K. GEDGE. Several successive generations of the Gedge family were associated with maritime affairs and when William K. selected an occupation for himself he naturally turned to the work in which his ancestors had achieved distinc- tion. However, a brief experience with sea-faring duties convinced him that his tastes did not lie in that direction, and later he entered the railroad service, in which he has been signally successful. Almost continuously since 1880 he has held the responsible position of engineer on the Central Pacific Railroad and has been the efficient incumbent of an important post entrusted with the lives and the safety of the passengers traveling along this route. Thor- oughness, skill and efficiency have won for him a high place in the list of the company's employes and have given him the confidence of the traveling public. Born in San Francisco in 1857, William K. Gedge received a public school education and later took a course of training in St. Augustine's Military Acad- emy at Benicia, from which he was graduated in 1874. Meanwhile he often accompanied on long voyages his father, Capt. George Gedge. The latter was born in Yarmouth, England, and served as captain in the British navy until he resigned his commission and came to California around the Horn in 1847. He was commodore in the Pacific Mail line, a prominent sea captain, and a man possessing a wide knowledge concerning ocean vessels. The pa- ternal grandfather, Admiral John Gedge, was a graduate of the naval college at Plymouth, where he rose to the rank of admiral, and was considered the bravest officer in George IV's navy. With such ancestry as this the young graduate of the military school naturally turned toward kindred pursuits and we find him working with the Pacific Steamship Company as a member of the crew of the steamer New World. After a year he entered the employ of Pope & Talbert, the largest lumber company on the coast, and for three years he continued in their yards. Leaving that position he formed the firm of Barnes & Gedge, proprietors of a planing mill and manufacturers of lumber, at Oakland, and this industry he superintended until 1878, when he sold out his interest in the business. During January of 1879 he became a fireman on the Central Pacific Railroad, and in December of 1880 he was promoted to be engineer, which position he has since held continuously with the exception of the years 1906-07-08, when he acted as road foreman of engineers. Again, in October, 1911, he was appointed to the position of road foreman of engi- HISTORY OK SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 415 neers. but resigned December 1, 1911, as it took him away from home too much, and he resumed his old rim between Vallejo and Suisun. The marriage of Mr. Gedge and Miss Adah M. Rhorer, a native of Louisi- ana, occurred in 1882. The family residence stands at No. l >42 York street, Vallejo. Three children came to brighten the home, but death removed a beloved son. while the daughters have gone into homes of their own. leaving Mr. and Mrs. Gedge again alone. Their elder daughter. Ellen J., is living in Vallejo, where her husband, Henry J. Wedenmann, holds a position as super- visor from the second district and also occupies a prominent business post. The younger daughter, Susan M.. has a pleasant home at Lake Charles, La., where her husband. Arthur L. Gayle, is a member of the firm of Kelly, Weber & ( o. The only son. Jonathan R.. died in 1909 at the age of fifteen years, while he was a student in the Vallejo high school. Organizations and movements for mutual benefit receive the stanch co- operation of Mr. Gedge. who at this writing is president of the Samoset Hall Association of Vallejo. and holds a prominent connection with the local coun- cil oi the Brotherhood i^i Locomotive Engineers. Among the fraternal asso- ciations oi which he is an active member are the Independent Order of For- esters, the Samoset Tribe of Red Men No. 22 and Naval Lodge No. 87, F. & A. M.. at Vallejo. The welfare of his home town receives his sympathetic support. No citizen has evinced a keener public spirit than he, and as city trustee in 1885-86-87 he gave efficient help to the material upbuilding of the town and to the expansion of its commercial interests. JOHN WESLEY LAMBERT. In the upper Suisun valley, within the limits of Napa county, John Wesley Lambert was born in 1856, and was one year old when his parents removed to Solano county. On reaching school age, he went to the public institutions of the county in which he resided, remaining therein until seventeen years old. Asa young man he worked on a farm and tended stock until he was twenty- four years of age. but as the work was not congenial he determined to launch out for himself and work on his own account. As a result of this determina- tion he now owns one hundred and ten acres of as good grain land as one could desire, in Suisun valley, and forty-five acres of fruit land near Fairfield; twenty-five acres in pears and the balance pasture. He has also found stock dealing very remunerative and to his liking and at the present time he is engaged in this vocation. Mr. Lambert was married in Fairfield, October 26, 1880, to Miss Lovey Chadbourne, a native of the Suisun valley, and the daughter of Joseph and Ruth Annie (Hobbs) Chadbourne, natives of Maine. The father came to California in 1850. but subsequently returned to Maine, and after his marriage again came to California. He followed farming and horticulture in Suisun, and here he and his wife died. To Mr. and Mrs. Lambert six children were born, of whom five are now living, as follows: Edna, who became the wife of Hardy Wright, and now resides in Fairfield; Pearl, who became the wife of Clyde Wright, of Cement; Hazel, attending the Rio Vista Academy; Charles A., attending the Armejo high school of Fairfield; and Blanche, also attending school at Fairfield. Mr. Lambert's father, Wesley Lambert, was bnrn in Kentucky and first came to California across the plains in 1848 in an ox-train. He died in Mendocino county in January. 1899. His wife, Dennda (Berger) Lambert, w r as born in Iowa, and died at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. Lambert is a member of Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M.. and politically is a Democrat. Having spent the most of his life in Solano county it is no wonder that we find Mr. Lambert a man well liked and respected. Moreover, he is a man who delights to see things move along in the right direction, and he supports everything to this end. 416 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES WILLIAM HUNTER. The two coasts of this continent furnish the scene for the life of William Hunter. He was born in Pictou county, Nova Scotia, in 1841, and was reared there, gaining his early schooling and learning the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for some time prior to coming to California in 1869. At that time he settled at Hills Ferry, above Stockton, and in 1870 he came to Napa, being employed in the blacksmith shop of A. W. Norton for one year. Having acquired sufficient capital, at the end of this time he opened a shop of his own in January, 1871, on First street, the present site of the Globe theater, and there he conducted business for many years. Giving up the business in 1888, he took up ranching as a means of livelihood, on forty-five acres' of unimproved land, which he purchased, five miles north of Napa, and engaged in horticul- ture. He put the property under a high state of cultivation and has made a success of the undertaking because of his thrift and application. He erected a good set of buildings on the place and planted prune and peach trees,, from which he has received many fine crops of fruit. In 1906 he made an especially fine record, securing seventy-five tons of dried prunes from twenty-five acres of land. These prunes sold for $60 per ton, making a gross return of $4500. In 1907 he sold this splendid ranch and took up his residence in Napa, where for one year he was associated with Fisher & Tool in the canning business. He was afterward actively associated with the Napa Canning Company, and is at present engaged in the real estate business. Mr. Hunter is a Mason and an Elk, and is held in high regard in the community. His life is an example of success attained because of progressive thrift and constant application to the task in hand, as well as an enthusiasm and uprightness in the doing of the same. In 1862 he was married to Miss Annie F. Kitchin, also a native of Nova Scotia. They had two children : Ida, wife of E. H. Winship, of Napa, and W. C. Hunter, who died in Napa in May, 1911. Mr. Hunter has been a resident of Napa for forty-one years, and has been closely identified with the growth and improvement of the county, hence he is well qualified for the real estate business, and his years of experience make him well fitted to judge land values. CAPT. ANDREW KNUDSEN. There are many mariners from the "Land of the Midnight Sun" who have achieved success in the transportation business on the Pacific coast and on San Francisco bay, and among them mention is due Andrew Knudsen, who was born near Aalsund, Norway, November 2, 1830. Left an orphan at the age of five years and the second youngest in a family of six children, his educational advantages were limited and he is truly a self-made man in every sense of the term. In the seaport town where he was reared the prin- cipal occupation of the male inhabitants was following the sea. At the age • of nine years he boarded a sailing vessel in the coast lumber trade and in time became cook. The captain of the vessel was very kind to the orphan boy and favored him at every opportunity. When he had reached the age of seventeen years he secured a position on board a sailing vessel in the coast- ing trade, his wages to be $2 per month, but he was kept out for eighteen months, and when he was paid off the captain allowed him only $18 for the entire time. He was next aboard a vessel trading with France and the Iberian peninsula under Captain Juul. Later he was employed on the Esmeralda at $5 a month, in the East Indian trade, going to Singapore and Hongkong, and touching at various other ports. After being out eighteen months the vessel was wrecked off the coast of the East Indies, and all he secured for HISTORY OF SOLANO AND X\r\ COUNTIES 417 tins time was an English sovereign. He next shipped aboard an English sel, the Serbrevius, engaged in the East Indian trade, under Captain Apple ton, at S17. 50 per month. Mrs. Appleton was also aboard the ship and both the captain and his wife were kind to him. and here he obtained his Inst les- sons iti English from Mrs. Appleton. who took an especial interest in him. We next rind him aboard the American ship Resolute, again touching at familiar ports in the Indian ocean. Coming to New York with a cargo of tea from China in 1855 (this being the first time he had set foot on American soil), he left the vessel and went aboard the Black Warrior for San Francisco, via Cape Horn, landing in that city January 8. 1856. with $2 in his pocket, and this he generously divided with a ehum. This shortage necessitated his going to work at once. He found employment on the brig Fawn, on a trip to the Umpqua river, and on hi- return to San Francisco he went on the lumber sloop Jilt bound for N'apa. arriving in April. 1856. Continuing on this vessel for eighteen months he then purchased a half interest and later became sole owner, running her as a freighter for about six years, when he sold out and built the small schooner Napa City, and used her successfully in the lumber trade for a number of years, when he sold her. He next built the City of Xapa. >>i seventy-two ton-, and ran her in the bay and the coast trade until she was l"-t off the coast of Oregon. The H. II. Knapp. a schooner of one hundred tons, was his next venture in shipbuilding, and after running her in the same trade for three years he sold her. Six months later she was also lost off the coast of Westport, Cal.. since which time the captain has lived retired at his home No. 11 Division -treet. Xapa. Captain Knudsen was married in San Francisco to Miss Elizabeth Long. a native >, 1896, united him with Miss Minnie Dawley, a native daughter oi the state, and two children have been born to them. Delia and Errol. Mr. Sherburne was made a Mason in Benicia Lodge No. 5. F. & A. M.. also belongs to Benicia Chapter No. 7, R. A. M.. and was raised to the Knights Templar degree in Golden Gate Com- manderv No. 16, K. T.. oi San Francisco, lie i- also a member of the Brother- hood oi Locomotive Engineers, I. eland Stanford Division No. 283. at Oakland. Mis political sympathies are in favor oi Republican candidates, and in national elections he votes for the candidates oi that party, but in local elections he gives his preference to the man of the highest principles, regardless of the party supporting him. SARCHEL WOLFSKILL. Descended from a pioneer ancestry that gradually forced their way from the eastern settlements through countless perils to the valley of the Mississippi and aided in the material upbuilding oi the central commonwealths, the gen- tleman whose name introduces this article was born in Howard county. Mo., February IS. ISIS. The environment of the frontier was familiar to his youthful gaze. The free school had not yet been introduced, but occasionally a subscription school was started and the children of the neighborhood had such advantages as it offered. A long devotion to pioneer agriculture, beginning when he was a small boy. kept Mr. Wolfskill closely at home until the outbreak of the Mexican war. when he enlisted as a private soldier under General Doniphan and went to the front, remaining until peace was declared. On his return to Missouri he often alluded to the rich soil and fine possibilities of much of the country through which he had traveled as a soldier. The discovery of gold in Cali- fornia deepened a purpose that since the war had lingered in his mind. He decided to remove to the western coast, but it was not until early in 1852 that it was possible for him to start. Meanwhile he had disposed of his property, sold oft his personal effects and with his wife and children started for Cali- fornia, coming by the Nicaragua route. Mrs. Wolfskill rode an old mule and carried her infant from the lake to the Pacific ocean. Seven weeks slowly parsed as the little family waited for a steamer to take them to San Francisco. The steamer they had tickets for was lost and did not appear. Meanwhile the -el. Americo. from near Acapulco, sent a small craft to their aid, but they could not board the barque, nor did they care to travel on the sailing vessels that passed. -" they waited for a steamship. Finally they landed at San Fran- cisco from the steamer Independence, that was wrecked and lost on the return voyage. The journey had not been without its touch of deep personal sorrow, for while they were detained at the isthmus one of their children, the boy Milton, sickened and died. The little body was buried there, but the memory of the losl child has ever been precious to its mother and in the midst of the happi- - of the later years she has never forgotten that heart-breaking bereave- ment. In the first of June. 1X52. the family arrived in Solano county, joining his brother, John Wolfskill, who generously ^ave him a gift of twelve hundred acres of land. On this spot he spent his remaining year-: :in( \ | 1crc he f ]j c ,i m 1878. leaving to the widow the property they had labored to improve with united effort and untiring industry. For fifty-seven year- Mrs. Wolfskill has 424 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES lived at the same place and her comfortable cottage stands within twenty-five feet of the primitive structure that housed their early years on the farm. The homestead comprises over five hundred acres and is rented, but Mrs. Wolfskill and her daughter, Sallie, occupy the residence and also keep a few head of stock in the barns and pastures. Twenty acres of the farm are in fruits of the choicest varieties. For years a vineyard of one hundred and fifty acres proved a source of great profit, but the industry finally languished, the vines were removed and gave place to other products. It was during 1849 in Missouri that Miss Margaret Cooper, who was born near Fayette, Howard county, that state, became the bride of the young farmer who recently had returned from the Mexican war. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom Milton, Stephen and Elizabeth are deceased. Joseph married Sarah Bollinger and has six children. John, who is a resident of Winters, married Birdie Cooper and they have three daughters and one son. William, who resides in Solano county, chose Frances Foster as his wife and they have one daughter. Barnett, living in Alameda, married Mildred Fowler and they have two children. Mattie M., Sallie, Mollie, Nellie and Ruth are the daughters now living and of these Sallie remains at home, ministering to the comfort of her mother's old age. Mollie, Mrs. Charles M. Cooper, of Solano county, has six children ; Mrs. Nellie Ish is the mother ot eight children ; and Ruth, Mrs. William Gregory, of Oakland, has one child. Mrs. Wolfskill is in receipt of the usual pension paid to widows of Mexican war veterans. In religion she has been in sympathy with the doctrines of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and has contributed to its missionary move- ments. Mr. Wolfskill likewise having been an earnest supporter of that denomi- nation. In fraternal connections he was a Mason and maintained a warm interest in the work of the blue lodge. The Democratic party received the steadfast allegiance of his youthful years and the era of manhood's .prime, but later he became so strong in his opposition to the sale of intoxicating liquors that he identified himself with the Prohibition party and from that time until his death he never faltered in his advocacy of temperance doctrines. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN CHRISTOPHER. The father of our subject, also Benjamin Franklin Christopher, was born in Tennessee and came to California in 1854. Here he made his home for nearly fifty years, passing away in 1902. His wife, Nana (Griffin) Christopher, had died in 1894. Benjamin F. Christopher was born in 1860, in Potter's valley. Mendocino county, and he possesses all those characteristics that made bis parents loved of all who knew them. For fourteen years Mr. Christopher remained in his native county and then he removed south to Los Angeles county with his parents. But as he loved the rugged pasture land and the fertile valleys of the north he returned to Mendocino county and thence, in 1876, to Solano county, settling in the Lagoon valley, where the father purchased one hundred and forty acres of land, about seventeen acres of this being tillable. He first engaged in grain and stock raising, and later became interested in horticulture. Besides the land mentioned he also owns fifty-five acres about three miles west of Vacaville. For the past twenty-two years he has been engaged in the fruit- growing business, raising peaches, apricots and prunes. He also raises all the stock that he uses on his land and in the busy season he employs about' ten men to assist him. Mr. Christopher has served on the school board for the last fifteen years. He belongs to no fraternal orders, but is ever ready to assist in every social function that will promote the interests of the commu- nity in which he lives. During 1890 Mr. Christopher was married to Miss Edna Towson, a native /JXTluO? >&uidL O/PtscZ/j-f <^t-c^V / HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAIW OHWTIKS 427 of Solano county ami the daughter of \\ . B. and Mary E. (Starks) Towson, wlu> are represented in tins work. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Christopher, of whom four arc living: Ralph, employed in Vacaville; Ellis, attending the Vacaville high school; Vernon, attending the Lagoon grammar school: and Gerald. Mr. Christopher is a Republican and is always read) i" aid any movemenl that has For its object the upbuilding of the county. TOHN BIRD. A prosperous landowner and rancher of Bird's Landing, Cal., John Bird is a man who is well known and one who has been actively engaged with the building up of the state for more than fifty years. His name is synonymous with all that is good and true and noble and progressive. He has gained a reputation for honesty of dealing that is not excelled by many in this part of the state. He was born in Marcellus, Onondaga county. X. Y., in 1837, a son y^i Henry Bird, a native of England, who had come to America when a boy and who died when his son John was only five years old. Reared on a ranch, the son received his education in the public schools, and when not in school was busily engaged as a farm hand. On October 5, 1859, then young and exceedingly ambitious, he left his native state and started on the journey to California, via the Isthmus. His companion in travel was George Eustis, now residing near Woodland, Cal. Arriving in San Francisco, Mr. Bird did not spend very much time in that city, but went to Santa Rosa, where he secured work as a helper in building for two months, afterwards removing to Sonoma mines and then to Sacramento. Here he went into the dairying business at the place then called the Norris grant, and remained there until November, 1865. In that year he came to Bird's Landing and bought nine hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he commenced a farming and dairying business. Four years later, in 1869, he built the first wharf and warehouse in the place that now bears his name. The progress of the town was then assured, for in 1875 a store was started, and later a postoffice, and the official name of Bird's Landing was given to the place. In 1871 Mr. Bird built a blacksmith's shop, the first one to be built this side of Suisun, and in 1880 he purchased the store that had been started before this time, and now owns all the buildings at Bird's Landing. In 1869 Mr. Bird was united in marriage with Emily Hargrave, a native of Illinois, and to this union there were born five sons, as follows: Henry, of Suisun: Walter C. a farmer at Bird's Landing; Albert S., a horticulturist near Winters; John. Jr.. and E. G., proprietors of a general merchandise store at Bird's Landing. To Air. Bird belongs the distinction of being the first to commence the dairy business in Solano county, having demonstrated many years ago that this industry would pay well, if conducted rightly. Air. Bird raises grain on the balance of his land, now devoting four hundred and seventy- five acres to this purpose. He is a man that is active in school matters, believing in giving to the young of the land the best possible educational advantages. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the board of school trustees, and has also been clerk of the board during this period. For one term he served as justice of the peace, and under AfcKinley's administration he served as postmaster of Bird's Landing until he resigned. He is a man well liked and respected. His mother died in Xew York state at the age of eighty years. An elder brother of Air. Bird. Henry, came to California and was associated with him in the store at Bird's Landing. He was an old Civil war veteran and died in 1901. Politically Air. Bird is a Republican and is ever ready to assist in everything that has for its object the improvement of the county or community. 428 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ROBERT FRANCIS WILLIAMS. By reason of his thorough understanding of the occupation to which he has given his attention for a number of years, Mr. Williams is one of the most successful horticulturists in Solano county. On a ranch of two hundred and thirty-two acres about eight miles north of Suisun, the property of his mother, he has a showing of healthy fruit trees, and in addition to this he is engaged in buying and feeding about two hundred head of cattle annually, the gross receipts of his combined efforts showing an income of $6,000. A native son of the state, Robert F. Williams was born in Sacramento county, June 10, 1869, the son of Robert and Maria (Ellard) Williams, a sketch of whom appears in another page in this work. When he was seven years old his parents moved into the Suisun valley, Solano county, and in the schools there he completed his education. After his school days were over he continued on the home farm aiding his father until his death, later working for his mother, and of late years he has had the management of the place for his mother, who makes her home in Suisun. The ranch comprises two hun- dred and thirty-two acres, of which about sixty acres are in orchard, including all varieties of fruit and nuts, and the remainder of the land is in pasture and In 1896 Robert F. Williams and Miss Mattie J. Gosling were united in marriage. She was born in Berryessa valley, Napa county, the daughter of Caleb Gosling and his wife, both natives of England. (A sketch of their lives may be found elsewhere in this volume.) Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Francis E., born June 10, 1901, and now a student in the school in Suisun valley, and Winnifred. Politically Mr. Williams is a Republican, and fraternally he is identified with Suisun Lodge No. 78, I. O. O. F., and he and his wife are identified with the affiliated order of Rebekahs. Among the citizens of Suisun there is none more progressive and public spirited, and none who enjoys more thoroughly the good will and confidence of his community than Robert F. Williams. THADDEUS EDGAR PECKINPAH. A native of Illinois, Thaddeus Edgar Peckinpah was born in 1848, and in 1852 was brought to California across the plains by his parents. They first settled in Alexander valley, Sonoma county, and in 1864 moved to Petaluma, where Mr. Peckinpah supplemented his grammar school education by attend- ing the Petaluma high school. He belonged to Company D, C. G. In 1871 he went to Guerneville, where he aided his brother-in-law in his lumber mill. In 1885 he located a number of people on timber claims in Fresno county, where, in company with his brother, C. M., he built a sawmill, spending his summers at the mill and his winters in improving the home which he had purchased in Napa county. He maintained his interest in Fresno county until 1903, when he sold out all his holdings there and retired to the "Napa Valley Home." In 1893 Mr. Peckinpah identified himself with the advancing interests of Napa county by moving to the vicinity of the celebrated Napa Soda Springs, where he purchased ninety-one acres of land overlooking the Napa valley, giving a splendid view of the valley, probably the finest to be obtained in the county. When this place was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Peckinpah it was in the state in which nature had left it, but since that time many improvements have been made, making it an ideal residence location. Among other improve- ments was the planting of many shade trees, which today, after the hand that planted them has been laid low, wave their branches in the breeze. All of the time and attention of Mr. Peckinpah was not given to the advancement of his own personal interests. He devoted much of his ability HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 429 and attention t<> the work of the Prohibition party, of which he was an enthusiastic member and an active worker. Not only to the temperance cause did he devote much time and energy, but to anv and all causes which appealed to him as being for the betterment of the community. It was said <>\ him when hi- death occurred in September, 1908, that because he had lived the world was better. Fraternally he was connected with Redwood Lodge, I. O. O. I-'., at Gucrneville. Mr. Peckinpah was married in San Francisco in ISSo to Lucy V ( liriggs) Raw son. a native <i nature site has made a deep study of botany. She discovered three new varieties oi wild flowers that have been introduced into the department of botany at the University ni California and bear her name. Her painted col- lection of California wild dowers numbers over three hundred. She also takes a great interest in photography and has- many specimens of her skill, repre- senting views taken by her in different parts of the state. In her home may also be seen a fine collection of Indian baskets and curios and also a fine bed- spread that is more than one hundred years old. It came from Massachusetts and bears the record of colonial days and the period when George Washington was president. This specimen of art is in a perfect state of preservation and is highly valued by the owner. Needless to say, Mrs. Peckinpah has made many friends, who admire her not only for her ability, but also for her general ■d qualities of mind and heart. CHARLES A. MURRAY. A native of Ireland. Charles A. Murray was born in County Derry, No- vember 5. 1846. and was educated in the public schools of his native land. Leaving home in 1860. he first located in Morrisburg, Canada, but after six months he went to DeKalb. St. Lawrence county, N. Y. With the opening of the Civil war he was eager to join the Union army, and as soon as accept- ance was possible he enlisted as a private. This was in 1862, when he was only about sixteen years of age. As a member of Company I. Eleventh New York Volunteer Cavalry, he served under Capt. W. H. Slosson, of Bingham- ton. X. Y.. and under Col. James B. Swayne, assigned to the army of the Potomac. The regiment took part in numerous skirmishes and several river expeditions. At the close of the Rebellion he was honorably discharged at Memphis, Tenn., in March of 1865, and at once started for the west. The young soldier secured employment with Caldwell & Co. in Kansas. From 1865 to 1868 Mr. Murray led a roving life and at times held posi- tions in Denver. Pueblo and at Gold Run near Leadville. Tiring at last of traveling from place to place and desiring to find a location where he would be content to remain permanently, he came on to California in 1868 and set- tled in Mendocino comity, later spending two year- in Sonoma county. From there he returned to Mendocino county, and married Miss Mary Murphy, who was born in Monmouthshire, Wale-. Nine children were born to them, namely: Martha. Mr-. Dunn: Elizabeth, Julia and Mary, all deceased; Archie and Charles K.. both of Oakland; Irene and Harold S.. both at home; and Jeanette, deceased. Coming from Mendocino to Solano county during 1900 Mr. Murray bought twenty-three acres near Winters and here he has since made his home. Eight acres of the farm are in apricots, three in almonds and the balance in peaches. The crops are large and yield a fair interest on the valuation of the property. 430 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES OWEN H. BRANDON. Thoroughly persevering and progressive, Mr. Brandon fully merits the position of honor which he enjoys today, his faithful efforts and unquestioned ability having early won the recognition of his employers. His father, John Brandon, a miller by trade, emigrated with his family from Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1876 to San Francisco, Cal., where he resumed his trade, later removing to South Vallejo, where he became employed in the mill of Captain Starr, actively continuing his duties until 1888, when he met death in the explosion of the S. P. ferry boat Julia, en route to Crockett. His wife, formerly Miss Kate Tully, resides in South Vallejo in the family home on Fourth street, com- panioned by her only daughter, Mary. Owen H. Brandon, the only son in the family, was born October 27, 1874, in Brooklyn, N. Y., accompanying his parents two years later to California. Upon completion of his studies in the public schools of Vallejo he became a fireman on the Southern Pacific railroad, but after three years abandoned this field and entered the Starr mills as an apprentice. By virtue of his determi- nation and ambition he received steady promotion, finally becoming head miller in 1905, which position he has filled ever since. Politically an Independent, with broad and progressive principles, Mr. Brandon holds membership in Vallejo Council No. 874, Knights of Columbus, and Court Farragut, Foresters of America. A public spirited and popular citizen, he is deeply interested in both municipal and national reforms of merit and tenders practical aid in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the municipality. J. BAPTIST AND FELIX SALMINA. A share of the enterprise which is contributing to the maintenance of the prestige of Napa county as a pioneer of wines is vested in the F. Salmina Co., large wine manufacturers, at Larkmead, five miles from St. Helena. A concern which produces from one hundred thousand to two hundred thousand gallons of wine per annum must be regarded as an important industrial factor in the community and have much to do with disseminating knowledge of the extent of an industry destined to compare favorably with the most important wine-producing marts of the Old World. J. Baptist Salmina, who is now deceased, was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, December 18, 1835, and his nephew, Felix Salmina, now the head of the concern, was born in the same canton January 28, 1861. Before embarking upon this undertaking, J. Baptist Salmina was variously engaged in his adopted country, to which he came in a sailing vessel in 1857. He ar- rived in San Francisco in January, 1858, and soon afterward was employed in a vegetable garden near that city, remaining there three years. He next engaged in dairying on a farm five miles north of Napa, and here, as before, added to his resources through thrift and economy. Tiring of country life, he moved to St. Helena in 1878, purchased the William Tell hotel and con- ducted it until 1891, when he rented it. In 1893 he entered into partnership with his nephew, Felix Salmina, in the manufacture of wine, continuing it with unabated enthusiasm and zeal until his death, June 3, 1908. The busi- ness is continued by the corporation of which Felix Salmina is the manager, who displays unusual ability and liking for the business, which is bound to assume even greater proportions as the reputation of California wines is en- hanced. After years of patient development of the business they erected the present plant in 1906. The family of J. Baptist Salmina included his wife, Sabina Salmina, and three daughters, Katie, Severina and Mary. Mr. Salmina was a man of influ- ^5^^^^ HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 133 ence and was honored by his fellow citizens. From a financial and social standpoint he appeared to have realized the expectations which led him to declare citizenship under the Stars and Stripes. Pelix Salmina was scarcely nineteen years old when in 1880 lie joined his uncle in California, and he has ever since been identified with Napa valley. He has gained an enviable reputation as a practical business man, and in the manufacture of wine lias found an occupation for which he is eminently fitted, lie has a pleasant home in Larkmead. presided ovei by his wife, who was formerly Theresa Borla. a native of Canton Ticino and a daughter of Philip Borla. They have three children. Felix, Elmo and Regina. Felix Salmina is a stanch Republican, as might he expected of one who had once enjoyed the liberal government and splendid institution'- of Switzerland. After the death of J. Baptist Salmina the interests were incorporated as F. Salmina & Co.. with a capital stock of S75.000. Felix Salmina being presi- dent : Mrs. Sabina Salmina. secretary, and Mrs. Theresa Salmina a director. This company operate a large area consisting of thirty-six acres of vineyard at Larkmead; one hundred and twenty acres in Conn valley, of which thirty acres are in vineyard, and the place equipped with a wine cellar; and a vine- yard south of St. Helena. They also own the William Tell 1 lotcl and other property in St. Helena. Larkmead vineyard is the headquarters of the com- pany, located half way between St. Helena and Calistoga on the Southern Pacific Railroad, where they have made valuable improvements. In 1906 they built a large stone wine cellar and distillery. 100 x 120 feet, with a capacity of about half a million gallons, and with this space are able to age the wine to a degree that insures a large trade among the best customers. JOHN SULLIVAX. Not without justice is Mr. Sullivan credited with being one of the oldest and most extensive builders in Vallejo, evidence of which is vouched for in the statement that a goodly share of the business along this line in Vallejo and vicinity is transcated through his office, located at No. 816 Kentucky street. Tangible and substantial evidence of his thorough acquaintance with all phases of his profession is seen in the large number of structures which he has designed and erected, among which may be mentioned the Doyle and McEnernev apartment buildings, the residences of Mrssrs. Crystal, Brennan and Melvin. his own building on Kentucky street combining the comforts of home and the convenience of business. He also erected the Elks building, the additions to the Masonic building, the First National Bank and the Vallejo Commercial Bank, among the finest buildings in the city. On both sides of the family John Sullivan is descended from Irish an- cestors, his parents. John R. and Ellen (Kelly) Sullivan, both being natives of the Emerald Isle. Coming to the United States, the father apprenticed himself to learn the cotton mill business in Massachusetts, and subsequently was an employe in various cotton mills in the state. The year 1852 found him crossing the plains with ox-teams, the journey ending at Sacramento, Cal.. where he erected a home for his family and then set out for the mines. His mining ventures proved successful beyond the average for a number of years and his untimely death at the comparatively early age of fifty was tragic and sad in the extreme. In 1860. while returning fatigued from work in the mines after nightfall, he slipped and fell into a ravine. After the loss of the husband and father the family continued to live in the Sacramento home for many years, and there the earth life of the mother came to a close in 1903. when she was seventy-six years of age. She had become the mother of six children, but at her death only three were living. John and two daughters. 434 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES John Sullivan was born in the Sacramento homestead December 6, 1856, and was therefore only four years of age when orphaned by the sudden death of his father. The privileges of the common school of Sacramento were en- joyed by Mr. Sullivan to a degree only, as at an early age he began his self- support by clerking in a store in his home town. Subsequently he went to San Francisco, where he secured employment in the wholesale grocery of his brother-in-law, Antone Schottler, and in time became a partner in the enter- prise. After six years in this association failing health made a change of occupation necessary, outdoor work being suggested by his physician as a more remedial agent than medicine. Following this suggestion, Mr. Sullivan undertook carpentering, and in 1898 located in Vallejo, where he entered the building business, and from this small beginning has developed the large contracting and building business which is now connected with his name. He was one of the organizers of the Builders' Exchange of Vallejo and has been president of the organization from the day of its inception. The marriage of John Sullivan and Margaret O'Brien was solemnized in Vallejo June 8, 1896, and five children have been born to them : Miriam C, Helen A., Julia G., Lillian J. and Frederick M. Mrs. Sullivan is a native of Vallejo, the daughter of Charles H. O'Brien, and she received a good educa- tion in the schools of the community, being a graduate of the Vallejo high school and the San Jose normal school. By right of his birth in the state Mr. Sullivan is eligible to membership in the Native Sons of the Golden West and is one of the charter members of San Francisco Parlor No. 49. Personally he is held in high esteem by those who are associated with him in any ca- pacity, and in 1907. his fellow citizens expressed their approval of him as a public servant by electing him to the office of city trustee, and he was serving as such when, in October, 1910, he was elected a member of the board of free- holders to frame the new city charter for the city of Vallejo. Being in favor of the commission form of government he worked diligently for its adoption. At the election in 1911 he was a candidate for commissioner, but was de- feated. Having introduced and passed an ordinance regulating the issuance of licenses where the individual or corporation would have the control of but one license was the cause of his defeat. Fraternally he is a member of Vallejo Lodge No. 559, B. P. O. E.. and Vallejo Council No. 874, Knights of Columbus. CHARLES F. HALL. ■ By virtue of his adaptation and long experience in his chosen profession, Mr. Hall occupies today an important place among leading machinists, having for the past thirty-six years been in the employ of the Southern Pacific Rail- road Company, over twenty years of which period he has ably served as roundhouse foreman at various points. His father, Martin Hall, a native of Milford. N. H., and a blacksmith by trade, in 1868 came to San Francisco, Cal., where, until his death in that city in 1881, he served as superintendent of the Kimball Carriage Manufactory. His mother, formerly Susan Ober, also of Milford, N. H., passed away in Portland, Ore., in 1911, at the age of ninety- two. The only son among three children, Mr. Hall was educated in Milford, N. H., where his birth occurred October 20, 1843. At the age of seventeen he became a machinist's apprentice in North Chelmsford, Mass., later abandon- ing his work for a time for the purpose of recuperating his failing health, upon recovering which he resumed his trade in Chillicothe, Ohio. In 1869, however, having long desired to visit the west, he immigrated to San Francisco, Cal., via the Isthmus of Panama, immediately securing a position in the carriage factory superintended by his father. Later he engaged in the stock industry HISTORY OF SOLANO AM) NAPA COUNTIES 435 in the Santa Clara valley near Gilroy, but had scarcely secured a fair start when the severe winter of 1875 caused all his sheep to perish. The Following year he entered the service of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Tulare Cal., five years later being promoted to the position of general Fore man. In 1890, when the shops were mo\ e.l to l.akcrsticld. he was trans ferred to Fresno. Cal.. as roundhouse foreman, removing after eighteen months to Mendota, Cal., where he held a similar position For six months. From September, 1893, to July, 1907, he served as general foreman of the -hops in Oakland, Cal., removing thence to Vallejo, where he became foreman of the roundhouse, which position he still retains, and about 1909 he was also made car foreman. Mr. Hall was united in marriage in Chillicothe, Ohio, in November, 1868, with Mis< llattie F. Weller. who was horn in Montgomery, Ohio. Their one child. Percy \Y.. received his preliminary education in the public schools, later entering the University oi California, where he made an excellent record. being also chosen as captain of the University foothall team, which subse- quently, under his management, won the first game from Stanford. Me is now engaged in the contracting business in Oakland, in which field he has been most successful. In Chillicothe. Ohio, Mr. Hall became a member of Scioto Lodge. F. & A. M.. and of Chillicothe Chapter No. 4. R. A. M. He is now affiliated with Live Oak Lodge No. 61, F. & A. M., of Oakland. A life-long Republican, still fresh in his memory is the day when he cast his first presidential ballot for Ahraham Lincoln, in 1864. Public spirited and generous, he is known as one of Vallejo's best citizens, whose interest in the welfare of the municipality in general never flags. JAMES ALFRED GREENWOOD. \ member of the well-known and honored family of Greenwood, which for many years has been identified with the development of Vallejo, J. A. Greenwood is a successful business man as well as a prominent shipsmith in the Mare Island navy yard, serving also as the efficient president of the board of directors of the estate left by his father, Capt. Hugh Greenwood, who is represented on another page in this work. James A. Greenwood was born November 16, 1864, in Vallejo, next to the oldest of a family of nine, seven of whom are living. Upon conpleting his studies in the Vallejo high school at the age of seventeen, and after taking an examination he was appointed an apprentice to the shipsmith's trade in the Mare Island navy yard. Completing his tride. when he arrived at the age of twenty-one he became a blacksmith in the El Paso shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and later for ten months engaged as a locomotive fireman for the same company, running out of El Paso. Subsequently he was appointed assistant master mechanic of the Texas Pacific Railroad at Sierra Blanca, Tex. Upon his return to San Francisco he filled a position as blacksmith in the Pacific Rolling mills for about a year, when he resumed his position as shipsmith in the navy yard at Mare Island. On January 1. 1904. he sailed to the Philippines, where he took charge of the shipsmith shop at the Cavite navy yard, having been appointed master shipsmith of that yard by the secretary of the navy. After four years and six months he resigned his duties to resume his old position as shipsmith in the Mare Island navy yard, since which period he has continued his resi- dence in Vallejo. Mr. Greenwood's Klondike trip, which was made in 1898. covers a series of thrilling experiences, which, it i> safe to say. will ever occupy an important pface in his memory. Crossing Chilcoot pass in a storm, he escaped by one night the great snowslide that buried s, . many unfortunate gold-seekers at 436 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the scales. On arriving at Lake Tagish he and his companions constructed three boats, for the making of which they felled forest trees and whipsawed the logs to make the boards. In making the boats they ran short of nails, needing four pounds, and for this amount Mr. Greenwood was obliged to pay $5. The party made their way through the dangerous Miles canon 'and White Horse rapids into the Yukon and down to Dawson, where they sold their largest boat. After prospecting for the elusive gold for six weeks with- out success they continued their journey down the Yukon in one of their small skiffs, only fourteen feet in length. Upon reaching Holy Cross Mission, after having traveled fourteen hundred miles down the Yukon, they gave their boat and the remainder of their provisions to the old French Catholic priest, who had shown them many courtesies, not the least of which was the freedom of his library and papers. The party then boarded a steamer en route to St. Michaels, where they took passage for Seattle, thence returned to Vallejo, the return trip having occupied six months. June 19, 1899, Mr. Greenwood was united in marriage with Miss Alice Estelle Kimball, a native of Vallejo, and a daughter of Asa Kimball, a pioneer of that city. They have one adopted son, Ralph Augustus Greenwood. Mr. Greenwood was made a Mason in Naval Lodge No. 87, F. & A. M. ; he was a member of Golden State Lodge No. 216, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past noble grand, his membership, however, being no longer active. He is a member of Vallejo Camp No. 56, W. O. W., of which he is a past council commander, while both himself and wife are members of Silver Star Chapter No. 3, O. E. S. JEREMIAH AHERN. A native son of the state, Jeremiah Ahern was born on the present site of the city of Berkeley, July 5, 1860, the son of Jeremiah and Bridget (Marnen) Ahern. the former of whom came to California from Boston in 1853. Jeremiah Ahern, Jr., received his training in civil engineering in the University of Cali- fornia. In 1883 he entered the employ of the United States government as topographer on the geological survey and for six years was engaged in surveys in California, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as in Washington, D. C. From 1889 to 1891 he was engaged on the Powell irrigation survey, his duties including surveying and investigation work for the irrigation of arid lands in Montana, New Mexico and California. For the next three years he was in private practice as a civil engineer in San Francisco From 1895 until 1899 he was again United States surveyor, mak- ing surveys of lands in the Indian territory. From 1899 to 1902 lie was en- gaged as topographer by the United States geological survey, making surveys in Arizona. New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Nevada. Upon the organization of the United States reclamation service in 1902, Mr. Ahern was appointed an engineer in that service, and from that date until 1908 was in charge of the Shoshone irrigation project in Wyoming. All sur- veys and investigation for the construction of the project were made under his supervision. He also supervised the construction of wagon roads, tunnels, dams and canals, which involved an expenditure of over two million dollars. This project will ultimately reclaim one hundred and sixty-four thousand acres of land, of which thirty thousand are now under irrigation. In 1908 Mr. Ahern returned to California and purchased a portion of the Silveyville ranch near Dixon, where he is now engaged in farming. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Geographic Society, a life member of the Archeological Institute of America, a member of the American Forestry Association, and of the Landmarks Club, as well as other scientific societies. He was married in Denver, Colo., October "4, 1910, to Miss Julia Bessie Lane, a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio. K SOI. \\o \\D NAPA COUNTIES 441 hundred and sixty acres, and a like amount from Mr. Tuck and Mr. Walsh. In addition to this. Mr. Petersen also boughl and sold other tracts, large and small, handling in this way a large amount of farm property, lie also gave his attention to stock raising, but preferred to make a specialty of raising wheal and barley, finding these commodities more profitable for the locality "I his ranch. After accumulating his various properties, Mr. Petersen fell no longer the necessity ^>i doing manual work and consequently gave Up the immediate care of his ranches to his sons and located in Dixon, where he and his wife enjoyed their declining years amid the comforts rendered possible by their arduous labors in the early days of the county's history. Both Mr. and Mrs. Petersen were large contributors to charitable and religious movements and since the decease ^<'\ her husband Mrs. Petersen has not diminished her zeal in anywise along these lines. Mrs. Petersen was formerly Maria Beuck, born in Slesvig-Holstein, Germany. Five children were born t<. Mr. and Mrs. Petersen, of whom one son. Christopher, died at the age ^i twenty-one years. Of those living we mention the following: J. Henry resides on his ranch of nine hundred and sixty acres three and a half miles south <'i Dixon: he is president ^\ the Bank of Dixon: president of the Dixon Fraternal Hall Association; holds the same office in the Solano Machinery Company, and is a trustee in Reclamation Distrid No. 536. lie married Laura Vpperson and they have three children. Claire I... Marry E. and Dorothea A. Matilda Petersen became the wife of Dr. Lester P. Hall, of Dixon. William D. Petersen is represented elsewhere in this volume. Amelia Petersen is the wife of Rowland Moss, <t" two hundred and hft\ seven acres, one hundred and twenty ni which were planted to grain, eighty to grapes (the outpul oi the vineyard being about three hundred tons annually) and the remainder used for pasturing. Abundantly watered by many springs, this ranch was, and is, one of the most fertile in Napa county. Returning to Missouri by way of the Panama canal, Mr. Grigsby made necessar} preparations tor a second trip west in 1852, this time with "his family. The wagons were drawn by oxen and the train also included a hand of cattle, which formed the nucleus of the stock business which Mr. Grigsby carried on upon his arrival in California. In addition to his Napa county farm he owned a ranch in Mendocino county, also land in Lake county, both ^\ which were devoted to -lock raising. Mr. Grigsby carried on his wine industry on his Napa county farm. The building, which was 58x112 feet, and three stories high, was built <^i stone secured from the adjacent foothills, and its capacity was _'7:\000 gallons. The first and second floors were used for storing wine, while the third was devoted to it- fermentation. The many windows were iron barred, the walls were two feet thick and the uprights were of heavy redwood. From a large tank on the hillside water was distributed throughout the plant. In connection with the cellar Mr. Grigsby built of stone a still house 2o\2S feet, which was used for making brandy. Operations in this still house were aided by a portable engine, which was also used to supply hot water for the cleaning of barrels. The entire plant cost approximately $30,000. Mr Grigsby was also interested in the prospective construction of what was to be known as the S. F. & Clear Railway, and in addition to devoting much time t<> the development of this proposition, he also advanced necessary funds with which to carry on the initial work. Grading operations were insti- tuted, but owing to the subsequent panic Mr. Grigsby deemed it impracticable to continue his plans, and after meeting obligations to date, which involved the sale < Suisun, where his sou. Thomas 1'.. was horn January 2. 1854. the first white child horn in the place. A claim of one hundred and sixty acres, taken up from the government ami held for a time, was finally given up by Mr. Williams, who in 1856 re- turned to Sacramento. Xear that city he settled on a raw tract of land and by dint of constant effort he developed a valuable ranch, which in 1876 he sold at the time oi his removal to the Suisun valley. Shortly after his return to Solano county he bought three hundred and thirty-two acres of grain land. Eventually it was discovered that the -oil and climate were well adapted to horticulture, so the owner turned his attention to the raising of fruits and nuts. It is now a producing orchard of prunes, apricots, peaches, pears and almonds and yielding a good income. On this valuable homestead Mr. Wil- liams spent his last days in contented industry, and here his death occurred in Septemher of 1892. Here his widow resided until LX)0. when she built a residence in Suisun. in which she lives with her daughter, Mary W. She is now eighty-four years of age. hale and hearty. Besides her son Thomas P., of whom mention has previously been made, she became the mother of nine children, of whom only five are now living: Charles is a farmer in Suisun valley; Thomas P. and Robert Frank are managing her ranch; the daughters are Mary \Y.. and Mrs. W. L. Griffiths, of Xapa. All of the children are united in their endeavor to make happy the closing years of their mother's life. JOSEPH EDWARD CLARK. One of California's early pioneers, and a man of sterling integrity and progressive spirit, is Mr. Clark, whose manliness and courage but reflect the noble qualities possessed by his immediate ancestors. His father, William Clark, a farmer, was horn in Jersey City, X. J., and served faithfully in the War of 1812, while his grandfather, Iehahod Clark, was most active in the war of the Revolution. Abraham Clark, his great-grandfather, was prominent in executive affairs during the period of the Revolution, having been one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. seph Clark was horn January 19, 1823. in Jersey City, X. J., and spent his youth on his father's farm, emigrating in 1852 to California, via Cape Horn in the steamer City of Pittsburg, which was later destroyed by tire in the harhor of Valparaiso, Chile. Completing his journey on the barque Velos. which landed at San Francisco in December, 1852. Mr. (lark engaged in min- ing in Placer county. In 1854 he established a mercantile store in San Fran- cisco, on (lay street, his efforts meeting with great success. In 1882 he became a manufacturer of flour sacks, having contracted with the Star mills to supply all the hags for their product. In 1895, however, he disposed of his business at a good profit, and now he live- retired at No. 510 Grant street. South Yal' A life long Republican, Mr. Clark has ever evinced a keen interest in political matters, and in civic movement- ha- ever been prompt to respond to the hes' of his ability. In San Francisco he became a member of Magnolia Lodge Mo. 2 ( >. I. O. ( ). !•".. the generous principles of which organization he has always endeavored to exemplify in his life. 454 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES EDGAR HAUN, M. D. The medical profession, which he entered in early maturity and to which he gave the long years of an unusually busy and helpful life, afforded Dr. Haun an admirable outlet for his humanitarian views and kindly heart as well as enabling him to develop the superior mental faculties with which he was endowed. With the exception of a brief experience as a practitioner in Mich- igan, his entire professional career was passed in California. Here it was that he established a reputation for skill in diagnosis, success in the treatment of disease and progressive ideas in materia medica. More than all things else he was practical in professional work and in his citizenship. Born at Aylmer, Ontario, Canada, in 1837, Dr. Edgar Haun received ex- cellent advantages in his native land and in Michigan. It was his privilege to study medicine in the medical department of the famous university at Ann Arbor and after the completion of the required course he took up professional practice in Michigan, but during the year 1862 he joined a party bound across the plains for California. Arriving in Sierra county, he began the practice of medicine in the Sierra valley and soon became known as a young physician of superior attainments. For a considerable period he had charge of a growing practice in that valley, but the inducements offered by Napa led him to this city in 1878 and here he engaged in practice until his death, which occurred Janu- ary 23, 1901. Both as a physician and as a citizen he was prominently identified with civic affairs. For years he was a member of the board of examining phy- sicians for pensions. As a member of the city and county boards of health he devoted the most rigid attention to the interests of the public health. The county received valuable service from him as coroner and county physician, while the city had the benefit of his intelligent aid as a member of the board of trustees. The marriage of Dr. Haun, solemnized in 1867, united him with Miss Ella Keyes, a native of Boston, Mass., and a lady of gracious, womanly spirit, to whose constant helpfulness he bore a ready testimony. Her father, Zenas Keyes, sailed around the Horn to California during the memorable year of 1849. With him he brought a portable house that he erected near Marys- Anile on Barton's Bar. Later he embarked in the mercantile business at Downieville, Sierra county, whence in 1872 he came to Xapa and from that time until his death five years later he conducted a grain warehouse. It was his privilege to witness the growth of California through a period of nearly thirty years after the discovery of gold and he never failed in his devoted allegiance to the country, nor in his faith as to the ultimate prosperity of the state. Both Mrs. and Dr. Haun were patriotic citizens and did much for the early advancement of their community. Both were generous in helping worthy causes and stood on the side of morality by word and action. Sur- viving Dr. Haun are his widow and their four daughters, Mrs. O. Godwin, Mrs. C. A. Kather, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Ray Hawkins. The personal attributes of Dr. Haun were attractive. In manner genial, in information broad, in business dealings honorable, in his home indulgent and in his citizenship progressive, he was a man whom to know was to re- spect and admire. His characteristics as a physician were those of intelli- gent devotion to the profession and skill in the treatment of intricate diseases. Fraternally he was identified with Malahide Lodge, F. & A. M., of his native city, and the Napa Lodges of Knights of Honor, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Eastern Star. During the existence of the order of Chosen Friends he was a member of the lodge and his last words to his wife, just before his sudden death, were in reference to relieving the distress of a bereaved member of the lodge, which had disbanded the preceding evening. While he had been ill for a month or more with la grippe and heart trouble, HISTORY OF SOLANO A.ND X \l\\ COUNTIES 457 he had manifested a marked improvement and hopes of his recovery were entertained. When the family were encouraged to believe he would soon be again strong and robust, he was suddenly taken without warning by a death swift and painless, leaving to the deeply bereaved family the memory oi a useful career, devoted to the amelioration of physical suffering and the wel fare of others. HENRY CLAY BLAKE. The father oi II. Clay Blake, Joseph Blake, was born in (iiles county, Ya.. in 1830. Two years later his parents removed to Michigan, where the family remained for six years. A move was then made to Iowa and the family remained there until 1849. In that year Joseph Blake allied himself with General Brown's company and started across the plains to the golden west. After wintering in St. Joseph, Mo., a start was again made in 1850. Finally Mr. Blake landed in Placerville on October 4, of that year, a man young in years and full of life and zest, determined to fight his way in a new country. After working in the mines for two years he settled in Suisun valley, but did more or less traveling around until 1861. In that year he was married to Miss Barbara Sears, a native of Jackson county. Mo., who came to California in 1852. having ridden a mule all of the way across the plains in her grandmother Clayton's train. Her father, Samuel Sears, had died in Missouri in 1849, and she and her mother (afterward the wife of Col. R. C. Haile) came to California, locating first in Xapa and later in Suisnn valley. Joseph Blake took his first dinner in Solano county sitting on the bank of a creek that ran through the tract of land where Vacaville is now located. In Suisun valley he bought a part of the Berry ranch, on which he erected a cabin, one of the first cabins erected by a white man in that part of the country. On this place he began farming and stock-raising and so continued until 1883 with the exception of a few years, from 1861 to 1865, passed in Knight's valley, Sonoma county. In October, 1883, he removed with his family to Vacaville and purchased the place still owned by the family, and during that winter he set it all to orchard. Here he passed away May 16, 1907. Before his death Mr. Blake incorporated his estate as the Blake Fruit Company, of which he was president until his death, his widow then succeeding to that office. Such is a brief history of the outstanding events in the lives of the parents of H. Clay Blake of this review. His heritage is a goodly one. for he has the example of a worthy father to follow and the precept of a faithful mother for his guidance. He was born in Knight's valley, Sonoma county, April 25, 1865, and when an infant was brought by his parents to Suisun valley. Here he remained until 1883, then coming to Vacaville. He received his education in the public schools of Solano county and also had the opportunity of a course in Heald's Business College in San Francisco. After his graduation he accepted a position as bookkeeper, retaining this for one year, when he took a position with a corporation as superintendent of nurseries in Alameda county for one season. After relinquishing this position he returned to Vacaville and resumed the management of the Blake orchards, comprising one hundred and ten acres adjoining Vacaville on the west. This is all set to orchard, including Bartlett pears, peaches, plums, prunes and cherries, and taken altogether is one of the most sightly places in the valley. In 1893 H. C. Blake was married to Miss Maude Sharpe, a native of Boston, England, the ceremony taking place in Clay Center, Kan. Of this union there were born three children: Stanley, born 1894; Leonard in 1902. and Mildred Eleanor in 1904. Mr. Blake has risen to positions of trust in the place in which he resides. He is manager of the Blake Fruit Company, a director in the First National Bank of Vacaville, a director of the Vacaville 458 HISTORY. OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Savings Bank, and has been director and secretary of the Vacaville Fruit Company since its organization. In addition to the offices mentioned he has held other positions that require the confidence of the public to maintain and discharge. Thus Mr. Blake has in no small degree won and maintained the confidence of many friends, for all realize that in this man, the public, whom he serves, has a dependable officer and a man who is ever ready to devote his attention to the progress of his community. G. HENRY PETERS. A native of Germany, G Henry Peters was born in Holstein, January 22, 1833, and there he received an education common to the boys of his day. At the age of nineteen years he came to the United States, first going to Daven- port, Iowa. From there, in 1852, he walked across the plains to Placer county, Cal., where with partners he was engaged in placer mining near old Hangtown. Later on he took a claim and worked it on his own account and managed to get $1,000 out of it. He then came to Solano county, settling near Silveyville. Just east of the old town he took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he later added another quarter section, making his home place comprise three hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Peters owned the first hotel in Dixon and kept a great many boarders at the time the Southern Pacific Company were building their lines through the county. He ran a butcher shop in connection with his hotel business, which was the first shop of its kind in Dixon. He sold out the hotel several times, repurchasing it on each occasion, but finally disposing of it, he purchased sixteen hundred acres of land one and a half miles north of Vacaville and later set out a vineyard and an orchard and also built a winery on this place. Two hundred and sixty-five acres were in fruit and the balance was farmed and stocked with sheep and cattle. In connection with the Vacaville ranch he owned thirty-seven hundred acres on Maine Prairie, having purchased the same on half shares with a partner, Harry Peterson, but later he bought out the partner's interest and became sole owner. This land was used for sheep raising, the owner carrying about five thousand head of sheep on the place. Finding the oversight of the large property rather arduous he leased it to other parties, having as many as fourteen leases at one time on the estate. By this means the estate was kept as a whole until after his decease. Mr. Peters was married near Silveyville in 1865 to Katherine Scheel, a native of Holstein, Germany. The five children born to them were as follows: Henry, Charles A., Edward R., Anna C, and Emma C. Henry is represented elsewhere in this volume; Charles A. married Amelia Miller and resides in Vacaville; Edward R. married Sophia Aye. and they with their two children, August and Katherine A., reside in Dixon ; Anna C. married Joseph Schweitzer and they reside in San Francisco, with their two children. Hazel G. and El- vera J.; Emma C. married Walter Harris and they reside in Dixon. By a former marriage Mrs. Peters had one child, Dora Peters, now Mrs. William Glindemann of San Francisco, and she has one son, Melvern T. Mr. Peters divided the Vacaville land between his two sons, Charles and Edward, and they are stocking it and raising horses and mules. When the youngest son attained his majority the land was redivided satisfactorily among all the children, each one receiving eleven hundred acres. Mr. Peters finished his life work and ended his labors on September 21, 1894, having discharged his duties to the best of his ability. He was one of the most extensive land owners in Solano county as well as one of the sturdy upbuilders of this section of the state. Mrs. Peters makes her home at the old family residence on her ranch east of Dixon. She and her husband were members of the Lutheran Church and liberal contributors to all charitable enterprises. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIKS 459 HENRY LEE CHILES. A native of the state, Henry Lee Chiles was born near Rutherford Sep tember 1 () . 1864, a son of Joseph Ballinger and Margaret Jane (Garnhart) Chiles. The family lived in Napa valley only a short time after the birth of the <"ii. when they removed to Chiles valley, and when he was eight years old they went to St. Helena, remaining there twelve years. The son's first educa- tion was received in the public schools, following this by attending the Oak Mound school in Napa conducted by C\ M. Walker and a competent staff oi teachers. In 1884, his father becoming ill. Henry Lee Chiles was called from school to take up the work on the ranch of his parents, comprising three thou- sand acres in Coyote valley, in Lake county. This new responsibility was dis- charged, with all the promise of former years, until his father's demise in lime 25j 1SS5; in fact, he continued its management until it was ultimately sold to Lilly Langtry. Returning to St. Helena after the sale of this property, Mr. Chiles took a trip to Southern and Lower California, having mining interests in the Alamo district. He had to leave this district, however, on account of the scarcity of iooA for his stock. Turning his stems northward he again reached St. Helena. He was elected a member of the hoard oi trustees of St. I lelcna and was serv- ing in the capacity oi president of the same at the time of his departure for his present home in Chiles valley in 1899. Here he has eight hundred acres of splendid land, acquired from his parents. In order to secure water rights, he petitioned the government and bought one hundred and thirty-eight acres, included in the above amount. He made all of the improvements, built a large residence, also scweral barns, and he owns the old mill and mill site used for a siding. Of the eight-hundred-acre tract, two hundred and twenty-five acres are under cultivation, and the remainder is used for hay and pasture land. The place is supplied with a bountiful store of running water, so that irrigation can be carried on and the annual yield of the land materially increased. The owner has about one hundred and thirty head of hogs, forty head of cattle, ten head of work stock and some sheep. He also raises a splendid strain of bronze turkeys and Wyandotte chickens. Henry Lee Chiles was married in Davisville, September 18, 1901, to Miss Maud E. Callaway, a native of Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Chiles there were born four children : Margaret E., Henry Lee, Dixie Eliza Edell, and James Ballenger. Fraternally Mr. Chiles was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West until the parlor was changed, and politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. Chiles is a member of the Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM HENRY CHAPMAN'. One of the old pioneers was taken from among his associates when Wil- liam II. Chapman, of Napa, was called home October 22, 1901. He was born in Xew London, Conn.. April 5. 1830. Until the age of twenty he remained on the Xew England farm on which he was horn, and there received his education and early training in agricultural pursuits. Tn 1850 he came to Cal- ifornia around the Horn on a sailing vessel on which he worked his passage owing to lack of funds. The trip lasted seven months, and he remained in the state five years, spending most of that time mining at Mokelumne Hill, in Calavera^ comity. In 1855 he returned east and while there was married to Miss Elizabeth Lamb, a native of Connecticut. Together they came to Cali- fornia, via the Isthmus of Panama, the year following their marriage. With the idea of engaging in the bee industry. Mr. Chapman brought with him eighl hives of honey hees. one-half of which came through alive, and after carrying on the busine-> for one year he disposed of the same, trading for real estate. 460 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Still undecided about making California his permanent home, he returned east again after a stay of eighteen months, and farmed for three years in his native state. For the third time he came to this state in 1860, locating in Browns valley, where he farmed for a number of years, then purchased seventy-five acres on West First street, Napa, where he lived and reared his family. This property he greatly improved, making of it a comfortable home for his family. He planted all the fruit trees on the place and the evergreen trees which sur- round the entire property. Twenty-three acres of the home place are in full bearing fruit trees. Portions of the ranch have been sold until it now com- prises thirty-five acres. The ranch is now conducted by his son, Lyman A. Chapman who is not only profiting by the careful management of his father, but is also managing the ranch with great credit to himself. In 1911 the home ranch was divided among the children, each now owning a portion. Though occupied with farming interests, Mr. Chapman found some time for other matters and served efficiently for six years as roadmaster of Browns Valley district. Fraternally he was a member of Napa Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F. The children of his first marriage are : Frank N. ; William E. ; Emeline, now Mrs. D. McCord. of Tulare county; Henrietta, the wife of William Bart- ram, of Oakland; Flora, the wife of B. Clausen, of Oakland; and Georgiana, the wife of E. Leonard, of Napa. Mr. Chapman's second marriage took place July 13, 1872, uniting him with Miss Hannah Christenson, a native of Chris- tiania, Norway, whose death occurred February 22, 1905. To this union there were born seven children : Edward, Julia, Lyman A., Lena, Hazel, Edith and Helen. ELIAS BENDER. Not only is Mr. Bender a veteran of the Mexican war, but he further served the nation by his pioneer work in the development of the west. Both in war and in peace he proved a loyal citizen, true to every trust and equal to every emergency. In his later days he has lived retired, enjoying a modest competency equal to his needs and ministered to by his affectionate daughter. Born in Lancaster county, Pa., October 11, 1820, he is a son of Joseph and Susanna (Good) Bender. During his boyhood schools were few and he there- fore had few advantages, but by travel and observation he has become well informed. Leaving home at the age of twenty-three he went west as far as Illinois and secured employment in Galena. During 1846 he enlisted as a private in the Mexican war under Captain Crow and Col. John Hardin, being a member of Company F, First Illinois Infantry, which was sent south to serve under General Taylor. For two years he remained in active service and meanwhile he participated in various engagements, notably the battle of Buena Vista. Upon the conclusion of the Mexican war and the honorable discharge of the American soldiers, Mr. Bender was mustered out of the service and then returned to Illinois. For three years he made his home at Rock Island and meanwhile, in 1850, in that city he was married to Margaret Sharrar, an esti- mable young woman who proved a devoted helpmate to him until death termi- nated her kindly activities. One of the daughters also is dead, Mrs. Annie Hackle, and now there alone survives the daughter, Mrs. Mary Higgins, who resides with her father at No. 213 North Randolph street, Napa. It was during 1853 that Elias Bender made the long and perilous journey across the plains with mule-teams. Many privations were suffered and many dangers were met before the end of the trip was reached, but the young soldier, inured to hardships while at the front, stood the discomforts of frontier travel with fortitude. After a short stay at Marysville he proceeded to Napa and here he has made his home ever since. For a time he engaged in the shoe business. Later he bought block 2, Brown and Walker's addition to Napa, and f Z/^lyl^l^U^x. CC~ °{^ ( he platted into lots, erecting a number oi cottages, which he rented for a number of years. Eventually he sold the property and turned his attention to the draying and teaming business, also carried on a market garden and did considerable work besides ;b a market gardener, Industrious and painstaking in his work, upright in all business transactions and loyal to local projects, he was a man of considerable influence in his prime. Personally he possesses admirable qualities. A firm believer in temperance, he carries his theories into actual practice and is proud oi the tact that in all his lite he has never chewed or smoked tobacco nor has he tasted of intoxicating liquors. Politically he is a Republican. GARRARD I.. G VRLICHS. \ native oi Missouri. Garrard L. Garlichs was born in Liberty, Clay county. February 16, 1872, the son oi Oscar E. and Cordelia (Payton) Garlichs, both natives of Missouri, and the former born in 1842. The parents were married in 1870 and to their union two children were born, G. L., of this review, and Elizabeth, horn in 1874. and who died in Vacaville in 1900. Oscar K. Garlichs was one oi the first grain and fruit growers of the county. It is related of him that he peddled his fruit around in a wagon in the early days of the industry. Later on he became one of the largest fruit shippers in Vacaville and continued in this business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1908. For two years Garrard L. Garlichs remained in his native state and then was brought to California in 1874 by his parents. The family settled in Vaca vallev on a ranch and here the boy received his education, attending the public schools and after his graduation therefrom, took a course in the Hopkins' Business College in Oakland, Cal. His first occupation was in the fruit busi- ness, for when he was about sixteen years of age he was employed by the Porter Brothers Company. He has spent most of his life in the fruit business and is well qualified to inspire the confidence of his fellows because of his knowledge of this particular vocation. In 1895 Mr. Garlichs was married to Miss Genevieve Norton, a native of Yolo county, and to this union one child was born in 1896, Oscar L., who is attending school at Vacaville. Mr. Garlichs is today counted among the pros- perous ranchers of Solano county, owning three fruit ranches in this county, as well as one in Yolo county. All of these are in good condition and supply the market with different varieties of fruits. In addition to the management of his fruit raising projects Mr. Garlichs is engaged in the real estate business in Vacaville. where he makes his home. Politically he is a Democrat and fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World, Almond Camp 177. Like his father, he is a man of his word, dependable in every sense of the term, and he has won the esteem and respect of all his associates. WILLIAM WATT. One of the historic and distinguished landmarks of Napa county is the adobe house erected in 1835 and occupied for a considerable period by the illustrious Gen. M. G. Vallejo as his home. While the house itself still stands, all else is changed. The environment bespeaks the prosperity of the twentieth century. The property, pleasantly situated three miles from Napa, now belongs to William Watt, a leading and successful business man of the city. Notwithstanding his interests in town he has established a home on the place, and has maintained supervision of the tract of two hundred and fifty acres comprising the estate. No finer ranch is to be found in the com- 464 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES munity. The stock is in keeping with the ranch. Only the best grades of hogs and blooded horses are kept on the land and any stock that comes from the Longwood ranch is quite sure to display all the markings of pure blood. Horticulture has been adopted as a feature of the ranch work. A specialty is made of prunes and the thirty-five acres in this fruit usually produce an average of seventy tons per annum. Of late he has entered extensively into market gardening, irrigating by means of a pumping plant and making a specialty of cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower and potatoes, devoting about sixty acres to this industry. A lifelong resident of California and a native of Marin county, William Watt was born at San Rafael in 1880 and received excellent educational advantages at Thatcher's school in Ventura county, the Belmont school at San Mateo and the Leland Stanford University at Palo Alto. After leaving the university he entered the employ of the wholesale drug house of Langley & Michaels Company, of San Francisco, and for nine years he continued with the same firm. Upon resigning his position he came to Napa in 1906 and ever since then he has been identified with the commercial development of the city. Since 1909 he has owned and operated the Ambrosia creamery, which originally was established as an ice-cream factory exclusively. Upon the acquisition of the property by Mr. Watt he fitted the plant for creamery and cold storage purposes and also put in a plant for the manufacture of ice, having a large capacity. The Ambrosia ice cream is manufactured by the brine system. The plant is equipped with twenty six-horsepower electric motors. The creamery wagons cover a route embracing three counties and gather cream and eggs. The latter are shipped to the large markets. The icream is used in the manufacture of butter, of which three thousand pounds is the average daily output. The cream is delivered to a station established at" Dixon, and from there shipped to the factory at Napa, where every facility is provided for its care. In all the work the utmost cleanliness is exercised. The highest grade of butter is produced and the superior quality of the output causes a steady demand at profitable prices. The manufacture of ice cream is continued as one of the adjuncts of the creamery. About four thousand gallons are made every month during the summer. Shipments of ice cream are made to summer resorts throughout this part of California and up and down the coast. Arrangements also were made whereby ice cream is shipped to China in cold storage on board the Pacific Mail ships. No firm in the west has a higher reputation than this for the quality of its ice cream and butter and the reputation has been secured deservedly, for the utmost care has been maintained in the factory to secure products of the finest grades. In his business dealings the proprietor has been exact, accurate and systematic. Honorable methods have characterized all com- mercial relations and have laid the foundation of a success justly merited and worthilv won. JOHN PRESTON GRIFFITHS. One of the old pioneers who did his full share in bringing order out of chaos and civilization out of ignorance that prevailed at the time he came to California may be mentioned in the person of William E. Preston, the maternal grandfather of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Griffiths was the son of David F. and Mary L. (Preston) Griffiths, both natives of Solano county. The mother is still living, making her home in Vallejo. Her father, William E. Preston, a native of England, came to California in 1851 and for about five years followed mining, after which he located on a farm in Contra Costa county and later in Sulphur Springs HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTIES 165 valley, Solano county. There he resided until 1903, when he removed to Vallejo and here both himself and wife passed away in December, 1911. At the time of the birth ^i John Preston Griffiths, March 14. 1885, the parents were living in Benicia, Solano county. The schools of Vallejo gave him a good grounding in the essentials of learning, but an impatience to ciate himself with the activities of the business world shortened his school days considerably. While he was still quite a small lad he became a messenger in the service o\ the Mare Island navy yard in Vallejo. and after continuing in this capacity for a year and a half, was apprenticed at boat-building for five and a half years. It was at this juncture that he realized the need of further education than he had acquired in the common school, and as a supplement to that training he took a six-month course in the Heald-Dixon Business College in Oakland. 'The knowledge there gained was oi untold value to him. and has been applied in every position or capacity that has since engaged his attention. After the completion of his college course he went to sea as clerk for the captain of a vessel, and during a cruise ^i one year he had an experience that was as enjoyable as it was instructive, satisfying a long-felt desire to experience life on the bosom of mighty waters. Returning to Vallejo at the end of the voyage, he became interested in the insurance business, but after a year and a half he again drifted into work at the navy yard, this time as clerk in the pay office, a posi- tion which he filled for five months. At the end of this time. January 1, 1910, he took up his residence in Fairfield and opened the abstract office that is now maintained under his capable management. He has five assistants employed to handle the business, which has grown to large proportions and i- now the leading abstract office in Solano county. In Xapa. April 22, 1911, Mr. Griffiths was married t>> \ 1 1 > s Rose M. Roberts, a native of the Suisun valley and the daughter of D. K. and Sarah I. (Sweitzer) Roberts, both being representatives of old Solano county families. Fraternally, Mr. Griffiths is a member of Vallejo Lodge Xo. 559, II. P. ( ). L.. and politically he is a Republican. His interest in the welfare and progress of Solano county is deep and sincere, as is manifested by the active co-operation which he gives to all measures which he deems will prove of public benefit. ALBERT SHUBERT. During a long era of commercial development, in fact ever since the manufacture of shoes became an established industry in the United States, its center has been in the state of Massachusetts, and even at the present time, when its factories have been brought into other parts of the country, almost invariably the men who assume their control have received their training under some of the skilled and resourceful manufacturers of the old Bay State. It was the good fortune of Mr. Shubert to receive thorough training in his native city of Worcester, Mass., and native endowments, supplementing skilled supervision, enabled him early in life to grasp every detail connected with the occupation in which now he ranks as an expert. By reason of his ability he was called to the superintendency of the Evans Shoe Company at Xapa. Since accepting the position he has given his attention to the enlargement and expansion of the business and has intro- duced into a wide popularity the celebrated Nap-a-tan shoes for sporting men. These have found favor both in the eastern and western states, where now salesmen are traveling in the interests of the company. The Shubert family comes of old Xew England stock. Peter Shubert. a native of that section of the country and now a resident of Oakland, Cal., served through the Civil war as a member of Company G, Fifteenth Massa- 466 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES chusetts Infantry, and remained at the front until a severe wound in battle caused him the loss of a leg. After his honorable discharge from the army he was employed in the J. S. Nelson shoe factory at Grafton, Mass., but later turned his attention to the wholesale butter and produce business at Worces- ter, where he remained until his retirement from commercial enterprises. Prior to the Civil war he had married Miss Fannie Sonasac, who was born near Montreal, Canada, and who with him survives to enjoy in the twilight of life the comforts accumulated through years of energetic activity. Five now survive out of a family originally numbering eight children and of these Albert is the youngest, his birth having occurred August 26, 1867. Between the years of six' and thirteen he attended the public schools, after which he secured a humble position in the shoe manufacturing establishment of J. S. Nelson at Grafton. Beginning at the bottom, he worked his way up to a position of importance and meantime became familiar with every de- partment connected with the factory. x\fter ten years with the same com- pany he went to New Jersey as a cutter in a shoe factory, but after a time he returned to Grafton and secured a position as a foreman in the J. S. Nelson factory. His first visit to the west occurred in 1890, when he spent a year at Seattle, Wash. On his return to the east he took up manufacturing activities in New Jersey, but resigned in 1895 in order to come again to the western coast. On this second visit he spent one year in California, returning to Massachusetts in 1896 and spending two years as a foreman at Worcester. On leaving the position he came to San Francisco and in 1901 removed to Napa, where since he has been a stockholder and director of the Evans Shoe Company and has contributed to the upbuilding of the plant, which since 1905 he has superintended. It is said that he ranks among the expert judges of leather in this country. Every department of the industry is familiar to him, every step of the work is understood and every improvement planned with conscientious care. Of the many responsibilities falling upon the superintendent none is more important than the originating and designing for the new styles of shoes, and in this intricate work he does his own drafting and cuts all patterns. The possession of a high degree of talent is shown in the success of his designs. The specialty of the factory is a high grade of welt and sporting boots. An output of three hundred pairs per day is easily secured by means of modern machinery operated by electricity and systematized so as to secure both speed and accuracy. The convenient arrangements of the commodious factory invariably attract attention from visitors and enable the superintendent to accomplish the greatest results in the minimum of time and with the least expense possible. The present expansion of the business points hopefully to continued growth in the future, and still larger successes than those already achieved. Since coming to Napa and establishing permanent citizenship here Mr. Shubert has erected a comfortable residence at No. 12 Center street, and this attractive home is presided over by Mrs. Shubert, formerly Miss Georgiana Baillargeon, who was born in Rhode Island. There are two sons in the family, Albert L. and Stanley Irving. For twenty-three years Mr. Shubert has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his association with the Knights of Pythias also covers a period of considerable duration. Politically he votes with the Republican party. Public-spirited and enterprising, he is enthusiastic in every movement for the betterment of Napa and personally contributes to the same. An affable demeanor and a courteous manner have won for him the regard of the people of his adopted city, while his recognized abilities in his special line have made his name familiar to shoe-manufacturers in many parts of the country. HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTIES 169 MURR \Y LEI » I Si I \M. The proprietor of the Hotel Sidwell of Rio Vista has not risen to his present position bj any favors of fortune, but rather bv his own persistence and industry. A native of St. George, Vt., born December 1 () . 1861, he is a son of Tiras [sham, who was born in Vermont in 1830, of English descent, ami is still living in hi- native state. I lis wife, who in maidenhood was ( a ir nelia Mills, was ni Scotch descent and dud in St. George, Vt., in 1871. Like most ^i the children oflils native town Mr. [sham was educated in the public schools, and later he was privileged to attend Williston Academy, in Williston. Vt. After completing his education he assisted lii- father on the ranch for a number oi years, or until 1879, when he came to California. On his arrival here, Mr. Isham was employed at farming and dairying for seven years. In 188(>. desiring to widen the horizon of opportunity, he went into business with his brother Henry, who was a butcher. For three years he was engaged in this business and made a success of it, and at the end <^\ this time he went to San Francisco and engaged in the livery business for himself. Sixteen months later he sold out and returned to work for his brother on the river at Courtland. lie then engaged in the carpenter business and later, in 1891. he began the business ^i pile-driving and wharf construc- tion, in which he is still engaged, and during these years he has constructed numerous wharfs and bulkheads, besides considerable levee protection. In connection with this business he leases two launches, the Limited and the Dell. Mr. Isham's marriage. November 6, 1902. united him with Mis- Sarah E. Sidwell. a native of California, born in Rio Vista on January 16, 1868. Her father, a native of Ohio, who died in 1885 at the age of fifty-eight years, came across the plains in 184'). and after the flood of 1862 he settled in Rio Vista. Solano county. He had the distinction of building the first hotel in Rio Vista. It was after his death that the hotel was destroyed in the big fire and his wife built the present Hotel Sidwell. In addition to being proprietor of this hotel and owning the pile-driving and wharf construction business, Mr. Isham is in partnership with Mr. Chandler, under the name of Chandler & Isham. This concern does a large forwarding and transportation business on the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Mr. Isham is a member of several well-known orders. He was made a Mason in Franklin Lodge Xo. 143. F. & A. M.. and is a member of Solano Chapter No. 43. R. A. M., at Suisun. Vacaville Commandery Xo. 38, K. T., and Islam Temple. A. A. O. X. M. S.. at San Francisco. He also holds mem- bership in Sacramento Lodge Xo. 6, B. P. O. E. He has never sought nor held public office, and although a busy man, nevertheless is not too occunied with private affairs to give attention to things that concern the public welfare. JOHX THOMAXX. To have lived an honest life, with malice toward none and love toward all : to have so used the talents that have been given us that at life's close those left to mourn can truthfully say. "He hath done what he could." this is to have lived the life that is best; more than which king nor genius could do. Among such the name of John Thomann is held in loving memory by those who knew him in life. He was born in Pdberstein, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. January 30. 1836, and resided in his native place until twenty- two years of age. In the meantime, at the age of fifteen, he began working in a nursery, following this for two years, when he worked on a farm and on several vineyards until he came to America. In 1858 John Thomann set out from his native land and came to America, 23 470 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES journeying to California via Panama, and settling in Sacramento, where he engaged in the nursery and wine business. In 1859 he commenced the manu- facture of brandy and was one of the first to produce this medicine in Cali- fornia. He followed his business in Sacramento until 1874, when he came to Napa county and settled near St. Helena, where he built a large wine cellar and made wine. He also owned a ranch of one hundred and thirty-seven acres on Howell Mountain, part of which he planted to vineyard. The capacity of his wine cellar was two hundred thousand gallons. On his ranch he had a distillery, with a daily capacity of eight hundred gallons, used for the manufacture of brandy. To gain a better idea of the history of winemaking in California, we must refer to Henry Thomann, an uncle of John Thomann. Henry Thomann was one of the oldest of the California pioneers, having come to this state across the plains from St. Louis, Mo., in 1845, at the same time as the Donner party. On reaching California he entered the employ of General Sutter and later went to Sonoma and was with General Vallejo. Upon the discovery of gold in 1848 he was one of the first to engage successfully in washing for the precious metal, having received much valuable experience during his youth in washing the sands of the river Aare, in Switzerland, his native place. He was taken sick and had to return to Sacramento. In 1852 Henry Thomann established a vineyard at Sacramento, on land bought from General Sutter. This was probably the first vineyard planted in California for the purpose of wine making, the first wine being manufactured in 1856. Henry Thomann died in 1883. John Thomann was one of the best known and most public spirited men in Napa county. From 1880 to 1882 he served as supervisor from Hot Springs township. He was a director in the St. Helena Bank, the St. Helena bonded warehouse, the St. Helena Turn Verein, and a shareholder in the St. Helena Water Company. While in Sacramento he was a Democrat, but helped to organize the independent taxpayers party and was elected super- visor of Napa county on the Republican ticket. The first marriage of Mr. Thomann took place in Sacramento in 1862, uniting him with Miss Josephine Esch. She died in September, 1888. There were seven children born to this marriage, and of these, three daughters are now living. Annie, Mrs. Sig Selsback, resides on a part of the old Thomann ranch and also owns the vineyards on Howell Mountain. Laura, Mrs. Crappo, of Englewood avenue ; and Bertha, Mrs. Haskins, resides in Zinfindel. In October, 1889, Mr. Thomann married Miss Mary Miller, of Dixon, Solano county. On May 25, 1900, after having lived an active life that stands today worthy of emulation, Mr. Thomann died, leaving a widow, children and friends to mourn his loss. MILLER & CASSIDY. The senior member of the firm of Miller & Cassidy, Henry Miller, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1858, and in connection with, and subsequent to, his attendance at the public schools, learned and followed the trade of car- pentering. Desiring a field of less competition than presented itself in his native town, and wishing to contribute to the upbuilding of the rising com- munities of the far west, he came to California in 1889, and thereafter fol- lowed his trade in Alameda and other towns of the state. He came to Vallejo about 1900, and in the summer of 1905, formed a partnership in general con- struction work with George M. Cassidy, with whom he since has been associated. George M. Cassidy was born in Boston. Mass.. May 29, 1869, received a common school education, and after coming to San Francisco in 1889 learned HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 471 the trade of carpenter and builder. In 1893 he came to Benicia, where he followed his trade until 1896, in which year he was appointed city watchman; and continued to till that position for lour years. lie then returned to his trade after locating in Vallejo, and in 1905 became the partner of Mr. Miller. with whom he since has carried on extensive constructive operations. In l l W Mr. Cassidy was united in marriage to Winifred Mooney, a native of Vallejo, and of the union there is a daughter. Theresa. Mr. Cassidy is active in several avenues of community life, and for several years has been a mem- ber of the order of Red Men. The firm of Miller & Cassidy have housed more people and interests in the town of Vallejo than have any two other men in the history of the com munitv in a given time. Their work has the reputation of stability and trust- worthiness, and is noticeable for due attention to the artistic as well as utili- tarian aspects "i construction. Of the buildings credited to this enterprising firm may be mentioned the flat building of John Whittaker, residence of Tudge Gentry, six cottages for Mr. Harrington: the Ray Shore Laundry building, the G. A. Bergwall block, the Mrs. Hobbs block on Marin street, and also on Georgia street, cottages for Mr. Brown, a double house for Miss Russ. two flats for Mr. Giout, two apartments for Mrs. Hayes, store and apart- ments for foe De Bonis, and many others. Roth Mr. Miller and Mr. Cassidy enjov excellent reputation as men and citizens, and have gained the unstinted praise ami appreciation of the best element of the community. THOMAS ANDERSON GRIGSRY. Xot only through his lifelong residence in California is Judge Grigsby entitled to identification with the Native Sons of the Golden West, but his membership in Xapa Parlor Xo. 62 gains added importance through the fact that he claims this as his native county. Among the people in whose midst his whole life has been passed he enjoys a personal popularity that indicates his fine qualities of mind and heart. Fair educational advantages were given him and ever since leaving school he has continued to be a close student of men and events, so that now he ranks among the best- informed men of his circle. Such broad knowledge could not have been secured, even with the aid of education, had it not been for his own native ability and keenness of mental faculties, which enable him to logically digest facts of importance and retain in his memory for future use records of dates, laws and bills not easily remembered by the bulk of the population. Very early in the history of the American occupancy of Napa county Terril L. Grigsby came hither. A record of his activities in this county appears elsewhere in this volume. His son, Thomas Anderson, was born August 27, 1857, near Yountville, during the residence of the family on the old Occidental vineyard. Primarily educated in the common schools, he later had the privilege of studying at Xapa Collegiate Institute under Prof. L. L. Rogers. With a desire to fit himself for commercial activities he entered Heald's Rusiness College at San Francisco and took a complete course of instruction, graduating with a high standing. While in the college he attracted the attention of other students and won the praise of his in- structors through his fine penmanship, which then was and still remains a model of accuracy, neatness and skill. Soon after his graduation from the business college Mr. Grigsby was appointed deputy county clerk under W. W. Collins and gave uniform satisfaction in the position. The books of the office furnish silent testimonv as to his neat penmanship and unerring accuracy. When he left the office it was to fill a vacancy in the position of justice of the peace and his service- under appointment was satisfactory to all. June 19. 1911, he took the oath of 472 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES office and entered upon his duties as the regularly chosen incumbent of the department, since which time he has tried local law-suits and administered justice with an impartial mind and a keen intuition. In his work he displays a considerable knowledge of the law, gathered by habits of study and a fondness for following the development of larger cases in the upper courts, in which way he gathers a vast fund of information concerning legal matters. The marriage of Justice Grigsby took place in Napa and united him with Miss Leah Grigsby, by whom he has one daughter, Leah Belle. Mrs. Grigsby has been a lifelong resident of Napa and received a fair education in the city schools. Her father, Achilles F. Grigsby, a native of Tennessee, was a California pioneer during the memorable era connected with the discovery of gold. As early as 1850 he made his first trip to Napa. Three times he crossed the plains in the early days and on these trips he brought to California a number of thoroughbred horses from Kentucky, being one of the first to introduce such stock into the west, where eventually he became a prominent turfman. The infirmities of age obliged him to relinquish his stock interests and thereafter he lived in retirement until his death at the age of eighty-five years. Besides his identification with the Native Sons, previously mentioned. Justice Grigsby holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Politically he has been active in local Democratic affairs, promoting the welfare of the party organization through service in important capacities. ALBERT CASPER. Doubtless few industrial organizations for the material development of Solano county have been more effective in working methods or more economical in management than the Vallejo Electric Light & Power Com- pany, which since its establishment in 1895 has built up a large plant, de- veloped an important business and conducted affairs in a manner both sagacious and profitable. Indeed, throughout the entire section of the coun- try it is not uncommon to hear the remark that this concern is the peer of any in the state as to management and sagacious policy. Evidence of the wisdom of the company in its economical oversight of the plant is furnished by the statement that Vallejo now enjoys the cheapest electric light rate of any community in the entire state. The former general manager of the company and the man to whom its early success may be attributed, K. Casper, was a native of Germany, but became a citizen of California w r hen a youth. By dint of energy and per- severance he achieved a marked degree of success. For a long time prior to his death, which occurred February 3, 1911, he held the responsible position of general manager of the electric light plant, whose constant upbuilding may be attributed in a large degree to his capable supervision. At one time he had built up an electric plant in Nevada City, which he sold in 1894 to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and the next year he located in Vallejo. While the city had at one time had an electric plant it had proved a failure, but nothing daunted. Mr. Casper planned a new electric light plant, and with his experience he laid the plans and built the present power plant, which proved a success from the start. In 1895 he incorporated the Vallejo Electric Light & Power Company, of which he was president and general manager up to the time of his death. After his demise his son became head of the company as president and manager. The plant, located at the foot of Ken- tucky street, is modern in equipment and machinery and is giving first-class satisfaction in every respect. The senior Mr. Casper is survived by his widow, who like himself was born and reared in Germany, but settled in California at an early age. Lpon the death of Mr. Casper he was suc- ceeded in the management of the plant by his son, Albert, who was born in HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 475 Nevada City, Cal., in 1883, and inherits many of the traits that brought suc- cess to liis father. Education qualified him For the responsibilities of the business world. Sent at an early aye to the public school in Vallejo, he here learned the first lessons of life and later lie advanced until he had com- pleted the studies oi the city high school, of which he is a graduate. At- tendance for two years at the University of California completed his educa- tional experiences and gave him abundant preparation for the responsibilities of commercial activities. For seven \ ears he ably tilled the position of assistant manager with the Vallejo Electric Light & Power Company and upon the death of his father he succeeded him as general manager, which important post he fills with tact, energy and rare intelligence. GEORGE MILTON FRANCIS. Among the men who have ever stood for the upbuilding of Xapa county is G. M. Francis, the pioneer newspaper man of the city of that name. He was born in Pontiac, Mich., May 28. 1844, into the family of Sylvester and Mary Ann (Gregory) Francis, the former having been born in Pittsfield, Mass.. October 12. 1805, and the latter a native of Williamstown, that same state, born February 2. 1808. Besides George M. there were three sons and one daughter in the household, he being the youngest. When he was a lad of four years his father died and he found a home with an uncle at Troy Corners, Mich., after he was seven until he was thirteen. His schooling was obtained at the district school a mile away from home and this he attended when he could be spared from the work about the farm. At the above mentioned age George M. Francis joined his two brothers, James and Jesse, in Potosi. Wis., spending the winter with them and attending the grammar school at that place. In 1859 he became an apprentice in the office of the Grant County (Wis A Herald, remaining until August of 1862, when he enlisted in Company C (the color company) Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, He had just been made foreman of the printing office when he enlisted and thus surrendered plans he had made for a year's school- ing at Lancaster Institute. He served in the army until the close of the war, being with Sherman in his march through Georgia — from Atlanta to the Sea — and on through the Carolinas up to the surrender of General Johnson near Raleigh in 1865. He was on detail at Columbus. Ky.. at General Asboth's. afterwards Gen. A. J. Smith's headquarters: also on detail as inspector's clerk at General Mower's headquarters after the taking of Atlanta; was mustered out at Washington and was present at the Grand Review of Sherman's army in that city in IS' Returning to civil life Mr. Francis started the Butler County Argus at lUitler Center. Iowa, in 1865. This did not prove a paying venture and at the end of six months he sold out and went back to Wisconsin, secured employ- ment with the La Crosse Republican and was later made foreman of the job office of that establishment. In 1869 he came to California and made his home in San Francisco until 1870. since which time he has been a resident of Napa and one of the public-spirited and progressive men of the city and county. Upon locating in this city he purchased a working interest in the Xapa Register, a very small weekly paper. Shortly thereafter he bought a half interest and has since been connected with it and has built up a paying busi- - and for many years has published the Register as a daily newspaper. Mr. Francis is a Republican and has taken a very active part in local politics. lie was appointed postmaster of Xapa by President Arthur in 1881 and served in that capacity until 1885. when a Democratic president was elected and he resigned. lie was again commissioned postmaster by Presi dent McKinley on March 9, 1804. and was continued in that office during the 476 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES administrations of McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft up to January, 1910, when his resignation was accepted and the man he recommended was appointed his successor. Mr. Francis was appointed a trustee of the Napa State Asylum by Governor Waterman on March 11, 1889, reappointed four years later by Governor Markham, resigning the position when Governor Budd was elected. He was elected a presidential elector in 1896, when McKinley was the Repub- lican nominee, and as messenger carried California's vote to Washington and now holds the receipt of Vice-President Stevenson for said certified vote under the date of January 2, 1897. In 1904 Mr. Francis purchased the lot on which the Register building now stands and later erected the building which serves as the Register's home at a cost of $9,000. He has always been loyal to the "Boys in Blue" and holds membership in and was the first commander of Kit Carson Post No. 74, G. A. R., organized in Napa in 1885. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of Napa. In Lancaster, Wis., June 16, 1866, occurred the marriage of G M. Francis and Miss Eliza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Horton, and of this union three children have been born : Mrs. Mildred Benjamin and Mrs. Ethel Rohner of San Francisco, and George H. Francis of Napa, who is his father's business associate. AUGUSTE JEANMONOD. More than forty years of active identification with the development of California, during the greater portion of which time he has been associated with the grape industry in the Napa valley, entitle Mr. Jeanmonod to a position among the pioneer horticulturists of the state. Possessing intelli- gence of a high order, this he has supplemented by close and constant study of horticulture from a scientific standpoint and as a result he has acquired a large fund of knowledge both theoretical and practical. On his home farm in the Napa valley he has a large vineyard of choice grapes and also has planted and developed an orchard containing one hundred trees. The thrifty appearance of the vines and trees speaks volumes for his oversight and watchful care and proves that nature qualified him for the occupation in which he has engaged with creditable success. Born in Neufchatel, Switzerland, May 8, 1840, Auguste Jeanmonod is a son of David Peter and Susan (Jacob) Jeanmonod, also natives of that republic and lifelong residents of the same. The family consisted of ten children, the eldest of whom, Henry, now deceased, came to New York City as early as 1844. The other members of the family were Frederick, Louis, Alphonso, Frank, Auguste, Christine, Augustina, Mary and Julia. It was not within the means of the parents to aid their children with educa- tional or other advantages. Each was obliged to earn his own livelihood as soon as old enough to work. Auguste, who attended the Swiss schools until he had a grammar-school education, worked in the employ of farmers in his native land until he was twenty-three years of age, when he bade farewell to home and friends and started for Australia. Going to London, he took passage on the sailing vessel Winfred, that rounded the Cape of Good Hope and cast anchor at Melbourne at the expiration of a tedious voyage of one hundred and ten days. Immediately after his arrival he secured employment as a helper in a vineyard and for more than four years he gave his attention to viticulture, in which he gained unusual proficiency. Having resolved to leave Australia for the United States and having closed out all interests in the far-distant continent, Mr. Jeanmonod took passage at Melbourne on the sailing vessel Lady Dufran, which after a voyage of one hundred and five days, rounded Cape Horn and cast anchor at San Francisco, October 8, 1868. Coming to Napa valley he bought a ranch HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 477 of 'Mic hundred and sixty acres between Yountville and St. Helena, and as soon as possible he started a vineyard on the place. Disposing of the property at a fair profit, he came to the vicinity of Oakville and bought twenty-five acres for $8,000. The land was wholly unimproved, but possessed an unusually good soil and promised fair returns from grape culture. From that time to the present he has made a specialty of viticulture, in which he has been remarkably successful, having about twelve acres in grapes of the very choicest varieties. The larger part of the product is manu- factured into wine and stored in his cellar, which has a capacity of forty-five thousand gallons. The quality of the wine is choice and mellow and the demand steady, former customers having been favorably impressed by its purity, so that they have continued to patronize the brand. Since leaving the dwelling place of his parents Mr. Jeanmonod has been somewhat alone in the world, for he never married. Strictly upright in character and moral in life, he has sjven his influence to the cause of Chris- tianity, although not caring to participate in denominational activities. The Republican party has received his ballot ever since he became a citizen of the United States and he has been loyal to the welfare of his adopted country. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias. FRANK SAWYER CASE. The original identification of the Case family with California dates back to the era made memorable by the discovery of gold. The news of that wonderful event penetrated the maritime hamlet of New Bedford, Mass., and aroused the eager interest of a young shipwright, Peleg S. Case, who immediately determined to seek in the new country a home and livelihood for his family. He was a descendant of an old Puritan family. It was early in 1850 that he sailed to Panama. The trip to the isthmus ended without incident, but not so the subsequent voyage. There he boarded the old brig Triphena. which became becalmed on the Pacific ocean and spent three months in an effort to reach the harbor of San Francisco. Meanwhile fever broke out among the passengers and some died of the disease. But far worse than that was the impending fate of starvation hanging over the survivors. When the provisions were almost exhausted the captain locked up the scanty supplies left, intending to portion out a small amount each day, but this did not satisfy the starving passengers, who threatened to hang him and take charge of the ship themselves. By dint of great effort a mutiny was avoided and finally the ship entered the Golden Gate, where a joyful landing was soon effected. The first work secured in the west by Peleg S. Case was that of an em- ployee on the docks, for which he was paid $1 per hour, and later he engaged in mining at Grass valley. Nevada county, for two years. On his return to San Francisco he operated a pile-driver on the water-front and helped to lay the foundation for a number of the streets in that part of the city. Learning that he had been bereaved by the death of his wife at their New Bedford home, he returned to the east to care for their little son, William A., and secured employment at his trade in his native city. There his second marriage occurred, uniting him with Miss Annie Upjohn, and they became the parents of two children, namely: Frank S. ; and Gertrude M., wife of Harry T. Stevens, of Yallejo. The son born of the first marriage is now deceased. When the family came to the west during July of 1868, Frank S. Case, wlio was born at New Bedford, December 20. 1866, was a child of two years. His earliest memories cluster around San Francisco, where his father opened and conducted a meat market. During 1872 the father brought the family to 478 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Vallejo and secured employment as a shipwright at the Mare Island navy- yard, where he remained for many years. His death occurred at Vallejo during October of 1909. Upon the completion of his school studies Frank S. Case secured employment in a carriage factory at San Jose and later he worked at the Mare Island navy yard for three years, but in 1892 he turned his attention to agriculture, buying a ranch near Vallejo, where he has since devoted his attention to general farming. The farm which he owns and operates consists of ninety acres lying on the Sulphur Spring road, two miles east of Vallejo, and adapted to the raising of hay and grain. These are his specialties in the line of crops, but in addition he gives considerable attention to the raising of stock and to the poultry business, receiving through these varied channels of labor a neat return from year to year. EDWARD BROWN. The recognition of one's fitness and adaptability for a particular profes- sion or line of business and a fidelity in perfecting oneself in it have been the keynote to the success of the majoritv of men prominent in the world's activities, and this in brief may be said to apply fittingly to Edward Brown of Napa, well known throughout this part of the state as an expert stone and cement contractor. Early in life he undertook work of this character, and finding it congenial and possible of development, he has adhered to it ever since, in the meantime enlarging his field of usefulness from the heaviest construction to the most delicate sculpture on monuments. Mr. Brown is proud to be called a native son of California. On both the paternal and maternal sides of the family he is of Irish descent, his parents, Lawrence and Mary (Cotterborn) Brown, both being natives of Ireland. Among the early immigrants to these shores in the period following the discovery of gold in California was Lawrence Brown, who came to this state in 1854, by way of Panama. If he undertook mining at that time the records do not make mention of it, but it is known that he came to Napa county during the above-mentioned year and enthusiastically undertook the redemption of a tract of raw land in what is now known as Browns valley. His determination and perseverance resulted in the development of a valuable ranch, the proceeds from which enabled him to pass his last days in retire- ment in Napa, where his death occurred in 1888, while his, wife survived him ten years. The fourth oldest of the seven children comprising the parental family, Edward Brown was educated in the public schools of Napa and subsequently was privileged to attend private schools in San Francisco. In 1896 he began his business career by undertaking work in stone and cement construction, a business which he has developed to large proportions in the years that have since elapsed, and in addition to his yard and office on Third street, Napa, he also maintains a yard and office in Vallejo, at No. 506 Georgia street. In addition to general stone and cement construction, such as side- walks, vaults, etc., he is also equipped to mark and erect monuments and tablets, and place mantels, tiling and mosaic work of all descriptions. Not only is Mr. Brown an expert in the practical part of his business, but his artistic nature is given expression in drawing his own plans and designs, which are appreciated and readily appropriated by those in need of his services. Some of his work in the line of architectural sculpture may be seen on the Spreckles Music Stand in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, and the Herman W. Hellman Building, Los Angeles. One of the most artistic pieces of his handiwork may be seen in Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, in the Almada monument, which is universally recognized as one of the most beautiful specimens of monumental sculpture in the west. His design was tfH-as+u h9 l^cJu-&^^ HISTORY OF SOLANO AND X \!'\ nHWTlES 4t only is Mr. Brown a success in the general acceptation of thai word, but he is a gentleman and scholar, one whom it is a delight to meet and to claim as friend. MERRITT G. WINCHELL. To those wlu« in the pioneer era eagerly and daringly planted their homes beyond civilization's remotest boundaries, there came the successive experi- ences of hardships bravely surmounted, labor long unrewarded, patriotic serv- ice long unrecognized and eventually, if all fared well, prosperity and success and the comforts oi existence in a tranquil old age. In its integral elements the life of Merritt G. Winched did not differ from the lives of thousands of pioneers who at the same time were laboring to develop the west. Born in New York state in 1829. deceased in California in 1901. he gave to our western commonwealth his years of activity and mature intelligence, and to Vallejo, where he made his home after 1867. he gave the gratuitous service of a public- spirited citizen and the energetic capabilities of a progressive business man. The counselor of the young and the companion of the aged, he had friends among all, and at his passing there was a common feeling of bereavement and regret in the citizenship of his home town. The series of removals that ultimately brought Mr. Winchell to Vallejo began when he was a small boy and accompanied his parents from York state he frontier prairies of Illinois. The family entered land near Aurora and he gave his time and energies to the development of the farm. It was not - ; ble for him to attend school regularly, even if there had been any institu- tions of learning within convenient distance, but he acquired a fair education through his own efforts, supplementing such instruction as the country teachers gave him. During early life he served an apprenticeship to the trade of a tinsmith and then worked as a journeyman in the home neighborhood. Fortified by the knowledge of a trade, he established a home of his own, his wife being Miss Mary Wilsey, a friend of his boyhood years, she being a native of Madison county. N. Y. The marriage was solemnized during July of 1851 and in the spring of the following year the young couple started for California, overland with ox teams, arriving at their destination six months later. The train with which they traveled comprised only three wagons, yet they escaped any encounters with the Indians and reached their destination in safety. It had been the intention of the young emigrant to seek employment in the mines, but when he reached Placer county he found mining impracticable on account of recent heavy rains, and therefore in the spring he went on to Yolo county, where he opened a mercantile store at Cacheville. Afterward he removed to Colusa county and for five years engaged in raising sheep. At first he met with considerable success, but ill fortune befell him eventually. During the last year snow one foot deep remained on the ground for three days, an occurrence never known to happen before in that part of the state. A drought followed in the spring and he was obliged to dispose of the sheep by driving them to Oregon. On his return he settled in Eldorado comity and operated a quartz mill near Clarksville. disposing of that enterprise upon his removal to Vallejo in 1867. In this town he first found employment as a tinner and later opened a hard- ware store in partnership with J. C. Edgcumbe. After an interval of work as a boss plumber at Mare Island navy yard he returned to the hardware 484 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES business in Vallejo and took into partnership his son, Frank T., who died in November. 1911, later turning his interests over to the other son, Charles L., by whom it is now conducted. From that time he lived retired until his death. On the organization of the Vallejo camp of Red Men he became a charter member and afterward retained a warm interest in lodge activities. Local movements for the general welfare received his hearty support and in every enterprise of importance to the town he proved himself loyal and progressive. His own daughter, Flora E., died in early life, and he has but one son surviving him. His widow also survives and occupies a comfortable home at No. 914 Virginia street, where she welcomes the friends of her early years here as well as those later associates who have felt the helpful influence of her gentle per- sonality. JOHN BOON ADAMS. The career of John Boon Adams, a Kentuckian and a Confederate soldier, a man of stalwart principles and the courage and bravery to uphold them, came to a close on June 7, 1897, his span of life extending over seventy-six years. Mr. Adams was born in Kentucky and although he left this southern state when young, removing with his parents to Missouri, the Southern spirit and patriotism so filled this young man, that when the Civil war broke out he enlisted as a Confederate soldier under General Price and engaged in sev- eral skirmishes and battles. At the end of the war when the defeated army Was disbanded, the brave soldiers who had fought for what they considered right principles, returned to their homes, not disheartened or discouraged, and again took up civilian's duties. Upon his return to Missouri Mr. Adams was married to Miss Lucinda Terrell, a native of Virginia, and to that union six children were born : Robert T., Philip J., Wilson H., Thomas T., Mary E. and Lucy M. Mr. Adams made several trips to California, risking many dangers and encountering thrilling adventures on his various journeys. The first time he came with an ox-team across the plains in 1852, and returned via the Isthmus of Panama. Again in 1854 he came across the plains, bringing with him his family, his brothers and sisters and mother. He again went east via the Isthmus, and when he came west in 1869 it was by a more convenient mode of travel, viz., the railway, which had been built and put into operation in the meantime. In 1869 the family became permanent residents of California, settling at the head of Berryessa valley, where Mr. Adams took up a squatter's right of one hundred and sixty acres of land and devoted his time and energy to the cultivation of the same. By thrift and economy, he increased his hold- ings, adding continually, until at the time of his decease he was the owner of eight hundred acres of land. Having been born in the South, and always closely affiliated with Southern interests, Mr. Adams remained a stanch Demo- crat until his death, always giving that party his unqualified support. He was interested in all public enterprises and those things which made for advance- ment he was always enthusiastic in supporting. He took particular interest in the educational facilities afforded by the community for the schooling of the young, and for some time he served as school trustee. His widow survives him and lives retired on the old ranch which her sons are managing to her best interests. Wilson H. Adams, of Monticello, was born in Chariton county, Mo., in 1868 and was one year old when the family settled in Berryessa valley. He was married to Miss Minnie McGinnis, a native of California and the daughter of N. H. and Mary (Johnston) McGinnis, who had come to this state from Missouri, where they resided before the Civil war. Mr. McGinnis was a Con- federate soldier and took an active part in the war. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have HISTORY OF SOLANO AND \.\1W COUNTIES 485 three children : Letha E.. Minnie Edna and Yelma R. Much of the time since 1887 Mr. Adams has been foreman of Reuben Clark's large ranch, managing that greal estate with ability and skill. On this ranch there are maintained one hundred and sixty head of horses ami mules, and annually there are raised from one hundred and fifty to four hundred head of hogs. The entire property consists ^n twelve hundred acre- of land. six hundred of which are under a high state oi cultivation. Politically, like In- father. Mr. Adams is a stanch Democrat. He fitted himself for the best possible usefulness in life by obtaining a good education, attending the Oak Mound school in Napa and Other schools, several times leaving his employ with Mr. Clark to further his educational interests. Still a young man. Mr. Adams bids fair to enjoy an even greater degree of success than has hitherto attended his efforts. JOHN GERLACH. Throughout a long period of identification with the business interests of Napa and an assiduous devotion to the blacksmith's trade, Mr. Gerlach not only built up in his line a reputation second to none, but he also invested his savings with such unerring sagacity that he became one of the prosperous residents of the city, and when finally death ended his honorable activities he left his family in comfortable financial circumstances. Not a little of his success was due to the cheerful co-operation of his wife, a woman of excellent business ability, who since his demise has not only retained intact the property belonging to his estate, but by wise management has added to the original amount and among other investments has erected a business house on Main street which she now owns. Born in Neiderweisel, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, March 17, 1855, John Gerlach was a son of Jacob and Katherine Gerlach and was reared on the parental farm in his native country. After he had completed the studies of the common schools he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade and from the first showed a natural aptitude for the occupation, in which early in life he acquired a remarkable skill. In common with the custom of his native land he served the stipulated time in the German army, later returning to the work of a journeyman. During 1882 he left Germany and sailed across the ocean on a steamer bound for New York City. After his arrival in the Ameri- can metropolis he there married Elizabeth Feiling, also a native of Neider- weisel. and a daughter of Franz and Margaret (Reigelhuth) Feiling, the former a cabinet-maker by trade. Crossing the continent to San Francisco and establishing a home in that city. Mr. Gerlach secured employment at his trade. In 1884 he came to Napa and opened a blacksmith's shop. It soon began to be seen that he was un- usually proficient in his line and his efficiency and skill brought him a large trade extending for miles in every direction. For a time he occupied a build- ing on North Brown street between First and Clay, but later he purchased a site on South Brown street between Third and Fourth. The trade that he established and held became the largest of its kind in the city and obliged him to enlarge his shop in order to secure the room necessary for the proper man- agement of the work. \\ "hile still actively carrying forward the duties inci- dent to his chosen occupation he died at his home, January 21, 1908, leaving besides his wife and children many warm friends and business associates to mourn his untimely demise. He is remembered as a man of true worth, of high principles and persevering industry, one who took pride in doing well every task brought to his shop and who would not permit even the smallest and most unimportant job to be neglected. Such men as these are a distinct addition to the business welfare of any city and besides gaining personal suc- cess they are helpful in the permanent progress of their communities. 486 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Since his death the shop which for so many years was the headquarters of Mr. Gerlach has been rented to other parties, but it is still owned by the family, who also own a pleasant home at No. 5 Randolph street. The three youngest children, Marie, Anna and George, remain with their mother at the home, the eldest daughters having gone into homes of their own. Susie is the wife of Ross Stebbins and resides at Bakersfield. Louise married Arthur Van Pelt and lives in Napa. Katie married John M. Niccolls and makes her home in Bakersfield. During the period of his residence in Napa Mr. Gerlach gave steadfast allegiance to all movements for the upbuilding of the city and was a contributor to progressive projects, preferring, however, to aid in a quiet and unostentatious way and to give over to others the leadership of all such measures. A number of fraternities had the advantage of his identifica- tion with their local membership, included among these being the Independent Order of Foresters, the Herman Sons, the Eagles and the Foresters of America. DOMENICO CEREDA. The subject of this sketch was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1873. At the age of thirteen he graduated from the school of his birthplace and the following year came to the United States and to California, settling in Solano county. For six years he worked as a laborer and then took charge of a ranch, managing it for thirteen years, when he bought a ranch of his own. and today owns six hundred and fifty-four acres of fertile land. His main business is dairying, he having built a $2,000 barn for this purpose, and from the one hundred cows that he milks, he supplies milk to the dealers of San Francisco. Twenty-five acres of the ranch are in vineyard, from which were gathered eighty tons of luscious fruit the third season. Seventy-five acres are in grain and hay. producing excellent crops. In 1893 Mr. Cereda married Miss Orsola Dedini, also a native of Switzer- land. To this union were born five children, Louis, Mary, Lucy, William and Emma, all of them attending school in Cordelia. The parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Cereda are living in Switzerland. Politically Mr. Cereda is a Republican, but has never sought office, being content to wield his influence in his own quiet way. SAMUEL W. BENTLEY. A resident of Vacaville for the past twenty-three years, Samuel W. Bent- ley has won the esteem of his fellow citizens by his upright life and efficient service in a public capacity. He rendered valued service as city marshal, deputy sheriff and constable, he is now engaged in general contracting and is also proprietor of Bentley's pool room and cigar store. He was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1869 and received a public school education. During young manhood he worked in the stave mills in Mercer county, and in March, 1889, he came to California. For about three months, or until July 2 following, he was employed on a ranch at Shingle Springs, upon that date coming to Vacaville. His first position here was with J. R. Rogers, an orchardist, with whom he remained for five months, and for the following year he was in the employ of F. B. McKevitt, also an orchardist. With the knowledge and ex- perience thus obtained he felt justified in entering the business on his own account. Subsequently he rented the old Long ranch near Elmira, there mak- ing a specialty of cultivating fruit and grapes for six years. After a season passed in Oregon Mr. Bentley returned to Vacaville and was interested in road construction from that time until 1905. In that year he was appointed HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ts-i city marshal to till a vacancy for one year, after which he was elected constable and held the office until January. 1911. Since that time he has engaged in general contracting. During the year 1"11 he completed Four bridges, one of which is tin.' Brink bridge, which with the single exception of the Solano- Yolo bridge, is the longest concrete bridge in the county. In 1892 Mr. Bentley was married to Mis-. Cora E. Siders, a native of Kansas, and they have two children, Ella and Lila May. Mr. Bentley's father resides in Rochester. Pa.; his mother died in August. 1911. Mrs. Bentley's father is deceased, and her mother makes her home in \ aca\ die. Fraternally Mr. Bentley is a member of the Knights of Pythias (in which he holds the office of chancellor commander), the Odd Fellows, the Encamp- ment, and the Independent Order of Red Men. A man of kindly disposition, he has many friends, and is looked upon as a most useful citizen. ANDREW BRADLEY MAXGIS. The birth oi Andrew B. Mangis occurred in Monroe county. Tenn., in 1846, he being the son o\ parents who had resided in that state for some time. Four years after the birth of the son the family removed to Hamilton county, 111., where the boy grew to young manhood, in the meantime receiving an education in the common schools of the time and place. When fifteen years old he enlisted in the army under Colonel Grierson, being a member of Com- pany, D. Sixth Illinois Cavalry, which was attached to the army of the Tenn- essee. The regiment patroled the Ohio and Missouri rivers and was also a factor in the famous Grierson raid from Tennessee to Baton Rouge. At the battle of Holly Springs. Miss., the lieutenant of the company was killed and Mr. Mangis was tendered the commission by the company, but he refused it. He engaged in many skirmishes along the rivers mentioned, being wounded at La Grange, Tenn., in 1863, and was mustered out at Memphis. From there he went to Indianapolis, Ind., where he attended school, and later on he taught school in that state and also in Illinois for eight years. Removing to Junction City, he taught school for one year and then engaged in farming and stock-raising, later proving up on a homestead and tree claim and making his home there for fifteen years. It was in 1888 that Mr. Mangis came to California and settled in Napa county near Calistoga. which has been his home ever since. Here he has ninety-three acres of hillside land in orchard and vineyard. Being in the thermal belt and above the frost line he has no fear of loss of crops by frost. Here he raises oranges and lemons, apricots, silver and French prunes, peaches, apples, plums, figs and walnuts, besides having twenty acres in grapes. Tomato vines grow the year round. Two hundred different varieties of fruit are represented on his place, and his exhibit has received the first prize. When Mr. and Mrs. Mangis located on this place most of the land was covered with timber and brush. Now it is a veritable garden spot and one of the most productive ranches in the whole district. Mr. Mangis was married in Wayne county. 111., in 1870, to Miss Eliza Anderson, daughter of Col. J. J. Anderson, who commanded the Eighteenth Illinois Infantry during the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Mangis the follow- ing children were born: William J., who married Mary Wilson, and has one daughter. Dorothy; Augustus O., who married Hattie Turner, and has one son, Augustus; Fleta P.. who is assistant secretary of the Oroville Chamber of Commerce; and Bert, of Willows. Cal. May died at the age of twenty-two, and Xora. Mrs. Abner Burke, died leaving one daughter. Winifred, who is being reared and educated by her grandparents. Mr. Mangis is a member of Governor Morton Post No. 41, G. A. R.. of Calistoga, of which he is past commander. Mrs. Mangis is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps. 490 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES LUCIUS STEWART NEWCOMB. Vallejo citizens will not soon forget Mr. Newcomb, whose enterprising spirit and untiring energy created upon the community an influence both lasting and helpful. Born in Batavia, N. Y., November 18, 1829, he removed with his parents to Akron, Ohio, where he received a public school education, later assisting his father, Capt. Nathaniel Newcomb, in operating a line of packets on the Ohio canal. Captain Newcomb's wife was formerly Sarah Luddington of New York, and both passed away in Ohio. L. S. Newcomb removed to Ottawa, 111., where he became storekeeper for one of the first railroads to pass through that section. In 1853 he removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi river, until the opening of the Civil war, when, in response to the first call for volun- teers, he enlisted in Company B, Eighth Missouri Infantry, later being com- missioned first sergeant under Captain Hill and Colonel Morgan L. Smith. In 1862 he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability and was placed in charge of North Government corral in St. Louis, Mo., serving until the close of the war, when he again took up steamboating, emigrating in 1871 to Vallejo, Cal. Shortly thereafter he became proprietor of the Hotel Bernard, which for nine years had stood idle, and of which, to the admiration of his fellow citizens, he made a complete success. After twelve years he retired from active duties to a newly erected home on Virginia street, but on account of the distance from the center of town, purchased at the corner of Main and Eldorado a residence, where he resided until his death November 28, 1906. Mr. Newcomb was married June 2, 1853, in Ottawa, 111., to Miss Mary Martin, a native of Oswego, N. Y., and a daughter of James Martin, a native of Kings' county, Ireland. He was a farmer by occupation, his wife, formerly Miss Bridget Buckley, also having been a native of Kings county. Mr. and Mrs. Martin, with their three children, immigrated to America, settling in Oswego. N. Y., where they conducted a farm until their removal to Ottawa, 111. There Mr. Martin took up railroad contracting, continuing in this occu- pation until his retirement to Muscatine, Iowa, where he passed away at the age of eighty-five, his wife living to be eighty-seven. Of their eight children only three are now living: Mrs. Newcomb; Julia, Mrs. Gosting, of Westfield, Iowa ; and Anna, Mrs. Cummins, of Muscatine, Iowa. Mr. Newcomb served as commander of Farragut Post, G. A. R., his in- terest and ability materially aiding in the successful maintenance of that or- ganization. He was a Republican of prominence and in municipal movements was always one of the first to render practical aid. Mrs. Newcomb is the mother of two children, Lucius J., a hotel man of Los Angeles, and William, a molder in Muscatine, Iowa. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Newcomb has made Vallejo her home. She is a woman of rare attainments and is greatly beloved by those Avho are privileged to know her well. When president of the Woman's Relief Corps she was enabled to give adequate expression to her innate sympathy and tenderness and was untiring in her efforts to fully exemplify the principles of practical Christianity. HENRY BIRD. A life-time resident of Solano county, Henry Bird was born here January 25, 1870, and here he grew to manhood familiar with the conditions contribut- ing to the local development. While comparatively a young man, he has risen to a creditable position among the business men of the county and solely through his own efforts, in the midst of somewhat discouraging circumstances, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 491 he has established a business of considerable importance to Suisun, the town of it- location. The Bird family has been identified with Solan., county ever since the era of its early American occupancy and throughoul all of this region promi- nence is given to the name of John Bird, father of Henry, and an influential pioneer <>i Bird's Landing, where he and his wife Mill make their home, sur rounded in advanced years by the comforts earned during a long period of useful activity. Primarily educated in the public schools of Solano county, afterward Henry Bird was sent to the Sacramento Business College by his father, who desired him to enjoy the best possible preparation for commercial affair-. Upon graduating from the college he returned to Bird's Landing and entered the store of Bird & Dinkenspiel as a clerk. Me was then eighteen pears of age and for thirteen years he continued with the same firm, advancing to more important work as his capacity for business was proved by experience.. Upon his removal to Snisnn during February of 1902 I lenry Bird secured a position as bookkeeper with the Alden-Anderson Fruit Company and con- tinued in the packing house for several years, after which he was bookkeeper for J. K. Arm-by for one year. Early in 1906 he embarked in the creamery business. Misfortune befell him almost from the first. During July of the same year the plant was totally destroyed by fire. Undaunted by the loss, in ( October following he resumed business and since then he has conducted the creamerv with growing success and to the satisfaction of all. As a business man he i- keen and capable, which fact is abundantly proved by his manage- ment of the institution established and maintained under his personal super- vi-ion. The Snisnn creamery was built up by his own efforts entirely and he i- the sole owner. Diverse interests must be harmonized, patrons must be guarded by the highest principles of honor and the most scrupulous care, and the business must show at the end of the year a profit sufficient to justify its continuance. In all these responsibilities he has proved to be the right man in the place and it is the hope of the people of the vicinity that the success of the past may be enlarged in the future. The business has grown to large pro- portions and the manufactured product is shipped principally to San Francisco. The marriage of Henry Bird was solemnized December 31, 1902, and united him with Miss Ida Mae Giddings. who was born and reared in Solano county and whose parents are still living here. For twenty years Mr. Bird has been identified with Bird's Landing Lodge No. 284. I. O. O. F., and mean- time he has passed through all of the chairs. Politically he votes with the Republican party in general and local elections. In addition to his other in- terests he is a director in the Bank of Suisun. in which he is a stockholder. For four years he served as trustee of Suisun and for a similar period he was clerk of the board of the Crystal school district of Suisun. meanwhile promot- ing the welfare of the district as well as the general welfare of the village. WILLIAM HERBISON. The opportunities afforded by Solano county find illustration' in the fact that within its borders are a large number of men who came here with no capital, yet have attained independence through their intelligent cultivation of the soil. To this class of citizens belongs William Herbison, who came here without means, secured employment as a ranch hand, and gradually worked his way forward until today he is the owner of a fine ranch of one hundred and thirty acres, about twenty acres of which is in orchard. Descended from Scotch ancestry, Mr. Herbison was born on the St. Law- rence river at Brockville. Ontario, Canada. February 1, 1849, the son of John and Annie 'Warren) Herbison. who were born in County Armagh, Ireland, Scotch parentage. Emigrating from their native land they settled in Brock- 492 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ville, Canada, clearing a farm from a growth of beech and maple and making their home there until their deaths, at the age of nearly eighty-eight. By the time he was fifteen years of age Mr. Herbison had finished his studies in the local school near his Brockville home and was prepared to take up the sterner things of life. Leaving home at that age he came to California in 1864 and in Sonoma county first tried his hand at farming. Subsequently he became interested in grain raising and after coming to Green valley, Solano county, in 1888, he undertook ranching on a larger scale on land which he rented for four years. Confidence in his own ability grew with the experience of years, and in 1892 he felt justified in the purchase of one hundred and thirty acres of land near Cordelia, upon which he raises stock for his own use, but the chief interest of the ranch is the raising of cherries, only one-third bearing, but from which in the year 1910 he realized $1,200 net. He is also engaged in raising horses and cattle. The first marriage of Mr. Herbison in 1869 united him with Miss Sarah Gillespie, a native of Kentucky, and to them six children were born. Of those living we mention the following: Angie became the wife of Edgar Hyatt, and they with their five children make their home near Cordelia. Jennie is the wife of Joseph Neitzel, a fruit-raiser near Suisun, and they have three children. Lulu became the wife of John Dunker, a butcher in Cordelia, and is the mother of one child. Mr. Herbison was married the second time in Elmira to Mrs. Helen (Rowley) Cook, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio. With her parents she crossed the plains with ox-teams to Oregon in 1852. Her maternal great- grandfather, Joseph Wheeler, was a fifer in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Herbison was reared near Portland and she spent many years in Idaho, coming to California in 1884. Mr. Herbison has never allied himself with any orders, and aside from serving as roadmaster he has not filled any public office. Politically he is a Republican in national issues, but independent locally. Not- withstanding his apparent aloofness from things of a public or social nature he is the embodiment of public spirit and no one in the community supports more heartily than does he, measures for the good of town, county and state. GEORGE PAUL. A native of England, George Paul was born April 19, 1858, a son of John Paul, also a native of England, who is still living at the age of eighty years. For twenty-three years George Paul remained at home with his parents, work- ing on the farm much of this time, for his educational advantages were meagre indeed. When in his twenty-fourth year he came to the United States, landing in New York. From there he went immediately to Rising City, Neb., arriving there on July 5, 1882, and in December of the same year he went to Kane county, 111. Three years later he came to California and on the same day on which he arrived in San Francisco he left for Suisun and has resided here ever since. His first employment was on a ranch in the vicinity of this city. On giving this up four years later he came to Suisun and bought a drayage and transfer business, which he carried on for four years. Selling out this enterprise he bought an ice and coal business and operated this until the be- ginning of 1911. In 1896 Mr. Paul was married to Miss Marie Nielsen, a native of Suisun. and they have one child, Anna Velma Paul. Politically Mr. Paul is a Repub- lican, but has never held office, and is a member of Suisun Lodge, K. of P. In July, 1909. he sustained a heavy loss when a disastrous fire swept the por- tion of the town where his property was located. However, this was soon repaired, which speaks well for his enterprise and indomitable spirit. He is now engaged in the grocery business on Sacramento street, where he built a new store building. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES \95 ROBERT McQUARRIE. The birth of Robert McQuarrie occurred in Prince Edward [sland, NTovem ber 27. 1845. After serving his apprenticeship al the tanner's trade in his homo town, he went to Woburn, Mass., where he worked in a tannery until 1869, when he came to California ^n one of the firsl trains to cross the con tinent. Arriving at Vallejo he at once wenl to work in the quarries of Mr. Dillon at Dillon's Point, where rock was obtained for construction work at tin- Mare Islam! navy yard; but he soon secured employment at his trade in Benicia in the tannery of Mr. Stewart. Finding it Lonesome here without friends he walked all the way to Suisun, where he had acquaintances, and worked for awhile there on the ranch ^i Captain Hewitt, lie was not unac customed to this kind of life, for his earliest years had been spent on a farm in his native country. The spirit of adventure and desire for varied experience were strong in this young man of inquiring- mind, so he next tried dairying on the ranch of Isaac R. Jewell at Petalnma. In this town, however, came an opportunity to take up his own trade once more in the Shaefer tannery, which position held his attention for two years. While in Petalnma he hecame quartermaster- sergeant oi the Huston Guards and went with the company to San Francisco to assist in the laving of the corner-stone of the citv hall, on Washington's birthday, 1872. Better opportunities offered themselves at the Porter. Slussinger & Co.'s tannery at Santa Cruz, so thither Robert McQuarrie went and remained eight years, later working at his trade in Stockton and in San Francisco. Return- ing in a few years to his old place in Santa Cruz, he soon found it possible to start in the business for himself, and his last adventure as a tanner was in the capacity of president of the firm of McQuarrie. Soule & Company. A few- years later finds Mr. McQuarrie conducting a grocery store at San Rafael. After selling this out he moved to YVatertown. Fresno county, where he formed an irrigation company that laid out. named and built up the town, and he also served as postmaster. We next find him returning in June of 1899 to his starting point in California. Vallejo. where he has been engaged since that time in the wholesale and retail liquor business at No. 222 Georgia street. He was made a Mason in Glenlevit Lodge Xo. 16. A. A. S. R., and is also a member of the Odd Felllows, and of the Caledonian Club of San Francisco. He has always been a voracious reader of the best literature, and his book knowledge added to that gained during his varied and interesting career makes him a most entertaining conversationalist, and he is especially welcome among his lodge friend-. He has contributed numerous articles to the newspapers, and possesses a most unique scrap-book filled with facts and anecdotes of his eventful experiences in California. ERNEST C. HILLMAN. The German nation has ever furnished to America a most desirable class of immigrant-, one of whom is Ernest C. Hillman. who was born in the King- dom of Saxony. Germany. February 24, 1853. Not contented to stay in the old country, he came to America in 1871. at the age of eighteen years. Having learned the trade of miller in Germany he worked at his trade in Xew York and at the end of eleven months had saved enough money to take him to St. Louis, where he worked in dairies for five years, at the end of which time, in 1X76. he came to California. After working for wages near Suisun, Solano county, for ten years and gaining a good knowledge of the fruit industry, he went to Lane county. Ore., and took up. land, but not finding this as profitable 496 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES as he had anticipated, returned to California. After an extended visit to his old home in Germany he came back to California and in February, 1891, located in Napa, buying the place where he now lives, near the western city limits. He had no means of his own when he came to Napa, but he secured a loan and bought his place and by industry and persevering application kept increasing- his holdings until he now owns a ranch of thirty acres, which is principally in peaches, prunes and Bartlett pears. Seven acres are in French prunes, from which he realizes annually from forty to forty-five tons. Two acres of Bartlett pears produce twelve tons to the acre, and fifteen acres of peaches average sixty tons. These splendid crops attest the depth and rich- ness of the soil and its wonderful productivity, and it is a great satisfaction to Mr. Hillman that he has never had a failure in his fruit crop. He has re- cently added to his orchard by setting out two hundred pear trees and one hundred Gravenstein apple trees. Mr. Hillman was married in 1898 to Mrs. Augusta (Mundhenk) Schrater, also a native of Germany, and to this union have been born three children, Elsie, Florence and Frances. FREITAS BROTHERS. John E. and Joe L. Freitas are enterprising brothers now in business in Suisun. They are the sons of John L. Freitas and were born in Portugal in 1886 and 1889. respectively. Coming to this country in 1892 with their father, the family located in Wyoming and lived there for seven years, during which time the boys had an opportunity to attend public schools and become familiar with the English language. Later the family came to California and settled in Vacaville, Solano county, where they remained for some time and then removed about eight miles south of Vacaville, on the old Dixon ranch. After remaining there four years they moved to Fairfield, where the sons continued their education, and later they were employed in San Francisco. In the latter city Joe L. Freitas took a course in Heald's Business College. After three years the brothers returned to Solano county, locating in Suisun, where in partnership they established a grocery business. After conducting this suc- cessfully for three years it was sold, in 1911, and since that time they have engaged in the men's furnishing and clothing business, under the name of Freitas Brothers. Not only have they one of the finest and most complete establishments in the county, but they do a fine business and are well liked for their geniality of disposition, as well as for their strict and honorable methods of dealing with customers. On August 16, 1908, John E. Freitas was married to Miss Josephine Gerevas, a native of Fairfield, and to them two children were born, Olinda and Francis. J. E. Freitas is a member of the Eagles, Modern Woodmen and Knights of Pythias, while J. L. Freitas is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Red Men. These enterprising men have a splendid future before them, for their business is constantly growing, and as progressive, courteous and strictly reliable business men they deserve and receive the esteem and good will of their fellow citizens. HAMPTON SMITH GEER. One of the well-known characters of Berryessa valley was the late Hamp- ton Smith Geer, who contributed to the upbuilding of the community in no small way. He was born on Bear river, Humboldt county, Cal., February 9, 1870, a son of parents who were both born in New York state. When but three years of age he removed with his parents to Napa City, Cal., and five years later came to Berryessa valley, continuing here the remainder of his life. In HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 497 addition to a public school education he also took a course in the Oak Mound school in Napa. After completing this course he assisted his stepfather, 1 . S. Scribner, in the management of the ranch until the latter's death in 1901. Mr. (leer then leased the ranch, consisting of seven thousand acres ol good land located in the central and "northern portion of the valley, on which he was extensively engaged in stock-raising. The stock on the place averaged about as follows*: five hundred head of cattle, live hundred head of hogs, and eight) head oi horses and mules. This estate is one of the finest tracts of land to be found in the valley and is very productive, hence produce- a good yearly in- come. The following are the heirs to this property: Mrs. E. A. Scribner, Thaddeus Montgomery Scribner. Maud /. Scribner, Marquis L. Scribner, Hani V. Scribner, John B. Scribner and David C. Scribner. Mr. deer was married November 6. 1902, to Cleo L. Anderson, a daughter of John and Amanda (Clark) Anderson, of Berryessa valley, where they were fanners and old settlers. Mr. Anderson was accidentally killed, a railroad freight car running over him May 5. 1911. Mrs. Anderson resides in Xapa. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Geer : Fern Theodora. Bertram Raney, Waldon Smith and Geraldine Virginia. Mrs. Geer was born in Berry- and is the granddaughter of Abraham Clark, one of the earliest pioneers of this section of the county, ller education was received in the public schools of the vicinity and in the high school of College City. Mr. Geer was a member ^i Xapa Lodge No. IS. 1. O. O. F.. and Xapa Lodge Xo. 832. B. P. O. E. Politically a Democrat, he was elected to represent the fourth district on the board ^i supervisors at the election of 1910. to serve for two years and finish the unexpired term oi William G. Raney. serving from January 1 until July 30, l l) ll when he died. At his death he left a widow and four children and numerous friends to mourn his loss. Me was a man of much worth and enter- prise and Xapa county in his death lost one of her noblest sons. JORDAX ROCHESTER HARLEY. Born among the historic surroundings of Kentucky in Danville, Boyle county. Jordan Rochester Harley received those educational advantages that were then in vogue and possible to him. As a young man he showed much promise for the future and commenced his life aright when he set out for the 51 in 1857. with a mule team train, besides which he had a herd of eight hundred cattle. Being interested in mines he remained in Carson City for a while and drove two mule freight teams between neighboring cities. In 1862 he started for California and ultimately located in Xapa valley on a large ranch of six thousand acres. The place appealed to him from the start and here he has lived for many years and has developed several ranches during his residence in Xapa county. Mr. Harley was married in Kentucky to Miss Cynthia Swinford, and one child, MolHe. was born of that marriage. His second marriage united him with Martha J. Christopher, and of the five children born to them one, Emma, is deceased. The others are X'annie, George A. C, Bessie and Frank. Nannie became the wife of Dr. J. B. Lawrence and the mother of two children ; they reside in Paso Robles ; George A. C. married Xellie May Gordon, of Gordon valley, and they have three children, Lotus. Frank W. and Elmer; Bessie be- came the wife of T. B. F r owler. who is in the stock business in Fall River valley; they had three children. Andrew and Roy. deceased, and Mabel. George Harley was appointed fire warden for the Berryessa district and con- tinues to act in this capacity. He owned the building recently sold to Swift & Co. Mr. Harley is a member of Xapa Lodge, U. A. O. D. v ,afiTPis past noble arch of the order. Politicallv he is a Democrat. 498 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES JULIUS BLEAMEL. A citizen in the truest sense of the word, and a man in whom may be placed the utmost confidence, is Mr. Bleamel, one of Vallejo's rising industrial men. He is at present foreman of the Sperry Milling Company, having entered the mill as laborer in 1899. Born in Waldenburg, Germany, in January, 1861, he attended school until fourteen years of age, when he became an apprentice in the shop of a printer and dyer. Three years later he continued his occupa- tion as a journeyman, but in 1879, according to the rules of his native country, he entered the army, and after a service of three years was honorably dis- charged, October 15, 1882. Taking passage in December. 1882, Mr. Bleamel came to the United States, landing at New York and continuing to Paterson, N. J., where he resumed his trade. On September 6 of the following year he enlisted in Company K, Second U. S. Cavalry, serving the customary five years, after which he was honorably discharged, September 5. 1888, in the Presidio at San Francisco, having risen from the ranks to the office of first sergeant. Shortly after this he successfully passed an examination admitting him to service in the postoffice in San Francisco, where he remained until 1897, when he accepted a position in the engineering department of the city. During the Spanish- American war he went to Mare Island, where he was employed about two years, after which he took up his residence in Yallejo and entered the employ of the Port Costa Milling Comoany. now the Sperry Milling Company. He erected his residence in South Yallejo, on the corner of Grant and Lemon streets. In March, 1889, Mr. Bleamel was married to Miss Ida A. Seaman, a native of Saxony. Germany, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Seaman, who on coming to this country settled in San Francisco. Charles Seaman served in the German army during the Franco-Prussian war. He' died in San Francisco in 1908. Mrs. 'Bleamel was reared and educated in the public schools of San Francisco. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bleamel. as follows : Clara A., who was born in San Francisco and was educated in the grammar school of Yallejo and the Metropolitan Business College of San Francisco; Julius P., aged nineteen, who is an electrician at the Mare Island navy yard; Melvin. six years old. attending public school; and Alma, four years old. Mr. Bleamel organized the Herman Sons, the first German organization in Yallejo which is today the leading German society in Solano county and is on a solid financial basis. Mr. Bleamel's parents never left the old country, where they passed away some years ago. Notwithstanding the fact that the old home no longer exists, it is the hope of both Mr. and Mrs. Bleamel to some day visit their native land. A non-partisan in politics Mr. Bleamel makes it a rule to cast his vote for the man who appears to possess the best qualities for the federal position to be occupied. Single-handed, he has made his way through life, meeting discouragements and failures with a smile, always con- fident of ultimate success. That faith brings its reward is shown by his career, and no citizen of Yallejo is more highly thought of, more sincerely trusted, than is Mr. Bleamel. VICTOR C. MUNK. A native of Denmark, Mr. Munk was born in Bornholm, in 1866, and for twenty years he remained there, receiving the benefit of the splendid system of public school instruction for which his native land is noted, and also learning a vocation that would place him in a position to earn his own living. On arrival in New York in 1887. he came direct to California, reaching Suisun with only S2.S0 in his pocket. He commenced work as an employee on farms HISTORY < >F Si >LAN< I WD NAP \ COUNTIES 501 and followed this until 1895, during this time accumulating the sum of $3,300. In tin- year iust mentioned he rented a (arm, and in 1897 bought one hundred and tin\ six acres, which he earned on successfully for six wars, when he purchased an additional one hundred and sixtj acres adjoining, the land being under cultivation when the purchase was made. He raises grain and hay, also horses, cattle, sheep and hogs for the market. Mis ranch is five miles from Suisun and contains thnc hundred and sixteen acres. Ill 1898 Mr. Munk was married in Sttisun to Miss Julina Reck, also a native of Bornholm, Denmark, and to them three children have been born, two of whom are living, \ ictor C. Jr. and Selma E. C. Mrs. M link's parents are deceased, but Mr. Munk's are living in Denmark. lie has been school trustee and clerk oi the hoard for four years, and is one of the hoard of di- rectors oi the Rochdale store that was organized in ] ( >06. He is a supporter of good roads and favors every good legislative measure that will better the con dition oi the country and its people. JOHN HENRY MUGRIDGE. Faithful throughout his life to the high ethical principles which he adopted in his early youth, Mr. Mugridge is acknowledged by his fellow citizens of Vallejo to be a man of superior traits, whose innate manliness and considera- tion tor others are well worthy of emulation. His father, John Mugridge, of New Hampshire, was a ship builder, successfully conducting a ship yard at Portsmouth, X. H.. until his death. His wife, in maidenhood Hannah Smith, was also a native of Xew Hampshire, and there too she died. John Henry Mugridge was next to the oldest of seven children and was born January 28. 1824, in Portsmouth, where he was educated in the public schools. Later he became employed in the navy yard as shipwright and caulker foreman, but resigned his duties in 1849 to take passage on the Eu- phrasia en route for San Francisco via the Horn. After a journey of six months he arrived at his destination, in March, 1850, after which he followed mining on Amador creek for six months. Removing to San Francisco, he followed his trade for four years, then returned to his native state, two years later again coming to California. In Vallejo he filled the position of foreman and caulker for the dock company until he became foreman ship caulker in the Mare Island navy yard, continuing in the service until 1896, when illness caused him to relinquish his duties. Since 1884 Mr. Mugridge has resided with his wife and son at No. 412 Caroline street. Vallejo, where they enjoy a wide acquaintance. On November 17. 1862. upon his third trip to his home in Portsmouth, N. H.. Mr. Mugridge was married to Miss Olive Dame, a native of that state and daughter of Daniel P. and Mehitabel (Towne) Dame, the father a car- penter and builder. Charles Franklin, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Mug- ridge. is a skilful carpenter in the employ of the Mare Island navy yard and is a man of sterling integrity and broad ambitions. Mr. Mugridge has ever been a stanch Republican, and although eighty-eight years of age is still deeply interested in the welfare of the municipality in which he has so long resided, and besides his comfortable home, owns other valuable property in the citv. GEORGE W. RANEY. A descendant of the pioneer rancher. Andrew Jackson Raney. George \V. Raney wa> born in Gordon valley, February 28. 1858. He was reared to farm life and was educated in the public schools of Napa county. He remained with 502 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES his father on the Gordon and Coombs stock ranch until he became manager of his father's property and after the latter had located upon it. still attended to the active management of the place and since his father's retirement to Napa and his death, has been sole manager of the estate. His long residence in the valley and his active participation in public matters have made him many friends. The marriage of George W. Raney and Martha Janet Jackson, a daughter of Dawson and Josephine (Gaffney) Jackson, natives of Maryland and Ire- land, respectively, occurred in Napa April 23, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson crossed the plains to California in 1853, located for a time in El Dorado county, then removed to Gordon valley about 1858, and from 1868 to 1888 resided in Capell valley. Mr. Jackson's death occurred in Chiles valley, where his wife still resides. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Raney one daughter has been born, Loeda, the wife of John Gomez, who assists his father-in-law in the management of his property. Mr. Raney has been trustee of the school in his district for a number of years. The ranch of which he is manager is devoted principally to the raising of Shropshire sheep and Durham Shorthorn cattle. Sixty acres are in grain and ten acres in vineyard, the produce from the ranch being marketed at Napa. He is a man of high principles, always striving to carry out the ethics of the Golden Rule. ANTON MAESHNER. The story of the life of Anton Maeshner is that of a self-made man. He was born in Berlin, Germany, May 17, 1860, the son of a blacksmith, from whom he learned the trade and has followed it ever since. By diligence at his trade he was enabled to travel all over Germany, France and Scotland. Ac- cording to the German custom and law he served in the German army three years, being a member of the Big- Gun Horse Artillery. Not content with the outlook in his own country he came to America in 1890, landing in New York, and three months later came to San Francisco, there and in San Pablo working at the blacksmith's trade for five years. Then, in 1895, he removed to Napa county and bought three and a half acres in Brown's valley, two miles from Napa, upon which he set out thirty Bartlett pear trees and shade trees. Besides erecting a blacksmith shop, tank house and barn, he also remodeled the house. As indicative of Mr. Maeshner's industry it may be said that whereas he had only $30 when he landed in San Francisco, he now has money out at interest. Mr. Maeshner was married in 1894 to Miss Annie Wettenburg, a native of Germany, residing at that time in San Francisco. They have one son, Edward, now fifteen years of age and attending the Napa high school. Fra- ternally Mr. Maeshner is a member of Herman Sons and of Napa Lodge of Moose No. 516. Politically he is a Socialist. EDWAY MORRISON WALLBRIDGE. Although a resident of California only since the year 1900, Mr. Wall- bridge has become well known in business and commercial circles in Vaca- ville, where as a contractor and builder he has built up a good business. He was born in the city of Belleville, Canada, in 1848, and his parents, also natives of Canada, are both deceased. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native city, and at the age of sixteen began to work with his father, who was a carpenter, remaining with him for three years. After working for another three years as a cabinet-maker he was appointed superintendent HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 503 of bridges and buildings on the Brockville division of the Grand Trunk Rail read. I'his important position he held for sixteen years, during which time he did much to improve the efficiency of the company. Resigning his posi- tion he entered the employ of the Rathburn Company at Ba\ Quinta, where he remained For sixteen years, resigning then on account of the failing health of his wife. He came to California and located in Vacaville and by strict attention to details lias built up a splendid business and is well known throughout Solano county. On June 4. 1867, in Sidney. Canada, Mr. Wallbridge was married to Miss Lydia Hearns, a native of Canada, and to this union there were horn six children, three o\ whom are living: William, now residing in Watertown, X. Y. : Ella, who became the wife '^i James Nicol, of Vacaville; and Hettie, the wife of R. B. Shipman and a resident of Xapanee. Canada. Mrs. Wall- bridge's father, who was horn in Canada in 1812. is deceased, while her mother is living in Solano county at the age ^i ninety-one. Besides his home in Vacaville Mr. Wallbridge owns property in Xapanee. Canada. Politically he is independent and fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and the Chosen Friends of Toronto. Canada. LEVI GEORGE. A native <^\ Wales, horn in 1832. when a young man Levi George left his native land and came to the United States, going first to Rome, X. Y. Six years later he went to Australia in search of gold and mined there for some time. From Australia in 1860 he started for California and after a trip of ninety-three days reached San Francisco May 10. I860. Xot readily finding work there he went to Sacramento, only to find similar conditions, whereupon he set out to walk to Benicia. Solano county, and there he secured employment in the harvest fields. From Benicia he worked his way north through Xapa valley, and for seventeen years he was employed on different ranches, perform- ing his work with a readiness and promptitude that won the approbation of his employers. He managed the John Finnell ranch at Yountville for six years, and then bought one hundred and fifty acres near Yountville and de- veloped the same by planting a vineyard and fruit and walnut trees. For nineteen years he farmed this place, raising many fine crops of fruit and en- hancing the value of the place by his industry and thrift. In 1903 he sold out and bought a small place higher up the valley, which he also later sold, and now lives retired from active work with John Greenwood in the Soscol district. LESLIE B. HEATH. From a statement made regarding Mr. Heath by one in a position to know, namely that he has the reputation of being one of the best horseshoers in Xapa county, one is safe in saying without further insight into his character, that he is a man who is thoughtful of detail and who performs to the best of his ability whatever he undertakes. A native son of the state. Mr. Heath was born in Healdsburg, Sonoma county. February 16. 1877. the son of William A. Heath, who was horn and reared in Augusta. Me., where he learned and fol- lowed hi-; trade of shoemaker. Early in the year 1877. before the birth of his son. he came with hi> wife to the west, settling in Healdsburg, Sonoma county. Cal.. where he followed his trade for a number of years, or until returning to Massachusetts in 1881. Fight years later he returned to Cali- fornia, his last years being passed in Xapa. where his death occurred. The wife and mother, formerly Mary C. Dane, was also a native of Augusta. Me., and is now making her home with her son Leslie in Napa. Of the three children horn to his parents. Leslie B. Heath was next to 504 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the oldest and was educated in Lynn, Mass., and in St. Helena, Cal. Under the training of Al. Bruckman of Napa he began an apprenticeship at the far- rier's trade that continued several years and which thoroughly equipped him for the business which he had selected as his life work. For a number of years he made a specialty of plating thoroughbred race horses, not only in California, but in other states as well, and his reputation as an expert horse- shoer made his services in demand constantly. For about eight years he was employed steadily on the Spreckels' ranch near Napa in the capacity of farrier and as a trainer of thoroughbred horses. Upon giving up the latter position he determined to engage in business for himself in Napa and in 1907 with his old employer, Al. Bruckman, he opened the shop which he still conducts. In the meantime, however, he had purchased his partner's interest and now conducts the business alone. His location on East First street is ideal from a business standpoint and he has built up a substantial business, one which his painstaking and conscientious efforts well merit. He takes pride in the fact that he has shod some of the finest bred horses' in Napa county. Mr. Heath is a man of sturdy principles, upright and just to all, and he is counted an acquisition to the citizenship of Napa. Fraternally he is identi- fied with Napa Lodge No. 18, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. GEORGE W. CRYSTAL. A native of Indiana, George W. Crystal was born in Park county Febru- ary 22, 1846, the son of Richard S. and Delilah (Murrow) Crystal. Two years after his birth the family removed to Des Moines, Iowa, and there George W. Crystal received an academic and commercial education. This was the home of the family for a number of years, in fact it was in Des Moines that Mr. Crystal married Miss Sarah McWilliams, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. At this time many were crossing the plains and locating on the fertile soil of the hills and plains that stretched away toward the setting sun. Among those who made the journey in 1864 were Mr. Crystal, his wife and father, and their first settlement was on a ranch in Polk county, Ore. In 1873 they came over- land to California, and the following year they returned to Oregon, Mr. Crystal settling down to a general merchandise business in Dallas, Ore., for a time being associated with the firm of J. D. Lee & Co. In 1885 he returned to California and located in Napa for two years, then he went into the general merchandise business for himself in Yacaville. Solano county, where he has remained for twenty-one years, or until retiring in 1908. The business was sold to a brother, E. C. Crystal, who had been associated with the firm for some years, and other members of the family, who still conduct the same under the name of Crystal Bros. Company. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. George AY. Crystal, Carl Clark, born in Napa in 1877, was married to Miss Edna M. Hays March 16, 1909, in Wash- ington, D. C. in which city the couple still reside, he holding a position in the office of the financial secretary of the United States Senate. Mr. Crystal has been a life-long member of the Christian Church, having been actively identified with its interests for over forty years, as was also his wife. On retiring in 1908 Mr. Crystal was made manager and vice-president of the bank of Vacaville, a well-known financial institution. Assisted by a good sound constitution and a devoted and affectionate wife, Mr. Crystal has been able to make a success of whatever business enterprise he has under- taken. Their happy home was saddened June 14, 1911, when Mrs. Crystal passed to that great unknown, mourned by her husband and family and her many friends, who loved her for her amiable disposition, loving Christian character and many kindnesses. TaP.N. C^nJ^CT HISTORY ( >F S< )L W< I \.\h \ \l' \ IUNTIES ; <'" \\ ll.l.l \.\! II. C( >RLETT. William II. Corlett, proprietor of the largesl planing mill in tins section of tin- l«a\ counties, was born on the Isle of Man off the English coast, March 21, 1856, a sou of the late William P. Corlett, who established the family in California in 1875. For many generations the family had lived in their island home and it was then- that the death of the mother occurred, and soon after ward the father came to America, in Napa count} he established a planing mill business and was actively interested in the development of tins enter- prise until his death, when the sons, William II. and Robert, who had come to California with him, succeeded to the business and conducted it with marked success until they dissolved partnership in March. 1911, Robert then retiring from the company, the business now being carried on b\ William II.. of this review. . Mr. Corlett was educated in the common schools Ol his place ol birth and accompanied the family in their removals from place to place until reaching the Pacific coast. Ever since his arrival in Napa county he has been an inter- ested spectator to its development and has in every way assisted in promoting the best interests of the people and the county. In his line of business he has paid especial attention to architectural designing and has furnished plans for the Napa high school building. Elks hall. Martin's buildings. Schwarz and Charles Dryer buildings, besides many others in Napa. He has given special attention to residences, and among others we mention that of Frank Noyes, Captain Hatch. Hunter and others; at St. Helena are the G. W . Smith. Mrs. Vance. F. B. Mackinder. Mrs. Rowen and the Ritchie block. Mr. Corlett occupies a position in the professional and business world that is enviable, for he has made a decided success of his efforts and has directed them along the lines where they would do the most good, and they have had a far-reaching effect. He is well known throughout the bay section as a man of sterling worth and energy. He has served the city of his adoption with credit as a member of the city council three terms and eleven years as a member of the school board, acting as chairman part of the time. He has succeeded in building up a lucrative business and by attending to all the de- tails has won the respect and esteem of his workmen and customers. Mr Corlett was united in marriage in 1887 with Cassie E. Greenfield, a native of Nova Scotia, and thev have become the parents of four children: William G Tessie M.. Harry B.. and Edith L.. born, reared and educated in the schools of Napa. Mr. Corlett is a Mason of the Knight Templar degree and a Shriner. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Napa. In social and in business circles he has always tried to exert his influence for the general betterment of conditions, and he has always extended a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. The success that he has met with is the result of his own efforts and there is no man in the city of Napa who retains the respect of the general public more than he. WILLIAM AARON RROWN. Among the substantial business men of Napa county is William A. Brown, a builder and contractor of this county for twenty-six years. Rorn in Logan county. 111., in March. 1838. he is a son of Valentine and Catherine (Edwards) Brown, both natives of Tennessee, who in 1820 settled in Logan county. 111. The mother was a first cousin of Robert Ingersoll. William Brown received limited school advantages, but in the school of life he has had a broad training. Among his personal friends of other days he claims Abraham Lincoln. On the breaking out of the Civil war. in 1861 he enlisted as a member of the First Indiana Heavy Artillery and saw active service in the battles at New Orleans, 510 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES exercised for the benefit of his employers. For fifteen months he worked in San Francisco as a foreman in the erection of the stables and office building for the Wells-Fargo Company. In this work an immense amount of cement was utilized and employment was furnished at one time to four hundred workmen. Coming to Vallejo during the year 1907, William Betts entered the employ of the Scofield Construction Company, who had a contract for the completion of a dry dock at the Mare Island navy yard, a task that included sixty-six thousand feet of finishing cement work ; this was almost entirely finished by Mr. Betts. Soon afterward he formed a partnership with Clark Follette. who had been in his employ prior to his removal to Vallejo and who is widely known as an expert in cement work. Since the inauguration of the business during the early part of 1909 the firm has built two cement stores in. Fairfield for Mr. Silverstein, has had contracts for cement and sewer work for the city of Vallejo, built the banquet hall under the Red Men's block on Georgia street, also the cement work around the new city park, and did the cement work (a beautiful imitation of granite) on the new residence owned by Mrs. Costa on Georgia street. They built the first reinforced concrete building in Vallejo, the Greenwood building, a three-story structure on Georgia and Marin streets. They are the only contractors in the county having their own concrete mixer, which is used in all classes of work. It is worthy of note that they are the only Americans in the United States who can fill orders for the Terazzo and Mosaic work. Many miles of sidewalk and curbing have been built under their supervision and their contracts for sewer work have been unusually large and important. Materials are purchased direct from the manufacturers and shipped to Vallejo on board vessels wher- ever possible, in order to reduce the freight bills. During 1910 the firm used seven large carloads of cement and put in thirty-five foundations for buildings in Vallejo. Clark Follette was born in Kalamazoo county, Mich., and came to Cali- fornia in 1900. Having taken up cement work in Michigan, he naturally continued the business upon coming to California, working at it in San Francisco and Oakland until 1908, when he joined Mr. Betts under the name of Betts Cement Company. Fraternally Mr. Follette belongs to the Red Men and the Moose. The rapid rise of the firm is due largely to the business ability of Mr. Betts and his skill in handling important contracts. He permits no work to be done but the best. With his partner he works side by side with the em- ployes, directing their labors and superintending every detail so that the best resuits may be secured in the shortest possible time. In addition to managing the business, they take an active part in the work of the Chamber of Com- merce and Builders' Exchange of Vallejo. Mr. Betts also finds leisure for congenial participation in the activities of the Maccabees and the Improved Order of Red Men. Politically he votes with the Republican party. His com- fortable home in Vallejo is presided over by Mrs. Betts, formerly Miss May Berg, of Oregon, whom he married in 1905 and by whom he has a daughter, Dorothea. GEORGE G. DALTO. The subject of this sketch was born in Teggiano, Italy, July 26, 1875. When three years old he was brought to this country and lived in New York until he was six and one-half years old, then coming to California with his parents and locating in San Francisco. In this city he received his education in the public schools. From San Francisco he went to Gilroy, and remained there for about one year and then was in San Francisco until 1895, when he HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 513 removed to Solano county. I lis firsl employment was on a ranch and the experience there gained was of great use to him in later years. He is now engaged in fruit raising on his own ranch of thirty-six acres. From his place came the first shipment of 'Tokay grapes that left the county for two years in succession, for which he received $5 per crate. On October 12. L902, Mr. DaltO was married to Miss Mary Filomeo. a native ^i California, whose parents were born in Italy. To this union two children were horn : Louise C. and Joseph John, both attending school. The parents oi Mr. Dalto were born in Italy, hut now reside in Vacaville. Mrs. Dalto's father died in 1905 and her mother is living in Vacaville on her ranch. Fraternally Mr. Dalto is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Vaca- ville. occupying the position - of recording secretary. Politically he is a Demo- crat. In addition to attending to the arduous duties of his ranch, he works at the carpenter's trade and is also engaged in the insurance business. He is serving as school trustee and has been clerk of the board for ten years. Pro- gressive in his attitude toward all things, he is an advocate of good roads and supports every measure that will benefit the community in which he resides. ALBERT CASES. A native of western France, born August 8, 1848, Albert Cases was orphaned at the age of seventeen, when a boy is most in need of the counsel and sympathy of parents. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in France until he was twenty-two years of age. Ambitious for a better business outlook than his own country offered, he embarked on an English steamer at Liverpool and in due time he landed in New York. From there he came to San Francisco in 1870, and from there was attracted to the quicksilver mines of San Benito county, where he re- mained for about four years, when he went to San Francisco and established himself in the shoe business at No. 1222 Stockton street. From there he sub- sequently went to the corner of Stockton and Broadway, continuing there in business until January 15. 1889, when he located in Rutherford and established himself in the shoe business. Since 1906, however, he has devoted his atten- tion principally to shoemaking. Mr. Cases was married January 4, 1876, to Delorme Malene, and two chil- dren were born to them, Albert W., who married Aggie MacFellie, a native of Sacramento, and Joseph L., a resident of San Francisco. Mr. Cases received his education in the common schools of his country and has turned his knowledge to account in his dealings with the world, as is depicted in the keen judgment exhibited in his investments. He came to Napa Valley January 15, 1889, and bought the lot on which his shop now stands, his other possessions being two lots with houses and barns upon them, some city property and money out at interest. Mr. Cases enjoys the distinc- tion of having the first shoe shop in Rutherford. Politically he is independent and is connected with the St. Joseph Friends, where his charities are centered. ROBERT CHARLES WATSON. Among the successful business men who have built up a reputation for honesty and uprightness of purpose, so much so that he has won the entire confidence and esteem of the people, is Robert Charles Watson, proprietor of the Arcade Stables at Dixon, who has been a resident of California since 1887. He was born in County Galway. Ireland, and was educated in the pub- lic schools of his native place until seventeen years of age. when he came to New York state, remaining there about three years, when he came to San 514 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Francisco in 1887. He immediately entered the employ of the old Market Street Railway and continued with the company through its successive changes. He ably filled the different positions and was with the company during the trying period after the earthquake and fire in 1906. All these years he had been -familiar with Dixon and its vicinity, having made trips here at various times. In the spring of 1908 he located in Dixon and in partnership with John L. Kilkenny purchased the Arcade Stables from Mrs. Jack Brink- hoff, and as his partner is actively engaged in ranching it devolves on Mr. Watson to manage the business, which he has accomplished to their satis- faction. They have also purchased and own the Fashion or old Kunle Stable, the two making a very complete and large equipment, and it is the concensus of opinion that they have the best livery in Solano county. Mr. Watson was married in San Francisco to Miss Delia Melody, also a native of Ireland, and to them have been born three children : Evelyn, the wife of Thomas A. Kilkenny of Bird's Landing; Robert and Francis are still under the parental roof. It is to such stalwart and honorable characters as Mr. Watson that the coming generation owes much and his record is worthy of emulation. MILTON CARPENTER. Among the men who were pioneers and successful in their line of business in Dixon mention should be made of Milton Carpenter, who was born No- vember 8, 1836, in Niles, Mich. He was the son of John Whipple Carpenter, who removed with his family to Missouri when Milton was a lad. In that state he was reared and educated in the public schools and at the age of four- teen began preparation for a business career by becoming an apprentice at the wheelwright's trade. His training was obtained under his father, who -was an experienced carriage maker and a man well known in that section of Missouri. After becoming proficient at his trade Milton Carpenter continued to follow it until 1855, when he determined to come to the Golden State, and the same year found him crossing the plains with ox-teams. Arriving safely in Sacra- mento, he soon afterward set out for Napa county and was fortunate in soon finding work at his trade. A later move brought him to Solano county, and locating in Silveyville, he ventured into an enterprise of his own, establishing a blacksmith and carriage shop. A later venture was the establishment of another branch to the business, namely undertaking, this being the first regu- larly established business of the kind in northern Solano county. When the Southern Pacific Railroad was completed and Dixon was founded he with other citizens moved his business over to the new town, which had a rapid growth and was soon classed among the established towns of the state. With the growth of the town Mr. Carpenter's business expanded in like ratio and he was compelled to enlarge his quarters to accommodate his patrons. As the years passed he built up a large business in the manufacture of carriages, wagons and implements, his patronage covering a wide radius in Solano and Yolo counties. Strict attention to details and a thorough understanding of his varied lines of business, coupled with a kindly manner, may be said to be the keynote of the success of the large business which was ultimately his, and which he continued to manage up to the time of his death, March 1, 1901. In Sonoma, in 1869, Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Carrie Mc- Cracken, a native of that place and the daughter of John and Rebecca (Brown) McCracken, natives of South Carolina and Missouri, respectively. Mr. Mc- Cracken came to California across the plains in 1846, making the journey as far as the forks of the Oregon trail with the ill-fated Donner party, and from that point he made his way to California. In the early 50's he returned to the east by the Isthmus of Panama, and upon coming back to California about HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTI1 515 1852 he drove a herd of cattle across the plain-. He located al old Sonoma and established the first blacksmith shop in that section of the country. Uter following that business for a number of years, however, he gave it up and aged in farming and horticulture, continuing tliis until he died in 1870. Six children were born to Milton Carpenter and his wife, as follows: Willie \ . Milton 1'.. Charles L., Lulu. Rose and George I... hut ol the number Milton 1'. and George 1-. arc the only ones living. Upon the completion of his studies in the Dixon public schools Milton P. Carpenter made preparations to take up his father's business, and with this end in view took up the study of embalming, graduating from the school ol embalming in San Francisco. Upon the death of his father he succeeded to the management o\ his varied business interest-, thus relieving his mother ol the responsibility. In the care and management of the business Milton 1'. Carpenter is assisted by his brother, George I... who is a graduate of the Henness) School of Embalming in San Francisco. By their thoughtful atten tion and courtesy, no less than by their accurate care of details ol business methods 'hey have won the confidence ^i the people and are accomplishing success in their different lines of business. In 1897 Milton 1'. Carpenter married Miss Margarel McDermott, and they have two children. Edward R. and Milton W. As a member of the board of trusties of Dixon Mr. Carpenter is doing much to advance the interests ol the city. Me is a Mason of the Knight Templar d«gree. Milton Carpenter was a stanch member of the Baptist Church, contribut- Hberally <^i his means toward the maintenance of the organization, ami his widow is still an active member of that church. In the death of Mr. Car- ter Dixon lost one of its most influential and progressive citizens. He - had the best interests of the city he helped to found at heart and was always ready to give of his time and means toward any project that had for its aim the betterment of the community. HEXRV K. DICK IX SOX. Occupying a convenient location two miles from the city of Xapa. and in the vicinity of the water works, is the White Orpington farm of ten acres, purchased in 1908 by Mr. Dickinson and devoted by him largely to the maintenance of the poultry industry. Four acres have been planted in fruit and form a valuable family orchard', while the balance of the tract furnishes the vards and range necessary for the care of the chicks. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson have been successful to a remarkable degree in the poultry industry, although they did not find the path to success to be lined with eggs and chickens. Discouragements were many and obstacles formidable. At one time they paid $25 for a setting of eggs and were re- warded by securing three lonely chicks. I,, April, 1909, there were hatched seventeen pullets and three cockerels out of $40 worth of eggs, and this gave them their first start toward prosperity. When Mr. Dickinson bought the farm in 1908 he determined to embark- in the poultry business, and at once made a study of the different breeds, his decision being in favor of the single comb White Orpington because they are ery hard v. quick developing chicken, immune from climatic changes. They produce two-pound broilers in two months, and begin to lay when five months old. They lay more eggs per year per bird than any other breed and are known to be the best winter layers in existence. There is no other chicken which can compare with them as table fowls, the meat being white, fine grained, very juicy and delicious in flavor. A special feature is made of the lav: ins; a pen of seventeen pullets laid from November until May 516 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES seventeen hundred and fifty-six eggs, the record for December being three hundred and forty-six eggs. Ten hundred and fifty eggs were incubated, and nine hundred and five strong, healthy chicks raised to maturity. It was Mr. Dickinson's good fortune to be able to buy eggs from Percy A. Cook of England, the son of Melville Cook, the originator of the breed. Other famous fanciers contributed to his start, and the result is that now he has a flock which he claims to be the best in the entire country. Already he has become widely known to fanciers through the production of a type of fowl unexcelled in its markings and justifying in its appearance a reputation gained as the "fashion" of the poultry world, while more important than anything else justifying in financial returns its reputation as a money maker for progres- sive poultrymen. Already this year he has sold a large number of baby chicks at fifty cents each. The culls of the flock have been sold in the city markets for table use. Cockerels and laying hens he sells at $5 each and pullets are sold at $3 each when four months old. Eggs per setting of fifteen, $5. Visitors are always cordially welcomed at the farm. HERMAN SCHIELKE. A native of Germany, Herman Schielke was born in Freistadt in the year 1845 and was educated in the schools of his native land. After his graduation he learned the trade of cabinet-maker, continuing at this until the age of nine- teen years, when he responded to the customary military laws of that country, and for five years he served in the Fourth Company, East Prussia Pioneers No. 1. At the end of this time he was honorably discharged, having served through the Austro-Prussian war of 1866 and Franco-Prussian war, 1870-71. He was slightly wounded in the left hand and had risen to the rank of a non- commissioned officer. Realizing that greater opportunities were possible in America, he immediately came to the United States, September 15, 1871. For four years he remained in New York City and Paterson, N. J., and then, Janu- ary 31, 1875, he came to California, settling in Oakland. For four years he remained in that city and then bought a ranch in Bryones valley, Contra Costa county. Having an opportunity to sell out to good advantage, he did so and returned to Oakland. After a little while he bought a ranch in the Sonoma valley and for two years worked it. then selling it and returning once again to Oakland. His next move was to Solano county, where he bought a ranch of twenty acres in Pleasant valley, which he improved by setting it out to orchard. In 1909 he sold it and bought out a dray and transfer business in Vacaville. This he still carries on and he has the distinction of having the best equipped and finest outfit in the city. In 1874 Mr. Schielke was married to Miss Johanna Ludwig, who was born in Marienwerder, Germany, in 1856. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are now living. Henry H. was born in Oakland in 1876, and is at pres- ent manager of his father's drayage and transfer business ; Flora is Mrs. E. J. Bonnicksen, of Vacaville ; James W., born in Contra Costa valley, is a miner in Trinity county; Marie, Mrs. Ophaus, lives in Vacaville; Herman, Jr., is assistant agent of the Southern Pacific Railroad at Winters. Mr. Schielke's father died in Germany and his mother in New York, the latter at the age of one hundred and six years. Mrs. Schielke's father is dead, but her mother is living in Philadelphia at the age of eighty-three. Politically Mr. Schielke is an independent, as he believes in voting for the best man, irrespective of party. Fraternally he is a member of Humboldt Lodge No. 114, F. & A. M., of Paterson, N. J. He owns a fair amount of property in Vacaville, besides run- ning a very successful business, and is well liked by all with whom he has dealings. Ou\Ajlsu<— QjjJo^o-Jh HISTORY OF SOLANO AND \ \r \ ( < >UNTIES 519 WARREN ^NTHON'i WOODS. In reviewing the lives of prominent men of Solano county, Mr. Woods is deserving of especial mention not only because he has been a life time resi- dent y>\ the immediate locality *>i school trustee and filled the office with efficiency for eight years. JOHN QUARNEY Among the citizens whom Ireland gave to California may be mentioned fohn Quarney, who located in Solano county in the days immediately follow ing the cold discovery and contributed his mite to the ultimate success of this section as an agricultural center. I lis earliesl recollections were of a home in Queens county. Ireland, where at the age of fifteen years he had put his school days behind him and had assumed the responsibilities of his own support. This he wisely decided could be accomplished more effectively in the United States than in his native land, and it was this decision that enabled him at that early age to start out alone in pursuit of opportunity. The vessel on which Mr. Quarney made the ocean voyage cast anchor in New York, and a >ta\ of two years in that metropolis engaged in such employment as came his way. made it possible for him to come to California. The voyage was made by way tay. he subsequently came west a^ain. thi> time with the inten- 528 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES tion of remaining permanently. He is a carpenter by trade and is at the pres- ent time living in San Francisco. The mother, Emma Streeter in maidenhood, is a native daughter, having been born in Downieville, Sierra county. Her father, John C. Streeter, came to California in the early '40s, crossing the plains with ox-teams. After a long and useful life he passed away in Suisun in July, 1911. Harvey R. Elliot spent his early boyhood in San Francisco, where he at- tended the public schools. When he was seventeen years old he attended Heald's Business College of that city and obtained a thorough commercial education and training. He then came to Cordelia, where his uncle, C. B. Elliot, owned a winery, in which he was given a position. After some time, in 1902, the winery was sold to the California Wine Association. Harvey R. Elliot was then appointed superintendent and secretary of the Cordelia winery and he has held this position ever since, with great credit to himself and his employers. This is the largest winery in the county, having a capacity of seven hundred thousand gallons per annum. In 1900 Mr. Elliot married Miss Lottie M. Glashoff, also a native of Cali- fornia, born in Suisun valley. The elder of their two children, Lloyd Otto, was born in 1902 and is now attending the Green Valley school ; the daughter, Clara E. Marie, was born May 13, 1909. Although a very busy man, always having between thirty-five and forty men in his employ and under his direc- tion, Mr. Elliot is very public spirited and finds time for civic work. He is a member of the board of school directors of Green Valley district and is also clerk of the board. He was made a Mason in Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Wide awake and progressive, he is always in favor of any movement which is for the good of the com- munity, the state or the nation. His home is one of the beautiful residence properties of Cordelia, and together with his family, he enjoys the high regard of the entire community. WILLIAM EBELING. The life which this narrative depicts began in Germany in 1846 and closed in St. Helena, Napa county, March 9, 1910. When he was a lad of thirteen years Mr. Ebeling left Germany and came to America, locating in New York City, where he learned the barber's trade. At the outbreak of the war in 1861 (at the age of fifteen years and four months) he enlisted in the Thirty-ninth New York Volunteers, being sworn in and attached to Com- pany E on September 9 of that year. Up to 1862 he was occupied with camp life and an occasional skirmish. On June 8, 1862, he was wounded in the battle of Cross Keys and remained in the hospital for some time. He was taken prisoner by Stonewall Jackson on September 15, and later released. He saw service in the battles of Gettysburg and also Bristow Station and the battles of the Wilderness and Petersburg in the spring of 1864. He received his discharge September 9, 1864. Among the prized possessions of his widow is an old pocketbook that he carried all through the war. After the war he worked at his trade in Baltimore, Md., and later lived with his family in Chicago, where he lost everything during the big fire in 1871. In 1875 Mr. Ebeling came to California and worked in San Francisco and Berkeley for eight years, then went to Windsor, Sonoma county. Leaving this latter place, he came to Calistoga and entered partnership with W. F. Bornhorst in viticulture in 1884, continuing this until his death. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Elizabeth Warns in Baltimore in 1866. Their eldest child, Charles William, married Miss Ida Macks and they have two children, Walter and Victor; Lillian, the wife of E. L. Vander Naillen of Oakland, has two children, Gert- HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUNTIES 531 rude and Edwin; Harry W. married Minnie Mack and resides in Fulton, Cal., where he is a fruit buyer; Minnie, the wife of E. J. Fletcher of Los Angeles, ha- two children. Earl and Lillian; Frank married Miss L. Walk meister, and they have one son, Warren; Louis V and Clemens A complete the family. About two years after the death of her husband Mrs. Ebeling became the wife of his former partner, William I". Bornhorst, and they now make their home in Si. Helena. LYMAN ill A I'M \\. News ^i the discovery of gold ill the west was carried hack to old Con- necticut and aroused the deep interest of Lyman Chapman, a young carpenter, who was horn at Groton, that state, in 1821, and had been following the builder's trade for a considerable period in the old home neighborhood. Eagerly arranging his affairs preparatory to departure, he took passage on the schooner Velasco, which rounded the Horn and eventually arrived at San Francisco. July 18. 1849. one hundred and seventy days after leaving New London, Conn. Instead of following the thronging thousands to the mines, Mr. Chapman took up work at his trade and came to Napa, where he built the first frame building. At the foot of Main street, on the banks of the Napa river, he built the first flour mill in the county. In addition he erected the American house, now known as the Owl hotel. In association with Nathan Coombs he engaged in buying and selling property and for some time owned lar^e tracts with him as a partner. Upon the organization of the Bank of Napa, in which work he bore a prominent part. Lyman Chapman was elected a director and for years he con- tinued to fill that position. All movements for the benefit of the city, whether educational, commercial or fraternal, received his warm support. To him and his wife was clue the credit for the organization of the Baptist Church, which held its first meetings in the court-house. He enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest member of Napa Lodge No. 18. I. O. O. F., in which he served as noble grand. For years he was prominent in Ivy Rebekah Lodge No. 23, also in Live Oak Encampment. It was his privilege to enjoy the fruits of his early labors. He lived to see Napa one of the prominent cities of the region, foremost in all good works, well supplied with schools and churches, and boasting a loyal, patriotic citizenship. He organized the Home Guards of Napa, of which he was first lieutenant. After more than sixty years' resi- dence in this state he passed away November 23, 1910, mourned by comrades of the old days and by the generation now prominent in business affairs. The first marriage of Lyman Chapman was solemnized November 13. 1842. and united him with Lydia Chapman, who died July 27, 1859. Five children were 'born of that union, but the sole survivor is Jane, wife of M. P. Rose, of Shasta county. On November 3. 1859, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage with Emily Augusta Whiting, who was born in Mystic. Conn., in 1837. the daughter of Hallam Whiting, a cabinetmaker and painter of Mystic, where he was born. He was the son of Nathan Whiting, also a native of Connecticut and a cabinetmaker by trade. His marriage united him with Nancy Williams, a native of Connecticut and the daughter of Thomas and Abigail < Hallam i Williams, of Connecticut, and the latter was the daughter of Mrs. Hallam. who came from England in the Mayflower. Mrs. Chapman - educated in Mystic. Conn., and after her marriage, November 3, 1859, came to California via the Panama route, arriving in San Francisco in January, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary November 3. 1909. and among other presents given them on that occasion was a silver loving cup presented by Ivy Lodge, Rebekahs, and Napa Lodge, I. O. 532 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES O. F. Surviving her husband and making her home in Napa City, Mrs. Chap- man has a host of warm personal friends in this locality and is esteemed wherever known. Twice she has been honored with the office of noble grand in the Ivy Lodge of Rebekahs, the work of which has enjoyed for years the benefit of her sympathy and intelligent assistance. Of her five children only one is now living, Sarah A., wife of William H. Gosling, of Napa. No more fitting close to the life sketch of Lyman Chapman could be given than is found in the lines from the pen of one who for the past sixty years or more admired and respected him for his integrity and his charity toward all, the lines embodying sentiments he so often expressed. I am aged and worn and weary. The pleasures of life I have reaped. Then fold my mantle around me And lay me down to peaceful sleep. I will awake in that far-off country, The land of the great unknown, And my loved ones will gather around me To greet me and welcome me home. That mysterious home that we read of. By faith so bright to our view, With the glint of the rainbow around it, Christ prepared it for me and for you. PATRICK DOLAN. Varied adventures made interesting the early life of Patrick Dolan and give to his declining years a large fund of pleasant memories concerning ex- periences on land and sea. The recollections of boyhood cluster around the cabin home in old Ireland and the struggles for a livelihood in Massachusetts. Born in 1845 in County Roscommon, he was a mere child when death robbed him of the protecting care of his father, Patrick, Sr. Shortly afterward, in 1856, he accompanied his widowed mother to the new world and landed in Boston, going thence to Dorchester, Mass., where his mother died during the same year. A pathetic struggle for a livelihood ensued and the little Irish orphan learned many lessons of self-reliance and determination as he worked his way forward through hardships that many would have deemed insur- mountable. For six years the busy life of a Connecticut farm absorbed the attention of the youthful worker and later he removed to Springfield, Mass., where he served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade. In a short time he had proved his adaptability to the trade and later this expertness enabled him to earn a fair livelihood. During the year 1867 he came by way of the Isthmus to San Francisco prior to the building of the first trans-continental railroad. After one year in the coast city he came to Vallejo and, while not continu- ously in this city from that time to the present, he always has regarded it as his home. His first employment was as a mechanic at Mare Island navy yard and he continued there until 1871, when he shipped for three years as a ma- chinist in the United States navy. At the expiration of his time he again entered the service and continued a government employe in the naval service for more than thirty years, finally resigning July 27, 1905, with a record for efficiency and trustworthiness of which he well may be proud. While in the navy he sailed to almost every port in the world and thus possesses a thorough knowledge of countries, peoples and climates, but with all that he saw he ever HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 533 returned to Vallejo, more content than before to call this place his home. The marriage of Mr. Dolan took place in Benicia and united him with Miss Jennie O'Donnell of that city. Their union was blessed with one daugh tor. Miss Caroline, who was born in Vallejo, received her education in local schools and now is one of the successful and popular teachers in the grammar school of her native town. During 1882 Mr. Dolan bought property at No. 72 u Georgia strict and hero he has continued to live up to the present time, he and his wife having made NAPA COUNTIES 543 MATTHIAS GLASHOFF. A native of Germany, Matthias Glashoff was born in Elmshorn, Sleswick- Holstein, January 24. 1851. He was educated in the schools of the Father land after which for a time he engaged in the grocery business Upon the approach of mature years his thoughts turned toward the new world and the year 1873 witnessed h i s arrival in California and his settlement in Solano county. For ten years he enjoyed prosperity in farming and horticulture, and then became a property owner by the purchase of the Beihler property in Cordelia, continuing its ownership throughout the remainder of his life. his death occurring April 13, 1 ( )02. In Oakland, Cal., Mr. GlashotY was united in marriage June 19, 18 ( X), with Miss Catherine 1 Junker, a native of Sageberg, Holstein, Germany, the daughter oi Christian II. and Margaretta (Schumacher) Dunker. both natives oi Holstein and horn in the same year. 1838. Mr. Dunker. who was a farmer in the old country, came to California in 1892 and died December 15, 1910. I lis widow is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. GlashotY. Besides Mrs. Glashoff there are three sons and three daughters living, all residents of Cordelia. Mrs. Glashoff was educated in the public schools of her native place, and upon coming to California in 1886 she first went to Ger- mantown. Glenn county, and in 1889 came to Cordelia, her marriage occurring the following year in Oakland. Mrs. Glashoff still maintains the husiness in au^urated by her husband, her hrothers. Christian and John Dunker, carrying on the work under her direction. The ranch, known as the American Canon ranch, comprising three hundred and thirty-two acres, she leases to others as a dairy ranch. At his death Mr. Glashoff left in California besides his widow one brother. Henry Glashoff. As a testimony of the regard in which Mr. Glashoff was held by his fellow citizens it may be said that his was the largest funeral ever held in Cordelia. During the years that he had been in business here he had endeared himself to the hearts of all. and his passing was sin- cerely mourned. ISAAC HOBBS. As one of the noble band of pioneers who contributed of his strength and influence in bringing order and refinement into a community which w r as un- couth and held forth little prospect of transformation, mention belongs to Isaac Hobbs. who came to Solano county as early in its history as 1855 and continued to make this his home almost continuously until his death, almost a quarter of a century later. He was born in Sanford. York county. Me., November 27. 1821. and continued there until he was about eighteen years old, when he left the old family home and ultimately left the east altogether. From Maine he went to South Boston. Mass.. remaining there but a short time, however, when he went to Gloucester. X. J . from there in the spring of 1847 going to Tuscaloosa, Ala. By trade he was a mechanic of no mean ability and in the southern city just mentioned he found opportunity to em- ploy his knowledge of the trade in installing the machinery in several cotton mills. He was engaged in the south when the news of the finding of gold made every other attraction pale in comparison. March of 1849 found him crossing the plains in the only method in vogue at that time, and not without experiencing the usual hardships and trials he and his companions finally reached the Gila river. There he and three companions made temporary headquarters by making themselves a dugout, and after depositing such things as were not needed for present purposes, they undertook what was supposed to be a three-day journey down the Gila river, after providing them- selves with provisions for that length of time. In reality the journey con- 26 544 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES sumed twenty-one days and on reaching their destination they found that the rest of the party had reached there eight days before. Continuing their journey they reached San Francisco in October, 1849, and after consultation with others of the party Mr. Hobbs proposed going to Bodega and erecting a sawmill. Upon investigation, however, it was ascertained that lumber could be obtained in San Francisco for the price of the freight and the enterprise was abandoned. After the failure of his sawmill enterprise Mr. Hobbs returned to San Francisco, where he found work at the carpenter's trade at $16 a day, and continued thus occupied until the fall of 1850, when work in the southern mines attracted him and held him there for about two years. In the spring of 1852 he gave up mining and instead took up farming on the Feather river, but on account of falling a victim to fever and ague he was compelled to give up the work and in the fall of that year he returned to San Francisco. In April, 1853. Mr. Hobbs returned to the Atlantic coast to claim his bride in Miss Sarah A. Maxwell, their marriage occurring in McConnelsville, Ohio, in May of that year. She was born in Chester county, Pa.. October 18, 1826. Immediately after their marriage the young people came to California by way of Panama, arriving in San Francisco on November 5, 1853. There as on a former occasion Mr. Hobbs found a demand for those with a knowledge of the carpenter's trade, and for a number of years thereafter he was engaged in house building in that city. His removal from there in 1855 brought him to Vallejo, Solano county, and here he was fortunate in finding employment as a millwright in the Mare Island navy yard. He remained there in that capacity about four years, and after an experience as a farmer for two years on the Eel river, Humboldt county, returned to Solano county and resumed farming on one hundred and sixty acres of government land on section thirty- four, township four, range three, on the Soscol ranch, but the venture .proved disastrous in that the land proved to be a part of an old Spanish grant and he was dispossessed of the property. After litigation covering a long period, a bill was passed March 3. 1863, by which congress declared that the land should revert to the original owners. Mr. Hobbs and his wife clung to what had been their home and the scene of their hard labor, leaving it with heavy hearts when the sheriff of the county took possession of the land. Returning to the village of Vallejo in 1865, Mr. Hobbs was soon placed in public office, being made sheriff of the county in 1869 and filled this office efficiently for a term of two years. A second visit to the east was taken in 1876, when he visited the scenes of his youth in the far-off state of Maine and he also visited the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. Although he was at that time only fifty-five years of age, after returning to Vallejo he did not resume active labors, and two years later, February 12, 1878, he passed away. He was a Mason of high standing, and a member of the Vallejo Pioneer Association. Nine children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs, named in the order of their birth as follows: Mary B., Mrs. Richler, of Santa Barbara; Ida S., Mrs. Sanderson, who resides on the Hobbs ranch near Napa Junction; Eunice Esther, Mrs. Dr. H. W. Hood, of Reno, Nev. ; Charles B., in Yerington, Nev. ; Gila Grace, the wife of William A. Jones, of Vallejo; Maxwell, a farmer near Vallejo; George; Isaac; and a child who died in infancy. The death of Mr. Hobbs left the wife and mother with a problem before her in the rearing and education of her children, but she proved equal to the task thus laid upon her, as well as in caring for the business undertakings in which Mr. Hobbs was interested. A number of splendid structures still stand as monuments to her wonderful business ability. She passed away in 1911, at the ripe age of eighty-four years, mourned by her children as well as by a large circle of friends, many of whom had known her since the days of her early settlement in Vallejo. HISTORY OF SOI.. \\o AND NAPA COUNTIES 545 MARTIN R. ADEN. Hie life which this narrative depicts began in Grozefehn, Hanover, Ger main. September 10, 1843; and came to a close in Vallejo December 14, 1909, and between these dates was enacted a career which bore no spot or stain, and was a direct refutation of the statement »> often made that a man cannol be an active participant in business and political affairs without experiencing a tall tn blemish his character. Born in that pari of Germany which borders .m the sea. and reared within sound of its surging waxes, it was natural that he should take up an occupation that would permit him to indulge his love of the sea. and for a number of years he followed pursuits connected with the water and boating. This experience constituted his only practical knowledge of business in his native country, and when he came to the United State- in 1866 and located in California he investigated prospects for following the same line of employment in Vallejo. In a small, unpretentious way he began a freighting and carrying business on the bay. first alone, and later in partner- ship with his brothers. R. J. R. Aden and the late John R. Aden. Under the name oi Aden Brothers a flourishing business was carried on for a number of years as a result of which all became well-to-do financially. Subsequently the brother- gave up the freighting business and inaugurated a wood, coal, hay and grain business, in which they were interested to their financial advan- tage for several years, when Martin Aden sold his interest to his brothers and retired from business. To a man of Mr. Aden's temperament inactivity was an impossibility, however, and it was at this time that he turned his attention to public affairs, and his incumbency of public office marks one of the cleanest records in the history of Vallejo. For three terms he filled the office of city trustee, and he also served with equal efficiency as street supervisor. The marriage of Martin R. Aden occurred April 20, 1879. and united him with Miss Johanna W. Ottyes. also a native of Grozefehn. Hanover. Germany, where their marriage was celebrated. Their honeymoon was passed in cross- ing the Atlantic ocean to the home in Vallejo, Cal.. which Mr. Aden had prepared for his bride, and here for over thirty years they lived happily and contentedly until the death of Mr. Aden December 14. 1909. Besides the widow three children mourn the loss of a kind father: William M., foreman for the Vallejo Electrical Company; John M.. proprietor of the Three-Mile house: and Martin R., draughtsman at the Mare Island navy yard. He also left a brother and two sisters, the latter Mrs. Elizabeth Buss and Mrs. Philip Weil. Believing in the future of Vallejo Mr. Aden did not hesitate to invest his money, and besides building a house on Virginia street he also built many residences in different parts of town, many of which w-ere sold to families of small means on easy terms, and many people owe their present homes to his liberality and public spirit. He was also interested in farm lands, and the family own two ranches in Solano county rented for dairies, and one ranch in Xapa county. Since his demise his widow has resided at the old home, look- ing after her large interests and aiming to continue the same plan they suc- cessfully followed for so many years. While interested in the freighting business on the bay Mr. Aden became a member of the Master Mariners' Association, joining the order January 20, 1X76. and he maintained his membership in the order up to the time of his death. In fraternal circles he was highly esteemed, his membership in the Masonic and Odd Fellows organizations dating from the year 1876, and regis- tered him as a member of Xaval Lodge. F. & A. M.. and Chapter, R. A. M.. and of Concordia Lodge, I. O. O. F.. of San Francisco. Twice after taking up his residence in California Mr. Aden returned on a visit to his .,1,1 home in Germany, once in 1876 and again in 1879. and it was during the latter \i--ii 546 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES that he was married. Mrs. Aden has for twenty-eight years been a member of Silver Star Chapter No. 3, O. E. S., of which she is past matron, and she takes a very active interest in the order, having been treasurer of the chapter for the past eight years, and two different years she has served as an officer of the Grand Chapter. In his death, not only did his immediate family lose a loving husband and father, but the community in which he had lived and labored for over forty years lost a citizen whose life was irreproachable, and he bore with dignity the title of "Honest Martin Aden." JOHN HENRY BOKE. A native of Germany, John Henry Boke was born in the Province of Prussia, March 8, 1829, and died in Napa, Cal., May 8, 1905. Between these dates, more than seventy-six years, he spent the best part of his life in the Golden West and accomplished much to promote the welfare of this' great commonwealth. After Mr. Boke had completed his schooling he decided to come to the United States and soon after he arrived in New York he deter- mined to come to the western coast. Accordingly, with others, he outfitted for the long trip across the plains in 1852. After the usual trials and hard- ships incidental to the journey through an almost unknown country the party arrived in California that same year and Mr. Boke engaged in mining at Truckee and Gold Run, in Placer county. Subsequently he moved to Dutch Flat, in that county, and for eight years served as postmaster. In 1878 ho came to Napa and engaged in the real estate and insurance business with T. N. Mount, under the firm name of Mount & Boke, and for the following twenty- seven years was actively identified with the opening up of many tracts in the vicinity of Napa and did much to add to the prosperity of the county by in- ducing settlers to come to the favored Napa valley. He was one of the original stockholders and a director of the Napa Building and Loan Association and active in its management from its organization until his death. There was no enterprise promoted that had for its ultimate object the advancement of the city or county, or for the betterment of the condition of the citizens, to which he did not lend his aid. He was a member and past grand of Napa Lodge No. 18. I. O. O. F., and acted as a delegate to the Grand Lodge sessions many times. He was past master workman of Fortuna Lodge No. 13, A. O. U W., of Napa. In 1878, in San Francisco, occurred the marriage of J. H. Boke and Miss Julia Paccaud. She was born in Dutch Flat, Placer county, in 1859, and was the daughter of Louis Paccaud, a native of Switzerland, born February 3, 1829, and who came to America in 1848. In 1852 he came to California on the steamer John L. Stevens, via Panama, at which place he boarded the steamer Tennessee and arrived in San Francisco in July of that year. He engaged in mining hi Yuba county for a time, then went to Placer county, and in 1871 moved to Napa county, where he was identified with business circles for many years as a pharmacist. In 1855 he married Miss Julia Justice, who was born in England in 1825. Mr. Paccaud died in Napa at an advanced age. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boke two children were born : Henry J., who graduated from the Oak Mound high school, for several years has been engaged in journalistic work in Napa. He is an officer and an active worker in Napa Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F., and in 1911 served as vice-grand of the organization. He is also vice-president of the city board of health and is serving his second term as city wharfinger. Like his father he is interested in the growth of the city and has assisted in advancing movements for her welfare. The youngest child, a daughter, Miss Williameena, a graduate of the Napa high school, in the class of 1902, is assistant city librarian of Napa. 1-3 H m m w « Q i-3 i— i w Eh Q HIS TORN' OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 549 In passing it is hut justice to mention the pioneers who have been such active spirits in "bla2ing the trail" For the younger generations and who spenl the greater pan of tlu'ir lives in preparing homes and conditions tor them to the end that their children's pathways would nol be as difficull to travel as those they once had trod. Mr. Boke and Mr. Paccaud were both endowed with more than ordinary pluck and energy. Leaving homes in their native lands they ventured to the new world to win for themselves a place in history and at their deaths left behind them spotless reputations a- an inheritance to their posterity. Such examples as they set are worthy of emulation. CHARLES E. BELL. A native of Connecticut. Charles E. Bell was born in Darien February 15, 1827. a son of Holly and Abbie (Scofield) Bell. They in turn were descended from a long line of ancestry that can he traced hack to the year 1640, when one of their progenitors left the shores of Scotland and, crossing- the great Atlantic, identified himself with the little colony in Darien. Conn. It was in this place that Holly Bell, the father of Charles E. Bell, was born in a house that stood as a monument to his father's skill and prowess. Holly Bell and his father left their home to serve their country against Great Britain, one serving in the War of 1812, the other in the Revolution. Both were captured by the enemy and at the close of the war returned to Connecticut. The father lived to be ninety-six years of age and was the father of six children, thirty-eight grandchildren and seventy-eight great-grandchildren. The mother lived to the age of ninety-five years. For sixteen years Holly Bell served consecutively as a Democratic congressman, and from Abraham Lincoln he received the appointment as postmaster of Darien, a position which he was still occupying at the time of his death in 1889. Charles E. Bell, horn into such an illustrious family, was reared on the home farm and educated in the public schools. At the age of seventeen years he went to New York City and became apprenticed to the shipwright's trade with Brown & Bell, the junior member of the firm, Jacob Bell being his uncle. The firm was a well known concern and the young man for four years care- fully studied the details of his trade. On the completion of the government man-of-war Peruvious. he was sent on board as shipwright, making the jour- ney to Peru. South America, where he left the ship and spent two months on shore. He subsequently embarked on a vessel bound for California, work- ing in the capacity of ship's carpenter, in company with Peter Donahue, a machinist on the same ship. Mr. Donahue remained in San Francisco and established a wide reputation in later years, and Mr. Bell returned to New York and resumed work at his trade. In 1857 Mr. Bell was married to Cath- erine J. Mills, a native of Connecticut and a descendant of Welsh and English ancestors, the lineage going back in direct line to Roger Williams. About the time of his marriage Mr. Bell became a pioneer of Iowa, where he later served as county clerk of Montgomery county. Acting under physicians' orders Charles L. Bell sought the higher alti- tudes of the west and made preparations to mine in the vicinity of Pike's Peak, where many had made considerable money (1859). Weakened in con- dition and contrary to the advice of friends who thought he could not stand the strain of the long journey by wagon, he set out with his family toward the west, and on the way met many disappointed gold-seekers returning from the new mining region with discouraging reports, but he determined to keep right <>n and locate in California. The wife, who was then less than eighteen years old. drove the ox-team from Iowa, her husband being sick in the wagon bed. The out-of-door life improved his condition wonderfully and by the time he reached California he was greatly recuperated. While passing through 550 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Nevada on the Humboldt river route his eldest child, Charles Humboldt, was born. For four years Charles E. Bell engaged in mining in Trinity county, Cal., with only indifferent success, and later he helped in the construction of a ship on Coos bay and then went on to San Francisco and worked at his trade. In 1867 he secured employment in the United States navy yard on Mare Island and for thirty-two years was employed as quartermaster in the ship depart- ment. In 1876 he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Napa county, in what is now known as Bell's Valley, on which place he left his family and returned to his work in the navy yard on Mare Island, remaining there until his retirement in 1899. Since then he has devoted his time and attention to the ranch, which is in grain, pasturage and fruits of various kinds. He also has a vineyard of forty acres and manufactures large quan- tities of wine, and ten acres are planted in English walnuts. He was a member of the Volunteer Firemen's Association in New York, and was an active mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His children are Charles Hum- boldt : Edward S. ; Holly; Oscar, who is superintendent of the California Wine Association in Fresno; Lillian, who married Paul R. Miller, an engineer; Theodore A., a former representative of this district in congress ; Harry, now- deceased ; and Evelyn. EDWARD A. KELTON. A native son of the state, E. A. Kelton was born in Trinity county in 1864. His father, Capt. E. A. Kelton, came to California in 1846 and settled in that county in 1854. Having rounded the Horn on the steamer Golden Gate, that was afterwards wrecked off the coast of Mazatlan, he experienced the early conditions incident to pioneer existence. He received his title of- captain by being chosen to that office in the Trinity Rifles. He married in that county Miss Julia Ward, a native of Massachusetts and a schoolmate of Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff, of Napa. She crossed the plains to this state and when she went to Trinity county it was on the back of a mule. There she married and made her home for many years and subsequently went to San Francisco and after the earthquake of 1906 she came to Napa and thereafter made this city her home until her death in 1908, at the age of eighty-four years. All of her five children were born in the northern county and three are now living. Captain Kelton died in Trinity county. The boyhood days of E. A. Kelton, Jr., were spent in his native county and it was there he received his education in the public schools and also became familiar with pioneer conditions. His school days over he sought some position whereby he could become self-supporting and found employment with J. A. McClelland Company, general merchandise, in Napa. He remained in their employ until 1888, when he went to San Francisco, having secured a position with Wells Fargo Express Co. as a messenger, and in that capacity traveled over Oregon, Utah and California for the following twenty-three years. During that time he watched the growth of the state in the various sections in which he traveled for the company, this being particularly notice- able by the increase in the express matter to these places. His close attention to duty was rewarded by his being transferred to Napa as their local agent, which position he held until 1909, resigning at that time to associate himself with Mr. Watt in the Ambrosia Creamery Company. During his residence in the county Mr. Kelton had become well known in business and social circles and in 1910 was persuaded to become a candidate for the office of sheriff of Napa county at the general election that fall. Pre- vious to his election he made a unique campaign at the suggestion of some of his friends. The modern method of getting about in automobiles did not HISTOR1 OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 551 appeal to him and he decided to accept the suggestion and secured a team oi mules, and before the primary and the general election made a trip to every part of the county and so popular did he become that he was elected by a very large majority and took up the duties of the office January 1. 1911. Since assuming the office lie has instituted reforms thai have shown his worth, and his strict attention to official duties ha- made him well known to nearly all of the citizens of the county. In l'W Mr. Kelton was united in marriage with Margaret Short, who was born in Canada and whoso father came t" California in an early day and built the fort at Fort 1'oint. the entrance to the Golden Gate. Fraternally Mr. Kelton is a Mason, holding membership in Excelsior Lodge in San Francisco, and with Mrs. Kelton. who is past matron of California Chapter No. 1 and Harmony Chapter. ( )rder <^i the Eastern Star, he belongs to that body in Xapa. He is further identified with the Knights of Pythias, Napa Lodge No. 832, B. P. O. F.. and the Napa Parlor. X. S. G. W. As a citizen and an official Mr. Kelton is highly respected by all who have had business or social relations with him. OSCAR C. SCHULZE. The name of Schulze is so well known throughout both Xapa and Solano counties as to need no introduction to the readers of this volume, but a brief mention of the life and activities of the eldest representative of the family may not be out of place in this connection. Oscar C. Schulze was born in Lima, Peru. May 9, 1858. the son of Oscar A. Schulze. a native of Dresden, Ger- many, and a cabinet-maker by trade. Emigrating from the Fatherland, the father first located in Xew York City, and from tbere went to Havana. Cuba, thence to San Francisco. The rumors of the finding of gold in California having found him ready and anxious to take advantage of the possibilities offered in the Eldorado, he embarked for San Francisco in 1850. Going to Eldorado county, he followed mining there for some time, but with what suc- cess it is not known: however, it is known that after leaving that section of country he went to Lima, Peru, where he was married. About 1863 he returned to San Francisco with his family. After a few years he was com- pelled by ill health to come to Xapa county, and at St. Helena devoted his attention exclusively to the cultivation of the grape. Disposing of his hold- ings at St. Helena he removed to Oakland and then to Woodland. The last nineteen years of his life were passed in Dixon. Solano county, where he was living in retirement, his death occurring there in 1910, at the age of eighty- seven. Oscar C. Schulze was a child of about five years when the family removed from South America to California, and the greater part of his education was received in the public schools of St. Helena, Xapa county. Subsequent years foimd him in Germantown. Glenn county, when that section of the country was in the height of it> history-making period and in its progress and up- building no one was more prominent or wielded a greater influence than did Mr. Schulze. Beside- conducting a general merchandise enterprise in Ger- mantown. he was also an extensive dealer in grain and wool. In the matter of comity division which divided the citizens into two strong factions he took a decided stand against the movement, and it was not until after his removal from Glenn county that the divisionists succeeded in their purpose. In 1890 Mr. Schulze located in Dixon. Solano county, where he engaged in the same line of business which he had followed so successfully in Glenn county, making a specialty of the grain business, being associated with the firm of Eppinger, Fox & Co. Through changes in the personnel of the firm it became Eppinger & Co.. but Mr. Schulze still continued as manager. This company was a 552 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES separate and distinct organization from the firm of that name in San Francisco which failed in 1903, nevertheless Mr. Schulze lost heavily by the failure, as the San Francisco firm was in debt to him. Subsequently he became sole owner of the Dixon business, which in 1909 he incorporated as Oscar C. Schulze, Inc., with himself as president, but he lived only a short time there- after, his death occurring in February of that year. He was a man of much force of character, a born leader, and wherever circumstances placed him he was in the forefront of activities, whether commercial, social or political. At one time he was offered the nomination for state senator, but declined the honor. At his death Mr. Schulze left a widow, who before her marriage was Caroline Todt, a native of Lubeck, Germany, and she now makes her home in Dixon. Five children were born of this marriage, but only three of the num- ber are living. Otto T. Schulze is a prominent physician and surgeon of Napa, and his father's successor as president of Oscar C. Schulze, Inc. ; a sketch of his life will be found elsewhere in this volume. Herbert A. Schulze is man- ager of the above mentioned company in Dixon ; and Olga, the only daughter in the family, has recently returned after nearly a year of studying music in Dresden, Germany. Oscar C. Schulze was a Mason of the Knights Templar degree, and he was also a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., San Francisco. GEORGE NIXON BRIGGS. The descendant of illustrious ancestors, among whom was Miles Standish, George N. Briggs was born in Middleboro, Mass., in the year 1841. As a young man he served his apprenticeship in the William Mason Locomotive Works, Taunton, Mass., thus becoming a thorough mechanic, and much of his- success in after life is directly attributable to the fact that he received so thorough a training in his youth and young manhood. After learning the trade of machin- ist he worked on the railroad for some time as a fireman. He came to Cali- fornia in 1864 and for some time worked in the Yulcan Iron Works of San Francisco. His next move was to Nevada, where for five years he had charge of the machine shops of the Southern Pacific Company at Wadsworth. Coming to California again he engaged with the same company in their shops in South Vallejo, working there for eight years. Tiring of indoor work, he took up ranching, in addition to which he also did some mechanical work. Coming to Napa valley, Mr. Briggs purchased the ranch on which he still lives, consisting of twenty-two acres. Not content to confine his attention to so small a ranch, he also rents two other ranches in the valley, ninety-five and forty-five acres, respectively, on which he raises grain on a large scale. For many years he has run a threshing machine in the valley and he also con- ducts a dairy, having a fine herd of Jersey cows for this purpose. He has the reputation of being an excellent butter-maker. For eight years he was em- ployed on the McFarland ranch in Napa valley, where a high grade of butter known as the McFarland brand was manufactured, while his own product is known as the All Gold Jersey creamery butter. A thorough mechanic, Mr. Briggs has invented a portable irrigation pump, that has been used with great success in the valley. By the aid. of this pump he was able to cut six crops of alfalfa off one patch during the year. The area was five acres and the yield w r as two tons to the acre per cutting. About 1884 a plant was established on the ranch for the manufacture of these portable irrigation pumps and the Napa pruning shears, the business being carried on by Mr. Briggs until 1906, when he turned the plant over to his sons, Frank and George, who are continuing the business in Napa under the name of the Napa Pump and Manufacturing Company. Mr. Briggs has installed #v£ HISTORY I >F S< M \M i AND NAPA COUNTIES 557 eighty five cream separators in differem parts of the valley, all of which are working successfully. He has also established an automobile delivery to the farmers of his vicinity, taking their groceries, meats, hardware, bakery goods, to their doors by means of this rapid method of transfer, an innovation that i< receiving the support of the fanners. Mr. Briggs was united in marriage with Emma Lowell, a native of Cali fornia. She died in 1907. Three children were hern to the marriage: Flora, wife of Richard Moure, of Oakland: Frank and George, enterprising business men of Napa. WILLIAM HENRY BEAGLES. In writing of those men who have been closely identified with the inter- of Xapa county mention should be made' of the late W. II. licagles, who, when a Sturdy young man. left home and with friends undertook the trip aeross the plains. Born in Washington county, Tenn.. January 16, 1832, when a young child he was taken by his parents to Indiana, where they settled and passed from earth, leaving this son an orphan at the age of seven years, at which time he went to make his home with his grandparents in Tennessee and later with a brother in Virginia. His schooling was obtained under diffi- culties, but he made the most of his opportunities. At an early age he had to income self-supporting and learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet maker, with a brother in Virginia. He remained in that state until 1851, when he went to Fulton. Callaway county. Mo., where he followed his trade of cabinet maker for one year. The news Mr. Beagles received from those who were returning from California so interested him that he decided to cast in his lot with the western country and accordingly outfitted for the trip over desert and mountains. He rode a mule most of the way and drove a band of cattle. After a somewhat uneventful journey of five months the train arrived in this state and young Beagles went to the San Ramon valley in Contra Costa county and secured work as a ranch hand, and for the following seven years followed that occupa- tion. In 185°- he had made enough money to permit of a visit to his old home place and the journey was made by way of Panama to Missouri. Shortly after his arrival there he w r as united in marriage, on January 25, 1860. and there he and his wife made their home for about four years, when they started overland for their home in the west. The trip was made with mules and -es and they also brought a band of horses, jacks and jenneys with them, selling most of them in Virginia City. Nev., at good prices. The journey was made in safety and they arrived in the fall of 1863. June 10 of the following year Mr. Beagles came to Xapa valley and his association w r ith the welfare of this section dates from that time. He at once began farming and for a time carried on operations on the Big Ranch road, the St. Helena road, and in 1871 the family settled four miles north of Xapa, which place continued to be his home until his death, April 25. 1903. On this ranch Mr. Beagles made all of the improvements, planted trees for shade and also fruit trees. The ranch comprises one hundred and sixty-two acres and is devoted to general farming, twenty acres in prunes, fifty acres in alfalfa and the balance grain and pasture land. The beautiful row of shade trees that adorns the approach to the house was planted by the family. In all matters that pertained to the development of Napa county Mr. Beagles was interested ; never an office-seeker, yet he readily assisted those men and measures that he considered best for the general welfare of the citi- zens. He was a quiet, unostentatious man and made and retained friends wherever he went. He was a friend of the public school and served as :i 558 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES member of the board for some time. He lived by the Golden Rule and at his death the county lost a good citizen, and those who knew him best a warm friend, and his family a kind and loving husband and father. MRS. AMANDA M. BEAGLES. . In mentioning the women who have aided in the upbuilding of this western commonwealth the one whose name heads this article should not be forgotten. She came to California with her husband in 1863, crossing the plains with mules and wagon and located in Napa county the following year, and since that time has made the county her home. She was born in Fleming county, Ky., and is a descendant of an historic southern family. Her father, Isaac R. Cassity, was likewise a native of that county and his father, Peter Cassity, was a planter in Montgomery county, Ky., and served in the war of 1812. He married Mary Armstrong, whose father, Robert, was a native of Virginia and owner of the celebrated Hot Springs in Tazewell county, that state. During the early settlement of Kentucky he moved there with his family, going by wagon and taking his herds of cattle, horses and mules. Purchasing thirteen thousand acres of land, he settled down to improve the same and make a home among the pioneer surroundings of that section. Part of the property is the present site of Mount Sterling, Ky. On the maternal side Mrs. Beagles is also well connected, her mother, Joyce Davis, born in Montgomery county, Ky., being a daughter of Jesse Davis, who was a native of Virginia and who served two years in the Revolu- tionary war. His father owned the plantation adjoining that owned by George Washington, and the older members of the family were playmates of that illustrious general, the hero of the great struggle for independence. The marriage of Amanda M. Cassity and William H. Beagles was cele- brated in Missouri in 1860. Of this union the following children were born : William H., a furniture and carpet dealer in San Francisco; Lucy, wife of Henry Clark of Chico; Clara E., Mrs. W. A. Wakerley, of San Francisco; Sarah Amanda and Emily Florence, both at home ; Mary E., wife of Henry Wolf, of San Francisco ; Joyce A., at home ; Robert L., of Chico ; and Donald H., residing on the home place. Charles D. and Walter are deceased. The latter was a graduate of Stanford University and died in 1905. The children have been reared by their mother and all have become useful in their various locations in business and society. Since the death of Mr. Beagles, Mrs. Beagles has made her home at their old residence north of Napa, where she is surrounded with all the comforts made possible by their prosperity, all of which she has been an important factor in making possible. She takes great comfort in having her children about her and rejoices at their continued successes. She is wonderfully well preserved for one of her years and as one of the pioneer women of the state of California, gives with a liberal hand towards all worthy charities and be- lieves in the advancement of all the interests of the county and state. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is greatly loved and esteemed by all who know her for her many amiable and noble traits of character. JOHN YORK. The pages of California history are garnished with the heroic lives and brave deeds of many who are called pioneers, whose right to distinction is found in the fact that they were ready to do and to dare in the name of their country and civilization. Among these is John York, now deceased, whose HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 559 life is an open book today, that all who will may read of the hardship endured and the deeds accomplished in the name of the commonwealth. lohn York was horn June 15. 1820, in Granger county, Tenn., a sen ol Enoch and Nancy (Hill) York, llis primary education was received in that county and when he was thirteen years of age his parents moved to Warren county. Tenn.. where his home life was continued until 1841. He then <.-\n\ ited west and settled in Hade county. Mo., where he followed farming for four years. Being a young man of insatiable ambition he was nol content to pursue the placid life ^\ an agriculturist, but began to plan for something where there was greater opportunity for advancement and distinction. We find him. on April 15, 1845, allying himself to the train of Capt. John Grigsby, together with David Hudson and William Elliott and over one hundred more men. who had prepared to cross the plains to the west. With him he broughl his wife and son. William E., the latter then two years of age. Alter a strenu- ous trip across the plains this heroic band reached Johnson's ranch on October 15 oi the same year. Mr. York and the men mentioned continued their trip to Napa county and settled at a place then called Hot Springs, but now known as Calistoga, reaching this place on November 1, 1845. Mr. York resided in Calistoga until the outbreak of the Bear Flag war in June. 1846. when for protection, he moved his family to Sonoma. Lieutenant Revere, who com- manded a government vessel at San Francisco, and who took charge of the forces at Sonoma on the outbreak of hostilities, entrusted Mr. York and Sam Kelsey with the important mission of carrying the Bear Flag (which Mrs. John York had helped make) from Sonoma to Sacramento, delivering the same to Captain Sutter at his fort. In the fall of 1846 Mr. York returned to Calistoga and settled on a farm now owned by Peter Teale. On the discovery of gold in 1848 he and his family went to the mining district and located a mine near Coloma, Eldorado county. He then proceeded to Hangtown (Placerville), where he mined with 1 success until September of that year, at which time he returned to Napa county and settled on a ranch near St. Helena, purchased from Dr. E. T. Bale. In 1840 he again returned to the mines, and later returned to Napa county. From this time until the day of his demise. February 26, 1909. Mr. York was identified with every good cause in the county and did much to accomplish the success that has attended the efforts of the people to have a section of the state that would provide the ideal conditions of home life and civic activity. On September 5. 1842. Mr. York married Miss Lucinda Hudson, a native of Lafayette county. Mo., born June 20. 1823. and to this union the following children were born: William E.. born in Dade county. Mo.. June 5, 1843; David, horn at Truckee September 3, 1845 ; Henry, born December 6, 1847, now deceased : John A., born April 18. 1850. and now residing in San Tose ; Nancy I., born August 12. 1852. now Mrs. McCormick of Napa: Pettis S., born Decem- ber 24. 1855. residing in St. Helena; Charles, born March 3. 1858, also of St. Helena; Caswell, born November 14, 1860; Frank. January 21, 1863, and Nellie. February 13. 1867. are deceased. ALBERT A. DICKIE. The subject of this sketch was horn in Toronto. Canada, in 1842. and had been a resident of Solano county for forty years at the time of his demise. During: this time he followed agriculture with much success. The town in which he spent most of his time was Suisun, Solano county. Mr. Dickie married Miss Mary Brock and to them were born four sons and one daughter: Brock. Frank E., Albert. Nellie and Leo. Brock married Miss Marie Mc- Arthur. a native daughter, and has two children ; Frank F. married Miss Mabel Whitman: Nellie married Dr. S. G. Bran-ford and has three children: Leo 560 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES married Miss Frances Reed, a native of Indiana, and there is one child, Leo, Jr.' After the death of the parents the place was sold to the cement company. Leo Dickie in 1908 moved to near Elmira, where he bought one hundred and three acres of farm land, which he devotes to raising hay and grain. Some cattle and stock are also kept and raised for the market as well as for family use. Politically he is independent, and fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows of Vacaville. EDWARD FLETCHER LINCOLN. The earliest recollections of Mr. Lincoln cluster around scenes in Cali- fornia, for, although not a native son, he was brought to the west during his infancy and in all but birth is a typical Californian. Experiences incident to frontier existence fell to his lot in boyhood. Among the pictures hanging on memory's wall is one of a bear hunt during 1865, when a group of Indians came to the cabin and told the family that bears were killing their hogs.. An attack was at once started. The grizzlies were pursued and one was wounded by the explosion of a gun, but all succeeded in making their escape. To the boy of seven years the presence of the Indians and the pursuit of the bears formed an event never to be forgotten. Other happenings of those years left a lasting impress upon his plastic mind and form interesting memories for later years. The first few months in the life of Edward Fletcher Lincoln were passed at Bunkerhill, Macoupin county, 111., where he was born October 2, 1858, to the union of Harry L. and Ann (Fennell) Lincoln, natives respectively of New York state and England, the mother having come to the United States at the age of seven years. The journey of the family to the west was made via Panama in 1859 and a home was established at the head of the Suisun valley. Somewhat later the father bought property in Elmira, Solano county, and moved into that village, but in a short time sold out and bought a farm in the Capay valley, Yolo county. When less than eighteen years of age Edward moved with the family to San Jose and there completed his schooling by taking the first year's work in the high school. In 1877 he moved with his parents to Calistoga, Napa county, and there remained with them until his marriage at Napa, March 19. 1884, to Miss Mary Haeckl, a native of Melbourne, Australia, and the daughter of Louis and Johanna (Kelly) Haeckl, natives of Alsace, France, and Edinburgh, Scotland, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Haeckl were married in Australia, and in 1865 they started for San Francisco. Being ship- wrecked off Tahiti, they remained there one year and again started for San Francisco. Mr. Haeckl was first engaged in the hotel business and later in a mercantile business in Calistoga. He died in 1898 and his wife the next year. Of the twelve children born to them ten are living, Mrs. Lincoln being the oldest. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln comprises six children, namely: Lloyd E., Alva and Clement L., all of whom completed the studies of Napa Business College ; George A. ; Edna M. and Eva Elizabeth, who are pupils in the public schools. Lloyd and Alva conduct a blacksmith shop in Oakville, where they started in the business some five years ago. Since then they have built up an important trade and also do all kinds of repair work. In addition they have a plumbing outfit and are equipped for work in that line. Clement L., after taking a course in stenography, secured a position with the govern- ment in 1910 and since then has been connected with the forest reserve, having his headquarters at Mare Island. With a brother Mr. Lincoln bought three hundred acres in Berryessa valley and remained there for four years. Eventually he came to Napa valley and bought forty acres near. Oakville, where he now makes his home. The home farm contains a vineyard of ten acres and a prune orchard of seven acres, HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 563 fourteen acres arc in alfalfa and the balance of the estate is in pasture, there being five head of horses kepi on the farm and ten head of dairy cows. The value of the homestead is heightened by the presence of a spring of pure, clear water, flowing at the rate of fifteen gallons per minute, equipped with a pump- ing plant for irrigating vegetables, berries and alfalfa. Aside from taking charge <'i the farm Mr. Lincoln finds leisure for keeping abreasl of the times and is posted concerning local matters, and takes an active part in public movements that tend to the upbuilding of the community. His views bring him mto sympathy with the Republican party and he always votes that ticket. WILLIAM G. BAIRD. The life history of Mr. Laird is one full iA interest because of the varied experiences through which he has passed in his man}- travels, lie was born in Bruce. Ontario. Canada, in 1864, and spent his early boyhood days there, and besides attending school, learned the trade of cornice-maker. At the age of fourteen he left his Canadian home, going to Iowa, and from there went to Missoula. Mont., in 1887. Subsequently he came to the far west. Locating in Tacoma and Seattle. Wash. In all of the places mentioned he followed his trade. Going to the west coast of British Columbia he engaged in the salmon canning business at Lowe Inlet, an enterprise in which he was very successful. Subsequently, in 1898. he went to Dawson, Alaska, going over the Chilcoot Pass, then by scows down the Yukon to his destination. At Dawson he was proprietor of the Rochester hotel and had a very large acquaintance, by whom he was familiarly known as Billy Baird. In addition to running the hotel he also engaged in mining, locating a mine on Dominion creek. After an experience in Alaska lasting five years he came back to Cali- fornia, in 1903. going direct to San Francisco. Mr. Baird located in Napa county in 1909, when he purchased sixty-five acres on the Cutting ranch, and began to make improvements on the property with a view to making a permanent home for himself and wife, who was Miss Blanch Lambert, a native of Stockton. Cal., and whom he married on his return from Alaska in 1903. Fifteen acres of the ranch are in pears, prunes and peaches and ten acres in Gravenstein apples. These are all bearing trees and Mr. Baird has recently set out twenty-five acres of Bartlett pear trees. I lis ranch is in a flourishing condition, netting a nice income, and is a credit to the valley, as well as an indication of those inherent qualities which have made success attend Mr. Baird in his various undertakings. His investments are not all confined to his local ranch property, for he has real estate holdings in Seattle. Stockton. Oakland and Napa. While residing in Victoria. British Columbia, he became a member of Columbia Lodge Xo. 2. I. O. O. F.. and still retains his membership in that organization. Mr Baird takes especial interest in thoroughbred horses and owns a valu- able standard mare, Lady Ormo. of which he is very proud. She is by Nut- wood Wilkes, dam by Search Light, second dam by Director, third dam by Nutwood, fourth dam by George M. Patchen. Jr., and fifth dam by William- son's Belmont. BEXFDFTTO P ASS A LACQUA. \ native of Italy. Mr. Passalacqua was born in Genoa, in March, 1843, the son of Lorenzo and Rosa (Rocataliata ) Passalacqua. who never left their native Italy. As a boy. farming did not appeal to him. but instead the sea offered inducements that promised a livelihood and congenial employment at the same time. At first he sailed on fishing vessels from France and later 564 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES followed the sea on merchant sailing vessels. It was on one of these expedi- tions that he came to California, landing at San Francisco in September, 1863. He did not settle down to the life of the landsman until two years after locat- ing here, but after sailing in fishing vessels from that port for the period men- tioned he engaged in farming near Half Moon bay, about sixteen miles from San Francisco. The raising of vegetables for the San Francisco markets was a business that promised good returns and might have been realized by Mr. Passalacqua had not the transportation charges been so expensive that little or nothing was left. Subsequently he engaged in the coal and wood business in San Francisco for three years, and still later, for two years, was interested in the liquor business in the same city. It was after the various experiences just mentioned that Mr. Passalacqua came to Vallejo in 1870. Though his experience in raising vegetables near San Francisco had not been a financial success, owing to prohibitive trans- portation charges, it had demonstrated to him that under right conditions the business could be carried on at a large profit, and with this idea as an incen- tive he rented fifty-four acres of land three miles north of Vallejo and began raising vegetables on a large scale. It was not long before his venture passed the experimental stage, for as his was the first ranch of the kind throughout this section of the country, his produce was in great demand and brought him good prices. Twenty-five men were given employment on the ranch. After remaining on the ranch for six years Mr. Passalacqua moved into town in 1876 and during that year he established the Centennial market, which has supplied the citizens of Vallejo with the choicest of vegetables and fruits for the past thirty-five years. Shortly after establishing the market he bought thirteen acres of land on Tennessee and Napa road, Vallejo, and this he now rents. Mr. Passalacqua's marriage in 1870 united him with Miss Anna Repetto, who was also born in Italy, and their son, R. J., now conducts the Centennial market. It is now nearly half a century since Mr. Passalacqua came to this country a poor boy, and in the years that have passed he has accumulated considerable means, owning valuable property in town, besides city lots that are constantly increasing in value. WILLIAM T. O'DONNELL. The present city attorney of Vallejo is sustaining well merited recognition in a profession having important bearings upon the progress and prosperity of any community, one which long has been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. During his tenure of office, which was inaugurated by his election in April, 1910, he has stood for the highest and best ideals of his office, retaining at all times the confidence of the people, and has added to his reputation as a lawyer won by honest and earnest labor. Mr. O'Donnell is a son of one of the pioneer families of the state of Cali- fornia and a native of this state, having been born on a farm near the town of Benicia, Solano county. His father, John O'Donnell, was born in Ireland, came to America in the year 1847, and farmed in Onondaga county, N. Y., until 1852, on January 5 of which year he sailed from New York for California. He was shipwrecked on the voyage, but ultimately arrived in San Francisco in April of that year, and later he was employed at the Mare Island navy yard, then under the command of Admiral Farragut. In the year 1854 he purchased some land in Sulphur Spring valley near the town of Benicia, and here he was residing at the time of his death in 1896, owning at that time a farm of two hundred and forty acres, and subsequently this ranch was sold to Kullman- Salz Company, and is now the site of what is known as Lake Herman and the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND \\l'\ COUNTIES 565 source of the Benicia Water Works, the place being purchased for that pur- pose from his wife, fohn O'Donnell married, in San Francisco, Ellen Kelly, who survived her husband and died in 1910. They were the parents of four children: Minnie L., who was the wife of Richard Coleman, and died in 1908; John V., who died iii 1907; \nnie EL, of Vallejo; and William T.. of whom we write. William T. O'Donnell early evidenced tendencies to more than average scholarship, and after completing with credit the public school curriculum, entered the St. Augustine Military Academy, at I'.cnicia, from which insti- tution he was duly graduated. This was one of the early and famous seats oi learning of California, and from its halls have gone forth, to adorn the best vocations represented in the west, many since widely known in the cast country. Immediately following his graduation from St. Augustine's Mr. O'Donnell was appointed by the secretary of the navy, bookkeeper in the sup- plies and accounts department at Mare tsland navy yard, and shortly thereafter was promoted to the position of chief of the bookkeeping department. This lion he held for fifteen years, and then resigned to look after his business interests, and to practice law, for which he in the meantime had qualified. He is now holding office a- city attorney through re-appointment by the city council, having assumed office on the "first of July. 1911, under a new city charter. Conspicuous aids to Mr. O'Donnell in his professional and public life are enial and adaptive personality and large capacity for promoting the social and general welfare of the community. He is a charter member of the Vallejo Lodge of Elks, and a past exalted ruler of that body, and for several years he financial secretary to Vallejo Council Royal Arcanum. In his ea- pacity as lessee <>i the Farragut Theatre, he maintains close and agreeable relations with the amusement loving public, and evidences clear perception of what both pleases and instructs his patrons. WILLIAM E. YORK. A native of Missouri, William E. York was born in Dade county, June 5, 1843. and is the son of John and Luanda (Hudson) York, who were pioneers of California, coming here in 1845 across the plains in the Grigsby train. William E. York was then two years of age, and is today the second oldest settler in Xapa county, as there is only one other of the train living in Napa county at present, viz., M. S. Hudson. William E. York was educated in the public schools and was reared to the life of a farmer and horticulturist, which business he has always followed, first on his father's ranch. He then purchased a part of the old place, and built his residence and made all the improvements, now having a ranch of thirtv-three acres in the western portion of St. Helena. He set out the orchard and vineyard himself, seven acres in French prunes and the balance in grapes. The marriage of William E. York and Frances E. Mills was celebrated in St. Helena. February 21. 1867. Mrs. York was born in Ottawa. 111., and came with her parents to California in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. York are the parents i>f two children. Clara J.. Mrs. C. F. Palmer of St. Helena, and John T.. a graduate of Hastings Law School, San Francisco, and now a practicing attorney-at-law in Xapa. Mr. York served for eleven years as a member of the board of trustees of St. Helena, and for two terms was mayor or chairman of the board, and during his term the city hall was built. Politically he is an Independent. Mr. York is a member of the Society of California Pioneers of San Francisco. It is to such men as he that Xapa county today owes its prosperity, for by his unceasing energy and perseverance he has ever been 566 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ready to give of his time and means to any worthy enterprise that has for its object the betterment and upbuilding of the community. MICHAEL ENRIGHT. Near where the limpid waters of the river Shannon enter the Atlantic ocean on the rock-bound coast of Ireland lies the little village of Ballylong- ford, a somewhat important trading point in County Kerry. It was there that Michael Enright was born, there he received such educational advan- tages as limited opportunities afforded and there he began in boyhood the stern struggle with hardships in an attempt to earn a livelihood. During 1882, when twenty-five years old, he crossed the ocean to the United States, well qualified to earn a livelihood through an accurate knowledge of the building business and his skill as a carpenter. After having worked at his trade in New York and Pittsburg, in 1884 Michael Enright came to California and settled at Vallejo, where his sterling qualities of head and heart at once won for him an enviable place in the social and industrial activities of the town. Early in the '90s he married Nora Galvin, a sister of Mrs. James Moran, and a woman of devoted, generous dis- position, active in charitable work and enjoying, with him, the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. Her parents, like his own, were natives of Ireland and descendants of Irish ancestry. During the last sixteen years of his life Mr. Enright was employed as a ship joiner in the navy yard and while thus engaged his death occurred very suddenly, September 14, 1909. Since his demise the widow has continued at the old home in Vallejo. As a citizen he was public spirited, as a husband thoughtful, as a neighbor generous and as a man he exhibited the traits that win and retain the admiration of all. CHARLES HENRY NEWMAN. A native of England, Charles H. Newman was born in Tweksbury. in 1846. He came to the United- States a youth and served in the United States navy for three years. In 1868 he came to California and located nine miles from Solano county, where he became a large farmer and was extensively engaged in grain raising and steam threshing. He died on his ranch in 1901. He was a prominent Republican, served as assistant sergeant-at-arms in the state legislature and as deputy revenue collector. He was a member of the Masons and the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Newman was married in Dixon to May Udell, the daughter of Dr. Oliver Cromwell and Caroline (Winton) Udell, natives of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and Crawford county, Pa., respectively. Dr. Udell was a graduate physician, practicing in Davis county, Iowa. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, remaining a year, when he returned to Iowa and in 1852 brought his family across the plains and also a herd of cattle, locating on the plains of Solano county, and becoming a large land owner and cattle man. His death occurred in 1872. Since 1880 Mrs. Udell has made her home in Dixon ; she is now eighty-five and hale and hearty. Mr. and Mrs. Newman had two children, Oliver C, of Vallejo, and Ed- ward W., of Suisun. His widow, some time after his death, married James Marshall, who is engaged in the mercantile business on Georgia street in Vallejo. Mrs. Marshall is a member and junior past matron of Silver Star Chapter No. 3, O. E. S., of Vallejo. sffl.%. HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 569 GEORGE K. TURNER. \mong the settlers in Solano county in the year 1852 was William II. Turner, whose efforts have not been inconsiderable in bringing the reputation of the county up to it.- present standard as an agricultural center. He was a native oi Virginia and was attracted to California during- the period of the I excitement on account ^i the mining possibilities, and his 6rs1 occupation was along this line. Whatever his success as a miner may have been, it is known that he was sufficiently satisfied with the outlook in this section of the country to determine to make it his future home, as was demonstrated when he returned east for his family. Settling up his affairs in Cape Girardeau county. Mo., he again made the overland journey, which came to an end in Suisun, Solano county, August 28, 1852. On a ranch four miles north of town he settled and erected a comfortable house for his family from redwood timber that he hauled from the Napa redwoods. Subsequently he removed to a ranch <^i two hundred and thirty-eight acre- not far from his former ranch, and here he passed the remainder of his life. His first marriage united him with Susan J. Elliott, by whom he had nine children, hut of these only one is living, Charles M.. of whom a sketch will he found elsewhere. By his marriage with Salina J. Rogers. September 27. 1871. six children were horn, and of these three are living. George, the subject of this sketch; Leland J., in Benicia; and Virgil F., in San Jose. George R. Turner was born on the old William II. Turner place near Suisun August 3. 1874. and. received his education in the public schools of 5 ano county, besides which he attended Xapa College. After the completion of his education he undertook farming on his own account on the ranch that he cultivates today, comprising eighty-three acres of splendid orchard land, and which was formerly part of the old Harper place. It is located two mile- west of Fairfield, and every acre is in hearing trees, principally Bartlett pears and French prunes. Since taking charge of this property Mr. Turner has im- proved its appearance and usefulness in every way possible, the more notice- able improvements being the fine residence, suitable barns and a packing h<>use for the proper handling of the fruit. As one of the rising young horti- culturists of this section his accomplishments are watched with interest and judging by his past success a brilliant future lies before him. Mr. Turner's marriage Septemher 11. 1902. united him with Miss Etta Rickard, a native of Oakland, and the daughter of George Rickard, a builder in that city. She died in Ilemet. Cal.. March 15. 1908. In his political sympa- thies Mr. Turner is a Republican, is a member of the Methodist Church, and fraternally is affiliated with Suisun Lodge Xo. 78. I. O. O. F., and Suisun Lodge \,, in, K. of P. Personally he is a man who is kindly disposed and sympathetic toward those less fortunate than himself, and it goes without saying that his friends are numerous. EMANUEL VINCENT WILLIAMS. A- a well-known citizen of Solano county and a fine representative of the native-horn sons of California. Emanuel V. Williams, of Yallejo. is deserving of mention in this volume. A man of enterprise, intelligence and keen fore sight, he takes an active interest in all matters relating to the welfare of city ami county, as was demonstrated when he gave his support in bringing about a new order of things in governmental affairs in his home city in October. 1910. Me is a son of Jeremiah Williams, who was horn in County Cork. Ire land, but who left his native land when a youth and never returned to the home of his forefather-. From Ireland he went directly to Canada, remaining there for a time, when he went to New Zealand, ami during the '60s made 570 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES his way to California and located in Vallejo. His ability as a landscape gardener was employed to good advantage in the government service at Mare Island, a position in which he took the keenest pride, as the artistic appear- ance of the grounds plainly demonstrated during the entire period of his service in this capacity. He passed away in the family home in Vallejo in 1907, and just three weeks after his death his wife, formerly Julia Scannell, also passed away. Their marriage was solemnized in Boston, Mass., and resulted in the birth of two children, Emanuel V. and William P., both of whom are employed in the navy yard, the latter as a machinist. The elder of the two sons, Emanuel V. Williams, was born in Vallejo November 29, 1871, and has never known any other home than his native city. Here he was reared and educated, attending both the common and high schools, and upon leaving school he began to prepare for his future by apprenticing himself to the blacksmith's trade at the Mare Island navy yard. This was in 1887. and he has never held a position outside of the navy yard, in the meantime having risen by competitive right to one of the most respon- sible positions in the yard. A series of promotions culminated in his appoint- ment as quarterman shipsmith on January 1, 1910, and he has held this position ever since, to the complete satisfaction of his superiors. In San Francisco Mr. Williams was married to Miss Anne Glynn, who was born in Vallejo. the daughter of Thomas Glynn, a well-known rancher in the vicinity of Vallejo. One child, Ruth Helen, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Mr. Williams' social and fraternal associations ally him with the Knights of Columbus, Red Men, Young Men's Institute, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and politi- cally he is a Democrat. An an active member of his chosen party, he was chosen chairman of the city Democratic committee on one occasion, besides Avhich he has represented his party as a member of the county and state com- mittees. Mr. Williams has always been alert to note and take advantage of whatever meant an uplift to individual or community and it therefore goes without saying that he is in hearty sympathy with the idea of placing the power of the government in the hands of the people. In October, 1910, he was elected a member of the board of freeholders, which framed the new city charter, whereby the commission form of government superseded the old worn-out methods. LUCIAN EMANUEL LIGHT. In Santa Rosa, Cal., Lucian E. Light was born January 17, 1862, the son of Emanuel Light, a native of Virginia, who came to California in 1853 and for many years was closely associated with the state of his adoption. He has the distinction of having built the first hotel in Santa Rosa, having at that time owned one hundred acres of fertile land where Santa Rosa now stands. For nine years he was a permanent resident of the city he helped to found and build up, and then after various wanderings he found himself in Solano county, and here he died in 1897. He had brought to California with him in 1853. a young wife, a native of Indiana, who survived him but one year. There were six children born to this marriage, five sons and one daughter. Three of the sons are deceased, and those surviving are all residents of Vacaville. Cal. Lucian E. Light received his education in the public and high schools of Santa Rosa. He worked intermittently for his father at the carpenter's trade until he reached the age of sixteen, then he settled down in earnest to learn it. For ten years he was very happily associated with his father in this business and then realizing that there were greater opportunities for his own develop- ment in working for himself, he entered the trade as an employer of labor. Until 1891 he followed this trade, but in that vear moved to Vacaville and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 571 took up ranching, finding the change of occupation beneficial. However, after following it for eighteen year- he gave it it]) and took up cabinet work and upholstering, his present employment. Mr. Light married Miss Mary Ellen Wilson, a native ol Iowa, who came to California with her parent- several years ago. Her parents are both de- ceased. She has four brother- living, one in I'kiah. two in Santa Monica, and one in Vacaville. Mr. Light owns his residence on Merchant street, where he has his cabinet shop. When he came to Vacaville there were no orchards, only large waving grain fields, and the only buildings that were hen were wooden shacks. Politically he is a Republican. JOHN' RAYMOND WHITAKER. The early experiences of John R. Whitaker cluster around one of the most picturesque spots in the middle west. Lake Geneva. Walworth county. Wis., where he was born May 20. 1848. He is a son of Jacob Whitaker, who was born in the Canton of Zurich. Switzerland, but who left that country with his parents when he was four years old and settled in Canada. His boyhood, youth and young manhood were passed there and it was not until after his marriage that he was impressed with the desire to investigate the frontier of Wisconsin with the idea of settling there permanently. The investigation proved satisfactory and resulted in the purchase of a farm upon which all went well until the discovery of gold in California. Leaving his wife in charge of the farm on Lake Geneva he started to cross the plains in 1849. ox-teams furnishing the motive power, and Hangtown (now Placerville) was finallv reached. For many years Mr. Whitaker followed placer mining there. later carrying on quartz mining in Amador county, and indeed throughout the remainder of his active years he was interested in mining in one form or another. As old age approached and made active work undesirable, he re- tired to the home of his son at Vallejo and there he died in 1903. Mention has been made of his marriage in Canada. His wife was Mary Hammond before her marriage and she was born in Canada, but she died wdiile Mr. Whitaker was engaged in mining in Amador county. Three sons were born ^>\ this marriage, of whom two are living. One of the sons, Joseph, enlisted in the Second Wisconsin Infantry and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. but on account of wounds received in that conflict he was compelled to retire from the service and finally returned to his home in Wisconsin. How- ever, after he had recovered sufficiently to do so, he re-enlisted in the Ninth Wisconsin, but as before he was wounded and was given an honorable dis- charge. His interest in activities would not permit him to engage in any business affairs while the dreaded conflict was being waged, and inasmuch as he could not take an active part, he raised a company which was known as the Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry, of which he was elected first lieu- tenant, later promoted to captain, and as such he was mustered out at the close of the war. on the Rio Grande, in Texas. He now resides in Fruitvale, Cal. Peter J. Whitaker participated in the Civil war as a member of the Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, and like his brother was twice wounded in battle. Besides the physical suffering, he endured even greater agony during the four months of his incarceration in Libby prison. Finally he was exchanged, and after a service of three years he was given an honorable discharge. He ultimately came to California, and his death occurred in Napa county in 1905. The youngest of the three children comprising the parental family. John R. Whitaker. passed his childhood years in Burlington. Wis., where he at- tended school, and when his mother went to California to join the father he remained behind and continued his studies. In 1868 he graduated from the 572 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES high school of Milwaukee and the following year he came to the west, but not by the slow method that the others of the family had employed. He was one of the passengers on the first through train and crossed Promontory Point soon after the golden spike had been driven. While in Burlington he had learned the drug business, a knowledge which proved a valuable asset, for it enabled him to apply for and secure a position as drug clerk in San Francisco. From that city he came to Vallejo in 1873 and subsequently joined the navy as paymaster's clerk, being detailed for service on the old steamer Saranac. He remained in the latter position for eighteen months, after which he was connected with the Mare Island navy yard as apothecary for the following twelve years. He resigned this position in 1886, having entered into the drug- business in Vallejo, and during this time he was elected city superintendent of schools of Vallejo, and for six years he served in this capacity with great credit, bringing the schools up to a higher standard than had ever been reached. In 1894 he gave up the drug business to accept the position of clerk to the commandant at the Mare Island navy yard, and he has held this continuously ever since. In April, 1904, he was elected a member of the board of education of Vallejo, and at the expiration of each term he has been re-elected, at the formation of the board, in July, 1911, being chosen president. It thus fell to him to preside at the dedication exercises (January 26, 1912) of the new high school building, which is conceded to be one of the most com- plete school buildings in the state, equipped with every modern aopliance applicable to school work. Honors came to Mr. Whitaker in 1898 that indi- cated his ability in still another direction. In that year he was elected a mem- ber of the board of freeholders that framed the new charter, this being ratified in December, 1898, and adopted by the legislature in March, 1899. The marriage of John R. Whitaker and Miss Minnie B. Brennan was celebrated in Vallejo, she being a native of Mare Island and the daughter of Thomas Brennan, one of the pioneer settlers of Vallejo. Two daughters have been born to them, Marie A. and Carolene C, both of whom are attending high school. Mr. Whitaker is a member of Vallejo Lodge No. 559, B. P. O. E., and has been secretary of his lodge since its organization in 1900. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and from the time of its organization in 1905 until September, 1911, he filled the office of secretary, resigning the office on the latter date. In addition to his other affiliations he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and politically he is a Democrat, and as a member of the county central committee for many years he has done much to maintain the principles for which that party stands. JAMES E. GALBREATH. Among the residents of California, and particularly Napa county, who are natives of Missouri and who have come here and made a success of their lives none deserves more credit than does James E. Galbreath, a well-known resident of Capell valley, Napa county. He was born in Callaway county, Mo., June 23. 1843. At the age of ten years, in company with his parents, he crossed the plains to California in 1853, via the sink of the Humboldt. Arriv- ing at Hangtown the party proceeded thence to San Jose, where the Gal- breath family located and resided for twenty years on rented land. On leaving San Jose, Mr. Galbreath came to Capell valley, Napa county, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land twenty-two years ago, paying $2,000 for the same. When he secured this land it was rough and covered with underbrush and timber, but he began clearing it and in time had seventy acres of good arable land, besides which he built a house, outbuildings, barns and fences. Ten acres are in alfalfa and the owner keeps a few cattle, horses, hogs, and HISTORY OF SOLANO \\n NAPA COUNTIES 575 also has an orchard and garden for family use. The balance of the land is pasl Mr. Galbreath formed domestic ties when he married Miss Helen M. Burrell. Her father came across the plains in 1849, and later returned for the family, finally locating in the Soscol hills, ami remaining there until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Galbreath there were born six children: Janus V. Herbert, Raymond. Alice M.. Eva and May. James has been in Uaska for the last t\\<> year-: Mice married Waller Shaves, and they and their child reside in Napa; Eva married William Harrison, of Napa, and they have one child: May married Henry Gaylord, of Berkeley, and tlu\ have two children; and Herbert married Myrtle Burns and they reside in Iowa. For several years Mr. Galbreath has been a school trustee, taking a greal interest in the educational work of the young, lie is a Democrat in politics. JOHN CRAWFORD SULLENGER. Through a residence near the Atlantic coast during early boyhood and an identification in youth with the Mississippi valley as well as a subsequent •ciation with the development of the west. Mr. Sullenger has gained a thorough knowledge of various sections of the country, and it is his sincere conviction that nowhere are the opportunities greater or the climate more healthful than in the commonwealth of California, whose attractions have drawn to its citizenship a vast concourse of men from all portions of the world. Of old southern lineage on the paternal side, he was born in North Carolina October 25. 1833. being a son of William and Millie (Stewart) Sullenger. the former a native of Xorth Carolina, the latter born and reared in Pennsylvania. As early as 1843 the family became pioneers of Missouri and settled in Ray county, where the father took up a tract of raw land and improved a farm. From early manhood he had engaged in civil engineering and for years he worked under the government in that capacity. After sec- tionizing the counties <^i Ray and Clay in Missouri he was chosen to fill the office of county surveyor and continued in that position until the time of his death, which occurred about 1890 at the old homestead. As early as 1850 one of the sons of William Sullenger had crossed the plains with Robert James, father of the noted outlaws of Missouri, and after his arrival in California he had engaged with George C. Yount, the first white -ettler in the Napa valley, as foreman on his ranch. For years there lived with the family of Mr. Yount a woman who had crossed the plains during the early 50'- and during the journey had been scalped by the savages, hut she had survived the ordeal and lived t<> an advanced age. Many others of the early emigrant^ had suffered at the hands of the hostile Indians and not a few had met death on their way to the west. John C. who was one of the fourteen children in the Sullenger family, crossed the plains in 1851 after having worked for a time both at St. Joseph anil at Savannah. Mo. The party which he accompanied was under the leadership of Captain Phillips, his cousin. ( >xen vv ere used as motive power. The emigrants traveled along the North Platte river into Wyoming, thence followed the trail into Idaho, where they went along the banks of the Snake river until they reached the Rlue moun- tains. After they had crossed this range they followed the route of the Columbia river until they arrived at Portland. Ore., where they dispersed toward their several destinations. The journey had been made without mis hau other than tin loss , ,f a few head of cattle near the North Platte river. Autumn of 1X51 found John C. Sullenger in San Francisco, whence he pursued his way to Calaveras county and became interested in farming. Later he went to Mud Springs, Placer county, and worked in the mines. For some year- he -pent his winters in Xapa county and hi- summers at the mil 576 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES When he quit the mines he was working in Butte county and on the last day he and his partner made $150 each. Gold had drifted under a rock in a channel and they blew the rock out of the creek, thus securing their large find. The snow had become so deep that it was impossible to remain, so with their bags of gold they sought civilization, leaving their camp which had been located on the south branch of the south fork of the Feather river in Butte county, above Oroville, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. That was practically the end of Mr. Sullenger's mining for gold, although later he located a mine in the Pope valley and now owns two-thirds interest in a quicksilver mine in the Napa mountains, where he and his partner have tunneled a shaft and have taken out $500 worth of the metal. . Almost fifty years ago Mr. Sullenger bought one hundred and fifty acres in Napa valley and he still owns sixty acres of the tract, extending from the county road' to the center of Napa creek. The land, which lies near Oakville and is very valuable, is largely under meadow and grain, but there is also a family orchard in good bearing condition and fifty vines furnish delicious grapes for the table. Three head of horses are kept on the farm for work purposes. From youth he has maintained a warm interest in public affairs and has voted for Democratic presidential candidates, but in local elections he has voted for the men best qualified to represent the people, without regard to their political views. For many years he served as school trustee. The first marriage of Mr. Sullenger was solemnized in San Francisco and united him with Miss Mary A. Donahue, who was born in Massachusetts and died in California. Afterward he was united with Miss Mary McCarthy, by whom he has six children. The children born of the first marriage were as follows : John C, of Contra Costa county, who is married and has four chil- dren ; James, who died of smallpox in Alaska; Mary, the widow of Charles Dougherty, who lost his life in mines in the state of Nevada ; and Catherine, first the wife of Edward Butler and after his demise married to Arthur Briggs. Mrs. Dougherty has one child and Mrs. Briggs is the mother of three. The six children of the second marriage were named as follows : Charles, who is married; Lee, deceased; May, Mrs. Henry Wyman, the mother of one child, Flora; Ella, Mrs. Joseph Martin; Mrs. Emma Wells; and Marie, who is the wife of Robert McPhail and resides in Oakland. HON. FRANK L. COOMBS. Of the many progressive citizens of Napa • county there is none better known than Frank L. Coombs, who, as the incumbent of various positions of trust and honor, has borne a distinguished part in state, national and inter- national affairs. Not alone through his labors in the state assembly and the national halls of congress, but also through his representation of the United States in a foreign empire, his name is entitled to perpetuation in the annals of his country. He was born near Napa, on a ranch owned by his father, Nathan Coombs, December 27, 1853, and was educated in the local schools of the county. Later he entered the Columbia Law School of Washington, D. C, from which he was graduated June 10, 1875, and during the same year he was admitted to the supreme court of Washington and the supreme court of California. Early in 1876 he opened an office at Napa and at once took an active and leading position among the young attorneys of the town. In September, 1879, he was elected district attorney of Napa county, on the Republican ticket, and re-elected in 1882, holding the office two terms. He was elected to represent Napa county in the legislature for the sessions of 1887, 1889, 1891 and 1897. In 1891 and 1897 he had the additional honor of being chosen speaker of the house. In 1892 President Harrison appointed him HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 577 United States minister to Japan, where he represented our nation with tact and ability. Returning to the United States in 1893 he resumed his professional labors until 1899, when he was appointed United States attorney for the ? northern district oi California, which position he filled two years. In 1901 ' < t oC ■ he was elected to represent his district in congress. On the expiration of his term of office, in March. 1903, he resinned the practice of law in Napa and has so continued up to the present time. While in public life his name was associated with the principal events in public affairs, lie always fought for reforms. While minister to Japan he secured action from the imperial gov- ernment restraining the immigration of Japanese laborers to America, this being the initiative in this direction. While in congress it was largely through his work that the present Chinese restrictive measures were shaped, from him came the idea of prohibiting the Chinese from going to our new posses- sions and usurping the fields where the natives were to be shown the new roads to progress. The present policy of returning the insane and criminals to their own country was first formulated and suggested by him in the plat- form of the Republican partv adopted in the state convention at Sacramento in 1900. December 27. 1876. Mr. Coombs was united in marriage with Isabelle •M. Roper, daughter of Foster Roper, of Boston, Mass.. where she was born and reared and educated in the local schools, after which she attended Mount Holyoke Seminary, where her education was completed; later she taught in the Boston public schools for a time. Of this union there are three children : Nathan F.. the present district attorney of Xapa county; Amy and Dorothy. The elder daughter. Amy, married Harry Dunlap, son of Sheriff D. A. Dunlap, in 1909 Fraternally Mr. Coombs is a member of the Elks, the Odd Fellows and Eagles, and Native Sons of the Golden West, and in the latter order has been honored with the office of grand president. JAMES TOPLEY. The sterling traits of character that proved such important factors in the successful career of James Topley came to him as an inheritance from a long line of Irish ancestor, the family having been identified with the Emerald Isle for many generations, and in transmission to the present generation these traits have not lost their force, as is indicated by the accomplishments of the two sons who perpetuate the name of their worthy father and continue the drug business which he founded in Vallejo many years ago. Born in Dublin. Ireland, in 1826. when a youth James Topley left his native land and located in Kingston. Canada, there making his home with relatives. Farming at first engaged his attention and energies, but as the work was not congenial he gave it up and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, working first as a clerk in a store in Kingston and later in New York. He was employed in the latter city when the breaking out of the Mexi- can war interrupted the course which he had entered upon with such success. Giving up his clerkship, he enlisted in the First Xew York Regiment, com- manded by Colonel Ward B. Burnett, and later known as the Second Regi- ment. Under General Scott the young volunteer saw service in the battles of Vera Cruz. Cerro Gordo. Contreras. the Storming of Chapultepec. Garepa de Belen, and he also participated in street fights in the City of Mexico. After the close of hostilities he returned with his regiment to Hamilton. N. Y., where he received his honorable discharge. On his return from the war. through the influence of Colonel Burnett, a civil engineer in the Philadelphia navy yard. James Topley secured employ- ment with the United States Dry Dock Company, retaining this position until 578 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 1852, when he was sent to California in company with others to aid in building the dry docks at the Mare Island navy yard. After completing his engage- ment there he severed his connection with the company and instead became interested in mining, going for this purpose to the mountains of Nevada county. It is safe to say that the venture did not prove all that he had ex- pected, for he soon gave it up and upon returning to Vallejo, was for a time employed by the government in the navy yard. The call to the commercial field, however, still rang in his ears, and in entering the employ of W. W. Chapman, the pioneer druggist of Vallejo, he laid the foundation for the wonderful success which was his in later years. After remaining two years in the employ of Mr. Chapman be bought out the stock and good will of his employer and continued the business of the Pioneer Drug store, as it has always been known, up to the time of his death, January 20, 1905. In July, 1904, the business was incorporated by the family, the two sons, James Henry and William H., giving all their attention to the business, the former being manager. A number of city and county offices benefited by Mr. Topley's cool' judg- ment and splendid executive ability, among them county coroner, which he filled efficiently for a term and a half, but which he was compelled to relinquish owing to the pressure of his private business, besides which he served as. school trustee for six years. He found congenial companionship among the members of the various lodges with which he was connected, namely, Naval Lodge No. 87. F. & A. M.. Naval Chapter No. 35, R. A. M.. and Golden State Lodge, I. O. O. F., and in his death the Masonic lodge of which he was a member mourned the loss of the oldest Mason in the city. Besides the affilia- tions mentioned he was a member of the Society of Veterans of the Mexican War, and was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church of Vallejo, being one of the founders of the organization and treasurer for over thirty years, and assisted in the work of the Sunday school in the capacity of librarian and treasurer. Ever a student, he kept thoroughly posted on the activities and achievements in this and other countries and was an intelligent and interest- ing conversationalist upon any subject that might be brought up for con- sideration. In the line of his profession he was especially well informed and was one of the founders and an officer in the State Pharmaceutical Associa- tion. Politically he was a stanch Republican. Mr. Topley was especially fortunate in his marriage, his wife being a woman of brilliant mind and one in every wa)' fitted to be his companion. She still occupies the old family residence in Vallejo, at No. 622 Georgia street, around which is centered the memory of many happy associations. Before her marriage in 1861 Mrs. Topley was Miss Anna Igell, a native of Hanover, Ger- many, and the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Igell, who in an early day im- migrated to this country and became identified with Milwaukee, Wis., where Mr. Igell was a linen merchant. Mrs. Topley has been a resident of Cali- fornia since 1860, when she landed in San Francisco from the steamer Golden Age. Five children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Topley: Alice and Norman, deceased; James Henry, William H. and Anneta, the latter Mrs. James Megarry, of Vallejo. Both of the sons graduated from the pharma- ceutical department of the University of California with the degree of Ph.G., and by temperament and education are well fitted to continue the work which their father laid down at his death. The elder of the sons, James Henry, was a member of the board of education of Vallejo for many years and was also a member of the board of library trustees one term and a member of the board of health for six years, and during this time served as secretary or registrar. Both brothers are interested and active citizens of the city which has been their life-time home. The loss which Mrs. Topley sustained in the death of her husband has been made up to her in a measure in the comfort w? ?ufc#?n^ HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 581 which she tin in her children and her many friends. She is a member ol the Presbyterian Church, which she assisted her husband in founding, and is also a member oi the Society of the Wives and Daughters of Veterans of the Mexican War. the headquarters of the organization being in San Francisco. JOHN OSTINELU HANSO >M. One of the well known and most public-spirited citizens of the city of Vallejo is the gentleman whost name heads this article. He was bom in the town ni Eliot, York county, Me., April 1. 1837. I lis parents were Isaiah and Sarali (Cutt) Hanscom, i^i old New England stock, their ancestors having settled in the province of Massachusetts — now state of Maine — in 1660 and 1630, respectively. In 1845 the family moved to the adjoining town of Lit- tery, where John (.). attended the public schools at an early age and when eight years t>i age his parents sent him to private schools until he was thir- teen and a half years old when at his earnest solicitation he was apprenticed to learn the printing- business. He served three years on the New Hampshire Gazette, the oldest paper printed continuously in the United States, it having been established on October 7. 1756. His term being finished he returned to an academy to be fitted for Harvard. The sudden death of the principal in the academy, during school hours, was the cause of his not continuing his course of study. On July 5. 1S54. the family left the city of New York lor California, arriving at Vallejo on the 29th of the same month. His father was super- intendent of the sectional dry docks and the building of a new basin and railway for the United States government, and under him John O. took em- ployment as a laborer. Later on he was made assistant bookkeeper of the works and finally, on the death of the head bookkeeper, took charge and finished up the clerical portion of the work when, under contract, the works were turned over to the government. In 1857 he went to San Francisco and engaged in the machinery and foundry business, entering the firm of Goddard ec Company. In 1864 he sold out his interest in the foundry business and went east on account of the severe illness of his mother. While there he was appointed chief clerk in the naval constructor's office at the navy yard at Norfolk. Ya. On his mother's death, which occurred in 1865, he went north for a short visit and returned to California in March. 1866. Immediately on his return he again started in the machinery and foundry business and was the senior partner of the firm of Hanscom & Co., owners of the Aetna Iron Works. In 1872 he turned his interest in the iron works over to his brother and purchased the ship chandlery business of J. D. Farwell & Co., and for the following three years was quite successful. Meeting with financial reverses, later on he became engaged in different enterprises among which was the bridge and wharf business, also running a state mine at Chile Bar, Eldorado county, working as an expert in machin- ery losses for the different insurance companies in San Francisco, to which was added the soliciting of life insurance policies. Following a sickness of several months' duration, while living in Berkeley, he took a position as a newspaper reporter and shortly afterward became city editor of the Herald, published in Berkeley. Later, in company with William Nash, the Berkeley Gazette was established, and he finally became editor of the paper, remaining in that position until failing health forced him to give it up. In this connection it might be stated that at one time he became editor and proprietor of the Golden Era. which was sold tf Napa and is secretary of the Evans Shoe Company. In 1S"1 Mr. King was married to Miss Lizzie EClamm, a native of Cali- fornia, and to this union have boon horn five children: Carol, Percy E., Catherine C, Lyman and Elizabeth. FRANK B. McKEVITT. Among the successful business men ^\ Solano county. Frank B. McKevitt holds an honored place, having won his present commercial status by his executive ability and fitness for his work. He was horn March 3. 1859, in Truxton, X. Y.. where he spent the first eight years of his life, in 1867 moving with his parents, Alexander and Sarah \. McKevitt, to Clinton, Iowa, where he received his education. Shortly after his graduation from the Clinton high School, the family came to Vacaville, Cal.. where they engaged in fruit grow- ing. Mr. McKevitt, Jr., became deeply interested in the industry and with others formed The Vacaville Branch Fruit Union (fruit packers), of which he was chosen secretary. Later he organized The Vacaville and Winters Fruit Company and was elected secretary of this concern also, serving until 1892; in 18 l ^4. in partnership with E. F. Pinkham, he succeeded to the business of said company, incorporating a new organization under the name of Pink- ham & McKevitt. He was at once chosen vice-president, which office he holds at the present time. In January, 1909. he was selected to fill the position of secretary and manager of the California Fruit Distributors at Sacramento, an organization composed of fourteen fruit shippers whose annual output is over nine thousand cars. Mr. McKevitt is a director and vice-president of the San Monte Fruit Company, apple shippers, of Watsonville, Cal., and is largely interested in fruit growing and shipping in Tulare county, being the president oi the Giant Oak Fruit Company near Exeter. This company is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, of which the greater part is in fruits, both deciduous and citrus. For several years Mr. McKevitt has been a director in the Bank of Vacaville. Mr. McKevitt is a member of the Sutter Club of Sacramento, and the Union League Club of San Francisco. In fraternal circles he is known as a Woodman and a Mason; he is past master of Vacaville Lodge, F. & A. M., past commander of Vacaville Commandery. and a Shriner of Islam Temple, San Franci- July 18. 1883. Mr. McKevitt's marriage took place in San Francisco to Miss Laura A. Walker. They have four children : Thama A., now Mrs. W. G. Wood of Sacramento: Frank B., Jr.. who is manager of the Pinkham & Mc- Kevitt corporation at Vacaville; Hazel, who is with her parents; and Harold, who is a student at Belmont. Mr. and Mrs. McKevitt and their charming family have ever enjoyed the highest regard of their many friends. CHARLES EDWARD TROWER. A prominent attorney of Xapa. Charles E. Trower is a man who has made Ins own way in the world and who has attained the measure of success which he now enjoys by persevering effort. He was born in New York City June 2n. 1872. the son of Ebenezcr Trower. and at the age of three years came with his parents to California and settled in Oakland, where the family made their permanent home. Charles E. Trower attended the grammar schools of Oakland until he was fourteen years of age, when he left home. Starting out to make his way in the world alone. Mr. Trower went first to Ventura county, where he worked on a ranch J7\ \J. HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTI] 587 Infantry, N. G. C. He is also a director of the Hank of Napa and is secretary < graduation from the Clinton high school, the family came to Yacaville. Cal.. where they engaged in fruit grow- ing. Mr. McKevitt, Jr., became deeply interested in the industry and with others formed The Yacaville Branch Fruit Union (fruit packers), of which he was chosen secretary. Later he organized The Yacaville and Winters Fruit Company and was elected secretary of this concern also, serving until 1X"2; in 18 l) 4. in partnership with E. F. Pinkham, he succeeded to the business of ^aid company, incorporating a new organization under the name of Pink- ham & McKevitt. He wa> at once chosen vice-president, which office he holds at the present time. In January. 1909. he was selected to fill the position of secretary and manager of the California Fruit Distributors at Sacramento, an organization composed of fourteen fruit shippers whose annual output is over nine thousand cars. Mr. McKevitt is a director and vice-president of the San Monte Fruit Company, apple shippers, of \Yatsonville. Cal., and is largely interested in fruit growing and shipping in Tulare county, being the president of the Giant Oak Fruit Company near Exeter. This company is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, of which the greater part is in fruits. both deciduous and citrus. For several years Mr. McKevitt has been a director in the Bank of Vacaville. Mr. McKevitt is a member of the Sutter Club of Sacramento, and the Union League Club of San Francisco. In fraternal circles he is known as a Woodman and a Mason : he is past master of Vacaville Lodge, F. & A. M., past commander of Vacaville Commandcry, and a Shriner of Islam Temple, San Francisco. July 18. 1883. Mr. McKevitt's marriage took place in San Francisco to Mi<> Laura A. Walker. They have four children : Thama A., now Mrs. W. G. Wood of Sacramento: Frank B.. Jr.. who is manager of the Pinkham & Mc- Kevitt corporation at Vacaville; Hazel, who is with her parents; and Harold. who is a student at Belmont. Mr. and Mrs. McKevitt and their charming family have ever enjoyed the highest regard of their many friends. CHARLES EDWARD TROWER. A prominent attorney of Napa, Charles E. Trower is a man who has made his own way in the world and who has attained the measure of success which he now enjoys by persevering effort. He was born in New York City June 2<>. 1872, the son of Ebenezer Trower, and at the age of three years came with his parents to California and settled in Oakland, where the family made their permanent home. Charlo E. Trower attended the grammar schools of Oakland until he was fourteen year^ of age, when he left home. starting out to make his way in the world alone. Mr. Trower went first to Ventura county, where he worked on a ranch 588 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES for four years and gained his first experience in following agricultural pur- suits. He then returned to Oakland and was employed for one year with F. J. Edwards in the fish business, but returned to Ventura county and to ranch work the following year. He then came to Napa, January 11, 1893, becoming a pupil in Napa College, and later he entered Oak Mound school, from which he graduated in 1896. He then began the study of law in San Francisco, in the office of Donzel Stoney, and on April 25, 1898, he was ad- mitted to the bar of California under the supreme court examination. Choos- ing Napa city as his place of practice, he located here in August, 1899, and has since built up a large clientele and is highly respected as one of the best lawyers of this section. On one side or the other he has been connected with nearly every important case in the county during the last decade. He has been a director of the First National Bank of Napa since its organiza- tion in June, 1904. Always public spirited and patriotic, he early identified himself with the civic life of the community and is president of the board of school trustees of Napa and also a member of the library board. Fraternallv Mr. Trower is a member of the Elks, is past master of Yount Lodge No. 12,' F. & A. M., a member of Napa Chapter No. 30, R. A. M., and Lodge of Perfection, Rose Croix Council of Kadosh and Consistory, thirty- second degree, California Bodies. He is inspector of the Twenty-first Ma- sonic district of California. In 1901 Mr. Trower was united in marriage with Miss May H. Cobble- dick, a native of Oakland, Cal., and they together enjoy the respect and good wishes of a host of friends and acquaintances of Napa and vicinity. CAPT. ORRINGTON L. HENDERSON. Associated with many avenues of development inaugurated and carried through to successful completion in Solano county is the fine and noble life of the late Capt. Orrington L. Henderson, who was born in Bangor, Me., May 27, 1838, and who died in Vallejo, Cal., July 18, 1903. Up to the age of twenty years his life was associated with the rock-bound coast of his native state, which he left at that time to try his luck in the mines of California. He did not remain in the mines long, however, and later was variously employed in San Francisco for two years. The year 1860 marks the date of Captain Henderson's advent in Vallejo, when the war cloud was hovering over the nation, and when disruption came he joined the ranks and did his part in the defense of the Union. With the restoration of peace he settled down to the quiet pursuit of his calling of carriage builder, and the shop which he maintained on Marin street for many years attracted much of the best trade of the town and surrounding country. In time the original quarters were outgrown on account of increased busi- ness, and the removal of the shop to Capitol street was timely and advan- tageous, business being carried on at this location until ill health forced Cap- tain Henderson to retire. To an extent not enjoyed by many men Captain Henderson had the faculty of making money rapidly, but money getting was far from being his main object in life, as his many activities in outside matters plainly indicate. He was a prominent member of the fire department, believ- ing that such public duty was due from every citizen, and as chief of the de- partment for many terms he rendered faithful service to his fellow citizens. From early manhood he had been interested in military affairs, and his elec- tion to the captaincy of the Frisbie Guard, a crack military company, was an honor of which he was justly proud. Probably nowhere was Captain Henderson more genuinely welcomed than in fraternal circles, and his work in behalf of the various organizations with HISTORY OF SOLANO KHD NAPA COUNTIES 589 which hi- name was connected is a pan of the history of each. In Masonic circles he was a member of Naval Lodge No. 87, !■'. & A. M.; past eminent commander of Naval Commandery, K. T. : and pasl grand commander of the Grand Commandery of California. Knights Templar. In the Odd Fellows he was the prime mover in the organization of the first Canton of the Patriarchs Militant, and as its captain drilled one team which won a trophy in competi- tion with teams from all parts of the state. Upon the reorganization of tin Canton he was again honored with the office of drill master and gave the new members the elements of their military training. He was also a member of the Red Men and the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1890 his fellow citizens elected him to the office of sheriff of Solano county, and if any expression of their satisfaction was necessary, it was shown beyond a doubl two years later when he was re-elected to the same office. In 1805 he retired from public office ami from that time until his death confined his attention to his private business. The first marriage of Captain Henderson occurred in San Francisco, and united him with Nettie Dunlap. and the three children born of this union are all living: Ethel, Mrs. Clark, of San Francisco; Mary. Mrs. Pedlcr. of Oak- land: and Edwin H.. of Vallejo. His second marriage was celebrated in 1896 and united him with Eliza McWilliams. a native of Portland. Ore. The widow cherishes two mementoes which bear silent testimony to the high re- gard in which Captain Henderson was held by those with whom he was associated in vcars gone by, a silver trumpet presented to him by the fire company and a beautiful sword given to him by his military company. So versatile were his accomplishments that it would be difficult to suggest a place that he could not fill creditably, and with all his accomplishments he was still the simple-hearted, approachable man. which is the mark of the true gentleman. THOMAS VICE. That man is happy and successful whose vocation in life is suited to his talents and temperament. Such a man is Thomas Vice, a retired citizen of Vallejo. whose continuous application to work he loved has made his more than three score years and ten slip happily and swiftly by. He stands in the center of three generations of boat-builders, hjs father before him following this calling, and now his son and namesake is following in his footsteps and emulating him as a master boat-builder. Thomas Vice was bom in Philadelphia, Pa.. Xoyember 29. 1839. While he was still a boy his father. Martin Vice, a master boat-builder, came to California in 1850 and in San Francisco established a boat-building plant. and it was there that Thomas Vice went to work in 1864, reaching California bv wav of Panama. The next year, owing to general business depression, he found Work slack at his father's plant and went to work for a while in the Mare Island navy yard, in the boat-building department. Gradually he became more and more proficient in the trade he had learned in his native city and on July 2. 1889. took up permanent service for the United States government as master mechanic or master boat-builder, having full charge of the boat- building department at the government navy yard at Mare Island for twenty- vear-. Mr. Vice is justly proud of the high-class work which was turned out of his department, which was devoted to the building of the smaller boats used aboard warships, such as cutter-, whale-boats, sailboats, launches and punts. In retiring from the position which lie had held so long, from July 2. 1889. to fuly 5. 1010. Mr. Vice takes pleasure in tecalling the fact thai his skill as a thorough mechanic was never questioned and that every boat turned out from his hand- took rank with the besl his government owned. 590 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Mr. Vice enjoys the most pleasant domestic relations. He was married in 1872 to Miss Mary Y. McAvoy, a native of New York. Four children have been born to them, of whom Laura W., the eldest, is the wife of Frank Titus ; they have a daughter, Alice, who is now in her fifteenth year. William L. is the second child in order of birth. Alice is the wife of Percy Heise, and the mother of a young daughter. The youngest of the four children is Thomas, Jr., who not only bears his father's name, but has followed in the footsteps of his father in the choice of a vocation. He is employed at the Mare Island navy yard, is married and has one son, Leslie Thomas. Thomas Vice worked long and diligently to perfect himself in his life work, giving himself little time for recreation so called, and the only fraternal order to which he belongs is the Odd Fellows, holding membership in Templar Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., at San Francisco. THOMAS A. SPARKS. Mention of the name of Sparks calls to mind that worthy pioneer, Martin Van Buren Sparks, who came to California in the days of its early history making and did a noble part as citizen and rancher in raising the standard of civilization and in developing the land for agricultural purposes. An account of his useful and purposeful life appears upon another page of this volume. Eight children, five sons and three daughters, were born to Martin V. B. and Sarah (Judy) Sparks, but of these only five are now living, Thomas A. being the youngest son. He has made his life-time home in his native state and was early in life made familiar with the duties of the ranch. He is now the owner of some valuable property in Solano county, near Winters, consist- ing of six hundred and sixty-six acres, and to carry on the work on this large property about thirty head of horses are required. In addition to the land which is under cultivation Mr. Sparks has a sheep ranch of twenty-three hundred acres, where range is given to about fifteen hundred head of sheep of the Merino breed. The marriage of Thomas A. Sparks united him with Anna Delebliss, a native of California, and they have three children. Mr. Sparks is a member of Vallejo Lodge, B. P. O. E., and politically he is a Democrat. A man of keen judgment and the possessor of much ability, he is succeeding in his chosen line of endeavor, and it is the wish of all who know him that he may enjoy continued prosperity. • IVEN PORTER FITZPATRICK. Among the successful agriculturists of Solano county, the name of Iven P. Fitzpatrick deserves mention, for he has successfully operated his land for a number of years and has contributed his quota to the general advancement of the county. He was born in Solano county November 10, 1872, and has resided here ever since. After receiving a common school education he at- tended business college for a while, afterwards graduating from the Dixon high school. He then engaged in farming, and in 1899 he bought one hundred sixty acres, five and a half miles southwest of Dixon, for which he paid $6,000. With Andrew Peter he rents five hundred and sixty acres of land devoted exclusively to grain. They harvest their crop with the latest improved com- bined harvesters. Mr. Fitzpatrick married, in the year 1894, Miss Lavisa Davis, a native of Davis county, Iowa. He is a member of the Encampment, I. O. O. F., Wood- men of the World and Rebekahs. Politically he is a Democrat, being a stanch believer in the rule of the people for the people's good. Quiet and unostenta- tious, yet pleasant and cheery, he has done much to promote the well being of all in his community. HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTIES 593 EDMUND GWYNNE W ATKINS. \ native of England, Edmund G. Watkins was born in Monmouthshire, Ma\ 24, 1841. He received a good education in his native land and also acquired valuable experience on the home farm under his father, Cradock Watkins. who was a fanner and landowner. Edmund ('.. Watkins carried out a long cherished plan in 1867, when he embarked on a vessel bound lor the N'eu World. After a year passed in Nova Scotia he came to California by way of Panama in 1868. ('.0111- to San Joaquin county, he there purchased a farm on the Calaveras river, which he later sold and in 1882 came to Solano conntv and at once established himself by purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of land two miles south of Davis, where he now resides, paying $31 per acre for it. It is located on Putah creek, and to keep the floods on t he has constructed a levee along" the creek. On the creek bottom he raised alfalfa without irrigation. He is now engaged in raising wheat and barley to a large extent, in addition to which he breeds and raises high-grade full- blooded' red polled cattle, raising them for beef. In 1905 Mr. Watkins met with a heavy loss in the destruction of all of his buildings by fire, seventeen in all. He 'has since rebuilt all of the buildings, including a large modern residence and three large barns. Mr. Watkins married Miss Hattie Hart, a native of New York state. and two sons, Sydney and Edward, were born of this marriage. The sons are assisting their father in the care of the ranch. After the death of his first wife, which occurred about twenty years ago. Mr. Watkins married Mrs. Olive Davis, a native of New York. Those who knew Mr. Watkins in youth predicted that he would make a success of whatever he undertook and the prediction has been more than borne out in his life work. Relig- iously he is a believer in the tenets of the Baptist faith, and politically he is an independent Republican. A man of broad ideas, he is ever ready to aid every project that tends to uplift humanity or better conditions. MARGARET TOBIN. In all the varied fields of usefulness that have to do with the betterment and uplift of humanity, there is none that ofifers the broad scope and far- reaching influence that attaches to the teacher's profession. Among those in Solan., conntv who have been potent influences in the educational advance- ment in that section of the state, mention should be made of Margaret Tobin. vice-principal of the Yallejo high school. A native daughter of the state and also of the city in which her activities are centered, she is worthily upholding and takes an active interest in all progressive and educational matters a- well a- the civic welfare. Her father. James Tobin. was the son of a gentleman in good circumstances and in high standing in Ireland. While a youth he came to the United State-, settling at Portland, Me., where he became a contractor. The gold excitement in California was the magnet that drew him to the west, the vessel on which he embarked making the voyage by way of Cape Horn and landing him in San Francisco in 1852. He soon joined his father-in-law. Captain John Hammond, who had come to California in 1849 and had accumulated large mining interest- in Tuolumne county. Not having a taste for mining, however. Mr. Tobin came on to Vallejo during the same year that he landed at the metro]., .lis. Here he found employment as foreman of the Sectional Dock Company and subsequently was in the government employ at Mare Island navy yard. The unbuilding of the city received his steadfast aid, and pr< projects had in him an intelligent champion and generous supporter. The death of Mr. Tobin occurred in 1894, at the old 2S 594 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES family home at No. 210 Virginia street, a commodious residence which he erected in 1862. Mrs. Tobin, who was before her marriage Anne Hammond., was the daughter of Captain John Hammond, the son of an English naval officer of high rank. He settled in Portland, Me., and later became one of the Argo- nauts of California. His time in California was wholly occupied in the de- velopment of the mining interest. In 1854 he took passage on the Yankee Blade for his old home in Portland and was the last man to leave the vessel as she sank at Point Conception with the Avealth he had accumulated. Mrs. Tobin was born in Portland, Me., and made the trip to California to join her husband in 1855. Here she reared her family and resided until her death in 1899, her death as well as that of her worthy husband, causing gen- eral mourning among the many who had known and honored them in life. The first-born children of Mr. and Mrs. Tobin were natives of Portland, Me., and in that city cemetery two little graves remain to form a tie for the family to the old eastern home. Thirteen children were born at the present home in Vallejo, Cal., but only six of these are now living. A married daughter resides in New York, another lives in San Francisco, while two daughters and two sons remain in Vallejo. The sons, W. H. and Fred V., and a daughter, Miss Laura, are in the government employ at Mare Island, and Miss Margaret, a teacher of fine attainments and broad culture, is vice-prin- cipal of the Vallejo high school. For nineteen years she has been an active member of the Solano County Board of Education, to the work of which she has given much time, thought and effort, and has aided very materially in bringing the schools of the county to their present high standard. Living with her and sharing her affectionate oversight, is her niece, Miss Ina E. Wilkin- son, also a high school teacher. Miss Tobin is a member of the State Teach- ers' Association and the National Educational Association, as well as the Women's Improvement Club- of Vallejo. She is deeply interested in what- ever tends toward the improvement or the upbuilding of her native city and has always been found ready to give generously of her time and means to this end. The family residence at No. 210 Virginia street, Vallejo, erected in the year 1862, was at the time conceded to be one of the finest homes in this part of the country, and it still remains a monument to the good taste of Mr. and Mrs. Tobin, who designed the building. Long since they passed over the threshold for the last time, Mr. Tobin dying July 2, 1894, and his wife entered into grateful rest five years afterward. Around the place their memory still lingers in sacred silence, while in the hearts of their descendants they are enshrined with lasting affection and their self-sacrificing kindnesses never can be forgotten. CHARLES F. EATON. A native of Canada, Mr. Eaton was born one hundred miles south of Montreal, May 6, 1835. For twenty-five years he lived in his native country, and then came to California via the Isthmus of Panama, in 1860. After a short stay in San Francisco he went to Sacramento and from there to Grass valley, thence across the Sierra Nevadas to Virginia City, Nev., accomplishing the latter trip by means of pack horses. This hazardous trip was not without its dangers and Mr. Eaton tells of traveling over twenty feet of snow. Coming to the mining districts he and his companions in travel located at Comstock Lode, Virginia City, and here the former worked for three years, leaving that place to return and work in a mine on Scotch Flat, seven miles from Nevada City. There he met with misfortune as he lost all the money he had saved in the preceding three years and found it necessary to borrow $700. With others HISTORY OF SOI. .\\o \\h NAPA COUNTIES 595 he located a mine in Grass valley and in its operation was able to recuperate his finances. 1 1 c later located another mine at Auburn, Placer county, which proved to be very rich, and after working it for a time, from one of the lasl shot he put in he knocked OUl $8,000 worth of ore and pounded out .S4.000 gold from this ore with a hand mortar inside of three days. After taking OUl S20.000 he sold out at a good price. In 1870 he sold out his mining inter in Auburn and located in Napa City, purchasing a twenty acre ranch, which is now half a mile from the business section. I or a few years he fol- lowed carpentering and building, after which he retired. His place is beauti- fully located on one of the highest points in the city and it is the present in- tention of the owner to lay it out into city lots. In Lowell. Mass.. Mr. Eaton married Miss Laura Reed, a native of Massachusetts, and the four children born to them are named as follows: Byron F.. Burt C. Flora B. and Viola B.. the last mentioned deceased. Byron F. married Ada Chapman, and they and their one child. Marion, reside in Napa county; Burt C. is a traveling salesman of Wilbur, Wash.; Flora B., the widow of Thomas Thompson, is interested in a mercantile business in Xapa. Byron F. Eaton owns four hundred and forty acres of land, of which seventy-five are under cultivation. He has a small vineyard and an orchard, consisting of the following varieties of trees : Walnuts, figs, pears and peaches. He rents the Phelon place of eight hundred and fifty acres, of which sixty-five acres are in grain and the balance in pasture. C. F. Eaton keeps twenty-nine head of cattle, nineteen head of horses and mules, and thirty head of hogs. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally he is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. He is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Honest in his dealings with his fellows, true to his convictions, and a man of his word, it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Eaton has made many friends who admire him not only for the amount" of success that is his, but also because of the sterling qualities that he possesses. ALLEN TOWSON. Among the native sons of the state is Allen Towson, who was born De- cember 25. 1865. in Yaca valley. He was educated in the public schools of his district, and on his graduation he took up agriculture, working on a ranch with his father. His father came to California in 1850, going to the mines, and in 1851 took a trip to Oregon. He was born in Baltimore, Md., and died in his home in Vaca valley, in 1896, after having rounded out a useful life and accumulated property to the extent of one hundred and seventy acres. The mother of Mr. Towson is a native of Missouri and is still living. On January 1, 1890, Mr. Towson married Miss Nancy Ann Christopher, a native daughter, who was at the time of her marriage the owner of some property in Solano county. Two years later, at the age of twenty-four, Mr. Towson removed to his present location near Yacaville. and has nineteen and one-half acres, his wife owning thirty acres. About twenty acres of the total, forty-nine acres, are in orchard set to fruits of all kinds, and the balance of the land is used for agriculture. Although Mr. Towson has never held public office of any kind, he is a Republican at heart and works to the best of his time and ability to further the interests of his party. Mr. Towson holds membership in Vacaville Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F., Ulatis Encampment No, 4.3. and Rebekah Lodge No. 80. of Vacaville. He has been a factor in the progress of the community and county, for he well remembers the time when the country was planted to grain, and before horti culture was followed as it is today. 596 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES JOHN J. DAVIS. On April 18, 1865, John J. Davis was born in Sierra county, Cal., and since 1872 has resided in Solano county. This county was not very closely settled when he arrived and in fact he tells that jack rabbits were hunted all over the section where Elmira is now. On coming here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, paying $3,500 for it, and later bought forty acres more and on this acreage he followed ranching with fair success. For the past nine years he has leased land adjoining and is engaged in raising grain, and in breeding and raising horses and mules. More recently he has installed a pumping plant on the ranch and is now also raising alfalfa. In 1895 Mr. Davis was married to Miss Delia Killkennie, a native of Ireland, and to this union there were born three children, two of whom are living, Clarence and Maud. Stella is deceased. Clarence is attending high school in Vacaville. Mr. Davis is a member of the Catholic Church and fraternally is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the board of school trustees and clerk of the school district, and in addition to this position he is road supervisor. A man who has been a resident of the county for many years he has been no small factor in its development. Mrs. Davis died in November. 1909, mourned bv her relatives and friends. JAMES N. WATSON. Special aptitude and ability along the line of activity in the scientific and business world commands success sooner or later, when associated with that other necessary quality, perseverance. A rich endowment of this essential qualification, as well as a thorough understanding of the title business in all of its intricacies, may be named as the stepping stones to the ultimate success of James N. Watson, who is secretary of the Solano County Abstract Com- pany, of which he is one of the founders. Mr. Watson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, May 23, 1874, and is the oldest son of James and Jessie (Nicholson) Watson, who came from Scotland to Los Angeles in 1878. Conditions and circumstances surrounding his boy- hood and youth made it possible for him to obtain a good education, and being of a determined and ambitious nature, he applied himself diligently to his studies and in the end he completed his schooling with credit to himself as well 'as to those who had directed his training. In 1897 after leaving school, Mr. Watson was attracted toward the law profession, and securing a position in one of the leading abstract offices in Los Angeles, he pursued his chosen calling until 1900, when he left Los An- geles and located for a short time in San Francisco, at which time he secured the patent right of H. J. Wicks card system for Solano county. It was his purpose to install a complete card system in Solano county, and sell the same when completed, but recognizing the want of a good abstract plant and the great future of such an enterprise, he formed the Solano County Abstract Company. The officers of the company as then formed consisted of the fol- lowing well-known business men : Bert Sheldon, president ; S. R. Barnett, vice-president; J. N. Watson, secretary and manager; Bank of Suisun. treas- urer ; T. T. C. Gregory, attorney. Under the management of these able officers business has been carried on very successfully for more than ten years. This company is now one of the leading abstract concerns in Northern California, possessing and operating a plant second to none in the United States. It is a member of the State and United States Association of title men. Besides making and preparing abstracts of title, this company also issues certificates of title (or opinions) which are accepted and relied upon by land dealers and money loaners HISTORY OF SOLANO A.ND NAPA COUNTIES 599 throughout the state. The officers and members of the compan) at a recenl meeting decided to embark in the business of title insurance. Mr. Watson has been large!) responsible for the wonderful success ol the business with which his name has been associated for more than ten years, and as he is still a young man. it is safe to predict a still greater success for the future. By all who know him, Mr. Watson is respected, not only for the success he has made <.'i his life in Fairfield, hut also for the large hcarted- S which dictates a more than personal interest in the well-being of the locality in which he lives. CHAUNCEY B. SEELEY. \\ e requested Mr. Seelev to give us some points in his history that we might h\ their aid prepare a biographical sketch for our work, but when his memorandum was handed in it proved so unique in its contents we prefer to publish it just as it was written, without change of word or sentence. The sparkle of humor noticeable in all of this gentleman's writings is ever coming to the surface, like the phosphorescent trail following a ship in southern seas, and we feel confident the reader will enjoy this recital in its present form all the more if untouched by alien hands. "1 am of New England ancestry, born of rich but respectable parents I 1 may add that the unexpected closing of a Boston bank wrought a disastrous change in their financial affairs at the time). The 'Star of Empire' was mov- ing westward' and my ancestors followed after, eventually to find a 'local habitation' in the village of Kirtland, a few miles off Erie in the state of Ohio, where, February 11. 1835, I first saw the light. The 'Star' was still on its westward course and was still followed until there seemed final pause in southern Indiana, then comparatively a new state, taking its name from the numerous Indian tribes that once infested those primeval forests that bor- dered the banks of the Ohio, and where immense Indian mounds of pre-historic era are still to be seen. Here in the then 'far west' I vegetated, working on the farm when a boy and in after years teaching during the winter months and attending the academy in summer. Still westward moved the 'Star' and still its line of light was followed until 1 reached the Pacific coast, in 1864. Everything was new in those days, the inhabitants were mostly 'new-comers,' no ancestral homes were to be seen, and since most anybody could be elected to office at that time I ventured to take chances myself, and fortunately for me I won out. I have served in some official capacity during the many years that have followed — a favor for which I am truly grateful, trusting I may have made some return to the people. "In politics I consider principle paramount to party whenever the two shall come in conflict. I regard Abraham Lincoln the greatest, noblest and wisest American statesman in .our country's history, with William J. Bryan a close second. Albeit he is discredited by the ambitious and jealous leaders of both political parties. I am a friend of inventors and hail with delight every discovery in the interest of progress and the hetterment of social conditions. "1 am of Revolutionary stock, though my wife, formerly Mary White, and a native of Pennsylvania, claims superior lineage for the reason she had four grandfathers in the Revolutionary war, whereas I had hut one. I pro- tested at the announcement when made, hut had to yield on presentation of the proofs. Patriotic days those, when father and son fought side by side on the contested field. "My enemies are all dead save one or two and with them my relation-. are not otherwise than most agreeable, as we pass without recognition. Am optimistic, believe there is hope for the race, discouraging as appearances may 600 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES seem. I never worry over the faults of others, or my own. Have excellent health to date, — am at all times sober and serene." We may add that during the many years of Mr. Seeley's residence in Napa he has served the interests of the people well and faithfully. Twenty- seven years as secretary and treasurer of the Napa State Hospital, state ap- pointment; eighteen years in the city council, during which time he had much to do with constructing the streets of the city, in fact, is called the "father of the macadam streets;" ten years as county clerk; and for many years was engaged in the banking business under the firm name of Seeley & Bickford. He is always the "genial gentleman" wherever found. WINFRED CORYDON SHELDON. The recently appointed postmaster of Fairfield, Winfred Corydon Shel- don, is a splendid example of the sterling worth of many of the native sons of California, and the ability possessed by many of these sons of pioneers who have had to fight their way up to the top through many hardships and dangers. Mr. Sheldon was born in Suisun valley, Solano county, September 14, 1876, a son of William C. Sheldon, who was born in Ohio and who came to California in the early '50s, crossing the plains with ox-teams. At first he followed agriculture and horticulture, but later became a fruit buyer, follow- ing this for many years or until his death, June 26, 1906. In the public schools of Solano county Mr. Sheldon received his primary education and later at- tended the high school at Fairfield. When a young man he worked on a fruit farm with his father and then followed ranching until 1906, when he became freight and yard clerk for the Southern Pacific at Suisun and later he became baggage agent at that place. This position he held until April 26, 1911,- when he was appointed postmaster of Fairfield, under President William Howard Taft. Mr. Sheldon was married in 1902 to Annie Greenleaf, a native of Kansas, who came to California at the age of nine years. To this union there were born three children, two of whom are living, Beatrice and Ward, and Winifred having died in her first year. Mrs. Sheldon's father is dead, but her mother is still living in Fairfield. Mr. Sheldon is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M., his father being an old-time Mason before him. He is an ardent and enthusiastic Republican in politics. FREDERICK WILGER. During the period of his identification with the west it has been the happy fortune of Mr. Wilger to witness the development of the vast resources of California, the remarkable increase of population and the upbuilding of prosperous towns as well as thriving agricultural regions. In a locality far distant from the land of his birth and the scenes familiar to his boyhood years he has risen to a substantial degree of success and has made a distinctive place for himself in a community containing a large number of forceful, energetic citizens. A native of Hesse-Cassel, he inherits traits that are distinctly Teutonic and may lay claim to a thrift, perseverance and frugality descending to him from German forefathers. He was born October 10, 1826, and at the age of seven years came to the United States with his mother. Suc- cessively a resident of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Missouri, he had gained much by habits of close observation in the various localities of his sojourns and thus self-culture gave him a partial recompense for lack of educational advantages. Early in the year 1853 Frederick Wilger started across the plains with HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 601 a body of emigrants bringing forty head of mules and horses. All ah mil; the way there was constanl danger from marauding hands of unfriendly Indians. On one occasion, while the emigrants were eating their breakfast at the camp, the savages captured seven head of horses and escaped without detection. When the loss was discovered an immediate pursuit was inaugurated and a hurried dri\e ^i twelve miles brought the men within a short distance of the robbers. Suddenly a mule brayed and the call was answered quickly from the other cam]). By making a dash through the tall wild wheat and grass a capture wa> effected and the horses were again in the hands of their rightful owners, not. however, without considerable peril, one man receiving a severe gunshot wound from a rirle carried by an Indian. At the expiration of five and one-half months and with no loss of any stock excepting fourteen head of cattle, the party arrived at Sacramento on Friday. August 19. 1853. The men were there dismissed and paid $20 each. As Mr. Wilger turned to walk down the street he met John Woods, an old comrade, with whom he enjoyed a pleasant reunion and conversation. Later he engaged to work in a threshing crew at S2.50 per day. For seven years he continued in the employ of one farmer and meantime carefully saved his earnings, investing them in three hundred and twenty acres bought at a pur- chase price of $900. With a partner as proprietor of the new ranch (he himself continuing to work by the month) a crop of four thousand sacks was threshed from one hundred and sixty acres of grain. The partner's interest was bought for $1,800 and thus he came into entire possession of a valuable property, which for years he personally superintended and cultivated. At this writing he owns seven hundred and thirty acres near Davis, which for many years he has rented to his son-in-law. W. R. Wiese. In addition to the ranch he owns the Odd Fellows building, the blacksmith's shop, eight houses, twelve vacant lots and the elegant residence that he now occupies, all in Davis. The first marriage of Frederick Wilger was solemnized in 1861 and united him with Augusta Gloeckler. a native of Germany, who died leaving three children, Ella M., Alice M.. and Augusta P. Afterward he was married in Sacramento October 27. 1873, to Miss Eliza Boy, a native of Hamburg, Germany, and immediately following their union they settled on the ranch about three miles from Davis. It was the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Wilger to visit the east at the time of the World's Fair. He has kept posted concerning national development, but he is first and emphatically a Californian, loyal to the state of his adoption and believing it to be unsurpassed by any common- wealth. With advancing years and the accumulation of a competency he has retired from business and agricultural cares and is spending his time quietly and happily in his cozy home, taking no part in politics nor in fraternities with the exception of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The raising of fruit for the family use is a source of interest to him and he takes great pride in securing good crops of choice varieties. In addition he notes with interest the welfare of the horses, cattle, sheep and hogs on the ranch, as well a-- the cultivation of the land. HERMAX H. EIRCHOW. For ten years Herman H. Firchow lived in his native land. Germany, where he w-as born June 17. 1863. At the age of ten he came to the United States with his parents, the family settling in Kenosha county, Wis., where the father engaged in farming successfully until death removed him from these activities in 1889. In 1905 Herman Firchow came to California and settled in Tehama county, where he purchased forty acres of land at $100 per acre. There for two years he engaged in the time honored occupation of farming. Having sold 602 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES out his interests in the north in 1909 he came to Solano county and purchased forty acres that cost him $7,000. The property that he owns at present is well equipped with a pumping plant, and twenty-five acres are in alfalfa, a portion of the remainder being used for raising barley. Mr. Firchow has a dairy supplied by twenty milch cows. Mr. Firchow married Bertha Hensel, a native of Germany, the ceremony taking place in Wisconsin. Eleven children were born to them, as follows : Alma, Edward, Walter, Rollin, Elsie, Arthur, Frederick, George, Marie, Flora and Paul. Mr. Firchow supports the Republican principles and candidates at the polls; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Although Mr. and Mrs. Firchow have not been residents of Solano county very long, they have endeared themselves to the citizens because of their desire to see the county progress, and also because of their pleasing personal attributes. JOHN MEYER. In the rugged yet pleasing personality of John Meyer, of Dixon, a man of wide experience and a rancher of no mean ability, we have a combining of Teutonic and Anglo-Saxon characteristics. Mr. Meyer was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 11, 1833, and he was twenty years old when he turned his face toward the great republic of America, determined to make a fortune for himself. Embarking on board a sailing vessel at Bremen, Germany, he took passage for New Orleans, La., the trip occupying forty-nine days. Arriv- ing in New Orleans in October, 1853, he. his sister and stepbrother took boat for St. Louis, Mo., where they remained for one winter, Mr. Meyer work- ing on the railroad during this time. By dint of thrift and industry he saved sufficient money to enable him to go to Baltimore and secure passage in a steamer going to San Francisco, Cal., via the Horn. This voyage was unsuc- cessful. During a heavy storm the twelve hundred passengers were awakened about nine o'clock at night, when sea after sea broke over the boat and about four hundred of their number were washed overboard. Two days of awful suffering followed, when their signals of distress finally brought relief. The women and officers and some of the crew were taken on board the boat and landed at Monroe, Va., where they were transferred. A collection was taken up for the shipwrecked passengers and Mr. Meyer received $106 for his share, for he had lost all of his personal effects in the wreck. Not deterred in his de- sire to go to California, he set out on his journey via the Isthmus. Only half of the railroad across Central America was completed, and the other half of the overland journey was made by means of mules and pack horses. Mr. Meyer arrived in San Francisco in May, 1854. Mr. Meyer went to Rattlesnake Bar. in the mining district, where he stayed for one week, then returning to Sacramento, after which he went to Colusa to assist in shipping wood to Sacramento. Upon the refusal of his employer to pay his wages, he left and hired himself out to the owner of a dairy at a salary of $400 per year. After working for a year he came to Solano county and worked for wages for one man for six years, at the end of which time, in 1863, he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles east of Dixon, where he now lives. Later he added another one hundred and sixty acres and at different times has purchased other land, until he now has six hundred and forty acres of land altogether, upon which he raises grain and stock. Mr. Meyer married Christine Henning, a native of Holstein, Germany, and five children blessed the union: Annie (deceased), Laura, Emma, Charles and Adolph, the last mentioned also deceased. Mrs. Meyer died in 1902. Politically Mr. Meyer is a Republican and he and his family are members of **k j* 1 JW, HISTORY OF S( >l wo WD NAP \ COUNTIES 60S the German Lutheran Church in Dixon. He is a progressive man and takes a keen interest in all matters pertaining to the advancemenl of the community in which he li\ es. JOHN GEORGE MUELLER. A native of Germany, John G. Mueller was born in < >bersondheim, wur- temberg, October 4. 1874. When he was only one and a half years old his mother, Friedericka (Zeller) Mueller, passed away, after which his father, Frederick Mueller, left For America in 1876. A few years after this, when he was the years old. the son left the Fatherland in charge of an aunt, Mrs. Caroline (Mueller") Kettenburg, and upon landing in the I nited States, in 1880, they came direct to California, and on the farm on which they then located Mr. Mueller has made his home ever since. Being reared on a farm, he well understands the problems he has to fact-, as has been proven in the management ^\ his holdings. Five miles north of Vacaville he owns one hundred ami twenty acres of land, consisting of some of the finest land that the district boasts, lie devotes all of his time to the cultivation of the soil, raising fruit and grain, and also carrying enough stock for his own immediate use. About twenty-four acres are in orchard to peaches, apricots and prunes, besides which he also farms considerable rented land, on which he raises grain, for the harvesting of which he owns a combined side-hill harvester. Mr. Mueller devotes much time to the board of trustees of the Peaceful (ilen school district, oi which he has been secretary for six years. During this time the new school house has been built and the standard of the school has been raised, it now ranking as one of the largest schools in the county under one teacher. Fraternally Mr. Mueller is identified with the Fraternal Order of Kagles. of which he is a trustee. Of good habits and disposition, he has won and retained the esteem of all those with whom he comes in contact, because of his readiness to support all measures that will upbuild the com- munity and advance the cause of civic righteousness. DAVID MARTIN MILLER. An honorable record as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, followed by an energetic application to business pursuits, entitles Mr. Miller to a position of prominence in the citizenship of Solano county, where, al- though not a pioneer, he is well known through long identification with impor- tant interests. Very little of his life was passed in his native commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he was born at Erie during the year 1838, for at the age of four years he was taken to Indiana by his parents. Dr. Archibald and Esther II. (Martin) Miller. The family settled at Lagro, Wabash county, in 1842. just about the time that the Indians were driven out of the state. After one year at Lagro the family went to Laporte, same state, where the son was sent to the common schools and laid the foundation of a fair education. Going from Laporte to South Bend in 1852. Mr. Miller secured employ- ment as clerk in a book store and later for eighteen months attended the Northern Indiana Methodist College, occupying the site where now stands the plant of the Oliver Chilled Plow Company. At the outbreak of the Civil war he became an enthusiastic supporter of the Union. October 9, 1861, he was accepted as a sergeant-major in the Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry for a period covering three years or during the continuance of the war. With his regiment he went to the front. The soldiers were conveyed down the Missis- sippi river on a boat confiscated from the Confederates and after landing at Pittsburg Landing they were sent on to Shiloh, where- Mr. Miller took part in 606 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the second day's conflict under Gen. Lew Wallace. At Corinth, July 11, 1862, he was wounded and ordered home on a furlough and obliged to relinquish his activities as sergeant-major. Lpon regaining his health he re-enlisted and served as first sergeant of Company I. One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana Infantry. While at Camp Mortin near Indianapolis. Ind., he heard of the assassination of President Lincoln. Soon afterward he was ordered to Wash- ington with the command and was stationed at Arlington Heights, later being transferred to Delaware and remaining in camp until the close of the war. During his furlough in 1863 he had been united in marriage with Maria Bedker, who was born in Williams county. Ohio, of Pennsylvania parentage. Since coming to California in 1874 Mr. Miller has been engaged in con- tracting and building, but while living in the east he was employed princi- pally as a mechanical engineer. His father died in Indiana in 1859 and during 1868 the widowed mother came to the west, settling in California, where after- ward she made her home. In this state her death occurred in June of 1901, at the age of ninety-one years and seven months. The family of David Martin Miller comprises four children. The eldest, Hettie Louise, was born in South Bend. Ind., June 3, 1864, and became the wife of Bailey T. Wilkinson, a. native of Virginia. They and their two children reside in the Suisun valley. The second daughter, Rosa Etta, was born in 1868 and died February 24, 1872. Otho Powers Miller was born at South Bend May 30, 1872 ; he is shed manager for the Pioneer Fruit Company and is living at the parental home in Fair- field. The youngest member of the family, Albert S. Miller, born in Solano county in 1878, resides in the Suisun valley and is superintendent of the Fair- field water works ; in 1908 he married Miss Sadie McGeorge, a native of Arkansas, and they are the parents of two children. The Gen. Sol Meredith Post No. 176. G. A. R., to which Mr. Miller belongs, has now only five mem- bers living out of the original twenty-seven and its activities have been re- duced with the lessening of its ranks. Politically he has voted the Democratic ticket from the time of attaining- his majority. Among his friends in Indiana he numbered Hon. Schuyler Colfax, one of the illustrious statesmen given by that state to the nation ; he was also personally acquainted with and an ad- mirer of Abraham Lincoln, whom he believes to be one of the greatest men our country has ever produced. Looking back over a long and honorable life, he can review with pride the creditable part he has maintained in business activities in his former home as well as in California ; he can study his army record with satisfaction and view with just gratitude to his country the oppor- tunities it has offered to all of its sons, whether or not they have worn its insignia in battle and fought under its flag. SAMUEL L. REED. The valley of Napa is dotted with farms small in acreage but large in financial returns to their fortunate owners and among these homesteads may be mentioned the tract belonging to Mr. Reed and lying in the vicinity of Yountville. Upon his arrival in Napa county he secured the title to one hun- dred and eighteen acres, but preferring to cultivate a smaller place, he traded the property and secured instead two substantial residences in St. Helena, also the twenty-four acres now owned and managed by him. A vineyard of choice grapes covers fourteen acres of the farm and the vines, now three and four years old, greatly enhance the value of the property. Five acres of the tract are in alfalfa and the balance of the farm is under cultivation to corn, which in 1910 brought $40 per acre through producing two tons to the acre that sold at $20 per ton or one cent per pound. A native of Illinois and born in March of 1850, Samuel L. Reed is a son HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 607 of George F. ami Sarah i Ray son) Reed, natives of England. The family com- prised seven children, four of whom attained mature years, namely: John R., T. L. (deceased), Samuel L.. and Mary (deceased). The only daughter became the wife of Randall Packard and the mother of five children ; at the time of her death she was a resident of Kent county. Mich. John R., who married Ade- laide Gilmore for his first wife, has two sons, one of whom, G. V., has served as tax collector ^\ Tulare county. Cal., and now has a position as cashier and manager ^\ the First National Bank of Lindsay. D. L. is a horticulturist at Reedley. For his second wife John R. Reed married Mary A. Posl of Ohio, and they have three children. Rayson, Mayme and Adda. The son, Rayson. acts as foreman of a large orange grove at Lindsay. The brothers at one time were heavily interested in the wheat business in Fresno, Tulare. Kings and Madera counties, and T. L. was widely known as the "wheat king" of the country. During 1895 they had seventy-two thousand acres in small grain and sold the entire crop at sixty cents per hundred pounds. While living in Kansas for thirteen years Samuel L. Reed engaged in ranching and raising stock. From there he came to California in 1889 and settled in Fresno county, removing thence in 1900 to Xapa county. After the death of his first wife, who bore the maiden name of Laura Scott, he married Mrs. Alpha A. (Hale) Mercer, the widow of Wesley Mercer and the mother of one child by her first marriage. Born in California, she received a fair education in local schools and has spent her entire life in the state. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed are successful workers in the poultry industry. They have specialized with the Black Minorcas, which they believe to be unexcelled from the egg standpoint. A large number of the hens have laid more than two hundred eggs each for the year's record. His success is due to care and labor, but perhaps may be attributed in greatest degree to caution exercised in the purchase of the foundation stock. The best breeders in the world were resorted to before he made his orders, hence he bought no culls, but on the other hand has a flock unsurpassed as specimens of that breed. Frequently he has paid $10 for cockerels in order to have perfect fowls at the head of the flock. Eggs are sold at $2.50 to $5 per setting, according to the flock from which they come. The brooder house for the little chicks will accommodate one thousand. Every equipment is provided for successful work. The hens average a profit of $2.50 each per year over and above all expenses. Some of the birds now on hand are of such perfect markings that it is Mr. Reed's desire to enter them for exhibition in poultry shows and should he do so it may be taken for granted that they will be ribbon winners. For some time Mr. Reed has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and while he has not been prominent in its work he keeps posted concerning the lodge activities. He has ever been a sympathetic friend of the public schools, aiding the local work in every way, and in Kansas he served several years in the office of school trustee. The Democratic party re- ceives his vote at all national elections, but in local campaigns he is in- dependent. ROY DUXHAM MAYES. In the personality of Roy D. Mayes there may be seen flashes of those qualities that made his father, the late John Stephen Mayes, a most popular man and one of the most successful agriculturists and business men of the country. In the son the father lives again, and those who know him best state that there is every indication that he will continue to progress even as did his paternal relative before him. Roy D. Mayes was born in Dixon. Solano county. April 15, 1890. a son of John Stephen and Anna (Dunham i Mayes, the latter a native of Missouri. 608 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES He received a good education in the public schools of the county at Mt. Tamalpais military academy and at California College, Oakland, thus laying the foundation, from an educational standpoint, for a successful career. Through active association with his father in early life he gained a complete insight into the way in which the latter's affairs were conducted. Mr. Mayes was married in Vallejo, May 2, 1909, to Miss Neva Eibe, a native of Dixon and the daughter of Thomas T. and Elizabeth Eibe, retired pioneer farmers in Dixon. Mr. and Mrs. Mayes have one child, John Stephen. Mr. Mayes has in his own right two thousand acres of land, four hundred and eighty in pasture and the remainder in wheat, barley and alfalfa. The average crop of barley is twenty sacks, wheat fifteen sacks, and two large combined harvesters are used in the gathering of the crops. Mr. Mayes was also en- gaged in stock-raising until 1911, since then having devoted his time to the subdivision of his large ranch. In 1911 he subdivided fourteen hundred acres of land into twenty and forty-acre tracts, selling these to small in- vestors and homeseekers for dairying and fruit-raising. It has been demon- strated that the land is unexcelled for alfalfa and fruit-raising. Wells at one hundred feet bring an abundance of water, rising within fifteen feet of the surface. In two months Mr. Mayes sold off about twelve hundred acres. In 1911 he erected a large residence on A street. Valuable as was the service rendered by that noble pioneer J. S. Mayes, it was left for his son to open the way for the homeseeker to obtain a foothold in this part of the Sacramento valley and thus start the immigration to and the building up of Dixon and vicinity. Politically Mr. Mayes is a Republican, an active member of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, and with his wife he is a member of the Baptist Church. JOSEPH B. SOUZA. A native of Portugal, born April 25, 1871, Mr. Souza was fourteen years old when he immigrated to the United States. He landed in San Francisco, and for the past twenty years has been a resident of Solano county. He now leases four hundred and eighty acres of land from Thomas Wilson for grain raising and dairying, besides which he also leases two hundred and twelve acres near Vacaville for grain and orchard. Over one hundred acres are in orchard, in which all kinds of fruit are grown. The marriage of Mr. Souza took place in Oakland in 1883, when he was united with Mary Borge, a native of Portugal, who came with her parents to the United States. Six children were born to the union : Paul J., William, Ernest L., Joseph, Zelma and Leo. Politically Mr. Souza is a Republican. He is progressive in his ideas and has done much for the advancement of the community during his twenty years' residence in Solano county. PATRICK FOX. Born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1848, Mr. Fox was reared and edu- cated in his native land and at the age of twenty set out for the United States, intending to settle in California. The voyage to the Pacific coast was made by way of Panama and he finally reached his destination, San Francisco, Cal. Here he remained until 1868, when he left for Vallejo, Solano county, and for two years he followed railroading in this place, working for a part of this time as brakeman between Vallejo and Napa. Leaving Vallejo he came to Elmira, here also engaging in railroading for a time. By frugally saving his earnings after coming to this country he was able to purchase a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres for $2,500 upon locating in Elmira, and this has been his home HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNT I ES 611 ever since. \t the time of purchase i1 was practically new country, and Mr. Fox remembers well having ridden from Elmira to Sacramento on horseback over the rolling prairies. He now owns altogether ten hundred and fifty seven acres of land, two hundred of this being in barley, from which he averages fourteen sacks to the acre. The rest is pasture land devoted to stock-raising. There are between five and six hundred head of slice)), mixed Shropshires and Merinos, besides numerous cattle, horses and mnles. In Elmira Mr. Fox was married to Miss Maggie Kilkenny, and six children were horn to them: William II.. John 1!.. Timothy E., Anna L., Katie F. and Grace M Politically Mr. Fox is a Democrat, and he is a communicant of the Catholic Church. JOHN LEWIS LYON. Since January 4. 1874. John Lewis Lyon has been a resident of California and one of the stanch npbnilders of its best interests, and although now re- tired from active business is still keenly alive to the advancement of the general welfare <<\ the community, lie does not. however, belong only to the Pacific coast states, but rather to the entire Union, with that great bond of sympathy which exists between the soldier and the civilian, for he fought gallantly for his country in her hour of need. It is probable that he inherited his patriotism from his Revolutionary ancestors, as the family is one that has long been established on American soil; his father, Harvey Lyon, a miller ami farmer and a man of more than ordinary mechanical ability, spent his entire life in New York state, where he died at the age of seventy-eight years, lie was survived by his wife, who in maidenhood was Laura Seymour; she died at Ogdensburg. N. Y.. at the age of ninety-five years and six months, retaining her faculties to an unusual degree and always proving an enter- taining companion in her reminiscences of the early days. John Lewis Lyon was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y., April 7, 1842, and amid the home surroundings was reared to young manhood, assisting his father and at the same time receiving a good high school education, having intended in youth to study for the ministry. The call to arms in 1861 turned his attention to other things, and on the 18th of April he enlisted in Com- pany A. Sixteenth Regiment. New York Volunteer Infantry, and during his service from that date to May 2, 1863, participated in many important engage- ments Among them were the first and second battles of Bull Run, Antietam. Charles City Crossroads, first and second battles of Fredericksburg, and in the second of these at Salem Church he was first sergeant and volunteered to carry the colors : in this engagement four of the color guards had been shot down, and after he took the flag two stars were shot out, his haversack was shut away, and he received three bulletholes in his pants and two bullets passed so close to his face that he received burns which left scars for a long time. In proportion to the number engaged this was said to have been a more hotly contested fight than that of Gaines Mill, where eleven color bearers were -hot flown, the eleventh man being Lieutenant-Colonel Marsh, who dis- mounted and seized the colors. Receiving a wound in the neck, he was con- veyed to Harrison's Landing, where he died July 4. After the engagement Color Serjeant Lyon was asked as to his thoughts during the conflict and he said that he never wanted to see his mother more and never had home seemed so sweet. He took part in eighteen engagements in all. After return- ing home Serjeant Lyon raised a company for the Fourteenth Heavy Artillery and had intended to act as its captain, but did not on account of reasons be- yond his control. After returning to civic duties, Sergeant Lyon clerked for a time in Ogdensburir. In October. 1864. in Fayetteville, he married Mi-- Man E, 612 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Parker, a native of that city and the daughter of a druggist, who came west to Oregon and there made his home until his death. She was graduated from the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., and met her future husband when he was delivering the colors to Governor Seymour of New York. After their marriage Mr. Lyon went to St. Joseph, Mo., and there passed a year, during which he engaged with an uncle in the lumber business and made a success of it, while he also took an active interest in the general welfare of the com- munity, raising a hook and ladder company. When he left there he received an ovation from the citizens who had eome to appreciate his sterling traits of character. He went to Tennessee, intending to locate in Nashville, but in- stead went to Brooklyn, N. Y., where with a partner he entered into business as a dealer in masons' building material, the firm being known as Reeve & Lyon. For the last five years of his stay there the firm was known as the J. L. Lyon Company. In December, 1873, after the great panic of that year, Mr. Lyon started for California via the Isthmus of Panama, and arrived in San Francisco Janu- ary 4, 1874. He at once formed a partnership and engaged in business at No. 549 California street, under the firm name of Chamberlain & Lyon. Shortly afterwards Mr. Chamberlain sold his interest and the firm became Lyon & Fowler. Six months later Mr. Fowler retired, and C. W. Kinsey taking his place they located their store in Oakland, and under the name of Lyon & Kinsey they conducted a general auction and furniture business for ten years. After dissolving this partnership Mr. Lyon conducted the business for five years under the name of J. L. Lyon & Son, this son, W. Parker Lyon, now being mayor and a prominent business man of Fresno. Politically Colonel Lyon was always a Republican until 1892, and was prominently connected in the councils of the party, having served as delegate to state and county conventions for many years. In 1886 he was appointed special aid-de-camp on the staff of General Smedberg, department commander of California and Nevada, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and served acceptably. In 1893 he advocated the principles of the People's party and was nominated for congress from the third congressional district and suc- ceeded in lowering the Republican majority thirty-five hundred, while the Dem- ocratic nominee was elected by only eleven votes. He was extremely promi- nent in all matters relating to the welfare of the community, being a member and director of the Board of Trade, a member and treasurer of the Merchants' Exchange and a member and director of the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, and for seven years was one of the trustees of California College. He was a member of Appomattox Post No. 50, G. A. R., and has served in various offices. In 1886, at the time of the dedication of Grant's tomb in New York, Colonel Lyon conceived the idea of sending a carload of flowers from Cali- fornia and in three weeks he perfected the arrangements, raising the necessary funds and secured the flowers, these being donated by individuals and the various posts of the state. The flowers consisted of two thousand calla lilies worth fifty cents each in the east, a floral piece representing a full size white horse and General Grant as the rider, the white horse being covered with candytuft, and with pampas plumes for a mane and tail, and other pieces of various designs ; they were placed in a refrigerator car and were sent on a passenger train to the east in charge of the colonel. He was royally enter- tained while in New York by General Jardine at a banquet, General Sickles, Barnum and others being present, and Grant Post also gave him an ovation before his return to California. In 1893 Colonel Lyon was also chosen to rep- resent his fellow citizens, this time acting as a member and treasurer of the World's Fair commission from Alameda county, where he spent from three to five hours a day for forty days in lecturing on Alameda county, addressing during the time about three-quarters of a million people. Fraternally the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 613 colonel is a member and a past consul of lamp No. (, 4 of the Woodmen <>f the World. No less active is Colonel Lyon in church affairs, having been a promi- nent member of the Baptisl denomination Eor many years. While residing in Brooklyn he served as treasurer and trustee of the church to which he be longed and was one of the directors of the Brooklyn Baptist Social Union. Since coming west he has taken an equally prominent part in religious affairs. for twenty years serving; as a member of the board of trustees of the First Baptisl Church and officiating for seven years as its president, while for five year- he served as chairman of the Home Mission Board of the state. For three years lie was president of the Baptist state convention and for many year- served as a trustee of the California Baptisl College. The family of Colonel and Mrs. Lyon consists of three children: W. Parker, horn in 1865, and now mayor o\ the city of Fresno; Edmund C, horn in 1872. and now en- gaged in the furniture business in Los Angeles as president and manager of the Lyon. McKinney & Smith Company; and Harvey B.. manager of the Lyon Storage & Moving Company of Oakland. Colonel Lyon in 1884 purchased a twenty-acre ranch on the northern boundaries of Vacaville, Solano county, the early fruit belt of California, and here he raises all kinds iA fruit and grapes. Colonel Lyon was engaged in the furniture business at Oakland at this time, coming to the ranch Saturday evenings and returning Monday mornings to his business, his wife conducting the work oi the ranch. The latter's mother. Mrs. Parker, lived there several year- before her death, when Mrs. Lyon returned to Oakland. The place is called Prospect ranch on account of the panorama one obtains from it. It was rented until ahout two and a half years ago. when the colonel moved upon it and by hard work has made it all over by grafting many of the trees and making other improvements. During the fruit season he works from twelve to seventeen hours a day, always taking the hardest part of the work. This he still continues and has sufficient energy to last for many years and surmount all obstacles. The motto of this indefatigable worker is "Never grow old: die first." His grandmother died at ninety-three and his mother in her ninety-fifth year. JEAN LAURENT. The life herein delineated commenced in Bordeau, France, November 2. 1837. and ended in Napa county, Cal., October 23, 1890. Early in life Mr. Laurent developed a taste for traveling and the major portion of his early years were spent in journeying from one place to another. In 1852, in the course of his travels, he came to California and being impressed with what he saw and with the possibilities of the state, he remained and for a time was located in Sonora. Tuolumne county, where he was engaged in mining, ranch- ing and various other pursuits. In 1860 he manufactured wine there, a busi- ness which he had learned in his native land. In 1868 he came to Napa county and started in the vegetable business, continuing in the same for four and one-half years with moderate success. He then settled on a ranch of one hundred and fifty acres three and one-half miles north of St. Helena, where he engaged in raising grapes and in making wine. This occupation was continued until his decease, October 23. 18''0. Mr. Laurent was married in St. Helena. January 22. 1876, to Miss Louisa Trumpler. who was born in Switzerland in 1856." The following children were born to them: August J., who ably carries on the grape and wine in- dustry left by his father: Eugene P.: Louisa J., wife of W. D. Smith; Selma E. : Leontine M. and Irma M. On the death of Mr. Laurent in 1890 Mrs. Laurent carried on the business with the aid of her sons, and some time later 614 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES married J. A. Ericson, and to this union there were born two children, Ernest A. and Alice C. The wife and mother died August 1, 1905. The memory of these two strong characters is honored by those who remain to continue the work where they relinquished it. JOHN FRANCIS HAYES. The decade of the '50s, which witnessed a remarkable influx of settlers in California, brought the Hayes family from their native shores of Ireland to seek the opportunities offered by the western coast of the new world. The original immigrant, Daniel W., was a bright Irish lad when he heard of the discovery of gold in this state and decided to leave the poverty of the old world for the openings available in the new. A few years after gold had been discovered he came around the Horn in a large vessel crowded with gold- seekers. His wife, Jane Tublety, also came around the Horn on the ship known as the City of St. Louis, enjoying a peaceful voyage until near its desti- nation, when it was wrecked at the Golden Gate and its passengers barely escaped with their lives. Daniel W. Hayes rose out of hardships and poverty into a degree of success and for years he remained one of the leading men of Vallejo, where he died at an advanced age. His son, John Francis, was born at Benicia, Solano county, in 1854, and died at Vallejo in 1886, at the age of about thirty- two years. All of his memories were associated with Vallejo, for he was only eight months old when the family removed to this town and here he received a public school education. During 1880 he married Miss Mary Dorsam, a native of Lafayette, Ind., but a resident of California for the past thirty-seven years, since she was about fifteen years of age. The family of which she is a member comes from Teutonic ancestry, and her parents, Leonard and Mar- garet (Kattenburg) Dorsam, were both natives of Germany, although resi- dents of Indiana throughout the greater part of their lives. The father en- gaged in a manufacturing business in Lafayette. At his death Mr. Hayes was survived by his widow and two children. The daughter, Mary C, is the wife of Dr. C. A. Snoddy, resident physician of the General Hospital at Knoxville, Tenn. The son, James Daniel, is an elec- trician and contractor in Vallejo; he married Alpha Tait, a descendant of two of the oldest Spanish families in California. Mrs. Hayes owns her own home at No. 318 Capitol street and since the death of her husband has lived in the same place. Until his death Mr. Hayes was very active in local politics and led the Democratic councils in his home town. LAWRENCE ARMANINO. A resident of Solano county since 1902, Lawrence Armanino has in the meantime shown himself capable of achieving a measure of success. He was born in Italy in 1885 and was seventeen years old when he came to Cali- fornia. In the same year he settled in Solano county in the English Hills and bought fifty-two acres of land, on which he raised all kinds of fruit, and leased fifteen acres five miles north of Dixon, used for growing vege- tables, such as cabbage, lettuce, celery, beets, carrots, parsnips and turnips. In addition to these he grows all kinds of melons, strawberries, tomatoes and squash. Mr. Armanino was married in Vacaville to Rose L. Bart, and they have two children, Carmel and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Armanino are members of the Catholic Church. An evidence of the progressive spirit of Mr. Armanino is seen in the irrigating facilities on his land. The outfit cost him more than S600 and supplies the ranch with an abundance of water. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 617 WILLIAM II. I. \.\ir.LKT. Vmong the successful and influential agriculturist- and horticulturists of the Suisun valley mention should be made of William II. Lambert, who was horn on the place he now owns July 10, I860, the son of Wesley Lambert, one of the pioneers ^i this section, being a native of Kentucky and horn in 1828. He removed to Iowa, where he lived until he was twenty years of age, when he crossed the plains to the wot in 1S4S. coming by way of the North Platte, Salt Lake City and the sink i>\ the Humboldt on through to California, stop- ping for several years in the upper Suisun valley within the limits of Napa county ami there he followed the stock business, lie returned to Iowa and there married the girl to whom he was engaged before his first trip to the Golden West, and in 1852 he again crossed the plains with ox-teams and a large drove of cattle, locating again on his old place in Wooden valley canon. Soon afterwards he purchased a farm of two hundred and nine acres in the upper Suisun valley, but in Solano county. In 1863 he rented his place and removed to Nevada, hut remained only a couple of years. He ran a dairy ou Lake Tahoe and had a log cabin on its banks. While there he built a toll road to Carson City, lie was interested in mining at different times both in California and Nevada. He returned to his ranch near Suisun and con tinned the stock business, purchasing land adjoining until he had tune hun- dred and sixty-nine acres in one body and later added one hundred and sixty acres within one and a half miles, and subsequently also bought the old Swan place, but which he sold later on. He also owned about five hundred acres in Mendocino county, where he resided from 1879 until his death Janu- ary 5, 1899. ' Wesley Lambert married Derinda Burger, a native of Iowa, born in 1833: she died November 10, 1898. The following children were born to them: George, deceased: Sarah E.. Mrs. Daggett, who died in this valley; John W., of Suisun valley : Olive L.. Mrs. Springer, of Benicia; and William IL. the subject of this sketch. Wesley Lambert was one of the noble band of pioneers who in their prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage. He saw the opportunity and was equal to the emer- gency and became a man well and favorably known and universally loved and highly respected. The childhood of William H. Lambert was spent on the farm, receiving his primary education in the public schools of the valley and completing his studies in the schools of Suisun. Afterward he returned to the old farm and putting his shoulder to the wheel, helped his mother- not only to improve the ranch, but to clear it of indebtedness. When a youth he learned the stock business with his father, so when he started he owned his own outfit and small herd and from this small beginning has grown his present large business and property, until he now has a competency. I lis place is known as the Valley Point fruit farm, comprising two hundred and seventy-nine acres of land eight miles northwest of Suisun. forty-six acres devoted to an orchard of peaches, prunes, apricots, cherries and pears, the rest of the land devoted to farming and stock. He is also engaged in the wholesale butcher business in Suisun and Fairfield. He is raising high-grade Durhams, Berkshire hogs and Shropshire sheep. In addition to his place he leases about twelve hun- dred acres of land for stock range, one-half in Gordon valley and the balance in tide land, thus having good range all seasons of the vear. Mr. Lamberts first marriage was to Miss Emma Chadbourne, a native of California, and the daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Hobbs) Chadbourne. pioneers of the Suisun valley. Of this union eight children were born: Clara I'..: Lewis R.. attending Stanford University, class of 1912; Ella M.; Georgia E.. Cttis Lovey; William A.; Ruth A.; and Orville Dewey, lie was married 29 618 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the second time in Fairfield September 11, 1911, to Mrs. Hilda M. (Carlson) Hart, born in Sidney, Australia, who in her first year same to San Francisco with her parents. Her father, Charles J. Carlson, was engaged in business in San Francisco until he retired ; he died at the time of the earthquake. The mother, Dorothea W. (Schubel) Carlson, is still living in the city. Mrs. Lambert was graduated from the Girls high school and the Normal in San Francisco Politically Mr. Lambert is a stanch Prohibitionist firmly believing in the high principles promulgated by that party. Fraternally he was for many years a member of the Good Templars, serving as past district deputy of the grand lodge. He has been a Methodist for many years, being a member of the church at Fairfield, and is very liberal and active in the work and up- building of churches in the community. His wife has been an active member of the United Presbyterian Church in San Francisco and also in the evangel- istic movements in that city. Mr. Lambert is a very enterprising man, ever ready to assist in forwarding movements for the betterment of the community. JEROME BONAPART RICHARDSON. A lifetime of activity brings to Mr. Richardson pleasant memories of associations in other parts of the country than the Pacific coast, where he has made his home since the year 1860. Although he has reached an age when the average man would consider himself eligible to the retired list, Mr. Richardson possesses a temperament too energetic to permit of idleness or inactivity and every day he may be seen about the streets of Suisun looking after the varied business interests that have engaged his attention for many years. Undoubtedly Mr. Richardson's energy and forcefulness come as an inheritance from his father, Manning Richardson, a native of Stonington, Conn., and a participant in the war of 1812. In young manhood the father left the home of his parents and settled in Herkimer county, N. Y., and subse- quently he located in Genesee county, same state. In the town of Le Roy he settled on a farm that was in its primeval condition, covered with beech and maple and other hardwood timber. Undismayed by the outlook, he set about clearing the land and preparing it for cultivation, only to leave it years later and make location in the wilds of Wisconsin. On a farm which he pur- chased near Platteville, Grant county, he rounded out the years of a long and active life, as did also his wife, who before her marriage was Nancy Curtis, a native of Herkimer county, N. Y. Eight children at one time gathered about the fireside of this worthy couple, of whom the third was Jerome Bonapart Richardson, who was born in Le Roy ; Genesee county, N. Y., June 10, 1827, and is the sixth generation from Amos Richardson, who came from England and settled in Massachu- setts in 1640. His early life was passed in Le Roy and Stafford, N. Y., where he attended school and prepared himself for the teacher's profession. For some time after leaving school he alternated between teaching school in the winter and working on farms during summers, but when twenty years old, in 1847, he left the east and located in Grant county, Wis., near Platteville. Pre-empting a claim from the government, he set to work with a will to pre- pare the land for cultivation, using a breaking plow drawn by four or five yoke of oxen. In the breaking and cultivation of this land he attached to the plow an implement known as a roller coulter, the idea of which had been conceived by his brother Marvin, and undoubtedly he was the original in- ventor of this method of cutting the sod. In 1860 Mr. Richardson disposed of his farm in Wisconsin and with an outfit consisting of two wagons drawn by horses he started on the overland journey. Crossing the Mississippi river, he passed through the state of Iowa, and finally reached Council Bluffs, from HISTORY OF SOLANO WD \ \PA COUNTIES 619 there going up the Platte river and the old governmenl trail to California. \fnr a journey of four months he finally reached Suisun, Solano county, being attracted to thi-* location From the fad that liis brother Marvin was located here. An otherwise pleasanl journey was clouded by the fact thai their little son Will was taken ill with scarlet Fever, but by the application of home methods which Mrs. Richardson had learned in the cast the child soon recovered. Then later the little two-year-old daughter Belle was taken with tlie same fever. A physician halving come into the company it was thought best to employ him. hut after ten or twelve days he gave her up. saying he could do nothing more for her. This indeed was a sorrowful time, the mother exclaiming, "What shall we do?" Mr. Richardson's reply showed the confidence he placed in his wife. "You cured Will: it's up to you to save Belle." This she accomplished with a hot-water pack. An incident telling how Mr. Richardson secured some potatoes before they arrived in Salt Lake City may not be out of place: The family had been out of potatoes for some days, and seeing some at the Tony Express station at South Pass Mr. Richard- son endeavored to purchase a supply. The company refused to sell him any, but he found their weak point when he traded them a pint of Bourbon whiskey for a pail of potatoes, and he says he got the best of the bargain, and the family had a feast. Being pleased with the outlook at Suisun. Mr. Richardson determined to make it his future home, proving his determination by the purchase of three acres of land located where the depot now stands. After building a house for the shelter of his family he turned his attention to tilling the soil and preparing for future crops. During the summer of 1863 he freighted to the state of Nevada, making five round trips with three six-yoke teams of oxen and a four-mule team, and he remembers it as one of the most strenuous seasons of his life. Suisun has been his home ever since, but the passing of years has noted many changes, both in his property and diversified interests and The upbuilding of the town and county as well. A man of his ability and versatility was not long permitted to remain in private life, and his appoint- ment as assistant assessor of internal revenue of Solano and Yolo counties was the initial honor of this character conferred upon him. However, the office expired by law and he was then appointed deputy collector of internal revenue of Solano, Yolo and Lake counties, a position which he held for twenty years, or until the change of administration. During this time he collected and remitted over one and a half million dollars, all of which was accomplished without error. After giving up this position Mr. Richardson engaged in the insurance business as special agent for a number of old-line companies, a business which he has continued ever since. Besides the busi- ness just mentioned he has other interests, which taken altogether occupy his time as fully as when he was many years younger. Indirectly reference has been made to Mr. Richardson's wife. She was before her marriage Miss Katherine Richardson, a native of Stafford, N. Y., where their marriage occurred. She passed away in Suisun in 1901, having become the mother of three children, only two of whom, however, grew to mature years. William Manning Richardson died at the age of twenty-four years, and Belle Eliza is now Mrs. Bowen, of Suisun. Mr. Richardson is a well-known figure in Masonic circles. He joined the order in Darlington, Wis., being made a Mason in Evening Star Lodge No. 64, F. & A. M.. and is now affiliated with Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M., in which he has always held office, having served several terms as master and at present is trustee. He is further identified with the order as a member of Solano Chapter Xo. 43, R. A. M.. of which he has served as high priest several terms. He is also a member of California Commandery No. 1. K. T., at San Francisco, of which he is a life member, and Islam Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S.. of the same city. 620 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES After half a century passed on the coast Mr. Richardson in 1911 took a trip to his old home in the east, going by the northern route and stopping en route at Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane, St. Paul, Minn., and Janesville, Wis., to Le Roy, Genesee county, N. Y., stopping three weeks. The return trip was made by way of Atlanta, Ga., New Orleans, La., and Galveston and El Paso. Tex. It so happened that he was in San Francisco at the time that city was visited by the calamity that makes the spring of 1906 memorable in the history of that city. To one of his advanced years the burning of the city was a severe shock, but he nevertheless does not regret the experience, although he sincerely hopes he will not be called upon to endure another similar ordeal. JOSEPH TRUFFINI. Born in Switzerland in September, 1868, Joseph Truffini was twelve years old when he left his native land, having in the meantime received the education common to the youth of that rugged country. On arriving in San Francisco in 1880 he worked for about one year in a dairy and then came to Solano county and has been a resident here ever since that time. He resides in Dixon, where he has a home, and he is generally employed at the dairy business. Politically Mr. Truffini is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows of Dixon, the U. A. O. D. of St. Helena, and Foresters of America of Suisun. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Truffini was married to Angelina Gagetta, a native of Switzerland, the cere- mony taking place in San Francisco in 1903, and two children were born to them, Joseph and Lorena. WILLIAM HENRY GARNETT. Born near Dixon, September 23, 1859, William H. Garnett is the son of the honored pioneer, James St. Clair Garnett, whose sketch appears on an- other page. He received his nrimary education in a private school near Dixon, later attending California College at Vacaville and the Pacific Meth- odist College at Santa Rosa, completing his education with a course at Atkin- son's Business College, Sacramento. He then engaged with his father on the old home ranch of seven hundred acres for one year. In 1882 his father purchased the Logan ranch near Willows, Glenn county, consisting of fifteen thousand acres, now devoted to farming and stock-raising. For three years he and his brother, James R., had entire charge of this large ranch, after which time William H. returned to the home ranch near Dixon and farmed there until his father's death. Mr. Garnett's ranching enterprises have always been conducted on a large scale, and upon his father's demise, he and his brothers and sisters in- corporated their interests as the J. S. Garnett Co., of which William H. Garnett is president and general manager, and James R. is assistant manager and gives his entire time to operating the Glenn county ranch. This im- mense property is one of the finest and largest ranches in the county. As many as ten thousand head of sheep are continually maintained on the ranch, as well as many horses and cattle. The brothers have made a great success in conducting the affairs of this vast property and the splendid condition of the ranch today is a credit not only to them but to the entire community. The company still owns the greater portion of the father's lands in Solano, Napa and Sacramento counties. Mr. Garnett has been successful not only along agricultural lines, but also in business affairs, and he is a director of the Bank of Dixon. He was V ^ HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 623 made a Mason in Silveyville Lodge No. 201, F. & \. M.. al Dixon, and is a past master; was exalted in Dixon Chapter No. 48, R. \. M., and is past high priest; is a member of Woodland Commandery No. _'l. K. T., and a member of Islam Temple, X. M. S., in San Francisco. Religiousl) Mr. Garnett has been a member of and active worker in the Baptisl Church of Dixon for many years. In 1885 occurred his marriage with Miss Kate Miller, of Colusa, and they have two children, lone and [Catherine. The family now resides in Dixon, where Mr. Garnett has just completed a large modern residence on Fitch street. Looking hack over his thirty years of active participation ill business affairs and the development of the agricultural resources of the Sacramento valley his confidence becomes greater each year as to the wonder- ful resources of this great valley. JOHN B. LEMON. This California pioneer of 1849 was born in Clark county, Ind., December 19, 1825. the son of Hon. John M. and Jane (McConnell) Lemon. For seven years the father served as a member of the house and senate of the Indiana state legislature, and under the administration of President Jackson was made receiver of public lands at Laporte, Ind., to which point the family removed in 1835. when John B. was a lad of ten years. The schools of that day were scarcely worthy the name as compared with the privileges which the youth of today enjoy in the same place, and all the hook learning that the boy gathered in his youth was in the crude schools of Laporte. under teachers of limited knowledge. However, being an ob- serving and thoughtful youth, he gathered knowledge from many sources and thereby became the well-informed man that he is today. In Laporte he was clerking in a general store when the news of the finding of gold in California stirred his ambition to try his luck in the mines. Hasty prepara- tions were made and in April. 1849, he started across the plains with a party of immigrants, mule teams being the motive power. Not without the usual experiences of dangers encountered and hardships borne did the party finally reach their destination, Eldorado county, after a three months' trip from St. Joe. Xo time was lost by Mr. Lemon in making his way to the mines, and for a time he mined at the middle fork of the American river, but as the returns from his labor in no way compared with his ex- pectations, the life of the miner lost its attractions for him and he sought ■ther means of employment. Near Kelsey's Dry Diggings he opened a general store and later established one at Coloma, Eldorado county, and still later, one in Greenwood Valley in the same county. His was the first store established in the latter place and he became a very successful merchant. It was after this varied experience in the west that Mr. Lemon returned to his home in Indiana to claim his promised bride in Miss Hettie A. Miller, the daughter of Dr. A. Miller. The marriage of the young people was solemnized in Laporte, April 1, 1852. While in Indiana Mr. Lemon bought two hundred and fifty head of cattle and assisted by his brother, James M., who was financially interested in the undertaking, drove them across the plains to ' ireen Valley, the journey covering four months. The association of the brothers in the cattle business continued until May 1, 1856, when they bought out a stock of dry goods in Suisun and conducted a general store until 1861. After the dissolution of the partnership John B. Lemon became interested in the buying and selling of grain and wool, and ultimately became known as one of the largest dealers in wool in Solano county. An honor was conferred upon him in 1857, when he was made the first postmaster of Suisun. an office which he filled efficiently for four years. Other honors of a public nature were conferred upon him when, on the Democratic ticket. 624 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES he was elected to the office of county treasurer of Solano county, serving in this capacity for five terms of two years each. On account of advancing years Mr. Lemon has relinquished his activities along all lines to a considerable extent, his interest however remaining the same as in years past, when as a young man he entered heart and soul into many affairs, both of a public and private nature. Until 1911 he was known as one of the largest cattle and sheep ranchers in the county, but he has since disposed of the cattle and sheep interests. On coming to Fairfield Mr. Lemon built the residence which is still the family home, owning a whole block on the corner of Texas and Taylor street's. Set in the midst of an entire block, it is surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubs, and altogether is one of the finest estates in the city. Besides this he owns two ranches, one of five hundred acres in Solano county, and the other of six hundred and thirty acres in Napa county, both devoted to stock-raising and leased to tenants. He also owns twelve valuable lots in Fairfield, also two choice lots on Texas street. The first marriage of Mr. Lemon resulted in the birth of three children, of whom the eldest, H. Jennie, became the wife of John W. Warboys of Santa Rosa, where they now live with their three children, John, Irene and Josephine. Mamie E. Lemon is still at home with her father in Fairfield. Dennie M. Lemon became the wife of Edwin Chadbourne, by whom she had two sons. Mr. Chadbourne died in 1909 and in 1910 his widow became the wife of Leonard Lambert, formerly of Oregon, and now a resident of Suisun Valley. The present Mrs. Lemon was in maidenhood Miss Mary Kean, who was born in Greenville, Mercer county, Pa., April 18, 1845, the daughter of Aaron and Mary E. (Mullener) Kean. Miss Kean first became the wife of Dr. L. B. Garrison, and after his death was united with W. H. Sturr, and some time after his death she became the wife of Mr. Lemon. Both of her two children are deceased. From 1864 to 1868 she was chief matron of the post hospital at Madison, Wis., where her noble service won merited praise, and as a partial compensation for her services so faithfully rendered during the Civil War she has been granted a pension by the government. She officiated as an officer of the Woman's Relief Corps at Suisun for three years, for two years was president of that organization, and at present she is connected with the Veteran's Club at Pacific Grove, and a member of Fairchild Circle No. 25, Ladies of the G. A. R., at that place. In mentioning Mrs. Lemon's many interests in matters of a public nature, all has not been told until mention has been made of her artistic ability. Many fine oil paintings which adorn the walls of her home have been produced by her skill and many of her friends have also been favored with paintings which they highly prize. Now in his eighty-seventh year, Mr. Lemon in retrospect looks back over sixty-two years passed in the Golden State, and he takes pride in the fact that he was one of the early pioneers who with prophetic vision saw her possibilities and lived to see many of his hopes for her future realized. WALTER TRUMPLER. Switzerland has contributed to the maintenance of America by sending her best and noblest sons to these shores, where they make good citizens and strong supporters of every national institution. This applies to Walter Trumpler, who was born in Canton Zurich, Switzerland, in 1846, and was reared in the home of his parents and given an education in the common schools. He learned the trade of painter and pursued it in his native land for some time. Hearing of the splendid opportunities to be had in America he determined to try his fortune in the land of which he had heard so much. In HISTORY OF SOLAXO AND XAPA COUNTIES 625 1867, in spite of family protests, he came to America and at once proceeded to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. For some time after his arrival in San Francisco he plied his trade in that city, but deciding that an out-of- doors life was to Ik- preferred, he came to St. Helena in 1881 and at once settled on a farm. I lis attention was attracted to the peculiar quality of the soil and the admirable climate <^i this section of the state, which combined to make it a tine grape producing center and he concentrated his energies upon thi'- industry. Of the eighty acres of land which he owned thirty were in vineyard, and on this holding he proceeded to the culture of grapes and the manufacture of wine, after improving the place with buildings and winery. This he continued until his decease. March 24. 1 ( >08. and now his widow carries on the industry and the ranch. Mr. Trumpler was married in 1879 in San Francisco, Cal., to Anna Buchli, a native of Graubunden. Switzerland, whose father. Christian Buchli, came to California in 1873 and settled in Sonoma county, where he ranched for many years. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trumpler: Rosa. Martin, Walter and Hans. The good name and the high-grade business established by Mr. Trumpler continues in the lives of his widow and her children and there are many in the county who bear testimony to the sterling worth of the one who has ended his life work, but whose memory is still green. JOHN ALVIN KERR. The mayor of Dixon. John Alvin Kerr, is one who has, for a long time, been intimately connected with every plan for the development and progress of his home town. Public spirited and patriotic, trusted by his fellow citizens, he holds office as their chief executive in a creditable and worthy manner, both to himself and to the community. Mr. Kerr comes of worthy parentage, his ancestors being among the pioneers, not only of the far west, but also of the middle west and of the eastern states. Thus he has inherited those rugged and stalwart qualities which are as necessary to the success of the modern business man as of the early pioneer. His father, John Kerr, was born in Utica. N. Y.. in 1825. the son of William Kerr, a native of Scotland. He was reared and educated in his native state and when a boy began work on the Erie canal. When grown to manhood he became a bridge contractor and constructed a number of bridges on the Erie Railroad, but subsequently went to Wisconsin, where he followed farm pursuits for a time. He was very successful in business ventures, but in 1860 disposed of his interests, and, following his inclination to go still farther west, he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Arriving in the spring of 1870, he bought a quarter section of land in Tremont township, Solano county. After residing there for three years, during which time he raised considerable grain, he sold his farm and went to Sacramento, where he engaged in teaming and contract work for a couple of years. Returning to Solano county, Mr. Kerr again took up grain raising, this time in the vicinity of Davisville. and was so engaged the following eight years. The business proving profitable he purchased another farm of eighty acres west of Dixon, known as the Baker ranch, and although he planted an extensive vineyard he never realized anything from it, preferring to raise stock and grain, which, at that time, proved more profitable. He took an active part in church and fraternal work in the community, being a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Masonic Lodge. His death occurred January 27. 1891. His wife. Luvenia A. Greive, to whom he was married in Wisconsin, was also of Scottish descent. Her parents, Robert and Eliza (Sercombe) Greive, upon emigrating from their native country settled first in Canada, but a little later settled in Wisconsin. At that early day few white settlers were to be seen in that state, and Mr. Greive followed 626 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES hunting and trapping. In 1852 he crossed the plains to the west, still follow- ing his favorite occupation as hunter, trapper and trader for a few years, and in 1864 he returned to Wisconsin for his family. Returning to California he settled in Solano county upon the land owned today by George McCann, and it was there that both he and his wife spent the closing years of their lives. They reared a large family of children, whose names are John A., William W., George W., Robert B., Edwin R., Thomas J., Walter S., Charles S., Helen M., Albert N., Luvenia Ann and Isabelle M. John Alvin Kerr was born in Rock county, Wis., September 26, 1860, and is one of a family of three children, having had two sisters. Mary Eliza became the wife of Asa F. Hyde, and Luvenia Ann married George N. Weldon and is now deceased. After gaining the education afforded by the district schools of Wisconsin and of California, John A. Kerr attended the Sacra- mento high school and various private schools. He began his career at an early age and in partnership with George Greive he rented three hundred and twenty acres of land and began raising grain, but a little later he branched out alone, renting ranches until he was able to purchase. He took up grain raising on a large scale, having fifteen hundred acres in wheat and barley. To harvest his crop he had all the necessary horses and machines and em- ployed a large number of men each season. He also had a dairy of forty cows, comprising both Durhams and Jerseys. On his alfalfa ranch, Mr. Kerr has been the instigator and promoter of various enterprises in his section, among them the Dixon Canning Company and the Dixon Creamery, of which he is president. In 1909 he leased the creamery and is now conducting the same on his own account. This is a well appointed plant, equipped with modern machinery and all appliances necessary for producing a first-class output. His specialty is the Dixon creamery butter, which is made in large quantities, and last year brought an income of $60,000. In connection with the creamery Mr. Kerr conducts a commission business in eggs and poultry, handling all of the eggs and poultry shipped out of the city. In addition to these many pursuits he owns a fine grain ranch of two hundred and forty acres four miles from town, and twenty acres of fine alfalfa land adjoining Dixon. Mr. Kerr was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Stone Coleman, born near Dixon, the daughter of the late Napoleon B. S. Coleman, prominent in the early history of California. He was born in Woodford, Ky., in 1831, and had the advantage of the superior education granted by the colleges of Louis- ville, Ky. He afterwards went to Jackson, Mo., where until 1853 he engaged in the commission business with J. F. McCauley. In that year he was one of a company who purchased two thousand head of cattle and drove them to California, arriving September 13, 1853. Proceeding directly to Sacramento, they sold out at a fair profit and Mr. Coleman opened a store in that vicinity and was also interested in mining with his brother, J. W. Coleman, until 1859. In that year he came to Solano county, purchased a ranch and in time acquired one thousand acres. It was upon this farm that he died, having retired from active business in 1872. In Sacramento he married Martha J. Kelley and the following children Avere born to them : Martha J., Eugene F., Alvin L., John W., Fanny S., Napoleon B. S., Mattie S., Lulu M. and Cyn- thia E. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have two children : Luvenia and Alvin Coleman. In addition to holding the office of mayor, which Mr. Kerr has most Avorthilv done for the past twelve years, he has served as chairman of the school board and as school trustee for a number of years, and is also president of the Dixon Club. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party, being a member of the Republican county central committee. The town of Dixon, which has been incorporated since 1877, has flourished and prospered during Mr. Kerr's administration. It contains many modern improvements, has good streets, churches and schools, fine shade trees on both residence and HISTORY OF Sol. \\o WD NAPA COUNTIES 629 business streets, and is supplied with water works and electric lights. It is in the very midst of a prosperous community, surrounded on every side by broad grain and alfalfa fields and stock and fruit ranches and in every respect it is a most desirable location t'or a home. Mr. Kerr lias been largely instrn mental in the upbuilding <>\ the city of Dixon, and. together with bis wife and family, enjoys the highest regard and esteem <>\ the community. He stands foremost among the substantial, successful and influential citizens of Solano county. EPHREM VORBE. The loyalty of the citizens of Napa county is a well establisbed fact and were it not for this pride and loyalty so rampant in the hearts of its citizens, the far-famed beautiful county would lose half its charm. Natural beauty it lias in abundance, but the most striking - feature to the visitors' eyes is the appearance of cultivation and thrift so apparent on every hand. One of these best known ranches, superbly located on the western slope of N'apa mountain, is the abiding place of Ephrem Yorbe, who was born in Doubs, France, in March, 1840. He remained there until his college days were over and at the age of nineteen, set out for the new world, well equipped to take a responsible position, for he had not only had a substantial college course, but had been graduated from a business college as well. Mr. Yorbe's trip to this country was not without its adventures, and one less courageous would have been disappointed in the undertaking. After reaching New York and investigating the best route to the west he decided that a trip by water was less hazardous than crossing the plains with ox team, stories of the horrors of which had come to his ears. It was his plan after crossing the Isthmus of Panama to go north to San Francisco. His plans were delayed however, for upon reaching the coast of Florida, the vessel ran onto a rock on one of the small islands which detained him for eight days. After this period of rest, the vessel again set sail for San Francisco, arriving there without further mishap. Forty years is a long period to spend in one city, but such was the time spent by Mr. Vorbe, during twenty-five of which he held the amenable and lucrative position of teller and subsequently cashier of the old Swiss-American Bank of San Francisco. When the bank liquidated, and realizing that the confinement and close work was telling upon his constitution, he entered in the real estate business. It was in San Francisco that Mr. Yorbe was united in marriage with Miss I.. Geniller, one of his country-women, and two children were born of their union. Louise and Marie. Louise is the wife of Auguste Vorbe and the mother of five children, George. Leonie, Raymond, Louise and Rene. After the death of his first wife Mr. Vorbe married Adele Gensoul, a native daughter of California, and two children were born of their marriage, Julia and Louis, the first-mentioned still at home, and the latter attending Heald's Business College. A brother of our subject, Joseph F. Vorbe, came to California in 1850 by way of Cape Horn and became a large property owner in San Francisco, being one of the early upbuilders of that metropolis. When he retired from active business he purchased a ranch in Wildhorse valley, locating upon it in 1881 and at once beginning its improvement. The ranch is now being kept up by his two nieces. Mrs. A. Vorbe and Marie Vorbe, who own the place. It is known as St. George vineyard and farm and is beautifully located on Mt. St. George, overlooking the beautiful Xapa valley and commanding a view of San Francisco bay and from which that metropolis can be seen with the naked eye on a clear day, a distance of about fifty miles. Joseph F. Vorbe 630 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES died in June, 1896, well known and much respected, particularly among pioneers. After living the strenuous life for sixty years and being amply remuner- ated for his arduous toil, Ephrem Vorbe cast his lot with the retired men and settled down in Napa county, where with his daughter he resides on St. George ranch of seven hundred acres, enjoying the peace that is his due. Of this seven hundred acres, there is meadow and pasture land where from thirty to sixty head of cattle and horses are kept ; fifty acres are in vineyards, the wine being made in their own winery. Although essentially American, jVIr. Vorbe and family are all of the French Catholic faith. He has a pleasing- personality, and many of the sterner qualities that denote the man of char- acter, which have won for him the respect and admiration of a host of friends. CALVIN C. GRIFFITH. Well at the head of the roster of pioneers and influential early citizens of Napa valley stands the name of Calvin C. Griffith. He came to California at the early age of fifteen, in the year 1845, and from that time until his death, which occurred in 1907, he took an active part in the thrilling events which transformed this western country from the uncultivated state of the early days to its present prosperous condition. His were not only the hardships of wresting his livelihood from hitherto uncultivated soil, but he fought as well with the Indians and engaged in the Mexican war. The birth of Calvin C. Griffith took place in 1830, in Chatham county, N. C. ; he was the worthy son of worthy parents, his father being descended from an old Welsh family and his mother coming from an old English family, of the name of Rogers. His father, James A. Griffith, was the son of Mason Griffith, who served honorably in the Revolutionary war. In 1835 the' family moved to Macon county, Mo., and engaged in farming and stock-raising. Ten years later, in 1845, they started for Oregon. Their intended destina- tion was not reached, for, while en route, they met a man at Fort Hall, Mr. Greenwood by name, who so thrilled them with tales of the wealth and oppor- tunities of California that they were dissuaded from their original intentions, and left the Oregon trail, together with others of their party, to go to Cali- fornia, under the guidance of Mr. Greenwood. This was an historic party, it being the first successful train that brought wagons over the Sierra Ne- vadas, and included such men as Hudson, York, and many others now well known in the pioneer history of California. This train picked up the remnants of the Donner party and brought them from their perilous position in the mountain fastness. Johnson's ranch, the first point in the Sacramento valley, was reached October 17, 1845, and they immediately pushed on to Sutter's Fort to get a supply of fresh provisions. The Sacramento river was crossed on rafts on November 1st, and the Griffith family came to Napa valley, where the father rented a portion of the Yount ranch. The outbreak of the Mexican war shortly after, however, disturbed all plans, and the family was forced to take refuge at Sonoma, where they became a part of the famous Bear Flag party. The bravery and daring of the boy, which had become evident on the journey, now came to the forefront and he enlisted and became a volunteer under General Fremont and saw active service for one year. He was present at the occupation of Los Angeles and later at San Gabriel. In the spring of 1847 he Avas honorably discharged and returned to Sonoma. During the war he served first in the company commanded by Captain Hastings, and then was transferred at Monterey to that of Captain Sears and in the south to Captain Hudspeth. On returning to Sonoma Mr. Griffith engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing. After the murder of Kelsey Stone, Mr. Griffith and Ben Moore were HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 631 sent up to Clear Lake, in Lake county, to look after the cattle. There- they had some very exciting and thrilling adventures with the Indians who had committed this atrocious murder. Returning to Xapa valley in 1853. Mr. fifith fanned near St. Helena until 1856 and then went to Sonoma county, where he engaged in farming- until 1871. when he again returned to Napa valley and bought land near Rutherford. This property he sold in 1883 and purchased land on the eastern edge of the valley, where he and his family lived for many years. Here his demise occurred June 12. 1907. For four years he held the public office ^i roadmaster of District No. .6, having forty- five miles of road under his charge. Mr. Griffith was married September 6. 1855, to Miss Lydia Sensibaugh, of St. Helena, whose father was Col. Robert Sensibaugh, a pioneer of Cali- fornia, and whose mother was the daughter of Enoch Hudson, the father of the well-known family oi that name in Lake county. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith became parents of ten children, of whom five are living, as follows: Oliver C. ; Alice M.. Mrs. F. \V. Loeber ; Clara A.. Mrs. W. H. Taplin ; Albert G., and [esse. Mr. Griffith is survived by his widow, who makes her home in St. Helena, where she is surrounded by her children and grandchildren, as well as bv her many friends, who honor and love her for her amiable qualities and charitable deeds. HON. WALTER B. GRIFFITHS. The advent of an able and conscientious representative of the people is hailed with deep appreciation, for the injustice and dissatisfaction arising from the election of a self-centered and unscrupulous envoy has been felt by more than one helpless state. With direct legislation, however, the power of the people is indeed supreme, and it is to Mr. Griffiths, who by his earnest efforts was largely responsible for the passage of this protective measure, that the people of Napa county turn in gratitude and admiration. Traced back four generations, the ancestry of Mr. Griffiths reveals the fact that his great great grandfather was a large land owner of Wales, and a man far ahead of his time in both thought and action. An incident proving his progressive spirit occurred when, upon learning of an invention whereby the labor in his grain fields might be lightened, he secured a harvester which he attempted to use on his farm, but which, by the astounded and narrow- minded neighbors, who believed it to be an implement from the workshop of the Devil, was actually destroyed by fire, its owner being forced to gaze upon its ruin with a calm which he was far from feeling. Charles Griffiths, the son of this Welshman, was born in Michigan. When a young man he went into the steamboat business and for twenty-two years owned and operated passenger boats running from New Orleans to St. Louis. During the gold fever he sold out and came across the plains with mule teams, in 1850, locating in Sacramento, where he established a hotel which he conducted successfully for years. In connection with his hostelry he also conducted a bakery and confectionery store. He was also a shareholder in the first steamer that was built for the Sacramento river run. From Sacra- mento he moved to San Francisco. His death occurred in 1881. George W. Griffiths, the son of Charles and the father of Walter B. Grif- fiths, was born in Detroit. Mich., and came to California in 1851, when a young man. To him was granted the honor of reading the Declaration of Inde- pendence upon the occasion of the first Fourth of July celebration ever held in Sacramento. For a time he farmed in Sacramento county, whence he re- moved to the southern part of the state, where he and his sons successfully operated eight thousand acres, including land in the counties of Orange, Ven- tura and Los Angeles. Upon disposing of his interest he established in Covina 632 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the Griffiths Bros. Milling Company. In 1908 he relaxed his efforts in the busy world of commerce and retired to a small but highly improved ranch near Napa, where he now resides. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Moore, was also born in Michigan, and passed away several years ago at the family home in Fairview, Orange county, Cal. Her father, Charles Edwin Moore, a pioneer of Michigan, brought his family to Petaluma, Sonoma county, Cal., where he engaged in horticulture, later operating a stock ranch in San Benito county, and in 1908, at the age of eighty years, took up his residence in Hol- lister, Cal. Walter B. Griffiths was the youngest of five children and was born in Humboldt county, Cal., July 6, 1875. He received his education in the public schools, Cogswell College, San Francisco, and in Santa Ana Business College. In October, 1901, after disposing of his interests in Southern California, he located in Napa county, leasing the Coleman ranch of seven thousand acres, of which he planted twelve hundred acres to grain. He also owns several high grade horses and a number of cattle. In 1906 he purchased two hundred acres three miles from Napa, upon which he set out a prune orchard covering forty-two acres. Sub-dividing the ranch in ten and twenty-acre tracts, he sold it at a good profit, retaining sixty-two acres for a home place which he has since highly developed. In 1908 Napa county unanimously nominated Mr. Griffiths as a candi- date for the Assembly, to which he was elected by a heavy majority. The following year he served in the thirty-eighth as well as two special sessions, and in 1910, having been elected, entered service in the thirty-ninth session, serving in two extra sessions. Mr. Griffiths' earnest efforts in behalf of the people whom he was chosen to represent proved to them the wisdom of their selection. Largely through his influence the bill for the abolition of race tracks was passed. Also, as above mentioned, direct legislationists are indebted to Mr. Griffiths for his endeavors in behalf of the establishment of that measure. No man in the county has done more than he for public wel- fare, and his name throughout the state is synonymous with good government and high, manly principles. EDWARD F. HOGAN. The popular manager of the Napa Opera House, E. F. Hogan, is a native of Napa, his birth occurring in this city in 1870. He is a descendant of a family of pioneers, his father, Peter A. Hogan, having come here in 1865, and his mother, Nancy A. Crowey, is a daughter of George W. Crowey, who came into the valley in 1852, and was one of the first settlers. He ranched many years on the Napa Soda Springs road, and the old ranch is still owned by the family. Ed. F. Hogan has charge of the ranch of one thousand acres of as fine grazing land as can be found in the county, and on it there is a herd of two hundred and fifty cattle, as well as a vineyard. Educated in the Napa Collegiate Institute, he has grown into the progressive spirit of this place and is an active worker for its development and advancement. Mr. Hogan is the manager of the Napa Opera House, which was built by his grandfather Crowey in 1880 and is the largest as well as leading the- ater in the city. In 1909 he was elected city trustee of Napa for a four-year term, being elected from the fourth ward. A progressive man, he has always taken an active part in the politics of the county and country, and as a mem- ber of the Democratic central committee he has done much to forward the interests of the people of Napa county. He believes that the people should be the rulers of their country and that the moneyed class should not monop- olize the land or the industries of those who rightly deserve an interest in the same. Mr. Hogan is a member of Napa Lodge, B. P. O. E. Hj ' aX^i2V^ HISTORY OF SOLANO AND \ \r \ COUNTIES 635 AMBROSE BURNS HOLDRIDGE. \ well-known horticulturist of Solano is Ambrose B. Holdridge, who was born in New London county, Conn., in 1838, the son of Randol Holdridge, who served in the Mexican war. and his paternal grandfather was a participant in the warm' 1812. As a boy Mr. Holdridge received such educational advan tages as the time ami place afforded and at the age of fifteen he went to sea. ami during the eighteen months he was on board ship he fished extensively between Havana ami Key West. At eighteen years of age he left home permanently, subsequently embarking on a vessel destined for the Isthmus. Ins intention being to come to California. The vessel on which he came up the Pacific was very crowded, having about twenty-five hundred passengers on board and after a trip <>i twenty-one days the boat finally landed in San Francisco in 1858. Passengers had to pay 87 per day for room and board. \fter arriving in San Francisco Mr. Holdridge went to Sacramento and did odd jobs for a while and later drove a four-horse team for a freighter and also ran a threshing machine in Xapa valley and also the Sacramento valley. Saving his money he bought a team and commenced operations for himself, freighting between Sacramento and Auburn, Nevada City and Grass Valley. This he continued from 1858 until 1867. In the latter year he came to Dixon. and bought a quarter section of land for which he paid $5,500. and on which he now resides. He added to his original purchase until he owned seven and a half quarter sections in one body and lying about four miles from Dixon. However, he has given each of his children a farm and now has six quarter sections which he is operating, making a specialty of stock-raising and of raising grain and alfalfa. Mr. Holdridge was married in 1867 to Mary P. Hall, a native of New- York who came to California with her parents in 1853 across the plains. In 1854 they started on the return trip east on the Yankee Blade, which was wrecked, after which they determined to remain in California. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holdridge. Richard A., Ida M. and Mary Maud. Richard A., a farmer near Dixon, married Anna Brown; Ida M. became the wife of C. Collier, a farmer near Dixon ; Mary Maud is the wife of Robert Collier, and they reside at Tremont. Politically Mr. Holdridge is a Republi- can. He is proud of the fact that his first vote was cast in favor of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has voted in twelve presidential elections. Mr. Hold- ridge makes the statement that he has been off his ranch for only one month during the last forty-five years and he considers his present surroundings practically ideal. The family was bereaved by the death of the wife and mother March 1. 1899, husband and children as well as her many friends deeply mourning her loss. TAMPS ST. CLAIR GARNETT. One of the prominent pioneers of California was James S. Garnett, and a perusal of his life shows much of interest in connection with the early days in this state. He came to California in the days when the trip across the continent was beset with dangers and perils and when life west of the Rockies was full of hardship and struggle. Realizing this, and yet undaunted, he sought to make his fortune here and preferred a rugged life to one of more and luxury. That he possessed those inherent qualities and character- istics which count for success under such conditions is eminently proven. Mr. Garnett was born in Ralls county. Mo.. May 23. 1831. His father. James Richard Garnett. was a native of Kentucky.' and his mother, Eliza (Parker i Garnett. of Missouri, lie spent his early boyhood attending the public schools of his native state and working during the vacation seasons 636 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES on the farm. Thus he attained manhood, and by industry and thrift saved his earnings, as he was ambitious to succeed and realized the value of money in any undertaking. Being enterprising and daring he was glad to take the trip across the country to California, driving cattle across the plains and moun- tains, when his half-brother, W. T. Cleaver, gave him this opportunity. Mr. Cleaver had come to California in 1849 and engaged in mining with fair success. Seeing the other resources of this country, he decided to go into the stock business and after purchasing some cattle in Salt Lake City, drove them to California, selling them out in the fall of 1851. Thereafter he re- turned to Missouri, purchased four hundred head of cattle, and offered Mr. Garnett what appeared to the young man to be a fabulous sum to help drive them across the plains in the spring and summer of 1852. Their first stopping place was at the present site of Silveyville. At that early date not a tree was to be found in that neighborhood, but the land was excellent for grazing purposes and one frequently saw large numbers of antelope grazing there. Elk were also numerous and the hills abounded with deer and bear. For eighteen months after his arrival Mr. Garnett worked for Mr. Cleaver for $50 per month. At the end of that time, having accumulated $1,600, he purchased one-half interest in his half-brother's herd of cattle, giving his note for $8,000. He then pre-empted a claim of govern- ment land and as the business prospered he made additional purchases until he acquired six hundred and forty acres more. Later on he added to this until he was the owner of about fifty-two hundred and forty acres, besides owning farms in Glenn, Colusa, Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. The first winter spent on his land was a rough one and they endured many inconveniences and hardships. Purchasing lumber in Sacramento, they hauled it out to the claim and erected a shanty ten feet square, in which the stored barley to sow when the season opened. The many discomforts of pioneer life were endured cheerfully, for with keen foresight Mr. Garnett could see great possibilities for the future. His most sanguine hopes were realized, but not without misfortune, as he with others lost heavily in the great drought of 1864. Undaunted, in time he built many substantial build- ings on his ranch, planted shade and fruit trees and turned his attention to raising grain. One season alone Mr. McCune and Mr. Garnett threshed eighteen thousand five hundred sacks from one thousand acres of land, and their barley yielded about fifty bushels to the acre. Mr. Garnett further im- proved his property by fencing in all the land and subsequently went into the sheep business with Senator H. E. McCune, and together they raised from two to three thousand lambs per season. He also raised the best breeds of cattle, horses and mules. He was associated with Senator McCune in stock raising and many business enterprises from the early '60s until the time of his death. He was one of the organizers of the Bank of Dixon in 1873 and served as a director until his death. Mr. Garnett was united in marriage with Miss Margaret E. Marksbury, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of John and Mary Neat (Rice) Marks- bury. Her parents were both natives of Kentucky and descended from Ger- man and Irish ancestry. When Mrs. Garnett was in her eighth year the family moved to Missouri and her home continued to be in that state until she attained the age of fourteen, when she came to California with her aunt, Mrs. H. E. McCune. She was persuaded to remain, and some time later married Mr. Garnett. Great credit is due her on account of her able assistance in furthering the interests of her husband, as well as in the rearing of a family of nine children. Barbara A., now deceased, married J. Sweany and left one child, John B.; Hagar E. married Horace P. Tate and has one child. Neat; William H. married Kate Miller and has two children, lone and Catherine; James R. married Minnie Doty and they have six children, Frank, Gladys, HISTORY OF SOI. \\o AND NAPA COUNTIES 637 Rena, fohn, Raymer and Margaret; J. Neat married Eva ECeeran and has one daughter, Ida May; [da L. married William Foster; Mary St. Clair married Dr. William F. Cheney and they have three children. Fitch. Garnett and Margaret; Margaret T. is deceased; Muscoe S.. now deceased, married Irma Green, who became the mother of one child. Janus St. Clair. In fraternal circles Mr. Garnett was a Mason, a member of Silveyville Lodge No. 201, 1 •'. & A. M.. and Dixon Chapter, R. A. M., and with his wife was a member of the Eastern Star. Politically Mr. Garnett was an unswerv- ing Democrat, but never sought office, though he was elected by his party as a candidate tor state senator. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Garnett retired from farm life and purchased the Dr. Gordon residence in Dixon, where they re- sided until the close ^\ their useful and active lives. This residence is sur- rounded by well kept grounds and is one of the attractive places in Dixon. Mr. Garnett's demise occurred in February. 1909, his wife having died about one year previously. JOHN L. ROWLEY. Although a young man with many years before him, John L. Rowley has already shown himself capable of achieving success from the way he has managed his ranch. He is a native of Capell valley. Napa county, born Sep- tember 27. 1874. a son of George W. and Martha H. (Loftis) Rowley. The former came to California via the Isthmus in 1860, and the latter, a native of Arkansas, came with her parents across the plains while an infant, the family locating in Solano county. John L. Rowley has one sister, Lily R.. the wife of L. C. Carden. a native of Tennessee: with their two children, Merle W. and Loleta. they reside in Oakland. In 1909 Mr. Rowley bought the old place of his parents, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres, of which sixty-five acres are under cultivation, four acres in alfalfa and the balance in hay and pasture. He keeps a few cattle and horses for domestic use. Mr. Rowley married Orinda Sprague, a native of Maine, and they have one daughter, Lilian O. Politically he is .a Republican. GLTDO MARSILI. Probably one of the most productive fruit ranches is that managed by Guido Marsili. called the Goldstein ranch, on the Dry Creek road. But the fertility of the soil and the suitability of the climate would not count for very much if he did not exert his best efforts to assist nature in the production of fruit and grapes. To make a ranch of this size pay, requires not only hard work, but also brains of the best quality and a love of the life in the out-of- doors. Mr. Marsili possesses all these qualities, and it was expected that he would succeed when he first undertook the lease of the ranch. Guido Marsili was born in San Francisco, in the year 1878, a son of Joseph Marsili, who came to California in the early days, making the long and trying trip around the Horn to San Francisco. For many years Joseph Marsili ran a draying business there and he is now living retired in that city. His son. Guido Marsili, assisted him. after receiving his education in his native place, and then in 1899 the young man came to Napa county, where he worked in the fruit business for two years, returning to San Francisco at the end of this time. Not satisfied with life in the city he returned to Napa county in 1908 and rented the Goldstein ranch of four hundred and thirty acres, one of the largest and most productive ranches in the county, which he operated until November 1. Y)\\. when his father took a lease and now our 638 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES subject is managing the place for him. The ranch contains forty acres of apples, forty acres of French prunes, seventy-five acres of peaches, ten acres of Japanese plums, forty acres of pears, twenty acres of egg and goldendrop plums and one acre each of quinces and almonds. The balance is devoted to raising grain ; the best red oat hay in the valley being raised on his ranch. There are also several fine springs on the place. Mr. Marsili was married in San Francisco in 1904 to Josephine Gallieaz- zie, a native of France, and they have two children, Rose and Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Marsili are among the most progressive people of the valley and are well esteemed and respected by all who know them. JOHN HEIN. Of German birth and parentage, Mr. Hein was born in Prussia in 1831. When he was twelve years of age he came with his parents to the United States, the family settling in Chicago. When he had resided there ten years, in 1852 Mr. Hein started for California. He set sail on the vessel Tennessee, which was wrecked off the coast of California, but the passengers were all safely landed and Mr. Hein remained in the state for several years. In 1856 he went to Minnesota and engaged in the trade of plumber and tinner, and for ten years he made his home in Carver, that state. Mr. Hein's. first marriage occurred in Minnesota and two children were born, Elizabeth and Peter J., both of Napa. Mr. Hein's second marriage was with Sophia Falkum, and in 1866 he and his wife came to Napa, Cal., where he engaged in the hardware business. Mrs. Sophia Hein passed away in Napa, leaving two children, as follows: George A., a musician in the United States army, and Charles, a resident of San Francisco. In 1869 Mr. Hein returned to Minnesota and was married in Traverse de Sioux to Miss Kate Herkelrath, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, the daughter of John and Barbara (Baum) Herkelrath, who came to the United States in 1848 and settled in Belleville, 111. From there they went to Minnesota in 1855, and in the schools of that state Mrs. Hein was educated, and later taught school for some years. She recalls experiences of the Sioux massacre, when the Indians massacred and killed about five hundred of the citizens. Of the nine children born of Mr. Hein's third marriage two died in infancy and of the others we mention the following: Frederick A., a builder in Napa, married Nellie Maynard ; Mark H., also a resident of Napa, married Jessie Peiratte ; John H. resides in Browns valley; Benjamin F. in Napa; William R. and Mayme are deceased; and Katrina is a bookkeeper in San Francisco. Mr. Hein purchased a tract of timber land in the redwoods consisting of three hundred and eighty acres opposite Castle Rock. After clearing and im- proving the place he set out an orchard and vineyard and resided on the place until he returned to Napa, and here his death occurred March 29, 1906. In her own right the widow owns a ranch of two hundred and fifty-five acres in the Napa redwoods, on the Browns valley road, about ten miles from Napa. This place is well improved with buildings, vineyards and orchards, and some of the land is in grain. Mrs. Hein now resides in Napa, where she is sur- rounded by her children and many friends, who esteem her for her many acts of charity and kindness and her many virtues. Mr. Hein was a public-spirited man, supporting such movements as made for the betterment of the community. He served for a number of years as school trustee, and earlier in life, during his residence in Minnesota, he acted in the capacity of road supervisor for several terms. Politically he was affil- iated with the Democratic party, firmly adhering to its tenets and principles. edwin a. Mc-donald HISTORY OF SOL \\'< I A.ND NAPA COUNTIES 641 EDW l\ AUGUSTUS McDl >NALD. True devotion to duty springs from the qualities of courage and unself ishness, united with a conscientious endeavor to remain al all cost faithful to the charges committed to one's keeping. Loyal to his country, unto the end, the memory <>\ Edwin McDonald, who passed away in 1885, will not soon be forgotten l>y the many who appreciate his life's service. Horn in Brooklyn, X. Y.. in 1838, he was a son of John S. McDonald, who in early days served in the Tinted States navy as commodore's secretary, taking part in the War t>i 1812. Upon the completion of his education the son became an apprentice in the navy, later serving in the Civil war. In 1861 he was ap- pointed gunner by President Lincoln and in July of the same year he went out on the U. S. S. Louisiana from the Philadelphia navy yard, taking part in the Burnside expedition, and also having charge ^i ordnance in the sounds of North Carolina during the war. After the assassination of Lincoln he re- turned to the Brooklyn navy yard and in February, 1866, was transferred to the Mare Island navy yard. Here he had charge ^\ the magazine until ordered to sea in 1869. Returning after three years to Mare Island he resumed his position, his death taking place by accidental drowning in San Pablo bay in June, 1885. During his career he had many times narrowly escaped death and had saved many lives from the fate which in the end became his. Mr. McDonald was married in Rrooklyn, X. V.. in 1860, to Miss Letitia igrove oi that city. In I860 she joined her husband at Mare Island, but throughout their lives was forced to spend many weary months alone, com- forted by her children and the hope that some day. somewhere, their lost husband and father would be restored to them. At the time of his death she bravely bore up under the deep affliction, and has since quietly resided at her home in Vallejo. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McDonald: Edwin, who passed away in San Francisco at the age of thirty years; Eva M.. now Mrs. George Demmon of Vallejo; and Letitia A., who became the wife ^\ W. II. Edwards of Yacaville. Mr. McDonald was a member of Solano Lodge No. 229. F. & A. M.. and as a Republican was deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the nation. For the past forty years Mrs. McDonald has been an active member of Silver Star Chapter No. 3, O. E. S.. and is also a member of the Episcopal Church. HON. FRANK R. DEVLIN. The legal profession has an efficient representative in Frank R. Devlin of Vallejo. whose high position at the bar of California proves beyond ques- tion that he has made no mistake in the choice of a profession. A native of Canada, he was born in Windsor. Ontario, October 27, 1867, the son of Charles M. and Mary (Cotter) Devlin, the father following the occupation of locomo- tive engineer on various railroads in Canada until his death. Soon afterward, in 1870. the widow came to California with her family of five small children! locating with them in Vallejo, which has been her home ever since. As indic- ative of the superior character of the mother of these children, it may be said that while she was left with very limited means, and with her children young and uneducated, she made it her one object in life to educate them creditably and fit them by precept and example to meet the responsibilities of life which must come to them. In the public schools of Vallejo Frank R. Devlin received his first insight into books, and later, at the age of sixteen years, he graduated from the high school with the class of 1884. Even at this early age he had shown a prefer- ence for the study of law, but not seeing his way clear, and beins? desirous to 30 & 642 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES see something of the world and to save money so that he could study law, he enlisted in the United States navy, in which he held clerical positions for about six years. Under Captain Clark he was first assigned to duty on the survey ship Ranger, and later was transferred to the Dolphin as pay yeoman, under Paymaster J. H. Chapman. The Dolphin set sail for a trip around the world, the voyage consuming eleven months, during which time she entered many of the well-known ports of the world. Probably none of the crew prof- ited by the experience more than did Mr. Devlin, who made much of the op- portunity to study the customs of the various countries visited. His ship duties and the studies just mentioned left him little time for the perusal of his law books, but nevertheless the wider knowledge of men and affairs which he was gaining in the meantime was even of more importance to him ultimately than would have been his knowledge of the law without this practical experi- ence. At the end of his term of enlistment in the navy Mr. Devlin returned to California and took up the study of law in earnest in the law office of Hon. Henry Gesford in Napa, where he was admitted to the bar August 8, 1893. Equipped with his diploma and a thorough grounding in the profession which he had chosen for his life work, he went to Fairfield and opened an office, and from the first his ability was recognized and appreciated at its full worth. The year after locating in Fairfield he was honored with election to the office of district attorney by the Republican constituency, and the flattering major- ity which he received was ample evidence of the regard in which he was held by his fellow citizens. Knowing the honorable and straightforward charac- ter of the man from his earliest years, it is unnecessary to state that he acquit- ted himself nobly and honorably, and at the close of his first term of four years he was continued in the position by re-election. A third term was offered and urged upon him, but a desire to devote his time and efforts to his private practice made it necessary to decline the honor. The concentration of his abilities to private interests resulted in the building up of a large and lucra- tive practice, no one in Solano county claiming a larger or more influential clientele. It must not be inferred that Mr. Devlin withdrew his interest in the world about him in his retirement to private practice. On the contrary he was an active participant in all measures for the upbuilding of the town, county and state, and no citizen can be found who is more loyal to their interests. As an evidence of the regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens it is only necessary to mention the many offices which they have chosen him to fill as their representative. He was elected and served in the state legislature as a member of the assembly in the thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh sessions, during the years 1905 and 1907, and two special sessions during this period. In November, 1908, he was elected superior judge of Solano county, taking office in January, 1909. This was probably the first time in the history of the state when a man was unanimously elected to this position for the first term. On account of the pressure of his practice, however, he was obliged to resign the judgeship. He was also the first state president of the Lincoln-Roosevelt League of Republican Clubs, the progressive element of the Republican party, and was chairman of the State Republican Convention held at San Francisco in the fall of 1910, this being the first state convention held after the adoption of the direct primary. At the present time he is a member of the state execu- tive committee of the Republican state central committee, and is the leading candidate in his district for the Republican nomination as member of congress. For over ten years, or from the date of its organization, he was president of the Chamber of Commerce, and much of the prosperity of the city is due directly to the guidance of this organization. He is also a director and vice- president of the First National Bank of Vallejo, while fraternally he is iden- HISTORY OF SOLANO \M> NAPA COUNTIES 643 tified with the Benevolenl and Protective Order of Elks, in which body he was the first exalted ruler of Vallejo Lodge No. 559, and was district deputy grand exalted ruler for northern California during tin' year 1 ( H)5. On June 11. l l) 02. a marriage ceremony united the lives of Frank R. Devlin and Agnes G. Erb, the daughter of the late John Erb of Napa. Three daughters have been horn of this marriage, as follows: Dorothy Ruth, eight years old : Doris Agnes, six: and Marion Erb, two years old. Mr. Devlin is one of the most widely known men in his community and his many sterling traits of character have won him a host of friends. WILL] \M KIMBALL HOYT. At least three centuries of American history have witnessed the identifi- cation of the Iloyt family therewith and the twentieth-century representatives oi the race exhibit the same devotion to duty and the same loyalty to country that characterized their progenitors of the eighteenth and nineteenth cen- turies. Xew England was the early home of the family. Micah Iloyt, born in Xew Hampshire in 1800. was the first of the name to leave that section of the country and he went no further west than the state of Xew York, where he died ^i heart failure at the age of forty-eighrt years. Surviving him until she had attained the age of seventy years was his wife. Jane West Page, a member ^i an eastern family, and a native of Fairfield. Vt.. where her son, William K.. was born August 7. 182°, and where he received a grammar- school education. At the age of sixteen years he accompanied the family to Xew York, spending three years in the city of that name and six years in the state, and meanwhile attending the Mechanics high school, Xew York City, also helping his father in a drug store and working in a law office. Later he traveled on the road through Xew Jersey, Connecticut, Canada and Xew York, after which for two years he took charge of a farm for an uncle and then took a course of study in the academy at Galway, Saratoga county, X. Y. December 26, 1851, he took passage on a vessel bound from Xew York for Panama and thence sailed up the Pacific ocean to San Francisco, where he landed February 3. 1852. On the following day he proceeded to Sacra- mento. Soon afterward he was taken seriously ill and it was not until four months later that he was able to ride again. After a service of two months as cook at a camp Mr. Hoyt engaged in placer mining on Spring flat in the fall of 1852 and located a mineral claim of two hundred acres, where he remained until the fall of 1859. From there he removed to Suisun, Solano county, and embarked in butchering. During the fall of 1863 he sold the meat market and went to the Savage mines at Austin. Xew. where the output of silver was sufficiently large to induce him to remain for two years. While there he voted for the new state constitution. On his return to Suisun in the autumn of 1865 he resumed management of his property at this place and in 1866 became superintendent of the Fairfield and Suisun water works. Two years later he resigned the position to devote his time to his grocery business at Suisun, where he continued in business for nine years. His next line of labor was as a carpenter in the erection of county bridges and similar work. After one year as the proprietor of a meat market he was elected county treasurer and tax collector, which positions he filled from 1880 until 1887. During several years spent in the state of Washington as a rancher Mr. Hoyt acquired a claim aggregating between eight hundred and one thousand acres of land and there he engaged in raising horses and cattle. While in Washington it became a state and he voted for the state constitution. Selling out in 180.3. he returned to California and settled at Fairfield, where he still 644 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES makes his home. During the year of his return he bought the Suisun and Fairfield water works and operated the plant for some time. In 1906 he was elected justice of the peace and at the expiration of his time in 1910 he was re-elected to the office, which he fills with impartiality and ability. Mrs. Hoyt, whom he married in 1859, was Miss H. Elizabeth Hoyt, a native of Canada and a resident of California from the age of thirteen years until her death, March 25, 1906, at the family residence in Fairfield. For many years she taught in the Suisun schools and for the last seven years was principal of the Crystal school in that city. A woman of splendid mind and excellent education, she possessed unusual linguistic ability and was able to write and converse in French, German and Spanish, besides having a knowledge of the French classics attained by few of even the most learned educators. As early as 1851 Mr. Hoyt became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Saratoga county, N. Y., and now he holds membership with Suisun Lodge, in which he has passed all of the chairs, and is one of the oldest surviving members of the order. In addition he is a pioneer Mason, now belonging to Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M., and holding the master's degree since 1857, also the chapter degree for the same period. During 1882 he received the commandery degree and at present is officially connected with Vacaville Commandery, K. T. For about ten years he has served as a trustee of the school and as clerk of the board, in which capacity he has aided in pro- moting the welfare of the local schools. Other movements for the common welfare have received his enthusiastic support. To the limit of his financial ability he has stood ready to help progressive projects. His means and influ- ence have been used for the upbuilding of the community in which he long has been an honored citizen. HANS C. HANSEN. A native of Denmark, Hans C. Hansen was born at Eastbjorg, Jolland, June 22, 1868. With a knowledge of farming as conducted there, he came to America at the age of twenty-three and sought to adapt his knowledge in his new surroundings. On arriving in the United States in 1892 he came to California and located on the Brownlee ranch, Soscol district, Napa county, working for wages until he was able to rent the ranch for himself. For five years he rented this well-known ranch and cultivated the seven hun- dred acres in grain and raised a little stock. Going to Carneros creek he rented different ranches in that section, operating them successfully by using general farming methods, and in 1905 he rented his present place of four hundred acres on the Old Hill ranch in Soscol district. In addition to cultivating this place he farms another ranch of one hundred acres in the vicinity, growing wheat, oats and barley, and raising a few cattle, sheep and horses. He also has more than one hundred hogs. Mr. Hansen is a member of Napa Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was married in March, 1903, to Miss Emma Nelson, a native of Cali- fornia, born in Mendocino county, and they have two children, Norman and Russell. FREDERICK C. MALKMES. Careful attention to detail and unswerving honesty have won for F. C. Malkmes the distinction of being the only man to make a success of the laun- dry business in Vacaville. Others had tried, only to fail, and it remained for Mr. Malkmes to show the possibilities of untiring energy and sagacious judg- ment in this particular vocation. He was born of German ancestry, in New York state in 1875 and received his education in the public and high schools of Q>v. (A.CtaduA/ HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 647 the same state. Until he was twentj one years old he remained under the parental roof ami here he learned the habits and persistenl industry so char- acteristic of the Teutonic race. To such training, in no small way, may be attributed his presenl success. At the age of twenty one he engaged in com- mercial pursuits and a few years later he came to California ami opened up a laundry business for himself. In 1903 he came t" Vacaville ami established his present business, which ha- grown so that now his wagons may he seen goiiii; all over the country. In the same year that he came to Vacaville. 1903, Mr. Malkmes married Mi>s Grace Couch, a native ^\ England. .Mr. Malkmes' parents never came to California. His father is dead and his mother is enjoying the twilight of life at the age of seventy-two years. Fraternally Mr. Malkmes is a member of the Odd Fellows oi Vacaville. the Woodmen of the World, the Red Men, and the Eagles. Politically he is a believer in the principles of Socialism, \- a man he is honored and respected, and his employes, nine in number, speak in the highest terms of his treatment of them. A B PARKER. Among the more prosperous ranchers of Solano county mention must be made of A B Parker, who for a number of years has contested his right to wrest from the soil a living by the sweat of his brow. He was born in Parkerville. Morris county, Kans., May 28. 1871. and since he was three years ^i age lias been a resident of California, arriving in Elmira, Solano county, May 1(>. 1874. llis father. Drury Parker, was born in Parkersburg, Lee county. Va., November 16. 1830. Two of his brothers were Union soldiers, and one served in the Confederate army. Of the nine children born to his parents he is the only one living. Near Xashville, Tenn., he was married to Rachel Xipper. a native of Strawberry Plains. Tenn.. born in 1835, and eleven children were born of their union, as follows: Jane, deceased; William T., of Fairfield; James A., of San Francisco; Margaret, Mrs. Harvey C. Tillot- son, ^i Xapa; Fletcher S.. of Xapa; Alice Lee, Mrs. John Pedersen, also of Napa; Arthur C. of Dixon: Drury B.. of Oakland; A B ; C D of Dixon; and Walter F.. of Yallejo. After many years of successful farming in Solano county. Drury Parker removed to Xapa. where with his wife he now lives retired. After completing his common-school education. A B Parker attended Heald's Business College in San Francisco, after which for three and one- half years he followed street railroading in Oakland, during which time he was instrumental in organizing the Oakland Street-car Men's Social and Benevolent Society, acting as chairman of the committee that drafted its by-laws and constitution. This order eventually grew into the Oakland Street Railway Union, increasing the street car man's wages from nineteen t" forty cents an hour. He then turned his attention to agriculture. Later a- foreman of his father's ranch he successfully carried on its extensive farm- ing and dairying interests for a number of years, the ranch lying three and a half miles south of Elmira. Subsequently he began farming for himself, now residing on his place of one thousand acres five miles east of Elmira. in addition to which he also leases six hundred and forty acres more, thus having under his control sixteen hundred acres devoted to grain and stock-raising. He is especially interested in the breeding of Percheron horses and mules. I [e is secretary of the Elmira Breeders' Association that own the celebrated jack- Black fohn : and is al>o secretary of the Elmira Percheron Horse Company that owns Charbonnier. a black Percheron stallion imported from France. Mr. Parker i< also engaged in rai-ing merino sheep, usually averaging about 648 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES one thousand head. In gathering his large grain crops he uses a combined harvester. In April, 1895, at Binghampton, Solano county, Mr. Parker was married to Lillian M. Brown, a native of Binghampton and the daughter of Jackson Fay and Elizabeth M. (Hopkins) Brown, natives of Vermont. They came to California about 1856, before their marriage, and were united in Petaluma. Mr. Brown was engaged in the dairy business in Marin county until he came to Solano county and began farming on one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land. From that beginning he accumulated a large property and became one of the most successful farmers in the vicinity. He served as county assessor, supervisor and member of the assembly and refused nomination for state senator. He died in April, 1910, at the age of seventy-five years. His widow is still living on the old home place at the age of seventy-four years. Mrs. Parker was eduacted at Napa College. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Ernest Fay, Dorothy May and Laurence Brown. Mr. Parker is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and the Woodmen of the World, and politically he is a Prohibitionist. DONALD MUNRO. A man of singular force of will, tenacity of purpose and strength of char- acter, Donald Munro has put his native qualities to good use, as will be seen by a perusal of the events that make up his life. He is a descendant of Scotch ancestors through his paternal grandfather, also Donald Munro, who was born in Ross-shire, Scotland, and upon coming to the new world settled in the sea- port town of Pictou, Nova Scotia. In his native land he had learned the black- smith's trade, and this proved his principal stock in trade when he came as a stranger to make his home in a new country. He readily found work along the line of his training, and this he followed for a livelihood as long as he lived. Among the children in his family was a son Hugh, who was born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, and who took up the occupation which his father had followed so successfully all of his life. The father followed the blacksmith's trade in Pictou for many years, but ultimately removed to Boston, Mass., and con- tinued in the business there until coming to California in 1875. Locating in San Rafael, Marin county, he readily found work awaiting him at his trade, and after continuing there for about six years, was sent to Honolulu in the interests of the Hawaiian government, having charge of the blacksmith work for the Marine Railway, which was afterward taken over by Wilder & Co. This and other similar positions made it expedient for him to remain on the islands for twenty years, after which he returned to California and his last days were passed in Chico, Butte county. At the time of his death he was seventy-seven years of age. At the time of the Civil war he was living in Boston and rendered capable service to his adopted country as quarterman blacksmith of the Boston navy yard. His wife, formerly Margaret Talbot, was also a native of Pictou, Nova Scotia, and was the daughter of William Talbot, a native of Scotland, who as a shipwright followed his trade in his native land and also in Pictou, where he later located. Mrs. Margaret Munro passed away in Bolinas, Cal., in 1878. She became the mother of nine children, but of these only two are now living, Donald, and Mrs. F. H. Miller, of Los Angeles. Donald Munro calls to mind his early boyhood home in Pictou, Nova Scotia, where he was born January 17, 1867. and also his later home in Boston, Mass., where he attended school until he was nine years old. Removal at this age to California broke in upon his studies to some extent, but he readily adjusted himself to his new surroundings and continued his studies in the public schools of Bolinas, Marin county. Immediately following the close of his school days he apprenticed himself to learn the blacksmith's trade under HISTORY OF SOL. \\o AND NAPA O H" XT I PS his father, bul before completing his time he left home abruptly for Honolulu, boarding the old Suez bound For thai porl in < )ctober, 1880, when he was aboul thirteen years old. He landed there after experiencing a rough voyage, only to be confronted with the trying experience of finding himself among strangers without funds. The inconvenience was relieved during his firsl day in Hono lulu, however, for he immediately found employment in the carriage shop of (i. West & Co., where his initial knowledge of the blacksmith's trade was put to good use, and during the eighteen months he remained with this employer ho completed his apprenticeship. At the end of the time mentioned he returned t<> California, and at various centers throughout the state he worked at his trade for the Southern Pacific Railroad and other large corporations. In 1887 Mr. Munro accepted Ids first position in the employ ><\ the govern- ment, this being at the Presidio at San Francisco, in the capacity of chief farrier hi the quartermaster department, U. S. A. Two years later he came to Vallejo and ever since then. 1889, has been connected witli the Mare Island navy yard in one capacity or another, in fact has risen to one of the most responsible offices connected with the enterprise. In 1902 he was appointed master shipsmith o\ the Cavite naval station in the Philippine Islands, and during the two years and a half that he remained there he equipped the black- smith department and put it in good working order hefore leaving it to be maintained by others. Returning to Mare Island, he continued as a mechanic there until 1905, when by competitive examination he was appointed foreman blacksmith in the Steam Engineering department. He held this position until the consolidation of all of the departments in February, 1909. when he took the examination and secured the appointment as master shipsmith in the con- solidated departments, a position which he still holds and one which consumes all of his time. Mr Munro has a pleasant home at No. 836 Virginia street, Vallejo. which he erected to suit his own needs, and which is presided over by his wife, whom he married in Oakland. She was formerly Miss May E. Galvin, a native of Cambridge. Mass. Two children were born of this marriage. Burnett H.. who is now serving his apprenticeship as a machinist in the navy yard, and Eppy Ross, a graduate of the Vallejo high school and now a student in the San Francisco state normal school. Notwithstanding the strenuous duties that claim Mr. Munro's time, he is still one of the town's most active and enterpris- ing citizens, as was shown in October, 1910, when he was elected a member of the board of freeholders and was made vice-president of the body. Being a firm believer in placing the power of the government in the hands of the people, the call to office made a special appeal to him and he was more than gratified to see hi- loved home city pass from the old to the new commission form of control. As a stanch Republican he has been chosen a member of the county central committee of that party on a number of occasions. Fraternallv he is a member of Naval Lodge No. 87. F. & A. M.. of which he is past master, and is also a member of Naval Chanter No. 35. R. A. M., his membership in the latter having been transferred from Keystone Chapter. Shanghai. China. He is also a member and past grand of Golden State Lodge No. 21r>. I. O. O. P., and a member of Samoset Tribe. [. O. R. M.. and Court Solano, [. O. F. JO I IX WESLEY HARTZELL. A career of unprecedented activity having its inception in railroad build iiiLi in Illinois and Kansas and reaching a climax in similar enterprises on the Pacific coast was brought to a sudden close almost simultaneously with the great fire at San Francisco, the shock of that catastrophe with its subsequent unparalleled losses being indeed the chief cause of the stroke of apoplexy 650 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES eventually ending the life of John Wesley Hartzell, a man of superior ability and remarkable insight into all details connected with the construction of rail- roads. Among his contemporaries he was regarded as the possessor of a keen analytical mind which reasoned quickly and logically and arrived at conclu- sions that subsequent study seldom reversed. Experience coupled with sound judgment gave him a grasp of construction work held by few and the senti- ment of people associated with him along the line of his specialties unitedly bestowed upon him a foremost place in his county and commonwealth. Born in 1838 in Moline, 111., and educated in the schools of his native city, Mr. Hartzell earned his first money as a school teacher, but in young manhood he drifted into railroad building and ever afterward he devoted his splendid energies to that work. To him belongs the distinction of being the pioneer builder of street-car lines in the state of Kansas. The first road which he built was in Topeka, and he was also identified with other enterprises for the upbuilding of that place. Later he built the railroad at Wichita and while making his home in that city he built a road at Emporia, same state, also at Carthage, Mo., after which he built the Moline and Rock Island road. These important enterprises received capable assistance from his wife, whom he had married in 1883 and who was Mrs. Jennie R. Walling, a lady of recognized ability. She was born near Troy, Miami county, Ohio, the daughter of Andrew J. and Mary (Cecil) Ryan, both descendants of old Virginia families. The father was a large and prominent land owner and a breeder of fine stock. His later years were passed in Topeka. Kan., where he died, and his wife died in Galveston, Tex. Their daughter, Mrs. Hartzell, was educated in Ohio Wesleyan Female Seminary, at Delaware, Ohio. Her first marriage united her with Barnard P. Walling, who though born in Holland was reared in Albany, N. Y. He served creditably in the Civil war in the Ninety-first New York Volunteers. Subsequently he became a prominent horticulturist and stock-raiser in Lawrence, Kan. His death occurred in Philadelphia dur- ing the time of the Centennial, being the result of a street railroad accident. One child was born of this marriage, now Mrs. Grace Plartzell Britton of Berkeley, Cal. Mrs. Hartzell still owns considerable property in Vallejo Heights that has been passed upon by experts as very valuable oil land, and it is hoped this will prove to be a fact, as it would mean a great boon to Solano and Napa counties. ' Coming to California in 1889 Mr. Hartzell built the railroad from San Francisco to San Mateo, and on the completion of the road, forced the cable roads to exchange transfers with his line, thereby greatly benefiting the working people. One of his earliest and most important labors was the secur- ing of the passage of a bill by the state legislature whereby it became legal to use electricity as the motive power in the construction of street railroads in California, thereby affording a satisfactory substitute for the old cable system. An important enterprise by Mr. Hartzell was the building, at a cost of $80,000, of the levee at Stockton, but when about ready to construct the connecting link between Stockton and Santa Fe the entire contract was seized by another party, cutting him off from all profits. For two years after this unfortunate affair he remained out of business, but at the expiration of that time he removed to Vallejo and with others organized a company that pur- chased a large ranch. Under his oversight the land was divided into town lots and was named Vallejo Heights, which today forms a popular and well- populated section of the city. The last undertaking which engaged the attention of Mr. Hartzell was the promoting of the San Francisco, Vallejo & Napa Valley Railroad. In this he had progressed to such an extent that a franchise had been secured extending the right of way to Lake county and French capital had been promised to finance the work. Just then came the unfortunate fire at San HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 653 Francisco, April 18, 1906; and this rendered the Foreign investors timid con- cerning the safety of their capital on the coast, so the pledge was withdrawn. In addition all contracts and papers pertaining to the new road were destroyed in the tire. The shock proved too greal for the physical endurance of Mr. Han/ell and lie suffered a stroke of apoplexy, which in connection with an injury from accident, ultimately caused his death December 6 of the Same year." Mis business affairs were left in a chaotic condition, hut his wife with ready -kill and keen intelligence took hold of the estate, paid all obligations, Settled all outstanding matters and closed OU1 all contracts, thus hem- able to retain for herself what otherwise would have been hopelessly lost and at the same time leaving no indebtedness to shadow the memory of her talented husband. C I) PARKER. In the life ^i C D Parker, a resident of Binghampton, Solano county, we have an excellent example of achievement as a result of earnest work and sincere endeavor. Mr. Parker is classed among the most prosperous ranchers in Solano county and in every sense of the word may he said to be a worthy son of his noble' father. Drury Parker. C D Parker was born in Parkerville, Morris county, Kans.. May 2$. 1871, but his recollections of the corn state are meager lor the annals of the family history tell us that, in company with his parents, he left there when he was three years old. and came to Elmira. Cal., in 1874. He is the son of Drury and Rachel (Xipper) Parker, wdio now reside in Xana. where, on November 29; 1003. they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Of their eleven children, C D and his twin brother A B (who is represented elsewhere in this volume) are next to the youngest in the family. CD Parker was reared and educated in the vicinity of Elmira and completed his studies at Heald's Business College at San Francisco. Graduating in 18^1. he then began farming, which business he has followed ever since. Fight miles south of Dixon he has a ranch of one thousand acres devoted to grain and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of raising Merino and Shrop- shire sheep and Percheron horses, and is interested in the Elmira Percheron Horse Company and the Elmira Breeders' Association. In his farming opera- tions Mr Parker uses the latest methods and in the gathering of his crops s a combined harvester. His place is improved with a modern residence and outbuildings, these and other improvements combining to make it up- to-date in every particular. In Binghampton. Cal.. September 14. 1904, C D Parker was united in marriage with Lulu I. Brown, a native of Solano county and a graduate of Xana College. She is the daughter of Hon. Jackson Fay Brown, a pioneer of the county, whose -ketch will be found on another page. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have four children. Irene E.. Clarence L.. Ellwood M. and Eva M. Fraternallv Mr. Parker is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World ami Independent Order of Foresters, and politically is a Republican, being a stanch -importer of state and national institutions. He is a successful farmer and is a man well esteemed and respected in the district for the general good express agent on the frontier terminated in 1853 with the return of Edwin II. Sawyer to the east, the trip being made via Panama. It was his intention to remain permanently in New England. but the west had cast its fascinating spell upon him and in 1858 he returned to California, securing a position as clerk to his father, the naval store keeper at the Mare Island navy yard. Later he was transferred to different depart- ments and eventually won a promotion to the position of chief accountant in the commandant's office at the navy yard. A visit of one year in Japan and adjacent countries gave him a comprehensive knowledge of that por tion of the world. During 1862 he went east overland by stage and became chief clerk to the naval constructor of the Boston navy yard, but afterward returned to California and again resumed government service at Marc 656 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Island. Early in the '70s he erected a commodious residence at Vallejo overlooking the bay and this building" is now considered one of the land- marks of the locality. During 1875 he secured a position in the San Fran- cisco office of the United States surveyor general and for sixteen years he continued in the same capacity, discharging manifold responsibilities with devotion, tact and intelligence. Meanwhile, on two occasions, he was sent to Colusa county for the purpose of examining and auditing the books of the county officials, a task for which his expertness in accounting admirably qualified him. Since retiring from business ' Mr. Sawyer has made his home part of the time at Berkeley, where he resides at No. 2640 Warring street, but he is so fond of the country that he passes a large part of each year on his ranch of one hundred and sixty acres, known as the Altissimo ranch, which lies in Napa county a short distance back from Vacaville, Solano county. He finds enjoyment in setting out and watching the growth of the fruit trees on his ranch, in making improvements as needed and in directing the management of the property. On New Year's of 1866 he became a member of the Society of California Pioneers and ever since then he has been inter- ested in the work of that organization. Much of his pleasure is derived from association with other pioneers and in witnessing the remarkable devel- opment of the commonwealth with whose beginning he was associated as an early settler. WALLACE T. RUTHERFORD. A prominent attorney of Napa, Cal., Wallace T. Rutherford was born in Vallejo, Solano county, August 7, 1876. He received his primary edu- cation in the public schools of his native city and Calistoga and later attended Heald's Business College in San Francisco for one year, fitting himself for general commercial work. Completing this course he had made up his mind to study law, and to carry out his plans he went to Merced and for the following three and one-half years studied in the office of J. W. Knox, one of the most prominent lawyers of that city. By devoting himself assidu- ously to his study he was admitted to practice before the supreme court of the state on September 8, 1898. In the same month he came to Napa and opened an office and in the years that have intervened he has built up a lucrative practice throughout the city and county. Besides this he has won the friendship of an ever increasing circle of friends by his genial nature and his strict integrity. Always popular as a citizen he was appointed to the office of city attorney of Napa, in 1907, and so faithfully did he perform his duties that he received the nomination for the office and was elected at the following election in 1909 and re-elected in 1911 for a term of four years. His efficiency and popularity are ever to the fore when he is spoken of by those with whom he has had business or social relations. Mr. Rutherford's time has not been entirely taken up with his chosen .profession for he has found time and opportunity to enter into the com- mercial field and is president and sole owner of the Shoults Paper Box Com- pany of Napa, one of the prosperous concerns that has assisted in developing the city. In fraternal circles he has become an active participant and is a mem- ber of the Masons, the Eastern Star, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Order of Eagles, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Native Sons of the Golden West, and is a "Fifth Degree" Granger. As an American citizen Mr. Rutherford is patriotic and he is first lieutenant, Company H, Second Regiment, National Guard of California. Since 1906, he has been secretary of the Republican County Central Committee and has taken a very active part in the politics of the county. He has been HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTIES 659 an active member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce and a member oi the board of directors since its incorporation, furthermore he has donated his services as legal advisor oi thai body. He is also serving as town attorney of the town oi Calistoga, where his early school days were spent. On September 18, 1901, Mr. Rutherford was united in marriage to Miss Emma E. Russell, who was born in the state of Washington. Of this union two children, Sheldon and Wesley, have been born. Large hearted and generous, clever and progressive. Mr. Rutherford is typical of California's native sons on whom the honor of state and country safely rests, and he. together with his wife and family, enjoy the friendship and esteem of all those residents of this section of California where his efforts have been expended. COLUM BUS TI BBS ROB! X SON. On the old J. M. Robinson homestead in Solano county Columbus Tibbs Robinson was horn March 12. 1S57. His father. Jonathan McNeil Robinson, was born in Kentucky in 1817. In 1853 he married Mary Jane Tibbs. also a native oi Kentucky. On the day of their marriage they started for Cali- fornia, crossing the plains with ox-teams. In 1854 they located on the old homestead as a pre-emption government claim, the land then being in a wild state, but as the years passed they made improvements and reared their family. The husband and father, after a heroic fight with the elements con- tributory to life, passed peacefully to his reward in 1901, when eighty-three vears old. The mother still resides with her children, of whom there were originally nine, only four now living. The oldest of the family, Columbus T. Robinson was reared on the ranch that he occupies today and received his education in the public schools and in Atkinson's Business College, Sacra- mento. He then took up farming on the old homestead, comprising three hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and twenty-five are in or- chard and vineyard, the balance in grain and pasture. Some years ago he purchased the old home place, and ever since has been improving it with new orchards and modern conveniences. The place is located about seven miles north of Vacaville. at the head of Yaca valley. Begun on a small scale, this is now one of the finest orchards in Solano county and was one of the first farms in the county set to orchard for commercial purposes. In 1899 Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Julia J. Cox, a native of Salem. Xeb.. and the only child born to them. Evelyn McNeil, is now attend- ing the local school. Mrs. Robinson is the daughter of George W. and Sarah E. (Barber) Cox. who reside at St. Helena. Mr. Cox served in the Civil war and is prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically Mr. Robinson is a Republican and adheres to the principles of his party with all the tenacity so characteristic of native sons. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Foresters and is also a member of Solano Parlor No. 177. X. S. G. W.. of Suisun. For many years he has been secretary of the Board of school trustees of the Oakdale district. He devotes much of his time to the real estate and insurance business, representing the Home. Glens Falls. New York and other companies. In addition to the prominence accruing from his business life, Mr. Robin- son is well known as the originator of the Rural Free Delivery in the district in which he lives. He agitated this important step in civic progress and was ultimately appointed as the first carrier on this route until it was assured, when he resigned. The foregoing will serve to show that Mr. Robinson is a man of large vision and one on whom devolves the self-imposed privilege of supporting all just causes. 660 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ERNEST J. VIENOP. The immediate progenitors of Ernest J. Vienop, Fred H. and Charlotte (Shriek) Vienop, were born in Germany, and upon immigrating to this country they settled in St. Louis, Mo., where the father followed his trade of cigar manufacturer until his death. The mother is still living and a resi- dent of St. Louis. Five children were originally comprised in the parental family, but of these only three are living, and Ernest J. is the eldest of the number. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., November 26, 1871, and his boy- hood and youth were passed in the locality of his birth, the public schools of that city also furnishing him with a fair education. When he was about sixteen years old he apprenticed himself to learn the brick-layer's trade under H. Hartman, a well-known brick contractor of that city. Four years of conscientious and constant work under this instructor found the young man full-fledged and ready to undertake work as a journeyman, and for about eighteen years, or until 1898, he found plenty of work in St. Louis and vicinity. Mr. Vienop's first venture from native haunts occurred in 1898 and took him to Fairbury, Jefferson county, Neb., in which vicinity he established himself on a farm and continued farming- there for two years, or until com- ing to California. He reached the Golden State February 22, 1900, coming directly to Napa county, which has ever since been his home and the scene of his activities. Near Napa he purchased a small ranch of five acres on the Monticello road, where he engages in horticulture and the poultry busi- ness. His ranch activities may be regarded more properly as a recreation than as a business, however, for he is actively engaged in following his trade of brick contractor. Among the buildings that have been erected un- der his supervision are the Register building, California bakery and Migli- vacca warehouse in Napa, besides which he has erected structures through- out Napa and Solano counties, in fact his services have also been employed on numerous structures in different parts of northern California. While still a resident of St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Vienop was united in mar- riage in that city with Miss Ricka Schiffmann, who was born there. Four sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vienop : George, William, Walter and Albert. The family attends the Lutheran Church and politically Mr. Vienop is a Republican. THOMAS LEMUEL SNIDER. By trade Thomas L. Snider of Monticello, is a shoe and harness maker and as such is well known to the residents of the district in which he resides. He was born in New York state September 5, 1834, his parents also being natives of that state. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Ohio, where his father followed farming, which occupation the boy learned at an early age, later learning the harness and shoe making trade. In 1857 the family moved to Wisconsin. On August 21, 1862, Mr. Snider enlisted in the army as a member of Company I, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry, under Capt. J. R. Ward, and the company first engaged in battle in Tennessee. He was with General Sherman at Atlanta. Ga., and also at Bentonville. At the close of the war he was mustered out and honorably discharged in 1865. After his return to private life Mr. Snider lived in Wisconsin until 1877, then moving to Nebraska, and finally he came to California in 1892, settling in Berryessa Valley, Napa county, where he began working at his trade. Here he has made many friends, and is a factor in the advancement of the interests of the community. Mr. Snider was married to Miss Elmira Felch, a native of Vermont. HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTIES 661 JAMES WILLIAM I. URAMORE. Born in Sparta. Noble county. Ind.. June 24, 1859, James William Laira- more attended the public schools in his youth and on graduating he entered the Northern Indiana Stair Normal at Valparaiso. Thus he passed the first twenty five years of Ids life within the borders of the home state, the latter portion <>i' which was spent as an agriculturist. At the age of twenty six he came west, spending the first two years in Salt Lake- City. \ftcr leaving Utah he went to San Francisco, afterwards going to San Jose, but on hearing of the splendid opportunities for tanners and stock-raisers in Solano county he located on thirty-five acres ui land, seven miles southwest of Dixon. Later On he added seven hundred and ninety-three acres to his previous holding and on this fine place he settled down to the life of a rancher. Mr. Lai ram ore conducts a very successful real estate business in connec- tion with his ranch, his office headquarters being in San Francisco, lie adver- - widely, chiefly in the Salt Lake City papers and those of Los Angeles and Portland, lie is also the inventor and patentee of a valuable door check which has had a large sale in various states. Politically he is a Republican and also holds membership in the .Methodist Episcopal Church. Having been a resident of Dixon for more than twenty-five years and actively engaged in the sale of real estate for the last fifteen years, he is well and favorably known throughout Solano county and has the good wishes of a host of friends and well wishers. MICH ALL SCALLY. Born in Ireland in February. 1846. Mr. Scally was brought to America at the age of three years by his parents, who located in Xew York state. Until he was twenty. Michael remained in Wayne county, that state, and then, in 1866, came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. Arriving in San Francisco he left immediately for Xapa. Xapa count}', where he engaged in farming. Just thirty-eight years ago he bought three hundred and thirty-four acres located about two miles northeast of Xapa Junction, for which he paid $30 an acre. This is used for grain and stock raising, besides which he leases about eight hundred acres for grain and pasture. The sons of Mr. Scally rent a ranch of twelve thousand acres in Gordon valley, known as the Chimalis ranch, of which six hundred acres are used for grain and the balance for pasture. On this place the sons keep five hundred head of cattle, four hundred sheep and about twenty horses. In addition to this ranch they run a butcher shop in Yallejo at No. 410 Georgia street, and the major portion of the meat for this business is furnished from their ranch. Michael Scally was married to Miss Bridget Boyle, a native of Massa- chusetts, and the following children were born to them: John, Edward. Fred. George. William. Katherine, Robert. Clara. Irving, Grace, Irene. Anna, Alice. Rose and Bertram. Grace is a teacher in the Soscol schools, and Edward is a firewarden of Gordon valley district. ROBERT FRANCIS TAYLOR. M. D. A very early era in the colonization of Virginia witnessed the settlement oi the Taylor family in the Old Dominion, whose subsequent agricultural development they fostered and whose general prosperity several successive generations promoted. The first of the name to follow' the general tide of migration toward the west was Louis, a native Virginian and a man of rugged constitution, intense mental activity and keen intuition. With pro- phetic foresight grasping the future value' of land, he acquired large hold 662 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ings in Indiana at a time when such property could be secured for a mere trifle. Eventually he became the owner of seventeen hundred acres in Warrick county, that state, and until shortly before his death, which occurred at the age of ninety-seven years, he personally superintended his vast tracts of land as well as the five hundred head of cattle and other stock that he owned. On the home ranch in Warrick county, Ind., Johnson Taylor, son of Louis, was born and reared, and there he remained a lifelong resident, meanwhile becoming very prominent as a farmer, a speculator and a man of affairs. His death occurred when he was seventy-two years of age. During early manhood he had married Eleanor Osborne, who was born in Virginia of Scotch descent and died in Indiana at sixty-eight years of age. Her father, James Osborne, had brought the family from Virginia to Indiana in a very early day and had taken up land in Warrick county, where in 1852 he and his wife fell victims of the cholera. In the family of Johnson and Eleanor Taylor there were six children, all still living, of whom Robert Francis, the second of the six, was born at Evansville, Ind., April 7, 1849. One of his brothers, Dr. Oliver J., is engaged in the practice of medicine at Wichita, Kans., and another brother, S. L., resides at New Orleans, La., and is widely known as a breeder of thoroughbred standard horses. The old homestead nine miles from Boonville, Ind., was the spot where Dr. Taylor passed the early years of life. Ambitious to secure a thorough education, on the completion of the common school branches he taught school in order to earn the money necessary for further study. For four years he continued to study in the Ohio State Normal at Lebanon and during the last year there he also acted as an instructor in some of the branches in which he was most proficient. After leaving the normal he entered Pulte Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he took the regular course of lectures and in 1877 received the degree of M. D., after having completed the stipulated course with a high standing. Since then he has remained a student, ever eager to grasp the discoveries and developments in materia medica and solicitous to appropriate into his own practice all innovations of unquestioned value to the profession. After having practiced in Evans- ville, Ind., for two years, in 1879 he came to California and settled at Wood- land, but a year later he came to Napa, bought out the practice of Dr. Porter and entered upon a professional identification with the city that has continued up to the present time. The marriage of Dr. Taylor took place in Sacramento and united him with Miss Mazie Stebbins, who was born in Homer, Mich., and is a grad- uate of Albion College in that state. Their only child, Robert C, now a resident of Berkeley, is a partner in the Savoy Cigar Company of San Fran- cisco. In national politics the Doctor votes the Democratic ticket. Besides being a member of the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias, he has been very prominent in the local philanthropies of the Masonic Order, having been made a Mason many years ago in Yount Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M., later raised to membership in Napa Chapter No. 30, R. A. M., and also belonging to Napa Commandery No. 34, K. T. During 1882 he was chosen county physician and at that time he filled the office for two terms. Quite recently he was again chosen for the position, which he now fills. At one time he served as a member of the board of health of Napa and for the past eight years he rendered efficient public service as a member of the Napa county board of lunacy commission. While possessing an extensive knowledge of professional matters, he has not narrowed his study to those lines, but on the contrary proves to be an interesting conversationalist upon all subjects of general importance and impresses strangers and acquaintances alike as a gentleman of unusual mental attainments and general knowledge. 2*^i_ HIS TORN' OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES 665 GEORGE MILLER BL \kl War the Hudson river, in Dutchess county, X. Y.. George Miller I'dake was born in the year 1830, long before many of the vast advances credited to the nineteenth century had made inroads on the peace and quiet oi the eastern states. Facilities for travel and education were limited, for only in the larger cities was found anything like a pretention among instructors to educate the youth of the country in the higher arts and sciences. In fact not every town and city could boast oi having its schoolhouse. Mr. Blake, under the tender tuition oi his mother, learned the rudiments of education. Until about fifteen years of ace he remained under the parental roof, then went into a counting "house as bookkeeper, remaining until 1852, when he made the journey to California. In San Francisco he engaged in the mercantile business with Ilavwards. being manager oi their affairs until the business was sold. Dur- ing this time he became interested in mining and was very successful in the venture, but on account of his old love for the country he came to Solano county in 18S3 and bought a ranch. Me was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for on December 22 of the following year he was called to his reward. In 1870 Mr. l'.lake married Miss Elizabeth Lyle. a native of East Machias, Me., and the daughter of Joshua B. and Ann E. (Simpson) Lyle. the former born in New Brunswick of Scotch descent, and the latter born in East Machias. Me., ami oi English and Irish descent. Joshua 1'.. Lyle was a mer- chant until the discovery of gold in California, and in the summer of 184'' he started on a sailer around Cape Horn, landing in San Francisco in January, 1850. For a while he followed mining with success, and then engaged in the real estate business in San Francisco until his death in 1892. His wife brought the family to California on a sailing vessel around Cape Horn in 1853. She was one of the pioneer women of the state, a strong, noble char- acter, and her death in 1880 was a loss to family and community. Of her three children two are living. Rev. Albert F. Lyle, who died November 17. V>\0. in Xewark, X. J., was a Presbyterian clergyman ; William S. Lyle is a mining man in San Francisco; Mrs. Blake passed her childhood in San Fran- ciso, where she was educated, finishing her training in a private seminary. After her husband's death she assumed the management of the ranch of three hundred and sixty acres. One hundred and fifty acres are in orchard, including pears, plums, prunes, apricots, figs and cherries. The ranch is located nine miles north of Yacaville. nestling at the foot of the Blue moun- tains, which separate them from Xapa valley. The residence is commodious and of southern style, and Mrs. Blake's hospitality is just as unbounded. Some idea of her enterprise may be gathered from the fact that she super- intends all the work of her ranch. She is a woman who is ever ready to support everything for the betterment of conditions and in her Solano county has a most enthusiastic advocate. CLARLXCE I. NEWCOMB. Ever since he became a citizen of Xapa during the year 1905 Mr. Xew- comb has engaged in the livery business as proprietor of the Palace stable, which he has conducted at different times with a partner and alone. After a long occupancy of the original quarters of the business he sought a dif- ferent location and August 1. 1911. he leased the corner of Second and Coombs streets, where he built the large and substantial stables now utilized for the needs of his growing enterprise. The main building. ?7y 2 x8l feet in dimensions, contains two stories and has an office and ladies' waiting 666 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES room together Avith ample facilities for the storage of vehicles. The other part. 38x82 feet, has a capacity of forty-five horses and is utilized as a barn, being provided with the equipment necessary for such a purpose. The Newcomb family comes from New England. In Cumberland county, Me., near the shores of the picturesque lake of Sebago and in the town of that name Clarence I. Newcomb was born September 22, 1868, being the eldest among the six children comprising the family of Charles and Luella (Reed) Newcomb, natives respectively of Maine and New Hampshire. The father, who served in the Union army as a private in the Seventeenth Maine Infantry and was wounded severely at Spottsylvania Courthouse, earned a livelihood for his family through agricultural pursuits and merchandising, and after having lived in Maine and Massachusetts throughout his life up to 1886. he then came to California and took up land six miles east of Lincoln in Placer county, where he died in 1895. His widow is still living. When seven years of age Clarence I. Newcomb was taken by his parents from Maine to Massachusetts and settled with them at Lynn, where he attended school. Later he completed his studies in Boston. When he came to California in 1886 he was given employment with an uncle, J. H. Bickford, a stockman of Placer county, with whom he continued for two years. A subsequent employment as a hand on a stock farm in Eldorado county was followed by his entrance into independent work in 1889. when he embarked in the stock business and in ranching in Placer county at the old homestead. There being in his possession a considerable number of horses, he found a profitable use for them in teaming and freighting. Dur- ing 1898 he left the old home ranch and removed to Auburn, where he took charge temporarily of the stables owned by Charles Keenea. Next he bought a fruit farm near Lincoln and for six years engaged in carrying on horti- cultural enterprises. Upon selling out the property in 1904 he took charge of the first rural mail route in that county and operated the same from the Lincoln postoffice. Upon resigning the government position after one year he came to Napa and since then has been one of the energetic business men of this place. The livery business owned by F. S. Parker and located on Third street became the property of Mr. Newcomb, but after one month Mr. Parker bought back a one-half interest. Later W. H. Robie bought Mr. Parker's interest and nine months afterward Mr. Newcomb became the sole pro- prietor, continuing the business alone until October 15, 1911, when he dis- posed of the business to George W. Berry. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and for two years as one of its directors, Mr. Newcomb's work has been particularly helpful to the permanent upbuilding of the town and he has been able to accomplish much in behalf of civic prosperity, Always stanch in his devotion to the Republican party, he served at one time as a member of the county central committee of Placer county and has been a factor in the local welfare of the party. Fraternally he holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Foresters, the lodge, encampment and canton of Odd Fellows, and has honorary membership with the Rebekahs. While living in Placer county he met and married Miss Mary Smith, who was born in Dayton, Green county, Wis., and by whom he has three daughters. Alice, Madge and Dorothea. The eldest daughter is the wife of A. E. Cameron and is now living at Hakalau, Hawaiian Islands. ALBERT C. GRUBER. Noteworthy among the corporations of Napa is the firm of A. C. Gruber & Sons, which in January of 1911 was incorporated with a capital of $25,000 HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> x \r \ COUNTIES 667 and the following officers: \. C. Gruber, president and treasurer; R. E. Gruber, vice president; and August A. Gruber, secretary. During the year 1905 the Founder of the business and president of the firm, having purchased vacant property at No. 10 ( > North Coombs street, erected a large shop two stories in height, 28x120 Feet in dimensions, with an L that is K)\2() Feet. Since tlu- completion oi the shop a large business has been developed. The hr>t floor contains a general blacksmithing equipmenl as well as the needed appurtenances for the manufacture and repair, of wagons. The second floor is the paint shop and contains the conveniences needed For the painting of wagons, carriages and automobiles. Considered in its entirety the shop is well equipped for its specialties and affords ample facilities for the prompt dispatch of a trade of considerable magnitude. The proprietor of the business was born in Warren county. Pa., Sep- tember IS, 1853, being a son of Philip and Kate (Obrecht) Gruber. natives i<\ Alsace then a province of France but now claimed by Germany. The father, who was of German ancestry, came to the United States in early life and for a long period engaged in farming in Warren county, Pa., re- maining there until his death, and his wife also died in the same place. They were the parents ^i five children who attained maturity and three of these are now living, Albert C. being the youngest of the number. From the age of ten years he assisted in the work on the home farm and at the age of nineteen he became an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade in Warren, where he completed his time. After working as a journeyman at Youngs- town, Ohio, he returned to Pennsylvania. A sojourn at Jamestown, N. Y., was followed by his return to Warren, Pa. Later he was again employed in a Xew York town. In all of these places he followed his trade. Coming to California in 1903 and settling at Napa, Mr. Gruber bought out a blacksmith's business on Coombs street and from there he removed to his present location as soon as he had completed his new building. In his old home town of Warren, Pa., he had met and married Miss Mary Schiltz, a native of Alsace. France, and she had accompanied him in the removal to the west, bringing also their four children, who now are grown to maturity, namely: August A., a painter by trade and a partner in the firm; Ralph E.. also a partner in the business, but now a resident of Oroville, P.utte County, where he holds a position as superintendent of the Ophir Gold Dredging Company; Elmer Wi, of Bakersfield, this state; and Evelyn Alberta, who resides with her parents. Aside from holding membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Gruber has taken no part in fraternal or general organizations, nor has he been inter- ested in politics, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business. XAPA BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. One of the institutions that has assisted very materially in the building up of the city of Napa and the surrounding country is the Napa Building and Loan Association. Many of the residents of the fertile Napa region owe their present position largely to the policy of this enterprising com- pany, which has made possible the erection of homes and the purchasing of land through a management that is at once efficient and trustworthy. The Xapa Building and Loan Association was incorporated according to law April 26. 1886. The following is a list of the present officers of the company: President, E. D. Beard; vice-president, \\ . F. [ngalls; treasurer, P.ank of Xapa; secretary, T. X. Mount ; attorney, A. F. Hull. Directors: E. D. Beard. P. S. King, W. F. Ingalls. 11. L. Amstutz, II. E. Roper, fos! Levinson. Earl H. Raymond, E. Manasse, J. H. Lovejoy. Security com 668 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES mittee : Joe Levinson, J. H. Lovejoy, E. Manasse. Finance committee: H. E. Roper, Earl H. Raymond, H. L. Amstutz. The Association has matured fifteen series of stock, at an average of about eleven years. At the present time there is outstanding two thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine shares of stock with over $200,000 in good loans. During the existence of the company it has built, or helped to build, about seven hundred homes. The policy of the management has been a very conservative one, and this will be readily understood when the state- ment is made that only five actual foreclosures have been made during the twenty-five years. This company has made a specialty of local business, assisting in every way possible to better the conditions in the cities of Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga. JAMES HOWES BURTON. A native of England, James Howes Burton was born in 1854 and for twenty years remained in his native land. His education is such as is gained by attending the public schools during boyhood, supplemented with the greater education that we all gain in the school of life. Arriving in America in 1874 he left New York and came over the continent to California, settling in Vacaville, Solano county. He had thoroughly learned the black- smith's trade in his father's shop, so was well equipped to commence work with his brother in a blacksmith's shop in Vacaville. Later he drifted into grain farming and still later into horticulture and since 1891 he has resided on a ranch of fifty-two acres. This lies about four miles north of Vacaville and is planted to all kinds of fruit. In 1894 Mr. Burton married Miss Mary Lockie, a native of Canada. Six children were born to them : William Henry, born July 27, 1895 ; Charles Lockie, born in 1896; Freddie James, born October 20, 1898; Lester Elden, September 4, 1900; Elmer Arthur, August 15, 1902; and Howard, born in 1906. All were born in Vacaville and they are now attending the district school near their home. Politically Mr. Burton is a man that votes for the best man, irrespective of party. JOHN GRAVES. The wonderful fertility of the soil, the salubrious climate and general characteristics, make the real estate business a joy and a pleasure in Napa county. John Graves has given abundant proof of his ability and special adaptation for this kind of work, for there is scarcely a more successful real estate dealer in all Napa county than he. His first experiences in connection with the real estate business were gained in England, where he was born in Cumberland, in 1856. After attending the public school for a time he became associated with a seed and agriculture company, whose business it was to distribute seed, etc., to farmers. After becoming con- versant with all branches of the work he was made secretary and manager of the company and continued to distribute seed and fertilizer in the dis- tricts where the company operated. In this way he became familiar with the needs of the farmers and so came to rightly solve the problem of satis- fying the needs. This experience in conservative old England has proven of great worth to him in selling farms and land in Napa and vicinity. Mr. Graves came to San Francisco in 1888 and became office manager for the wholesale paint house of Yates Company of that city. For fourteen years he filled this position with satisfaction to all concerned and in 1901 came to Napa. On coming here he engaged in the real estate business, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES 671 making a specialty of subdividing large ranches. He subdivided the Lang ley ranch, oi two hundred and fifty acres, situated aboul four miles north- easl of Napa, into ten and twenty acre ranches. This property was all Sold Off within tWO months. He Opened up the SOSCO] ranch, five miles south of Napa, a property suitable for orchard land, having a sandy, loam} soil; this property also had a very rapid sale. The Plass place, which was subdivided by this tireless worker, comprised one hundred and twenty acre-, three miles' north of Napa, on the electric car line; this property sold off within six months. Altogether fifty one new families have been located on ranches near Xapa during the last three year.- by Mr. Graves' energy in selling good real estate. He has several tracts for subdivision, which at this writing are already under way. Space will not permit enumeration ^'i all the properties that have been sold by him in and around Napa; suf- fice it to state that he has done much to advance the community by the exercise of sagacious wisdom and keen judgment, coupled with tireless energy. Mr. Graves was married in 1880 to Miss Moore, a native of Eng- land, and one daughter. Annie, was born to them. JAMES STEPHEN DAVIS. A native of Missouri, James S. Davis was born in Washington county in 1829, his early boyhood and young manhood being spent on his father's farm, and in the vicinity he attended school, lie was a patriotic young man and when the Mexican war broke out he enlisted from Springfield. Mo., and fought through the entire war. In 1850 Mr. Davis crossed the plains in ox-teams and came to California, locating in I'lacerville. then known as Hangtown. For a number of years after his arrival in California he engaged in mining, first in Coon Hollow (Hangtown) for a few years, then in Gold Hill, Nevada. From there he went to Idaho, in 1866. and mined there with considerable profit in the Tahoma mines. In 1881 he sold the mines at a good price and came to Napa, intending to make it his permanent home. From Professor Heald he pur- chased one hundred and sixty-six acres of land known as the Magnolia farm, now known as the Davis farm, and located at Trubody on the St. Helena road He developed and improved the place and made his home upon it until his demise. February 28. 1894. Seventy-five acres of the ranch are devoted to fruit raising, twenty-five acre- being planted in grapes, fifteen in fine peaches, and various other fruits also being grown, as prunes, pears, apricots, apples, etc. He made a splendid success of ranching, as he had also done in mining. The sterling qualities of his character had won for him many friends from among the residents of Xapa and vicinity and he was held in high esteem by the entire neighborhood and his passing away was considered a loss to the entire community. Politically he was a stanch Republican. In 1855. in Hangtown. Cab. Mr. Davis married Miss Joan G. Pedler. a native of Halifax, X. \a Scotia. Mrs. Davis' father was Amos Pedler. a black- smith by trade and a native of Cornwall. England. In 1853 he sailed from Halifax with his family, consisting of wife and ten children, for Australia, where he remained for a time and mined to some extent. Embarking for California, he arrived in San Francisco in 1854 and resided there until his death in 1886, when he was over eighty year- old. His wife, formerly Susan Sutliffe, was bom in County Waterford, Ireland, and died in San Francisco in 1894 Mr. and Mrs. Davis had five children born to them, but only one is living. Grace Idaho, the wife of Joseph Richard Tyther, of Trubody. The children deceased are: Ada. John, Mary and James. Since her husband's death Mr< Davis has made her home on the ranch which -he superintends, continuing to devote the land to horticulture as planned by her husband. 672 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Here she lives in the full enjoyment of health for one of her years, surrounded by her many friends, who admire her for her many kindnesses and charity toward those who have been less fortunate and who love her for her many amiable and noble qualities. MAURY ROBINSON. From a young man without means Maury Robinson has risen to promi- nence. From an existence free of responsibility he has mounted to one of great trust, calling into play sagacious judgment combined with knowledge of men and affairs. He was born in Jacksonville, Jackson county, Ore., August 9, 1860, the son of Jesse Robinson, a native of Otsego county, N. Y. The father died on his ranch near Vacaville in 1899, but the mother, Lavinia J. (Constant) Robinson, is still living in Vacaville, at the age of seventy-eight. When he was eight years old Maury Robinson removed with his parents from Oregon to Oakland, Cal., and there received his education in the public and high schools, from which he graduated. While still a young man he was made deputy county assessor of Alameda county, a position which he held for six years or until 1885, when he came to Vacaville, Solano county. Prior to coming here he and his brother had bought property here which proved to be a good investment. In 1900 Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Annie Blanche Fairweather, a native of San Francisco and the daughter of Julian and Emma (Stewart) Fairweather, of St. John, N. B., and early settlers of San Francisco, where Mr. Fairweather was a manufacturer. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Eva Marion, Blanche Muriel and Lois Constant. All of the children are attending the public schools of Vacaville. Mr. Robin- son has improved several orchards, having set out about one hundred and fifty acres in trees, and now owns four hundred and forty acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres are in orchard, grapes, cherries and other decid- uous fruits. In all he manages about five hundred and ninety-seven acres, of which three hundred and seventeen are planted in fruit trees. He is proud of his large ranch, which on account of its exceptional location pro- duces fruits earlier in the season than the majority of the ranches in the county. For about five years Mr. Robinson was postmaster of Vacaville, and he has also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Vacaville high school for many years. Fraternally he is a member of Almond Camp, M. W. A.; Tohopeka Tribe No. 224, I. O. R. M., and Vallejo Lodge No. 559, B. P. O. E. CAPT. OTTO FRANKLIN WALTON. The charm of the coast and its activities won the attention and interest of Captain Walton when he was little more than a lad, and a desire to dispel this fascination and return to the activities of the landsman has at no time had any place in his plans. As master of the Zinfindel, in the employ of the Napa Transportation Company, he plies between Napa and San Francisco, and no tar of the most seasoned variety is more trustworthy than Captain Walton. At the time of the birth of Captain Walton his parents, Levi and Loretta (Abshire) Walton, were living in Lebanon, Laclede county, Mo., August 24, 1872, being the date of his birth. When he was a child of three years the family home was transferred to Kern county, Cal., where the father found employment on one of the Miller and Lux ranches. Being injured by a mule while thus engaged, it became necessary for him to give up his HISTORY OF SOLAN< > AND N \!'.\ C( >l'\ TIES 673 position, and after he came to Napa he died from the effects of the injury, when he was only thirtj eight years of age. Mrs. Loretta I U>shire) Walton wa> the adopted daughter of Maxwell C. Alexander, who rendered valiant service to the Union cause in the Civil war and who subsequently became a residenl i>\ Napa county, Cal., removing here from Laclede county, Mo. At the venerable age of ninetj years he is -till hale and hearty and actively engaged in ranching on his property near Napa. Mrs. Walton passed away in Napa leaving two children, the elder of whom, Fldridge O., is pilot on the St. Helena. Otto F. Walton was reared in California from the age of three years and until he was thirteen years old attended the public schools in Napa county. The duties of the ranch then demanded his help and he gave his services willingly and cheerfully for four years, during which time he he- came convinced that his interest was with the sea and the more thrilling life which it entailed, lie began steamhoating on the Zinfindel. which was built by Capt. X. 11. Wulff in 1889. After a service of eleven years as deck hand on this boat under Captain Bell he was made watchman on the St. Helena, and suhsecpiently served as mate on the last-named vessel for two years. In the fall of 1896 he was promoted to pilot of the same vessel, continuing as such until July 20. 1911. It was on this date that he accepted the position of master of the Zinfindel, in the employ of the Napa Trans portation Company, his run being between Xapa and San Francisco. He lias had a master's license since August, 1909, but has not been active in this capacity until recently. In San Francisco Captain Walton was united in marriage with Miss Marie Nielsen, who was born in Rio Vista, Cal., and two children have been horn to them. Gladys Irene and Vivian Beryl. Fraternally Captain Walton is a member of Xapa Lodge Xo. 832. B. P. O. E., and he is also a member of Golden Gate Harbor No. 40. Masters and Pilots Association. A man of genial and happy temperament, Captain W r alton is a pleasant com- panion and as a consequence has hosts of friends. GEORGE SIEDEXBURG. George Siedenburg is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred there May 12. 1849. He was educated in the splendid public schools of Germany, having lived in the fatherland until the age of eighteen years. There, too. he learned the trade of baker which he followed to great advan- tage to himself when he came to the United States. Fie was for a number of years a sailor and crossed the Atlantic twelve times during his life on the sea. In 1867 he landed in New York and worked there for six years, when he made a visit to his home country, returning to the United States within a year. In 1876 he came to the Pacific coast, locating in the city of San Francisco and working there at the baker's trade for a period of three years. In 1879 he arrived in Xapa county and so well was he pleased with this locality that he has ceased his wanderings and remained here ever since. His first purchase was a property of fifty-two acres, of which he disposed at a later date. The place on which Mr. Siedenburg now lives was all timber land when he bought it and he cleared the twenty-seven acres and planted vines on fourteen acres, built a substantial house and barn and made a number of other improvements so that he now has a nice home place as well as one which is proving productive and furnishing him with maintenance. There was a yield of twenty-five tons of grapes in 1°10. About twelve acres are used for pasture land. He does not give his entire time into one channel of his work, for in addition to the above mentioned, he raises bees, having 674 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES twelve stands, and also raises some chickens. Although contented to make America his life home, he still has ties in Germany, having a brother and two sisters in that country. One brother lives in New York and another was drowned in an oil well in 1878. Mr. Siedenburg has entered into the spirit of this western country and is actively interested in all movements pertaining to advancement and progress. Politically he is a stanch Repub- lican and is proud of the fact that his first vote upon coming to the United States was cast for Ulysses S. Grant. SAMUEL JAMES McKNIGHT. For more than one-half century the McKnight family has been repre- sented in California, whither came Andrew McKnight, a native of Liver- pool, England, in the year 1860, landing at San Francisco during the month of June. Born in 1825, he had reached the age of seventy-seven years when death terminated his useful labors in the year 1902. For a long period he had made his home in Vallejo and had held a position of responsibility at the Mare Island navy yard, where he had a reputation as a skilled block and pump maker and where under his oversight as foreman a corps of me- chanics discharged their daily duties. The lady whom he married bore the maiden name of Mary Crawford and was born at Cookstown, county Tyrone, Ireland, February 23, 1829. She was reared, however, in Glasgow, Scotland. Notwithstanding her eighty-three active and useful years, she retains full possession of her mental and physical faculties and in 1911 enjoyed a pleasant visit to England and Scotland, renewing the associations of her long-past girlhood. Of her children there are now living two daughters and two sons, one of the sons being Andrew J., a resident of Fruitvale, this state, and for the past twenty-five years an employe of the Southern Pacific Railroad Com- pany. Vallejo is the, native place of Mr. McKnight and October 2, 1870, the date of his birth. After having completed the studies of the grammar and high schools of Vallejo he was sent to Heald's Business College in San Francisco and upon completing the commercial course in that institution he secured employment in mercantile affairs. Later he spent a brief time with the firm of Whittier, Fuller & Co., at Oakland, after which he was employed by C. L. Dingley & Co., for three and one-half years. Returning to Vallejo in 1895 he entered upon a long and honorable association with the Vallejo Commercial Bank. For four years he acted as bookkeeper. October 1, 1899, he was elected cashier of the institution and since that year he has also been a member of the board of directors, and has filled the position of cashier with fidelity, intelligence and recognized success. The marriage of Mr. McKnight and Miss Edith Estelle Melvin, a native of Vallejo, took place in 1896. Four children blessed the union. The eldest, Harold Melvin, born in 1897, is a student in the Lincoln grammar school. The second son, Paul Crawford, born in 1899. is a pupil in the grammar school of Vallejo. The third son, Samuel James. Jr., born in 1904, has also entered school. The youngest member of the family circle is Edith Estelle, born in March of 1909. The parents of Mrs. McKnight have lived in Cali- fornia for more than forty years and have a large circle of acquaintances among the residents of Vallejo. In addition to the banking interests which naturally demand the greater share of his time and attention Mr. McKnight has been a member of the directorate of the Vallejo Gas Light Company and has given valuable assist- ance to the officers in their work. As secretary of the Vallejo Land and Improvement Company he has wielded considerable influence in the material A HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUNTIES 677 upbuilding of the place. Fond of exercise and recreation, he has been esp< ciallv interested in boating. Largely to his influence is due the incorporation of the Vallejo Yachting and Rowing Club, of which he is the treasurer as well as a member of the board of directors. Fraternally he was made a Mason in Naval Lodge No. 87, 1". & V M.. a Royal Arch Mason in Naval Chapter No. 35, R. A. M.. and Sir Knight in Naval Commanderj No. 1". K. T. and has been prominent in San Pablo Loflge No. 43, I. 0'. O. F. Upon the organization of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Vallejo he I"-' came a charter member and has continued active ition with the society up to the present time. His fraternal associations are broadened through his connection with Vallejo Parlor No. 77, Native Sons of the '.olden West, and Vallejo Camp No. 516, Woodmen oi the World. CHARLES LEE C \ MIT. EL I.. In tht- era of restless migration, with the city beckoning eager hands to the youths of the land, there are comparatively few who remain through maturity upon the farms where they were born and reared. It has been the privilege of Charles Lee Campbell to continue at the old homestead in Solano count}- endeared to him by a thousand pleasant memories of boyhood. Here he was horn September 18. 1863. and from the old ranch house he walked to the neighboring school. With the exception of a short time spent as a student in the Dixon high school, he remained at home through youthful years and as soon as his education was completed he took up the duties inci- dent to agricultural and horticultural affairs. The Campbell family is of southern lineage and Scotch extraction. John P. Campbell, a native (^i Alabama, horn in 1833. received a fair education in southern institutions of learning and in 1856 came across the plains with ox- teams to California, where he arrived safely after a tedious journey. Imme- diately he became a resident of Solano county. In 1860 he bought fifty acres ^i the Waterman Ritchie grant at a cost of S40 per acre, incurring a heavy indebtedness in the transaction. Succeeding events proved the wisdom of the transaction. From time to time he made other investments and at his de- mise, in April of 1906. he ranked among the large land-owners of the county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary F. Morris, was born in Missouri in 1842 and came in 1856 to California. She survived her husband until January 2$. 1911. when she too passed away. Of the six children comprising the family three are deceased, the survivors being three sons, of whom Charles Lee is the oldest. The marriage of Charles L. Campbell took place in Woodland in 1893 and united him with Miss Martha Eliza MacDonald, who was horn in Sana mento. the daughter of David L. and Martha Jane (Hunter) MacDonald, the former born in Virginia and the latter in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were deeply bereaved in the loss of four children at one time. The living children are Martha Jane and Mary Morris. Throughout practically all of his active life Mr. Campbell has engaged in ranching. At this writing he owns an interest in one hundred and eighty-three acres in Solano county. also an interest in thirteen hundred and sixty acres in Napa county, the former tract being well improved, while the latter ranch is adapted to grazing. On the home place there is a bearing orchard of about one hundred and sixty acre^ with choice varieties of all kinds of fruits, including prunes, peaches, pear^. apricots, cherries and almonds, his place being located about seven miles northwest of Suisun in the celebrated valley of that name. The entire family have labored to develop the land and enhance the value of the estate, and it stands a- a witness to their thrift, energy and industrious application. 678 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES The interest which Mr. Campbell maintains in educational affairs has induced him to consent to serve on the school board. As a director he is progressive, favoring all movements for the upbuilding of the free-school system, which he regards as the foundation of permanent progress for our nation. Soon after the organization of the Native Sons of the Golden West he became connected with the local parlor and now claims the honor of being one of its oldest members. JAMES MASON. Genealogical records indicate a long line of ancestry in the Mason family identified with the industrial history of England. The first representative in America of this branch of the name was Charles, a native of Stowe, Worces- tershire, and a baker by trade. Upon crossing the ocean to this country he secured employment in Baltimore, whence he drifted westward to St. Louis and from there removed to Buffalo, N. Y., in all these cities working as a baker. In Buffalo he married Miss Louisa Long and there June 26, 1855, occurred the birth of his eldest child, James, the first-born among twelve children, five of whom are still living. During the early settlement of Kansas the family became pioneers of that state and the father carried on a bakery in Lawrence, but afterward he returned east as far as Chicago, where he continued in business until shortly before his death. His wife was born at Froom, Somersetshire, England, and now makes Chicago her home. The public schools of Lawrence, Kans., furnished James Mason with excellent opportunities for a common school education. December 2, 1870, he was apprenticed to the moulder's trade in the foundry of Kimball Brothers at Lawrence, which was the first plant of the kind in Kansas. Upon the completion of his time he was employed for one year in the Kaw Valley foundry at Topeka. From there in 1875 he went to Chicago and worked as a moulder for two years, but since then he has not engaged at that occu- pation. Joining his father in the Chicago shop, he learned the trade of a' baker and when in 1879 he first came to California he had acquired a thor- ough knowledge of the industry in which subsequently he was more than ordinarily successful. The year 1879 found him opening a bakery on Main and Pearl streets, Napa, where he erected a shop and built an oven. At the expiration of two years he sold the place and returned to Chicago, where again he entered into business relations with his father. Returning to Napa in 1886, Mr. Mason put up a building and built an oven on property which he purchased on the corner of Fourth and Brown streets, where he opened the American bakery. For a long period he carried on a large trade and established an enviable reputation in the line of several specialties. Customers who began to trade at his shop immediately fol- lowing his entrance into the business continued with him until February, 1910, when he closed out the store and retired from business. Since his retirement from the bakery he has devoted his leisure hours to the raising of fancy poultry and finds in the tasks associated therewith a congenial occupation with future possibilities. The comfortable family residence on First street is presided over by Mrs. Mason, who prior to their marriage in Gordon valley, this county, in 1881, was Emma R. Hill. She was born at Napa Redwoods, then the home of her father, Charles Robert Hill, a pioneer farmer now residing at Moun- tain View, this state. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mason comprises a daugh- ter and two sons, all of whom have left home to enter upon life's activities elsewhere. The daughter, Minnie Hill, is the wife of Homer Hiserman and resides in San Diego, where her younger brother, George Walter, also makes his home. The second child and older son, Charles Edmund, is employed HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 679 at Flagstaff, Ariz. Mrs. Mason is an earnest member of the Methodic Episcopal Church and a contributor of time, influence and means to its maintenance. In political views Mr. Mason is a Socialist and has served as secretary of the local and county committee. After coming to Napa he was made a Mason in Yonnt Lodge No. 12. F. & A. M.. of which he is Past Master. Later he joined Napa Chapter No. 30, R. A. M.. in which he is past High Priest. At a somewhat later date he became a member of Napa Commandery No. 34. K. T.. in which he is past Eminenl Commander, and his fraternal relations are further promoted by his identification, with his wife, in the activities of Silver Spray chanter No. 59, Eastern Star, in which he holds the office of past Worthy Patron. MANUEL PERRY. Born in Fayal. Azores Islands, a portion of the possessions of Portugal, on February 14, 1864, Manuel Perry was reared and educated in his native land. At the age of twenty he left for the United States, and landed at Boston, Mass. After a brief stay there he set out for San Francisco, later went to St. Andrews, and from there came to Solano county via San Jose. On coming to Solano county he decided to settle down permanently and with this in view he leased two hundred and sixty acres of land from F. E. Michael. From seventy acres of barley he gathered from twelve to twenty sacks in the season of 1910. The balance of his holding is used for pasture land to great advantage. Mr. Perry also operates a small dairy of about twenty cows, besides which he has about four hundred sheep, and he also raises hogs, horses and cattle, which are disposed of at good prices in the most convenient market. In 1891 Mr. Perry married Miss Julia M. Lewis, a native of St. George Island, and six children were born to them: Tony, who met with an acci- dental death in 1906. at the age of nine years and five months; Louise M., Carrie A., Jennie M.. Mamie D. and Lena R. All of the daughters are liv- ing on the home ranch and have received good public school advantages. Politically Mr. Perry supports the Republican party and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the U. P. E. C. and I. D. E. S. Although born in a foreign land. Mr. Perry has made a success of his undertakings in this country. He has applied hard work and keen judgment to the making of a home and the accumulating of wealth, and today is looked upon as one of the prosperous men of his locality. HOX. JAMFS A. MULLAXEY. In Green valley there still stand some fine stone houses perpetuating the work of a pioneer citizen, the father of one of California's honored native sons. James A. Mullaney of Yallejo. Patrick Mullaney, a native of Ireland, came to America at the age of eighteen and arriving in California in 1851, settled at once at Benicia, becoming one of Solano county's pioneer builders. The grand old stone houses known as the Ramsey house, the Martin house, the Jones house and the Stiltz house of Green valley, arc substantial remind- ers of the splendid work of this vigorous self-made man who died at the age of eighty-six after a useful career. James A. Mullaney was born at Benicia, September 10, 1856, and was educated there at St. Augustine College. An hereditary and natural taste for carpentering decided him in his choice of work, so he went to San Fran- cisco to learn the trade, following it in that city for some time. His youthful longing for wider experiences took him next to Guatemala. Central America, 680 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES where he became engaged in railroad construction. There he also erected two bridges and three depots, but in spite of his successful work there he felt the call of his native state with her need of strong men and good citi- zens, so he returned to his birthplace and for five years worked for the firm of Baker & Hamilton, of Benicia, enjoying the distinction of building for them the first combined harvester and reaper. His work then took him to Arizona for a short time and on his return from there he lived for awhile at Los Angeles. But this life of wandering did not appeal to a man who desired to give something of himself for the welfare of his country, and the first step he took toward a more settled career and a larger usefulness was his marriage in 1887 to Miss Lucretia Bell, a daughter of a famous California newspaper man, and herself a woman of keen intelligence, active in the state's social affairs. William Bell was a pioneer printer of the state, founding and editing The Alta, which figures prominently in early California newspaper history. Mrs. Mullaney is state treasurer of the Daughters of Pocahontas. Two children, James Jr. and Rose, have been born of this happy union. In 1888 Mr. Mullaney was elected to the legislature on the Democratic ticket for the old twenty-sixth assembly district, creditably serving his state for one term in this office. After a brief stay in San Francisco he came to Vallejo in 1893, and has since lived here, an efficient and energetic con- tributor to all the city's business and social activities. On all sides one may see the results of his enterprise in his line of work. Many comfortable cottages, the Glenn and Bergwall homes and the fine new City Bakery are specimens of his work as contractor and builder. Mr. Mullaney is held in high esteem by members of the various social orders in which he has taken an active part. When he retired from the chair of worthy president of Vallejo Lodge No. 71, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he is a charter member, his admiring fellow members presented him with a handsome gold medal. He is also a charter member of the Stanford Parlor No. 76, N. S. G. W. of San Francisco; past sachem, Samoset Tribe, I. O. R. M., of Vallejo, and member of Minnehaha Court of the same order; also a member of Court Solano Lodge No. 909, I. O. F. JOHN NOONAN. While his mature years of manly activities were spent in the United States, John Noonan claimed Ireland as the country of his birth and through- out life he retained an affectionate remembrance of his childhood home in county Cork. Born July 4, 1847, his earliest memories were of his native town of Mallow, a thriving village situated on the line of the railroad that connects Limerick with Cork and conveys tourists to the picturesque scenery of county Kerry as well as to the important seaport town of Waterford. Possessing keen faculties of observation, he learned much as a boy mingling with the people of his town and his knowledge was enlarged through at- tendance at the local schools. Coming to the new world at the age of twenty years and crossing the continent to California in 1868, Mr. Noonan secured employment as a day laborer on a ranch. Upon leaving the farm he went into Vallejo and became a clerk in a grocery, still later entering the liquor business as proprietor of a store. During his early manhood he lost his young wife, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Moran. Later, in 1884, he was united with Mary Galvin, a native of Kerry, Ireland. To their union were born five children, but the sole survivor is Joseph, the only son. One of the daughters, Mary, died at the age of nine years and three months. The death of Mr. Noonan occurred at his home in Vallejo August 22, 1893, and the funeral services 02 H W O I— I O o 1-3 HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 683 that followed wire very largely attended by the people of the town. It is said to this day that hi> funeral was one of the largesl ever seen in Vallejo. Testimonials of praise followed him to his last resting place. Many ex- pressions of sympathy came to his widow and son in their bereavement and the universal sentiment was that the city had lost in his demise one of its most loyal citizens as well a- a man of great generosity and unfailing cheer fulness. For years before he died Mr. Noonan had been prominent in the local councils of the Democratic party and did much to promote its success in the city and county. For four years he served as city assessor and this responsible position he tilled with tact and intelligence. Later he was elected supervisor from the second district and until his death he remained a mem- ber of the county board. For a long time he was active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and served as treasurer ^i the local branch of the order. JOHN MORRIS. A long and an honored life came to a peaceful end with the passing into eternity of the pioneer. John Morris, whose name was associated with the agricultural upbuilding of the Suisun valley for almost forty years. When he first came to this part of the state few attempts had been made to develop the land or build up the villages. Nature flourished in almost its primeval con- dition. While emigration had brought countless thousands to the western coast, by far the larger majority of them had engaged in mining and the others had principally sought occupations in the coast cities, so that inland towns and counties were of slow growth. Xone the less, however, was the result satisfying, for the few who came were of the industrious, peace-loving type so essential to the permanent prosperity of any region, and among this number was John Morris, whose inclinations led him to the farm rather than the mine and whose love for the outdoors took him to the rural districts rather than the populous cities. Discouragements and hardships befell him in the early period of his residence in the west. Exemption from toil and occasional defeat was not his fortunate lot. but eventually he attained a com- petency and throughout the entire period of his residence here he enjoyed that which is far more to be desired than wealth, the esteem of associates and the confidence of all. Born in Simpson county. Ky.. in 1820, of southern parentage, John Morris accompanied his parents to Tennessee at a very early age and grew to manhood in the latter state. At the age of about twenty years he married Miss Martha Draper, who was born and reared in Tennessee and died in Cali- fornia during 1880. Nine children had been born of their union, four of whom grew up. but none are now living. The only son to attain mature years was John R. Morris, who was born in Missouri in 1852. and was edu- cated in California, and who followed farming. In Sacramento county he married Miss Margaret C. Bryan, who was born in Campbell county. Ky., and came with her parents across the plains with oxen, and after seven months of travel located in Eldorado county. Her father became a large land owner in Sacramento county, but died in Alameda, leaving a widow who is now residing at the old home, aged eighty-eight years. After his marriage. John R. M'tH^ located on a farm in the Suisun valley one mile from Cordelia, which he set in orchard and vineyard. Afterward he became proprietor of Samuels Springs. Xapa. and there he died in January. l'>04. Since his death hi- widow has resided in Oakland. Their two children are Mary. Mrs. X. T. Thoming, of Redwood City, and William R.. of Alameda. After his marriage John Morris took up land in Missouri and by laborious 684 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES toil was enable to surround his family with the comforts of life. However, his own health began to fail and it became necessary for him to seek a change of climate. In this Avay he was led to make his first trip to the west. Accom- panied by his family in the spring of 1852 he started across the plains in a wagon drawn by oxen. At the expiration of a tedious trip of six months he arrived in the Suisun valley and promptly established a home here, remaining for two years, during which time he enjoyed a gradual restoration to health. Upon his return to Missouri in 1854, Mr. Morris took up agricultural pursuits there once more, but the west had cast its fascinating spell around him and he found himself discontented with conditions at his old home. Accordingly in 1857 he disposed of his property in Missouri and came to Cali- fornia, this time with the intention of becoming a permanent resident. As before, he sought Solano county and settled in the Suisun valley. As early as 1860 he bought the farm now owned and occupied by his widow and here he built the residence that gives her a comfortable home in her declining years. At first he bought one hundred and seventy acres and later he added to his possessions until the farm comprises three hundred and fifty acres, largely in pasture and grain. For years he was very successful both with stock and grain and was regarded as one of the foremost farmers of his day and locality. In later years he sold a part of the ranch, but left to his widow the homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, a finely improved tract. His second marriage occurred December 12, 1882, uniting him with Mrs. Harriet (Sturr) Hesser, the widow of C. W. Hesser. Born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1840. she left that state with her parents at the age of eighteen and settled in Van Buren county, Iowa, where in 1865 she became the wife of Charles W. Hesser, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio. In 1867 they settled in Missouri, but the failure of Mr. Hesser's health induced them to come to the west in 1872. Only temporary relief was afforded by the change of climate. In 1877 he died in California, leaving besides his widow a daughter, Miss Ida, who is now her mother's devoted companion and by affectionate ministrations brightens for Mrs. Morris the darkening days of advancing years. LAWRENCE SHARP. For a long period before his death Mr. Sharp bore an honorable part in the industrial development and material upbuilding of Vallejo and during that era of energetic labors he gained a high place among the citizens of the town, winning the confidence of all by his thorough-going methods of transacting business and by the integrity of character evidenced in even the most trivial acts. Fate had given him an opportunity to study conditions in various sections of the country, for he was born and reared in the east and spent his young manhood in New York and Canada, but he found him- self more intimately identified with California's development than with any previous place of residence and always he cherished a deep affection for the home of his latest adoption, the scene of the labors that formed the clos- ing period of his useful existence. Born in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1822, Lawrence Sharp remained in his na- tive locality until he was sixteen years of age and then accompanied his parents across the lake to Toronto, Canada. A common school education qualified him for the responsibilities of business affairs. Later he served an apprenticeship at the trade of a carpenter and for a time he carried on a growing business as a builder, but eventually he turned to merchandising. Some of his earnings were invested in a farm and this was operated by tenants. The confinement incident to indoor life caused a failure in his health and he came to California in 1864, spending two years here for the HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 685 benefit of his health. With renewed strength he went back to his business connections in Canada, but in 1868 he again came to the coast and was employed as a carpenter iii San Francisco at the time of the great earthquake of that year. Later he made a brief sojourn in Grass \ alley, thence came to Vallejo and finally returned to Canada. After a brief \isit with relatives and friends in the old home neighborhood he eame again to the west and here his family has resided since 1873, owning at No. ( >0i> Georgia street a home bearing evidence <^\ the refined tastes of its inmates. Until he retired from active business life Mr. Sharp was engaged in contracting and building in Vallejo. While living in Canada and working at his trade, in 1845 Mr. Sharp married Miss Sarah I. Winters, who was horn in London, England, in 1S2<>. but emigrated to the Canadian shore during girlhood. Seven children were born ^i their union, but Only three of these arc now living, namely: Isaac Gilbert, now a resident of Vallejo: Mrs. Ruth A. Pease also living in this city; and Miss Christena. who remains at the old homestead, where in their declining days she ministered to the comfort of her aged parents. The chil- dren deceased were as follows: Sarah E. and Mary |.. who died soon after coming to California: Agnes E.. who became the wife 'n William 11. Mitchell and died January 19, 1911, leaving two sons. Clayton and William E.. the latter attending Gross Medical College, Denver. Colo.: and Charlotte, who died when two years old. The mother died in 1006 and the following year the father also passed away. Both were devout members of the Episcopal Church and earnest supporters of all movements for the spread of Chris- tianity and the spiritual upbuilding of the human race. In their many acts of neighborly kindness, in their devotion to all that is good and true, in their self-sacrificing efforts to rear their family to usefulness, and in their daily exemplification of the principles of charity and generosity, they fur- nished an example worthy of the emulation of all and they are remembered among their acquaintances with affectionate regard. ROBERT HENRY PRATT. A native of Maine. Mr. Pratt was born in Freeport, August 2. 1824. When he was sixteen years of age he. like so many other hoys in Maine. determined to go to sea. continuing in a sea-faring life until 1847. and rising from boy to mate or first officer of his ship, during those years. He made voyages to Europe and to the south, having plenty of rough experiences, but gaining from them independence of character and a knowledge of how to handle men. what afterwards stood him in go. .,1 stead and proved to he a practical schooling that could hardly be obtained in any other way. In 1847 he left the sea-faring life, went t<> school and started another business, alter having decided that the ocean did not present sufficient scope for an ambitious man. and thus he began to fit himself for life ashore. Upon the news of the discovery of gold in California Mr. Pratt joined a party of about sixty people, chiefly from Lawrence. Boston and Salem, Mass.. many of whom were merchants and men of business ability. Pur- chasing the ship Crescent for a voyage around Cape Horn to San Francisco, Cal.. they sailed from Salem. Mass., December 12. 1849, and arrived in San Francisco on May 20. 1X50. after a voyage of one hundred and fifty-nine flays. Captain Madison had been in command at the commencement of the voyage, hut was later deposed and Mr. Pratt was elected to take his place and for the major portion of the voyage he was in full command. On reach- San Francisco, the party separated ami the old ship was .sent up to Sacramento, where she was used as a store ship. Mr. Pratt and a party of 686 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES five others went up to the mines on Trinity river and met with fair success, but the mining life did not prove congenial to Mr. Pratt and he returned to Sacramento before the end of 1850. Here he entered into partnership with his brother in the stock-raising business, purchasing some land for this pur- pose on the Sacramento river just opposite the present site of Willows. Selling out his interests in 1857, he went to Santa Rosa, in Sonoma county, and there for some time engaged in a general farming business with some measure of success. When the building of the railroad across the Sierras began he left the ranch and joined the railroad forces at Newcastle. He was one of the first foremen in charge of the grading crew and later on he became superintendent and manager of the Dutch Flat and Donner Lake wagon road, and then supply agent for the railroad, a position of heavy duties and much responsibility, he having charge of all the supplies used in the construction work of the company. In 1869 Mr. Pratt was made superintendent of the track between Truckee and Ogden and in 1871 was made division superintendent between Ogden and Wells, Nev., with head- quarters at Ogden, discharging the duties of this position with ability and credit until 1879, when he was transferred to Sacramento, to take charge of that division. Finally, in the spring of 1881, he was made assistant gen- eral superintendent of the Southern Pacific Company. Mr. Pratt was married in 1849 to Miss Louisa Merrill, who was also a native of Freeport, Me. They have four children, the oldest being now Mrs. Col. B. O. Carr, formerly of St. Helena, now of Seattle ; she was packed across the Isthmus of Panama on mule back in 1852, when she was two years of age. Hattie is the wife of Gen. M. H. Sherman, well known in railroad circles in San Francisco and Los Angeles ; they have three children. Bradley Newcomb Pratt was engaged in banking in Riverside for a time and is now located in Los Angeles. Carlin E. is now Mrs. Orlo Eastwood, of San Francisco. Mr. Pratt formerly owned a large ranch in Pratt's valley, near St. Helena, which he purchased in 1871, but this was sold and is now occupied by the St. Helena Sanitarium. He now resides on a beautiful ranch about two miles south of St. Helena, passing his life's twilight in peace and comfort. BURTON W. SWITZER. The climatic advantages possessed by the United States over their na- tive Canadian country led the Switzer family to cross the line during the middle portion of the nineteenth century. At the time of the removal hither William H., whose birth had occurred in Canada in 1844, was a child of eight years and he recalls vividly the journey across the country as far as northeastern Illinois, where a suitable location was found in the vicinity of St. Charles. In that locality he attended school and aided his father in the tilling of the soil. At the age of eighteen years he left home and crossed the plains with ox teams to California, where he made his first location in Napa county. After having farmed for about four years near Carneros creek he removed to Sonoma county and bought a raw tract of land in the Huichica district four miles east of Sonoma, where he engaged extensively in general farming and stock-raising. A few years ago he removed from that ranch to a farm near Vineburg, Sonoma county, where, still hale, hearty and active, he continues the care of land with the same energy and skill characteristic of his earlier years. The marriage of William H. Switzer united him with Miss Eugenia Wilson, who was born in Tennessee and at an early age came across the plains with her parents, making the tedious journey with wagons drawn by ozen. Her father. John C. A. Wilson, was a carpenter by trade and for HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES 689 years engaged in the building business in Sonoma, where he was an hon ored and prominent pioneer. His death occurred in the Napa Redwoods. There were eight children in the family of William II. and Eugenia Switzer, namely: Horsey II.. who died at Napa Vpril 1. 1906, at the age of forty- one years; Harvey, who died in youth: Burton \\ . ; William A., the chief engineer of the Sawyer Tanning Company; Mrs. [vy Hasenburg, of New berg, Yamhill county, Ore.; Mrs. Myrtle Donahugh, of Napa; Hazel, if Sonoma; and Mrs. Byrl Jason, also of Sonoma. At the home farm near Sonoma the birth i^i Burton W . Switzer occurred December 15, L869. His education was obtained in public schools. While still quite young he became interested in the draying business. The firm <f thirteen years he left home to follow the sea as his life work. For many years he did this, entering many foreign ports and becoming acquainted with much of the life of ,, t her lands. In 1880 he sailed into Golden Gate harbor, on a voyage from Japan. Tiring of the seafaring life, and desiring to settle down to a life ashore, he left his vocation and settled in Calistoga, Xapa county, working for wages on the different ranches in the neighborhood. This he continued for some time and later on he took up some government land north of Calistoga and made many improvements. Twelve vears after com- ing to California, in 1892, he entered into partnership with William Ebeling and commenced the manufacture of wine. He had two hundred and twenty- five acres of good land just three mik-s west of Calistoga. on which he had erected a wine cellar and planted forty acres of vineyard. The product amounted to fifty thousand gallons per year of fine red and white wine of the dry variety. In 1906 Mr. Bornhorst bought his present place one mile south of St ::2 690 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Helena, and also continued his Calistoga ranch until 1909, when he sold out. On the St. Helena ranch, consisting of sixty acres, he has built a fine home and erected a modern wine cellar. It is one of the best appointed wineries in the valley, $15,000 having been expended on the buildings and contents. Last year the sixty acres produced three hundred and fifty tons of grapes, which is a very fine showing. In the same period the capacity of the cellar was taxed to admit of the output of one hundred and fifty thousand gallons and it will be enlarged this year to two hundred thousand gallons' capacity. So up-to-date is the owner that he will only use electrical power for the working of the entire plant. Last year Mr. Bornhorst sold wine sufficient to allow a profit of $10,000, the price for the product being very high, higher than that received by any other grower from the same vicinity. The partnership is still known as Bornhorst & Ebeling. The same firm also own Olive Heights, a very fine ranch of sixty-five acres near Benicia, fifteen acres in fruit and olives and the balance in grain. Mr. Bornhorst was married in St. Helena September 11, 1911, to, Mrs. Elizabeth (Warns) Ebeling, a native of Baltimore, Md., where she was reared and educated. Their vineyard, residence and buildings show the greatest thrift, also their energy and business acumen. In 1911 Mr. Bornhorst was elected a member of the board of trustees of St. Llelena and takes an active part in the affairs of his city. He is a member of several fraternal orders and is well known in all movements pertaining to them. He is a Mason, a member of the Odd Fellows, the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs. He has done much to promote the welfare of the county and the people of the valley have in him one who has their interests at heart. JOHN OLIVER JOHNSON. Synonymous with the name of Mr. Johnson is the tanning business with which his name has been identified for the past twenty-one years, now un- der the corporate name of the Santa Rosa-Vallejo Tanning Company, of which he is the representative in Vallejo. The large business transacted under the name of the company has grown from a small beginning inaugu- rated many years ago by Mr. Johnson, when, single-handed and alone, he undertook work at his newly acquired trade, and his diligence and perse- verance alone have made possible the growth of the business to its present proportions. The boyhood home of John O. Johnson was in Clay county, Mo., where he was born September 8, 1841, the son of Samuel P. and Elizabeth (Steph- enson) Johnson. Up to the age of fifteen years he attended school in his home locality, and then went to Elkhorn, Ray county, where under the instruction of his father he was apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade. The breaking out of the Civil war was destined to make a change in his well- laid plans, although it was not until 1862 that he finally enlisted his services. The company which he joined was subsequently transferred to the plains, coming as far as Nevada in a government mule train. After his discharge from the service at Salt Lake City, Mr. Johnson came on to Nevada, where he tried his luck in the mining of silver in the Reese river mines. Alto- gether he remained in the mines about two years, at the end of that time, in 1865, returning to his home in Missouri and resuming work at his trade. In 1869 he again came to the west, this time coming to Solano county, Cal. Near Vallejo, where he first located, he followed farming for one year, after which he went to Healdsburg, for two years having charge of a tan- nery in that city. Returning to Solano county at the end of this time he undertook farming once more and followed it continuously until 1890, when HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 691 he started a tannery at Vallejo. From this small beginning was developed the large business that since 1903 lias been known as the Santa Rosa \ allejo Tanning Company, of which he is one of the directors, ranneries are mam tained in both cities mentioned in the name of the company, Mr. Johnson giving his attention solely to the management of the business in Vallejo, which business lie organized, the plant here having a capacity for the manu facture of twelve hundred pieces of sole, harness 01 saddle leather per week. Employment is given to fifteen hands, and much of the manufactured prod net finds its way into eastern markets. 'The reputation of the company for furnishing a very superior grade of leather is undoubtedly the reason for the success it enjoys. Tan bark lor use in the plant is obtained from Men docino and Humboldt comities. The marriage of John O. Johnson in 1866 united him with Miss l.ncinda Owen, who like himself was born in Missouri. Four children were born oi this marriage, as follows: Edwin E. ; Frank 1'.. who is associated with his father in business: Luther S. : and Emily, the wife of C. B. Butler, the latter a member of the board of trustees of Vallejo. Mr. Johnson has also served on the city board of trustees, and fraternally he is identified with Vallejo Lodge, I. O. O. F. From the time that he was attracted to Vallejo as a good place to locate Mr. Johnson has never ceased in his efforts to advance the welfare of his home city, and to no one is more credit due for its present commercial importance than to John O. Johnson, the founder <^i one of the pioneer tanning plants in California. CORNELIUS McCAULEY. With characteristic hardihood and thrift, coupled with intelligence and optimism. Cornelius McCauley attained success in this western country where so many of his fellow countrymen have sought opportunity for prog- He became one of the well to do citizens of Vallejo, and about ten years before his death retired from the active business life to which his younger days were so energetically devoted. Mr. McCauley was born in County Donegal. Ireland, August 10, 1830, and lived in that country until the age of eighteen, when he with his parents emigrated to Ohio. He was the son of Cornelius and Catharine (O'Byrne) McCauley, both natives of Ireland. He first followed farming in Ohio, and later in Independence, Mo., from which place he set out in 1852 for California, with an ox team train, going via North Platte. Neb., and Fort Kearney. This journey was espe- cially hazardous and fraught with many dangers. They had a great deal of trouble with the Indians and at one time were charged by a large herd of buffalo. At one point the Indians held a bridge over the Platte river and demanded exorbitant toll for crossing. A very fierce struggle ensued, dur- ing which some of the party were killed. On leaving the Platte river they followed the Johnson cut off and this trail they found to be almost impas- sably rough ; over many places the wagons had to be pulled with ropes. After leaving the Humboldt Sink they crossed the desert, which they found a very pitiful sight, being strewn with the bodies of animals and dead men. who had died of thirst in their wild desire to reach the land of gold. Water was so scarce that on arriving at a Mormon camp they were compelled to pay the same price for water as for the whiskey on sale there. After safely passing through so many harrowing experiences, the train arrived at Lake Tahoe and from there proceeded to Hangtown. where Mr. McCauley and his brother opened up a store, also conducting a freighting business to bring their goods from Marysville. For eighteen months they carried on a very profitable business in this line. They received a- pay for their com- 692 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES modities pinches of gold dust instead of coin, and so amassed quite a quan- tity. In addition to their store they also engaged in mining with good profit. After having accumulated some $30,000 Mr. McCauley returned to Ohio. Mr. McCauley was married in Ohio to Miss Mary A. Kinney and to that union there were born five children : James B., Edward J., Charles F., Anna, Mary A. Edward J. married Mary Best and they have four children ; Mary A. married Joe Gorman, and they with their two children reside in Vallejo. Mr. McCauley gave all of his children a splendid education and they are living lives of profit to themselves, their parents, and the com- munities in which they reside. James B. was elected commissioner of Vallejo in 1911 under the new charter; Charles is employed in the barracks at Mare Island; Edward is proprietor of the Bay Shore Laundry Company of Vallejo. In 1867 Mr. McCauley came to Vallejo with the intention of making this town his permanent home, and accordingly purchased two lots and built a large house and improved the place with other buildings. In addi- tion to this property, he owned real estate in San Francisco, and also a valuable quicksilver mine which produced a good revenue for many years. He was an upright and conscientious man of good character, a good father and a conservative citizen of sterling worth, and his death, July 17, 1911, was a sad blow to his family and friends. Politically he held to the tenets of the Democratic party but did not always vote the Democratic ticket, as he believed in exercising his right of franchise by voting for the man who in his judgment would best fill the position, regardless of political party. The two sons, James and Charles, are of the same political affiliation as their father, and they are members of the Elk Lodge of Vallejo. The entire family are well thought of in the city and they are regarded as among the most desirable of citizens. WILLIAM P. BLAKE. Vallejo has no more earnest and practical advocate of prosperity and substantial progress than is found in its guardian of the public health and safety, William P. Blake, who watches with a keen eye for anything that might prove detrimental to the well-being of individual or community. A native son of the state, he was born in Grass Valley, Nevada county, July 22, 1868, the son of Patrick Blake, who came to California by way of Cape Horn on a sailing vessel. Attracted to Nevada county on account of its reported possibilities for successful mining, the elder Mr. Blake undertook that occupation with a vim that would not admit of failure, and the fact that he continued to follow the life of the miner throughout his active years is proof positive that he met with a fair degree of success at least. The vigor and determination which sent him to an unsettled region and an arduous work seems still to cling to him, for since coming to live with his son in Vallejo in 1893. although now over eighty years of age, he enjoys excellent health and spirits and mentally is clear, being an interesting narrator of events and happenings of the early days of California. After the completion of his studies in the Christian Brothers College in San Francisco W T illiam P. Blake apprenticed himself to learn the machin- ist's trade in the Union Iron Works of that city, and subsequently followed his trade there for two years. It was about this time, in 1893. that he came to Vallejo and entered the employ of the government as expert machinist at Mare Island navy yard, there as in everything else that he had under- taken, throwing his whole heart and soul into his work, a devotion to duty which could not fail to succeed. He had been in the employ of the govern- ment about fourteen years when, in 1907, he was elected by his fellow- citizens as commissioner of public works! a position which he continued to HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 695 fill efficiently until the adoption and ratification by the state legislature ol the new Freeholders charter or commission form of government ol Vail and at the first election in May. 1911, he was -till further honored by elec- tion to the position he now holds, commissioner of public health and safety, and is serving as one "\ the city commissioners. ( >n account ol the pressure if public duties Mr. Blake was obliged to resign his position with the go> ernment at the navy yard, and now all of his time is given to the conscien tious discharge of his obligations to those who have shown their confidence in his ability and trustworthiness. Included in the duties that devolve upon him as commissioner o\ public health and safety arc all the questions and complications that arise in the police, lire and health departments, a wide field of supervision, but one with which he 1- Fully able i" cope. In 18**4 Mr. Blake was united in marriage with Mary Reddington, a native daughter of California, and four children brighten their home — Marion. William. Ethel and Robert. A public spirited and generous citizen. Mr. Blake keeps in touch with the needs of his fellow-citizens and has served their interests in many ways. In political matters he is independent, and invariably casts his vote for the best man qualified fur the position in ques- tion. Fraternally he is popular, and has been through all the chairs of the Knight? of the Maccabees and the Ancient Order of Foresters, and at the present time is past commander of the lodge of the first mentioned order. PHILIP PLASS. Among the early settlers in the Xapa valley were members of the Plass family, who came to California in 1857 via the Panama route. C. W. and Trinah < Shatter i Plass began farming in the valley on a large scale, conduct- ing two ranches, one of three hundred and the other of two hundred and twenty-five acres. In the early days Mr. Plass also conducted a dairy, but later devoted all of his attention to grain raising, stock and hog raising. He was a progressive and loyal citizen, eager to give assistance in every possible way Jor the development of the new country in which he had made a home for his family and with which his interests were connected. Politically he was a Democrat, and took an active part in politics, although he never held any public office. lie was a member of the Grange. He lived to a ripe old age, his decease occurring in 1895. Mis life was a success not only from the standpoint of the accumulation of property, but also the attainment of char- acter. Mrs. Plass was not permitted to live to enjoy with her husband the successes of his western career, as her demise occurred in 1859, just two years after the consummation of the long voyage around the continent. Philip Plass was fifteen years old when removal was made to California, his birth having occurred in Columbia county, X. V.. in 1842. All of his life he has been engaged in ranching, first assisting his father in maintaining the home place, and on the lattcr's death he assumed entire control of his bush — airs and now owns and lives on the ninety-acre ranch located on the St. Helena road, about three miles north of Xapa. This he conducted to good advantage until ill health forced him to give up its active management, and at present he rents the grain land, retaining for his family use the old home and the land immediately adjacent thereto. On his place are twenty- four large oak trees and an avenue of cypress trees two hundred yards long. !n 1875 Mr. Plass married Miss Catherine J. Whiting, a native of Massa chusetts, and four children were born to them: Corinne; Edwin; Mary, the ■ it Alonzo Campbell and the mother of two children : and ('lain', the wife "! Robert Brownlie, of Vallejo. I laving lived in the valley for so long a time. Mr. Plass can give many interesting reminiscences ■■! the early days. Among the st,,ries which he tells j^ one about a grizzly bear which used to conn- down 696 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES from the mountains and steal hogs from a near-by ranch, but which was afterwards shot. The development of the valley has been of keen interest to Mr. p lass and he is ever ready to enter into any plan or work for the advance- ment of the community. PHILIP BERNARD LYNCH. Sixty-five years have rolled away since Philip B. Lynch, St., came to California and it was in 1859 that he made location in Yallejo, Solano county, believing that in this young and growing town there was opportunity await- ing the abilities which he brought with him from his home across the sea. This home was in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, Ireland, and there his birth occurred August 15, 1822. It was there, too, that he was apprenticed to learn the baker's and confectioner's trade while still quite young, a busi- ness for which he had no special liking, and a growing distaste for it as well as an impatience in what appeared to him as a waste of time, was the means of his decision to come to the United States. This he did without the knowledge or consent of his parents. He worked his passage across the ocean, and in due time he was landed a stranger in a strange land, in the harbor of New York. He continued in the metropolis for a number of years, working as a laborer in the meantime, and in 1847 he came to California in company with Gen. John C. Fremont. Although this was before the period which brought California before the eyes of the world as the great Eldorado, Mr. Lynch went forthwith to Mariposa county and engaged in mining, and was with the party that discovered the Josephine vein, the Mother Lode of California, at Hornitos. There by steady and unremitting efforts he amassed what in those days was considered a small fortune, his accumulation of gold dust amounting to $8,000. With this capital he re- turned to New York City and invested it in a business venture, but the invest- ment proved disastrous and he was left no better off than when he first landed in the metropolis. Many would have been disheartened in the face of this disaster, but not so with him, and as soon as possible he returned to the mines of California and there as before he was successful. His sav- ings this time amounted to $7,000, and with this he went to San Francisco with the idea of investing it if the right opportunity afforded. San Francisco at that time gave little promise of becoming the largest seaport town on the Pacific coast, and instead of locating there he came to Vallejo, Solano county, and finally, on January 1, 1859, began the erection of a small store building on property which he had previously bought. As soon as the building was completed he opened it with a choice stock of groceries and for a number of years carried on a thriving business, the pro- ceeds from which he concealed in tin cans, a practice which is not to be commended, but in this special case it proved a blessing. Fire attacked and destroyed the store and stock, but the money was saved, and with this he purchased the lot and half lot adjoining, on the southwest corner of Georgia and Santa Clara streets, on which he erected a brick store build- ing, which is one of the best buildings in the city today. Here Mr. Lynch carried on an extensive grocery business until his death. After a splendid business record covering nearly forty years in Vallejo he passed away, in October, 1897, when seventy-five years of age. His first wife, in maidenhood Mary Gaffney, did not long survive her marriage, and he subsequently married Mary Ann Ryan, who was born in Limerick, Ireland, December 24, 1842. She died on the anniversary of her birth in 1896, leaving one son, whose name heads this sketch. Philip B. Lynch, Jr., was born in Vallejo June 28, 1872. and has passed his entire life in Solano county. A good grounding in the studies taught in HISTORY OF SOLAN( > WD NAPA COUNTIES the common schools prepared him for entry in Santa Clara College, and after his graduation therefrom he entered his father's store and learned the business. Thereafter father and son were intimately associated in business until the deatli of the former, the son then continuing the business alone for a number ^i years, or until disposing oi it to Merman Salomon on February 11. 1903. Having always had a desire to enter the legal profession, in 1903 Mr. Lynch took up the study ^i law with the firm of Keogh & Olds of San Fran- cisco, and was admitted to the bar June 24, 1907. Subsequently he took up the practice of law in Vallejo and San Francisco, and in the latter city he is Still associated with his preceptors, having a large and growing prac- tice. Since his father's death he has not only kept the business houses in good repair, but has erected several other business buildings, as well as his lence on the corner of Louisiana and Sonoma streets, which is one of the finest and most modern and up-to-date houses in the city. Mr. Lynch's marriage. October 26. 1899. united him with Mary Margaret Clyne, the daughter of James Clyne. of Benicia. Two children were born of this marriage. Mary who died in infancy, and Philip B.. Jr.. who was born August 15. 1903. Personally Mr. Lynch is a man whose ability as a leader has brought him to the forefront and his fellow citizens signified their appreciation of his ability and fitness for office by electing him to the highest office within their gift, that of mayor of Vallejo, an office which he filled with credit for one term, dating from February, 1902. to February. 1904. Previous to this he had served for one term of two years in the office of city trustee. His name is connected with the St. John's Quicksilver Mining Company as president, and with the First National Bank of Vallejo as direc- tor. To a man of his genial nature fraternal organizations appeal with con- siderable force, and his name may be found on the membership roll of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Fraternal Order of Eagles. Knights of Columbus, and the Xative Sons of the Golden West, in which he has passed all of the chairs, and socially he belongs to the Young Men's Insti- tute. Vallejo Yachting and Rowing Club and the True Sportsman's Club. ABRAHAM CLARK. Relatively few of the pioneers who brought civilization and prosperity to the vast regions of the west witnessed as much of frontier existence in varied localities as did the late Abraham Clark, whose pioneer experiences began in Xew York immediately after his arrival in the United States and continued through several of the states then just opening up to permanent settlement. It was n«>t until many localities had been tried and each in turn rejected that he sought the great Pacific coast country and here from the first he wa< nleased with the prospects! Xo friends were here to aid him and he had the further handicap of lack of money, his funds being reduced to $2.50 when he had paid the necessary expenses of the trip to the west. On com- ing to Xapa county he was obliged to beg his first meal, a difficult task for the proud, high-spirited man. but he was able to secure work without the least delay and from that time onward good fortune seemed to wait upon his steps. Eventually he acquired a large estate and attained a position among the most prosperous citizens of his community. The* Clark family descends from a long line of English progenitors. Abraham Clark was born in P.uckinghamshire. England, in June of 1820. and there he received his primary education. At the age of nine years he crossed the ocean with his parents. Abraham and Henrietta (Falkner) Clark, who settled in Xew York state and took up land in Oneida county. After eighteen 698 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES months they removed to Frankfort, Herkimer count)'. N. Y., but after a few years in that location they again started for the further west, this time settling in Huron county, Ohio, in 1835. During the following year the fam- ily moved to Crawford county, Ohio, and from there in 1842 the young man returned to Huron county to begin work as a farm hand. Until 1846 he con- tinued on a farm there. During 1847 he settled on a farm in Wyandot county, Ohio, where he tilled the soil with fair returns. Removing still further west in 1853, Mr. Clark took up raw land in Spring Grove township, Green county, Wis., but the outlook was so dis- couraging that he soon abandoned all idea of permanent residence. In the spring of 1854 he made another journey still further toward the west and settled in Chickasaw county, Iowa, where he turned the first furrow in the soil in that county. The surroundings were wild and the markets so far distant that it was difficult to get ahead financially, so he decided to make yet one more move and the final trip brought him to California. May 19, 1864, he and his family started across the plains and at the expiration of a tedious trip of five months they arrived safely at their destination. During November they reached Napa county and here he secured employment with- out delay. In the spring he mortgaged his teams for seed wheat and com- menced to cultivate a tract owned by Fly Brothers. The result was very favorable, but the next year, when he leased the Davis farm in Sonoma county, he lost everything he had made the preceding vear, besides being left $1,000 in debt. Coming to Berryessa valley during the autumn of 1866 Mr. Clark rented land and began anew. The tide of luck took a turn and he was able to save a little each year. During 1871 he removed to Colusa county and rented ten thousand acres of land under the plow. Two years later, in 1873, he returned to Berryessa valley and purchased the tract which he cultivated during his remaining years of activity, for some years having charge of nine thousand eight hundred and ten acres in the valley and devoting close attention to the management of the entire tract. It was his good fortune to have a capable helpmate. He was married in Livingston county, N. Y., November 5, 1845, his wife being Electa Jane Snyder, daughter of Jacob and Lena (Dougherty) Snyder. She was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., June 28, 1820, and lived to be ninety years of age, passing away in August, 1910. The family of Abraham and Electa Jane Clark comprised six children, namely: Alonzo Curtis; Norman, born February 27, 1854; Reuben, born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, December 16, 1855; Amanda J., born June 26, 1858; Henrietta, who was born November 4, 1860, and became the wife of J. W. Harris, May 2, 1881 ; and Alice, who was born in Napa county, May 27, 1867. Abraham Clark died on his ranch in Berryessa in March, 1892. Norman Clark was ten years old when the family crossed the plains by the overland trail. He was educated in the public schools of Napa county and remained at home until 1899, when he engaged in grain farming near Dixon. On June 21, 1877, he married Miss Annie Gillaspy, who was born in Solano county the daughter of R. C. and Angeline (Hill) Gillaspy, natives of Kentucky and Missouri respectively. Before their marriage they crossed the plains in 1852, Mr. Gillaspy then a young man making the trip in the same train with the Hill family. The young couple were married in May, 1853, and nine children were born to them, Mrs. Clark being the fourth in the order of birth. Both of her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Clark have five children, namely: Celia N.; Abraham O., a popular young citizen of the community and a prominent worker in the Dixon lodges of Foresters and Woodmen of the World; Nellie A., Winifred I., and Delmar N. The older daughter, Celia N., Mrs. Rolla Stinson, of Arbuckle, < Jf/%^<&ccSZ^^~ HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUNTIES 701 has three children, Lois C, Lasca X. and Earl C. In politics Norman Clark upholds Democratic principles ami in religious views he gives his sympathy to the doctrines of the Christian Church, with which his family also are identified. For one term he served as trustee of liis school district, hut with that exception Ik- has declined all public positions. I "i some years he leased the Dr. Wells estate oi three hundred and twenty acres. During 1910 he harvested fifteen sacks of barley t" the acre and ten sacks of wheat. There also is an orchard of twenty acres, containing almonds, pears and apricots >^i the choicest varieties. Twenty m\ head of live Stock are kept on the farm. 'The proprietor o\ the farm finds Stock-raising a profitable adjunct of the grain business and the fruit industry, the several forms ^i farm work combining to insure him a neat income each year in return for his assiduous labor ami intelligent supervision. In l!'ll he removed to Napa, the family home being at No. 636 North Main street. JABEZ MFIYALF BALDWIN. It was a fitting close to the long and useful life ^i Mr. Baldwin that the end should come in the locality which was dear to him through long years of association, replete with memories of the joys and sorrows that fall to the lot of all. ami where lie was known and respected by all for his amiability, integrity and honesty, and where his word was as good as his bond. Feb- ruary 8. 1902. after long and intense suffering, he passed away, at his home near Rockville, mourned by hosts who were proud to call him friend. A native of Pennsylvania. J. M. Baldwin was horn in Troy, Bradford county, lime 14. 1828. and owing to the early death of his father when he was ten years old he was called upon to face the stern realities of life while other lads of his acquaintance were enjoying the freedom from care natural to their years. lie early in life learned the carpenter's trade, and the accomplishment stood him in sjood stead when he came to the west in November, 1850. His first year in California was passed in Sacramento, where he engaged in build- ing boats, and afterward he went on a tour of exploration to Amador and Eldorado counties, and later still went to the Frazier river on account of the mining excitement there. Satisfied that he did not care to locate in either place, he returned to San Francisco, and in 1854 went to Mormon Station. Genoa. New. to erect a grist and saw mill. A chance acquaintance made at this place was destined to shape events in Mr. Baldwin's life. Following his meeting with L. B. Abernathie a partnership was formed that stood the test of time, with its varying fortunes coming and going, hut still finding them loyal to each other in their community interests. From Mormon Station the partners went to Carson Valley, where Mr. Baldwin assisted in building the first house in what is now Carson City. In Carson Valley they engaged in farming, making a specialty of raising ha}- and feed, which they were able i,, disp< i-c of readily to the numerous immigrant parties that passed. To some extent they also dealt in stock. Jealous of their success, the Mormons made life miserable for them and in fact for all other settlers no1 of their faith, and were successful in driving them all away except Mr. Baldwin and Mr. \hernathie. who continued there as long as their business warranted. During their stay at Mormon Station Mr. Baldwin with L. B. Abernathie. Dick Sides and Messrs. Best. Belcher and Sandy Bowers, located the Besl and Belcher Sides. Gould and Currie on the Com Stock Lode, now a part of the Consolidated Virginia mines. Mr. Baldwin lost no time in identifying himself with the enterprise as one of the original locators of this rich gold mine. I It- took the contract for making the first stage of the Sutro tunnel to drain the Com stock. Mr. Abernathie shared in tin- good fortune also, and it is said 702 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES that both were worth half a million dollars when they came to Suisun to locate, but much of this wealth was lost in an unfortunate stock deal. Al- though Mr. Baldwin never accumulated this amount again, he recouped his losses to a great extent in Suisun valley by following horticulture. Mr. Baldwin's marriage occurred at Carson City September 11, 1864, uniting him with Miss Carrie M. Carey, and their wedding journey consisted of a trip by team to Suisun, no railroad being available at the time. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1843, and was an infant when her parents came as far west as the territory of Wisconsin and settled at Geneva Lake, then only a small settlement. Her father, Levi Carey, was a carpenter by trade, a business for which he found considerable demand in the locality in which he settled, and it was not until 1860 that he took up the march across the plains by team. A six-month journey brought the party to Placerville, Cal.. where Mr. Carey died at the age of sixty-six years. The mother, Cath- erine Wagar, a native of New York, died in Red Bluff, Cal.. at the age of ninety-two. Mrs. Baldwin was educated in Howard Academy. Illinois, and subsequently came to California. Later going to Nevada, she took up teach- ing in Carson City, and it was there that she met and in 1864 married J. M. Baldwin. The eldest of the five children born to them was Katie C. who became the wife of W. L. Burbeck, of Napa, and they now reside in Pacific Grove, with their two children, a son and daughter. Bertha E. became the wife of Dr. A. L. Cunningham, of Oakland, and they have one son, a grad- uate of the high school in that city. James M., his father's namesake, is a machinist by trade, but is now living on the old homestead with his wife, who before her marriage was Miss Rosa Markham, of Vallejo; they have one child, Bertha. Carrie Lois is the wife of Alden Anderson, and they and their only daughter make their home in Sacramento. The youngest child of the family is John Clarence, who resides with his mother on the old home .place. This consists of five hundred acres of land, upon which the father raised stock exclusively in the early days, but later put the land in fruit, and it is the raising of fruit that forms the chief income of the ranch at the present time, one hundred acres being planted to orchard consisting of apricots, pears, prunes, peaches and almonds. Mrs. Baldwin and a brother, Charles Carey, of Oakland, are the only children now living of a family of thirteen born to their parents, all of whom came to the coast and all of whom passed awav in California. FATHER JOSEPH F. BYRNE. The growth of the Catholic Church in California forms no small part of the history of the commonwealth, and St. John the Baptist at Napa has contributed its part in the grand total. In the early days the parish was visited by different priests at irregular intervals until 1858, in which year the Rev. Peter Deyaert was appointed the permanent pastor. It was during his pastorate that the present church property was purchased and the old brick church erected. Up to the year 1865 Sonoma and Suisun were attended from Napa, but in that year they were made separate parishes, and from 1865 until 1889 Napa parish embraced all of Napa and the greater part of Lake county. The boundaries of the parish were altered by the establish- ment of the new parish of St. Helena in 1889. A guiding spirit and faithful worker in the fold of the church was taken away when Rev. Peter Deyaert died, January 1, 1876. He was succeeded by Father M. Mulvihill, who served until October, 1877, when he was fol- lowed by Rev. M. D. Slattery, and it was during his pastorate that the pres- ent large church was built and also the hall. His long and successful pas- torate covered a period of twenty-eight years, when, in April, 1904, he was HISTORY OF SOLANO WD X Al'A COUNTIES 703 succeeded by Rev. Joseph F. Byrne, under whose pastorate the church has continued to flourish. One of the material evidences that mark his term of service is the decoration of tlie church with magnificent paintings, together with many other works of an. It is now a generally accepted opinion that St. lohn the Baptist at Napa is a model of ecclesiastical decoration. It is admirably located on a half block on Main street between Caymus and Napa streets. In assuming the duties <^i the parish of St. John the Baptisl in l'HH. it was the intention of Father Byrne to build a parochial school on the church grounds at the corner <^i Main and Napa streets. However, before the exe- cution o\ the plans a better site offered itself in the center of the city, where it could he easily reached by those residing on the electric railway north and south. In August. 1911, Father Byrne purchased the Young property on Third and School streets. The work of founding the school was inaug- urated by I lis Grace, the Most Reverend Archbishop Riordan, of San Fran- cisco, and. Rev. Father Charles A. Ramm. His Grace then presided at a meeting o\ the parishioners at which a generous sum was subscribed, thus insuring the stability of the institution. A committee was appointed by Father Byrne and confirmed by the Archbishop, to undertake, with the I'.b'.nr. the management oi the school. The personnel of the committee was as follows: Rev. Father Byrne, chairman: laymen. Frank M. Silva; secre- tary. Louis M. Rossi : treasurer. Dr. Lowry; W. T. Kelly, \Y. R. Scully, Charles Rigli and Thomas Dwyer. Bids for the work were then opened and the contracts awarded and completed for the opening of the school, January. 1912. The large hall was remodeled into a school building of six class rooms and the magnificent residence is now occupied by the Dominican Sisters, who have charge of the school and the course is graded up to the highest standard. The school site is unexcelled in point of location as well as beauty, embracing nearly all of a city block between Third and Fourth and School and Franklin streets, with entrances from the four streets men- tioned. The societies connected with the church are as follows : Young Men's Institute. Knights of Columbus, Young Ladies' Institute, two sodali- ties for girls and two for boys. The pastor of St. John the Baptist at Napa, Rev. Joseph F. Byrne, was born in San Francisco in 1866. the son of Thomas Byrne, who brought his wife and two eldest children from New Orleans to San Francisco by way of Panama in 1851 and in that city the parents passed their later years. Father Byrne was educated primarily in the city of his birth, attending the Washington school and the Sacred Heart College, after which he entered Santa Clara College, graduating therefrom in 1888 with the degree of B.A. He then went to Baltimore. Md.. and entered St. Mary's Seminary, graduat- ing three years later, when he was ordained in the Cathedral of San Fran- cisco by Archbishop Riordan. His first appointment was as assistant at St. Francis de Sales Church at Oakland, later at St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Bridget's in San Francisco. Subsequently he was appointed pastor of the Church at Xovato. Marin county, where he was serving at the time of his appointment as pastor of St. John the Baptist at Napa in 1904. EDWARD WILLIAM NEWMAN. In September, 1909, Edward William Newman was appointed deputy sheriff of Solano county, under Sheriff J. J. McDonald, and since has invested his office with rare judgment and conspicuous courage. Much of interest and adventure has been crowded into his tenure of office, and many thrilling tales might, without departure from truth, or any elaboration, be set down for the edification of the reading public. The all around experience of Mr. 704 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Newman amply qualifies him for his present position, the chief requisite for which is a knowledge of the workings of human nature. He is a native son of the state, having been born in Dixon, Solano county, in 1876. His educational opportunities were those of the public schools and a course at Heald's Business College, after completing which he turned his attention to ranching with his father, Charles H. Newman, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. In 1896 Mr. Newman was married to Edna McCune Hill, a native of Soscol, Cal., the daughter of James Hill, of Napa county, and grand-daughter of H. E. McCune of Dixon, Solano county, a very large rancher near that city. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Newman, Clara, who is attending the Armijo high school. With his young wife Mr. Newman moved to Vallejo, and for three years was employed in the Mare Island navy yard. Afterward he engaged in the dairy business for five years, operating one of the largest routes in Vallejo. He next engaged in teaming in San Francisco, and two years later sold out and returned to Vallejo, where he engaged in ranching and dairying for a year. Next he moved to Fairfield, where he was appointed deputy sheriff, his present position. He is a stanch and active Republican, and is public spirited in the extreme. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Foresters. LEWIS C. KENNON. The well known and respected veterinarian of Napa, Dr. Lewis Chad- wick Kennon, has been a resident of California for twenty-one years, dur- ing which time he has practiced his profession with marked success. He was born in Santa Fe, N. M., June 30, 1864, and was reared on the- frontier. His father, Dr. Lewis Kennon, was born in Augusta, Ga., in 1829, of an- cestors that date back to 1610. Dr. Kennon was graduated from William and Mary's College of Virginia and later from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He entered the service of the U. S. gov- ernment as post surgeon in the army at Albuquerque, N. M., and remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, at which time he joined the Con- federate army as a surgeon under General Longstreet. He later located in Santa Fe, N. M., where he remained for some time and in 1875 settled in Silver City, N. M., where he was one of the pioneers in the growth and development of that section. On account of ill health he removed to Grant's Pass, Ore., where he died January, 1904. His wife was Mary Agnes. Dr. L. C. Kennon was a cowboy until he reached the age of twenty- one, when he began to realize that life held more in store for him and he set about to accomplish that which he most desired. He received his educa- tion in St.. Michael's College, Santa Fe, N. M., and graduated from the med- ical department with the degree of M. D. in 1882, but he chose the profes- sion of veterinary surgery and was licensed to practice in California by examination and has continued the profession that is so much needed in this western country. After his graduation he spent some time in his native state and passed through many exciting experiences, seeing active service in the Victorio campaign until that trouble-breeding Indian was killed in Old Mexico. He also served through the Geronimo campaign with the sol- diers and citizens posses and at one time, with two hundred, was surrounded on all sides by Geronimo's band in Gavilan Canon. In the fight that en- sued over three-fourths were killed by the Indians, he being one of the survivors of that terrible slaughter near Silver City, N. M. Coming to California in 1890, Dr. Kennon practiced veterinary surgery, for which he was equipped efficiently with knowledge as well as experience, HIST< >KY < >l S( >L \\'i > WD X W \ a JUNTIES 707 in Los Vngeles, Petaluma, Chico and Stockton. Finally he located in Napa, Napa county, and for some years has been engaged in building up a fine practice. He also has a large amount ^i work to i Amador county, Cal., a daughter of John E. Jennison and he a son of Capt. Marry Jennison of Burlington, Yt.. a soldier in the regular army. \ native of Saeketts Harbor, J. I''.. Jennison was horn into an old Massa chusetts family i^\ English and Welsh descent. Me went with his parents to Niles, Mich., and when fourteen years <>i age went to Chicago and was employed on the Lakes, becoming captain ^i a vessel plying Lake trade. In 1857 he came to California, crossing the plains with horse teams and bring- ing his bride; she was formerly Catherine Holmes, horn in Inverness, Scot- land. n\ old Scottish origin, being connected with the Macdonalds. the Mac- Gregors and Campbells. On arrival in Hangtown, now Placerville, Mr. Jennison engaged in mining, then was employed as an assayer and is now a resident <>i Lodi. San Joaquin county, living retired. Mrs. Kennon was educated in private schools and in Notre Dame Academy at San Jose and lady <^i culture and refinement. Dr. Kennon is a member of Napa Lodge of Moose and of the Woodmen of the World. M. S. BOLAXD. Prominent among the men whose personality is stamped upon the dis- trict in which they live is M. S. Boland, the well-known rancher of Calistoga, Xapa county. He was born in Ontario, Canada, December 4, 1856, and spent the major portion of his youth in the land of his nativity, where he received his education and fitted himself for the duties of life. Leaving Canada, he came to Xapa county. Cal., in 1874 and has resided in this county ever since, performing his work and making his influence felt on those with whom he came in contact. Mr. Boland first settled at Rutherford, accepting a position on the J. M. Mayfield ranch, which he held for seven years and four months, the last four years as foreman. He was also on the Chris. Adams ranch as foreman for ten years. During these years of work for others he improved his time by studying the soil and the climate of the locality with a view to getting the most out of a given section of land planted in vineyard. Thus he studied prune-growing and wine-making to his own advantage, and later on he used the knowledge that he had thus accumulated. Coming to Calistoga in 1890 he bought a small ranch of fifteen acres and gradually increased this until he now owns seventy-seven acres of fine productive land. Some seasons he has cleared as much as S200 per acre on his Zinfandel land. At times he has received as high as $30 per ton for his grapes, and from this source alone one year he cleared $6,000 and S1.000 on his prune crop. Twenty acres of his land are in vineyard and he has eight hundred bearing French prune trees, two hundred trees having recently been set out. In St. Helena, in 1891. Mr. Boland married Mary York, a native of St. Helena, whose father. Mack York, came to California in 1856. The mother. Rachel Xash. came across the plains to this state in 1846. Mr. and Mrs! Boland have one son, Chester, ten years old. Mr. Boland is a member and pasl master of Calistoga Lodge No. 233. F. & A. M., and a member of St. Helena Chapter Xo. 63, R. A. M. He is also a member of the Eastern Star. his w ife being past matron, and he is past patron. Mr. Boland is what may be termed a •self-made man." I lis word is as good as • his bond ami he has the unqualified respect and esteem of everyone 708 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES who is acquainted with him. Moreover, he is a progressive man, and has at heart the welfare of the community and is ever ready to assist in the bringing about of better conditions for the residents of the county and the state. JAMES HENRY FITZGERALD. One of the early settlers of Vallejo, a man who has contributed largely to the growth and progress of this enterprising town, is James H. Fitzgerald, who was born on Prince Edward's Island in 1836 and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. His parents were natives of Ireland and emigrated to America in 1812. Orphaned at the age of sixteen the son went to New York City, where he learned the trade of shipwright. When twenty-one years old he married Miss Jane McEwen of New York, and he continued to reside there until 1869, when with his wife and daughter he came to Vallejo, Cal., where he resumed work at his trade. Through his keen foresight and .econ- omy he was enabled in 1901 to retire from business. He is the owner of property not only in Vallejo and Oakland, but in other sections as well. For four years Mr. Fitzgerald was commissioner of public works of Vallejo. filling this office with the prudence and faithfulness which have characterized all his efforts. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald three are living, as follows : Jennie, who is a music teacher in St. Dominick's Academy, Stockton; Edward Thomas, a conductor in Oakland; and James H., Jr., a ship-joiner in the Mare Island navy yard. Helpful and pleasant in tempera- ment, ever willing to lend their assistance in the improvement of the com- munity in which they have so long resided, both Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald have greatly endeared themselves to their many friends. MELCHOIR KEMPER. Synonymous with mention of the milling interests of Solano county is the name of that pioneer miller, Melchoir Kemper, to whose keen foresight, energy and intelligence credit is due for the firm footing upon which that business stands today among the commercial activities of the state. Blended in his make-up were all those sturdy qualities that have been characteristic of the German race from time immemorial, and throughout his long and useful life he bore worthy testimony to his forbears. He was born in Baden, Germany, January 7, 1846, and when eleven years of age landed as an immi- grant on the shores of America, going first to St. Louis, Mo., where it was his privilege to get a good insight into the educational system of this coun- try. Owing to his limited circumstances it was not possible for him to ad- vance further than the grammar grades until he had first earned the where- withal to cover the expense that this would involve, but after learing the miller's trade and working at it for a time he was in a position to follow out his coveted plan for a more advanced education. After the completion of his college course Mr. Kemper returned to work at the miller's trade, working in a plant of which he was ultimately made superintendent. A worthy ambition to see more of his adopted country brought Mr. Kemper to the west in the course of time, and that the ambition was a happy one, time proved in the success that came to him along the line of his special interest. His reputation as a miller in command of all the details of the business was the means of his securing the position of super- intendent of the Star mills at Vallejo (the plant since becoming known as the Sperry mills, at South Vallejo), of which he had charge as superintendent HISTORY OF SOI \NO \\ I) NAPA COUNTIES "09 for seventeen years, after which he went i<> Oakville, Napa county, and en- tered upon an enterprise of another character. For a number of years he was interested in the merchandise business in thai town, building the store building which lie occupied, as well as the family residence, which was one ni the finest residences in the place. After a residence ^i six years in Oakville Mr. Kemper disposed of his interests there and returned to Vallejo, being induced to make this change through a Mattering offer made by George P. McNear to take charge of the Star mills, the same plant of which Mr. Kemper had been superintendent many years, but which in the meantime had retrograded to the point border- ing on failure. The McNear Brothers purchased the run-down plant well knowing that under Mr. Kemper's management it could hi' brought hack to its old-time standing as a mill without a superior, and their estimate of his ability was not unfounded. Mr. Kemper accepted the position, agreeing to put it on the substantia] footing that it had once held, and this he did and more too. Improvements and changes were made in the plant from time to time as circumstances made it expedient and as his judgment dictated, and it is due to his masterly management and keen foresight that the mill be- came known as one of the largest and most important in the county, if not in the state. In the fine family residence which Mr. Kemper had erected in Vallejo at the corner of York and Eldorado streets, he passed away March 17, 1909, and his widow has since made it her home. In maidenhood she was Miss Jennie Carson, a native of New York City. Her first marriage united her with James McQuaid. who was educated in Ohio for the medical profession. but who owing to ill health had to give up his ambitions in this direction. Instead he came to California and engaged in horticulture and the merchan- dise business at Oakville. Napa county, and there he passed away. His widow became the wife of Mr. Kemper in San Jose. Cal.. and since his death she has occupied herself with looking after the varied interests that the death of her husband imposed upon her. By her former marriage she became the mother of three daughters, of whom only two are living, Jennie Cyetta, the wife of Lieut. John W. McClaskey. of the United States navy, and Lois Ethel, the wife of A. M. Stevenson. Jr.. of Denver, Colo., and the mother of one child. Archibald M. Mrs. Kemper is a member of the Presbyterian Church, which Mr. Kemper attended and to which he contributed liberally, although he was not identified by membership with the organization. Po- litically he was a Republican, and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce did the part of a good citizen in forwarding the interests of his home town. Besides erecting the family home he also built the Archibald hotel, a well- known hostelry on Georgia street. At his death Mr. Kemper left many friends who honored and respected him not alone for what he had accomplished in a material sense, but rather for the nobility of his character, none knowing him but to love and honor him. All that was mortal was tenderly laid to rest by his brethren of the Masonic fraternity, his membership therein being recorded in Solano Lodge No. 229. F. & A M.. Naval Chapter No. 35. R. A. M.. and Naval Commandery No. 19. K. T.. in all of which lodges he had at some time acted in the capacity of treasurer. WILLIAM W. WOOD. A native of Ohio. William W. Wood was horn February 2. 1876. and his boyhood days were spent in that state. His father was a machinist. cooper and carpenter, and after completing his education he followed in his father'^ footsteps and learned the trade of carpenter. Tn addition to this he also learned plumbing. At the age of twenty two he enlisted in the 710 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES regular army, Battery B, Third United States Artillery, and saw three years' service in the Philippine war. He served with honor and bravery and when he received his honorable discharge at Washington, it was with the rank of sergeant. Mr. Wood was married to Miss Marguerite Smith following his discharge from the army. They have three children, the eldest of whom is now attend- ing school. When he first came to California Mr. Wood followed his trades of carpenter and plumber and also worked for Crane and Company of San Francisco for some time. He now owns Willow Brook ranch of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Napa county, about five miles from Napa, most of which is planted in young orchard, principally prunes, apples and cherries. In addition to raising fruit he conducts a chicken business, having now about five hundred chickens, besides stock, hogs, etc., for use on the ranch. Politi- cally Mr. Wood is affiliated with the Republican party and supports its plat- form with loyalty. Mrs. Wood is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Napa. S. E. WILSON. Throughout the greater part of the period dating from 1869 and extend- ing to the time of his retirement in 1910, Mr. Wilson held service under the government in its naval department and meanwhile built up an enviable reputation for expertness as an accountant and sagacious judgment as a clerk. In a clerical capacity he had an experience covering many years and bringing countless responsibilities, all of which were met with tact and dis- charged with zeal. During early life he also experienced the hardships and dangers of war, for he was a soldier of the Union from 1862 until the expira- tion of his term of enlistment, meanwhile spending sixteen months in the south and participating in numerous small engagements with the enemy, among which may be mentioned the capture of Newbern, N. C. All through his service he was a member of Company E, Forty-fifth Massachusetts In- fantry, commanded by Col. Charles R. Coleman and assigned to General Burnside's brigade. A native of Boston, born in 1839 and educated in the city schools, S. E. Wilson had been employed prior to the war as a bookkeeper in a wholesale mercantile establishment in Boston and after he returned from the front he engaged in merchandising in his home city for a few years. Coming to California for the first time in 1869 he secured employment as clerk in the construction department at the Mare Island navy yard and for five years he devoted his attention to the duties of that position. Returning to Boston he remained for one year and then removed to Philadelphia, where he became chief clerk in the construction department at the Philadelphia navy yard. Ten years were devoted to the duties incident to that responsible post. Upon resigning the position he removed to Arizona and embarked in busi- ness at Prescott, where he remained for three years. The year 1889 found him again in California, he having come here for the purpose of acting as chief clerk in the construction department at Mare Island. After having filled that position faithfully until 1898 his ability was recognized by an appreciated promotion to chief clerk in the commandant's office, where he remained for twelve years, resigning in August of 1910 and retiring to private life. It was during the period of his connection with the Philadelphia navy yard that Mr. Wilson established a home of his own, his marriage being solemnized during the year 1878 and uniting him with Miss Jennie R. Hawley, a native of Pennsylvania and in girlhood a pupil in the Wilkesbarre schools. The children born of the union are five in number, namely : William M <^&x^^ g% HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 713 L.. who is employed in Oakland; Joseph !■'.. who remains at Vallejo; Flor (.'nee. wh<> resides with her parents; Philip II.. also of Vallejo; and Fdward F... now living in Oakland. The family have a high social standing and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. The days of his war service Mr. Wilson hears in mind through his frequenl meetings with Far- ragnt Post No. 4. G. A. R. With the Masons and the Elks of Vallejo he also has fraternal relations and contributes with accustomed generosity to their charities. More than forty years have elapsed since he first saw Cali- fornia and in the interim he has witnessed the sure and substantial growth of the state, bearing his own special part in the local progress and giving >>i his influence to promote the prosperity and aid the upbuilding of his home town. ALDEN B. WILLEY. The present position of Alden B. Willey as a real estate broker, fire insur- ance agent and notary public gives hut partial impression of the splendidly constructive and useful career of this gifted son of far-off Maine. Mr. Willey was born in Cherryfield, Washington county. Me.. Jul}' 25, 1840, and in his youth had the average educational opportunities afforded the children <.>i trades people. His father, Andrew Willey, also a native of Cherryfield, was a lumberman and mechanic, besides which he owned a farm of two hundred and forty acres, but he gave his attention particularly to his lumber business, in connection with which he also built wharves and dams. From his father Mr. Willey inherited mechanical ingenuity of a high order and he naturally stepped into the waiting opportunity of qualifying along me- chanical lines. Like many another successful man Mr. Willey gained his most broad- ening experience during the Civil War, and at the outset of hostilities in 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Thirteenth Maine Infantry, under Col. Neil Dow. and was attached to the Nineteenth Army Corps. Going south with Gen. Benjamin Butler to New Orleans, he participated in many important battles, and after the taking of the city of New Orleans he was stationed at Fort Jackson, and at Fort Philip at the mouth of the Mississippi river for fourteen months. Subsequently he engaged in police duty in New r- leans. At DeCrow's Point, Texas, he veteraned, re-enlisting for three years in the same regiment, and later engaged in the Red River campaign under General Banks. At Winchester his regiment was consolidated with the Thirtieth Maine Infantry under Colonel Hubbard, and took part in all of the engagements in the Shenandoah valley, up to and including Fisher's Hill and Sheridan's raid, until the close of the war. At the time of the assassina- tion of President Lincoln, his regiment was at Winchester, Va., and was hurried by special train to the defence of Washington and with the regiment Mr. Willey was on guard duty at Fort Meigs to aid in the capture of the -.-in Booth. Mr. Willey took part in the grand review, after which he boarded the steamer Clinton for Savannah. Ga.. where he remained until returning to Maine in the fall of 1865 being mustered out of the service at Portland. Me., in November of that year. The following winter he engaged in logging in the Maine woods, 'in 1866 Mr. Willey set his Face towards the northwest, becoming one of the pioneers of Minneapolis. His experience as a mechanic was in demand in the new growing town and he engaged in heavy construction work, superintending large crew- of men. He also superintended the construction of the in.,, docks al Duluth, Minn.! and while in the employ of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company rebuilt every bridge on the road, and also put in two iron docks in two years 33 714 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES During his connection with the northern state he had under his control any- where from three to six hundred men, and in this capacity evidenced splendid control, securing the best possible service by reason of his kindness, con- sideration and appreciation of those under him. The spirit of ambitious unrest that inspired Mr. Willey to seek the opportunities of Minnesota, in 1892 directed his steps to California, and in Pasadena he worked along accustomed lines for a time, then drifted to San Francisco, where he was with the Union Iron works for four years. He came to Vallejo, Solano county, in 1898 as mechanic at the Mare Island Navy Yard, and at the expiration of three years located in Vallejo, where he is doing an excellent business in real estate, conveyancing and fire in- surance. Having practiced a great deal before the Interior department Mr. Willey has a commission as claim agent and pension attorney. He is widely interested in general affairs in Vallejo, is a political and social factor, and is past commander and present adjutant of Farragut Post, No. 4, G. A. R., and is aid-de-camp on the staff of Commander-in-chief H. M. Trimble. In 1864 Mr. Willey was made a Mason in Narraguagus Lodge No. 88, Cherryfield, Me., and is now a member of Solano Lodge No. 229, F. & A. M. In Minnesota, in 1872, Mr. Willey was married to Mrs. Lucinda Butler, of Bangor, Me., whose earthly existence came to a close in Vallejo in 1903. Mr. Willey later married a native daughter of California. He has always had great faith in the future of Vallejo, believing from its natural location it is destined to become a large city of maritime importance, and it is his ambition to inspire others with the same confidence. He has therefore always been ready to give of his time and means to the forwarding of any enterprise or movement that will build up and enhance the growth and development of his adopted city. SAMUEL J. T. WEEKS. Through the medium of his chosen occupation Mr. Weeks has become well known to the people of Vallejo, his home city, where on every hand are evidences of his superior skill as a contractor, builder and architect. A native son of the state, he was born in Petaluma, August 23, 1876, the son of William C. Weeks, who was born and reached young manhood in New York state. The memorable year 1849 found the elder Mr. Weeks coming to California by way of Cape Horn, but unlike the majority of his fellow passengers his chief ambition had for its aim something else than mining upon reaching his destination. On arriving at the metropolis of the coast he came direct to Sonoma county, settling in Petaluma, where in partner- ship with William Hill he opened a coal and wood office, and later he en- gaged in the grocery business. One of his chief assets on coming to the west, however, was a knowledge of the carpenter's trade, a business for which he found considerable demand in the young and growing town, and he ultimately gave his entire attention to contracting and building until the time of his death in 1896. Samuel J. T. Weeks was reared and educated in Petaluma, and there, too, he gained his first knowledge of the carpenter's trade under the careful training of his father. He was twenty years of age when the death of his father made it necessary to seek other means of completing the trade which he had selected as his life calling. Going to San Francisco, he entered the office of Laist & Schwerdt, well-known architects of that city, with whom he remained three years. At the end of this time he felt justified in under- taking building contracts on his own account, and in San Francisco his first work of this kind was accomplished. From the metropolis he went to Occi- dental, where he erected the Odd Fellows block, the Native Sons building, HISTORY OF SOLANO \ \ I > NAPA COUNTIES 715 the AJtamont hotel ami other structures thai are a credil to his originality and workmanship. With the idea of broadening his knowledge and experience Mr. Weeks accepted the position of superintendent of construction of bridges and build- ings for the North Pacific Coasl Railroad Company at Sausalito, a position which he was well qualified to fill, as results proved, [ts duties involved drawing the plans for and erecting depots along the line of the road, and those at Camp Meeker and Monte Rio are notable examples of his accom- plishment while in the service of that road. Subsequently he became fore- man for the American-Hawaiian Construction Company, accepting this po- sition in 1906, but he gave it up the following year in order to resume work on his own account. Coming to Yallcjo in 1907. he opened an office and from the first he received a goodly share of the building patronage of this city and the country round about. Among the contracts he has had are some for residences as substantial and beautiful as any to be found in the city, and besides these he has been given charge of the erection of numerous public buildings and business blocks. Altogether about one hundred build- ings, plans for which he drew, stand as evidence of his ability as an architect and as a contractor. A partial list of these structures may be given in men- tioning the residences of Charles McMillan and John Roddy; the McEnerney and the Megerry flat buildings; two houses for James Coleman; two for Thomas Bann ; three for William Holmes : the F. T. Kinsey apartments and the W. G. Elliott flats. The marriage of Mr. "Weeks in 1904 united him with Miss Flora Palmer, a native of Sonoma county, who before her marriage was a very successful school teacher in the county. Fraternally Mr. Weeks is identified with the Woodmen of the World. Druids. Red Men and Native Sons of the Golden West, and during its existence he was a well-known member of the Builders Exchange of Yallejo. JOSEPH PHILLIP HANNS. That congenial work means successful work is a fact brought to notice in the career of Joseph P. Hanns, the fortunate owner of a farm of four hundred and fifty acres two miles east of Vallejo. Mr. Planns has pursued his vocation of farming in Solano county since the summer of 1873, when he came here from Brantford, Ontario, Canada, where he was born in 1858. At first he rented a ranch of three hundred acres in the northern part of this and the southern part of Napa county, and three years later he came to his present home, which he has improved into one of the finest properties in the township. He has been successful in general farming and stock raising, but his special pride is the extent and cpiality of grain possible of production because of his thorough knowledge of the chemistry of soils, of rotation of crops, and generally of modern, scientific agriculture. Wheat, barley, oats and hay constitute his principal crops, and of these wheat averages ten sacks to the acre, barley fifteen sacks and oats from eighteen to twenty-five sacks. In 1910 his land produced thirty-two hundred sacks of grain, the hay land averaging from two to three tons to the acre, and the same year he had one hundred and fifty tons of hay and one hundred and twenty tons of straw. He is at present engaged in raising sheep, his pastures grazing a flock of one hundred. His property has the most complete and modern of buildings and implements, and latter day agricultural science can point to no more satis- fying demonstration of its principles than are embodied in the management of this large property. Devotion to bis home interests is the consuming and absorbing factor in the life of Mr. Manns, and seemingly has afforded little time or inclina- 716 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES tion for participation in either the political or social life of his community. His marriage in 1882 united him with Miss Annie Behrens, a native of Nevada county, Cal., and the daughter of F. W. Behrens, one of the pioneers of the state. Ten children were born to him, of whom seven are living, as follows: Joseph, Maria, Christina (the wife of John Romeo), Loretta, Frank, Margaret and Celia. MOUNT ST. GERTRUDE ACADEMY. Among the institutions of Solano county devoted to the education of the young Mount St. Gertrude's Academy at Rio Vista is worthy of more than passing attention. This institution came into being in 1876, through the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bruning, who erected the building and placed it in charge of the Sisters of Mercy, in so doing giving visible expression to a deep-seated longing to help the cause of the church and humanity. In 1876 the first part of the building was completed, -ten years later the west and larger building was added, and in 1896 and 1905 the northeast and southeast wings were completed, and in the last mentioned year the magnificent chapel was also built and donated by the same worthy couple. Shortly before the completion of the chapel both Mr. and Mrs. Bruning passed away, their deaths occurring about six months apart, in 1905. The academy embraces a grammar and high school as well as a com- mercial course, from all of which courses pupils may be graduated and receive diplomas. In addition to the courses above enumerated there are also courses in painting, drawing, pastel and needle work and vocal and instrumental music. While the academy was originally designed for young ladies, there is also a boy's boarding school in connection with the grammar course. The academy proper has accommodation for one hundred and fifteen young ladies, both boarding and day pupils, under the care of the Sisters of Mercy and a corps of thoroughly competent instructors. The plan of training as marked out by the courses mentioned forms but one feature of the good that pupils receive under the training of these conscientious Sisters, for added to the mental instruction is the more vital instruction in moral training that is never for a moment lost sight of by these competent instructors. Mount St. Gertrude's Academy is built on an elevation in Rio Vista which affords a magnificent view of the Sacramento river as well as the mountains of the coast range. The success and wonderful growth of the institution are largely due to the indefatigable labors of the founder, Mother Mary Camillus, who was born in Auburn, N. Y.. and who came from Man- chester, N. H., to establish the academy, remaining at its head until her demise. September 20, 1911. As is fitting, her remains repose in the ceme- tery adjoining the institution for which she labored so long and faithfully. GEORGE L. MASON. Few of the native sons of California are able to show a greater achieve- ment of success in the world of business and commerce than that which may be seen in the life and work of George L. Mason, of Cordelia, Cal. He was born in Green valley in 1864, and for some years continued in this locality. In youth he was educated in the public schools of Cordelia and when very young worked on a farm for his father. At the age of twenty- three years he decided to launch out for himself, and when thirty years of age purchased fifty acres of land which was later increased by the addition of seventy acres more in Green valley. He also owned one hundred and sixty acres in Tulare county which was sold in March, 1911. On his ranch in Green valley he has seventy acres in fine fruit of different varieties, but HISTORY OF Solano WD N \PA COUNTIES 719 he make- a specialty of the Bartletl pear, for which both climate and soil seem specially favorable, and he has received as high as $5.20 a box for his pack in Chicago. In 1892 Mr. Mason married Agatha A. English, a native of Illinois, and three children were horn to them. Ralph Lee, a graduate of Solano county high school, is now attending rleald's Business i ollege, San Francisco; Pearl Pelton is attending school in Fairfield; and Agatha Ubertha is also attend ing school. The mother Of these children died in 1899, and in 1°01 Mr. Mason married I.neisie Marie Kinsman, a native of Germany, and the three children horn oi this union are Mildred. Howard and George. In addition to the work of horticulture to which Mr. Mason has given much time and attention, he is also engaged in the raising of horses and cattle, and IS also a dealer in and shipper <■>! all kinds of stock. Politically he is a Democrat and fraternally is a member <>f the Independent Order of Foresters, in fact, was a charter member and the firsl Chief Ranger of Court Cordelia. George \\ . Mason, the father of our subject, was a native of Maryland, and came to California in 1852 by way of the Isthmus, locating in Solano county in 1861. lie died in 1909, when seventy-two years old. at which time he owned six hundred acres of good land. The mother. Sarah (Ellis) Mason, was horn in Iowa and crossed the plains in the early '50s. She still resides on the old home place. The parental family originally comprised nine children, and the six living are all residents of Green valley. JOHN LEWIS FREITAS. Among the highly respected and well-known citizens of Fairfield, John L. Freitas has a place, for he has become a member of the community by virtue of his residence here and a member of the citizenship by reason of the interest that he has taken in the welfare of the community. Mr. Freitas was born on the Island of Flores. Azores, Portugal, in 1850 and at the age of eighteen years he left his home for the sea on an American ship. After serving on this ship for three years, during which time he had an opportunity of seeing the world and of coming in contact with many di liferent peoples, he returned to Portugal. Leaving Portugal he came to America and after a sojourn of three months in the east he came to California in 1871 and remained here for eight years. After an extended stay in America Mr. Freitas returned to Portugal, where he married Miss Mary Rosa, a native of his own country, and three children were born to them : John E. and Joe L., both of whom are in business in Suisun, Cal., and Mary, who was born in Portugal; she became the wife of Joe Serpus, and they and their one child reside in East Oakland. For ten years Mr. Freitas was successfully engaged in the stock raising business in Wyoming, and upon returning to California purchased land and engaged in the same business, continuing this until leasing it. das for the use of the citizens of ["airfield and Suisun is piped from this place, where he has a strong natural gas well under heavy pressure sufficient to supply the two towns. In September, 1910. Mrs. Mary Freitas died in Fairfield, and Mr. Freitas - married in Portugal in 1911 to Miss Annie Doceo. also a native of that country. Altogether Mr. Freitas has made three trips to Portugal. He is 'he owner of property in Fairfield and in addition he owns an eight-hundred acre stock farm, which is leased out. He first came to California in 1871. when the country was wild and barren, and he has been an interested spectator of it- growth. 720 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES WILLIAM HENRY SAMUELS. A native of California, Mr. Samuels was born in Suisun valley December 24, 1859, the son of Edmond and Mary (Gregory) Samuels. The parents were pioneers in California, having crossed the plains via Fort Laramie, Salt Lake and Humboldt Sink, in 1852. The father was a great hunter and related to his children many thrilling episodes of the hunt and chase. The parental family comprised eleven children, as follows : Elisha C, Jane, Angeline, Mary, Nathaniel (deceased), Jasper, William H., George, Martha B., Florence A. and Amanda. The first fourteen years of AVilliam H. Samuels' life were passed in Suisun valley, then moving to Gordon valley, and he continued to make that his home until he was twenty-two years of age. After forming domestic ties he removed to Berryessa valley. His marriage united him with Irene Jane Coleman, a native of Nebraska, and to them nine children were born, as follows : Maud R., Archie E., Dorothea, Myrtle, Hazel, Henry, Eva, Alvin and Irma. Archie E. and his wife, formerly Mary Smith, have two children, Edward E. and Harold S., and reside in Solano county; Maud R. is the wife of Edward Riehl and the mother of four children, Chester, Mattie, Pauline and a child as yet unnamed ; Dorothea became the wife of Elbert McCloud and has two children, Mary E. and a baby; Myrtle and her hus- band, Rudolph Riehl, reside in Vacaville. William H. Samuels owns two hundred and twenty acres of land on Blue Mountain, a portion of which is in fruit, the balance being timber and pasture land. In addition to cultivating this property, he leases twenty- two hundred acres of land which he works to advantage. He has six head of horses, some cattle, fifty head of hogs, and one hundred and eighty sheep, deriving a splendid percentage of profit from the latter. In the year 1910 he marked two hundred and seventy-five lambs. Politically Mr. Samuels adheres to the tenets of the Democratic party. Personally he is very fond of the hunt and the chase and has many good kills to his credit, among which are two bears, four mountain lions, as well as foxes, wild cats and rattlesnakes. For many years Mr. Samuels has served as school trustee. He is known as a generous man, a good neighbor, and a kind and worthy father and husband. BERNARD J. KLOTZ, M. D. Firmness, force of character, tact, indomitable energy and concentration along some useful channel of human activity — potent factors for advance- ment of men to important stations in life — are manifest in the career of Dr. B. J. Klotz, the present coroner and public administrator of Solano county, and one of the best known and most successful of its younger generation of professional men. Dr. Klotz comes of one of the pioneer families of Solano county. His father, Charles A. Klotz, was for thirty-six years con- nected with the Mare Island navy yard, where at the time of his death he was serving in the capacity of chief draftsman. Educated primarily in the public schools of Vallejo, where he was born September 9, 1879, Dr. Klotz entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of California, and after graduating, took a post-graduate course at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. For the following two years he was assistant surgeon at the French Hospital, of San Francisco, and after engaging in general practice in that city for a time, changed his field of practice to Vallejo in 1904. Here he has built up a large general practice in medicine and surgery. In order to secure scientific care for his patients he established and equipped the Klotz Sanitarium at No. 623 Georgia street. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 721 a private hospital of his own which is supplied with the latest devices for efficient professional service, and which lias a reputation second to none of the private institutions of the kind in the county. Dr. Klotz's election as coroner and public administrator took place first in 1906, and he succeeded himself to the same office in 1 ( >10. He has demon- strated workable knowledge of the demands of his responsibility, and his administration is well received even by his political opponents. He has been active in local politics for a number ^\ year*, but thus far has refused other offices. Dr. Klotz was made a Mason in Naval Lodge No. 87. F. & A. M., and is a thirty-second degree Mason, being- a member of California Consistory Xo. 1. San Francisco, also a member ^\ Islam Temple, X. M. S.. of that city. He is also a member of Vallejo Lodge Xo. 559, B. P. O. E.. the Samoset Tribe No. 22, I. O. R. M.. is past president of Vallejo Aerie Xo. 71. F. O. E., and is the present deputy state president of the order, besides which he is a member of the Herman Sons and the U. P. E. C. being examining physician of the two latter. He is also a member and active worker in Vallejo Parlor Xo. :: . X. S. G. AY., a member of San Pablo Lodge No. 43, I. O. O. F., and is the fleet surgeon for the Vallejo Yacht Club. In the line of his profes- sion he is identified by membership in the Solano County Medical Society (which he is serving as president), the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Besides serving as president of the board of health of Vallejo. he is also surgeon for the San Francisco. Vallejo and Xapa Valley Railroad. In 1904 Dr. Klotz established a home of his own, in that year marrying Gertrude Savage, a native of San Francisco and a graduate of Irving Institute. HARRY CLYDE DRAKE. Many interesting and valuable lessons may be drawn from a perusal of the history of the Drake family, not the least of which is the wholesome influ- ence which emanates from the life and united efforts of two of its members, Simon S. and Frank Drake. These brothers were born in Chichester, N. H., grew to young manhood in their native place, and came to California by way of the Isthmus in 1858. Through his services in a home militia company Frank Drake won the title of captain, and wherever he went he was generally known as Captain Drake. Throughout their lives the brothers were almost inseparable companions, business necessity alone separating them, and then, no longer than was absolutely essential. After casting about for a suitable place to locate they finally agreed on Vallejo as a promising location and made it their headquarters while they went on prospecting expeditions to Nevada and Idaho. From the latter place Frank Drake went to Mexico, where he became superintendent and manager of a large mine owned by London capi- talists, and until 1897 he continued in the employ of the company. During this time, in the interests of the business, he made several trips across the ocean, and altogether had considerable experience as a traveler. By nature hospitable and genial, he was a friend worthy the name and a companion whose influence radiated sunshine and happiness. What was known as the Farmer ranch was purchased in 1870 by the brothers, the tract containing three hundred and seventy acres, located a few miles east of Vallejo. Here they erected a comfortable residence, good barns and other buildings, and planted both shade and fruit trees. It was the decision of the brothers that Simon S. Drake should live upon and con- duct the ranch in the interest of both, making a specialty of stock raising and grain. The original policy was adhered to for seven years, when it was decided to give attention more especially to breeding fancy stock, and it may 722 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES be said that it was to this decision and its development that the name of Drake became so well known throughout northern California in track circles. In pursuance of the plan they bought the famous stallion Admiral, of Ham- bletonian stock, and set apart one portion of the ranch for a race course, making a fine track for training purposes. At no time did the venture have the appearance of an experiment, and Simon S. Drake soon became well known as an authority on fancy stock breeding and also in racing circles. One of the best products of the ranch was Sister, whose record of 2 :17 brought her owners $2,000. A number of other horses won records of 2:30 and sold for between $1,000 and $1,500. The moving spirit in this enterprise died in 1885, after which the business was continued by his eldest son until 1891, when the horses were disposed of. After the death of his brother, Frank Drake lived in comparative retirement until his death in 1908. He left a wife, formerly Miss Lyphene Shaw, and a daughter named Clara, the latter the wife of James D. Wittman, of Jackson, Ohio. The marriage of Simon S. Drake united him with Miss Thurza Craven, and their eldest child, Walter Frank, was born in Ray county. Mo. The two youngest children were born in Vallejo, Harry Clyde, April 14, 1871, and Joey Howard in September, 1872. Fraternally the father of these children was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Odd Fel- lows ; and in his political belief he was a Republican. If one interest more than another claimed his attention outside of his personal affairs it was pro- viding the younger generation with good school facilities, and his indefati- gable labor along this line was the means of his being known as the father of the Hunter district school, on the board of which he served as trustee and clerk for a number of years. Next to the oldest child of his parents, H. Clyde Drake has never known any other home than the ranch upon which he now lives. Upon the completion of his education in the local schools he shared the duties of the home ranch with his father, until the death of the latter, when he and his elder brother, Walter F., continued the ranch interests. In the mean- time the youngest brother, Joey, had failed in health to such an extent that a change of climate was deemed imperative, and in 1899 Walter F. sailed with him for Honolulu. The effort to restore his health proved fruitless, and the brothers returned home only a short time before the death of the invalid. During his stay in Honolulu, Walter F. Drake became favorably impressed with the country and subsequently secured employment with the govern- ment and has since made his home there. As a result of the circumstances just related, the death of the youngest brother and the removal of the eldest to Honolulu, the home ranch has become the property of H. Clyde Drake, and here he lives with his family, which, besides his wife and children, in- cludes his mother, and until 1908 his Uncle Frank was also of the home circle. The ranch comprises three hundred and seventy acres of choice land, well adapted to the varied crops to which it is devoted. Mr. Drake believes in doing well whatever he undertakes, and none but the finest breeds of horses and cattle are to be found on the place. Besides raising fine draft horses, he breeds Berkshire hogs with good financial results. In fact, no branch of agriculture undertaken by the owner fails under his experienced hand. During the year 1910 his land yielded two hundred and twenty-five tons of hay ; eleven hundred sacks of wheat ; six hundred sacks of oats ; and seven hundred sacks of barley. He is one of the most public-spirited citizens in Solano county, and is nobly sustaining the reputation for generous helpful- ness won by his worthy father and uncle. His marriage united him' with Miss Nellie Raines, who was born near Vallejo, and their four children are named Naomi, Frances, Thurza and Flarry Clyde Jr. HISTORY OF SOLANO \\1> NAPA COUNTIES 725 HENRY GOOSEN. The founder oi the Goosen Family in the United States was Frederick, a native of Germany, born in 1811, and a typical representative of his race in quiet perseverance, frugal economy and sagacious thrift. In search of iter opportunities than his own land afforded he came to the new world m 1852 and after an uneventful but tedious journey of six months and two weeks he arrived in California, settling in Solano county. Immediately afterward he settled on a ranch in this count} and took up the wearisome task i>\ converting a raw tract ^i land into a productive property. There came with him to the then lonely frontier ranch his wife, who bore the maiden name ni Christina Evers, and was bom in Germany in 1824. The two worked with the utmost diligence for many years and the reward of their efforts was to he seen in the tine farm they developed and the sturdy family they reared to lives ^i usefulness. The father died on the old home- stead in 1879 and the mother still remains at the same place, giving over to others, however, the cares she once assumed with a willing spirit and ready hand. Of her children there are four daughters and two sons now living and all are residents of Solano county. Born at the old homestead in this county January 23. 1860, Henry Goosen attended the schools of Green valley and Suisun. At the age of twelve years he became an inmate of the home of David Hale of the Suisun valley and with him he remained for about eight years. When only sixteen years of age he operated a steam engine. With a natural bent for mechanical art-, he cultivated this talent through his work in the machine shop of J. L. Heald at Yallejo. being employed there in the winter months, while laboring on the farm in the summer. With Christopher Harder and Henry Dittmer at the age of nineteen years he bought a threshing outfit. After operating the same for one season the two others bought Mr. Harder's interest and con- tinued together for several years. During 1886 Mr. Goosen bought the old mill at Cordelia from W. W. Mason and soon converted the building into a blacksmith and repair shop, a general implement factory and a hard- ware store. For twenty-one years he managed and conducted the business and met with a commendable measure of success. The -first acquisition of financial interests by Mr. Goosen in Fairfield oc- curred in January. 1902. when he purchased the city water works and this plant he still owns and manages. He built up the water works practically from nothing, as he purchased the plant immediately after it had been burned down, and in ten years' time it has become a plant of large pro- portion- and modern in every way. The site of his wells has the distinction of being the only place in the vicinity where in early days the Indians could get fresh water. It was a large flowing spring, and was not only known by the Indians, but the early freighters and travelers made the old road lead by way of the springs on account of securing good fresh water for man and beast. Mr. Goosen now has twenty-eight wells and is con- tinually adding others. The deepest well is over eight hundred feet, the water coming from a gravel bed. The springs are equipped with good pumping plant, and the reservoir, which is seventy feet high, gives ample pressure for domestic use. Mr. Goosen is now installing an air pressure -y-tem to lift the water, which lessens the expense of pumping and when finished will be a complete air lift system. This plant furnishes water for Fairfield, a place of nearly one thousand population, and also at times the adjoining town of Suisun, of about seven hundred inhabitants, whenever the source of their supply becomes exhausted. Tt is greatly to the credit of Mr. (ioosen that on each occasion he has come cheerfully forward and furnished the citizens of his neighboring town with an abundance of pure water in their need, and he does this with magnanimity and without prejudice 726 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES or insistence on a permanent contract, and the citizens of Fairfield are to be congratulated on having such an abundance of pure water, for there are so many towns in California that have an inadequate water supply. Two years after he bought the water plant he opened a general hardware store in Fairfield and in 1907 he moved to this place, where since he has made his home. January 10, 1897, he was united in marriage in Napa with Miss Catherine Marie Stark, a native of Tipton, Iowa, but a resident of California from the age of five years. Her father, Andrew Stark, was born and reared in Germany, but came to the United States in early manhood and settled in Iowa, living in that state until his removal to the western coast. In Iowa he met and married Miss Margaret Ann Carthy, a native of New York state. Mr. and Mrs. Goosen are the parents of three children, all natives of Cordelia and all now students in the Fairfield schools. They are as follows : Victor Henry, born October 26, 1898; Howard Norman, September 27, 1900; and Earl Phelps, September 29, 1902. The family recently completed a very elegant residence, in Fairfield, the architecture being of the old colonial style, with all modern conveniences, finished in hardwood, with paneled battens and beam ceiling and massive fireplaces. The structure is an ornament to tn town as well as one of the finest in the entire county. Besides conducting the hardware business and the water works at Fair- field Mr. Goosen is an active member and ex-president of the Merchants' Association of Suisun and Fairfield, is a stockholder in the Roachdale Store and the Green and Suisun Valley Telephone Company, and the Winters Canning Company of Suisun, and for- more than twenty years has been the Solano county agent for the Aermotor Company. A valuable list of property in Solano county is held under his title and he also owns realty in Stockton, this state. To him belongs the distinction of being the first man to secure fresh water in the Suisun and Vallejo marshes of Solano county, and he further can claim the merit of having bored more wells and secured a greater amount of fresh water than any one else in the entire county. Though not partisan in his preferences he believes enthusiastically in Republican principles and always supports the party by his ballot. EUGENE L. WEBBER. There are few positions in Napa county calling for greater energy and none demanding greater tact than the office of superintendent of the county infirmary, which is now being filled by Eugene L. Webber with a resource- fulness and an ability peculiarly his own. The fact that he was born in Yountville and has been one of the county's life-long residents, gives him a knowledge of local conditions and perplexing problems not possessed by many of alien birth or of brief residence here. The added fact that he is still a young man (born in 1881) is evidence that he also is enthusiastic, full of energy, undaunted by obstacles and displaying under all circumstances an optimism and a courage that characterize youth the wide world over. The Webber family has been identified with California for more than forty years. The original settler in the west was John L. Webber, who for years has been a prominent citizen of Napa county and now represents the Yount- ville district as a member of the board of county supervisors. Born in Maine in 1849, he grew to manhood in his eastern home and early learned the lessons of thrift and industry that later formed the foundation of his suc- cess. Upon starting out in the world for himself he came west in 1870 and settled at Virginia City, Nevada, where he remained for six years. Upon his removal to Napa county, Cal., in 1876 he settled near Yountville and embarked in farm activities, raising hay and grain, besides making a spe- cialty of milch cows and hogs. In addition he operated a threshing machine HISTORY OF SOLANO ANT) NAPA COUNTIES 727 for m;inv vears. In the management of his varied interests he exhibited keen judgment ami untiring energy. When eventually he retired from ranching it was with a competency that represented a gratifying return for his years of labor. After coming to California and settling in Napa county, Mr. Webber married Miss Sarah J. Grigsby. who was born and reared in this county. By this union he is the father of three son-. Eugene 1... Samuel and Warren. Since his retirement from the ranch he has made his home in Yountville and there he has a comfortable residence as well as other holdings of value. From his arrival in this county he has been more or less connected with public affairs. His interest in progressive project- has been unceasing. By his influence and assistance he has aided many forward enterprises. Besides the helpful work he has done as a private citizen, he has been a large factor in county activities since his first election as county supervisor in the fall of l c K)4. During the fall of 1908 he was chosen for a second term and is now serving his district in that capacity. The public schools of Yountville afforded fair advantages to Eugene L. Webber. After leaving school he worked as a ranch hand for several years, but then returned to Yountville and embarked in the mercantile business. Four years afterward, in April. 1909, he received the appointment as superin- tendent of the county infirmary, in which responsible capacity he has given evidence of ability of a superior order. On May 5, 1907, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Maude Gibbs. by whom he has a daughter, Evelyn. Fra- ternally he is a member of St. Helena Lodge, K. P., and also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. JOHN B. FRESE. An epoch of intelligent and prosperous activity in agriculture is repre- sented by the interval between the date of Mr. Frese's arrival in the United States, in 1851, at the age of twenty-one years, and the date of his demise in California, in 1905, at the age of seventy-five years. His views concerning the resources and opportunities of California were most optimistic, indicating far-seeing discrimination and sagacious judgment concerning valuations. Carrying out in practice his ideas concerning land, he invested heavily when prices were low and witnessed a steady advance in prices, although he passed away before the most noteworthy advances had been made. Germany was the native land of Mr. Frese and July 4. 1830, the date of his birth. On his way across the continent he stopped temporarily at St. Louis and from there proceeded to California, settling first in Contra Costa county. When he became a resident of Solano county he took up one hun- dred and sixty acres and also operated another quarter section which his wife owned. Working industriously and saving carefully, he was able in time to buy four hundred and eighty acres adjacent to his ranch, and this gave him control of a very large tract, utilized for general farming and stock raising. After a prosperous career in Solano county he sold his holdings there and moved to Shasta county, where he bought a stock range of eleven hundred acres. Fourteen years he spent on that ranch, which eventually he traded for other property, including a residence in Red Bluff. In that city his last days were happily passed and there his death occurred, bringing to an end an existence largely devoted to pioneer labors and crowned by the respect of a large circle of acquaintances. After taking the oath of allegiance to the United States and studying the political situation of the country, J. B. Frese became a supporter of Democratic principles and always remained an adherent of that party. He 728 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. After coming to the west, he married Miss Rose Forester, a native of Germany, who bore him seven children : Herman, a resident of Santa Rosa ; Albert F., who makes his home in Santa Cruz; Bernard G., one of the well-known farmers of Solano county ; Henry G., who married Polly Ann Forester and lives in San Fran- cisco; Charles H., of Shasta county; Fannie, Mrs. Andrew Bushard, deceased; and Rose M., married to John Roberts and living in Arizona. Miss Hattie Kiesker, a native daughter of the state, became the wife of Bernard G. Frese and bore him two children, Clarence B. and Hildred M. For years identified with the farm interests of Solano county, Mr. Frese is farming under lease two hundred and eighty-two acres of the Kiesker land, giving him the control of a valuable tract, of which one hundred and twenty acres are under cultivation to barley. Aside from grain-raising he is also raising stock. Reared in the Democratic faith, he adheres to his party affilia- tions in national elections, but in local politics aims to vote for the best man. He has fraternal relations with the Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dixon. MRS. BENJAMIN KELSEY. Probably the most interesting character in all California was Mrs. Ben- jamin Kelsey, widow of Benjamin Kelsey, the pioneer. She was a historic character, having been the first woman to cross the plains and the Sierras, making the long and hazardous trip to California, and long the oldest living pioneer of Napa county. She was a native Kentuckian, born in 1823. She married, at an early age, Benjamin Kelsey, and in 1841 they, with a party of twenty-three people, started to cross the plains and mountains to Cali- fornia. The party included besides Captain Fitzpatrick, who was pilot, a boy named John Bidwell, who later became prominent in California history, and Capt. Joseph B. Chiles. The journey was fraught with innumerable hard- ships, and their courage became well-nigh exhausted when four pack-horses fell over a bluff, leaving them with very scanty provisions. For days they lived on roasted acorns and Mr. Kelsey becoming very ill, the party decided to leave him to die of hunger. This Mrs. Kelsey refused to do, so they killed one of the pack horses and lived on the meat for a few days until the men were able to hunt some game. Finally on Christmas Day, they arrived at Fort Sutter. In 1843 they went to Lake county and from there started for Oregon. On returning from Oregon, Mr. Kelsey located with his family in Napa valley, but on the outbreak of the war with Mexico he and his family were compelled to go to the fort in Sonoma, where they remained for some time. Mr. Kelsey and General Vallejo built a sawmill on Sonoma creek. Gold was discovered at that time and Mr. Kelsey went to the mines, where he had good luck. On one trip of ten days he returned with $1,000. On his second trip he took a flock of sheep and brought back $1,600. In the mean- time he applied for a grant of land on Clear Lake in Lake county. At this place his brother, Andrew Kelsey, and Charles Stone were killed by the Indians. In 1850 the company went to Humboldt, shipping the goods by water and taking the stock by land. Here again they were forced to kill Indians. On this trip they helped to start three towns, Kelseyville, Areata and Eureka. But the trip did not prove a financial success, as they failed to get a good price for their ranch near Kelseyville, and they returned to Sonoma by boat. Because of Mr. Kelsey's health, the family traveled to Mexico in 1861 and from there drifted into Texas, where in an encounter with Comanche Indians the oldest daughter was scalped, from the effects of which she died at the age of eighteen years, six years after the wound had been inflicted. 3 HISTORY OF SOLANO \M> NAPA COUNTIES 731 The death of Mr. Kelsey occurred in 1888 in Los Angeles, and Mrs. Kelsey spent her last days in the Cuyamaca mountains, in San Diego county, where she occupied a pour and humble dwelling, enabled t<> make a scanty living by raising a Fen chickens. Tims this old pioneer passed the evening oi her life, until, full of years and of honor, she passed awaj LOUIS MANGELS. Among the immigrants who landed in New York harbor in the year 1866 was John Henry Mangels, hi> wife Maria and their seven children, three sons and four daughters. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in the year 180J. and was therefore sixty-two years of age at the time he transferred hi> residence to the new world. The parental family originally comprised eleven children, and of those who attained maturity we mention the following: Anna became the wife of Clans Spreckels and died in San Francisco; Claus, who was in business in that city, also died there; Katherine became the wife oi 11. Burmeister and died in the Suisun valley; Mary. Mrs. II. Grotheer, resides in San Francisco; Sophia, Mrs. C. Brommer, is also a resident oi that city: John Henry died in Santa Cruz; and Louis is the subject of this article. The mother of these children died in her seventy- second year, and the father lived to attain the age of eighty-six. When he was a lad ^i fourteen years Louis Mangels landed in New York City with his parents, and after sight-seeing there for ten days they embarked on a boat bound for the Pacific coast by way of the Isthmus of Panama. On June 22. 1866. they landed in San Francisco from the steamer Golden Gate. Louis Mangels' chief asset on coming to this country was a good education acquired in the schools of Germany, and after locating in San Francisco he apprenticed himself to learn the cooper trade. After following his trade for about nine years, with money which he accumulated in the meantime he purchased two hundred and thirty acres in the Suisun valley, Solano county. These lowlands are remarkably productive of a quality .;rape from which the most excellent wine can be made, but it was only after many years of experimenting in different crops, attended with many failures and hardships, that Mr. Mangels finally made a success of the undertaking. More than once he became so discouraged that he offered his place for sale, but no purchaser taking the property, he redoubled his efforts and finally discovered that wine grapes were a success and bore well. Each season he set out more vines, and as he became more encour- aged with the undertaking, decided to keep the ranch, and such land as was adapted for vineyard was set to vines. To obtain the best success he concluded to engage in the manufacture of wine and in 1893 built his first wine cellar, which two years later was increased in size and again enlarged a few years after that, and today it has a capacity of four hundred thousand gallons. The ranch is known as the Solano Winery and is located about one and a quarter miles north of Cordelia, which is his shipping point. Xinety- four acre^ of leaded land is given over to the raising of grapes, in addition to forty-five acres of vineyard planted on the original purchase of land. In 1910 Mr. Mangels took his two sons into partnership, under the firm name of Louis Mangels & Sons. In more recent years Mr. Mangels ventured into other agricultural lines, having acquired fifty acre rchard and grain land in the Suisun valley, which, after being put in tree> and vines, was sold to his sons-in-law. Mr. Mangels also purchased the Hadden ranch of sixty three acre> one mile east of his place, and of this twenty five acres have been set to orchard and vineyard. Two years before Louis Mangels made his first purchase of land he was married in San Francisco, in 1874. to Mi<^ Minna Schrader, a woman 732 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES of his own nationality, whose mother, Henrietta Schrader, at the age of eighty-one years, is now living in San Francisco, fifty miles away from her daughter and grandchildren. Of the nine children born of this union, one died in infancy. John Henry and Claus are both married and live on the home place, being in partnership with their father. Louis, Jr., is married and in business for himself in the Suisun valley. Emma and her husband, Wade Little, live on their ranch in the Suisun valley, as do also Sophia and her husband, George Flammer. Twin daughters, Anna and Minna, came next to this happy couple, Minna still remaining with her parents, while Anna and her husband, L. C. Scarlett, also have their own home in Suisun valley. Rudolph, the youngest of the family, remains with his parents. Notwithstanding his devotion to his private interests, Mr. Mangels has always found time to take a deep and active interest in the welfare of his community, having become an American citizen worthy the name. He is a welcome member of Lodge No. Ill, K. of P., of Suisun. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party, and with his family he attends the Lutheran Church. In all matters that tend to the upbuilding and advance- ment of the community he is ever ready to give of his time and means. JOHN A. FILLOON. Of the men whose mechanical and artistic ability has been made to serve the best interests of Vallejo, none is accorded a higher measure of merit than John A. Filloon. Mr. Filloon is an architect, builder and con- tractor, and has to his credit not only many of the most expensive and im- posing buildings in the town, but on Georgia street probably has accom- plished more high grade repair work than any other similarly employed. It is impossible to enumerate in this space all that he has accomplished in his line, but mention may be made of the annex to St. Vincent's hotel on Georgia street ; the Swartz block on the same street ; many fine cottages and flats, including the Armsted cottage for Miss Evans, cottages for Mr. Coretcke on Capitol street, a bungalow for Mr. Waterfall on Napa street, two apart- ments for Mr. Bresnan on Ohio street, besides which he has put in many fine plate glass fronts on Georgia street. Born in Clayton, Contra Costa county, Cal., in 1862, Mr. Filloon is a son of Josiah Filloon, who, crossing the plains in 1852, settled in Calaveras county, this state, and engaged in mining and the stock business. The elder Filloon next located in Clayton, Contra Costa county, and operated a livery stable, in connection therewith driving a stage to Oakland and being the first man to ride a horse on top of Mount Diablo. He later settled in Fresno, Fresno county, and here his death occurred in 1869. He was an energetic and venturesome man, as indicated by his chosen walks in life, and found never-ceasing enjoyment in the crude and unsettled conditions of which he became an integral part. His wife in maidenhood was Elizabeth Ann Barker, a native of Illinois and the daughter of Elisha Barker, who crossed the plains to California with ox teams in 1848, and on horseback traversed a large part of the state looking for a suitable location, and finally settled in Calaveras county. Mrs. Filloon survived her husband a number of years, her death having occurred in 1883. The youth of John A. Filloon was such as one might expect from his early surroundings. He is truly a self-made man, for from the age of twelve years, when he began to work at the carpenter's trade, he has followed the same in many towns and cities of the state. He came to Vallejo in 1899, and in 1905 inaugurated his business as a contractor and builder. Needless to say, he has accumulated considerable property, and aside from that in HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 733 Vallejo owns a five acre place in fruits just east of town. This he has con- verted into an ideal home, and here live his wife, formerly Miss Susan A. Hopper, a native <>f California, whom he married in 1887. and his two children, Hattie and Ada. Mr. Pilloon has little time to devote to polities or outside affairs, but in general is public spirited and enterprising, generous in his con- tributions to worthy causes, and in all ways setting a high standard of life ami character. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and Independent Order of Red Men. JAMES WILSON. A native ^i Aberdeenshire, Scotland, James Wilson continued in his native land until he was about thirty years of age, at that time coming to the United States. In the fall of 1868 he landed at San Francisco, Cal., where for twenty-five years he followed his vocation of shipdjuilder. With all the sturdy qualities inherent in a Scotchman — steadiness of purpose, energetic will, upright life, combined with a robust constitution — he worked his way up from the bottom of the ladder and today is a prosperous fruit grower in Napa county. He has forty acres of fertile land devoted to the raising of grapes, prunes and peaches, beside- which he owns a twenty-acre vineyard one mile from his home place. Mr. Wilson was united in marriage in Scotland to Euphemia Harrower, i<\ Scotch parentage, and to them were born four children: James, Alexander, Anna M. and Euphemia. Euphemia is the wife of George W. Elicker. resid- ing in Napa county with their two children. Arthur and Melvin. Mr. Wilson has no aspirations politically, but has always voted the straight Republican ticket. He was at one time a member of the Steamship Builders' Association and the Grange Lodge, which demonstrates the fact that he is public spirited and a promoter of projects to further the welfare of the community. Although seventy-two years of age, he is hale and active, a stanch Presbyterian and a lover of home, and with his kindly personality, consideration and tact he has won for himself a lasting place in the hearts of the people of his community. IRA Z. HILL. By reason of his thorough understanding of the occupation to which he has given his attention for a number of years Mr. Hill rightfully claims the honor of being an expert in his trade of painter and paper-hanger, and much of the best work in this line in Vallejo is his handiwork. Ohio is Mr. Hill's native state, his birth having occurred in Marietta, May 11. 1877. but the greater part of his life has been passed in California, whither his parents came in 1884. when he was about seven years of age. Settlement was made in Napa. Napa county, and with that part of the state his life was associated during his early years. A fairly good education he obtained in the schools of Napa, and when he was ready to prepare himself for business life he had selected a trade which was congenial to his tastes and therefore he lost no time in casting about to decide as to his future. The trade of painter and paper-hanger was the one he had chosen for his life work, and the fact that he has been successful in it needs no stronger proof than the large list of satisfied customers that return to him repeatedly when in need of work in his line. After completing his trade in Napa he worked in the employ of others in Oakland. San Francisco, Fresno and other parts of the state before finally coming to Vallejo, in 1896. As in the other places mentioned, he first worked in the employ of others, but in April. 1910. he began taking contracts on his own account, and from the first he met with 734 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the success that his experienced hand deserved. In his store at No. 321 Georgia street may be seen a complete and choice line of all that goes to make an up-to-date paint store, including paints for all purposes, wall-paper of all grades, brushes, etc. The decoration of many of the finest residences in Vallejo has been done under contract by Mr. Hill, and many of the stores on Georgia street and three theaters in Vallejo represent his artistic ability. When it is considered that Mr. Hill has been in business for himself so short a time it speaks eloquently of his reputation as a master of his trade that he has won the large patronage that he now enjoys. One of the secrets of his success lies in the fact that he will employ none but careful, con- scientious workmen like himself. Mr. Hill's marriage, in 1907, united him with Miss Julia Burns, a native of this state, and two children, Archie and Irwin, have been born to them. Aside from his affiliation with the Odd Fellows order Mr. Hill is not iden- tified with fraternal organizations. LOUIS L. WALLACE. The identification of the Wallace family with the history of California dates back to the era memorable through the discovery of gold. It was dur- ing the spring of 1848 that Robert Wallace left Missouri and joined an ex- pedition bound for the then unknown west. On his arrival he prospected and mined in Placer county, but no special good fortune rewarded his tire- less labors. However, the fascinations of the coast country had cast their charm around him and, although he returned to Missouri, it was for a brief period only, after which he again crossed the plains to establish a permanent home in the west. At one time he owned a large mine in San Luis Obispo county, but eventually he became a resident of Oregon and in 1903 his death occurred in Lake county, that state. During the early period of western de- velopment he had many thrilling and even dangerous experiences. Twice he encountered the Indians in skirmishes and several times the savages raided his corrals and took off the stock. The marriage of Robert Wallace united him with Miss Mary Crow, a native of Missouri. They became the parents of four children, namely: Louis L., whose name introduces this sketch; Miner, who froze to death in Lassen county, this state ; John, deceased ; and Mrs. Mary Greenfield. . Born at Kentucky Flat, Placer county, Cal., Louis L. Wallace removed from that mining hamlet to Mendocino county at the age of six years and three years later accompanied the family to Berryessa valley in Napa county. Leaving that locality at the age of twenty years, he went to Red Bluff, Te- hama county, and took up a claim, making his home there until he had proved up on the land. Next he settled in Modoc county and became ex- tensively engaged in the stock business. While living there he married Miss Emma Smith, by whom he has one son. Miner, now a student in the Napa Business College. During a long association with the stock business in Modoc county Mr. Wallace had on his ranch an average of four hundred head of stock and a large band of horses. Much of his ranch was in meadow and large quantities of hay were sold each season. For two years he devoted much of his time to hunting. One of his feats was the killing of three cinnamon bears. The female was wounded and turned on him with desperate fury, but he was able to hit her with a large rock, this time wounding her so seriously that it was then possible for him to kill the animal. Two of her young cubs climbed a pepper tree and hung suspended by their front feet from the upper branches. Finally, exhausted by the effort, they fell to the ground and soon were captured. On closing out the hunting interests and the cattle °fu^^ HISTORY OF SOLANO A.ND NAPA COUNTIES 737 business, Mr. Wallace removed to Oakland and purchased a comfortable cottage. However, the tedium of citj life soon proved irksome to him and he thereupon removed to Napa county, where he bought twenty acres near Oakville. There he engaged in horticulture and general farming until he ><>ld the ranch in the fall of 1911 and returned to Oakland, where lie pur chased a home at No. 2437 Twenty tilth avenue and is serving as mail dis- patcher for the United States government. In the various localities where he has resided enterprises of unquestioned value have received his warm co- operation. ( )t" Republican sympathies, he exhibits no narrowness of opinion, but is liberal minded and free from prejudice. In earlier life he was an active worker in the Ancient Order <■*{ United Workmen and still maintains a deep interest in its philanthropies. Throughout various parts of the state, and especially in the counties of his former residence, he has many warm personal friends. DOS REIS BROTHERS. As compared with the contribution which other countries have made to California. Portugal has a meagre showing in numbers, but in point ^i quality no country could boast more. Manuel and Antonio Dos Reis were born in North Grande, Island of St. George, one of the Azores, in 1864 and 1867, respectively. Among the immigrants that landed on these shores in the year 1881 was Manuel Dos Reis, who came direct to Solano county. Cal.. from the point of landing, and with well laid plans as to his future course of action he established a modest dairy business in the vicinity of Benicia. Starting with a few choice head of stock, his herd increased gradually and the demand for the products of his dairy increased also. He had been in this country about twelve years when his brother Antonio was attracted hither by the success of his brother. At first Antonio was employed in his brother's dairy, but later established a business of his own. After a number of years the brothers joined their forces, and as a result they now have the largest and most profitable dairy in Solano county. The large business conducted under the name of Dos Reis brothers has not resulted from any stroke of good luck, but represents years of hard work on the part of the proprietors, strict attention to small details and square dealings under all circumstances. Their dairy ranch one mile east of Vallejo is known as the Point Farm ranch, and comprises twelve hundred acres, upon which pasturage is given to one hundred and fifty cows. Another ranch they own containing seventeen hundred acres, near Cordelia, is known as the furry ranch, and there one hundred and seventy cows are grazed. The milk from both ranches is shipped direct to their creamery in Oakland, at Fifteenth and Cypress streets, and known as the American Creamery. There they manufacture twenty-five hundred pounds of butter daily, in addition to supplying a retail milk trade with two thousand gallons of milk. The proprietors of this immense business have demonstrated to their satisfaction that a mixed breed of cows produces the best product, ami in all departments of the business it has been their aim to strive for excellence and be satisfied with nothing less, and it is on this foundation that the business has been reared. They also own a ranch of two hundred and six acres near Oakville. Xapa county, which they are seeding to alfalfa, and on which they are putting a pumping plant. In addition to his interest in the dairy business Manuel Dos Reis is als i the owner and proprietor of St. Vincent's hotel in Vallejo, and Antonio also owns valuable real estate in the city. Both are progressive, public- spirited and intelligent citizens, and are held in the highest respect in the community in which they have lived and labored for so many years. 738 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES After the death of his first two wives, Manuel Dos Reis was united in marriage with Miss Deolinda Silvera. Four children were born of his first marriage, Manuel, Antonio, Louisa and Annie ; and of his present union there is one child, Edward. Antonio Dos Reis was married in Portugal to Miss Clara Silvera, and together they came to the United States in 1893. They have two children. Manuel and Antonio. In 1911 he built and estab- lished Idora Park on his ranch one mile east of Vallejo, his partner in this enterprise being Joseph Lopez. It has already become the leading and most popular amusement place of the kind for residents of Vallejo. ROBERT H. STERLING. The presence among us of some aged'survivors of that remarkable group of Forty-niners, so indissolubly associated with the history of the state, serves to unite the dim and shadowy past with the forceful years of the twentieth century. For no citizen is the feeling of gratitude so deep as for them; to none is the word of praise so freely given by an appreciative populace. Well known among the members of the California Society of Pioneers is the honored Forty-niner, Robert H. Sterling, who makes his home at No. 322 First street, Napa. Born in New York City in 1829, he was a mere infant at the time of the family's removal to Bridgeport, Conn., where, as in New York, the father engaged in the book publishing business. As a boy he attended school, but text-books possessed small interest for him at the time. Instead, the ocean lured him on with its whispered tales of mys- tery and unknown ports beyond. Gaining permission at home to enter upon a seafaring life he shipped on an ocean vessel bound for China. The voyage there and back ended in safety and then again he went to the same country on the same ship (the Natchez), after which he made two trips to China on the Sea- Witch, so that his first four voyages covered practically the same route. Later he became second mate of the Gipsy and made two voyages to the West Indies during the year 1848. It was also his privilege to sail around the world, a voyage that consumed nine months and twenty-six days. During January of 1849 Mr. Sterling sailed from New York on the ship Tarolinta (Floating Rose) for California. While rounding the Horn the mate of the ship was put off duty and Mr. Sterling was appointed to the position, which he filled until the vessel cast anchor at San Francisco on July 6, 1849. Vividly he recalls the appearance of the city at the time of his arrival, its illy-constructed buildings inviting the menace of a fire, many of its inhabitants living in tents, and a countless throng of gold-seekers coming and going with hope or despair written upon their faces. Of course Mr. Sterling tried his luck at mining. For a time he prospected and mined at Jamestown on the Tuolumne river. On his return to San Francisco from the mines he found at the wharf the ship on which he had come from New York. The captain was enlisting a crew for a trip to Honolulu and he joined as mate. The voyage to the Hawaiian Islands occupied eighteen days and the vessel then proceeded to China, whence a return to San Francisco was made in April of 1850. The young sailor next entered the employ of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and was appointed to the command of a vessel, but the prospective voyage was abandoned. For a year he took charge of various store ships in the San Francisco bay and during that time he witnessed, on admission day in 1850, the blowing up of the steamer Sagi- naw, causing the death of a large number of the crew. Returning to New York via the Panama route Mr. Sterling remained for one year and arrived in California the second time on May 25, 1852. He took charge of forty thousand acres of raw land in Lake county for his friend, Capt. A. A. Ritchie, and there for six years he engaged in raising HISTORY OF Sol. \\o \ \ |) NAPA COUNTIES 739 (.attic. Meanwhile, wishing to establish a home in the west, he 9en1 back for his sweetheart, Miss Lydia J. Wheaton, a native of Connecticut, and she joined him in California, their marriage being solemnized in Benicia in 1854. The union proved to be one of mutual happiness and helpfulness and it was the privilege of the worth} couple to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Sterling passed away Maj 13, 1907, leaving one daughter, Julia, wife of 11. L. Hill, of Now York. The only grandchild of Mr. Sterling is 11. L. Hill, Jr.. who recently was graduated From Harvard College. After leaving the ranch Mr. Sterling came to Napa, where for three years he engaged in the lumber business. For eight years he acted as assistant assessor oi internal revenue at Napa and For a similar period he was deputy clerk in the same office. From 1800 until IS" '4 he served as postmaster of Napa and at this writing he is a notary public. During 1873 he was chosen one oi the first directors oi the Napa state asylum. Ever since voting For Abraham Lincoln For president he has voted the Republican ticket in national and local elections and his support of party principles has been steadfasl and stanch. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WOOLNER. Born in London. England, in 1832. Benjamin F. Woolner is a son of English parents and a member of an old Anglo-Saxon family. When he was still a small child he was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Prince Edward Island. Canada, and there remained until death. From an earlv age he was self-supporting and hence did not enjoy many educational advantages, his present information having been gained principally from self-culture and habits of close observation. At the age of twenty years he went to Goderich. Ontario, and secured work on a farm, remaining for six years, when on account of the rigorous climate he was induced to come to California. At this writing he has two brothers and three sisters still living in Canada and he has made a number of trips back to that country since he left, but in every respect he is better satisfied in the west and his devo- tion to California has grown with the passing years. The first property acquired in Solano county by Mr. Woolner consisted of one hundred acres without fencing and with no improvements. This place he bought four years after his arrival, using for payment the savings of his industrious efforts. The land was cultivated in grain. After about three years he bought an adjacent tract of one hundred acres. Still later he added to his possessions until he had four hundred acres, but a portion of this acreage he subsequently sold, so that now he has a farm of three hundred acres about one mile west from the court house, forming as fertile a tract as may be found within the limits of the Suisun valley. The land is under cultivation to grain in a large degree, but a considerable acreage is in meadow. The returns are gratifying and furnish a neat income for the owner, whose energy has developed the property and rendered it productive. The marriage of Mr. Woolner and Miss Flora McNeil, a native of Prince Edward Island, was solemnized in 1869, and has proved a union of mutual helpfulness and service. They are the parents of two sons, the elder of whom, Russell, is a farmer and a resident of the Suisun valley. The younger, Benjamin F.. Jr.. is the present city attorney of Oakland. Both of the sons are married and have children. Adhering strictly to the occupation of grain farming, Mr. Woolner has not engaged in the live-stock industry to any ex tent nor has he diversified from his chosen specialties of grain and ha v. His interests center in his home and on his farm and he has not had the inclina- tion to participate in politics. With his wife he is a member of the Congre- gational Church uf Suisun. His opposition to official responsibilities has 740 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES led him to decline proffers of local positions, nor has he cared to ally him- self with any of the secret orders, but with quiet energy he has concentrated his attention upon his private affairs and has given his time to the acquisi- tion of a competency, so that freedom from financial burdens may render serene and contented the declining years of himself and wife. JOHN WILSON. A native of England, John Wilson was born in Lancashire, April 22, 1834, in the town of Dolphinholme, where the first English worsted yarn was manufactured. At the age of seven years he moved with his family to Yorkshire, where his father was a comber. There he followed in his father's footsteps and for seven years perfected himself in his chosen trade. He received employment in Leeds, Yorkshire, and from that place he came to the United States in 1869, locating in Lowell, Mass. There he followed the occupation of carpet manufacturing and for twenty years was foreman in his department. Leaving Massachusetts, we trace the fortunes of Mr. Wilson to Cali- fornia and note his location in San Francisco in 1893. The same year he came to Napa county and purchased twenty acres of land, paying $150 per acre for the same. He then planted an orchard and now has ten acres of prunes and seven acres of hay, the balance being pasture land. Mr. Wilson's second marriage occurred in Lowell, Mass., and united him with Anna E. Curtis, a native of Yorkshire. One child, Eliza, was born of this marriage, who died at the age of five years. One child was born of Mr. Wilson's first marriage, John Wilson, Jr., who now resides in New Zea- land, where he is engaged in mining. Mrs. Wilson died in 1900. Mr. Wilson has made many friends in Napa county and all rejoice to see the prosperity that has come to him in his advancing years. RICHARD TYTHER. In Shropshire, England, Richard Tyther was born in 1829, the son of Thomas and Mary (Gardiner) Tyther. He received his early education in the schools of the neighborhood, attending school until the age of sixteen, when he began to devote his time to horticulture, his father being a gardener and nurseryman. He worked with his father for some time and the training which he received at that time was of inestimable value to him throughout his life and no doubt had much to do with his successes along his particular line after his emigration to America. After working in his father's busi- ness for some years and becoming thoroughly acquainted with it, he was made foreman in the hot houses and gardens of the large Cornwall Lee estate, which position he held with great satisfaction to his employers until coming to America. Upon his arrival in America, Mr. Tyther settled in New York and worked as a florist for four years. In 1855 he came to California and located in Xapa, where he was in the employ of Mr. Osborn of the Oak Knoll ranch for three years. During his service with Mr. Osborn he planted most of the trees and vines which enhance the beauty of that tract to such a marked degree. While caring for the Oak Knoll ranch he purchased fifty acres of land in the same locality, which was a great advantage, as he was enabled to have all his trees rooted and prepared in the nursery and had a fine orchard planted by the time he was ready to occupy the place. He established the first nursery in the valley, a business which he- was eminently fitted to con- duct, both because of his early training and his California experience. He I HISTORY OF SOLANO \\h NAPA COUNTIES 743 built up and maintained a reputation for firsl class goods and for years he supplied all the neighboring counties with trees and vines. He named his place Dry Creek orchard and conducted a large and extensive trade. Be sides carrying on bis nursery business he did considerable fruit raising, lia\ in^ twenty- four acres of bis ranch planted in peaches, fifteen acres in apple-. one in Bartlett pears, two in apricots, ti\e in plums, two in French prunes and one in almonds, thus having on hand a greal varietj of fruits all the year around. Mi. Tyther was married to Mis- Catherine McNeff, a native of Boyle, Countv Roscommon. Ireland. ( )f the children horn of this marriage two are living. Joseph R.. who resides at Trubody, married M'>- Grace Davis, and three children were horn to them: Mary, deceased; Joseph and Maurine. Mary Frances became the wife of E. '/.. Hennessey, M. !>.. of Napa. Mr. Tyther died in San Francisco in April. l l »10. and his widow now resides in that city. WILLIAM A. TRUBODY. In the enumeration of the names of the most popular men residing in Xapa county that of W. A. Trubody would always be included in the list and in that same connection would be mentioned his high standing as a rancher, county official and private citizen. During the long period of his residence in the county he had ever been foremost in the promotion •t enterprises for agricultural advancement, material growth and educational progress. With him patriotism has been of greater importance than partisan- ship, and while recognizing the importance of party traditions, he has ever civen his influence in advocacy of those reforms in party management and procedure that promised the greatest good to the greatest number. As a rancher and an officer he has alwavs stood for the verv best in public and private affairs. Mr. Trubody possesses a knowledge of California prior to the discovery of gold, for when he was a small child he accompanied his parents across the plains, leaving Lafayette county. Mo., where he was born December 5, 1839, early in May, 1847, when the family joined a party bound for the west. His father. John Trubody, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1808 and died in San Francisco in 1897, at an advanced age. He married Jane Palmer and for many years they had made their home in Missouri. In those days there was but little travel across the country and tor great distances no roads had been marked, so that the best route was unknown. Notwith- standing hardships and delays the expedition arrived in safety, in October, 1847. at Sutter's Fort, which gained world-wide fame as a mecca for immi- grants who came to this state. After a stay of two months at the fort they ■eeded to San Francisco, which city was practically the home of Mr. Trubody the rest of his long and useful life. In November, 1849, he bought land in Xapa county but did not get his deed to it until in February the following year, and this same deed is in the possession of his son William A. of this review. This land was a part of the grant to Salvador Yallejo and Mr. Trubody was the third purchaser from the grant. Trubody station, north of Xapa on the line of the railway, was named in honor of this pioneer, who was one of the men that made the building of the road possible. \t one time he was the owner of a considerable acreage in the county and bought and sold several ranches. After the family had located in San Francisco it was decided in 1850 that the two sons, J. P. and W. A., should be sent to school in the east, as the chances for an education in California were meager at that time. Re 744 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES turning to New York by way of the Isthmus, W. A. was a student in Mount Pleasant Academy for four years. On his return to California he completed his studies in the University of the Pacific at Santa Clara. After leaving school, in December, 1856, Mr. Trubody came to Napa county, where his father had purchased land and in partnership with his brother, Josiah P., settled on a tract of one hundred and eighty-four acres about six miles north of Napa and later began the berry business. They made a specialty of the best blackberries, having thirty-five acres in this fruit. The business was inaugurated in 1867 and grew to such proportions that they became known all over the state as the largest raisers in this section. The partnership continued for a time and then William A. bought his brother's interest. In 1883 he shipped over one hundred tons of fruit which brought high prices. It was impossible to gather the entire crop on account of the scarcity of laborers. This was the banner yield. Eventually the vines became old and the business dropped and was soon abandoned. The old home place con- sists of one hundred and twenty-seven acres, eighty acres devoted to the dairy business and twenty-two in vineyard. The property is under the direct supervision of George A., the eldest son, who makes this his home and gives his personal attention to its management. For a considerable period Mr. Trubody has made his home in Napa and since 1902 has filled the office of county treasurer, having succeeded himself in 1906 and 1910. In 1867 he first served on the board of supervisors and again in 1889 and 1897 was selected to represent his district in that body. In every position that he has been called upon to serve the people he has given eminent satisfaction and served his constituents with fidelity and hon- esty and has won encomiums of praise from both parties. In national affairs he has voted the Republican ticket, but in local matters is guided in casting his ballot by the fitness of the candidate for the office in question. Mr. Trubody was married in California to Lura J., the daughter of T. L. Grigsby. She was born in Laclede county, Mo., November 30, 1850, and was brought to California at an early age and located in Napa county, where November 17, 1868, she became the wife of Mr. Trubody. They have had the following children : Elma, born September 29, 1869, and died June 8, 1873 ; George A., born September 22, 1871 ; Lulu Etta, deceased, was born October 4, 1873, and became the wife of Herbert Lawson, by whom she had one son, Lowell Trubody, who was born December 7, 1893, and makes his home with his grandparents; Clara C, born October 30, 1877, and Frank E., born No- vember 8, 1879, teller in the Napa Bank. The children were given good educational advantages and fitted for whatever responsibilities awaited them. Mr. Trubody is a member of Yount Lodge No. 12, F. & A. M. ; and Napa Lodge No. 832, B. P. O. E. ANTON THOMPSON. Long identification with the business interests of Napa has enabled Mr. Thompson to establish a commercial enterprise of important proportions and also to associate himself with the progressive citizenship of the place. In the line of his specialty he is a leader, having built up a trade that extends throughout the county and brings to him a gratifying annual revenue. His business headquarters are located at No. 217 First street, where he occupies two floors with the necessities and equipments of his specialties, viz : plumb- ing, sheet metal work and tinning. Since he embarked in business for him- self he has been given contracts for some of the most important jobs in plumbing both in the city and in the surrounding country and in the filling of these contracts he has exhibited resourcefulness, skill and dispatch. The Native Sons of the Golden West have an active member in Anton I HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUNTIES 745 Thompson, who is a native of San Francisco and was born February 29, L864, at the family residence on Telegraph Mill. During September of 1873 his parents removed to Napa count] and settled on a farm three miles easl of Napa, where he grew to youth and early manhood, meanwhile receiving a public 9chool education. When a little pasl seventeen years of age he went to San Francisco to earn his livelihood. There he became an apprentice to the plumber's trade under the linn of William S. Snook & Son and worked in their factory on the corner of Montgomery and Claj streets, first as an apprentice and later as a journeyman. Returning to Xapa in 1886, In- secured work at his trade in this city and continued as an employe of others until May >>i l l >00. when he embarked in business for himself. Careful training Under master workmen and his own ability in the line >>i his specialty have enabled him to succeed even beyond his early hopes and he has built up a business that ranks among the largest of the kind in the city. With the exception <\\ having served as a member o\ the hoard of health for one term Mr. Thompson has not entered into public activities nor accepted official honors. The demands oi his business are SO many that he has little leisure for civic affairs, yet he has proved a progressive citizen and forms a valued addition to the splendid corps of business men guiding the destinies of Xapa toward larger results and greater usefulness. Mention has been made of his identification with the Native Sons and it may also be stated that hi- fraternal associations include membership in the Independent Order of Foresters at Napa. In this city he married Miss Annie Golden, who was horn in the north of Ireland, came to the United States in girlhood and died at Napa January 23. 1 ( M». leaving two children. Raymond and Genevieve. CHARLES FREDERICK OTTERSON. The chief oi the fire department of Xapa traces his genealogy to Highland Scotch ancestry, but at a very early period the family became established in Ireland, where Montague Otterson held a conspicuous position among the landed proprietors of County Tyrone. Of his family a son, Andrew J., born at the family estate in that part of Ireland and educated in the schools of England, immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen and en- gaged in the occupation of a cotton planter in Georgia near Atlanta. During the Mexican war he entered the army and rose to the rank of a major, while during the Civil war he enlisted from Kentucky in the Confederate service and became a commissioned officer. The only injury that marked his long and distinguished career in the army was a wound in the right leg at the- battle of Chickamauga. When the Civil war had ended Major Otterson brought his wife and two children to California via the Isthmus of Panama, which they crossed on muleback. thence traveling by steamer to San Francisco. In that city he entered the employ of Collis P. Huntington as foreman of construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad over a part of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It was his privilege to be present at the driving of the golden spike which marked the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Later he aided in the construction work on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. While thus en- gaged in 1875 he expelled some Chinese gamblers from the camp. The action caused a mutiny and uprising of the sixteen hundred Chinamen employed on the road and they made an attack upon him. Seizing his Winchester he fought until his ammunition gave out and sixteen fell beneath his aim. When he could no longer use the gun the Chinamen overpowered him and chopped him to pieces with their shovels. At the time of being murdered he was fifty years of age, handsome in appearance, stalwart in physique, 746 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES imposing in stature and robust in constitution. His life brought him often into imminent peril, but never once did he display the slightest fear or the least weakening in his unwavering courage. The marriage of Major Otterson united him with Miss Louise Werner, who was born in Kur-Hessen on the Rhine, and who, with her son, Andrew, was burned to death in the fire that destroyed the West Street hotel, Seattle.. The others of her four children are still living, Charles Frederick, the second of these, having been born in the old Adobe hotel in San Francisco February 18, 1867. From the age of twelve he has been self-supporting and for some time he also helped to support his widowed mother and younger brothers. After having served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in the South- ern Pacific Railroad shops at Sacramento, h'e returned to San Francisco and became foreman of construction on the old Market Street (now the United) Railroad. While thus engaged he built the Powell, Sacramento and Clay street lines. Upon resigning the position he went to Spokane, Wash., and worked as chief electrician. Later he held a similar position with the' Madi- son Street Railroad Company in Seattle, thence returning to San Francisco and entering the employ of a firm manufacturing electric elevators. With them he continued as foreman until 1904, when he became general foreman of the San Francisco, Vallejo & Napa Valley Railroad shops at Napa. A year later he resigned to take charge of the construction of the Ocean Shore Railroad at San Francisco, but he had not assumed his duties when the earth- quake occurred which changed the plans of the company. June 13. 1906, he was commissioned chief of the fire department at Napa, to which office he was appointed by Councilmen Newman, Seeley, Levansaler, Manasse and Evans, and which he has since held by re-appointment at the expiration of each term. The department comprises the chief with four paid assistants; six call men and the old Pioneer Volunteer Company. The equipment is composed of one hose wagon, one Seagrave six-cylinder fifty-horse combination chem- ical engine and hose wagon, one third size Knott fire engine, and three reserve hose carts established in three different parts of the city. The insurance rating of the city is on rate book two on a basis of thirty, thirty-five and forty-five cents. The efficiency of the department is shown by the fact that there are only five other towns in California on the same rating. Pioneer Engine Company No. 1 own their old hand-pump engine, which, brought around Cape Horn from New York, did duty here for many years, pumping water from cisterns or the creek, forty men (twenty on each side) manning the pump. The engine is still in good condition and is kept as an interesting relic of the past, its day of usefulness having long since passed. Formerly the department was composed of Pioneer Engine Company No. 1, Unity Hose Company, Alert Hose Company, East Napa Hose Company and Alliance Hose Company. Each company was noted for its great speed and won prizes in different tournaments. All of the companies are now out of existence with the exception of the Pioneers, who are still on call. Considering the size of the city, the department is rated as the best in the entire state and it has headquarters centrally located on Second near Coombs street. Tests have been given here by Engine Driver Bruton, En- gineer Jeff Smelser, Hose Wagon Driver Roberts and Hoseman Pilgrim Petrolio, when with a complete hook apron seven hundred and forty-five yards and two hundred feet of hose laid, a line of water was put on the build- ings in two minutes and twenty-five seconds ; the same test, two hundred and sixty yards, in one minute and twenty-nine seconds ; also the same test, two hundred yards, in one minute and five seconds. These tests and records were witnessed by hundreds of people and the time was kept by strangers, so that the accuracy of the results announced could not be questioned. The HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 749 credit for much of the efficiency of the departmenl belongs to the chid, who is an able official and careful worker. Physically he is a fine specimen of manhood, tall and well-proportioned, with a keen and penetrating eye, which often has auled him in running down and detecting criminals, for in addi- tion to his work in the tire department he also has been connected with the police department at Napa. For some years he has been identified with the Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs' Association. While living in Seattle. Wash., he married Miss Emma Mass, a native of New York City. They are the parents ^i two children. Andrew and Mollie, the former an employe of the Wells Fargo Express Company at Napa. JOSEPH COLLINS EDGCUMBE. Inheriting from his English forefathers the sturdy qualities for which the Anglo-Saxon race ever has been famous. Mr. Edgcumbe added to these the traits more especially associated with the name of his native land of Canada and eventually his character became well rounded through the acquisition oi characteristics that mark the American people and particularly the residents of the west. From the age of twenty-four years until his death he identified himself with the industrial development of California and gave to the state the best years of his useful life, the most strenuous energies of his manhood and the deepest affection of his loyal and patriotic spirit. Throughout almost the entire duration of his residence in the state he made his home at Vallejo and this growing city has contained no inhabitant more solicitous for its material development than he, while his contribution to the local pro- re-- was effective and permanent. During the first one-half of the nineteenth century an English family crossed the ocean to Canada and established a permanent home in the new country, where a son. Joseph Collins, was born to them July 1, 1838. To this child, as to the other members of their family, they gave the best ad- vantages the schools of their locality afforded. In his youthful years they apprenticed him to a carriage-maker and thus saw that he was prepared for the earning of a livelihood. At the age of twenty-four years the young man left home and friends to make his own way in the world and immediately proceeded to California, where he worked in the mines for a year. From the mines he came to Vallejo and secured employment at the navy yard. Later he turned his attention to contracting and building. The first waterworks in the city were built by him under contract. The railroad from South Vallejo to Soseo] was constructed under his personal supervision. The grading of Georgia street was accomplished successfully through his capable labors. Many other contracts of importance reached a satisfactory consum- mation under his leadership and in every transaction he proved himself efficient and skilled. Although but a few years beyond his majority at the time of migrating to the west, already Mr. Edgcumbe had established a home of his own, for in 1857 he had married Miss Susie Delaney, a native of Cobourg, Canada, and the daughter of Irish parents who in youthful years had settled near the -hores of Lake tntario. There were three sons in the Edgcumbe family. but the sole survivor is Alfred E., a native of Cobourg, Canada, and the present city clerk of Vallejo, where he is well known among the younger resi- dents of the town as a capable official and genial companion. After he had ceased all operations in grading and building Mr. Edgcumbe carried on a hardware and grocery store in Vallejo and later he was employed at the navy yard until illness terminated his labors. His death occurred November 30, 1903, at the family residence. No. 908 Sonoma street, and brought to the 750 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES widow and surviving son many expressions of sympathy from the people with whom he had been long and honorably associated and to whom he ever proved a true friend, generous neighbor and patriotic citizen. THOMAS B. SIMPKINS. Napa is well supplied with those whose business it is to erect residences and do general contracting work, and is fortunate to possess such a corps of efficient builders of homes. Among these is Thomas B. Simpkins, who was born near Salisbury, Wiltshire county, England, in 1872, a direct descendant of a long line of worthy forebears. The Simpkins family left England when Thomas was but eight years of age, for we learn that it was in 1880 that the family emigrated to Canada. However, they remained in Canada for a short time only, as they came to Napa county, Cal., in 1882. After attend- ing school for a time Thomas B. Simpkins set about to learn the trade of carpenter, which he did in a creditable manner, afterwards spending eight years working at this trade in San Francisco. On returning to Napa he entered the employ of E. W. Doughty and for five years worked with this contractor. With the idea that he could do better for himself by engaging in business on his own account, he launched out upon the sea of competitive business in 1905. Since engaging in contracting and building on his own account he has erected many splendid houses, not only in Napa, but through- out the county.. Fraternally Mr. Simpkins is a member of Napa Lodge, K. O. T. M. He was married in San Francisco in 1900 to Miss Alice Burnell, a native of California. They have two children, Clifford and Marjorie. LOUIS J. SIQUEIRA. An eventful career, a large portion of which was passed at sea as sailor, is that of Louis J. Siqueira, born in the Azores, off Portugal, in 1841. At an early age he became a fisherman, fishing and whaling off the coast of New Zealand, Australia, Siberia and Behring Straits, and in the course of his expeditions he took two trips around the world. Upon arriving in San Francisco in 1870 he decided to change his occupation and for two years remained in Contra Costa raising grain, then took up a claim of three hun- dred acres at Twin Sisters Peak, Solano county, and later bought four hun- dred and eighty acres in Napa county, where he was established for over thirty years. Two hundred acres were under the plow, twelve acres in vine- yard and the balance in pasture and timber. Mr. Siqueira was united in marriage in Boston to Mary Avalar, also a native of Portugal, and the following twelve children were born to them: Joseph, a farmer of Napa county; Antone, deceased; Louis; Manuel, of Beni- cia; Frank, also in Benicia ; John, deceased; Mary, deceased; Amelia; Flor- ence ; Louisa, deceased ; Maryanna and Virginia. Louis married Louisa Fagundis, of Napa county, and three children were born to them, Frank, Evart and Louise. Amelia, who is the wife of A. L. Brazil and resides in Goodyear, is the mother of eight children, George, Tony, Frank, Marion, Nellie, Flossie, Tillie and Virginia. Florence is the wife of John Rodgers and resides in Vallejo. Maryanna is the wife of John Burgess and resides in Benicia. Virginia, who also lives in Benicia, is the wife of M. Marshall and the mother of one child, Louise. Mr. Siqueira's educational advantages were necessarily limited in his early youth in Portugal, but after his arrival here he became greatly inter- HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 751 ested in educational work and was Founder <>f the public school in Wildhorse valley and was clerk <>\ the board of school trustees in Mountain district until his death. Mr. Siqueira's death occurred in 1902 and was a greal loss to the county, as he was a prominent factor in its upbuilding, and at the time of his death was one of the oldest settlers in Wildhorse valley. He had done much For the improvement and upbuilding of his district and was ever ready to give of his time and means toward any object that was for the betterment of community interests, this being especially true of educational matters. 'The death oi his wife occurred in 1891. They were both devout members of the Catholic church. Since Mr. Siqueira's death the ranch n\ four hundred and eighty acres has been held intact and for some years was managed by his four sons, but since 1908 it has been under the management of his son Louis ].. who makes a specialty of general farming and horticulture. DICK HOPMANN. A comprehensive knowledge o\ viticulture dominates the intelligent activi- ties of Mr. Hopmann, who through long experience with the planting of vine- yards, the care ^i the vines, the harvesting of the crops and the manufacture of wine has become recognized as a local authority upon the subject. Theory and practical efforts have been combined in his labors. From a scientific standpoint he has studied the vines and their care and his studies have proved the wisdom of their prosecution in the light of practical results. The view held by others concerning his efficiency in his chosen specialty is proved by the fact that he has been retained for some years as superintendent at Ruther- ford for the French-American Wine Company of Healdsburg, Sonoma county, an organization of recognized importance and extensive interests. A native of Germany and descended from a long line of Teutonic ances- tors. Mr. Hopmann was born March 3. 1854, and in early youth was sent to the excellent schools of his own land. At the age of fifteen years he crossed the ocean to the United States and landed at New York, where immediately he secured employment as clerk in a grocery. For five years he continued in the grocery business in Xew York, whence in 1875 he came across the con- tinent to San Francisco, at once beginning to work in a grocery in the latter city. Five years were spent in a store there, and he then came to the Xapa valley and settled at Rutherford, where now he makes his home. Prior to his removal from Xew York City Mr. Hopmann married Miss Louisa Wilhelmina Schlobaum. who was born and reared in Germany, but came to this country in young girlhood. Six children were born of their union, namely : William Y.. Harry, Richard. Louisa. Anna and Delia. The eldest sen. William Y.. who is superintendent at Healdsburg, Sonoma county, for the French-American Wine Company, married Anna Roberts and they are the parent^ of two sons. Theodore and George. The eldest daughter in the Hop- mann family. Louisa, became the wife of Hugh Smith, of San Francisco, and they have two daughters. Evalina and Anna. The second son. Harry, acts as his father'- assistant at Rutherford. The wine cellar has a large capacity and conducts an important business among the grape-raisers of the valley, to whom was paid for grapes during the year 1911, from S17 to $18 per ton. In addition to the management of the company's interests, Mr. Hopmann has acquired and now superintends landed interest- of his own, having pur- chased forty-four acres in the Xapa valley. Twenty-seven acres of the farm are under cultivation to a vineyard and there are also four hundred prune trees in bearing condition. The balance of the land is utilized for the raising of grain or corn and four head of horses are kept for the purpose of cultivating 752 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the land and hauling away the crops. While deeply loyal to the welfare of his adopted country and a believer in Republican principles. Mr. Hopmann at no time has sought official honors or local prominence in partisan affairs, but on the other hand he has been inclined to avoid politics, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his own business enterprises. The Presbyterian Church has had the benefit of his contributions to missionary movements. Devoted to the creed of that denomination, he has endeavored by his deeds and words to exemplify the teachings of Christianity and the doctrines of that branch of Protestantism. CONSTANT BRUNO. In Napa county there may be found many men and women of foreign extraction who have come to this country and made their homes and achieved notable successes along their own particular lines of work. Among these may be noted Constant Bruno, a well-known horticulturist and olive grower of Napa county. He was born in Susa, Italy, October 12, 1871. His boy- hood days were spent in his home country, after which he was in Canada for three months, and thence came to California in January, 1904, and imme- diately settled in Napa county. For four months after his arrival in this county he was in the employ of Dr. Stark, and at the present time is fore- man of Prof. E. P. Heald's ranch of two hundred and forty acres. Sixty acres are in fruit, olives, peaches and prunes, and the remainder of the land is in pasture. Mr. Bruno married Miss Mary Bruno, who was born in Italy in 1871. Five children were born to them, John, Victor, Cecera, Adam and Francis. Four of the children are attending school. Although Mr. Bruno does not vote he has been a Republican for the last two years, and is well satisfied with the country to which he has come. MRS. GEORGINE BERTRAM HOLSTEN. Among the business enterprises that are contributing to the well-being of Fairfield is the up-to-date bakery and delicatessen of which Mrs. Holsten is the proprietor. She has a large patronage, which has been built up solely on the dependable quality of the goods which she handles, all of which are made and sold under her immediate supervision. A native of Germany, Mrs. Holsten was born in Frestorf, Hanover, the daughter of Carl Meyer, also a native of Frestorf, where he was engaged in agriculture on a large scale, owning three farms. In addition to this he also manufactured brick and tile, owning valuable clay banks that supplied the necessary material. He lived to attain the age of eighty-five years, passing away in 1903. The wife and mother was in maidenhood Maria Vadelmann, who died at the early age of twenty-six years. Three daughters were born of this marriage, of whom only one besides Mrs. Holsten is living. The young- est of the children, she was educated in the public schools of Frestorf and was there reared to young womanhood. Her first marriage united her with Carl Bertram, by whom she had two sons, Julius Bertram, a machinist in St. Louis, Mo., and Carl, chandelier-maker in Cleveland, Ohio. Her second marriage united her with John Holsten. Mrs. Holsten remained a resident of her native country until 1892, when she set sail for the United States, landing in New York City in due time. After continuing in the metropolis for two years she came to the Pacific coast and for two years was located in San Francisco, her residence in Fairfield dating from the year 1896. Establishing a bakery business on a modest scale, HISTORY OF SOLA XO AND NAPA COUNTIES 755 her patronage has in tin- meantime grown to large proportions, and in justice it may be said thai she lias the most modern and up to date establishment of tin.- kind in town. She owns the building in which the bakery is located, a fine two story building at the corner of rexas and Jackson streets, and also her residence a block away. As an outgrowth <>i the original business as started a number oi years ago. she has added the handling of ice cream and dainties and also serves light refreshments in the cafe. In her undertaking she has demonstrated beyond question her ability as a business woman, and the Superior quality of the goods which she handles has made her name a household word in the locality. She was reared in the Lutheran faith and still adheres to the teaching oi her youth, being identified by membership with the church of that denomination at Cordelia. HEXRY AUGUSTUS i:\SSFORD. Mention of the name Bassford calls to mind that sturdy pioneer Joseph M. Bassford, who came to California in the memorable year of 184''. ami thereafter until his death, forty-five years later, labored indefatigabl) in rais- ing the standard oi horticulture and pomology in his community, to the end that he became known as an authority on these subjects throughout a wide territory. Coming to Xapa valley in the late 60\s he purchased a choice tract o\ two hundred and eighty acres in the heart of the valley which under his trained hand yielded abundantly, first of grain, and later of fruits, he having in the meantime set out cherry, apricot, pear, peach and plum trees, making a specialty, however, of cherries. In promoting this useful industry he did not lose sight of the possibility and desirability of beauty and harmony in laying out his grounds, and surrounding his capacious residence and fine barns were wide and substantial drives, graceful walks, which were lined with tropical shade trees, plants and beautiful flowers. He was a great lover of the horse, ami at one time was the owner of the Hambletonian stallion Abdallah. which he finally sold for $10,000. Fond of sports of all kinds, he was an expert with the rod and gun. and always had a number of fine dogs upon his place. Before coming to the west Mr. Bassford had married Julia Sprague, and two of their children. Fordham C. and George \\\. were born in Xew York state. After the removal of the parents to California the family was enlarged by the birth of J. M.. Henry A.. Frank J., Amelia, Julia, and Beecher F. Of Mr. Bass- ford's second marriage, which united him with Kate McGlency, a native of Philadelphia, three children were born, Abraham T., Mamie, and Ida. Mr. I'.assford passed away in 1894, at the age of seventy-five years, leaving behind him the record of a life well spent, one that might be copied with impunity by the present generation. The worthy son of a worthy father. Henry A. Bassford was born in Benicia. Solano county. Cal.. June 25, 1856. inheriting in a marked degree those estimable qualities that had shaped the career of his father. Xot the least of his inheritances was a love for horticulture and allied interests, and he therefore proved an apt pupil under his skilled father. After a grounding in the elementary courses of the common schools he attended Xapa College and California College of Vacaville. graduating from the latter institution. The study of pomology and other branches of horticulture was then taken up in earnest, and so expert did he become in the industry that his sen ices were in constant demand to establish orchards for others. Of the many orchards which stand as evidence of his skill two may be mentioned, those owned by Mrs. Fliza P. Buckingham and the Earl Fruit Company, seventy-five acres of the latter property at one time belonging to Mr. Bassford. Mr. Bassford's home ranch comprises two hundred and eighty-five acres in Solano county near Vacaville. Here he has about two hundred and fifty 758 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Martha E. Moody, who was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., a daughter of Isaiah Van Sant and Mary (Simpson) Moody. From Tennessee they removed to Springfield, Mo. By a former marriage Mr. Huston has one child, Edmund, and a granddaughter, Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Huston have adopted two orphan children, Bessie May and William Jennings, brother and sister, whom they are rearing and educating. Mr. Huston is a member of the Odd Fellows and in politics is a stanch Republican. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huston are members of the Christian church in Napa. Since becoming a resident of this county Mr. Huston has entered heartily into all progressive movements for the up- building of the county and the general welfare of the citizens, and in their community both he and his wife have a large circle of friends. HJALMAR LUNDELL. An activity marked by successful achievement and guided by practical judgment has been a predominant characteristic of Mr. Lundell, who, yet in the vigor of young manhood, has worked his way forward to a position as justly merited as it is worthily won. Born in Sweden in January of 1886, he displayed in boyhood qualities indicative of unusual ability. Possessing reasoning faculties of an high order, he reasoned from cause to effect in all of his studies and proved to his instructors that his mental endowments were noteworthy. While still in the grammar school in his native land he began to be interested in telegraphy. Its mysteries fascinated him and he was not content until he had mastered them with his customary thoroughness. After he had passed a rigid examination in Stockholm, in which he won high honors notwithstanding his youth, he was assigned to work as an operator and gained considerable experience in the work before leaving home for a distant land. Upon coming to the United States at the age of seventeen years Mr. Lun- dell secured employment at his chosen occupation in Chicago and later worked in the machine shops at Pekin, 111. With the development of wireless teleg- raphy he began to study its intricacies and soon had mastered the entire system as propounded by its original projectors. Young men with such knowledge were greatly in demand and he was kept busy in details connected with the development of this form of telegraphy. In this way he found it advantageous to come to California, where the year 1905 found him identified with the machine and electrical shops at Oakland. It was during the period of his residence in Oakland that he met and married Miss Anne Osterman, by whom he now has two children, Ernest and Rita. As assistant engineer of the Pacific Wireless Telegraph Company Mr. Lundell engaged in the task of locating wireless stations on the coast. At the expiration of three years he returned to Oakland and there located a shop for the company, in their interests building several large stations as well as numerous smaller ones. While he still maintains an intense interest in all matters pertaining to wireless telegraphy, he has relinquished its heaviest activities in order to turn his attention to farming in the Napa valley. Here he operates and occupies twelve acres of the Burke ranch, on which he has one-quarter of an acre in strawberries of choice varieties. Potatoes also are raised here with all other kinds of garden truck and considerable field corn, while in addition an orchard has been started containing trees of the choicest varieties of fruit. Recently he assumed the management of the Blake ranch of six hundred and forty acres in the Howell mountains, where there are fifty acres in meadow and ten acres in an orchard of carefully selected fruit trees, with a small vineyard furnishing grapes for family use. A number of cows are kept on the place and four horses are kept to do the field work as well as haul the produce to market. There is some timber on the ranch and sufficient HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 761 grass to furnish pasturage for the stock. While residing in ( Oakland Mr. Fun- ded was a member of the Swedish Society of thai city and also maintained a deep interesl in the work of the Good Templars Lodge, with which he long has been connected. A careful study <>i conditions as they exist today has led him to embrace the theories of the Socialist organization and he has been a steadfast admirer of the principles set forth by the late I tenry George, whose views he believes to have been carefully formed and wisely expounded. GEN. M. G. V M.l.KJO. January IS, 1890. was the date of the death of Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. in Sonoma, and marks the close of one of the most brilliant careers in the history of the commonwealth of California. I lis hands did much in shap- ing the destiny of this magnificent state, and the great heart of the man was constantly manifested in his benefactions and acts of kindness to those less favored. Of Spanish origin, the first of the family of whom we have any authentic knowledge is Don Geronimo Vallejo, a native of Spain, who with his wife, before her marriage Dona Antonia Gomez, came as an official of the Spanish government and settled in Mexico, there passing the remainder of his days. Among the children of this marriage was Don Ignacio Vicente Ferrer Vallejo, who was bom in the state of Jalisco. Mexico, near Guadalajara, in 1748, and died in Monterey, Cal.. in 1832. He was destined to be a leader among his people, and as judge t^i the country, was sent by the king up the coast to make a report of the Spanish expeditions to the north. The commission executed satisfactorily, he returned to Monterey, Cal.. where he located permanently. In the meantime he became interested in the various missions along the coast and gave invaluable assistance to the missionaries. His marriage united him with the young and beautiful Spanish senorita. Marie Antonia Lugo, between whose ages there was a great disparity, he being twenty-one years her senior, but nevertheless their union was one of continued bliss and happiness. Both lived to good old ages, and after his death she survived only a few years, pass- in- away at the age of seventy-nine. Thirteen children were born to this couple, of whom the eighth child was Mariano G. Vallejo. the subject of this sketch, who was born July 7, 1808, in the old town of Monterey, Cal. During his boyhood the facilities for obtain- ing an education were exceedingly meager, and after complaint had been made to the Mexican governor, Professor Azpiroz was sent from Mexico to become public instructor at Monterey. It was due to the invaluable assistance of the latter that Mariano Vallejo was able to lay the good foundation for the broad, deep knowledge that he later acquired. Not only was his mind capable of acquiring knowledge quickly, but once acquired it was never forgotten, his mind to the last being a perfect storehouse of facts that had been utterly for- gotten by his contemporaries. Far from being a recluse, he yet had a mosl tender affection for his books, and was never so happy as when poring over one of his beloved volumes. All of his reading was along practical lines and he sought to put into practice the lessons which he learned thereby. Even more than was his father, he was destined to come into prominence as a man of power in his community and he bravely and courageously accepted the duties as they came to him and handled them with a master hand. At lin- age of sixteen years he took his place in the ranks of the standing army of Mexico, and at the same time held the responsible position of private secretary to the governor. It was while filling this position that he had the honor of drawing up the articles of capitulation that acknowledged the surrender of Spanish forces to the Mexican government. Military leadership was strongly 35 762 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES marked in the make-up of the young soldier, and upon attaining his majority he was put in command of the presidio of San Francisco. Upon the deposition of Governor Chico in 1836 Vallejo's popularity with the people placed him in the gubernatorial chair. He accepted the appointment, but immediately turned the reins of civil authority over to Alvarado, president of the terri- torial deputation, he himself retaining control of the military forces. The first town laid out in California north of the bay of San Francisco was Sonoma, and General Vallejo established the lines and boundaries alone with the aid of a pocket compass. As early as 1838 he had brought from the city of Mexico a complete printing outfit ( by means of which he reached his people through published addresses. He was an indefatigable worker, and it is said that he himself set the type, worked the press, bound the pam- phlets and distributed them with his own hands. His control as director of colonization extended over a great area of country that has since become one of the most productive agricultural dis- tricts in the state. This was known as the Petaluma rancho, including Peta- luma, Vallejo, Vacaville and Santa Rosa, and here he inaugurated an agricul- tural industry that he little dreamed would assume the magnificent propor- tions that prevail today. The young settlement flourished under the leader- ship of Vallejo, who though born to military life, took gracefully to agricul- ture and stock-raising, and at considerable expense brought horses and cattle from the southern country, from which grew the large herds which he owned. In 1852, after his vineyard was well established, General Vallejo began the erection of the house in which he was to spend his last days. The lumber for this mansion was hauled by teams from Vallejo; the brick was brought from the Sandwich Islands, and the marble mantle-pieces were purchased in Honolulu. Even at $17 a day it was difficult to get carpenters to carry for- ward the work. It is estimated that the house cost $50,000. The grounds were in keeping with the residence, orange, lemon and evergreen trees being planted, and two magnificent marble fountains added further beauty to the lawns. In gratification of an extravagant whim he sent to Germany for a large pavilion made of bamboo, iron and glass. This he erected at Lachryma Montis as a summer house for his children, entailing an expenditure of $80,000. All that now remains of this beautiful piece of architecture are the pillars, in the form of battleaxes, which now serve as posts for the fence that surrounds the private property. Here in the midst of luxurious surroundings the later years of General Vallejo were passed quietly, although he was con- stantly sought to take part in public and upbuilding measures. For several years he was treasurer of the State Horticultural Society and for many years was a devoted member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, of which he was the oldest representative. Although at one time a man of vast wealth. General Vallejo died a poor man. He owned the homestead at Sonoma and the Pajaro ranch in Monte- rey county, inherited from his father, but aside from these he had nothing. Incidents of his great generosity were numerous and were the cause of the great lessening in his fortunes. General Vallejo's marriage united him with Francisca Benicia Carrillo, who was born in San Diego, Cal., of Spanish ancestry, and died January 30, 1891. Sixteen children were born to their union: Andronico died in infancy; the second child to bear the name of Andronico died after reaching maturity; Epifania G. became the wife of Gen. John B. Frisbie; Adela R., deceased, be- came the wife of L. C. Frisbie, M. D. ; Natalia became the wife of Attila Haraszthy; Plutarco died in infancy; Platon was a physician of Vallejo; Guadalupe died in infancy ; Jovita married Arpad Haraszthy ; Uladislao E. was the next in order of birth; Benicia died in infancy; Plutarco, the second of that name, also died in infancy; Napoleon P. was the next child; Benicia, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND N \l" V COUNTIES 763 the second of that name, died young; Louisa is the widow of K. Emparan; and Maria is the wife of Harry Cutter. One of General Vallejo's younger children, Mrs. Louisa Emparan, was l>.\ Sonoma: Carlos and Raoul. JOHN HARTLEY. It is asserted by men competent to judge horticultural conditions through OUl Northern California that there is no tract better adapted to the fruit industry than the famous Sansal fruit farm, of which John Hartley is the owner. Not alone is the climate admirably suited to the development of luscious fruit, but the soil also aids in giving to the product attractive size and unsurpassed sweetness, while the proximity to large cities and first-class markets enables the owner to receive returns as gratifying as they are merited. The orchards lie on the Big Ranch road in the Xapa valley and well repay a visit, especially during the season of the marketing of the crop. The thrifty proprietor of the farm is of English birth and ancestry and was born in York- shire in 1862. As a boy he attended the local schools and in youth he leariied the trade <<\ cloth manufacturing. After some years at the trade he became dissatisfied with the work and the wages and came to America. Crossing the ocean in 1887 he proceeded to California and settled near Fresno with the Central colony, an organization formed for the raising of fruit. Associated with him were two brothers and a specialty was made of grapes, but other products also were raised successfully. The Hartley Brothers ranch acquired a local reputation through the skill and energy of its proprietors and their success in the face of previous lack of experience proved that they were men with natural inclinations toward horticulture. After seventeen years in Fresno county, in 1904 John Hartley came to the Xapa valley and bought the Leonard Coales ranch of ninety acres, after- ward purchasing the William Hunter ranch of forty-five acres, making in all one hundred and thirty-five acres, originally a part of the Vallejo grant and known far and wide as one of the most productive estates. Not only is the soil rich, but it also has the elements particularly adapted to fruit culture. There are now on the ranch fifty acres in bearing prunes, twelve acres in bearing peaches and five acres in bearing plums, besides twenty acres of young orchard not yet in bearing. The annual average net returns from prunes are from SI 50 to $300 per acre, from peaches $75 to S100 and from plums $200 per acre. On the place are many choice Fnglish walnut trees, one of which, planted by William Hunter twenty years ago, has never missed a crop. This is known as Hartley's walnut; it yields a most satisfactory crop, and it is the concensus of opinion that the nut is one of the largest and finest grown in the state. Mr. Hartley is preparing to produce the walnut on account of the many recpiests he has had for it. The nuts arc very large and bring a net price of fifteen cents a pound. Clairac prunes are also raised on this ranch and have the distinction of being the largest prunes raised in the entire state. A display of this variety was made in the Ferry building, San Francisco, dur- ing the recent fruit exhibit held there. Upon coming to the United State-, and settling in the west Mr. Hartley was unmarried and it was not until some years later that he established a home of his own. During 1894 he was united in marriage in Fresno with Miss 764 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Hermine Linde, a native of Hanover, Germany, and a woman of estimable qualities of mind and heart. They are the parents of five children, Linde, Joseph, James, William and Frank, who are attending the local and high schools. With an unquestioned devotion to the country of his adoption Mr. Hartley has taken a deep interest locally, and while not an aspirant to county office, has consented to serve as clerk of the school board of Salvador district, and is much interested in bringing the schools of the county up to a high standard. He is a member of the Napa Farmers' Union, in which he has promoted organized work for the benefit of the horticulturists and agricul- turists of this region. ST. HELENA CATHOLIC CHURCH. The style and character of the buildings of any community are cer- tainly an indication of the trend of the inhabitants in the matter of their daily living and habits of life. The people usually have what they want in the line of edifices. Applying this principle to St. Helena, we have a very fair idea as to the nature of the men and women who comprise the population. There are a number of fine structures in this place, but few are finer from an architectural standpoint than the St. Helena Catholic Church, a fine modern stone edifice that plainly indicates the religious senti- ments of the people. The parish was established in 1887, Father Buholzer being the first pastor and he was succeeded by Father Melvin, who in turn was succeeded by Father Becker. Father Blake, the present incumbent, came to the church as pastor in 1892 and has devoted his entire time to the work. Under his masterful hand and spiritual direction it has prospered, increasing from a very small number of communicants to over fifteen hundred at the. present time. During his time over one thousand have been received into the church by baptism. The pastor has buried two hundred and fifty and married one hundred and fifty. The grounds of the parish church are beautifully decorated and laid out with trees of many varieties, orange, olives, shade trees and ornamental shrubs, all planted by the untiring hand of Father Blake. The present edifice is built of stone and was erected in 1890. It is all paid for, the money being liberally subscribed by the communicants and friends. This church is an influence that is felt in the locality and town and a factor in the general ad- vancement that is not to be despised, for it stands for all that is right and just and true. Rev. Patrick Vaugh Blake was born in County Leitrim, the son of John and Jane (Vaugh) Blake, who were farmers in Leitrim where they raised a large family of ten children. It is an interesting fact that his mother was raised in the Church of England and was not converted to the Catholic faith until some years after her marriage. The Blake family of course were Catholic, as his ancestors from the south of Ireland chose rather to go to Connaught than to Hell, as per Cromwell's alternative to them from the English pale, "To go to Hell or to Connaught." Reverend Blake was educated in the public schools and then apprenticed to a business life in a general store at Mohill, and worked his way up, later going to Dublin, then to Glasgow, Scotland, where he held a position in the counting house of Mann, Byers & Co. While there he felt a call to the ministry and began his studies at the Andersonian University in Glasgow, then completing his classics at Queen's University, Dublin. He then studied logic at Dundalk College and theology at Jefferson College in Louisiana. He was ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, December 23, 1883, by Rt. Rev. Archbishop Riordan. He was assistant at Spanishtown five £/r7£? i}}\Mjvirp/X HISTORY OF SOLANO wn \ \1'\ D HJNTIES months, then pastor of Park City, Utah, after which as president he founded and opened All Hallows College in Salt Lake City. This was at a time when Mormonism was rampant. However, the college was crowned with SUCCeSS. for at the end >^i the first year tiny had two hundred and fifty two students and today it is very flourishing and one of the finest in the west. Father Blake then became secretary to Archbishop Kiordan in San Francisco, continuing for nearly four years, when on account of ill health be was ordered by his physician to get away from the city. He then became pastor of five missions along the coast, from Humboldt to the Sonoma county line, along the mighty Pacific ocean, making his circuit by team and Stage. For fifteen months he labored and regained his health; in February, 1892, he was appointed pastor of St. Helena and since then has given it his entire attention, and his labors, though under great obstacles, have borne much good fruit. He also founded the Catholic church at Calistoga and now has a beautiful church and large congregation. The St. Helena Catholic Cemetery is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the United States, everything there speaking of faith and hope. JOHN BENJAMIN MAYHOOD. That it is possible to achieve success in California in the face of a dis- couraging outlook has been proved modestly but effectively in thousands o\ instances, not the least of which is that afforded by the growing pros- perity of John Benjamin Mayhood, a land-owner in Solano county. When he came here from the east at the age of thirty-three years he had a family to support and less than $100 between him and destitution. It had seemed impossible to save any of his earnings and he felt the need of preparing for the future, so he determined to try his fortune in the west, a decision he has had no cause to regret. Years of industry and perseverance have brought their merited reward and have enabled him to rise out of poverty into independence, out of obscurity into local prominence, and while he has steadfastly refused official honors and has taken no part whatever in public affairs he has been none the less prominent because of his modest shrinking from enterprises not connected with his private matters. Born in Napanee, Ontario, Canada, in 1844, John Benjamin Mayhood lost his parents in early life and was obliged to earn his livelihood from boyhood, which prevented him from gaining the education he so greatly desired. Al- together he attended school only nine months in his life. This fact would not be detected by an acquaintance, for by observation, careful reading and thoughtful study of the issues of the age he has acquired a fund of informa- tion broader than that possessed by many a college graduate. Reared to farm work, he also learned the trade of a blacksmith and followed both occupations at different periods of his early manhood. In 1865 he came to the United States and landed at Philadelphia, going from there to Water- town. N. Y.. and later to Lowville, Lewis county. There he secured em- ployment and remained for thirteen years, when he was burned out, after which he concluded to remove to the west. The marriage of Mr. Mayhood in 1869 united him with Miss Ada Copley, a native of New York state. They became the parents of six children, all but one of whom are still living. Leon H., born in 1872, married Miss Sarah Neitzel and they have one child. Myrtle is the wife of William Neitzel, of the Suisun valley, and they are the parents of one child. Lois Alice resides with her parents. Ray H., born in 1880, studied in the Cordelia grammar- school and the Sacramento high school and now is employed in the Fort Sutter Rank at Sacramento. The youngest member of the family circle, Maude A., is the wife of F. T. Sweeney, of Oakland, this state. Upon coming to this 768 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES state in 1877 Mr. Maywood established a home at Cordelia, Solano county, where he worked for wages, for a time in a vineyard, later in a hotel and afterward in the timber industry. After a time he rented a ranch of two hundred and fifty-six acres. For ten years he worked as a renter and then bought the property in 1901, since which time he has devoted himself closely to the cultivation of the land. The Mayhood ranch, as it is called, is located one mile north of Cordelia and is well known for its fertility and productive- ness. The beauty of the place is enhanced by a row of cypress trees that line the driveway to the ranch house, the trees having been set out by the owner. In crops his specialties are hay and grain, while in stock he makes a specialty of horses and sheep. Almost thirty-five acres of the ranch are in a vineyard, the sales from which bring a large revenue to the owner. A taste for farming leads him to devote himself closely to the management of his property, so that he finds no leisure for participation in public affairs, in which, indeed, he takes no part whatever aside from voting the Demo- cratic ticket at all presidential elections. CALEB GOSLING. The identification of Mr. Gosling with the material upbuilding of Cali- fornia began with his arrival in the state during the summer of 1850, while the excitement concerning gold still ran high and a chaotic condition pre- vailed that only with the slow passing of years gave way to a reign of law and order. The business in which he first engaged, that of running a steam- boat between San Francisco and Marysville, brought him into direct con- tact with thousands of the immigrants and enabled him to judge accurately concerning the country and its cosmopolitan population. With the subse- quent establishment of a home upon a farm he entered upon an era of quiet industry and witnessed few events as exciting as those of younger years. In the fullness of time he passed to his eternal rest, thus lessening by another vacant chair the fast diminishing ranks of our honored pioneers. Born in England, January 16, 1829, Caleb Gosling accompanied his parents to America in 1836 when he was a boy of seven years and with them he settled in Oakland county, Mich., then considered the frontier. He obtained a good education in the public schools of his locality and in spite of many disadvantages, gained a valuable fund of information through habits of close observation and his travels proved to be valuable educational factors. Leaving home in 1846 to make his own way in the world, he drifted into the steamboat business and for a time held a position on a Mississippi river boat plying between Memphis and St. Louis. It was during his occu- pancy of this position that he heard of the discovery of gold in California and immediately he began to make plans to go to the coast. May 5, 1850, he started overland with a party of emigrants and after a comparatively brief journey he landed in Sacramento. Soon afterward he secured work on a steamboat and continued with the same vessel until it sank, in March of 1851. Soon afterward he returned east via Panama and when he again came to California it was via that same route, accompanied by his bride. After a brief experience as proprietor of the Bee Hive house and an adjoining bakery in Sacramento, the call of the farm came to Mr. Gosling and during the fall of 1852 he settled near Freeport on the Sacramento river, where he began to develop a farm. A number of years were spent there with fair profit to himself. During 1869 he purchased two thousand acres in the Berryessa valley of Napa county and to this vast tract he removed, devoting its area principally to the raising of stock. At one time he had two thousand sheep on the range besides many head of cattle. Eventually he turned over the management of the estate to a son and retired from HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 769 agricultural activities, establishing a home in the city of Napa, where he died May 28, 190ft Personally he was a man of splendid traits of character ami would have been admirably qualified to represenl the people in office, hut official responsibilities were not to his liking and the only position he over consented to hold was thai of supervisor, Elected in 1879 to repre- sent his district as a member of the board, he served for two terms with fidelity, intelligence and recognized efficiency. The marriage of Caleb Gosling took place A.ugus1 11, 1853, ami united him with Miss Elizabeth Windiate, a native of England. Eleven children were horn oi the union, hut four are deceased, namely: Frank W., Emily E., Austin F. and Letitia A. Those living are Adela (Mrs. F. G. Huskey), Mary E., Lucy E., William II.. Emma M., Mattie J. and Alice A. Of these William 11.. horn in Michigan m 1866, grew to manhood on the farm in Xapa county and there remained as an assistant to his father, whom eventu- ally he succeeded as manager of the estate. The Gosling ranch of three thousand and eighty-five acres is devoted to farming and stock. At pres- ent the ranch is rented to other parties and Mr. Gosling has a small farm just north of Napa, which he occupies and operates. Like his father, he prefers to devote his attention exclusively to farming, hut for a brief period he consented to fill the position of deputy county clerk. In fraternal mat- ters he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and maintains a warm interest in lodge affairs. By his marriage to Miss Sarah Chapman he has seven children. Adah. Mazie, Evangeline. William, George, Martha and Edgar Vinton. Mrs. Gosling died in Berryessa valley in 1902, and in 190S Mr. Gosling was again married, this union being to Mrs. Mollie Stafford, who now makes her home in Oakland. CAPT. GEORGE GRAFTON PINKHAM. A native of Maine, George G. Pinkham was born in Kennebunk Port, York county, in 1839, the son of Silas and Emily (Grant) Pinkham, both natives of that same place. The former was master of a merchant vessel and was lost at sea in the Bay of Fundy. the accident occurring by two ves- sels colliding, and he was never heard of afterwards. The paternal grand- father. Paul Pinkham. came from Nantucket and was a very early settler in York county. Mrs. Emily Pinkham was a woman of strong character and reared her children to habits of industry, sobriety and honesty, and when George G. left his home she exacted a promise from him that he would never use intoxicating liquors in any form, a promise that he has never broken. She passed away in the old home in Maine. George G. Pinkham was the second youngest in a family of six, and his childhood was spent in Kennebunk Port, where he received his educa- tion in the public schools. A- a boy he went to sea, sailing on fishing boats and in the coasting trade until 1852. In his travels he had heard and read considerable of the advantages to he found in the far western country and in the above year he decided to try his fortunes in California. Accordingly he took passage to Greytown, then was poled up the Chagres river by the natives, thence walked to Panama, where he embarked on an old propeller, and twenty days later (December 22, 1852) was landed in San Francisco. He secured work at once "bucking" two-hundred-pound sacks of wheat on the wharf, continuing in the employ of the same man for the following year; however, this employer "heat" him out of S2.000 that he had borrowed from him. At the end of the year he bought a schooner and ran her from San Francisco to Alviso hay. Three years later he sold her and built the steamer Napa City, making regular trips to San Francisco, clearing SI. 700 the first 770 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES month. He continued to run her regularly for many years and was very successful in the enterprise, but wishing to retire, he sold her and is now living retired in peace and plenty at his home No. 34 Grant avenue, Napa. Mr. Pinkham was united in marriage at his home city with Miss Melissa Rice, who was born in Massachusetts. They had four children born to them, viz: William, who was accidentally drowned in boyhood; George, a resident of Napa; Lillie, who became the wife of Robert Lamdin; and Howard, formerly captain of the Zinfandel, and living in Napa. Captain Pinkham is a Republican in politics and is a Mason. He is a gentleman of the "old school" and believes that when a man has obtained a competency that he should retire and give the young men a show to make a name and secure a place in the business world. CHARLES W. LANE. Soon after the birth of Charles W. Lane, which occurred in New York state in 1842, the family moved to Wisconsin and later resided in Minnesota. On the outbreak of hostilities in 1861 Mr. Lane enlisted in the Second Min- nesota Infantry under Colonel George and later commanded by Colonel Bishop. This company was attached to the brigade under General Thomas. Mr. Lane took part in thirteen engagements, in all of which he distinguished himself by his bravery. At the famous battle of Mission Ridge he was one of the first men over the Ridge. Twice wounded, once in the ribs and once in the shoulder, he was sent to Nashville, Tenn., to get well, and on his way back to join his regiment was nearly captured by the rebel army. After three years of valiant service he was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 1864. Returning to Minnesota, he remained there several years and then, in 1867, came to California, and settled on a dairy and fruit ranch in Peta- luma, Sonoma county. There he worked successfully until his removal in 1870 to Calistoga, Napa county, where he worked on Gibbs' ranch for nine years and spent five years in the employ of E. Light. On leaving that em- ploy he bought his present place of twelve acres, called Loma Vista, on the hillside near Calistoga, four acres in prunes and balance in pasture. In 1866 Mr. Lane married Miss Phoebe A. Page, and to them the fol- lowing children were born : Grace, now the wife of George Lincoln of Calistoga; Carl A., now of Santa Rosa; Fred, residing at Nome, Alaska; Frank, of Fresno; Edward, of Plumas county; and Madge, the wife of Edward Riley. Leslie, Page and Harry are deceased. Mr. Lane is a member of Gov. Norton Post, No. 41 G A. R., of Calistoga. JAMES T. SULLIVAN, V. S. Noteworthy among the men of influence in Vallejo is Dr. Sullivan, a veterinary surgeon by profession, and who in addition to maintaining his professional duties, is also efficiently filling the office of city food inspector of Vallejo, a position to which he was appointed in September, 1911. Public- spirited, energetic and capable, he is well qualified for the duties which the office imposes, and he is equally efficient in the line of his profession. The records state that the Sullivan family is of Canadian origin, and James T. was born in Brockville, Ontario, July 28, 1865, and was reared and educated in his native town. As a preparation for the course which he had decided to follow for a life work he took up the study of veterinary surgery in the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto and in 1887 graduated from that institution with the degree of V. S. His initial experience in his profession was enacted in his native surroundings, but February of 1889 HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUNTIES 773 found bim in Eureka, Humboldt county, Cal., where he opened an office and carried on his profession until 1893. Believing thai it would be to his advantage to make a change of location, he then came to Solano county, and in Suisun he enjoyed a very satisfactory professional practice. Dr. Sullivan's advent in Yallejo dates from September, 1911, when he Opened the office which he still maintains. From a professional and financial standpoint the change of location has been all that he could have desired and the honor that was conferred upon him in being appointed to the posi tion of pure iooA inspector for Yallejo has added no little to his appreciation of his home city. Dr. Sullivan's marriage occurred April 1 ( \ 188 ( >. in Portland, Ore., unit- ing him with Mi>s .Margaret Macdonald. a native of Pennsylvania. Politically Dr. Sullivan is a Democrat, and fraternally he is a member of two orders, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World. FREDERICK WILLIAM ELLIS. A native oi Xew York. Frederick W. Ellis was born April 20, 1841, and when one year old his parents moved to Dearborn county, Ind., where he was reared until he was eight years of age. At that time, 1849, a terrible calamity befell the family, in that his father and mother were stricken with cholera and died within twenty minutes of each other, leaving three orphan children. Frederick was taken care of by the Masons and Odd Fellows until his grandfather came from Xew York and took the lad home with him. Even in the face of this great sorrow the boy showed his pluck and determination. Being ambitious and independent, when but nineteen years old he started for California, via Panama, and arrived in 1860. He proceeded immediately to the mines and worked hard there for some time and then started for Washoe. Nev., on snow-shoes. The same fall he returned to California and came to Xapa valley, searching for work in a flour mill, as he had learned milling in Xew York. He engaged his services to Ellis and Erwin in the old Bale mill above St. Helena and remained there until 1863, when he went to the mines again, but remained only for a few months, and again returned to Xapa valley. Here he began working in the Yount flour mill at Yount- ville. Such a degree of industry and ability did he possess that he was able to work his way to the top and in time purchased the mill where he was employed. This was the old mill built by George Yount on the Napa river and operated by water power. Mr. Ellis continued the manufacture of flour there until the new process came into vogue, when he discontinued it. The old mill still stands there, a relic of the early days. From this mill Mr. Ellis supplied the merchants in Napa, St. Helena and Yountville with flour, besides making a few shipments east. In connection with his milling business. Mr. Ellis has also given con- siderable time and attention to ranching. He owned fifty-one acres on the Xapa river, the site of the Yount flour mill, which he farmed for many years, or until he set fifteen acres to grapes, and his widow now continues the work of the farm. In Xovember, 1864, he was married at the old Bale mill near St. Helena, to Miss Minnie Holland, a native of Oregon City, Ore., and the daughter of John and Susan (Martin) Holland, natives of Iowa and Virginia, respectively. They came to Oregon overland with ox-teams about 1844. settling on the present site of Oregon City. In 1847 they came to California and for a time were located near Suttees Fort. It was there that Mr. Holland saw the first nugget of gold found in the old mill race at Sutter- by Mr. Marshall. After following mining for a time Mr. Holland moved Tehama county, where he and his wife died. Mrs. Ellis came to Xapa in 1861, with an uncle, Dr. Everts, of St. Helena. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are 774 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the parents of three children, as follows: Minnie E., the wife of John Finnell, of Tehama county; William, who has charge of the old home place; and Fred W., Jr., a rancher at Yountville. Although always busily occupied in his own commercial and farming interests, Mr. Ellis found some time to be of public service, as he was a public spirited man and always keenly alive to the interests of the community. He was elected to serve two terms as supervisor of the county, which office he filled with worthiness and credit. His demise occurred in June, 1910, leaving a wife and three children, together with a host of friends to honor his memory. After the death of her husband Mrs. Ellis continued on the ranch until 1911, when she located in Napa, where she now makes her home, and where she has many friends who wish her continued health and success and esteem her for her many kind deeds and acts of charity toward those who have been less fortunate. Having been a resident of Napa county for fifty years she is well posted and an interesting narrator of incidents of the early days. WILLIAM VON GEMMINGEN HORNBERG. A native of Germany, William von Gemmingen Hornberg was born in Wurtemberg, June 20. 1854, the son of parents who belonged to a high class of German society and for many years had been loyal to the institutions of the Fatherland. He passed several years in the fine schools in his native land and assimilated much of the true patriotism of his country. On grad- uating from the schools in 1870 he volunteered and served in the regular army until 1876, participating in the Franco-Prussian war, and at the time of his honorable discharge held the commission of lieutenant in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Infantry of the Royal troops. In 1876- he left Germany to come to America and avail himself of her institutions, and he never has regretted the step he then took. Landing in Canada he immedi- ately went to Buffalo, N. Y., and in 1877 he enlisted in the regular army of the United States. Being assigned to the Second United States Artillery, he was sent to Governor's Island, N. Y., where he stayed until December of the same year. He enlisted in the general service and then went to San Antonio, Tex. While there troops were twice sent into Mexico to help recover stolen stock. From San Antonio Mr. Hornberg went to, Leavenworth, Kan., and there he stayed until he received his honorable discharge in 1884. His service in the regular army covered seven years, in which he showed himself to be eminently loyal to his oath of allegiance to the Republic of the United States. After resigning from the army Mr. Hornberg received a position as keeper in the penitentiary, but this appoint- ment was given up when some political changes were ushered in. The next move, in 1886, was to Minneapolis, Minn., where he remained eighteen months, a part of the time engaged in the engineer corps of a railroad. From Minneapolis Mr. Hornberg went to Portland, Ore., engaging in civil engineering there until 1889. On the outbreak of the Philippine war in 1898 he enlisted in the Second Oregon Volunteers, Company G. During the war he was in twenty-eight engagements and came out of the arduous campaign without a wound. He was honorably discharged in San Fran- cisco in August, 1899, with the title of sergeant. Mr. Hornberg was married in San Francisco to Miss Ellen Macauley, a native of California, and the daughter of George and Susan (Rose) Ma- cauley, natives of Pennsylvania. Her great-great-grandfather, Gen. William Broadhead, received notoriety as being the first man to bring tea into the state of Kentucky and was a general in the Revolutionary war, as was his father also. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Macauley six children were HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 775 bom. all residing in San Francisco, and named as follows: [da R., who be came the wife of Wallace Shay; George \\ . : Kate F... who became the wife of Harry Grady; Mary A.. Mrs. Frank Corey, now deceased; Ellen 1... Mrs. Homberg; and Susie Rose, who became the wife of Thomas Herron. In 1907 Mr. Hornberg bought eighty acres of land where he is now located, eight miles east ^i St. Helena, ten acres of this being in fruit trees, and the balance being used for general farming. There is a hue mineral spring on the property, which adds to the value of the place. Politically Mr. Hornberg is a Democrat. FRED \V. LOEBER. In the breeding of standard and blooded horses in Napa county, Fred W. Loeber stood alone as the pioneer, for nothing of consequence had been done in this line prior to his advent in 187(>, and today all Central California is reputed for the excellency of its thoroughbred horses. Mr. Loeber was born in Baltimore, Md., November 5, 1856. the son of John and Caroline (Sommerlatt) Loeber. He was educated with the view ^>i becoming a clergyman, but preferring a business life to that of a pro- sion, he assisted his father in the capacity of bookkeeper, which occupa- tion he followed until 1876. when he came to California and settled about a mile below St. Helena. Here he secured control of considerable bottom land with a good water supply and plenty of trees, and in addition owned a mountain ranch, operated by his brother; all of which was suited to the raising >A stock. Beginning in this small way, he gradually increased his business as opportunity offered. His first stallion was Naubuc, a full brother of the famous Thomas Jefferson. Later Mr. Loeber devoted himself ex- clusively to the raising of Hambletonian stock, being the owner of Whipple- ton. famous as the sire of fast horses. This horse had the well developed Hambletonian characteristics, ebony in color, with tan muzzle and flanks, strong and muscular and beautifully proportioned. His colts were uniform in cast and all speedy. Alcona is another stallion of note, son of the great Almont. a Kentucky thoroughbred, son of Alexander's Abdallah, de- scendants of Rysdk's Hambletonian, Alcona's dam, Queen Mary. The cele- brated Lillie Stanley (record 2:\7y 2 ) belonging to Hon. J. H. Coombs and Hornstead (record2 :\6 l / 2 ) belonging to Senator W. R. Hearst, are both of the same get. Alcona was a beautiful chestnut, sixteen and three-tenths hands high, of splendid proportions and great speed. Grandissimo, also owned by Mr. Loeber. was a full brother of Grandee (record 2:23^ as three- year-old), son of LeGrande and descendant of Almont, Jessie Pepper and Xotirmhal. She was a mahogany bay, sixteen hands high. It is the concensus of opinion that Mr. Loeber did more than any other man towards the breeding of standard horses and to him is given the credit of having in his day owned some of the fastest and most valuable horses in this section of the state. It was to his exertions that the Xapa and Solano Agricultural Associa- tion at Xapa City owned its existence, it having supposedly one of the best tracks in America and was used by the leading horse breeders throughout the country. For two years he was president of this association and later a director. For many years he was a director and active in the Pacific Coast Breeders Association. In 1897 he removed to Baltimore, Md.. where he was actively engaged as a commission stockman, and where he did a large busi- ness. On September 5. 1880, Mr. Loeber was married to Miss Alice Griffith, a native of California, who with her two children survive him, his death 776 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES having occurred in Baltimore June 5, 1906. Ivy M. is secretary of the St. Helena Bottling and Cold Storage Company and of the St. Helena Water Company, and Grova Alice is a teacher in the Napa county schools. Mr. Loeber was an honest man and in every respect a good citizen. Once formed he was firm in his opinions and was very influential, being a well-educated and cultured man and a most convincing talker. He never allowed himself to be swerved from the path of duty as he saw it, by friendship, clamor or partisan bias. He was always alert and vigilant in the discharge of his responsibilities, and his observation was so keen and his judgment so cor- rect that his opposition to things which his judgment did not approve, and his endorsement of things he believed would promote the public good, were always intelligent and convincing, but his crowning glory was his absolute integrity. The social and domestic side of his life was pleasing and affec- tionate. He was cordial and unaffected in manner and his nature was kind and benevolent. He enjoyed the confidence and respect of friends and his passing is sincerely mourned by all classes of citizens. After his death Mrs. Loeber returned to St. Helena with her family, where they now make their home. They are members of the Episcopal Church, as was also Mr. Loeber. ELIAS EVENSON OTTERBECK. Napa county can well boast of having the most superb combination of climate, scenery and soil on the mighty Pacific. Surrounded by lofty moun- tains, it is protected from the ocean fogs on one hand and the summer heat on the other. It was this garden spot that Elias E. Otterbeck chose as his permanent abiding place. Born 'mid the harsh climatic changes of the Norway coast town of Stavem, June 3, 1851, and remaining there until he was fourteen years of age, it is not strange that Mr. Otterbeck is one of the happy, contented ranchers of this balmy clime. At an early age, with the call of the sea ringing in his ears, he followed the inclination and desires of his ancestry by becoming a sailor and traveling to all parts of the world, with the exception of Russia and China, and visiting every port of the Mediterranean. Notwithstanding his extensive travels he prefers California to anything he has seen and has no desire to make his home elsewhere. Mr. Otterbeck followed the sea until 1882, working his way from cabin boy to second officer of the ship. During his experiences he had many narrow escapes and was fortunate in being on vessels that saved others from watery graves. He rounded Cape of Good Hope twice. After quitting the sea he located in Montreal, where he was a marble worker until 1884, when he came to San Francisco and engaged in the house moving and contracting business quite extensively. In 1907 he came to Napa county, since which time he has actively engaged in horticulture and general farming. His home ranch comprises three hundred and twenty acres, known as Summit ranch, as it lies on the summit of Nuns canyon. It is well watered by streams and numer- ous springs, some of them mineral springs of sulphur and iron, and is well wooded with oak, madrona, pine and redwood. It is located on the Napa and Sonoma county line eight miles from Oakville. Besides the home ranch he also owns a ranch known as "Eagles Ire" on the summit above Johannes- burg, with three hundred and sixty acres of cultivated land, six acres in vineyard, fruit trees of all kinds, vegetables of every variety, pasture land for his horses and cattle, combined with beautiful flowers and shrubbery. Mr. Otterbeck's ranch is a veritable "land of plenty," of which he may well be proud. But this is not all of his possessions, for in San Francisco, where he lived for twenty-five years, he owns seven splendid lots valued at $18,000. Mr. Otterbeck was united in marriage, July 6, 1880, in Liverpool, England, S V- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 77" to Eline Halvorsen, she also being a native of Norway. They became the parents of five children, Palmer, Nathaniel (deceased), Elias, Nathan and Esther. Palmer is chief engineer on the torpedo boat Bailey, in the United States navy: he is married and has one child, Leo. Nathan married Olive Saunders and they have two children. Marguerite and Maurice; the son last mentioned resides on the home ranch and assists his father in its cultivation. Elias is in Chicago, and Esther is a graduate nurse. As a philanthropist, farmer, real estate dealer and promoter Mr. Otterbeck is well and favorably known by all with whom he has been brought in con- tact in either business or social relations. Mis religious connections are with the Seventh Day AdventistS and politically he is independent. CLAUS F. JANSEN. A native of Germany, Claus F. Jansen was born in Rendsburg, Holstein, March 10, 1826. He was educated in the schools of his native place, and in young manhood, in 1848, served for three years in the revolution for the in- dependence of Sleswick-Holstein. Subsequently he learned the shoemaker's trade and followed it in his native land until 1861, in which year he immi- grated to the L T nited States, landing in New York City. From there by way of Panama he came to California, landing at San Francisco on April 26, 1861. From that city he came to Solano county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land three miles east of Dixon, upon which he engaged in grain and stock raising. By his energy and industry he became a large factor in the growth and upbuilding of the county. In Rendsburg, Germany, Mr. Jansen was married in 1850 to Maggie Rohwer, who was also a native of Holstein. Six children comprised their family. Claus, who married Fredericka Rohweder, resides in Germantown ; Margaret married Claus Frahm, and they reside in San Francisco; Anna became the wife of Henry Grupe and they make their home in San Francisco, with their two children, Henry and Laura; George, who married Anna Clauson, died in Germantown; Katie became the wife of Ernest Rohweder, and they reside in Spangle, Wash.; Gilmore married Dora Saltzen, and they with their two children reside in Dixon. Mrs. Jansen passed away in June, 1904, after which Mr. Jansen continued to reside on the ranch until February, 1911. when he sold it and located in San Francisco, where he now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Anna Grupe. Mr. Jansen is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Always public-spirited and enterprising, while a resident of Solano county he aided in the upbuilding of his com- munity, commercially, educationally and socially, and the residents of Dixon hold him in grateful remembrance. PAR EDWARD LARSON. The home into which Mr. Larson was born in Kalmar lsen, Sweden, October 28 1850, was a humble Scandinavian cottage, devoid of comforts and containing only the bare necessities. The parents were Lars J. and Louisa Wellmark and the children, ten in number, were as follows : John, a sailor who in the course of his voyages rounded Cape Horn and sailed up to San Francisco in a very early day ; Carl ; Augustus, deceased ; Johann ; P. E. ; Matilda, deceased; Matilda (2d); Emma. Eda and Frederica. all of whom married and became mothers of three children, the husband of Frederica be- ing captain of an ocean vessel. As was the custom in that country he took the name of Larson instead of Wellmark. When sixteen years of age P. E. Larson came to the United States and 782 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES mind of Mr. McMillan. In 1881 he came to California and for seven years traveled all over the state taking views and making a collection of the same. At the end of this time he located in San Francisco and for six years operated an art gallery that was well patronized by the public, and then he went to Santa Maria, Santa Barbara county, bought property and built a business house which he owns today, and there engaged in photography. In 1891 he came to Vallejo and started business in a tent. The public soon found out that he was an artist and it is said that when he came to Vallejo the other photographer had to quit business because he was not able to compete with the class of work done by the new comer. Fraternally Mr. McMillan is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World and for the last fifteen years he has been a trustee of the Red Men of Vallejo. "Mr. McMillan married Isabell Floto, a native of Stanislaus county, in 1883, and they have two chil- dren, Margaret and Janett. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan enjoy the esteem of many well wishers in Vallejo, both being well known because of their readi- ness to assist in every philanthropic work. JAMES AUGUSTUS DALY. There is probably no other one man in Napa county who is as well known as James A. Daly, the secretary of the Napa Chamber of Commerce. His work as a servant of the public in various capacities has kept him before the people constantly since his residence in the county and his geniality of character, the ease with which he may be approached, his companionship and general worth have won for him a host of friends and acquaintances all over the county. Coupled with these characteristics, he has a wonderful ability of remembering names and associating names and faces, which has helped him much in winning the coveted reputation of being the most widely known man in the county. James A. Daly was born at Valley Ford, Sonoma county, April 19, 1865, and has spent his entire life in northern California. When he was a youth the family lived in Lake county and there he received his education in the public schools. He applied himself to his studies with such assiduity and perseverance that he was qualified to teach at an early age and followed that profession for five years in Lake county, after which he engaged in the drug business for two years in Lakeport. In 1891 he gave up this busi- ness and came to Napa county for the purpose of engaging in farming, asso- ciated with his father. In partnership with G. N. Briggs he ran two thresh- ing machines and individually followed agricultural pursuits until 1899, when he was appointed under-sheriff of the county by Sheriff Dunlap, in which capacity he served the county faithfully for twelve years as an efficient officer. During this time he traveled all over the county and it was during this period of his life that he became such a familiar personage to the people of the county and so popular among them. In 1903 Mr. Daly was united in marriage with Miss Daisy D. Pulsifer, a native of Massachusetts, and to this union one daughter, Ruth, has been born. Mr. Daly is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Woodmen of the World, and the Foresters of America, being recording sec- retary of the latter organization. Mr. and Mrs. Daly enjoy the highest esteem and respect of their many friends and acquaintances in Napa city and county. The regard in which his fellow citizens of Napa hold Mr. Daly has been evidenced by the fact that he has been made secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, in which position he is doing efficient service. ftp .wdr *# "**W HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 785 ERNEST WILHELM JAENSCH. ( >n the line of the southernmost railroad traversing the German province of Silesia lies the prosperous city of Hirschberg, overlooking on the one hand the Bober river, while on the other side it is shadowed by the Riesen Gebirge separating the Teutonic empire from the Austrian province of Bohemia. Such was the environment Familiar to the childhood years of Ernest \\ ilhelm faensch, for he is a native of Hirschberg and was born February 6, 1837, being a son of John C. and Beate (Klein) Jaensch, who for years lived and labored upon a Silesian farm. As was natural, the youth was trained to a knowledge of agriculture and in accordance with the laws of his country he gave two years of service to the emperor as a soldier in the army, belonging to the Kursier regiment which was stationed at Berlin. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the army he secured employment in Berlin and continued there until 1863, when he came to the United States. From New York he again took passage on an ocean vessel, this time sailing to Greytown. where he crossed the Isthmus of Panama. Thence by steamer he proceeded to San Francisco, landing September 27, 1863, and thus bringing to an end an exceedingly long and tedious series of voyages. Shortly after coming to the west Mr. Jaensch settled in Napa county and secured work in a vineyard in Brown's valley. In that position and in other connections he continued until 1866, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits on First street in Napa. From the first he met with a gratifying degree of success. The original stock of goods was very small, but gradually he increased the stock as his capital permitted and the trade justified. In 1870 he moved the stock to the corner of Main and First streets, where a brick building offered facilities for the business adequate to his increasing needs. Pursuing his calling with diligent application, for years he did not allow himself the pleasure of a vacation, but finally he enjoyed an interesting and pleasant trip to Europe in 1879, during which year he traveled through England, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. While in London he married Miss Helen Schultz, a native of Prenzlau, Germany, and a woman of much culture and refinement, being a graduate of a ladies' institute in Germany. Accompanied by his young wife, Mr. Jaensch returned to the United States and received the hearty congratulations of his many friends in Napa. Previous to his departure for the old world he had purchased lots on the corner of First and Brown streets and on his return he erected a brick building, into which in 1880 he moved his stock of general merchandise, continuing in the same location for the ensuing eight years. During 1888 he sold out the business and retired to private life, confining his activities to the management of his business houses on First and Brown streets and the maintenance of his attractive residence on Calistoga and A streets. Of his three children only one remains to brighten his home. The only son, Edwin, died in 1907. The youngest daughter, Elsie, is the wife of Robert Walker and lives in Vallejo. The older daughter and second child, Miss Cora, since her graduation from the University of California, has been engaged successfully as an instructor in the Napa high school, where some years ago as a student she attracted attention by reason of her splendid mental endowments. September 22, 1911. Mr. Jaensch met with a very sorrowful loss in the death of his loved wife, a woman who was esteemed by everyone for her amiable and loveable disposition and her many virtues. In political affiliations Mr. Jaensch has been a staunch Republican ever >ince he qualified as an American citizen. Pressed into the party service locally, he rendered efficient help as a member of the county central corn- it 786 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES mittee, and also held office for two terms as a member of the city council, in which latter position he devoted himself to the welfare of the tax-payers irrespective of political sentiments and proved a wise, tactful and energetic representative of his ward in the council. WILLIAM A. ELGIN. No history of Napa county would be complete without mention of that pioneer settler of St. Helena, William A. Elgin. A native of the south, he was born in Patrick county, Va., January 4, 1829, but when a very small child he was taken by his parents to Missouri, and in that state he grew to manhood. His public school training was followed by a course of eighteen months in Highland Academy, in Jackson county, after which he engaged in teaching, a calling which he continued to follow until he came to the far west. In Springfield, Mo., on March 12, 1851, Mr. Elgin was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Amanda Anderson, who was born in Tennessee, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Anderson, who located in Springfield, Mo., during the childhood of their daughter. Upon the completion of her school course she engaged in teaching and was engaged in this vocation when she met her future husband, he also being a teacher in the Springfield school. After their marriage Mrs. Elgin continued teaching for one term, giving it up at the end of that time to devote her attention to the duties of the home. In May, 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Elgin turned their footsteps toward the far west, forming a part of the Anderson train, an expedition organized by AVilliam L. Anderson, a brother of Mrs. Elgin. In the party were fifteen men and two women, the latter Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Elgin; and the journey was made in ox teams. Before starting Mr. Anderson had pur- chased in Missouri five hundred head of cattle, but of the number at least one-third had perished before Napa county was reached in September. The long journey finally ended, Mr. and Mrs. Elgin took up their home on what is now the stock farm of H. Taubner Goethe, three miles south of St. Helena. On this property Mr. Elgin carried on stock-raising until 1857, when he took up his residence in town. Here he opened a general merchandise busi- ness, his store being the second to be established in town, and here he con- ducted a very prosperous trade for two years. In 1859 he purchased what is now Miss Watt's property on Main street, and the following year he built the residence that is still occupied, and he also set out a vineyard of fifteen acres. After selling his vineyard in 1866 Mr. Elgin engaged in the livery business, a venture that proved eminently satisfactory. For two seasons early in the '70s he carried on a branch livery business at White Sulphur Springs, and continued the business in St. Helena until 1890, when he turned the stables over to his sons. It was to be expected that a man of Mr. Elgin's abilities for public office should be called upon by his fellow citizens to serve in some capacity, and his initial office in Napa county was that of supervisor, which he filled efficiently for one term, 1859 to 1861. Later he was appointed deputy county assessor, his territory extending from Tucker creek on the north to Dry creek on the south, and embracing Conn, Chiles, Pope and Berryessa valleys, a sparsely settled territory and consequently necessitating long rides on horse- back. Further honors came to Mr. Elgin in 1880, when he was elected justice of the peace, filling this office for four terms of two years each. While still the incumbent of that position he was chosen as town trustee and in 1890 resigned that position, after a service of five years, to accept the appointment of postmaster tendered him by President Harrison upon HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 787 the recommendation of Senator Stanford and Congressman DeHavcn. When H. M. Meacham became assessor in 1886 he appointed Mr. Elgin his deputy for St. Helena and vicinity and with the exception of four years and nine months while postmaster he has filled that position ever since, to the eminent satisfaction of his superiors and the community. In December, 1S ( *7, he was appointed town treasurer, and every two years since that time he has been re-elected his own successor. Mr. Elgin is also secretary of the St. Helena Cemetery Association, and with the exception >•( brief periods he has served in some position of trust and responsibility for the past fifty-three years. To comparatively few couples is it given to celebrate the fiftieth mile- stone in their married life. Mr. and Mrs. Elgin were permitted to celebrate this occasion on March 12. 1901, when relatives and friends extended con- gratulations and good wishes. A decade later they celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary, a still rarer celebration, and the occasion was one long to be remembered. Six children blessed the marriage of this worthy couple, four of whom are now living, as follows: Mrs. Coloma Boggs, of Lake county: Ira P.. of San Francisco: Mrs. Jessie Fremont Sharp; and Miss Alice Grant Elgin, of St. Helena. Two sons are deceased, one dying at the age of three years, and Clarence Edwin in September. 1907. There are also ten grandchildren and one great-grandson. Mr. and Mrs. Elgin are still hale and hearty. ELMHURST ACADEMY, ST. HELENA. Owing to its beautiful, healthful and secluded location, the Elmhurst Academy, which was established in 1899, possesses many advantages that make it an ideal spot for the education of young girls. Genial social inter- course with one another, the gentle, refining influence of the teachers, and the watchful, maternal care in training the moral nature to principles of the highest ethical standard, a course of study, thorough and practical, all tend to give results that can not fail to be satisfactory to the parents and invaluable to the pupil. Elmhurst Academy is located at the head of the Napa valley, whose climate is proverbial for health, and the scenery around the convent resembles that of Florence, Italy, whose beauty and grandeur even rival that famous city of Dante and Michael Angelo. The beautiful gardens the large and well appointed playgrounds and recreation hall, offer every attraction for healthful out-door and in-door exercises at all seasons of the year. For more than three centuries, in Europe and America alike, the Ursu- line Order has held the highest rank in the education of youth. In 1845, under the auspices of the then Rt. Reverend John Baptist Purcell, D. D., of Cincinnati. Mother Julia Chatfield, of the famous Ursuline Convent of Boulogne-surmer, France, founded the Academy of Brown county, which wisely directed by her. became at an early period of its history one of the foremost houses of education in the west. The St. Helena Convent is a branch of that famous center of education. The aim of those who conduct it is to send forth from their halls young girls whose characters have been carefully developed with a view to future life work, and whose aspirations have been directed to the requirement of the solid and permanent Christian virtues, that alone give happiness in the home and in society. Mother Agatha is the present directress and she is one well qualified, by experience in teaching and because of saintly characteristics, to undertake, with the excel- lent corps of teachers, the training and moulding of the lives given to her care. She has been teaching for many years and has been directress of the Flmhurst Academy since its foundation. A vacation of from twelve to fifteen days is given at Christmas time 788 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES and parents are earnestly requested not to extend this. Two holidays are given at Easter, but no pupils are allowed to go home except those living within a few miles of the academy. The school year consists of ten months, from the opening on the first Tuesday in August to the last Thursday in May. The course of instruction is liberal and, commencing with the ele- ments of English and French, comprises : Orthography, reading, writ- ing, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, bookkeeping, grammar, rhetoric, English composition, ancient and modern geography, sacred and profane history, astronomy, philosophy, chemistry, geology, physiology, literature, botany, music (vocal and instrumental), drawing in pencil and crayon, painting in oils and water colors, all styles of kensington, embroidery in lace and muslin, silk embroidery, plain sewing, German, Spanish, French, Greek, Latin, logic and empirical psychology. (Stenography and typewriting, if desired.) Premiums are awarded at the end of each year to pupils who may have excelled in the various classes, and academic honors to those who have distinguished themselves by their good conduct, politeness, order and exactness. Pupils of every religious denomination are admitted into this institu- tion ; but to promote order, all the boarders will be required to conform outwardly to the general regulations of exterior worship. Letters written or received by the young ladies are subject to inspection, and no news- papers are permitted. The pupils are not allowed to see visitors, except with the written permission of the parents or guardians. A monthly report is sent to parents or guardians, to be signed by them and returned within ten days. The boarders are required to wear a uniform on Sundays and on special occasions, viz. : In winter, a navy blue dress and a black hat trimmed in black; in summer, a navy-blue dress and white waist, and a hat trimmed in white. The summer uniform is required immediately on the opening of class in August, and the winter for the first of January. The academy has forty pupils at present, and the indication is that it will continue to grow and expand the circle of its refining influences. EDWARD S. BELL. The profession of the law has always attracted to its practice men of logical mind and keen reasoning faculties, and to these the conduct of an intricate case, involving many technicalities and bearing upon important issues, presents the same fascination that the painting of a masterpiece presents to an artist, or the performing of a delicate surgical operation pre- sents to a surgeon. In the list of attorneys who have thoroughly mastered the principles of law and have achieved success in its practice, mention should be made of Edward S. Bell, of Napa. He is a native Californian, born in Trinity county, August 26, 1862, a son of Charles E. Bell, of whom a sketch appears on another page of this work. Primarily educated in the schools of Benicia, he was later a student in the schools of Vallejo. When the family settled in Napa county he had an opportunity to engage in manual work, engaging in planting, cultivating and other farm work. Later he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. In 1894 Mr. Bell took up the study of law with his brother and in 1896 he was admitted to practice before the superior court of California. The following year he was admitted to practice before the supreme court, and for a time he was connected with his brother as a partner. In 1902 the title of the firm was Bell, York & Bell, and so continued until 1907, since which time E. S. Bell has had an independent practice. Politically he is a stanch HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 791 supporter 01 Democratic principles, but does not carry his belief to the point 01 narrow partisanship, being a public spirited citizen and no1 a politician in the accepted sense of the word. For two years he served as justice of the peace and for eight years served as deputy district attorney. In the Native Sons of the Golden West he holds membership with the St. Helena Parlor, being the oldest member. His wife, formerly Miss Jessie L. Dresser, is also a native Californian. a daughter oi one of the early settlers of Folsom, Cal., and she shares with him the regard of the people of Napa, where both are welcome guests in the best circles of society. Her father and mother were '4"ers and built the first brick building in Folsom. Mr. Dresser was the first postmaster and the first store keeper of the town. HARRY LATHAM LINCOLN. Belonging to a family among whose distant kindred was the illustrious Abraham Lincoln, the gentleman whose name introduces this article and whose record as a pioneer of California entitles him to honorable mention was born in the state of New York. January 21, 1830. and was one of thirteen children comprising the family of Nathan and Phebe (Hayes) Lincoln. Among the brothers was one who bore the name of Abel and who developed unusual ability in commercial circles. At the close of a creditable college course he entered upon mercantile pursuits and eventually drifted to Texas, where he erected a number of sawmills. Later he bought a ferry on the Colorado river, and in the management of the same earned $60,000 per vear, but his prosperous career was cut short in a massacre. Besides his business he had $60,000; he was attacked by supposed Indians, and out of a party of nine only four escaped to tell the fate of the others, he being one of the killed. When the Mississippi valley was undergoing its initial development the Lincoln family became pioneers of Madison county, 111., where the father operated a flouring mill for three years. Harry L., a farmer by occupation, leased land in Illinois for a considerable period and then applied his savings to the purchase of property in Bunkerhill. By his marriage to Ann Fennell, who was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, he became the father of seven children, namely: George F., who married Grace Lane and has nine children; Edward F., who is represented elsewhere in this volume; Louis J., who chose as his wife Miss Mabel Henderson, they having one child, and residing near Calistoga; Anna R., Mrs. Rufus Swan, of Richmond, Contra Costa county, who has one child; Ella M., deceased, whose husband, William Garwood, resides at Palo Alto, and her two daughters are high- school graduates in that town; Carrie E., wife of Charles Jewell, a railroad employe living at Oakland, they having two children; and Phebe J., Mrs. Tvler, of Calistoga. As the Lincoln family had been pioneers of Illinois, so likewise they became early settlers of California. Leaving their Illinois home they traveled to New York City and there boarded a vessel carrying twelve hundred persons. After crossing the isthmus they proceeded up the Pacific ocean and in twenty-four days reached Benicia, Solano county. A brother of Mr. Lincoln was living in the Suisun valley and he directed his steps hither. In his search for land he found an opportunity to buy a quarter- section claim with a small cabin and he at once took up the land, only to find, after he had been plowing for five days, that the land was a part of the vast tracts claimed by Nathan Coombs, who sent his foreman to remove the settlers. While wondering where next to go, he saw a notice in a paper advertising land to rent by G. Van Sickle, at Yacaville, Solano county. Going to that place, he soon closed a deal whereby he agreed to break and train 792 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES wild horses as well as cultivate the land. For two years he remained on the place, training all the horses he used in the work and receiving one-third of all the colts raised. On leaving that farm he bought one hundred and sixty acres in the same locality and began to improve the new tract, fencing the land, building a house and making other improvements. One of his heaviest misfortunes was caused by the great drought of the year 1873. On the other hand, one of his most profitable experiences was the buying of a header, with which he earned $40 per day in cutting grain at $2 per acre and in a short time he had paid for the machine as well as earned a large profit in its operation. This was the first header operated in the Napa valley. At the expiration of four years on the farm Mr. Lincoln removed to Capay valley, Yolo county, and secured two hundred acres of raw land, where he engaged in farming for six years. Next he established a home at San Jose, and sent his children to the city schools. The farm was first rented, later sold, and he embarked in the sheep business with fourteen hundred head, which he grazed on Mt. Hamilton. For three years he gave personal supervision to the flock, after which he rented the sheep for $1,000 per year for five years. Coming to the Napa valley he secured one hundred and eighty acres below Calistoga, paying $1,000 down, with later payments of $1,000 per year. Twenty acres were planted in a vineyard and in two years he sold that tract and an adjacent twenty acres for the sum of $6,000. Later he bought land in the Berryessa valley, then leased a farm in Yolo county, next bought property in the Sacramento valley and eventually traded this for twenty acres of orchard in Napa valley. He lost his wife May 27, 1887, when she was fifty-four years of age. Since his retirement from agricultural labors he has given his affairs into the care of his sons and he maintains merely a general supervision, depending upon their energetic efforts for all changes made and for all progress achieved. In politics he voted with the Republican party, but at no time has he been desirous of holding office or of maintaining a leadership in local affairs. MANUEL MADRID. In the making of California Nature gave from her store unstintingly of all that goes to make life interesting from many viewpoints, climate and other natural conditions contributing to make it one of the most desirable locations for all purposes to be found in the United States. The contribution has not been restricted to the avenues of business only, but the formation of hills and valleys has suggested the rest which tired toilers and residents of the congested cities need to restore them to normal condition and enable them to fill to the best advantage the niches which circumstances have placed them in. Among the beautiful Suscol Hills five miles east of Vallejo is nestled one of the most delightful pleasure and health resorts to be found in northern California, as all who have experienced a season at the Vallejo White Sulphur Springs will testify. These health-giving springs are sur- rounded by a natural amphitheater, protected by the high hills and large shade trees from wind and storm, and providing an attractive and restful retreat to business men and tourists alike. The proprietor of the Vallejo White Sulphur Springs, Manuel Madrid, is a native son of the state, his birth occurring in Los Angeles August 6, 1863. During his boyhood his father, Loreto Madrid, removed to Napa, Napa county, and there Manuel attended school until he was twelve years of age. When he was seventeen years old he undertook the responsibilities of life by starting out for himself as a ranch hand, coming to Solano county for this purpose, and here he has remained ever since. The year 1880 found him accepting a position on what was known as the Tobin ranch, and he HISTORY OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES 793 continued in this subordinate position for two years, after which he was made manager of the property and continued in this capacity for twelve years. While the idea of' the White Sulphur Springs was not original with Mr. Madrid, it nevertheless remained for him to make the project a success, and in 1895 he conceived the idea of reclaiming a resort which had at one time been famous but which had fallen into decay through disuse. The Original owner of the place. Gen. Frisbie. had laid it out on a large scale, setting out several acres of fine trees adapted to shade, shrubs and flowers and had erected an attractive, commodious residence, and with the sugges- tion which all ^i this gave, it was a matter of comparatively small moment for a master hand to transform it to its original beauty and usefulness. From the beginning of his identification with the enterprise Mr. Madrid was successful beyond his expectations, and in 1902 he was able to pur- chase the buildings and one hundred and sixty acres of land. Since that time he has spared no expense in bringing the enterprise up to the highest point of utility, counting no cost too great to add to the comfort or pleasure of his guests. In addition to the hotel proper, which has accommodations for one" hundred guests, there are a number of cottages, and the spacious grounds are at the disposal of those who wish to bring their own tents and enjoy the freedom of camp life. For the accommodation and amusement of his guests Mr. Madrid has provided a dancing pavilion, bath houses, bowling alleys, shuffleboard and croquet grounds. For easy access to the springs he has inaugurated an automobile service, bringing the resort in close touch with Yallejo. which in turn has most excellent train and steamer service to San Francisco and Bay points, by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Monticello Steamship line, besides 'which omnibuses make several trips daily from Yallejo to the springs. The water of the White Sulphur Springs has great curative powers (the analysis showing a most excellent combination of sodium, iron, sulphur and magnesia) and has been found very efficacious in cases of rheumatism, kidney, liver and blood troubles. In 1911 Mr. Madrid discovered another spring near the first one, this, however, being devoid of sulphur, the analysis show- ing sodium and magnesia to predominate, a combination which is more pleas- ing to the taste. Both waters are bottled and have been generally distrib- uted to not only the Bay cities, but also to Sacramento and the San Joaquin valley. On the grounds an artificial lake covering about two acres has been constructed, in the center of which is an island, where flowers grow in abundance during the season. This lake is a source of great enjoyment to guests for boating and swimming. A marriage ceremony performed in July, 1886. united the lives of Manuel Madrid and Miss Angelita Coronado, who was born in Napa county, and to them have been born seven children. Manuel, Carmelita, Loreto, Antonio, Francisco, Rafael and Angelita. Fraternally Mr. Madrid is associated by membership with the Eagles and the Independent Order of Red Men. Per- sonally he is a man of kindly social qualities, and in all of the relations of life, business, social and fraternal, he is regarded as a man of superior worth. MANUEL C. ALMADA. California has proved a land of opportunity for many foreignborn citi- zens, and among the number are several representatives of the Almada family, a perusal of whose lives will form interesting reading from many standpoints. The first member of the family to come to this country was an uncle of the subject of this sketch. Manuel A. Almada. who was born on the Island of St. George, one of the Azores, and who made his home on his native island until he was about twenty years of age. Seeing little prospect of advance- 794 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ment such as he felt he was capable of, he determined to come to the new world and begin life where opportunity was practically unbounded, and the accomplishments of his interesting life prove that his hopes were not with- out foundation. The ocean vessel on which he made the voyage landed at Boston, Mass., and for a time the shipyards of that city and vicinity furnished him with employment. He had been in this country but a comparatively short time when he returned to his native island and remained there several months before he again embarked for the United States. This time, instead of remaining in the east, he came directly to California, in 1865, and by working in the lumber mills of Mendocino county and carefully saving his earnings he was finally enabled to engage in a small way in the dairy busi- ness, a business for which he had special aptitude, as is indicated by the substantial growth of the business under his skilled hand. The nucleus of the business consisted of a rented ranch in Marin county, near San Rafael, which he ran for a few years and then located in Cordelia, Solano county, where with more land and increased stock he soon had a large dairy business under his control. He remained in that location for four years, when, in 1892, he came to Napa county and established a dairy which he conducted for about five years, or until 1897, when he made another trip to his native land, this time intending to remain, but as is invariably the case when one has once made his home in California, the return voyage is a foregone con- clusion. Mr. Almada had been in St. George only a few months when pas- sage was secured not only for himself, but also for several nieces and nephews who wished to come to the United States, and in due time they were located in Napa county, Cal. Mr. Almada had a large farm in St. George which he retained as long as he lived, and after his return to Napa county, in 1897, he purchased a ranch of eight hundred and ninety acres at Suscol. The ranch was purchased with restrictions embodied in a long-term lease by which he was delayed in turning the property over to the dairy business as was his original intention in buying the land. In January, 1902, his ambitions were cut short by his death, the result of an accident. While crossing a bridge which led to his ranch he failed to hear an approaching freight train, which struck him, inflicting injuries which caused his death. His death was counted a personal loss to multitudes who had learned to admire him for his true manly qualities. His body was buried in Toloucay cemetery, and his grave is marked by the finest monument in the cemetery, a work of art both in sculpture and design. The nephew and namesake of the gentleman whose life history is given in the foregoing paragraph, Manuel C. Alamada, was born on the Island of St. George, March 22, 1874, the son of John and Mary (Candida) Almada, the former of whom died in 1899, at the age of forty-five, and the latter at the age of forty years. Of the four children in the parental family Manuel C. was the eldest. He remained in his native country until he was fourteen years old, in the meantime attending public school, and at the age mentioned, in 1888, he came to California, being attracted to this locality from the fact that his uncle was located here. He was favored indeed beyond the average immigrant to a new country, for he found a position waiting for him in his uncle's dairy, and after remaining with that relative for seven years and learning the business thoroughly, the uncle assisted him in starting in the dairy business for himself on a rented ranch near Suscol. Associated with him in this enterprise was his cousin, John B. Almada, who had come to California with his uncle in 1889, and the association of the young partners has continued to the present time. After the death of their uncle the cousins bought their uncle's ranch from the heirs, and under their management the Almada ranch has become one of the largest and most productive dairy ranches in the county. It is located seven miles south of Napa, and is HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 797 Stocked with over one hundred milch cows, and about three hundred head of stock in all. Short-horn Durham predominating. All of the milk produced on the ranch is passed through a separator operated by steam, and the cream is disposed of to the Ambrosia Creamery, at Xapa. Resides the dairy busi- ness and general farming carried on by the partners, they also raise hogs quite extensively, the Poland-China breed being raised exclusively. To enable them to carry on their large undertaking it has been necessary for them to secure more land than was included in their original purchase, and in addition to this they also rent ail joining land, and now have in the aggre- gate over thirty-six hundred acres under their management, undoubtedly one o\ the largest ranches in Xapa county. As an outgrowth of their dairy busi- ness in 1903 they started in the creamery business in Napa under the name of the Golden State creamery, at Nos. 77 ami 79 North Main street, but after running it six years they disposed of the place. In 1903, the same year in which he established the creamery in Napa, Manuel C. Almada removed to the city with his family, having built for their accommodation a fine residence at No. 39 Hayes street. This is pre- sided over by his wife, whom he married December 25, 1898. She was for- merly Miss Mary Silva. one of his countrywomen who was born on the Island of Pico. Four children have been born of this marriage, Mary, Rosa, Lillie and George. The family attend services at St. John the Baptist Church, and one and all are active workers in the various societies of that organiza- tion. Politically Mr. Almada is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Eagles and to the Portuguese Union Society. JOHN MALCHI. A native of Xew York, John Malchi was born in Lansingburg, Rensse- laer county, June 25, 1847. At the age of eight years he removed with his parents to near Sandusky, Erie county, Ohio, residing there for several years on a farm, his father being a tiller of the soil. When the Civil war broke out he was ambitious to serve and first enlisted in the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and then the Third Ohio Cavalry, but each time he was rejected on account of his age and size. Finally, however, he enlisted, in May, 1863. in the First Ohio Artillery, Battery B, and was accepted, al- though he was not yet sixteen years old. He served in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee until after the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged at Knoxville, Tenn., in August, 1865. From Ohio he returned to his birthplace in Rensselaer county, X. Y., on a visit. Tiring of wandering about without any settled plan for the future, Mr. Malchi determined to go to Australia or to California, planning to go to the country whose boat first left port, and California won. Twenty-two days from the time of starting from Xew York he was in San Francisco, having come by way of Panama. From San Francisco he went by steamer to Victoria, B. C, and thence up the Fraser river to Westminster, when until the opening of spring he worked in a saw mill. Then he started out for the mines in the Big Bend district, fully equipped for mining, but for some reason turned back and took the first steamer for San Francisco. Later on he went to Carson City. Xew, and for nine years made* the headquarters of his teaming business there, while he carried on freighting between Virginia City, Nev., and Sacramento. In Placer county Mr. Malchi had taken up one hundred and sixty acres of school land, on which he wintered, but still kept up his teaming. After disposing of the land he took his stock to Lassen county and bought a stock" ranch in Ash valley, which he conducted for three years. Selling it at a profit at the end of th^t time, in 1875 he bought one hundred and sixty-four 798 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES acres three miles northeast of Suisun. He continued farming this land until 1892, when he located in Lagoon valley, raising stock and farming his old place until 1910. In that year he located on his present place of eight acres one mile south of Vacaville and engaged in horticulture. He still owns the ranch near Suisun devoted to stock-raising. In 1876 Mr. Malchi was married to Miss Elizabeth Newton, a native of Missouri, and one child was born to them, Mary A., Mrs. Loraine, of San Diego. Mrs. Malchi died in 1880, and three years later Mr. Malchi mar- ried Miss Nancy Newton, a sister of his first wife. She was born in Douglas county, Ore., and came to this state when two years old with her father, Ambrose Newton. A native of Kentucky, he located in Oregon in 1854, and in 1859 came to California and located in Suisun. Of Mr. Malchi's second marriage three children were born : Grace Evelyn, who graduated from the Vacaville high school, later attended the State Normal for one year and is now teaching school in Vacaville ; Edith Helen, who was educated in the Vacaville schools and is now at home with her parents; and Viola Glenbrook, a graduate nurse of the Children's Hospital, San Francisco. For ten years Mr. Malchi has served as clerk of the board of school trustees. He was made a Mason in Carson Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M., state of Nevada, and is now a member of Suisun Lodge No. 55. He is also a member of Solano Lodge No. 43, R. A. M., and with his wife and two daughters is a member of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and Gen. Sol. Meredith Post, G. A. R., of Fairfield. Mr. Malchi is a man who has won his way in the world by his perseverance and courage in the face of obstacles, and in so doing has won the respect of his fellows. PETER MADISON. The interest which clings to the biography of California pioneers is not that of curiosity, but is rather an expression of the gratitude which all men feel toward those forerunners of civilization in the far west. Not only as a pioneer of the state, but also as one of the early residents of Napa county Mr. Madison became widely known as a successful rancher and stockman, as well as a citizen who placed the interest of his fellowmen on a level with his own. After a life well spent he passed away in Napa, January 6, 1903, cheered by the Christian's faith in a life hereafter. The family from which Peter Madison sprang had been identified for generations with the kingdom of Denmark, and there his own birth occurred in 1834. He remained in the land of his forefathers until reaching his fif- teenth year, when he went to sea as a cabin boy on a sailing vessel, on which he came around the Horn to California. When the vessel cast anchor in San Francisco harbor he bade farewell to life on the sea, being attracted to the mines as a means of reaching more sudden wealth, but experience taught him that his hopes were vain, and unlike many, he accepted the situation philosophically and immediately looked for work with more de- pendable returns. From the mines he returned to San Francisco, from there went to Suisun valley, and still later to Wildhorse valley, where he became one of the earliest settlers, taking up a homestead from the government on which he carried on farming and stock-raising. Any account of Mr. Madison's life and accomplishments would be im- perfect indeed did it not make mention of the aid and co-operation of his wife, a woman of large mentality and endowed with executive ability far beyond the average. In maidenhood she was Mary Ryan, born in Ireland, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Keyes) Ryan. With a knowledge of farming as conducted in Queens county, Ireland, Mr. Ryan came to the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 799 United States with his family in 1858, and remained in the east until 1N<>5. when he came to California and settled in Napa county. Mis firsl efforts were on a ranch in Wildhorse valley, and after disposing of that he located in Alameda, and there he passed away, at the venerable age of ninety years. His wife had died on the farm some years previous, at the age of sixty- two years. Eight children were born to this couple, of whom five are living, and of the number their daughter Mary was next to the oldest. Her child- hood was passed in Ireland, where she attended primary school, and while the family were residing in New York state she was also given educational privileges. It was in 1860 that she boarded the steamer North Star for the Isthmus, and on the Pacific side re-embarked on the steamer Golden Age that dropped anchor in the harbor of San Francisco July 12, 1860. From the metropolis she came to Napa county and bought land, and the records of the county show that she has been a taxpayer ever since 1864. She was first married in Napa to John Henderson, who though a native of Ireland had been a resident of the United States from the age of two years. With a party of surveyors Mr. Henderson came across the plains and ultimately took up milling in Napa county, with which he also combined farming. On his ranch in Wildhorse valley he passed away in 1867, one year after locating there. Some years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Hen- derson became the wife of Mr. Madison, the ceremony being performed in Napa May 1. 1870. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Madison purchased land adjoining the ranch just mentioned, until they owned altogether about one thousand acres. Of this six hundred acres along the creek for a mile was sold to the city of Vallejo, to permit the proper conservation of the water, and now an ample reservoir, known as Fry Lake, furnishes the water supply to the city. After selling their property Mr. and Mrs. Madison removed to Napa, "having built a comfortable residence on North Main street. It was here that Mr. Madison passed away January 6, 1903. Since his death his widow has continued her residence here, finding ample occupation in looking after her varied interests, which include valuable property in Napa and a five- hundred-acre ranch in Wildhorse valley which she rents for dairy purposes. This last-mentioned property is indeed a beauty spot, nothing in the valley matching its natural beauty and attractiveness. Mrs. Madison is the mother of two children by her first marriage, Joseph Henderson, a resident of San Francisco, and Mary, Mrs. Callahan, of Sacra- mento. Of her marriage with Mr. Madison six children were born, as fol- s: Annie, Mrs. Murray, of Napa; Agnes, Mrs. Muller, of Vallejo; Helen, Mrs. White, of Wooden valley; Henry, a resident of Napa; Margaret Emily, Mrs. Johnson, of Sacramento; and Isabelle, Mrs. Griggs, of Oakland. J. F. KNIEF. One of the oldest settlers in Brown's valley, Napa, is J. F. Knief, whose life has been filled with many varied experiences, extending from the hard- ships of a German sailor lad's life to the comforts of a successful California rancher and wine merchant. Born on a farm near Bremen, Germany, he became dissatisfied at an early age with farm life and sought the wilder experiences of a life at sea. At the age of fourteen he left home to follow the sea. He has in his possession a very precious keepsake in the form of a letter given him by his father when he left home as a means of identifica- tion and which he always carried with him. From the age of fourteen, when he left home, he has worked his way in the world alone and unaided. When he was less than twenty-one years of age he was first mate on a ship. At 800 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES first he made only short voyages, and during the war between Germany and Denmark he served one year in the German navy. His first trip to America was made in 1847 and the attractions of this country were so alluring that at the close of one year's service in the navy he took his dis- charge and again went to sea, this time in a Swedish vessel upon which he continued until leaving her in Norway. Remaining in that country for a while, he then secured a berth upon a ship engaged in the Mediterranean trade, following which he sailed in a vessel to the United States, where he followed the coasting trade and became mate. Still impelled by a spirit of daring and desire for further exploration, in 1854 he sailed around the Horn to California in the ship Black Warrior, a Baltimore clipper ship which landed him in San Francisco in December of that year. While in New Or- leans the captain had taken out naturalization papers under the name of Thomas Thompson and it was under that name that he came to California. While in the mines of Eldorado county he met friends who knew him by the name of Knief, and he decided to resume it. Taking his papers to a judge he stated the facts and was given new citizenship papers under his right name. After mining for a time in Eldorado and Siskiyou counties Mr. Knief came to Napa in 1868, buying the ranch in Brown's valley, near Napa, which he owns today. Of this thirty-acre ranch, fifteen acres are in vineyard, in connection with which he has a small winery in which he crushes his own grapes. The place is also improved with a family orchard and various other improvements contribute to make this a convenient and home- like ranch. Mr. Knief was married in 1862 to Miss Anna E. Lechens, also a native of Germany, and to this union there were born six children, one of whom, Ludolph, is deceased. The others are as follows : William, residing in Auburn ; Fred, who lives in San Francisco ; Anna E., the wife of G. Blutcher, of Oakland; and Lewis and Henry. Fraternally Mr. Knief belongs to the- Knights of Pythias, politically is a Republican, and for many years he served as a member and clerk of the board of school trustees of Brown's valley district. JOHN ARMSTRONG. The success which almost invariably follows in the wake of well-applied energy, common sense, integrity and executive ability, is claimed for Mr. Arm- strong, as all testify who have followed his career. Ever since coming to California in 1862 he has been a resident of Solano county, with the exception of a year and a half passed in the mines of Virginia City, Nev., and his citizen- ship in this locality for a period of forty-five years has not been without benefit to the community. The Armstrong family was identified with the south for a number of generations, and to that section of country the mind of John Armstrong reverts when recalling incidents of his childhood and youth, for he is a native of the south, his birth occurring in Roanoke county, Va., June 13, 1835. There too his parents, Ellis and Harriett (Moomaw) Armstrong were born, the father in 1807 and the mother February 10, 1808. The father lived to attain a good old age, being in his seventy-second year at the time of his death, and the mother at the time of her death, in December, 1908, had attained the remark- able age of one hundred and one years. John Armstrong remained in the south until he reached his majority, when he severed the ties which bound him to the locality in which he had been reared, going at that time, in Decem- ber, 1856, to Auburn, Sangamon county, 111. Six years later he came to the Pacific coast by means of mule teams across the plains. Leaving Springfield, April 8, 1862, he arrived in Suisun, Solano county, September 26. As this was HISTORY OF SOLANO AND N \l\\ COUNTIES 803 prior to the advent of railroads, he found a good opening in hauling freight for the following three years, lie then went to Virginia City, New. where he engaged in hauling quartz for eighteen months. Returning to Solano county he worked as a ranch hand until 1871, when he began Farming on rented land. In 1881 he purchased twenty-nine acres near Suisun, residing on the property for five years, when he sold the land and bought the place on which he now lives. It comprises thirty-two and a half acres, located about seven miles northwest oi Suisun. which he improved from the naked laud, setting out all oi the fruit trees and building the residence and other buildings. About half of the acreage is in apricots, the yield from which amounts to about $1680 annually, while the remainder i^i the land is in peaches and pears, the annual yield from which is about SI 120. Such stock as he needs for his own use on the ranch he raises himself, otherwise he confines his attention strictly to the care of his fruit. His entire crop is dried and prepared for market by himself on the ranch, which is equipped with a drier and other facilities for this purpose. In 1871 Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage at San Francisco with Miss Annie C. Richardson, a native of Macoupin county. 111. Of the four children horn to them, only two are living, and both are married and estab- lished in homes of their own. The eldest, Annie B., is the wife of P. W. Thun- burg. of this valley, and they have two children. The other daughter, Clara E., is the wife of W. W. Reeves and also makes her home in Suisun valley. Politically- Mr. Armstrong is a Democrat. JOSEPH DAVIS. A native of the south, Joseph Davis was born in Kentucky March 24, 1832. but he remembers little of his birthplace, as he was a child of only four years when with his parents in 1836 he removed from Kentucky to Van Buren county, Iowa. He lived in the latter state until he reached the age of twenty-one, when he crossed the plains with an ox-team train, in 1853. The route taken was by way of Fort Kearney and the Humboldt. After following mining in California for about two years in 1855 Mr. Davis returned to Van Buren county, Iowa, by way of the Isthmus. In January. 1857. Mr. Davis was married to Mrs. Elizabeth (Leach) Walters, who was born in Virginia. Four children were born to them: William A., Mary, Eppaluna and Fara Belle. Eppaluna married R. D. Rennie and they make their home in Lompoc. Mary became the wife of F. F. Zim- merman. In 1862 Mr. Davis returned to California to make his permanent home, coming by way of Salt Lake City, and ever since the year mentioned he has been a resident of Maine Prairie township, Solano county. During all these years he carried on farming until retiring from active labors. Here he owns three hundred and twenty acres of land and adjoining it his daughter. Mrs. Zimmerman, owns one hundred and sixty acres. F. F. ZIMMERMAN. The descendant of German ancestors, F. F. Zimmerman was born in Monroe. Mich., July 16, 1853. the son of John Zimmerman, who was born in Baden- Baden, Germany. The latter came to the United States prior to the Civil war and served in that conflict as a member of the Fifteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. His life was sacrificed in the cause of his adopted country, his death occurring while in service in 1862. I". F. Zimmerman is the owner of sixty-one acres of land four miles northwest of Vacaville. under cultivation to prunes, peaches, apricots and 804 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES grapes. The home ranch comprises nine hundred acres of rented land de- voted entirely to grain raising. In Dixon, Cal., in 1880, occurred the marriage of F. F. Zimmerman and Mary Davis, and of the children born to them six are living, as follows : Joseph F., William Rennie, Frank L., Iceophine E., Frederick R. and George L. Politically Mr. Zimmerman is a Democrat and is a member of the board of school trustees. He is recognized as one of the substantial ranchers of his district and deserves much credit for the progress he has made. NELSON F. PECK. A patriotic citizen of the United States who enlisted under the banner of his country during the Civil war, Nelson A. Peck was born in Royalston, Worcester county, Mass., April 16, 1840, a son of Lyman and Louisa (Davis) Peck, both natives of Massachusetts. His early years were spent at„ home, receiving his education at the public school, and when the Civil war. broke out in 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Regi- ment, under General Burnside. The regiment to which he was attached par- ticipated in several raids in North Carolina and also at Pittsburg, Va., and Mr. Peck was close at hand when the forts were blown up. After serving three years and one month he was mustered out at Boston and honorably discharged. In 1864 Mr. Peck moved to Ohio and settled at Portsmouth, where he learned the trade of carpenter and wagon-maker, and for a number of years was employed at his trade in Ohio. Not until 1888 did he come to Cali- fornia and when he arrived he came to Napa county and has made it his home ever since, following the occupation of contractor and builder with much success. Nine years after his advent to this county, in 1897, he formed a partnership with William Coffield, under the firm name of Peck & Coffield. During the two years they continued in partnership they erected some splendid buildings in Napa and vicinity, among which are the fol- lowing: Lincoln school house, R. S. Kyser undertaking parlors, the Martin building and rebuilding the Franklin school house. Since the dissolution of the partnership Mr. Peck has continued in the business alone and has erected a number of fine residences that add materially to the attractiveness of the city of Napa. Among these are the Grigsby, Dewey, Fegerro, Mon- teshed and Williams residences, besides many others, and he has also built a number of residences in Suisun. Mr. Peck is a charter member of Kit Carson Post, G. A. R., being past commander of his post, and he is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Napa. In Scioto county, Ohio, Mr. Peck was married in 1866 to Irene Glaze, a native of that state, and they have one child, Eva, a graduate of the high school. Mr. and Mrs. Peck are well known residents of Napa, and are affiliated with every movement for the upbuilding of the community in which they live. ZENAS W. GARFIELD. The entire life of Zenas W. Garfield has been spent on the farm, but in the two geographical extremes of our country. Born on a New Eng- land farm, in Monterey, Mass., in 1846, he spent his boyhood and early manhood there, and in 1871 came to California, he being then twenty-five years of age. He settled immediately in Napa county two and one-half miles north of Napa on the Big Ranch road, where he farmed four hundred and twenty-five acres for twenty-eight years. In 1906 he became superin- HISTORY OF SOLANO Wl> N \PA COUNTIES 805 tendent of the Bryan ranch, which is a splendid frail ranch of one hundred acres, located west of Napa, producing prunes, cherries, pears and peaches. Politically Mr. Garfield is a Republican and was elected supervisor <>f the county on that ticket in 1888, serving one term. In 1871, before leaving his New England home for the far west. Mr. Garfield was united in iii.ii riage to Miss Fannie C. Sheldon, a native *>\ Massachusetts, who shared with him all the hardships as well as the successes of life, until her demise in 18 JOHN BRAZIL \1.M \n\. Nearly all of the countries oi the world have contributed to the citizen- of California, among them Portugal, whose representatives have demon- strated unmistakably their appreciation of the advantages which this section xmntry offers. John Brazil Almada was horn in Rebeira Area, Island of George, one oi the ' , June 24, 1873, the son of Anton and .Maria (Almada) Brazil, both natives of Portugal also. The mother passed away many \ o, at the age of fifty-five, but the father is Still living on his farm, at the a ghty four years. Three children were born into tin- household, those besides John 1',. being Manuel, a resident ^^\ Sacramento, and Anion, who St. Miguel's Church on St. George Island. After Mr. Almada came to California he assumed his mother's family name and was known thereafter as John Brazil Almada. This he did owing he fact that he made his home with his uncle. Manuel Almada, and was always called by that name. It was under this name that he applied for his citizenship papers. The circumstances of his parents made it possible for him t< • have good common-school advantages, at least the best that his country red. ami thus he had a good general foundation in the essential branches of learning when he came to this country a lad of sixteen years. His uncle, Manuel A. Almada. had come to this country many years before, and subse- quently had returned to his native land on visits, and it was on one of his return voyages that his ambitious nephew accompanied him, in 1889. At the time this relative was interested in a dairy ranch at Cordelia, Solano county, and the young immigrant was immediately given employment, under the instruction of his experienced relative becoming an expert dairyman. Subse- quently the elder Mr. Almada removed to Xapa county, the nephew coming al<" and remaining with his uncle until forming a partnership with his cousin, Manuel C. Almada, in 1895. The association then formed has continued unin- terruptedly to the present time, and has witnessed the growth of the business to proportions that are truly remarkable. They first started on rented prop- erty near Suscol, which their uncle assisted them in establishing, and after the death of that kindly relative they purchased the property in Napa county for the establishment of a dairy on a large scale and carried out his plan. For a fuller account of the dairy business which has been developed under the man- agement of these partners, the reader is referred to the sketch of Manuel C. Almada. on another page of this volume. In 1904 John B. Almada took up his residence in Napa, having erected a house suited to his needs at No. 803 North Main street. In Napa he married Miss Maria Candida, also a native of the Island of St. George. Five children were born of this marriage, one of whom is deceased, those living being; Maria, Amelia. Frank and John. In May. 1907, Mr. Almada married Miss Palmicra Silva. born on the Isle of Pico, one of the Azores, and who came to Napa county, Cal.. in 1905. One child. Albert, has been born of this marri. With his family Mr. Almada attends St. John the Baptist church. Politically he is a Republican and socially he is affiliated with the Society of I. I). S. and the U. P. E. C. 806 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES JOHN J. LINDER. The owner of one of the many pretty ranches in Napa county is John J. Linder, who was born in Germany in 1860. As a boy he received a good education and in later boyhood he learned a trade, choosing the tailor's business. At the age of twenty-two years, after serving in the German army, he came to California and settled near the town of Sonoma in 1882. Here for eight months he worked on a ranch for wages, and then went to Solano county, where he was employed on a ranch in Green valley for five years. Just as soon as he had saved enough money he bought the Big Road ranch, his present location, in 1890. It is situated six miles north of Napa and consists of sixty-two acres of good arable and fruit land. The property has been greatly improved under his vigilant eye and thrifty hand. He has cherries, besides which five acres are in full bearing French prunes, three acres in bearing vines and about seven acres devoted to hay. In addition to his horticultural and agricultural pursuits Mr. Linder also runs a dairy, which is supplied by ten cows. In 1891 Mr. Linder and Miss Sula Darms were united in marriage. They have the following children : Ralph, George, Drury and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Linder show a progressive spirit and are ever ready to lend sup- port to those enterprises that will be a benefit to the county in which they live. EDWARD L. COOK. Although he has but recently established his home in Napa county, Mr. Cook has identified himself with the social and commercial life of the com- munity. He was born in Allegan county, Mich., in 1853, and until forty-five years old he resided there with his parents, then, in 1898, coming to California. He is the son of Amos J. and Elizabeth M. Cook, both natives of Ohio, and was the second of six children : Israel J., Edward L., Frank B., Marada, Elsie E. and Olive H. Israel J. was united in marriage with Frances Felton and they have three children; Marada married Hiram Bisby, who is deceased; by her second marriage she was united with S. L. Stanton and they have four children; Elsie E. married Oscar Vreeland and they have three children; Frank B. married Ida Thompson and they have three children. In his native state Edward L. Cook had followed the carpenter's trade and he did the same when coming to California in 1898. He first settled in Sonoma county, living for five years in Healdsburg, and working at the car- penter's trade, after which he made investments in real estate, purchasing a house and lot. After selling these he moved to Eureka, residing there one year, then removing to Watsonville, Santa Cruz county, and from there to Sebastopol, living there eighteen months. There he purchased a small fruit ranch on Gold Ridge, and upon selling this property he came to Napa county and has lived here ever since. He has leased, for a term of five years, ranch property consisting of three hundred and twenty acres, seven acres in vine- yard, one and one-half in fruit trees and forty acres devoted to grain raising. He has five work horses and seven head of cattle and keeps the place under splendid cultivation. Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Alice Brown, a native of Michigan, and to this union there were born eight children, viz: Arthur L., Glenn A., Fletcher, Leon, Harold A., Elsie, Edith and Lyla. Arthur L. first married Alice Brown, and a second marriage united him with Edna Froman; they have two children ; Elsie married Frank Gully and has six children ; Glenn, who is associated with his father, married Lena Guillee, and they have two children ; Edith married George Rhodes and resides at Napa with their two children. In Michigan Mr. Cook was identified with the Grange. Politically he is a Republican. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND X \l'.\ COUNTIKS sov LEWIS MARTIN II \KT.\IA\. lifornia is proud of the fact that she owe- to immigration no small percentage of her present successful citizens. l<< take advantage of her wonderful climate and unexcelled opportunities for advancement Lewis .Martin Ilartman came to this state to make his permanent residence, having previously made his home in various parts of the United States. He was horn in 1856, in Fulton county. 111., the son of Amos and Elizabeth (Schisler) Ilartman. horn in Pennsylvania. 'The early education of Lewis Hartman was obtained in his native county in Illinois, and was continued in Anderson county. Kans., whither he removed with his parents when he was about fourteen years of age. After eight years passed in Kansas he lived the life i^i a nomad for the following ten years, wandering from place to place as Fate led him. For two years he prospected in Colorado and from there went to New Mexico and Arizona. While in this latter state he entered the railroad business and retained his position for two years. At the close of this period he came to California, going first to Los Angeles, but soon afterward going to Rakersfield, San Francisco and Sacramento, finally, on January 10, 1885. coming to Solano county, lie had decided to end his wanderings and settle down and since that time he has been a prosperous and dependable citizen of this county. Mr. Hartman's marriage September 10, 1886, united him with Miss Amarie L. Hinkley, a native of Ohio, the daughter of parents who became early settlers of Solano county, Cal. The elder of the two children born Mr. and Mrs. Ilartman is Lester Millard, who married Miss Eunice •]>er and is at present assisting his father on the ranch: Alpha Murray Hartman is attending- school. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hartman removed to Shasta county, remaining there for about two years, when they returned to Solano county and settled on the Sky High ranch, comprising ninety-six acres and located about five miles west of Winters. In 1870 George W. Hinkley located on this ranch and began improvements; after his death in 1899 Mr. Hartman came into possession of the place. In 1904 Mrs. Hartman died, leaving a fragrant memory of her useful life. At Suisun, on August 20, 1907. Mr. Ilartman married Mrs. Xettie (Coffin) per, a native of Lee county, Iowa, and the daughter of William S. and Eunice (Hampton) Coffin, pioneers of Iowa and descendants of old Quaker stock. Two children were born of Mrs. Hartman's first marriage, Albert W ., deceased, and Eunice. The Sky High ranch is devoted principally to the cultivation of fruit, although there is a little grain raised on the same. Mr. Hartman is looked upon as being the largest shipper of cherries from Winters, having shipped his first consignment some years ago. His 1910 shipment was the first to leave Winters and the fir-; sold in the United States, bringing $3 per pound. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Women of Wood- craft. He has served on the school board for a number of terms and is progressive in matters pertaining to local government, being in favor of d roads and everything that will benefit the community in which he lives. WILLIAM II. COLVIX. It is perhaps through hi- affiliation with the Samosat Tribe of Red Men that Mr. Colvin is most widely known. Members of the order throughout the entire state are familiar with the encouraging growth manifested by this tribe and to a large degree its high standing is due to the indefatigable exertions of Mr. Colvin. although he has been fortunate in enjoying the co-operation of 37 810 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES almost the entire membership in his efforts to increase the success of the society. With a present membership of about six hundred members the Samosat Tribe is the largest in the entire state and its members express a harmonious determination to increase the record until one thousand names are enrolled. Nor is its triumph limited to numbers alone. In addition it enjoys a reputation as the best-drilled tribe in the state. At Santa Rosa they were awarded the state trophy given to the best-drilled tribe. They also received the state banner for the largest increase in membership and the company trophy given to the tribe showing the greatest increase over all other com- panies in California. While serving as trustee, Mr. Colvin maintained an active association with the development of the work and his efforts were pleasantly recognized when he was elected sachem of the tribe at the annual election of January, 1911, since which time he has given much of his time to promote its growth and enlarge its activities. At the great council held in San Jose in August, 1911, he was appointed district deputy great sachem of his district by Judge H. C. Hibbard, great sachem. Throughout all of his life Mr. Colvin has been a resident of Vallejo. ' Here he was born January 21, 1872, and here he received such educational advan- tages as it was his privilege to enjoy. However, his present large fund of information is the result of reading and observation rather than school attend- ance. At the age of about twelve years he left school and secured employ- ment in the Star flour mill, remaining for five years, principally in the capacity of a shipping clerk. On leaving the mill he formed a partnership with his brother, T. H., in the grocery business under the firm name of T. H. Colvin & Co., the connection continuing during the years from 1889 to 1894. On leaving the grocery business he secured employment in the construction department at the Mare Island navy yard and for nine years he remained in the government employ. He then became proprietor of the Wigwam on Georgia street, where he carries a full line of cigars and tobacco and smokers' supplies, both wholesale and retail, and has established a very large trade, the business having grown to such proportions that, in March, 1911, he .took in Roy L. Smith as a partner and the firm is now Colvin & Smith. His home in Vallejo is presided over by Mrs. Colvin, formerly Miss Lillian A. Higson, whom he married in 1902 and who is a native daughter of the state. During 1910 he served as a member of the Solano county grand jury. While not solicitous for office he is deeply interested in the advancement of his native city and is willing to give his services to promote civic progress, holding it to be the duty of all public-spirited men to manifest a deep concern in local advancement. JESSE DUTTON CLEVENGER. Two generations of the Clevenger family have at different periods con- tributed to history-making epochs in the United States through their army service, both exhibiting a patriotism and loyalty to country which could spring only from a genuine sympathy in the cause for which they fought. Reference is made to William F. and Jesse D. Clevenger, father and son, the former of whom participated in the Civil War, and the latter in the Spanish-American war. W. F. Clevenger was reared in the vicinity of his birthplace, near Chi- cago, 111., and was living there at the time of the outbreak between the north and the south that culminated in the Civil war. Responding to the call for volunteers, he was enrolled as a member of the Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, and throughout the term of his service or until the close of hos- tilities he fought for the preservation of the Union. After the war he went to Warren county, Iowa, finding employment there as a builder, and later HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 811 worn to Harrison county, the same state, and there engaged in merchan- dising. A later removal took him to Ainsworth, Brown county, Neb., which at that time, 1883, was considered the frontier, and on a homestead claim which he took up from the government he made his home for a consid- erable period. His ability for public office was soon recognized and his services in the capacity of county treasurer and county clerk for about ten Tears are a part of the history of Brown county. From Nebraska he sub- sequently went to Iowa once more, and in Grand Junction was engaged in merchandising. Later on he removed to New York state, where he now makes his home. His wife was before her marriage Isabelle Dutton, a na- tive o\ Iowa, and her death occurred while the family was living in Nebraska. Of the three children comprising the parental family, all of whom are living. Jesse D. Clevenger is the youngest, and was born in Logan, Har- rison county. Iowa, in 1876. That was his home until he was seven years of age. when removal was made to Nebraska, and in the schools of Ains- worth, that state, he received the greater part of his education. When he was only sixteen years of age he took upon himself the responsibility of his own maintenance, in 1892 going to Lead City, S. Dak., wdiere he was engaged in mining for about one year. Returning to Iowa he engaged in farming until 1897. when he went to Texas, there too following farming until enlisting for service in the Spanish-American war, in 1898. As a member of Company M, Twenty-third United States Infantry, he came with his regiment to San Francisco and from there embarked for the scene of warfare in the Philippine Islands. During his service of eighteen months he participated in all of the principal battles of the campaign, including among others the first battle of Coloocan and the battle of Tondo. Following his honorable discharge from the service he was mustered out at Cebu, P. I.. and from there returned home, with the intention of remaining, but about four months later he re-enlisted in the Third United States Artillery, Bat- tery O. which was subsequently reorganized and made Thirty-sixth Com- '■any Coast Artillery. The battalion to which Mr. Clevenger was assigned was ordered to China to take part in the Boxer uprising, and after peace was restored, returned to the Philippines, and at Laguna de Bay took part in a number of minor engagements. While in the Philippines Mr. Clev- enger organized three schools in Cabuao. two holding day sessions and one night. Besides teaching in one of the day schools he also taught in the night school, and with the aid of two teachers the work of teaching and disciplining was not expended in vain upon the uncouth pupils. This edu- cational undertaking was among the first schools on the Islands, and the very first in that province. After a service of nine months in this educa- tional field, a part of which time he was on special duty. Mr. Clevenger was ■ ■rdered to Manila, and there he rounded out his three-year term, being mustered out at Angel Island. San Francisco. March 3, 1903. Immediately following his discharge from the service Mr. Clevenger came to California and took up agricultural pursuits in the Napa redwoods, Xapa county, continuing farming and horticulture there until February, 1911, when he sold out his interests in the country and removed into the city and ever since has been engaged in the real estate business in Napa. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 23. K. P.. of Xapa. GEORGE DFXTFR HILDRFTTI. Clearly outlined against the background of events in Solano county for more than half a century are the many sided and constructive efforts of the Hildreth family. Mining, blacksmithing, ship-building, farming, soldier ing and politics have had their conscientious supporters in those bearing this 812 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES splendid old pioneer name, and too much stress cannot be laid upon the indebtedness of the locality for the ideals of life and effort thus established and maintained. Dexter W. Hildreth, father of George D. Hildreth, the latter the pres- ent auditor and assessor of Vallejo, was born in Thomaston, Me., and in addition to other qualifications essential to pioneering, brought with him to the coast in 1851 a thorough knowledge of the trade of blacksmithing. The trip from the east via Panama finally landed him in San Francisco, and from there he went to Placer county, and with moderate success engaged in mining until 1859. He then went to Benicia and returned to his trade of blacksmithing, being one of the first to follow that trade in the county. In 1860 he entered the employ of the government at Mare Island navy yard as foreman shipsmith, a position which he held for many years, when he resigned and formed a partnership with O. L. Henderson in carriage manu- facturing and blacksmithing. This for years was one of the most successful business interests of Vallejo, and it enabled Mr. Hildreth to eventually retire from the firm with a competence several years before his death, which occurred in 1906. For many years he was lieutenant of the Vallejo Rifles, the local company of the National Guard, and he was prominent in the councils of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows almost from its estab- lishment on the Pacific coast. Through his marriage to Harriet T. Har- rington, of Maine, four children were born, three of whom are living: Lovisa, wife of Edward Lewis, of Martinez ; Charles ; and George D. Seth S. is deceased. The wife and mother passed away in 1900. Capability alone never would have assured to Mr. Hildreth so firm a niche in the history of Solano county, had it not been accompanied and dignified by earnest- ness, intelligence, public spirit and unswerving integrity. George D. Hildreth was born in Vallejo, Solano county, July 1, 1864, and from his earliest youth evidenced an intelligent and inquiring mind. Inheriting his father's ambition and mechanical ability, he served an appren- ticeship as shipwright at the Mare Island navy yard, but shortly after com- pleting the trade he turned his attention to farming in Vallejo, his residence being at No. 28 Eighth street. He continued farming up to the time of his election, in 1904, to the present office of auditor and assessor of Vallejo. He immediately assumed the duties of the office and was re-elected each term following (in 1906, 1908 and 1910), and on the adoption of the new commission form of government charter for Vallejo he was, in May, 1911, again elected auditor and assessor for the city, which duties he is filling with credit and ability that prove him a popular and faithful public servant. In 1904 Mr. Hildreth was united in marriage to Emily Morse, a native of California, and of the union three children were born, Alden D. (deceased), Evelyn and Alice. OSCAR FAGERBERG. Sweden has contributed to the citizenship of California in Oscar Fager- berg, who during his residence in Napa has gained the reputation of one who has the best interests of his home city at heart, being enterprising and liberal in his support of measures for the upbuilding of town and county. He was born in Skara, Westrejotland, Sweden, February 12, 1864, and was brought up to a knowledge of agriculture, for his parents were farmers in that northern country and made that their home through- out their lives. The son attended the public schools near his boyhood home, and subsequently served his time in the Swedish army, in so doing living up to the high principles of his countrymen in doing their duty to their country. However, thinking he would find greater oppor- HISTORY OF SOI. WO WD \ \l'A C< »UN riES 815 tunities in the United States, he determined to casl his fortunes in the land of the Stars and Stripes, so October> 1886, found him among those who em barked from the seaport of Gottenburg bound for the new world, and in due time the vessel entered the harbor of Philadelphia. lust >»ue year from the time Mr. Fagerberg left his native land he mad. his advent into California, having in the meantime investigated conditions in the middle west, especially in the vicinity of Moline and Chicago, 111. He reached San Diego, Cal., in October, 1887, remaining there until the following year, when he went to Eureka, Huiriboldt county, and in May. 8, came to Napa county, and has made his home here ever since. His first work was as a ranch hand, working in this capacity for a number of years, after which he was variously engaged until May. 1898, when he estab- lished the business which he still conducts, maintaining a liquor establish ment on Main street, in Napa. Mr. Fagerberg's marriage united him with Emma Swanson, she too being a native of Sweden, and they have two children, George Oscar and Ethel Maria. Fraternally Mr. Fagerberg is a member of the Eagles, Red Men and the Royal Arch', and his membership in the Chamber of Commerce is indicative oi a wholesome interest in the city's welfare. MAJOR ROBERT BOGLE. Few men possess to such a marked degree the qualities of abnegation and manliness set forth in the life of Robert Bogle, a man of rare courage and noble character, whose death occurred in Vallejo October 16, 1892. His father. John Bogle, a native of Glasgow. Scotland, came to America in his early manhood, establishing a dye works in Dutchess county on the Hudson. He Was later united in marriage with Miss Margaret Morrison, also born in I v, whose death occurred in Connecticut. In the early '40s Mr. d of his business and started across the plains with the Hudson Bay Fur Company for the Pacific coast, evidently failing, however, to reach his' destination, since he was never again heard from, his relatives feeling confident that he fell a victim to the Indians. Robert Bogle was the eldest of four children, and was born June 18, 1831, in Dutchess county. X. V., on the Hudson river. Upon completion ; - public school studies he spent some time at Munson's Academy. Mas- sachusetts. Hi- first position was in the service of the Harlem railroad. ring to Indiana in 1852. he took up locomotive engineering and later held a similar position in Kentucky. In 1859 Mr. Bogle was married to Miss Ellen Graham, a native of kport. Lancashire. England, and a daughter of John Graham, an Eng- lishman by birth, who brought his family to America in 1842. Settling in Massachusetts, they removed later to Indiana, thence to California. Mr. Graham spending his last years in San Francisco. His wife, formerly Alice Xicholson. who was born in Bolton, Lancashire, England, passed away in San Francisco in 1889. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are living. Mrs. Bogle being the third eldest. After his marriage Mr. Bogle engaged in lumber manufacturing in Bennettsville, Ky.. until the Civil war. At the beginning of the struggle he volunteered in Company E, Third Kentucky Cavalry, rising within a year to the rank of second lieutenant. Later he became captain of his company and ere the close of the war bore the title of brevet major, his commendatory service having won universal recognition. Upon being honorably discharged from military duty he re- moved with his family to Atchison. Kan., where he became an engineer, later locating in Winthrop. Mo. In 1K74 he emigrated to San Francisco, Cal., 816 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES and for twenty-six years thereafter was engineer in the flour mill of Captain Starr, continuing there until his death. Three children were born to Major and Mrs. Bogle : Frederick, who passed away in Vallejo at the age of forty-five, leaving two sons, Robert F. and Jacob F. ; Alice B., now Mrs. O. G. Mann of Vallejo, who has two children, Ellen and Graham ; and Margaret H., now Mrs. J. F. Deininger, who has two daughters, Gladys M. and Esther E. Major Bogle had long been a member of Golden State Lodge No. 16, I. 0. O. F., and was a citizen of great public spirit and generosity. A Re- publican, with well defined political opinions, he was a man of broad prin- ciples and decisive action. Since her husband's death Mrs. Bogle has con- tinued to reside in her Fifth street home, which she and the Major highly improved, the majority of her interests being centered in Vallejo. Much of her leisure time she devotes to the skilful copying of rare old paintings, in which art she delights. In 1910 she realized a long cherished dream of visiting her birthplace in Stockport, near Bolton, Lancashire, England, jour- neying also through many other foreign countries, however spending most of her time in Munich, Germany. An active member of the Vallejo Episcopal Church, she is deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the welfare of those less fortunate than herself, her life being that of a consistent and helpful Christian. JOCHIM JAHN. In Holstein, Germany, the Jahn family had lived for many years, con- spicuously identified with the progress of the community. Into this family Jochim Jahn was born January 24, 1853, and for twenty years he remained under the paternal roof, in the meantime receiving his education. In 1873 he started out for America and the same year arrived in California. For two years he worked on a farm in Solano county and then leased three hundred and twenty acres from Mrs. Salzen. Here he raised grain and hay and conducted a general farming business until he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which he now resides, five miles west of Dixon, and devoted to grain raising. This land was purchased twenty-nine years ago for $5,800. Mr. Jahn was married in Sacramento to Martha Hendricks, a native of Holstein, Germany, and to them were born seven children : Claus H., William, John, Lena, Anna, Mattie and Rose. Lena married Gerald McCoy, of Winters. William married Pansy Cagle and resides in Davisville. Politi- cally Jochim Jahn is a Republican, and he and his good wife are members of the German Lutheran Church at Dixon. EDWARD RENIE. A native of Indiana, Edward Renie was born in Jennings county in 1862. The first seven years of his life were passed in Indiana, the family then moving to Illinois. Shortly after this the father died and the son sought his fortune in other states. Journeying toward the west he settled for a time in Nye county, Nev., and afterwards moved to Aberdeen, Chehalis county, Wash. There he followed lumbering and logging for some time, and later moved to Republic, Wash. After a residence of about twenty years in Washington he located in Drain, Douglas county, Ore., and engaged in lumbering and logging, buying stumpage. After a stay of five years in that state he sold his interests and came to Solano county, Cal. Desiring to find a suitable location he traveled over different states and finally bought twenty 1 1 ISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 817 acres of land in Mexico, paying $20 per acre for the same. However, he concluded that Solano county was better suited to his needs and ultimately he returned and bought one hundred and sixty acres four miles northeast of Yacaville, on which he raises grain and alfalfa. A valuable pumping plant supplies ample irrigation. Politically Mr. Renie is a Socialist and fraternally a member of the Woodmen of the World at Kettle Falls. Wash. JOHN M. COGHLAN. Over three decades have come and gone since the passing of John M. Coghlan, but time has not effaced from the minds of those who knew him the accomplishments of the years passed in California, first in Napa county and later in the city of San Francisco. In him the legal profession had an efficient representative, and his death in 1879, at the early age of forty-one years, came as a blow to his legal associates and cut short the promise of a brilliant career. A native of the south, he was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1837. the son of Dr. Cornelius Coghlan, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the descendant of old Virginia and Maryland families. The early death of his parents made it necessary for John M. Coghlan to see the serious side of life at an age when most boys were happy and care free, and a public school education obtained in the schools of Louisville was practically his only asset when he was cast upon his own resources. A predilection for the legal profession was recognized at an early age and no opportunity to fit himself for the field that destiny had chosen for him to occupy was allowed to pass his notice. In the course of his studies he was attracted to the west on account of the mining possibilities in Nevada, but the attrac- tion did not prove sufficiently alluring for him to discontinue his studies. About 1861 he came to Napa county with the intention of going south into Mexico, but instead he remained here and completed his legal course, after which he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession in Xapa. Subsequently he removed to Suisun and continued his practice, and it was while in that city that he was elected a member of congress from his district. At the close of his term in the legislature he took up his residence in San Francisco, where he opened an office and soon was in com- mand of a splendid private practice, besides which, in 1875, he was elected to serve the United States government as district attorney. Among his many warm personal friends he numbered President Grant, and it was by him that Mr. Coghlan was appointed one of the judges of the territory of Utah, but he did not qualify, preferring to continue the practice of his profession in San Francisco, and it was in that city that his death occurred in 1879. He was a Mason of the Knight Templar degree and was a stanch Republican in his political leanings. Mr. Coghlan's marriage in 1864 united him with Miss Eva Coombs, a native of Xapa valley, where their marriage occurred, and the daughter of Nathan and Isabella Maria (Gordon) Coombs. A native of Massachusetts, Nathan Coombs was attracted to the west when he was a youth of fourteen years, and in Oregon, where he first located, he met William Gordon, formerly a resident of Ohio, and subsequently the two men came to California. The Coombs and Gordon families were subsequently bound by closer ties than friendship when Nathan Coombs was united in marriage with the daughter of his friend, William Gordon. Mr. Coombs was one of the first settlers in Napa county, where he entered from the government and also purchased large tracts of land, and in addition to its cultivation, also ran a stage line between Napa and Benicia, and connected with steamers. Undoubtedly Mr. 818 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Coombs was one of the most active and prominent business men of Napa county during his time, and in his death in 1877, not only the community in which his life was cast sustained a severe loss, but the county and state as well, for he wielded a wide influence. His wife survived him until 1890. The death of her husband left Mrs. Coghlan with three small children to educate and rear and also with business interests that up to this time had not claimed her attention. That she proved herself equal to the tasks laid upon her has been proven with the passing of years, and not only has she reared her children to lives of usefulness, but she has also become known as a woman of considerable business ability. Among her holdings is a part of the Chamiles rancho, located about twelve miles from Suisun and thir- teen miles from Napa, and devoted to stock raising and general farming. This is considered one of the finest stock ranches in that section of country and the fact that the land is well watered and covered with timber to some extent adds greatly to its value for this special purpose. Solano creek runs through the property, besides which there are numerous springs scattered over the ranch. Since 1892 Mrs. Coghlan has made her home in San Fran- cisco, her youngest child, John Carroll, making his home with her. The eldest son, Nathan Coombs Coghlan, is a well-known attorney of San Fran- cisco, and is also a member of the state legislature. The only daughter of Mrs. Coghlan is Catherine E., Mrs. Haseltine of San Francisco. JAMES HENRY PARE. Although not a 'Forty-niner," James H. Pare may well be termed a pioneer worthy of honorable mention. Born in" Kentucky Dec. 6. 1831, he remained in that state until he was twenty-five years of age. when- he moved to Dallas county, Mo. There he was fired with the enthusiasm that was being wafted across the plains from the far west because of the chances for young men afforded in new fields. Accordingly in 1856 he decided to take the perilous and adventuresome trip with a party of three friends, and they started with four yokes of oxen. They went by way of the North Platte and Ft. Kearney and crossed the desert at the sink of the Humboldt, reaching Sacra- mento after five irksome, dreary months of travel, then plodded on still further to Napa valley. This long period of privation and hardship told on Mr. Pare's constitution, and he was ill for some months, but with the spirit of the times, we find him in 1857 at work building fences in Wooden valley. For two years he followed this occupation, then returned to Napa valley and engaged in farm- ing. About forty years ago he located in Capell valley, where he had purchased the ranch he now owns. It consists of four hundred acres, twenty being in vineyard and an orchard of prunes, peaches and almonds, the remainder de- voted to hay and pasture. In 1910 he produced fifteen tons of Zinfandel grapes. Our subject married Mary P. See, at the old Revere house in Napa county. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born November 29, 1854, and died in Capell valley October 23, 1902. They were the parents of seven children : Marcus L., Archie M., Fred- erick H., Edna M. and Mary M. at home with their parents ; and Delia F., a graduate of San Jose Normal school, wife of Thomas Beebe, living in Healds- burg with their three children ; and Dora C, wife of C. L. Beck, living in Capell valley with their two children. Public schools in Kentucky afforded such educational advantages as Mr. Pare had. Since he came to California he has ably served several terms as school trustee. It is said that the first school in Capell valley was taught in his house. Politically he is a Democrat and his standing in the community HISTORY OF SOLANO VND NAPA COUNTIES 821 '.tested by the tact that he was elected justice of the peace, though he refused to qualify for the office. His daughter Edna is postmistress of the ell postoffice. Mr. Tare takes great pride in his possessions, earned by the sweat of his brow, and at the ripe old age of four score years can look hack upon the pasl with no vain regrets, for his diligence, perseverance, innate integrity and many splendid qualifications of character have not only won for him the con si ss of a life well spent but the confidence and respeel of all who know him. JOHN B. FISCUS. A native of Pennsylvania, John B. Fiscus was born in Armstrong county February 17. 1840. the son of John and Mary (O'Brien) Fiscus, both natives of Pennsylvania. Reared on the home farm, John Fiscus received a common school education in the vicinity o\ his boyhood home. Later he became in- terested with his brother in oil well drilling, assisting him in putting down three wells. In 1862 John B. Fiscus set out on the lone and arduous trip across the plains, a trip of three months finally bringing him to Carson valley. Nev., where he was foreman of a ranch until 1865, when he came to California, settling' in Rio Vista, Solano county. He is now one of five men left who were here at the time of his arrival. For two years he creditably discharged the duties of assistant postmaster. Tn 1875 Mr. Fiscus was married to Miss Tda I. Squires, a native of New Y"rk. She died in 1896. and is buried in Lone Mountain Cemetery. Three of the four children born to them are living: Chester S.. captain of a dredger and living in Sacramento: Frank A., also captain of a dredger and residing in Rio Vista; and John, also employed on a dredger. Mr. Fiscus owns property in Rio Vista, where for some years he has successfully maintained a livery stable. For fifteen years he has held the ition of deputy sheriff, and is now constable of Rio Vista, a position he lias filled efficiently for the past twenty-eight years. In fact, he has held public office almost ever since coming to California. In performing his duties as a peace officer he has had many narrow escapes with desperadoe-. but fortunately he has come out of the different shooting escapades not with a whole hide. Inn with his life spared. When Mr. Fiscus came to this country it was in a very wild and un- settled state. To his lot there fell the privileges as well as the hardships <>f the pioneer. There were only nine houses in Rio Vista when he first led here. He well remembers, in 1865. the blowing up of the old Yosemite steamboat, when between ninety and one hundred people were killed. He remembers the time when they had to pick up the old elk horns and haul them into the gulches before they could mow the wild oats. And now. in the more advanced vears of life, he is enjoying a well earned competency amid the luxuries of the present-day civilization. JOS F I'll GORDON'. California has perpetuated the memory of those who came here in the early days and did the brunt of the pioneering for the future generations, by giving their names to towns, rivers, mountains and valleys. This tinction belongs to Joseph Gordon, one of the for pioneers of Napa county. He was born in Taos or unity. X. Mex., December 5. 1835. the son of William and Mary Jane fCuzero i Gordon, the former born in Ohio of Scotch descent, and the latter born in New Mexico. When twenty years of 822 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES age the father removed from Ohio to New Mexico, was there married and there his son Joseph was born. When the latter was five years old the father brought the family across the plains to California on mule back. Location was later made in Los Angeles, and there a daughter, Margaret, was born December 17, 1840, the first white child born in the state. She became the wife of Edward Tutt, a native of Missouri, and of the fourteen children born to them, four died in infancy, and others are as follows : Henry and Aaron, deceased; Philip; Edward; Maria, deceased; Ellen M. ; Margaret; Jessie; Lily and Jack, deceased. The first location of Joseph Gordon in California was in Washington, Yolo county, and from there he went to Gordon grant, Cache creek, same county, where he lived until 1872. On August 4 of that year he came to Gordon's valley and came into possession of nine hundred acres of land, of which he later sold off more than half. He still has three hundred and twenty- five acres, of which ten are in vineyard, and it is his intention to plant thirty acres more to vineyard. He also has a few cattle and hogs on the place. Mr. Gordon's marriage united him with Ruth Ann Glasscock, a native of Ralls county, Mo., and the daughter of Spencer and Sarah Glasscock, both natives of Virginia, and who settled in Missouri before the war. The fol- lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon : James B., Joseph W. and Nellie M. The daughter became the wife of George Harley, of Gordon's valley, and they have three children, Lotus, Frank and Elmer. James B. died in infancy and Joseph W. at the age of twenty years. Joseph Gordon and his brother William are today the oldest living American settlers. Po- litically the former is a Democrat. THOMAS BENTON EDINGTON. The early days in the history of the state are recalled by Thomas B. Edington, who came to California in 1857, at the age of seventeen years, in search of fortune ; not in the mines, however, as the excitement in that direction was on the wane, but rather in the broad fields that were waiting for the efforts of the agriculturist to make them bloom and blossom. The scene of his boyhood years was passed near Springfield, Mo., where he was born March 31, 1840, the son of W. H. Edington, a native of Kentucky, the descendant of German ancestors. In young manhood the father removed from Kentucky to Missouri, settling near Springfield, where he followed the occupation of farming. His wife, formerly Louisa Patterson, was a native of Missouri and the descendant of Scotch ancestors. Both of the parents rounded out their lives in Missouri and there they reared their four children, three sons and one daughter. The first of the family to leave the parental roof was William, who in 1856 came to California and settled in Napa, where he died. The youngest child in the parental family, Thomas B. Edington, was reared on the home farm in Dallas county, Mo., and in that locality he gained such an education as the subscription schools of that day offered. In 1857, when he was seventeen years of age, he became restless on the home farm and determined to follow his elder brother, who the year before had come to California to make his home. Joining a company of ten men who had out- fitted with ox teams for the overland journey, the young man made the trip in safety, coming directly to Napa county, where he was fortunate in finding work as a farm hand. Later he engaged in farming fourteen miles from Napa on the Rutherford place, continuing there for twenty-six years altogether, when he gave up the position, and after three years passed in San Jose, again came to Napa and resumed farming. The latter was soon relinquished in HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 823 favor of the real estate business, however, and it is this business that engages his attention at the present time, the firm of Edington & McDonald being recognized as reliable and thoroughgoing. Of late Mr. Edington has been giving some attention to the development of oil in Napa county, having found such good indications that he feels justified ill making further investigations. Associated with others he is now engaged in drilling for oil on a lot across from the court house on Third street, where oil of high grade has been reached at a depth of sixty feet. Besides this enterprise, he was one of the organ- izers and the vice president of the Sunshine Oil Company in Bakersfield, but is no longer connected with the enterprise, having sold his interest. In Solano county, Cal., in 1864. Mr. Edington was united in marriage with Miss Malvina Stice, a native of Scotland county, Mo., who came to California overland with her parents in 1857. The following children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Edington: Jannettie Bell, the widow ^i John Grigsby, residing near St. Helena; Irena, Mrs. Bradley, residing at Rutherford; Joseph Lee, a rancher in Chiles valley; William Hampton and James B.. who are engaged in the butcher business at Rutherford; David Newton and John J., both residents of San Francisco; Leland Stanford, of Xapa ; and George R., foreman of the Harris ranch at Rutherford. Politi- cally Mr. Edington is a Democrat, and on the ticket of this party was at one time a candidate for the office of county assessor and sheriff, but was defeated, as the party was in the minority ; but the fact of his nomination is worthy of mention as it indicates Mr. Edington's popularity among his fellow citizens. PHILIP DIEHL. Numbered among the intelligent, enterprising and worthy residents of Xapa is Philip Diehl, who as a carriage and wagon maker, blacksmith and proprietor of a general repair shop, is intimately associated with the advance- ment of the industrial welfare of the city. A skilled mechanic, he has gained a wide reputation for honest and durable workmanship, and' has built up an extensive and lucrative business, having a large patronage in the vicinity. In selecting his life business Mr. Diehl followed the calling of his father, also Philip Diehl, a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, who had learned his trade in the old country. On this side of the Atlantic he first followed his trade in Xew Orleans, from there come west and located in Portland, Ore., and still later went to Hangtown, Cal., where in connection with his trade he also followed mining to some extent. His next removal took him to Placerville Idaho, there also combining his trade with mining, and contin- uing this dual occupation until 1880, when he came to Napa. On East First street he opened a shop in which he continued in business until June, 1886. when he met with a sudden death, being kicked by a mule. He was a man of excellent qualities and an acquisition to the citizenship of Napa, and his death was generally mourned. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife. Margaret Wagner, in maidenhood was also a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and is now residing in Napa, where she attends the Lutheran church, as did also her husband. Of the five children originally comprising the parental family four are living, and Philip Diehl was next to the oldest of the number. He was born in Placerville, Idaho, May 12, 1870, and was therefore ten years old when with his parents he came to Xapa county. Here he attended the public schools for a number of years, after which, in 1886. he began an appren- ticeship to the blacksmith's trade under his father. The death of this parent two months later made a change in his plans and he subsequently was under apprenticeship with E. V. Lyttaker, remaining with him for about eighteen 824 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES months, when he went to San Francisco and followed his trade as a jour- neyman for two years. Returning to Napa at the end of this time he was in the employ of William Hunter for the following six years, leaving this position to take a trip to Honolulu, and upon his return to the continent was employed in the Union iron works in San Francisco for a time and also with the firm of Reagan & Slappy, remaining with the latter for eight months. With a varied and interesting experience as the result of his temporary absence from his home city, Mr. Diehl returned to Napa and entered the employ of John Gerlach, remaining with this employer for four years, when he started in business for himself on Coombs street, running it for two years, when he disposed of it and for the following eight months was blacksmith at the cement works. Deciding to engage in business for himself once more, he in 1905 secured the location which his father had formerly occupied and established the nucleus of the present business. For five years he ran the business alone, but since 1910 has had a capable and efficient partner in Albert Ballmer, an association which is congenial, and remunerative as well. Besides doing a general blacksmith business they also do all kindsof wood- work connected with wagons, carriages and automobiles, horseshoeing and rubber tire work, in fact, anything in connection with road vehicles needing repairs or alterations will receive expert attention from the enterprising pro- prietors of the East Napa carriage shop, as their place is known. Recently they have built an addition to the shop 25x80 feet, equipped with electric power and gas tire heater. Fraternally Mr. Diehl is a member of Napa Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F., of which he is past noble grand, and he is also a member of the Encampment, in which he is also a past officer. On a number of occasions he has served on the county central committee of the Democratic party. The junior member of the firm, Albert Ballmer, was born in Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, May 10, 1880, and came to this country with his parents and settled in Napa county in 1883. In 1897 he began learning the blacksmith's trade, completing it under Ben Smith, and afterward worked at the trade here until June 1, 1910, when he purchased an interest in the business owned by Mr. Diehl. Mr. Ballmer is past chief ranger of the For- esters of America, is past vice-grand of the Odd Fellows, is a member of the affiliated order of Rebekahs, and is serving in his second term as com- mander of the Knights of the Maccabees. For six years and a half he was a member of Company H, Fifth Regulars, N. G. C. KENDALL CLIFTON KEENE. Born in Washington, D. C, January 22, 1870, K. C. Keene is the son of Josiah I. Keene, a native of Maine, who was born in 1827 and passed away in 1899. The wife and mother, Emma Comrad, died in 1872, when the son was two years of age. The father took his little son to Minnesota and left him with his aunt, he himself then coming to California. For several years the boy remained in that state under the care and training of his aunt, and when he was seven years old the father returned from the west and. taking the little fellow with him, returned to California again and settled in Ventura county, where he remained until his decease in 1899. Mr. Keene was edu- cated in the public schools of Ventura and at the age of seventeen years he entered Heald's Business College, San Francisco. After graduating and until he was twenty-four years of age he remained on the beautiful ranch of his father on the Sespee and then he resolved to branch out for himself and make his own way. At the age just mentioned he went to Sonoma county and resided in Santa Rosa for one year, following farming. His next move was to Solano county and he was so delighted with the place HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 827 that he concluded to remain there. Being a resourceful and talented young man he decided to lease land and undertake Farming. Tins he did and eon tinued at the same occupation until 1908, when he was selected as the man- • of the Rochdale Company --lore at Fairfield. This is the largest general merchandise business in Suisun or Fairfield. He is one of the chief stock- holders and a director in the concern besides which, he is also farming about seventeen hundred acres of good land, in close proximity to Suisun. devoted to hay and grain, and to raising hogs and cattle for the market. In the year 1895 Mr. Keene was married to Ethel llartman, a native of Santa Barbara county, and to this union three children were born, the first, Ruth Emma, dying in infancy. Clair Wesley Keene was born in 1903 and is attending school at Fairfield : Irma Lucern Keene was born in 1908. Mrs. Keene's parents were born in California, and the father is deceased. Mr. Keene is a member of the Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M.. Suisun Lodge No. 78. I. O. O. V.. of which he is past grand, and at present is a member of the grand lodge, lie is also a member of Mt. Moriah Encampment and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a stanch Republican. ST. VINCENT CONVENT SCHOOL. Among the most telling intluences for good in any community are its educational institutions, whether of a secular or religious order, and classed among those of the latter division in Yallcjo mention should be made of St. Vincent's convent school. This became a reality in September, 1870, as the result of careful thought and planning on the part of the pastor of St. Vincent's Church, Father Louis Daniels, O. P.. and classes were first held in a building which had been remodeled for the purpose from the old church ni St. Vincent. This had been erected in 1855 on a lot adjoining the city hall, and had served as the church of the congregation from that time until remodeled for school purposes, when, in 1870. it was removed to its present location, facing Florida street, between Santa Clara and Sacramento street. The school was placed in charge of five sisters of the order of St. Dominic from St. Catherine's school at Benicia. During the experimental days of the school's history the attendance was small but the growth was healthy and steady, until now. not only in point of numbers, but in its scope of usefulness it bears little resemblance to the school of forty years ago. In 1883 two class rooms were added and two more teachers were taken into the teaching force, but even these additions finally proved inadequate to meet the need of the school. In 1893. a new building (two stories and basement) was erected between the sisters' convent and St. Vincent's church. From an architectural standpoint nothing could be suggested to make the new school of St. Vincent more attractive and in point of usefulness and convenience nothing has been overlooked. Located on a rise of ground. it commands a view covering a radius of many miles. From the date ol its foundation until the building of the new school pupils were restricted to young ladies only, but with the erection of the new school provision was made to admit boys. In 1 where he followed railroading on the Southern Pacific. His next location was at Corinne, Utah, where he took a contract to drive a stage coach to the Snake river mines. Three months were spent as a driver and then for eighteen months he engaged in prospecting and mining. Later he mined in the Wasatch mountains for four months. On leaving the mines he worked on a ranch in the Ruby valley in Nevada for eight months and followed ranching in Sonoma county. Cal., for one year. With a return to Solano county and a resumption of ranch activities, Samuel B. Fenley found a new and deep interest in movements connected with this part of' the state, but having formed a habit of travel it was not easy to locate permanently. Accordingly after three years here he returned to the Ruby valley and worked for a year. Another sojourn of three years in Solano county followed, after which he moved to Arizona and embarked in general farming. The country, however, did not suit him and at the ex- piration of three years he returned to Solano county with a fixed resolve to remain here permanently. For twenty-three years he has been a member oi the Winters Lodge, K. of P.. and while absent from its meetings much of the time he has maintained a warm interest in its philanthropies and has been a contributor to its charities. The Democratic party receives his ballot. WILLIAM N. RICHARDSON. So young was Mr. Richardson when he came to California that he knows no other home and all his experiences are intimately connected with the land of sunshine and flowers. He was born in Davis county. Iowa, in 1872. His father. R. B. Richardson, is a native of Tennessee and is now living in Shasta county. Cal., enjoying life at the age of sixty-five. When only twelve months old the boy was brought by his parents to California, the' family settling in Shasta county, where he was given the opportunities of an education in the grammar schools of the locality and was brought up on a ranch. He became a close observer of all that pertains to successful farming and. indeed, all that pertains to success in every department of life. In 1890 he went to Xapa, where he remained until 1895, when he came to Solano county. The marriage of Mr. Richardson and Mrs. Annie (Hincken) Steinmetz was celebrated in 1904. the latter being a native of San Francisco. Up to the time of her marriage she had been a resident of Solano county for twenty- five vears. Mr. Richardson owns fifty acres of land about five miles from Yacaville. in the fertile Vaca valley, all planted to prunes and pears, the ranch being a model of industry and cultivation. Mr. Richardson is a member of the Foresters of America at Dixon and the Knights of Pythias, of Vacaville. Politically he is a Republican and works for his party, but never has sought office of any kind. He was be- reaved by the death of his wife February 23, 1912, her loss coming as a blow not only to himself and family, but to her many friends. JAMES CORCORAN". Many native sons of the state are maintaining the reputation which they have gained in that they rarely seek a home outside of their native state. This is true of fames Corcoran, who was born in Petaluma, Sonoma county. Tune 18, 1868. While he takes pride in the fact that he is a native son oi the state, he is none the less proud of the fact that he is a son of one of the earlv pioneers of the state, his father. Daniel Corcoran, coming here in the Ireland was the native home of Daniel Corcoran, but hi- personal 830 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES knowledge of the country was meagre from the fact that he left that country in boyhood and came to the United States. Three years were passed in Hartford, Conn., and it is not impossible that he might have remained there indefinitely had not the finding of gold in California raised large hopes in his bosom as it did in thousands of others. Among those who braved the dangers of a voyage around Cape Horn in a sailing vessel in the '50s was Daniel Corcoran, the vessel landing at San Francisco without experiencing any disasters. Unlike the majority of his fellow travelers he was not bent on testing his ability as a miner, but instead sought work among the ranchers in Sonoma county, and was fortunate beyond his expectations in securing a position as care-taker for Page Brothers large stock ranch, known as the Cotati ranch, near Penn Grove. The property consisted of ten thousand acres of land, stocked with sheep and cattle, and the position of care-taker was no sinecure. From the Cotati ranch he subsequently came to Solano county and in Green Valley assumed the management of a large ranch for the same employers, known as the Page ranch and comprising five thousand acres. In 1887, after a continuous service of fifteen years on the last-mentioned ranch, he began ranching on his own account on property three miles north of Vallejo, his ranch comprising two hundred and twenty acres. For fifteen years he toiled diligently in the improvement of his property, on a portion of which he raised grain, and on the remainder he raised sheep and cattle. Here his death occurred in 1903, a wife and a large family of children being left to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. Before her marriage, which was celebrated in San Francisco in 1867, the wife of Daniel Corcoran was Miss Margaret Barrett, a native of Ireland, but a resident of California since that time. She still owns the old ranch, where she makes her home, the place being managed by her son James. Besides the son just mentioned the following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Corcoran : Daniel, deceased ; Delia, the wife of Capt. Bernard McManus, of San Francisco, who is captain of the police force ; Margaret, the wife of Lewis Young, also a policeman in San Francisco; Edward, a resident of Oakland; David, living in Stanislaus county; Father Joseph, who was edu- cated for the priesthood in St. Dominic's Monastery, Benicia, and is now assistant pastor of St. Dominic's church at Benicia; and Nellie, still at home with her mother. After completing his studies in the common schools James Corcoran learned telegraphy and secured a position as telegraph operator in the em- ploy of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, after which he was in the employ of the Baker & Hamilton Company at Benicia. At this juncture it became necessary for him to return to the home ranch to assist his father in caring for it, and after the death of the elder man he took entire charge of the ranch and has since continued its management along the lines as originally planned by the father. At the present time (1911) he has one hundred and seventy-five head of sheep and about sixty acres in grain. James Corcoran was married in 1909 to Miss Anna Drumm, she, too, being a native of California. GEORGE ANGUS JENNINGS. The son of pioneer parents, George Angus Jennings was born in San Francisco, in December, 1869. His father, Augustus A. Jennings, a native of Maine, came to California when the gold fever was at its height and he was regarded as one of the state's pioneers. He died in 1877. His wife, Barbara (McKay) Jennings, who was born in Prince Edward Island in 1835, now makes her home in San Francisco. Mr. Jennings received his education in the public schools of San Fran- HISTORY OF SOI. WO WD X \ P A COUNTIES 833 ciSCO, and for I'nc years after he graduated WW employed in a clothing More. Theil, dCSiring to lettd a life requiring more physical effort, he entered the planing mill and lumber business and continued in the same for some years, or until he came to \ acaville in 1895. Mis first position was on the R. II. Chinn ranch, ^i which he was superintendent and was responsihle for the hiring of the men to work the farm. He held this responsible position for eigtll years. In 1903 he became manager ^i the C. M. Hartley ranch, known as the Hartley Orchard Company, a position which he still holds, and his services are thoroughly appreciated by his employer. Mr. Jennings married Miss Carrie H. Pry, a native of St. Joseph, Mo., ami their Only child. Ethel K.. was horn in \ acaville September 14, 1 ( X)3. She is attending the public school of her district. Politically Mr. Jennings il a Republican, ami fraternally he is a member oi \ acaville Lodge Xo. 83, I. O. O F.. and Almond Camp \'o. [77, Woodmen of the World. WILLIAM M. HARRIS. Prominent among the successful ranchers oi Napa county is William M. Harris, who rents a good ranch near Rutherford. Cal. Born in Scotland county. Mo., in 1851, he was associated with his birthplace for several years after he had received an education at the public schools. On the home farm he gained practical experience in farming, which was of great assistance to him when he came to California and commenced farming on his own account. He came to the west in the spring of 1874, and in Rutherford, Xapa county, was employed for five years on the ranch of his cousin, Henry H. Harris. After ranching for two years in Colusa county he went hack to Missouri and remained for five years. Becoming dissatisfied with life in the east he once more came to California and settled in Napa county, in 1894. renting the C. P. Adamson ranch of one hundred and seventy-two acres near Rutherford. Here he has farmed ever since, always with suc- s and never with regret that he came to California. From fifty-five acres of vineyard and four acres of orchard he has received a good income, and one season he received $27 a ton for his grapes. On May 1. 1880. Mr. Harris was united in marriage with Emily C. Horn, the daughter of Amos A. Horn, a pioneer of Napa valley. The wife he latter. Mary Peterson in maidenhood, was born in Lafayette county. Mo., the daughter of Ziba P>. Peterson, who brought his family across the plains with ox-teams in 1848, the journey covering six months. He was proclaimed the first sheriff of Placer county. Seven children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harris, as follows: William A.; Mary, the wife of H. D. Skellinger; Henry H. : Iva A., the wife of Ed McPike; Lilas. the wife of George Schaffer. Lela and Bertha. JOSEPH FVEY. A native of Iowa. Joseph Evey spent a portion of his youth in that state, and came to California in the year 1853. settling Oft a farm on the toll road, mar Calisto^a. Napa county. Here he was successfully engaged in raising grapes for the market up to the time of his decease in 1867. Mr. Evey married Miss Sarah Wright, whose father was a forty-niner, who crossed the plains from Missouri and settled in Xapa valley, where he was engaged in ranching for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Evey there were born the following children: Alice, wife of C. Y. Caldwell, of Santa Rosa: Joseph, of upper Lake county; and David D., of Calistoga. Mrs. Evey died in 1875. 38 834 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES David D. Evey was born in Calistoga May 29, 1864. His parents died when he was quite young and he was therefore thrown on his own resources at an early age. When seventeen years old he started to work on the Tubb's ranch, and in 1900 he became manager of that valuable property and is still acting in that capacity. Under his wise direction the ranch has increased in value and is very productive. He leased a ranch in Sonoma county and for five years he farmed it very successfully. By judicious and careful man- agement he was able to purchase a place of his own at the foot of Mt. St. Helena, about four miles above Calistoga. Here he has a paying place, twenty-seven acres in French prunes and ten acres in vineyard, and undoubt- edly he is one of the largest prune growers in this part of the Napa valley. The Tubb's ranch is one of the show places of the valley and of the county. It consists of eight hundred acres of good land, one hundred and twenty-five of which is in vineyard. The splendid home is on an elevation, so that it can be seen for miles around. The garden is beautifully laid out and has fine wide walks, sloping lawns and ferns and flowers of all descriptions. It is an indication of the skill and ability of the man who has charge of it and who has done so much to improve the ranch. On December 22, 1896, David D. Evey married Miss Alfa Lawrence, a native of Sonoma county. They have one child. Gladys. Mr. Evey is a member of Calistoga Lodge No. 233, F. & A. M. He is a man who has arisen to his present success because of his ambition and determination to succeed, and he knew that he could do so if he gave the proper application to his life work. The people of the vicinity know him well and he is one that has a broad view of life and is always in favor of everything that will mean an advancement of the common good and is ever willing to devote a part of his time and means to accomplish that end. MARTHA ANN JEPSON, WIFE OF WILLIAM LEMON JEPSON, DECEASED. It was in Simpson county, Ky., that William Lemon Jepson was born in 1825. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Jesse Jepson, of English descent, served on the American side in the war of 1812. His maternal grandfather, Jesse Morrow, of Scotch ancestry, was a Revolutionary soldier in the War of Independence. His own father was Willis Jepson. The western tide of migration carried the family of Willis Jepson from Kentucky into Missouri when William Jepson was but a lad. William Jepson was the fourth child in a family of seven brothers and one sister. At an early age he cherished a desire to leave Missouri. This impulse rested primarily upon his growing discontent with the conditions of society in a slave state. His father's family had owned negroes, so that the institution was familiar; but the youth was mastered by the lure of the far west and seized the opportunity in 1850 to come to California, where he became a gold miner. Later he visited the Sandwich Islands and Panama, then returned to Missouri, where he married Miss Martha Ann Potts, in 1856. Martha Potts was born in Jackson county, Missouri, in 1832, the fourth of the ten children of John Potts. Her grandfather, Thomas Potts, was a Virginian. In 1857 William Jepson, with his wife Martha, started with a train of three ox-wagons and a retinue of animals and drivers to California. The dangers of that overland journey "across the plains" have often been nar- rated. "There was always fear of Indians," said Mrs. Martha Jepson. "Every once in a while we passed a little grave on the trail marked 'Killed by Indians.' Yet I don't know how it was — I was never really afraid. In the willows on HISTORY OF SOLAXO AND NAPA COUNTIES 835 the Other side of the Humboldt river a wagOI) train was attacked at noon and the entire party killed save one woman who was scalped but afterwards lined consciousness. All this happened a few hours before we came along. We hurried forward that nighl in Order to join a long train ahead. The nun had no supper as we could not stop ami feared to make a lire. By order of William, my husband, the men made no noise but drove the train silently ahead. They did not even crack the whips as usual over the laggard oxen, although we were anxious to get on. Each driver punched his oxen with the butt end of the whip. In many directions we could see Indian fires. About midnight we reached the big train. It> people were hospitable, gave our men food and allowed our cattle to be turned in with theirs, which was against the law oi the Overland Trail. The wagon trains never did this because of the great difficulty in separating the cattle, hut the big train was glad to receive the little train as an aid against a possible Indian attack, and the sense *'i common danger was so great that the cattle were quietly separated next morning without the usual disorder and bad language. Oh, but I liked the Overland Trail. I loved it. It was a fine journey. I hoped it would never come to an end." But the journey came to an end. in California, and the young couple settled on a farm in Yacaville township. Solano county. After that six chil- dren were born to them: Josie Eliza, who in 1888 married Moses Hendrichs, lakland, Cal.; Frances Lucy, a young writer who handled a pen of graphic powers, until her death in 1885: Mary Klizabeth. who married FYank Pellet of St. Helena, in 1892; Willis Linn, of Berkeley, Cal.; and Amos Carl, who was killed by a fall from his favorite riding horse in 1880. when he was a lad of nine years. William Jepson. who died in 1903, was a man of the highest integrity, simple in his tastes and habits and of marked sobriety and industry. He had a strom.' constitution and until the end of his life never knew illness or disease. He is survived by his wife. Martha Jepson. whose strength of character and devotion to stable principles has won for her many friends. JOHN W. HARRIS. After an honorable record as a volunteer in the Union army during the Civil war and a subsequent experience as a soldier in the regular army, Mr. Harris received his discharge at the expiration of the term of enlistment and later he came to the west, settling in Solano county, his present place of residence. Since 1895 he has owned and occupied a small but valuable fruit farm near Winters. The place comprises sixteen and sixty-one one- hundredths acres of rich land and the entire tract, with the exception of the garden spot and the site of the buildings, is under cultivation to fruit, there being two-thirds of the place in peaches and one-third in apricots. During the season of 1910 the owner sold seven and one-half tons of dried peaches from the farm, and the fruit, being choice in variety, brought the highest market prices. The first twenty years in the life of John W. Harris were uneventfully sed in Wyoming county, Pa., where he was born November 29. 1842. At the opening of the Civil war he gave his sympathies firmly to the side of the Lnion and March 7. 1862, he enlisted at Philadelphia as a private in Company B. Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanded by Colonel Jones (who later fell in battle) and Captain Metcalf. Numerous engage- ments were participated in by the young soldier. Some of them were full of peril to the participants and were among the most decisive battles of the war. On New Year's day of 1864 he re-enlisted for the remainder of the 836 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Rebellion and served under General Smith, subsequently fought under Gen- eral Butler at Bermuda, and finally enjoyed the distinction of being under the command of General Grant. After the surrender of General Lee he continued in service in the south and finally received his honorable dis- charge in January of 1866, when he returned to his old home in the east. After having rested for three months Mr. Harris entered the United States regular army for three years and was sent to Little Rock, Ark., thence to Fort Smith and later to Baton Rouge, La. In that city, after a service as corporal, he was promoted to be sergeant in April of 1869. At the expira- tion of the three years he again enlisted, this time for five years, and was assigned to the Sixth United States Infantry as sergeant of Company B. From Fort Smith he was sent to the unsettled regions to aid in protecting the government surveyors. One winter was spent at Fort Larned, Kans. For three years he was stationed at Fort Berthold, N. D. The summer of 1874 was spent at Lake of the Woods as guard of a surveying expedition. Returning to Fort Berthold, he was ordered thence to Pennsylvania and honorably discharged from the service in November of the same year. The marriage of John W. Harris took place at Winters, Cal., in 1877 and united him with Miss Emma Coppin, who was born at Salt Lake City in 1852. Five children were born to them : Samuel C, Irvin, Ernest, Olive and Elsie C. Olive married Edward Frank and resides in Pleasants valley. Elsie C, Mrs. Victor Tucker, also lives in that valley. Samuel C. enlisted in 1902 at Mare Island as a private in the United States marine corps and for a time was stationed at Fort Bremerton, Wash. Later on the Philadelohia he cruised all along the coast of South America. While at Honolulu in 1909 he received an honorable discharge and then returned to California, where he now resides. Both he and his father are stanch Republicans. The latter receives a pension of $12 from the government as a small recognition of his faithful services through the Civil war. Formerly he was identified actively with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but during recent years he has allowed his membership to lapse. His time is given closely to the management of his fruit farm and, although he is now past middle age and feels the effects of his trying army service, he still works energetically and with little rest. JOHN SCHLEICHER. John Schleicher, a prosperous wine manufacturer of Napa county, was born in Prussia, April 3, 1860, and in his native land learned the trade of cooper, which he plied for a little while before leaving for the United States. He arrived in America August 26, 1879, without funds and with but few friends and today stands high in the esteem of the community, having accumu- lated money and established himself in the commercial world as a worthy and successful business man. His first settlement in America was in Cincin- nati, Ohio, where he worked for a short time. Then, going to Leadville, Colo., he obtained employment in a smelting works. Coming to California, in 1881, he followed his trade in Sacramento for a year, then went to Oregon and Washington, eventually returning in 1883 to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at coopering. In 1884 he again came to California and after visiting Sacra- mento, Sonoma and San Francisco came to Napa county March 10, that year, and accepted a position with the Napa Valley Wine Company near St. Helena. Later he took charge of the cooperage department of the Graystone Winery. Mr. Schleicher bought his present property in 1893, and concentrated his efforts toward the establishing of a winery. Then it was a rough ranch of twenty-three acres. He began to clear the land and to plant a vineyard. His first vines were destroyed by phylloxera and he reset the land to resistant ^ HISTORY OF SOLANO A\l> NAPA COUNTIES 839 stock and now lias a fine, productive place, He manufactures dry wine.-*, of which he makes about fifty thousand gallons each year. December 31, 1888, Mr. Schleicher married Caroline Stel/el. a native of Germany, who has borne him the following named children ; Cecelia. Henry, Annie. Lena, l.illie. Louisa (deceased), and Marie. Mr. Schleicher's achievement is an example of what can he accomplished by perseverance, energy ami close application to an ambi- tion once formed, lie has succeeded in a marked degree and is one of the men who are bringing Xapa county to the front in horticulture and viticulture. MANUEL LUCAS. A youth of adventure, hardship and privation was that spent by Manuel Lucas, a native of Portugal, born on the Azores in May, 1843, but remaining there only during his school days, when he joined a cruising party bound for South America. Many were the disasters and shipwrecks seen and partici- pated in during the ensuing few years. At one time, while en route for Brazil, a leak was discovered in their vessel which necessitated its abandon- ment, but fortunately for them they were in signalling distance of a steamer which arrived on time to take them all on board. Mr. Lucas' last trip was around Cape Horn to Peru, and finally he came to San Francisco in 1865. In Marin county Mr. Lucas met and married Miss Isabelle Fritas, who had arrived from the Azores a few years previously, and from this union four children were born: Joe, Manuel, John and Mary. Joe had one daughter by his marriage; Manuel is married and has two children, Edward and Nellie; John, who is now deceased, was married and had three children; ami Mary is Mrs. Wright of Santa Rosa. Shortly after reaching California Mr. Lucas discovered that the life at sea had lost its charm, accordingly he followed the occupation of a lumberman for -ix years in Marin county, when, in 1871, he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Wildhorse Valley, Xapa county. To this land he kept adding more as he was able and today he is the proud possessor of eleven hundred and eighty-five acres. Here he has a splendid orchard, a fine vine- yard of several acres and the remainder of the land is utilized for dairying and general farming. He has forty cows which net him about $30 a year per head and six work horses. Altogether the ranch is a marvelous example of what may be accomplished by diligence and perseverance, and Mr. Lucas may well be proud of the result of his labors. From his home in Napa he superintends the ranch, and he also owns ten residences in town which he rents. For the past forty years he has been a resident of Napa county, for twelve years he has been a school trustee and takes an interest along educa- tional and progressive lines in the community. Politically he is a Republican and is a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church. ALONZO CURTIS CLARK. A life worthy of note because of the large measure of success which has attended his efforts for advancement is that of Alonzo C. Clark, one of the wealthy farmers and stock-raisers of Xapa county, who was born February 15. 1848. in Wyandotte county. Ohio, a son of Abraham and Electa (Snyder) Clark, natives respectively of England and of \"ew York. He lived in the Buckeye state only six years, however. Ili^ early educational opportunities were so limited that he may be said to have gained most of his goodly store of general knowledge in the 9chool of life and experience. In 1854 he was taken by his parents to Wisconsin. In 1855 the family moved to Chickasaw county. Iowa, and there lived nine years. Not satisfied with the life of the 840 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES middle west, the elder Clark decided to come to the Pacific coast and in 1864 the family crossed the plains with a horse team, by way of Fort Laramie and Salt Lake, completing the journey over a southern route to Sacramento, whence they went directly to Napa valley, where they established a residence. The brothers and sisters of Alonzo C. Clark were named as follows : Enoch D. (deceased), Alonzo C, Norman, Reuben, Mary (deceased), Amanda J., and Alice (deceased). Amanda is the widow of John Anderson and lives in Napa. She has seven children. Alice married G. S. McKenzie and left three children. Norman married Anna Gijlespi, of Napa, and Reuben married Cordelia Stovall, who bore him two children. By a later marriage with Lulu Danner, he has four children. Having lived in Napa valley for three years, Mr. Clark moved, with his family, to Berryessa valley and after a five years' residence there moved to Colusa county, where, with his father, he raised grain. Returning event- ually to Berryessa valley he has since lived there, devoting his energies to farming and stock-raising. He is now leasing about thirteen hundred acres of land for grain and stock, and has fifty-five horses and mules and eighty-five head of high grade cattle, and raises also corn and hogs. Being up-to-date in all his work, he has the latest agricultural implements, including a combined harvester. Mr. Clark married, at Berryessa, Miss May V. Stafford, born in Cali- fornia, in which state her parents were pioneers. Mrs. Clark has borne her husband seven children. Ray V. died, aged twenty-six years ; Clifford K. lives in Monticello. The others are named respectively, Ora, Mallie, Howard, Irma and Russell. Politically Mr. Clark is a Democrat and upholds the tenets of that party. Religiously, he is connected with the Christian Church. Although very busy attending to his own private affairs, he has time and interest to -give to the public welfare and is eager in furthering any movement which in his judg- ment will tend to the advancement of the community. He has served the public as a school trustee for a number of years, and in the same progressive spirit has given his children a splendid education. He is one of the oldest residents of Berryessa valley, and has farmed there most of the time since 1866, when only three farmers had broken ground there. WILLIAM SPIERS. By birth and descent a southerner, whose father owned a plantation of four thousand acres upon which, being a lover of thoroughbred stock, he maintained a race track, William Spiers, born at Monterey, Owen county, Kentucky, August 29, 1853, to a life of affluence and ease, is today numbered among the self-made men of the state. Leaving the plantation, with his parents, at the age of fourteen, he went with them to a farm in Cass county, Missouri, where he remained five years, and at the age of nineteen, lured on by the wonderful stories of the Golden State, and its resources and oppor- tunities for young men, he left home with practically no means, and arrived in California in 1872, locating first in Napa county, where he was employed as a wood cutter. Thence he traveled to Pine Flat, Sonoma county, found work in the quicksilver mines and while so employed saved $1,040. With his earnings he went to Calistoga and engaged in freighting to the Great Western Quicksilver mines in Lake county. From that small beginning grew his present business, the largest livery and stage enterprise in California. He owns one hundred and fifty horses and sixty to seventy vehicles and employs twenty to thirty men. His route is from Calistoga (the end of the railroad) to the lake and spring resorts of Lake county, through the country aptly HISTORY OF SOLANO VXD NAPA COUNTIES 841 called "the Switzerland of America." He transports from thirteen thousand to fourteen thousand people annually over the mountains into these celebrated playgrounds, llis average run is about fifty passengers each way daily, in 1880 he bought out a small stage line and from time to time has secured all connecting lines, now controlling a comprehensive system. In connection with the stage line, he has a fine auto service and an auto truck which carries twenty-five to thirty people and an auto that accommodates ten people. So well equipped is he that he is aide to accommodate two hundred people at one time. Aside from the livery and stage line, he owns a modern garage', built of concrete and cement blocks, sixty Feet front, equipped with an up to date machine shop for the repair of automobiles. In the latter enterprise he has a partner. Fred Popp. manager of the Calistoga Garage. Mr. Spiers was made a Mason in Calistoga Lodge No. 233, F. & A. M., and is identified with St. Helena Chapter No. 63. R. A. M., and with Napa Commandery No. 34, K. T. He affiliates also with the Napa Lodge No. 832, B. P. O. E. His public spirit has impelled him to serve his townsmen for fifteen years as town trustee of Calistoga. In 1891 Mr. Spiers married Miss Martha J. Simpson, a native of Grove City. Pa., whose father. James Simpson, crossed the plains to California in 1850. remaining here until in 1853. when he went back east. Mrs. Spiers cherishes samples of gold taken out of California soil by her father in 1850. Later he returned to California by way of Panama. Mrs. Spiers has borne her husband three children: James, a graduate of Mount Tamalpais Military Academy, now a student at Cogswell Polytechnic Business College at Oak- land : Mary, who is being educated at Grove City. Pa.; and Alden, a member of his parents' home circle. Essentially an active man. Mr. Spiers is happiest when his vigorous mind is grasping new plans for commercial advancement or new projects for the benefit of the people of his community. A successful business man, a genial companion and a public-spirited citizen, he now, in the prime of life, is enjoy- ing the confidence which his integrity and his honorable character merit. JUDGE MYRON E. BILLINGS. Few, if any, citizens of California have made careers more illustrious than that of Judge Billings, of Calistoga, Napa county. His has been an exceedingly useful and busy life, crowded with work and filled with varied experiences. His retirement from the heat and burden of the day enabled him to review his past and give to the present generation an inspiration to deeds of nobler endeavor in the service of humanity. Myron E. Billings was born in Booneville, Oneida county. Xcw York, July 8. 1836. Tracing his ancestry back to England, we find that he comes of a noble family. He has in his possession the old coat of arms of the English Billingses. "When he was eight years old his immediate family moved to Boone county, 111. Here he went to the public school and at the age of thir- teen years passed an examination permitting him to enter Notre Dame College, at South Bend. Ind. There he studied law and civil engineering, graduating with honors in both departments. He also mastered the German tongue and can, to this day, read and translate German writings and write in the language. At the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861, being at the time in Minnesota, he enlisted in the First Minnesota regiment, the first regiment tt' Colorado; Sarah (Mrs. V Shaw of Idaho) ; Julia E. (Mrs. Robert Monteith «>!' Colorado); Emma (Mrs. Clark); lugusta, and Frank (deceased). After raising grain in the Montezuma Mills until 1901 Mr. Joy purchased a ranch of two hundred and forty aires two and a half miles south of Dixon. Later he DOUght three hundred and twenty acres SIX miles SOUtheasI of Dixon and now he owns five hundred and sixty aeres devoted to grain and stock raising. He does his plowing and harvesting with a forty horsepower Inter- nationa] gasoline traction engine, with which he can turn eighteen to twenty acres a day. His combined harvester, a twenty foot cut machine, harvests fifty acres a day. Politically Mr. Joy i> a Republican. As a man he has always followed the teaching ^\ the golden rule and exemplified it in his daily life. The progress that he has made since he came to California i< commensurate with the industry and perseverance that he has shown. FREDERICK KOEPP. It is not necessary for one to live for fifty years in Napa county before he can enjoy the measure of prosperity that this county affords, or to he a native of the state to properly appreciate the advantages of the salubrious climate of this "garden of the west." These facts are borne out in the case of Frederick Koepp, who has not been a resident of California for more than ten years, and yet he is a successful horticulturist and a man who thinks that the climate and natural resources of this county are unexcelled. Mr. Koepp was horn near l'.erlin. Prussia. Cermany, in 1859, and in his home land he received his primary education and instruction in general farming. In addition to doing agricultural work in Germany he also learned the brewer's trade, in which he became proficient. Leaving Germany he came to America in 1883 and settled in Dunn county, Wis., farmed and conducted a dairying business for seventeen years. In 1900 he left Wis- consin and came west to Salem, Ore., where he remained one year, coming to Xapa valley. Xapa county, Cal., in 1901. Here he bought a fruit ranch of fifty acres on the Dry Creek road, four miles northwest of Napa, and after operating this for some time he sold it. The ranch Mr. Koepp now owns and operates, five miles from Napa, is also on the Dry Creek road and com- prises one hundred and eighteen acres of good fruit and timber land. He has sixteen acres of bearing prunes, and from this part of his property he has sold as high as thirty-six tons of dried fruit. There are one hundred and twenty redwood trees on the timber land. Mr. Koepp also raises some ck, making a specialty of fine draught horses. The marriage of Mr. Koepp occurred in Menomonie county, Wis., in 1884, when he was united with Minnie Reberche, a native of Germany. They have four children: William, who owns a fine orange grove in Tulare county: Pertha. wife of R. Stewart; Louis; and Laura, wife of C. Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Koepp are well respected citizens of Napa county, and during their short residence here have made many friends, who rejoice in their prosperity. CHARLES MILTON COOPER. A native of the state, Charles M. Cooper was horn near Woodland, Yolo county, December 27, 1862, a son of Humphrey J. Cooper, who crossed the plains in 1849. On this trip the father experienced many hardships, for the marauding bands of Indians who infested the overland trail ran off with his stock, killed his oxen and plundered the wagons of the train of which he 39 858 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES was captain. Because of this attack the ox-team train was much broken up, much of the outfit having to be abandoned and, collecting what animals they could, they came on their way to Sacramento with only one wagon, after having been five months on the trip. The captain escaped unhurt and im- mediately filed a claim against the government for $10,000 for loss of prop- erty and stock, but he received judgment for only $1,500. Charles M. Cooper spent the first twenty-one years of his life in the home of his parents in Yolo and Lake counties, the family residing in the latter county for about fourteen years. Although opportunities for educa- tion were meager, the young man received a valuable training in practical farm life from his father and has a tender memory of the loving counsel and the guidance received from his mother in the home. At present Mr. Cooper is the owner of seventy acres of land three miles southwest of Winters, which he has improved and set in fruit trees and vines. In addition to this he has leased twenty-two acres for the purpose of growing beans. The land that is not used for fruit culture is in alfalfa and hay and on the ranch the owner has nine head of horses and twenty hogs. In Solano county Mr. Cooper married Miss Mollie Wolfskill. a descendant of an honorable family of noted pioneers. To this marriage six children were born: Herbert M., Chester W., Edwin, Elwood, Florence and Lillian M. The latter has graduated from high school, while Herbert and Chester are at present attending high school in Winters. Politically Mr. Cooper is an ardent advocate of Prohibition principles, giving this party his unqualified support. Religiously he is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. WILLIAM B. COOPER. An identification with the material development of the west, that began during the year 1849 and has continued to the present time, furnishes the foundation of the success achieved by two generations of the Cooper family and gives them ample reason for maintaining a high opinion concerning the possibilities of the west. The original representative in California and the honored pioneer of 1849 was Humphrey Jackson Cooper, a man of sterling worth, possessing the dauntless courage and quiet endurance necessary to existence upon the frontier. The trip across the plains tested both his cour- age and his endurance. It was his task, in the division of the work among the emigrants, to drive a flock of sheep from the east. While engaged at this work the Indians shot at him and he had a very narrow escape. His cousin was less fortunate, for the savages shot him with bow and arrows, inflicting a mortal wound. When the unfortunate victim of their malice had passed away his companions buried him and started on, but the Indians dug up the body for the blankets. Again the emigrants made a grave and interred the remains, but again the Indians brought the body to the surface of the ground and robbed it of the blanket used for a shroud. A third inter- ment was made by the emigrants and on this occasion the body was allowed to lie undisturbed. Various activities, incident to the development of a new country engaged the attention of Humphrey Jackson Cooper after his arrival in California. For many years he cultivated a farm in Yolo county near Woodland and there occurred the birth of his son, William B., March 10, 1865. There the boy attended the public schools and there he was instructed in the details of ranching. Upon starting out for himself when about twenty-one years of age he went to Texas and secured work in the cattle country near the southwestern border of the state. For six years he remained there, but HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 859 deciding the region to be far interior to California he returned to the west. Since then he has lived either in Yolo or in Solano county. His marriage at Winters united him with Miss Eunice Luella Hemenway. Two children bless the union. William B., Jr.. ami Persis A., both oi whom are now sin dents in the Olive school near the home ranch. After having worked as Foreman on a fruit ranch and thus gained con- siderable experience in the fruit industry, eighteen years ago William B. Cooper bought twenty -six acres of land in Solano county near the village oi Winters. Under his capable management the property has been brought to a high state oi development. A vineyard covers eight acres and the balance of the land is in peaches and apricots, both being young orchards just ready to come into bearing. The first crop oi apricots was harvested in 1910 and brought excellent returns. During that same season twenty-five hundred crates oi grapes were shipped from the farm. In addition to his vineyard and orchard Mr. Cooper has a small tract of land for his stock, consisting of a few head of horses, cattle and hogs. As the years pass by he is more and more pleased with the outlook in Solano county. His farm is paying large dividends on the original investment. The soil is rich, the climate pleasant, the schools excellent, and in the Presbyterian Church at Winters he and his wife have a congenial church home. Politically he always votes with the Democratic party, while in fraternal relations he is connected with the Winters Camp. Woodmen of the World. CHARLES E. HALL. A native of the state, Charles E. Hall was born January 20. 1854. in Suisun valley. Solano county, the son of Clark W. and Mary (Taylor) Hall. The father, a native of Virginia, died in Yacaville in 1858. and the mother died in Oregon in 1876. When their son was two years old the parents removed to Yacaville, in so doing- looking forward to the time when he would need good school facilities, and he was educated in the public schools of this place. Early in life he turned his attention to ranching and as a stepping stone to greater things he worked on a ranch and learned the rudi- ments of successful farming, assisting in the raising of grain, hay. etc. These products had to be drawn to the nearest shipping point and sent to market in San Francisco. Since 1882 Mr. Hall has been engaged in horticulture. In 18' >2 he purchased his first land, consisting of ten and a half acres now in small fruits. In 1877 Mr. Hall married Miss N'ina A. Rippey. a native of Missouri, born March 1, 1853. and brought to California when but a small child. Two children were born to this union as follows: Mary B., the wife of V. A. RadclifT. of Vacaville; and Clark P.. who married Marie Colusa Brown, a native daughter, residing in Oakland. Mr. Hall belongs to the Eagles and the Odd Fellows. W. T. TROXFL. One of the pioneers of the '50s. a man known and honored for his ster- ling integrity and high principle- of honor, the name of W. T. Troxel has been a synonym of the qualities that formed the foundation of California's gress. Born in Indiana. April 26. 1833. he was a son of worthy pioneer parents who could <^ive their children little of educational advantages and of worldly goods, but gave them instead a liberal endowment of robust health, excellent powers of endurance and high moral training. With these a- his sole capital the young man left home at the age of twenty years and 860 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES from that time onward he made his own way in the world. Illinois was his first stopping place, his location being forty miles from Chicago, where he operated a mill on the Desplaines river. Early in 1855 he joined a delega- tion of emigrants for California, divided among forty wagons and having in charge three hundred head of cattle (mainly cows), under command of Captain Zumwalt of Illinois. Sufficient head of oxen were taken to enable the company to drive steadily without delays and hence they had the good fortune to reach their destination in four months from the time of starting. The journey was made up the Platte river to Fort Kearney and thence across the desert and through the sink of the Humboldt. On the arrival in the west the cattle were sold and the company dispersed. Mr. Troxel embarked in the teaming business among the mining camps, using two horses for short -hauls, and more for the long hauls. After his marriage at Dixon and his acquisition of a home in Solano county, he still continued in the teaming business out from Sacramento and it was not until the completion of the railroad that he finally abandoned freighting for the more quiet pursuits of farming. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Johnson, was born in England and accompanied her parents to Cali- fornia at an early age, settling in Solano county. Eight children were born of her marriage, namely: George, Frank, Albert, Lloyd, Cecil, Nellie, Del- bert and Cora. George is a resident of Dixon. Frank is a farmer in Glenn county. Albert is a farmer near Winters. Lloyd and Cecil assist their father. Delbert resides at San Jose. Nellie is Mrs. E. C. Scull, residing near Winters. Cora married Frederick Ichtertz, and they reside near Winters. After farm- ing for many years in Glenn county Mr. Troxel returned to Solano county in 1904 and now owns seventy-six acres about four miles from Winters, where he is engaged in raising vegetables. The men of the Troxel family vote for Republican candidates in national elections, but in local elections have always voted for the best man, irrespective of party. M. M. CARTER. For half a century Mr. Carter has been actively connected with the prog- ress of Calistoga and vicinity, and during this period has done much himself to hasten its development. He is known far and near, especially among those who are interested in viticulture. A self-made man, he has risen by his own intrinsic worth and ability, and enjoys the esteem of all who are acquainted with him. The birth of Mr. Carter occurred in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1830, and he received his education in the common schools. So well did he advance with his studies that at the age of eighteen years he commenced to teach school. When twenty-four years of age he removed from his home state and went to Wisconsin, remaining in that part of the country for several years. In 1859 he came west to California and settled in Placerville, where he mined for one year. Not liking the life of a miner and being suited by natural qualifications to the life of an agriculturist, he came to Solano county and settling near Vallejo, farmed for fourteen years. He then came to his present ranch, part of which is in Napa county and part in Sonoma county, located on the dividing line at Calistoga. Mr. Carter's ranch consists of two hundred and sixty acres of good land, devoted to various purposes. Besides twenty acres in vineyard, some of the land is planted in fruits of various kinds. When he first acquired title to the holding the place was in a very rough condition and he had to set to work and clear it, after which he planted his vines and fruit trees. The locality of the ranch is especially good, inasmuch as frosts are practically HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 863 unknown. Mr. Carter states that he has not lost fifty pounds of grapes from frost in thirty years. At one time as much as one hundred and five tons oi grapes have been taken from eighteen acres of vineyard, while the average crop will amount to about five and one half ions to the aere. In 1874 Mr. Carter was married to Miss Eliza Cripps, a native of Canada, and four children were born to the union. \ iolet, Jennie. Ira S. and Irene M. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are well known for the interest they lake in matters pertaining to local welfare. For more than fifty years Mr. tarter has been a member oi the Masonic order. Mrs. Carter has been a tine helpmeet to her husband and has nobly shared in his struggles to accumulate a compe- tency and now she shares in his prosperity. BENJAMIN F. MUSGRAVE. One of the largest and most successful grain raisers in Xapa county is B. F. Musgrave, who has a large ranch of rolling country that is well adapted to this purpose, and by a judicious handling of his land has been able to secure large yields of high grade grain. Mr. Musgrave was born near Greensburg, Knox county, Mo.. July 17, 1864. Educated in the schools of his birthplace, he continued on the home farm after his school days were over and thus, under his father's training, acquired a knowledge of farming that was invaluable to him in after years. In 18S ( > he came to California, arriving here without friends. About a week- after coming to Xapa he saw a man drive into town an eight-mule team and the circumstance suggested an idea to the young man. He resolved to possess a similar outfit, and thereafter every effort was directed with that end in view. In about four years he had saved enough to buy the outfit and start in grain raising, and today he owns eleven hundred acres of land and has fifty head of mules and horses, thus showing what can be done by energy and close application, backed by a resolve to succeed. He first worked for wages on a farm near St. Helena, Napa county, after which he carried on a large ranch of six hundred acres, known as the Watson ranch, at Napa Junction, continuing there for two years, when he moved to his present location in the same county. He now farms two large grain ranches, one consisting of three hundred and fifty acres, located on Carneros creek, and the other is the Finnell ranch at Yountville, consisting of seven hundred and fifty acres. These places are now rented. Last year the owner raised on this land nine thousand sacks of wheat, oats and barley. Wheat will run about one and one-half tons to the acre, and corn about one and one-half tons. Last year the barley yield was estimated at fifteen sacks to the acre, a total of four thousand sacks harvested. To operate the ranches he uses thirty-six head of mules and fourteen head of horses. In 1895 Mr. Musgrave was united in marriage with Miss Julia Whit- church, a native of California, whose father was an honored pioneer of Siskiyou county. There are two children. Ella and Sadie. Mr. Musgrave is a member of Napa Lodge of Foresters and is well known in the social circles of this fraternal organization. He and his estimable wife have many friends in the community in which they live, who prophesy that they will continue to prosper, because of the untiring industry with which they have attained their success. PETER DITO. Born in Italy in 1848, at the age of twenty-four years Mr. Dito came t" the United States, landing in New York. Eleven months afterward he came to California, in 1874, to seek his fortune in a country with a climate like unto his own native land. Arriving in San Francisco he had an oppor- 864 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES tunity to go to work in the mines of Virginia City, Nevada, and thither he. went, but as he found the work rather strenuous he returned to San Fran- cisco and later went to the San Joaquin valley. After wanderings including Sonoma county, Los Angeles, Stockton and San Francisco, he came to So- lano county in 1884 and here he decided to settle down. He bought land here and has been a resident of the county ever since. Mr. Dito was married in 1881 to Miss Agnes Filomeo, a native of Italy. Of the thirteen children born to them, ten are living: Antonio, born 1884; Attellia, 1888; Rosie, 1890; Angelina I., 1892; John, 1894; Matilda, 1896; Vinnie, 1898; Elizabeth, 1901; Frank, 1903, and Josephine, 1909. Mr. Dito has a fine ranch of seventy-four acres six miles north of Vaca- ville, set to fruits of all kinds ; prunes, grapes, peaches and apricots. He has also a grain ranch of two hundred and eight acres one half mile away, that yields a splendid income each year. He is a man that has risen in the world because he has applied sagacious judgment with unremitting toil and now lives in the enjoyment of his competency. GEORGE P. SKOOG. Sweden has contributed generously to the citizenship of the United States and of the number who have come to California and made a notable success of their lives, mention belongs to George P. Skoog, one of the prominent contractors and builders of the upper Napa valley. Born in Hoganas, Skaane, Sweden, November 16, 1852, he is the son of J. P. Skoog, who gave twenty- seven of the best years of his life to maintaining peace and order in his native country, being a member of the army for that length of time, after which he settled down to private life at Hoganas, which was his home through- out the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1862. By trade he was a contractor and builder, following this continuously after his retirement from the army. His wife, formerly Elna Avidson, survived him ten years, passing away in 1872. Six children originally comprised the parental family, and of the number George P. Skoog was the fourth in order of birth. He was educated in the schools of Hoganas, but his schooling did not cover many years, as he was ambitious and anxious to be identified with the world of business. He was a mere boy when he took a position as office boy in the coal mines in his native country, and from this he advanced until he worked in the mines in a larger capacity. Mining, however, proved but a stepping stone to some- thing more congenial to his tastes, and as soon as he was able to make suitable arrangements he began his apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. Un- doubtedly he inherited a taste for this calling from his father, who was an expert in his line and constructed many substantial buildings in Hoganas and the country round about. It was with his knowledge of the trade which he had just mastered that George P. Skoog set forth from his native land in 1870, satisfied that on this side of the Atlantic the same good fortune awaited him that had fallen to the lot of other young and ambitious immigrants of whom he had heard. In Boston, Mass., where the ocean vessel on which he had made the voyage landed, he succeeded in finding work at his trade, and altogether he continued there for seven years, or until 1877, this year marking his advent in California. Debarking in San Francisco, he remained in that metropolis for about a year, during this time being occupied with work at his trade, when he heard of an opportunity for work in Lake county, and thither he went, his first work there being the erection of glass con- densers for the Western Mining Company. On the completion of this con- tract he went to the Phoenix mine, or TE.tna, now known as ^Etna Springs, and as the company had just organized he was given the contract for the HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> XAPA COCXTIFS 865 necessary buildings for the camp. He continued there until the mine closed down in L879, when he came to St. Helena and has since made liis home in this city. Prom the first he has Found all the work in his line that he has been able to handle, and he has every reason to be grateful that he cast his lot in this thriving and progressive community, llis first work in St. Helena was on the ECrug wine cellar, and in fact he continued there until he began taking contracts on his own account, in 1886, and in the years that have intervened he has built up a thriving and remunerative business. No better testimony t<> his good workmanship could be given than in saying that many i^i the finest residences in St. Helena and vicinity have been erected under his immediate supervision, among the number being the Beringer, Parrott and Thomann residences. Mr. Skoog's home is presided over by his wife, formerly Miss Ragnhild Midler, to whom he was married February 10. 1°00. She. too, is a native of the Scandinavian peninsula, her birth occurring in Christiania, Norway. Two sons have been horn of this marriage, Ralph Arvidson and Einar L. During the gold excitement in Alaska in 1898 Mr. Skoog went to that northern coun- try and was interested in mining for nearly two years, after which he returned to St. Helena and resumed his building interests. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows order, being past grand of his lodge, and he has also been representative to the grand lodge on two occasions. Both Mr. and Mrs. Skoog are members oi the Rebekahs, Mrs. Skoog being noble grand of the local lodge. ABRAHAM W. XORTOX. Herkimer county. X. Y., was Mr. Xorton's birthplace, and May 7. 1827, the date of his birth. When he was two years old his parents moved to Oswego county, where he resided until he was eighteen years old. having the educational advantages of the common school. At eighteen he went to Syracuse. X. Y.. and began an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's and ma- chinist's trades and at these trades he worked six years. January 5, 1852, he sailed from Xew York on the steamer Permelia for California via Panama, at the latter place boarding the steamer North America. Two days later the steamer was wrecked, and from Valparaiso he went to Acapulco by land and there embarked on an old bark which took eighty of the wrecked pas- sengers to San Francisco, arriving May 1 that year, after a stormy passage of four months. Mr. Norton immediately came to Napa, where for four months he worked on the farm of his brother, Martin Norton. Then he fol- lowed blacksmithing four months for John Guthrie, afterwards purchasing the shop owned by John Robinson and doing business for himself until 1870, when he retired from business till 1872. Then he bought an interest in the firm of B. F. Sawyer & Co.. now the Sawyer Tanning Company, and at the time of his death was one of the active managers of that institution, the San Francisco branch of which, the Norton Tanning Company, was named for him. It was largely through his efforts that the concern was built up to its successful standing during his lifetime, and he was long known as its head. Mr. Norton was prominently connected with the founding and building up of Napa College, and nowhere perhaps was he more sadly missed than in the councils and aggressive movements for the advancement of the insti- tution of which he was a trustee for more than twenty years. He was one of six men f Abraham W. Norton. Chancellor Hartson, Henry Fowler, George Fellows. Nathan Coombs and Mr. Gibbs) of whom the California Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church bought the property, each of the above named grantors donating $500 toward the purchase price. From the begin- 866 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ning Mr. Norton was a liberal patron of the school. Through cloud and sun- shine he was its constant friend and generous helper; always the same calm, conservative, yet aggressive factor in its management. The college was com- bined with the college at San Jose after his death and removed to that city. In Napa City no important enterprise was inaugurated and completed that did not bear the impress of his practical mind and generous heart. In 1867 Mr. Norton was converted under the ministry of Rev. W. James Maclay, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Napa, and admitted into full church membership September 30 of that year. From that time until his death the church of his choice received a large share of his thought, his time, his money and his influence. He was a member of the Masonic order. The example of a worthy patriot, an enterprising citizen and a noble Christian he left for our emulation. Mr. Norton married Miss Mary E. Johnson, October 28, 1855. She was born in Genesee county, N. Y., May 1, 1831, and died in Napa, Cal., February 6, 1875. To them were born five children : Ida M., Mrs. J. D. Jamison, of Alameda; Homer F., a resident of Seattle; Harriet L., Mrs. N. B. Frisbie, of Redding; Grade A., widow of W. R. Newman, of Alameda; and William H. Norton, of Seattle. Mr. Norton married Mrs. Frances (Morton) Harring- ton, a native of Owasso, Mich., May 30, 1876, and she bore him one child, Burt M., January 26, 1878, now engaged in business in Napa. Since the death of Mr. Norton his widow has lived at the homestead in Napa and has continued the business interests in which he was interested. He was pre- eminently a man of affairs, and few men, having fairly examined a business proposition, could more accurately forecast results than he. Doubtless this characteristic was a principal element in the interest he manifested in edu- cation. He deliberately calculated upon large returns to the individual, to the commonwealth and to the church, from judicious investments in educa- tional facilities. He had a business man's confidence in the uplift which Christian scholarship may give to young men and young women and to society at large. GEORGE TITEL. The Titel patronymic denotes the Teutonic origin, but the present rep- resentatives of the family are eminently loyal to the institutions of this coun- try. George Titel was born in Koenigsburg, Germany, in 1857, and was educated in his native land, going through high school. At the age of eighteen he entered the army and for a term of six years was intimately associated with men whose lives were governed by discipline and ruled by their superiors. For three years he filled the position of paymaster in the army with the rank of lieutenant. At the close of his term of service, he entered business in Berlin and remained there for some time. Not until he was thirty-six years old did he come to the United States, at that time locating in San Francisco, where for four years he conducted a successful livery business. Tiring of city life he then came to Solano county and located on the ranch of twenty-eight acres he now owns. At the time of his occu- pancy the ranch was bare, but he has improved the place by his own un- tiring efforts, setting out an orchard of all kinds of fruits, and today it is one of the most thrifty places around Vacaville. In 1884 Mr. Titel was married in Berlin, Germany, to Miss Hedvig Schiefer, a native of Brieg, Germany, and one child, Elsie, was born in Berlin. She is now the wife of Cesar Pardi, a native of Italy and a member of the firm of Atkinson & Pardi, the leading butchers in Vacaville. They have two sons, Walter and George. Mr. Titel has never held any public office, but has devoted all of his time to the development of his ranch. This is HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 8o<» located half way between Vacaville and Suisun, and in connection with it he also conducts a road house, llis ranch is a veritable garden and stands as a monument to the industry and persistence of the owner. It was one large pasture when he bought it. but now he lias it planted in all kinds of fruit trees, both for home consumption and lor shipping purposes. In addi- tion to this, he also raises some good horses tor the market, the laud being located in an ideal position for all kinds >ut of the country and forced to retreat to the western wilderness. At the of fifteen years he began to learn the drug business with Ferdinand Roberts in Laporte, Ind., and later was with Dwight Denning, of South H 870 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Bend, same state. One year later he took charge of a drug store in Ply- mouth, Ind., continuing in that line until he came to the west. During the spring of 1852 Mr. Miller joined a party of emigrants bound for California. The journey was made with wagons and ox-teams. At the expiration of five months the company dispersed to different parts of California and he came to what is now Suisun, Solano county, October 26, 1852. Like all early comers, he tried his luck at mining and like many of them he met with no special good fortune. Stock-raising also engaged his attention and he was further interested in business ventures. To complete a summary of his activities, it may be stated that he served as postmaster of Suisun for four years, after which he was chosen deputy county treasurer, under John B. Lemon for about ten years, then under James A. Keys, with whom he continued for seven years. Afterwards he was deputy to George Winegar for four years. When he cast his first presidential ballot in 1854 it was given to James Buchanan. In principles he has been a staunch Democrat, but narrow prejudices are not allowed room for development in his mind. On the other hand, he has been liberal and broad in his views. For over fifty years a Mason, he belongs to Suisun Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M. During 1871 he was raised to the chapter degree and in 1904 he became identified with Vacaville Commandery, K. T. He is very fond of both vocal and instrumental music. His sister, Mrs. Mary J. M. Venen, is at present making her home with him. While he has never married, he has not led a lonely life, but in the companionship of congenial friends, in social intercourse with the people of his community, in the careful study of the issues of the age and in the participation with other progressive citizens in the upbuilding of the county, he has been active, cheerful, contented and happy. JAMES COLLINS. Born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1847, Mr. Collins lived there for a number of years and had the advantages of the local schools. His early days were spent at home on the farm and in this way he became conversant with the tilling of the soil and the raising of crops and stock. He immigrated to the United States in 1873, coming directly to California, and here, without friends or money, he started to fight his own way in the world. Settling in the Soscol district, Napa county, he worked on the Shehi ranch for two years, during which time he saved some of his wages, so that he was able to start farming for himself at the end of this time. For two years he farmed in Soscol with fair success and now he owns a ranch of twenty-two acres and also rents another ranch of three hundred and forty-four acres. On these places he does general ranching and conducts a small dairy of twenty cows. Collins station on the electric line is on his place. In 1881 Mr. Collins was married to Miss Bridget Smith, a native of Ire- land, where the couple were friends before the former came to America. Four children were born to them : John, Mary, Leo and Francis. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have the respect of the community for the perseverance they have shown and for the exhibition of sincerity in the work they have in hand. PATRICK J. FORD. Prominent among the persistent, energetic men of Solano county is Pat- rick J. Ford, whose enterprises stamp him as a man of large vision and thrifty nature. It was not until 1908 that Mr. Ford came to this fertile county, but since his advent here he has shown his ability to turn the re- sources of this land into revenue and coin of the realm. HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 871 Born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1874, Mr. Ford lived in the land of lii> birth lor more than thirty years, during which time he received an edu- cation in the schools of his home town and followed farming until he left Ireland for America, arriving at Now York April 18, 1906. One year later he came t<> San Francisco, where he lived two year-, employed in the freight department of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company; then he passed eight- een months in Sacramento in the service of the Prudential Life Insurance Company. Prom Sacramento he came to Solano county and located on one hundred and sixty acres of land three miles north oi Fdmira. lie owns an- other tract of the same acreage six miles east of Dixon and four acres four miles north of Flmira. lie raisi- -rain, horses, sheep and hogs. Bartholomew Ford, Patrick J. Ford's uncle, horn in Galway, Ireland. April. 1822. came to America in a sailing vessel, the trip consuming five months. Then he came overland to California and lived in Stockton ten or twelve years, farming. From there he moved to Solano county, where he has prospered ever since. Eighteen when he came over, he was a California forty-niner and saw much ^i the wild life of the pioneer period. Mr. Ford owns a five-room house on a valuable lot in Sacramento. Me married. September 16, 1909, Miss Mary Donovan, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, and in 1901 came to San Francisco, where she wedded. They have a daughter named Mary C. Politically Mr. Ford is a Democrat who believes the people should rule. In business and social circles he is well known and respected. WILLIAM MOORE. The life of William Moore began in Ireland in 1826, and came to a close in Berrvessa valley. Cal., in 1890. His younger clays were spent in his native land, where he followed agricultural pursuits and learned the work of the farm as conducted in Ireland. Seeking the greater freedom and larger op- portunity of the western lands, he came to Canada and after living there n >r a time came to Suisun, Cal.. where for three or four years he followed the occupation of farming and then, imbued with the spirit which fired the pioneers of California, he went to work in the mines, engaging in this labor at Knoxville and Manhattan. In 1850 he returned to his original means of livelihood, a tract of land on a grant of one hundred and sixty acres in Berry- . valley. At that time there were only four people living in the valley. Mr. Moore was compelled to give up this tract of land and settled in the upper end of the valley, engaging in stock raising with considerable profit to himself. His holdings increased gradually through economic manage- ment and energetic thrift, until at the time of his decease he owned eight hundred and twelve acres of good land, one hundred and fifty acres in grain and the balance in hay and pasture land. He kept on his ranch one hun- dred head of cattle, fifty head of hogs, and eleven head of horses. Mr. Moore married Miss Mary McCann, also a native of Ireland, and a splendid helpmate to him in all his travels and work. The following chil- dren were born to that union : Charles. Gilbert B., John. James L. (deceased), Jane M.. Bessie, Kittie. Mary and Hannah. Jane M. married John Mullaly, to which union four children have been born; Bessie married George Mc- Crilles. and they have three children : Kittie married Joseph Osburn, and they have one daughter: Mary married C. C. King; Hannah became the wife of James Wilson and the mother of two children; Charles married Sarah Jackson, and eight children have been born to that union ; Gilbert B. married Bell Faley. and they have two children; John married Anna Fred- erickson. This large family survives Mr. Moore and bears in tender memory a worthy father. 872 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ISAAC ORNDUFF. A southerner of German descent, Isaac Ornduff was born in Virginia. He crossed the plains to California in the early '50s and engaged in various occupations of the early pioneer life of California. After coming to the west he gave some time to mining on the Feather river, a venture that was suc- cessful, as was also a later enterprise, grain farming in Napa county on a large scale in partnership with William Emery. While primitive modes of transportation were still in vogue he was for some time engaged by Nathan Coombs to drive the stage from Napa and Sonoma to Benicia. After a time Mr. Ornduff decided to settle down to the quieter life of an agriculturist and selected the beautiful Napa valley as his permanent home. He purchased from John Patchett the sixty-acre ranch in the west- ern part of Napa City which was his home until his demise. This is a fruit ranch, set out with cherry and apple trees and kept in good condition. The place is on Napa Creek and is one of the most beautiful spots in the valley for a residence. He did not confine his business investments to this one ranch, but bought also a large tract of land known as the Ornduff tract, which was subdivided into house lots and disposed of in that manner. Always a public spirited man, he did much for the city of Napa, especially for the development of the western portion of the town. Mr. Ornduff was married May 2, 1865, in Napa, to Miss Anna Shine, a native of Ireland. Two daughters were born of this union: Mary E., the wife of William Hoffmeier, who has two sons ; and Miss D. F. Ornduff, who lives on the old home place and has charge of the ranch. Mr. Ornduff died March 26, 1893, and his wife passed away in April, 1909, leaving to their daughters and friends the memories of lives well spent, and filled with activities and good deeds. Fraternally, Mr. Ornduff was a member of Knights of Honor. JOHN MARSHALL WARNER. So delightfully recuperating is the climate and remarkably fertile the soil of the northern section of California, that those who come here from other states are soon convinced that this is the place in which to live. At least this was the experience of John Marshall Warner, who is the owner of a large almond orchard near Dixon. Solano county. He was born in Lewis county, W. Va., November 9, 1868, a direct descendant of German ancestors, who had been colonists in Virginia in the early days and some of whom had taken part in the war of the Revolution. Being born into a well established and eminently patriotic family, the boy was given a start in life that is denied to many, and as a young man he attended the public school of his native town, remaining at home until he was nineteen years of age. At this time in his experience he came west and settled in Yolo county, Cal., near Davisville, and engaged himself to a farmer and drove his mules. For fourteen years he lived in this locality doing farm work and saving his money until he had sufficient to purchase a farm for himself. Then it was that the young man began to sigh for the beauties of Virginia and the joys of the old home associations. After a time passed in the scene of his boyhood, he returned to California. In 1902 he purchased forty-two acres of good land, suitable for orchard purposes, paying $150 per acre for it. Twenty-five acres of the land are devoted to an almond orchard, of which twenty-one acres are in bearing and in 1909 yielded ten and one-half tons. Mr. Warner was married in West Virginia to Miss Nancy Stalnaker. Mr. Warner speaks in the highest terms when referring to Solano county, and his ranch he considers one of the finest localities possible for his purpose. >* J&U HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 875 JOSEPH KIDD. Prominent among the well-to-do ranchers in Napa valley is Joseph Kidd, coming from the British Isles in 1S(>8. poor in purse but possessing an un- limited stock of energy and perseverance. He was born in Antrim, in sight oi the Giant's Causeway, north of Ireland, July 3, 1850. He was the son of Joseph and Sarah (McKee) Kidd, whose family consisted of four children: William, who is on the old home place at Belfast, Ireland; Joseph; Isabella, deceased ; and Sarah Ann, in New York state. At the age of eighteen years, ambitious to strike out for himself and see what the new world held in store for him, Joseph Kidd came to California via Panama, landing in San Francisco in June, 1868. He at once found employment upon arriving at Windsor, Sonoma county, where he worked on a hay press. With keen foresight he bought an interest in this hay press and in one year cleared $2,500, paying as high as $2.65 per hundred for grain and wheat. In the fall of 1870 he bought his present place of fifty-one acres of wild land at $30 per acre and set about improving it, building a house, barn and setting seventeen acres out in vine, from which vineyard he has realized one hundred tons oi grapes for the past four years. Mr. Kidd has invested a greater part of his earnings in land, owning two hundred and ninety-one acres in Pope valley and another farm in Napa valley, near Vountville, of one hundred and sixty-two acres through which the railroad passes. He also owns the Butler place of twenty acres and the Godard place of fifty-six acres, besides a block of property in Napa and a number of lots in I Berkeley and Oakland. However, he prefers living on his prosperous ranch, managing, buying and selling, and keeping in touch with the progress of the age, as the results give evidence. His investments in cattle and horses have also been very large, selling as high as 51.000 in each year, also a number of teams from $500 up. His public spirit is shown in the fact that he was candidate for road supervisor. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and politically he is a Republican. JASPER N. PARTRICK. The chairman of the board of supervisors of Napa county was born near the city of Napa June 2, 1863, and has been a life-long resident of Brown's valley, where he owns and occupies a ranch of one hundred and ninety-seven acres situated seven miles from the county seat. An honor which he proudly boasts is that of being a son of one of the pioneers of this county. William M. Partrick, who crossed the plains with wagons and oxen in 1856, being a member of an expedition among whose members was Green Bartlett, the founder of Bartlett Springs in Lake county. A farmer for more than twenty years in Brown's valley, where he died in 1878, the senior Mr. Partrick was deeply interested in the building of good roads and many of the moun- tain roads of early days were surveyed and constructed by him. The natural bent for road construction which he possessed was inherited by his son, who has made a life study of road-building and often has sacrificed his personal interests in order to promote the work so important to the permanent wel- fare of the county. In addition to managing his farm he conducted a hay- press for eighteen years and baled hay all over the county. At this writing he raises stock of high grades and also devotes considerable attention to his vineyard of ten acres. During the year 1883 Mr. Partrick married Miss Elizabeth Wilson, who was born in California and died in 1908, leaving four children. Earl. Elmer, Frances and Frank. Her father was a pioneer of Brown's valley, where the Wilson family has been long and honorably known. For some years Mr. Partrick has served as president of the Brown's Valley Telephone Company. 876 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES In fraternal relations he is identified with Napa Grange, the Knights of Pythias, the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Improved Order of Red Men. At the election of 1906 he was chosen supervisor and at the expira- tion of the term of four years he was again chosen for the office, his present service as chairman of the board being characterized by intelligence, keen judgment and wise discrimination. At the present time he is also president of the Board of Supervisors' Association of California. If he ma)' be said to possess a "hobby" it is that of good roads and he is justly proud of the fact that Napa county has built the cheapest roads, per mile, of any county in California. His district was the first in the state to vote a direct tax on itself for road-building and by his system he was able to greatly reduce the mileage cost. The views held by Mr. Partrick concerning the construction and main- tenance of permanent roads can not be better expressed than by the repro- duction of an address delivered by him at Stockton before the supervisors' state convention, May 19, 1910: "The subject we have under consideration at this time (How to con- struct and maintain permanent roads) is one of the utmost importance. It is a well-established fact that good roads are one of the greatest factors in the development of any country. If I were asked to name the three great prerequisites for the upbuilding of any state or community I think I should reply: 'Good laws, good schools, good roads.' A nation can be judged by the quality of its highways. Of the four great universal empires that have ruled the world, Rome, the last and most powerful of them all, stands out pre-eminently as the great road builder of ancient times. Take for example the Appian Way, sometimes called the Queen of Roads, which was constructed during the censorship of Appius Claudius Caecus (313-310 B. C). This noted highway was built of two courses of large flat stones overlaid with small broken stone, and extended from the gates of the city of Rome, on" the south, to Brindisi, a distance of three hundred and sixty miles. "The palaces and amphitheaters of ancient Rome have long since passed away; the temples have crumbled into dust, but the Appian Way, after more than twenty-two centuries of constant use, still stands as an everlasting monu- ment to its builders. The man who is entitled to the distinction of being the greatest road builder the world has ever seen was John Louden Macadam, born at Ayr, Scotland, in 1756. Having spent his early years in the United States he returned to Great Britain and was appointed agent for victualing the navy at the western ports. In 1815 he was appointed surveyor of the British roads and thus received the opportunity of putting his splendid ideas of road building into practice. His method was to use small broken stones, spread evenly over the roadway to a considerable depth, and then rolled down until they formed a hard, smooth surface. He was so successful in his im- proved system of road building that the house of commons presented him with $10,000, and his mode of road making is known all over the world as Macadamizing and is used more than all other systems for making perma- nent roads. "Until recent years the stone used for this mode of road making was broken by hand, but now all this work is done by machinery. There has been more improvement in road building machinery during the first few years of the twentieth century than the world has known in all previous time. The most complete macadamizing outfit in the world is owned by DeKalb county, Ga. The best equipped outfit owned by any county west of the Rocky mountains is at Napa, Cal. I should like to relate my experience with this outfit in a twenty-eight day test, but would be taking too much of your valuable time. However, I will say this much : we can build macada- mized roads in Napa county of sixteen feet width for considerably less than HISTORY OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES 877 $3,000 per mile. There arc two reasons for this : 1st, an abundance of splen- did material with which to work. _\1. our splendid rca build a macadamized road of sixteen feet width, which is wide enough for ordinary purposes, hirst, put your roadbed in good condition, shaping it up smooth and rolling il down firm and hard and having not more than a three-inch crown; and it Possible leaving a dirt shoulder at least four inches high on each side "i the sixteen feet of roadway that is to he macadamized. Then crush the stone SO that the largest pieces will pass through a two inch ring. Separate into two sizes only. Cover surface of roadway evenly with coarse stone to a depth i->i seven inches in the center and gradually tapering down to five inches at tile edges. Roll down and cover with the liner size to the depth of two inches. Wet it all down thoroughly and roll until a stone thrown on the roadway will crush instead oi sinking. The heavier the roller and the more you roll the road the better. "drainage is one of the principal requirements for a permanent road, and yet in making a crown ^\\ a macadamized road it should not exceed four inches on a sixteen loot road or a rise of one-half inch to the foot. The dirt shoulder on each side should come up even with the macadam and should slope off gradually to the gutter, but with a little more incline than the macadam portion, or about eight inches fall in eight feet, which should be the width of each shoulder, making a thirty-two foot roadway from one gutter to the other. "Now in regard to maintenance of a permanent road. Some one has said. 'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.' The same will apply to keep- ing a good road in perfect condition. I do not think we can improve on the tem that is used in Europe, plenty of good material placed at convenient distances along the roadway and a competent, reliable man in charge who will attend faithfully to filling in every depression as soon as it appears. I think it would also be well for him to have obstructions which he could shift around in different places at those times when he was filling depres- sions and this would cause the travel to divert from one beaten track. Of course these obstructions would have to be removed before night to avoid accidents. But if you have a low crown on your road I think it quite likely it would not be necessary to use these temporary obstructions, as travel would be pretty evenly divided over the whole roadway. "And now we are confronted with a very important question: 'How shall we obtain the money with which to do the work?' When it comes to this question we usually rely upon the proposition of bonding the county for the purpose. Two years ago I was a great believer in bonding as being the only way; today I believe that in many instances greater results for less money can be obtained by another plan. I now refer to the proposition of one or more road districts forming themselves into a permanent road division and then voting a tax on themselves in accordance with an act of the legis lature approved March 19, 1907. As this is a new law and has probably escaped the notice of many of you. it might be well to refer to the important points in this act. Whenever a petition is presented to the board of super- rs in any county, signed by at least a majority of the land owners resid- ing within the proposed permanent road division, asking the board to set apart such district or districts as a permanent road division, it shall be the duty of the board to grant the recpiest. Such petition shall describe the boundaries of the proposed road division; the number of acres contained therein: with assessed valuation of the same: the value of Improvements thereon and the value of all personal property according to the last com- pleted assessment roll; the number of inhabitants as nearly as can be ascer- 878 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES tained; and lastly a particular description as to the location of the road or roads to be improved or constructed and the necessity for such work. At the time of forming a permanent road division, or at any time thereafter, any ten or more resident freeholders thereof may petition the board of super- visors to have plans prepared for the construction or improvement of the roads mentioned in the former petition. Such petition shall state : "1st. The recommendations of the petitioners as to the materials to be used and the manner of construction or repairing of said road or roads. "2d. An estimate of the probable cost of the work. "3d. A request that the board appropriate a sum of money, naming it, from the general road fund. "4th. A request that the board appropriate a sum of money, naming it, from the road district fund to this permanent road fund. (This sum shall not be less than seventy-five per cent of the road district fund.) "5th. A request that a special tax be levied on the permanent road division to raise the balance of the money necessary for said work. "Upon receiving such petition the board shall proceed to prepare, or cause to be prepared, plans and specifications for and an estimate of the cost of the work mentioned in said petition, or for any other road, bridge, culvert or work considered a necessary part of the permanent road, petitioned for. When the board has adopted plans and specifications for said work, they may set apart therefor such a sum from the general road fund as they shall consider equitable ; also such sum from the road district fund as they shall consider equitable, but not less than seventy-five per cent of the fund. The board may, in its discretion, give more than this percentage. "In regard to the special tax petitioned for to complete the work it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors to immediately order an election to determine whether the same shall be levied ; and the board may in its dis- cretion submit to the electors at such election, the question whether the balance of the estimated cost of proposed work shall be raised in one, two or three successive years, raising an equal amount each year. At such elec- tions the ballot shall contain the words, 'Tax, Yes,' and 'Tax, No.' If the majority of the votes cast are for the tax, the supervisors must at the time of levying the county tax, levy a special tax upon all the taxable property in the division sufficient to raise the amount voted for the current fiscal year; the rate of taxation to be ascertained by first deducting fifteen per cent for anticipated delinquencies. The tax so levied shall be computed and col- lected in the same manner as state and county taxes, and when collected shall be paid into the county treasury for the use of the division in which the tax is voted. "The work to be done under this act shall be let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder, and shall be under the supervision of two inspec- tors appointed by the board, who shall be residents of the road division and shall not belong to the same political party and shall fix their compensation at not exceeding thirty cents an hour for the time actually spent in the per formance of their duties. In comparing this plan with that of bonding the county, I consider it much better for several reasons. I will mention three of them. "1st. Each road district receives direct results from all money raised with'in its boundaries. "2d. Under this plan the people can decide which road shall be im- proved and can carry forward the work according to their needs. By the bonding proposition and the workings of the Savage act some of our most important roads can not receive one foot of improvement. "3d. The direct tax on districts, the pay as you go idea, is the logical way to improve roads. -%<).*kjj.t 1 i sixteen-foot macadamized road. The first one and a half miles is now completed, the contract price being $3,462.06, or $2,308.04 per mile. The contractors had the privilege and used our splendid Tort Huron outfit on this contract. If the bonding of Napa county for good roads had carried it would have cost this weak road district $23,058 in the forty years and it would not have received one foot of macadamized road in return. "In conclusion let me say: Do not look upon good roads as a luxury. hut as a necessity; as a business asset, for nothing else will give you so great returns a- money expended in the building of good roads. Good roads pay for themselves many times oVer in the saving of tune, horses, harness, wagons, in comfort and increased valuation of property. I have in mind a certain :e of property in Brown's valley which lies directly alongside the pro- .1 improved highway and which will be assessed $22.68 in the three years for special road tax and which will easily be increased in valuation S500 by the improved highway. Question: Will it pay to invest $22.68 and receive in return $500? Let us who are assembled here, as the representatives of the different sections of our great and glorious state, constitute ourselves the advance guard in the crusade for good roads and never cease in our efforts along these lines until our broad land is gridironed with permanent roads. which will not only be a credit to our state, but a benefit and comfort to ourselves and those that shall come after us." The twenty-eight day test, referred to by Mr. Partrick in the preceding address, included the completion of a macadam road ^,270 feet in length and another road repaired for some distance. Total expense, $2,585.60. Number of yards crushed and hauled. 3.368. Average cost. ~o ; 5 4 cents per cubic yard. The cost for hauling, rolling and spreading, when the haul was one and one- half miles, was about seventeen cents per cubic yard. Compared with horse hauling, costs were reduced to one-third. The Porl Huron regular roller and the Port Huron spreading dump cars were purchased by Napa county chiefly through the efforts of Mr. Partrick and comprised the first steam hauling, spreading and rolling outfit ever used in the state. GE< >RGE WASHINGT< >N HAYDEN. George W. Hayden, proprietor of the Los Carneros ranch, located five miles southwest of Napa, is a native son who has recently become a resident i f this section. He is a son of James and Margaret (Ross) Hayden, of San Francisco, and was born in that city February 4, 1875. James Hayden, who was born on Prince Fdward Island, was a builder by trade and was one of the prominent men in San Francisco in the early days. By way of Panama he came to California in 1868 and during the many years that he followed contracting and building in San Francisco he erected many well-known 40 882 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES structures. He is now retired from active life, having completed a successful business career. George W. Hayden spent his boyhood and early manhood in San Fran- cisco, and after his school days were over he engaged in the dairy business at Turk and Pierce streets, under the name of the Great Western Milk Company. Later the name was changed to G. W. Hayden Company. He carried on quite an extensive business, selling four hundred gallons of milk daily and operating four double team wagons. On April 1, 1906, just before the great San Francisco fire, he sold out this business. In February, 1910. he removed to Napa county and bought twenty-eight acres of the old Cutting fruit ranch. His land is all planted in Bartlett pears and he realized a crop of fifty-five tons last year. Mr. Hayden has improved the old Cutting residence, which he owns and which he occupies with his family. Besides attending to his fruit industry he devotes considerable attention to the raising of chickens, ducks and hogs. His ranch is equipped with a fine packing house, and the necessary equipment for carrying on his business. Mr. Hayden was married at San Rafael, August 15, 1900, to Miss Rose E. Zecher, a native of Woodland, Cal., and both himself and wife enjoy the high regard of their many friends in the community. Mr. Hayden was one of the few men who saw the great opportunity for engaging successfully in horticulture in Napa county and has already demonstrated that it is a large dividend payer. HON. NATHAN COOMBS. The late Hon. Nathan Coombs was a pioneer of 1843 in California. De- scended from colonial ancestry, he Avas born at Middleboro, on Cape Cod, Mass., in 1826, and early lost his father by death and later his mother became the wife of a Dr. Carpenter. The family moved to Iowa and settled at Mus- catine, from which place, in 1842, young Coombs, at the age of sixteen, made his way across the plains to Oregon. The long and difficult journey was filled with many dangers, Indians were troublesome, the trail was often lost, wild beasts roamed the forests, water was scarce on the plains, but at last he reached his destination in safety. After spending one year there, he made the journey to California, arriving in the summer of 1843. He stopped in what is now Yolo county and secured employment on the Gordon ranch and it was there he met and wooed the daughter of his employer, Isabella Gordon. In the spring of 1845 the young people rode on horseback to Sutter's Fort, a distance of about twenty miles, and were married by Capt. John Sutter. Re- turning to the Gordon ranch they remained but a short time, coming to the section that is now embraced in Napa county in June that year, and pur- chased land at Trubody. This Mr. Coombs farmed for a time, then selling it, he bought a tract of land from Salvador Vallejo and in 1848 laid out the town site of Napa. From that time until his death he was one of the most promi- nent factors in the building up of both city and county, and was known and esteemed throughout the entire west. He participated in the strenuous life of that early period and was of the Bear Flag party, the reckless daring of which at Sonoma has become a part of our traditions. Mr. Coombs found that horses of a good grade were not to be had in California and decided to make a trip to Kentucky in search of some good stock. Riding was the only means of travel and hbrses brought a good price and a fine animal was much admired. In 1857 he made the trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama, purchased several stallions, the most noted being Billy Cheatham and Ashland, which were in all probability the first thorough- bred stock imported into this section of the state. On his ranch adjoining the town he raised many fine animals, some of which he sold, and others for his HISTORY of SOI. \\o \\n NAPA COUNTIES sx.? own use. and being a lover of horseflesh was interested in racing and became a patron of the turf. He also raised a great many cattle which roamed ai will, as there were no fences to hinder them, and in this way obtained the besl oi forage. During the days oi frontier life Mr. Coombs had many thrilling experi- ences. Once he was attacked by a grizzly hear that pulled him from his horse, struck him across the chest and tore flesh and muscles of his body and arm. By good fortune he escaped, hut to the day of his death he suffered from the effects of that encounter. With that exception he possessed a robusl constitution and great powers oi endurance. In the midst of perplexing con ditions ho maintained an equable disposition and a fearlessness that were his distinct characteristics. Throughout his community he was known as a man oi excellent judgment and his counsel was often sought by acquaintances and associates. The early settlers looked upon him as a councillor in many questions touching their titles to their lands, lie was a liberal contributor to all charitahle enterprises and to all measure- Eor the upbuilding of the city and county oi Xapa. He was a member of the Society of California Pioneers oi San Francisco, interested in all things that showed the growth of the Golden State. The death of this pioneer occurred December 26. 1877, when he was fifty- one years old, and his wife died at the age of fifty-five years. They had n children, five oi whom attained mature years: William; Eva, who married Hon. J. M. Coghland : Nathan; Frank L. and Levi. Mr. Coomhs served in the California legislature during the sessions of 1855 and 1857 and in later years was urged at many times to accept public honors, but stead- fastly refused. Mrs. Coomb's father. William Gordon, a native of Pennsyl- vania, crossed the plains in 1824 to Mexico, locating at Taos, where he married Miss Lusario. of Castilian parentage. He brought his family to California in 1840 and engaged in stock raising on a large scale on Cache Creek. Yolo county. His ranch was the rendezvous of the Bear Flaggers during the Mex- ican war. Mr. Gordon became a leader in all the early events of his section and died in Lake county in 1876. Perhaps no man in early California was hetter known, no one had more friends, no one could have been more trusted, and no one of the earlv timers died more lamented. HOMER GRANT BROWX. Stock raising is a very remunerative industry in Solano county. How- ever, it is a vocation that requires much keen foresight and sagacious judg- ment, for many conditions have to be contended with. The subject of this sketch. Homer G. Brown, is one of the most successful stock raisers of this county and his thrifty ranches and prize stock bear testimony to the fact of his ability to utilize inherent qualities to financial ends. Mr. Brown was born near Binghampton. Solano county, May 1, 1866. He is the son of Hon. Jackson Fay and Eliza M. (Hopkins) Brown, pioneers of this vicinity, represented in a sketch on another page in this history, lie was raised on his father's farm, learning the rudiments of farming and stock raising, and gained his education in the public schools, later attending the Xapa Business College, where he was graduated in 1887. His after life indi- cates that he made the most of his opportunities afforded him in youth for educational advancement. After his graduation he acquired from his father a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres, where he settled and has since lived. From his youth up he has always been intimately associated with farming and stock raising and so was well qualified to take his position in life and wrest from the earth his competence by means of agriculture and stock rais- 884 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ing. He now owns nine hundred and sixty acres of land nine miles south of Dixon, well improved with a new modern residence, of which four hundred and eighty acres are planted in barley and hay, the balance being devoted to the pasturing of stock. As indicated at the commencement of this sketch, Mr. Brown is a stock breeder of high standing in his community. On his ranch he has six hundred head of Merino sheep of old Vermont breed, this stock having descended from fifty head his father gave him, which in turn were culled from the best breeding of the half century then just ended. Dur- ing the present season he expects over one hundred per cent increase, and his sheep shear annually eleven and one-half pounds per head. Mr. Brown, with characteristic foresight, usually keeps one hundred fine full blooded Merino rams for sale, these being selected stock and great wool producers. He raises also full blooded high grade Percheron horses. In 1891 Mr. Brown was happily married to Miss Lutie C. Dresser, a native of Minnesota. Mrs. Brown's father, Henry Dresser, was born in Massachu- setts in 1832, and in 1857 left his native state for Minnesota and there home- steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was married in Rochester in 1862 to Helen Everard, who was born in the town of Bethel, Sullivan county, N. Y., in 1843. Of Mr. and Mrs. Dresser's union were born four children ; Walter H., Rubin E., Edward F., and Lutie C. Politically Mr. Brown is a Republican insurgent and a strong supporter of his party's principles. He was made a Mason in Vacaville Lodge No. 134, F. & A. M. He is fond of the hunt and the chase and, with a view to their perfect efficiency, raises his own horses. Mr. Brown's father, during the twenty years prior to his decease, had given his children over thirty-four hundred acres of land, thus evidencing his kindly attitude toward posterity. At the time of his death he left about three thousand acres to his widow. He was well known in financial circles in Solano county, having held one hundred shares of stock in Dixon Bank, and been one of its- directors. Although he received assistance from his father, Homer G. Brown has not failed to make the most of his advantages and has won the honor and esteem of his fellow citizens by his earnest efforts and close application to the im- provement and building up of his extensive stock business and ranch property. AUGUST LOUIS BUHRMEISTER. As is suggested by the name, the Buhrmeister family is of German origin, and the establisher of the name on this continent and in California was Harry G. Buhrmeister, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above. He came to this country single and alone so far as relatives were concerned, but in spite of the trying experiences that he passed through before he became established in his new surroundings he never regretted the step that he had taken. His marriage was celebrated in San Francisco, uniting him with Miss Katherine Mangels, a native of Hanover, and all of the six children born to them are native sons and daughters. The father made settlement in Cordelia, Solano county, in 1864, three years before the birth of his son August, and here he established a grocery business that he maintained successfully for fifteen years, or until selling it out in 1879. He then engaged in horticulture upon one hundred acres of land which he purchased in the Upper Suisun valley, developing it and improving it with orchard. He passed away in 1904, at the age of eighty-six years. Mrs. Buhr- meister, who died at the old home May 4, 1881, at the age of forty-seven years, was a sister of Louis Mangels and Mrs. Claus Spreckels. The birth of August L. Buhrmeister occurred in Cordelia, Solano county, August 18, 1867, and in 1880, when he was thirteen years old, the family HISTORY OF SOLANO \\n NAPA COUNTIES 887 removed to Manka's Corners. He had attended school in Cordelia to some extent, and at Manka's Corners he continued Ms studies, remaining a student there until he completed the course. Early in life he decided to take up fruit raising and has followed it ever since. In tin- Upper Suisun valley. about eight miles northwest of Suisun. he has a ranch of fifty six acres favorably located for the early ripening of fruits, which he dries for the market. The fruit which he raises is of the choicest varieties and receives the highest market prices. Besides his ranch he owns considerable improved property in Suisun. from which he receives an income. The marriage of August I.. Buhrmeister occurred in Suisun valley in 1895 and united him with Miss Lilly Roberts, a Native Daughter, whose birth occurred in \ acaville. and they have one child. Louis. Politically Mr. liuhr- meister espouses Republican principh JOSEPH CALLIZO. For more than twenty-five years Joseph Callizo has been foreman of the vast Parrott estate, situated near St. Helena, Xapa county, and recognized as one ^i the show places oi the county. During his residence in California he has acquired ample means and may be said to be one of the most pro- -Mve citizens of the county in which he has resided for so many year--. Mr. Callizo was born in Oloron, St. Marie. Rasses-Pyrenees. France, of Spanish parentage, April 19. 1856. He received an education common to the boys of his social status and during young manhood studied grape culture and gardening, earning his livelihood in this way. He continued tti do this until 1884. when he came to America. On reaching the Lnited States he came direct to Xapa county. Cal.. working in vineyards for fifteen months. At the end of this time he came to St. Helena and took charge of the estate which is under his direction today. The place contains one thou- sand acres, fifty acres in vineyard, and also three thousand olive trees. The stone mansion was erected in 1884 at great expense. The grounds are beautifully laid out in gardens, walks and drives, all of which Mr. Callizo planned, and he also planted the trees and shrubs, which are kept in splendid order. The vineyard is very productive, the finest quality of wine being made from the grapes, in fact it is conceded that the finest wine produced in Xapa county is made by Mr. Callizo. The manufacture of olive oil is another industry carried on on the ranch, eleven hundred gallons having been produced in one season. Mr. Callizo owns a ranch of twenty-three acres in Fast St. Helena, which is devoted to raising French prunes. This ne of the finest twenty-acre ranches in Xapa valley, being located only half a mile from the business center of St. Helena. Mr. Callizo was married in 1880 to I'valdesca Gimenez. a native of Spain. From this union three children were born. Salvador, Julian and Silvia. Mr. Callizo has reaped success in his line of business as the direct result of industry, and is to be commended for the splendid showing of the ranch under his care. FRANK SAVIEZ. Many of the most successful viticulturists of California were born and reared on European soil, and to France, especially, is Napa county indebted ■ some of her most enterprising and prosperous citizens. Prominent among these is Frank Saviez. a native of the south of France, born in the department de Yerd. May 11. 1850. In 18X3. without means, he came to California. After working for a time logging near Duncan's Mills he was employed on a 888 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ranch in Green Valley for a time, and later he located near Sebastopol, Sonoma county, renting a large ranch where he operated an orchard and raised grapes and made wine. In 1893, he came to Calistoga, Napa county, and rented the Coit ranch of four hundred acres near Larkmead, of which one hundred and thirty acres were in vines. This he conducted successfully for eight years, then came to his present place, which was purchased in 1901. This ranch, called Cedar Lane, consists of two hundred and twenty acres of good land, located at Larkmead Station. In addition to twenty-five acres of vineyard, Mr. Saviez has fifteen acres of French prunes and land devoted to peaches, cherries, apples and apricots. His ranch receives the best care and attention and is under a high state of cultivation. The secret of his success is in the fact that he has arrived at his present status by his own efforts and industry. Achievement accomplished on this basis is likely to be lasting. Mr. Saviez married Mrs. Mary L. Bordot in 1895, and their children are Lionel A., Cyril and Lucien Saviez. He has a step-daughter, Lillian L. Bordot. Not by any means an old man. Mr. Saviez has many years of life before him, in which he is likely to accomplish even greater things than he has achieved thus far. HARRY NEVINS BUNCE. If an honored name, a large and growing blacksmith and manufacturing business, and the esteem of a host of friends and general associates may be taken as an indication of success, Harry N. Bunce has cause for con- gratulation, and is entitled to rank among the substantial and leading citi- zens of Napa, where his business interests are located. A native son of the state, he was born in San Francisco June 12, 1873, the descendant of a pioneer family of the west. His father, William Bunce, a native of Owego, N. Y., came to California in September of 1852 via the Nicaragua route and secured employment as a bookkeeper in San Francisco. As early as 1854 he bought a tract of raw land three miles south of Napa and in 1856, hav- ing meantime married, he brought his young wife to the ranch. However, the frontier environment of that day did not prove congenial and he returned to the more cosmopolitan surroundings of San Francisco in 1859, after which he continued as a bookkeeper for twenty-one years. Returning to Napa county at the expiration of that time, he bought a ranch at Coombsville and settled upon the same, remaining there until he retired from ranching and disposed of the land by sale. Next he bought ten acres on Lincoln avenue, Napa, and engaged in horticultural pursuits, developing the tract into a model fruit farm and remaining there until his death, December 25, 1892, at the age of seventy-four years. As early as 1849 an eastern Argonaut named Phineas Hudson had sought the shores of the Pacific and the mining camps of the west. When his family joined him in 1855 at San Francisco they had with them his niece, Miss Jeannette Hudson, who was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and reared at Suffolk, Long Island. November 28, 1854, she was a passenger on a sailing vessel that left Sandy Hook for the long voyage around the Horn. On the 10th of April, 1855, the Tornado passed through the Golden Gate and cast anchor in the harbor of San Francisco, where on December 6th of the same year the young eastern girl became the bride of William Bunce. Six children blessed their union, but only two survive, Harry N., being the youngest of the family and a resident of Napa county from the age of nine years. A long and arduous activity has not impaired the mental or physical faculties of Mrs. Jeannette Bunce, who still makes her home in Napa and is well preserved for one of her years. After having completed the studies of the Napa schools Harry N. Bunce HISTORY OF SOLANO \N D NAPA COUNTIES SX" at the age oi eighteen years became an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade under William Tyrell, with whom he remained for three years. Later he completed the trade under John Gerlach and continued with him one year as a salaried assistant, afterward going to San Francisco and embarking in business on Divisadera street. Three years were devoted to work in his own shop, but he then gave up the business and entered the employ of E. J. Bowen. a wholesale seed merchant, with whom he continued as a fore- man for two years. On his return to Napa he again became an assistant oi Mr. Gerlach. whose business he managed during the illness of two years terminating in the proprietor's death, since which time Mr. Bunce has con- ducted the shop in his own interests. The business is located at No. 211 Brown street, where he is equipped with the latest machinery pertaining to his particular line iA manufacturing. The marriage of Mr. Bunce took place at Napa and united him with Miss Adela M. Valentine, who was born at Gera, Bavaria, Germany, but at the age of six years was brought to California by her parents, settling in Napa, where she was educated in the local schools. The three children in the family are Marjorie. Kenneth and Harold. Fraternally Mr. Bunce holds membership with the Independent Order of Foresters and Napa Parlor. Native Sons of the Golden West. Stanch in his allegiance to the Democratic party, he has officiated as secretary of the county Democratic central com- mittee and in other connections has aided the local welfare of the organization. For many years a member, he now serves as treasurer of the Pioneer Hose Company No. 1. a famous local volunteer fire organization, and the only one of the kind now in existence out of a number prominent in the early history of the city. WILLIAM JAMES CARLIN. The identification of the Carlin family with the history of the west dates back to the year 1850. when James, a stalwart youth born in Ireland and reared in New York, traveled by way of the isthmus to San Francisco, where later he owned an entire block of city property, selling it, however, before it had made any special advance in price. Much of his early life in the west was spent as a miner and he and his wife, who was also a native of Ireland, lived for brief periods at Oroville. Butte county, in Tuolumne county and in Contra Costa county. Her death occurred in 1886 and he passed away eight years later. They were honored pioneers of the state and numbered among their devoted friends many other early settlers whose names belong to the annals of the commonwealth. During the residence of James Carlin at Oroville. Butte county, a son was born in his family to whom was given the name of William James and whose birth occurred in 1858. When the child was five years of age the family re- moved to Tuolumne county. His first educational advantages were obtained in that county, where he lived for eight years, removing thence to Contra Costa county. At the age of fifteen years he went to San Francisco and there apprenticed to the trade of a machinist and finally acquired a thorough knowl- edge of engineering. For some nine years he remained in San Francisco and after a trip to the east he went to San Joaquin county. For twenty-seven years he has resided in Vallejo, where he owns a comfortable home at No. 430 Branci forte street and where he has a host of warm personal friends. For the past nineteen years he has been chief engineer for the Vallejo Ferry Com- pany, and his long retention is sufficiently indicative of the skilled nature of his services. The marriage of William James Carlin took place in October of 1884 and united him with Miss Madeline McLaughlin, a native of Vallejo. Her father, 890 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES James McLaughlin, was a native of Nova Scotia and about 1860 came to Cali- fornia, where his death occurred in 1874. For many years he was survived by his wife, a native of Ireland, who passed away in March of 1908 at a ripe old age. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Carlin consists of three children, namely : Madeline, a graduate of St. Vincent's academy; William Melville, who has received the best advantages of the Vallejo schools; and Marie Eloise, a pupil in the city schools. Deeply interested in educational affairs, Mr. Carlin gave faithful service to the city for ten years in the capacity of school director and during that period he supported all movements for the expansion of the work and the upbuilding of a thorough system of pedagogical training. For two years he has held the office of library trustee, a post scarcely less important than that of director of the schools. In politics he has worked actively for the advancement of the Democratic party in the community. . In October of 1910 he was elected a member of the board of freeholders for drafting the new charter for Vallejo. He was a firm believer in the commission form of govern- ment and with that end in view gave his best efforts, time and influence for its adoption. Fraternally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Foresters and the Maccabees at Vallejo. An active factor in the civic up- building, he always has stood ready to assist projects calculated to promote the permanent welfare of the city and has borne an intelligent, influential part in civic and political activities. FRANK DROUIT. Years of patient, industrious devotion to the work of a miner qualified Mr. Drouit for an intelligent appreciation of the occupation of an agriculturist, which we find him following contentedly and capably on his farm in the Napa valley. To no one does the sunshine seem more welcome nor the air more pure than to the one who labored for years in the coal mines beneath the earth. Steady employment and excellent wages compensate but illy for the loss of all the beauties of nature, hence it is that Mr. Drouit finds an enjoy- ment unusually keen in the outdoor employment on his estate, considering himself greatly favored to possess a pleasant home in a genial climate, sur- rounded by a devoted family and warm friends, and able by his efforts to earn a comfortable livelihood for those dependent upon him. Born in France and a son of John Drouit, himself a lifelong resident of that country, the gentleman whose name introduces this article and whose birth occurred February 20, 1855, received fair educational advantages in the French schools and at the close of his studies turned his attention to the earn- ing of a livelihood in his native republic. During the year 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Amezel, who like himself descended from a long line of French ancestors. Two years after their marriage the young couple came to the United States and in the effort to earn a livelihood Mr. Drouit went to the coal mines of Pennsylvania, where at once he was employed as a miner. Later he removed to Indiana and was similarly occupied, going from that state to the mines of Alabama, where he continued until the year 1889. At that time he removed to the Pacific coast and settled at Calistoga, Napa county, where he worked in silver mines for three years. At the end of that time he gave up mining in order to embark in ranching and since then he has followed agricultural affairs. The family of Mr. Drouit comprises two sons and two daughters, namely: Frank, who married Miss Florence Christianson and has a daughter, Lillian ; Louis, Jeannette and Margaret. All remain with their parents with the ex- ception of Frank, who has a position in Alameda and resides in that city. The family are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church with the ex- ception of Mr. Drouit, who still adheres to the Roman Catholic faith, in which HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 893 he was reared. Politically he has voted with the Republican party ever since he became a citizen of general farm products. The balance of the ranch is in pasture and meadow, besides having considerable timber. Sixteen head oi cattle are kept on the ranch. als< i -e\ en head of horses and a number of hogs. It i> the intention of the owner to identify himself with horticultural affairs in the near future, and the superior quality of the soil on tin- farm, as well as his own intelligent application, give promise of success in that department <>f farm work. JOSEPH KISER. One of the owners of valuable land in Napa county is Joseph Kiser. who has heen a resident of this county since 1900 and is a very successful dairy- man and cheese manufacturer, lie was horn in the village of Sarmcn, Canton Unterwalden, Switzerland, of German ancestry, in 1851. He received his education in his native country and at the age of eighteen, in 1869. came direct to California by way of Panama. His first employment was on a dairy farm in Sonoma* valley, where he remained for some time, learning the business. At the age oi twenty years he began in business on his own account at Eldridge, starting a small dairy, as he realized that his labor would count for much greater permanent results. Since the first venture he has conducted dairies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties with g 1 success, using to great advantage those Teutonic characteristics of per- sistence and thrift. He has always rented property for his business and on coming to Napa, in 1900. leased twelve hundred acres of dairy land on Carneros creek. Here he conducts a modern dairy, having eighty Short-horn Durham cows, and in, addition to a general dairy business he also manu- factures the celebrated California full cream cheese. His factory is equipped with a boiler and other modern conveniences for the handling of his product and he also has a warehouse for storing the same. His cheese is shipped mostly to San Francisco. Besides his dairy business he is interested in raising Clydesdale and English Shire horses for breeding and draft purposes. He is very successful and has built up a thriving business upon modern methods Mr. Kiser was married in Napa to Christina Roherer, who was born in the same canton in Switzerland as himself. They r have six children, namely: Mary. Josie. Christina, Joseph, Louis and Ferdinand. Mr. and Mrs. Kiser are well known and much respected by their large circle of friends in the count}', who know them for their many acts of charity and for his standing as a business man. FRANK WILLIAM DFRRTCK. In recognition of his exceptional knowledge of the horse, his ailments and the cures therefor. Dr. Derrick enjoys the distinction which came to him when he was made veterinary surgeon of the United Stati ernment at Mare Island. In this position his ability has been tested, but never to his confusion, for his life work has been in mastering his profession, and the uniform success with which he meets the cases brought to him for treatment attests his exceptional ability. A native son of the state, Dr. Derrick was born in San Francisco March 26, 1856, and his entire life ha-- been passed in his native state. Early in life circumstance- brought him to Vallejo, and here he was educated in the public schools. Even while conning hi- lessens he vaguely planned the course of 894 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES his future life and as the years passed he saw it gradually develop, until today he enjoys the distinction of being one of the best veterinary surgeons in this section of country, if not in the state. As a boy it was his delight to subdue wild and unmanageable horses, those that were considered impossible to handle by others, and his feats along this line soon gained him great fame throughout different parts of the west. He became very proficient in the saddle and in riding the wildest of bronchos, many that he conquered having been considered invincible. He was no less successful as a rough rider and he accomplished feats at long-distance riding that seem incredible. His ability as a rough rider made him a prominent figure in the sawdust ring, for no wild-west show was considered complete in which he did not figure. After the completion of his medical studies Dr. Derrick took up the practice of veterinary surgery, first in Ukiah, and while there was also county veterinarian of Mendocino county. In 1906 he returned to his old home town of Vallejo and opened the Capitol street stables, a modern veterinary hospital located at No. 528 Capitol street, where he is equipped to cope with all the ailments to which the horse is heir. In addition to caring for his private practice he holds the position of veterinary surgeon for the United States government at Mare Island navy yard. Dr. Derrick took up his professional duties with the sanction and approval of the Detroit Veterinary Dental College, from which he graduated with the degree of D. V. D., and from the Veterinary Science Association of London, Ontario, he received the degree of V. S. To both of these well-known insti- tutions he has been a credit and the veterinary field has benefited by his activities therein. Fraternally Dr. Derrick was made a Mason in Golden Thistle Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M., of San Francisco, and he is still affiliated with the order. WILLIAM HENRY BUCK. ■ Cortland county, N. Y., was the birthplace of Mr. Buck and September 13, 1846, the date of that event. The training which he received in the public school of Seneca Falls was supplemented by instruction in a local academy. At the age of nineteen he went as far west as Wisconsin, being located at Viroqua for three years, when he went to Iowa and Dakota and finally returned to Iowa. The year 1881 is memorable as the time of his removal to Cali- fornia and his settlement in Vacaville, Solano county. At the age of seventeen years Mr. Buck enlisted his services in the cause of the north, volunteering in March, 1864, and becoming a member of Com- pany G, Third Regiment of New York Light Artillery. Serving until the close of the war, he was then honorably discharged at Syracuse, N. Y., in July, 1865. After his discharge he remained at home for six months, when with his brother. I. K. Buck, he engaged in a mercantile business in Viroqua, Wis. This partnership was also continued in Iowa and Dakota. When Mr. Buck came to California he bought land and engaged in the fruit business, and he has followed this business successfully ever since. He now has about seventy acres in a variety of fruits suitable for shipping pur- poses, such as cherries, plums, pears and peaches. Almost the entire acreage was set out under his supervision, and it was only after a number of years of experimenting that he finally selected the varieties that were best adapted to this vicinity. His property is divided into two tracts, fifty acres lying five and a half miles northwest of Vacaville, and twenty acres four miles from town. The place is improved with packing houses and all modern improve- ments, and Mr. Buck superintends the management of the business from his residence in Vacaville. In Iowa, in 1876, five years before he came to California, Mr. Buck was HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES s«»5 married to Miss Jennie Griffith, a native of Illinois, and three daughter* were born to them: May 1\., who married Fred W. Bullock and now residing in Woodland; Mamie I'... at home with her parents; and Lillian ('., the wile o| Chris 11. Seiber, they and their two children residing in Woodland. Mr. Buck was made a Mason in Yiroqua. \\ is., and is now a member of Vacaville Lodge No. 134, F. & A. M.. also a member of Chapter No. 81, R. A. M.. and Vacaville Commandery No. 38. K. T. With his wife and daughters he is a member of Vacaville Chapter. Eastern Star, in which all take an active part. Mr. Buck is also a member of Lyon Lost. G. A. R., and politically he is a Republican. GEORGE H. RUSS. Closely associated with the development of Vallejo. having by his pro- gressive spirit and practical generosity materially aided in all municipal movements, Mr. Russ, now retired from active life, ranks among the most influential citizens of that community. His father, William Russ, a native of Camden. Me., was a ship caulker by trade, maintaining his establishment until his death. He was the son of William Russ, Sr., of Massachusetts, who faithfully served in the war of 1812, his death occurring in Camden, Me. Frances i Larkman ) Russ, the mother of George H. Russ, was born in Camden, Me., the daughter of William Parkman, a native of Massachusetts, who passed away in Maine at the age of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Russ spent her last years with her son in Vallejo, Cal., her death occurring at the age of eighty five. Of her two children the eldest was Harriet, later Mrs. George W. Simonton ; she died in Vallejo in 1869. George H. Russ spent his early boyhood in Rockland, Me., where he was born May 13, 1833. In 1837 he was taken by his parents to Camden, that state, where he graduated from the public school at the age of twelve, and immediately secured a situation on a farm. Four year later he became a carpenter's apprentice in Belfast, Me., and upon completion of his trade located in Boston, Mass. In 1855 he journeyed to Louisiana, thence to Texas, where for several years he followed his profession of contractor and builder, working in Houston, Galveston and other cities. In 1860, with a party of eight young men he started on horseback for California. Needless to say, many turned back, only Mr. Russ and one companion (Alfred Chamberlain) pressing on despite both danger and hardship. Later they were joined by two other travelers quite as determined as themselves to continue the jour- ney, which became more hazardous each day. However, being well armed and exceedingly courageous, they were enabled to vanquish their frequent assailants, the Indians, who at that period beset the plains, and after six months of weary travel, amid constant danger and semi-starvation, they again reached civilization. From San Pedro they took a steamer to San Francisco, where Mr. Russ engaged in his trade for a time, later becoming a prospector in Amador county. Cal. Shortly thereafter he became a soda water manu- facturer at Jackson. Amador county, subsequently engaging in the same in- dustry in Santa Rosa. Modesto and Fresno, meeting with great success. In 1889 he settled in Vallejo. where for many years he took an active part in the development of the city, retiring in 1900 to his commodious and well appointed home at Capitol and Sutter streets, which corner he had previously highly improved. Mr. Russ was married October 19, 1856, in Belfast. Me., to Miss Jane B. Green, a native of Belfast and a daughter of David Green, of Massachu- setts. At the age of eight years Mr. Green went to sea as a cabin boy. rising to the position of captain. During his eventful career he made sixty-three voyages between Boston and the West Indies, but was quite happy in his 896 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES precarious position, life on the ocean proving fully as free and fascinating as he had dreamed it would be. At the age of sixty-eight he retired to his home in Belfast, where he died in 1854. His wife, formerly Nancy Wilson, born in Maine, died in San Francisco at the advanced age of ninety-one. A brother of Mrs. Green, Nat Wilson, who served as a lieutenant under Gen. Andrew Jackson during the war of 1812, was later appointed by President Jackson as purser, now known as paymaster, of the navy, his commission, signed by the president, now being in the possession of his niece, Mrs. Russ. Col. Jonathan Wilson, grandfather of Mrs. Russ, represented the district of Maine in the Massachusetts legislature for many years. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. David Green, Mrs. Russ is the only one living. Her courage and womanly help have been an inspiration to her husband, whom she joined in California in 1863, traveling by way of the Isthmus. A stanch Democrat, Mr. Russ has ever maintained an intelligent interest in political affairs in general, his citizenship never having given cause for adverse criticism, and in the afternoon of his career he enjoys with his wife, a large circle of friends. SILAS S. SHOOK. The narrow strip of land extending northward from the main portion of the state of West Virginia, bounded on the west by the Ohio river and on the east by Pennsylvania, contains within its limited area the county of Marshall, which, although circumscribed in influence and importance, comes within metropolitan activities by reason of its close proximity to Wheeling as well as a number of prominent cities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. That region formed the headquarters of Mr. Shook for forty years. There he was born April 19, 1860; in its schools he received a fair education and on its farm lands he learned the principles of agriculture. Indistinct memories of the Civil war fill his recollections of those days of early childhood, while with vivid distinctness he recalls the poverty and suffering that ensued upon the conflict between the north and the south. Identified with the early history of Virginia, the Shook family bore an honorable part in the agricultural development of the Old Dominion. Henry and Louisa (Caldwell) Shook, respected residents of the state, be- came the parents of seven children, as follows : Henry J., who married Birdie Fuchs and became the father of three children ; Silas S., whose name introduces this article; Mary V., Mrs. John Ransom, the mother of two chil- dren ; Sarah E., who is married and has three children ; Russia C, Mrs. Isaac Yates, the mother of four children ; Louisa J., Mrs. Charles Caldwell ; and Verona, who married Charles White and became the mother of two children. Upon the first visit to California made by Mr. Shook he worked in the employ of agriculturists and also rented one hundred acres of grain land. At the expiration of two years he returned to West Virginia, but in 1906 he once again came to the coast country, this time settling in the Napa valley, where he bought and still owns fifteen acres of fine fruit land. Of the tract he has nine acres in prunes. The balance is in a vineyard, from which in 1910 he harvested twenty-one tons of grapes. During the same year he sold seven tons of dried prunes from his orchard. The land has proved a profitable investment and he has had no reason to regret the decision that brought him to the west as a permanent resident. While a citizen of West Virginia and a farmer of Marshall county, Mr. Shook was united in marriage with Miss Anna R. Coffield, a Virginian by birth and education. One daughter came to bless their union, now Mrs. Carrie Connors, of Napa. Mr. Shook is intensely devoted to his three grand- children, Earl S., Pearl and Virginia, who are bright and promising children. I ■ ' i (i * % ' HISTORY OF SOLANO U*D NAPA COUNTIES 899 Ever since early life Mr. Shook has been identified with the Methodist Epis copal denomination and has been a generous contributor to its missionary enterprises, its charities and its current expense fund. Reared in the Eaith of the Democratic party, he still favors its general principles, but he has come to believe thai prohibition of the sale «>i liquors is as important to tin- wel fare of the nation as is the correct settlement of the tariff question. Both in theory and in practice he is a Prohibitionist. By precept and example he lias given that movement his support and us local progress may be attributed to the energetic and intelligent support of such citizens as Mr. Shook. JOSEPH GYTE. Before the commencement of the reign of good Queen Victoria in Eng- land, in the >car 1830, Joseph Gyte was born among the beauties and the glories of the hills and dales oi Derbyshire. He was educated in the public schools oi England and for some years afterward he remained there, true to the traditions of his fathers and loyal to the institutions of his native land. But the traditionalism ami the conservatism of England presented no very u-reat opportunities for the young man to rise in the world, so we find him, at the age oi twenty-five, coming to America on a sailing vessel, landing in New York. Going to Wisconsin, he followed farming in Dane county for a f e w y e In 1863 Mr. Gyte came to California and has since resided in this state. He came via the Isthmus of Panama and at once proceeded to Napa county, where he obtained work on the Trubody ranch. Napa valley, remaining at this place for six years. Having saved enough money in the meantime to purchase a place of his own, he secured one hundred and sixty-five acres of 1 land eight miles north of Xapa, on the east side of the valley, where he now resides. The place has greatly improved under his directing hand and he has shown himself to be a man possessing resourcefulness and the power oi industry. He raises grain and stock and runs a small dairy of nine cows. The product of the cows is separated and the cream supplies the dairy. The ranch is known as Madrona Terrace, he so naming it on account of a two acre grove of Madrona trees upon it. Although over eighty years of age Mr. Gyte is hale and hearty, due to an abstemious life and an ob- servance of nature's laws. In 1900 he accomplished a long-cherished desire to visit his old home in Derbyshire. England, spending about two months in his buy hood home. In Middleton. Dane county. Wis., Mr. Gyte was married in 1856 to Miss Maria Goodwin, who was born in Derbyshire. England, and came to this country with her parents in 184 f >. Their children are Mrs. Anna Lafayette Smith of Xapa. and Esther, who is interested in educational work. In spirit Mr. Gyte is a Republican, although he believes in voting at the local elections for the man who stands for the best interests of the place. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Napa. PHILIP ELTIN A native of the east. Philip Elting was burn in New Paltz, Ulster county. N. Y.. lulv 5, 1834. and was reared on the farm of his parents. Moses and Phoebe (Vredenburgh) Elting. His early experiences call to mind the old homestead farm, where he learned farming and was thus enabled to under- take and make a success of agriculture in after life. ' >n July 5, 1870. he left the old home and came west to California, settling in Knight's Valley, Sonoma 900 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES county. He was given full control of the old Knight ranch of thirteen thou- sand acres and for three years he demonstrated his ability as a farmer by managing this large property to advantage. It was in 1874 that Mr. Elting first came to Napa county, settling at this time in St. Helena, where he has pursued the calm and even tenor of his way ever since. Here, in the salubrious climate that has won this county a name, he lives his life, basking in the twilight of work done and opportunity accepted. Mr. Elting enjoys the distinction of being the only one living at St. Helena of the seventeen original charter members of the Presbyterian Church of this place. The other sixteen have been called to their rest or have re- moved, and their one-time comrade continues the work they commenced together, by being a zealous and energetic worker, in spite of the encroach- ment of years. Mr. Elting has been an active participant in the growth and advancement of this section of the community and has ever supported those measures of political economy that tended to this end. CARLO CEREDA. Mr. Cereda's financial standing in Solano county rests upon the possession of a splendid ranch of sixty-five acres in the vicinity of Cordelia, under general fruits, and of another tract of sixteen and a half acres under cherries and peaches. These properties, while not extensive in area, are among the best paying in the county. The owner is a man of rare enthusiasm, one who thoroughly understands the scientific aspects of his work, and who correctly estimates his occupation as one of the noblest and most useful of the human race. In the event of retiring from the fruit business Mr. Cereda could earn a comfortable living as a stone-mason, a trade learned in Switzerland, where he was born in Canton Ticino, December 23, 1853. He came to this country at the age of twenty-one years, equipped with his useful trade and a common school education, and in 1875 located in Solano county, Cal., and worked at ranching until 1881. He then returned to his native land to visit his father and mother, both of whom were born in Switzerland, the father dying there in 1907, at the age of seventy-seven years, the mother surviving him until 1909. During his three months' sojourn in his native land Mr. Cereda married Theresa Paganini, a native of Switzerland, and with her returned to the ranch which he since has occupied in the vicinity of Cordelia. Ten children were born to them, as follows : Theresa, Al., Charlie, Frank, Henry, Harry, Samuel, Hannah, Tilly and Baby. Notwithstanding his many home duties Mr. Cereda takes a commendable interest in politics, fraternities and religion, and is a Republican by preference, and socially is connected with the Druids of Napa and the Foresters of Cordelia. JOHN LEPORI. As proprietor of the Vichy Springs near Napa the name of John Lepori has become known over a wide territory, and as a square dealing, upright business man he has gathered about him a business commensurate with his labors. He was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, April 27, 1854, the son of Peter Lepori, a man of large mind who followed the profession of teach- ing in his native country for over fifty years, thereafter retiring and living on a small pension until his death, in 1909, at the age of eighty-five. His wife, before her marriage Pacifica Moggi, had preceded him in death many years. All of their three children came to the United States, and all remained here with the exception of the daughter, Louisa, who returned to Ticino and HISTORY OF sol VNO VND NAPA COUNTIES 901 is now following the profession of teacher there. The eldesl son, Constant, is engaged in the wholesale coffee and liquor business in San Francisco. fohn Lepori was reared in his native locality in Switzerland and there he attended the grammar school, following this foundational training by a course in high school and later a normal course, all of which ably fitted him for the position oi teacher which he subsequently held for four years. Main of his countrymen had come to the United States and made a success of their undertakings and his ambition to do likewise was a worthy undertaking that he carried out in 1875. In the month of July of that year he landed in San Francisco, and from there immediately made his way to San Ji where his brother, Constant, was then living. There he was fortunate in obtaining employment in the paint shop of George B. McKee and he remained with this employer for four years. From San Jose he then returned to San Francisco and engaged in the restaurant business, and subsequently was in the hotel business on Broadway, in the same city. As proprietor of St. GrOth- ard's hotel for twenty years he became well known to the traveling public. After disposing of this hostelry he purchased the Continental hotel in Tela luma, but could not remove there then as it was leased, so instead he came to Xapa. in 1901. and for the past eleven years this has been his home and the scene of his activities. Soon after coming here in that year he purchased land upon which he later discovered a mineral spring. Analysis of the water showed that it was highly mineralized and had a commercial value if prop- erly handled. At first he leased to others, but the arrangement did not prove satisfactory and he was obliged to take the management of the prop- erty into his own hands. Under his oversight and personal management the venture has been a decided success and the demand for the water is con- stantly on the increase. The Xapa vichy water, as it is called, is bottled and sold all over the Pacific coast through agents. As a table water it has no superior, the chemical analysis testifying to its purity, being composed of the right proportions of the carbonates, sulphates, chlorides of lime, mag- nesia and soda. The vichy ranch comprises fifty acres located three and a half miles from Xapa, on the Berryessa road, where the proprietor is also engaged in farming and viticulture, following the latter more as a pastime, however, than as a means of profit, for his income from the springs is amule for his needs. In addition to the enterprise mentioned Mr. Lepori still owns the Continental hotel in Petaluma, the management of which is left to other hands. In San Francisco Mr. Lepori was married to Mrs. Mary Martinelli. who was born in Canton Ticino. Switzerland. Four children w r ere born of this marriage. Virginia. Mary, Clelia and August. While in San Francisco Mr. Lepori was made a Mason, joining Esperance Lodge. F. & A. M.. besides which he belongs to the Elks Lodge at Petaluma. the Druids, the Swiss Mutual Benevolent Society and to the Ticino Mutual Benevolent Society. ALEXANDER A. HYATT. The influences surrounding the early years of Alexander A. Hyatt were so varied and diverse that he developed a personality as unique as it was interesting. Under any circumstances and under any environment he would have been fearless and self-reliant, but these qualities became especially prominent through the circumstances that called them forth. Thrown upon his own resources at an early age, he learned to depend upon himself and not to permit temporary failures or discouragements to lessen his deter- mination to attain success. Whatever of prosperity came to him (and it was considerable) it may be attributed to his own indomitable energy, his 902 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES courage in overcoming obstacles, his quiet persistence in any task attempted and his wide knowledge gained in the school of experience. Mr. Hyatt was born in Westport, Conn., February 14, 1826, and re- mained in his native state until 1849, when at the age of twenty-three years he left for California and came hither in a sailing vessel around Cape Horn. In Westport he was educated and learned the trade of hatter, but after com- ing to California he went into the mines in El Dorado county. Leaving the mines he went into the express business in Georgetown and found much lucrative employment in buying gold and melting the same into bars, which he sold to the banks and Government. In 1872 he took a trip to New York and engaged in business there for three years, at the end of which time he returned to California via Panama. On November 16, 1872, he bought the ranch of forty-nine acres which his widow now owns, about two and one- half miles east of Vacaville. This ranch is a prosperous one and is all planted in fruit trees, peaches, apricots and prunes principally. On April 2, 1862, Mr. Hyatt was married in Placerville to Mrs. Anna E. (Davenport) Merchant, the widow of Marcus A. Merchant. A native of Vermont, he came to California in 1849 across the plains and died in 1859. Mrs. Hyatt was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., the daughter of Valentine and Mona (Palmatier) Davenport. She came to California by way of Nica- ragua and joined her husband in Georgetown. She has an adopted daughter, May Watt Hyatt, born in Washington territory in 1882 and now Mrs. John T. Martin, of Watsonville. The death of Alexander A. Hyatt occurred November 17, 1902, remov- ing from life's activities a noble man, an honored husband and a pioneer fruit grower of Solano county. After her husband's death Mrs. Hyatt con- tinued to operate the ranch until 1909, when she leased it and purchased a home in Vacaville, where she now resides, her sister, Janetta Davenport, making her home with her. Mrs. Hyatt is a woman of many fine qualities, and her many kindnesses to those who have been less fortunate than her- self have endeared her to all. WILLIAM S. GODFREY. The present supervisor of the fourth district of Solano county is William S. Godfrey, who was born in Girard, Erie county, Pa., in 1862. When he was four years old his parents removed to Wellsburg, Pa., and there he attended the common and high schools. Remaining on the home farm until he was eighteen years old, he then went to the northern part of Michigan and entered the lumber business, subsequently going to Indiana and remain- ing there until coming to California in 1881. His first home in this state was in Dixon, Solano county, where for seven years he was engaged in agriculture. At the end of this time he removed to the vicinity of Vacaville, and this has been his home ever since. On land which he purchased he set out an orchard of thirty-six acres, a specialty being made of prunes and peaches. He later sold this property and has since made his home in town. In 1883 Mr. Godfrey married Miss Ella L. Brown, a native of Solano county, and two children have been born to them. Olive C, born in Solano county, was educated in the public school and in Stanford University ; William S., Jr., also born in this county, followed his public school education by a course in business college in Sacramento and is now proprietor and manager of the Grand theater in Vacaville. Mr. Godfrey's father passed away in Pennsylvania in 1895, and his mother is now living in that state at the age of eighty-seven. Politically Mr. Godfrey is a Republican and fraternally he is a member of Vacaville Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F., Woodmen of the World, Red Men, /$,o*pi£J 0/fc/ also his sister. Elaine Adell. PATRICK GILLON. The enterprises of a growing city attract men into varied lines oi activity. Some there are who identify themselves with industrial develop- ment, others enter the professional arenas and numerous individuals devote their attention to commercial affairs, while a few finance the undertakings necessary to permanent civic progress. It was the field of public and political interests that won and retained the close attention of the late Patrick Gillon, one oi the early settlers of Vallejo and for many years a prominent Memo crat of Solano county. Native endowments qualified him for the intricacies of politics and no one enjoyed more than did he the excitement incident to primaries, conventions and local campaigns. Shrewd Irish wit and a keen sense of humor carried him safely through the most difficult situations and made his presence and counsel effective in the gatherings of his party. while among all citizens he retained a host of friends of varied political sentiments. From his home country of Ireland, where he was born in 1824 and where his ancestors had lived for unnumbered generations, Patrick Gillon came to the United States at the age of fourteen years after a brief sojourn in England. For a time he lived in the south and worked as a hand on a plantation. About 1851 he became a pioneer of California and for the first time saw Vallejo. then a small hamlet of little importance or promise. One <UN in S as belonging to the race thai gave him birth. He was bom in Weisenburg, Bavi rermany, July 13, 1830, a son of Christian and Madaline (Rebes berger) Weinberger. He attended the common schools of his birthplace and remained with his parents until 1S4S. In the meantime, al the age ol four teen he was apprenticed al the confectionery business, which he Followed until March. 1848. \t this time he sel out for America and landed al New York the latter part of May. and there he worked at his trade until 1853. In that year he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked at the confectionery business for a time, after which he went to Indianapolis, lml.. ami began business on his own capital, lie continued this until 1865, when he pur chased a farm in connection with W. II. Ragan and commenced in the fruit and nursery business in Indianapolis and followed this for five years. In 18o ( > Mr. Weinberger came to California on a visit and was so phased with what he saw that he determined to devote his time and energy to build- ing up a business on the Pacific coast. Returning to Indiana in 1870, he disposed ^i his affairs and then migrated to California, settling on a ranch in Xapa valley, near St. Helena, ami thereafter devoting his attention to the manufacture of wine. In this he was successful, as he was in everything that he undertook to do. for he was a steady worker and one not easily deterred. On his ranch he built a fine wine cellar in 1876. He was a mem- ber of the Xapa County Viticultural Society. On January 27. 1860. Mr. Weinberger married Miss Anna V. Van Dok- kuni, oi Cincinnati, Ohio, a native of Paris. France, born November 5. 1838. One daughter. Minnie, was born to this union, December 27. 1861. Mrs. A. Y. Weinberger died in 1866, and in October. 1871, Mr. Weinberger married Miss Hannah E. Rabbc. a native of Xew Albany. Inch, born October 7. 1840. She was a daughter of John II. and Dorothea (Kloening) Rabbe. both na- tives of Hanover. Germany. The father was a merchant in Cincinnati, and there he and his wife both passed away. In that city also Mrs. Weinberger was reared and educated. She became the mother of the following children : Emelia. who died at the age of two years and six months; Hannah, a teacher at Liberty: Marie, who died at six years of age; and John C, in charge of the home place. On her husband's demise in 1882, Mrs. Weinberger took charge of the ranch and has proved herself a capable business woman. Her ranch com- prises over two hundred acres about one and a half miles from St. Helena. Her ability is not only used for the furtherance of her own interests, but also for the progress of the whole Xapa valley. She was the first president of the St. Helena Woman's Improvement Club, holding that office for five years, and is now the first vice-president. GEORGE W. HULEN. A pioneer of California and a man who has seen much of the world dur- ing his lifetime is George W. Hulen, who was born in Boone county. Mo., March 10, 1833, and that state continued to be his home until 1862. It was there that he was educated in the early schools of that day and locality and was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Schuyler county, assisting with the work and early learning the habits of thrift and industry as taught by his parents. William and Mary Hulen. When he was but five years old his parents moved to an adjoining county in Missouri and there he had op- portunity to attend school. In 1862 the family again made a move, this time going to Marion county. Iowa, where they farmed for two years. On May 10. 1864. Mr. Hulen began the overland journey to California, which was marked by many thrilling adventures and dangers. Mr. Hulen was accom- panied by his wife, to whom he was married in Missouri on December 10. 926 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 1855, and who was in maidenhood Lucy Ann Hulett, a native Missourian and a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Weldon) Hulett, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. The party of which Mr. Hulen and his family were members crossed the Missouri river at Plattsmouth and kept on the well-beaten trail along the south side of the Platte river. Near the fort they had to cross the river, there about six miles wide. There being no ferry they caulked their wagon boxes and floated them across with their belongings in them. The current was so swift that they landed about six miles below their starting place. They had about five hundred head of stock and two hundred wagons, and there were about four persons to the wagon. All landed in safety, the men having made a purchase of a small boat for $60, with which they got the women of the party over the river. The emigrants continued their journey toward the Eldorado of their dreams and finally landed in California, via Mud Springs and Hangtown. From Hangtown they went to Elmira, where the Hulen family stopped and Mr. Hulen went to work for his brother-in-law, V. Howkins, on a ranch on Putah creek. Later for three years he farmed for himself on one hundred and sixty acres near that town, then went to San Joaquin county and remained six months. His next location was on one hundred and sixty acres on Maine Prairie, in Solano county, where he resided four years. He located in Dixon in 1874. For sixteen years he carried the United States mail from Dixon to Maine Prairie. He is now residing on four acres, his home place, in Dixon. Wherever he has made his home Mr. Hulen has gained the respect of those with whom he has had business dealings and numbers his friends by the hundreds. To Mr. Hulen his good wife has borne the following named children : Andrew J., Avho married Hattie Reece and with his wife and their seven children resides in Stockton, where he is engaged in the draying business; Stephen W., of Dixon; William F., who married Blanche Logan, who has borne him a son, the family residing in Roseburg, Ore. ; Joseph L., who married Irene Hill and with his wife makes his home in Wooden valley; Fielding C, at home ; George and Mary E., deceased ; Margaret M., who i c Mrs. William Cripps, of Suisun ; Emily F., who is Mrs. Clayton, of Wooden Valley ; and Lucy Edna (Mrs. A. Johnson), who lives near Dixon. FAY W. ROSE. A native of New York, Mr. Rose was born October 7, 1869, the son of Alexander and Caroline (Vahn) Rose. The father was a Scotchman, but having chosen this country as his home, he became a patriotic citizen and when the Civil war broke out he enlisted and did valiant service, participating in the second battle of Bull Run, as well as in other engagements, and at the close of the war received his honorable discharge. The parental family in- cluded five children : Henry, George, Fay W., May and Hattie. The first six and one-half years of Fay W. Rose's life were spent in his native state with his parents, after which he went to make his home with his sister and lived with her for three years. He was cast upon his own resources very early in life and at the age of ten years he began to work for wages on a farm, and thus acquired the training for the work he has followed ever since. Being determined to make his own way in the world in the freer and less hampered life of the far west, he came to California in 1887, having made a part of the long western journey in 1884, when he came as far as Rawlins county, Kan., where he worked on the farm for three years. Arriving in California, he located at Calistoga and for fourteen years worked on different ^F^ i 4h ■^r"' Ar \ f »% ^ ^1 ^ V : " ; ^^1 .* gftt y^-** ^L cJCU^ HISTORY OF SOLANO \\h \ \l'\ COUNTIES 929 ranches. In 1903 he located at Rutherford, where he boughl fifteen acn land and engaged in horticulture. Besides this he also owns a ranch al Calistoga. Mr. Rose was married to Mi>- Ella Brown, a native of Calistoga, and the daughter of Edward and Anna (Sullivan) Brown, natives of [reland. Coming to the United States, they settled in Trey. \. Y., and in 1865 came to California and encased in farming at Calistoga. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have one son. David F. Mr. Rose is a man oi high principles, well liked by all who know him, and politically he is a Republican. OLE NELSON. The farm of Ole Nelson in the vicinity of Vacaville, Solano county, presents many evidences <{ the finest quality. Already he has established a trade in the sale of eggs for hatching, the prices for which vary from thirty- five to seventy-five cents |>er do/en. according to whether they come from the utility (lock or from the fancier's pen. Careful and painstaking in the work, he is prepared for the prosperous management of a hennery and has gained a degree oi success as deserved as it has been desired. It has not been ssible for him, engrossed with the work on the farm, to participate in local enterprises e>r in political affairs, but he keep- posted concerning national is-ues and at the general elections casts a Republican ticket, in local matters, however being inclined toward independence and favoring the men he con siders best qualified to represent the people, irrespective of their opinions concerning governmental problems. WILLIAM SMITH. A lifetime of activity brings to Mr. Smith pleasant memories of business ciations in many portions of the United States and even in Central America. Although to some extent retired from arduous undertakings, he a temperament too energetic to permit of idleness and since he settled in Yallejo during the year 1898 he has been associated with the build- ing business in and near this city. First attracted to this part of the country by reason of government work at Mare Island, he was so pleased with the climate and the environment that he decided to remain here permanently and hence we find him identified with many of the enterprises contributing to local upbuilding. A native of Xew England, born near Manchester, X. H., in 1846. and a traveler throughout much of the country, he has found no locality more inviting than this and no native-born citizen displays a patriot- ism greater than his nor a more loyal devotion to the welfare of the county and state. At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Smith was a lad of fifteen years. Patriotism rose above youth and surmounted the difficulties incident to his acceptance in the service. He was accepted as a private in the Second Massachusetts Battery. Light Artillery, of Boston. Wounded at Pt. Hudson and again at Ft. Banks. La., he resigned his commission as second lieutenant and went to the hospital in Philadelphia, but before the wound was healed he re-enlisted in Company C. Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. This later be- came Company A. which was detailed as General Thomas' guard, remaining as such until the close of the war. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Smith was commissioned a second lieutenant by General Hooker, who complimented him upon his gallantry in action. For four years and three months he re- mained at the front and meantime participated in all the engagements of his regiment, including Fair Oaks, Williamsburg, second battle of Bull Run, Getty>burg, Savage Station. Seven Pines, the Peninsular campaign, the engagement at Xashville and the battle of Baton Rouge, commanded by Gen. I'.enjamin Butler. Under General Stoneman he took part in the last raid through Georgia and Virginia. While serving as lieutenant in charge of Fort Banks at Xew Orleans he became personally acquainted with the illus- trious Commodore Farragut. who later figured prominently in the establish- ment of the Mare Island navy yard. After a long and honorable service, during the course of which he twice had been wounded in battle. Mr. Smith was honorably discharged from the 932 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES army and returned to the pursuits of civic affairs. Throughout much of his life he has devoted his attention to contracting and building. At one time he also owned and superintended a large stock farm in Iowa. After the war he attended Rochester Academy, and later, having worked at the carpenter's trade, he followed that and also superintended the construction of a portion of the state fair buildings at St. Paul, Minn. In the same state he filled important contracts for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. For two years he had charge of government work in Guatemala, Central America, and in Texas he erected the customs house at Sherman and many other substantial public buildings and business blocks. After coming to the west he worked for two years in the Hammond car-shops at San Francisco, later erected the Sonoma Methodist Episcopal Church in Sonoma county and worked as a ship- joiner at the Mare Island navy yard, also engaged in building in San Fran- cisco and Los Angeles. For some time he was the leading contractor at Hay- wards, Alameda county, where he erected thirty-two important buildings and also had the contract for the fine high school. After the great fire in 1906 he erected a number of high-grade flat buildings in San Francisco. Since coming to Vallejo he has aided in the beautifying of the city. On six lots near the public park he erected six comfortable cottages and in addition he built two houses on the corner of Main and Alameda streets, this work being in his own interests, while for others he has built the Brownlee flats, McDonald under- taking parlors and houses for Mr. Bassford in 1911. Memories of old army days find a congenial renewal in the association of Mr. Smith with other veterans of the war, through membership in Farragut Post, G. A. R., and through private friendly meetings. The Woodmen of the World also have the benefit of his interested association with the local camp. In early manhood he married Jeanette Stannard, a native of New Boston, 111., who died many years ago. Of the seven children born of this marriage, four are living, as follows: George E., of Los Angeles; John T., of Vallejo; Eva L., Mrs. Lock, of Vallejo; and Mark C, of Pasadena. Extensive travels throughout the east and west, the north and south, have given him a broad knowledge of our fair land as well as a cosmopolitan liberality of views, so that he is both a well-informed and a broad-minded citizen. LORENSE PETERSEN. A most picturesque mountain home is that of Lorense Petersen, located on the Santa Rosa road, three miles west of Calistoga, where he settled in 1878. He is the happy possessor of one hundred and sixty acres of cultivated land, and his residence is surrounded by palms, orange and lemon trees and beautiful flowers. Born in Sondeborg, Denmark, February 15, 1843, Mr. Petersen was a mere boy when he began to follow the native bent of his ancestry and went to sea, sailing to all parts of the world. In his sailing experiences he rounded Cape of Good Hope twice, and also Cape Horn twice, and was shipwrecked in 1863 on the coast of Holland in the German clipper ship Helgoland, when all but four of the crew were saved. After following the life of the seaman for ten years in connection with the shipbuilder's trade he made his last voyage from Boston to Japan on the King Philip and from there ran to San Francisco, arriving in this present-day metropolis in 1868. He remained for ten years working as shipwright in the yards of San Fran- cisco, and then, in 1878, came to his present ranch, which he cleared, and upon which he now has seven acres in French prunes and eighteen acres in grapes, the greater part of his land, however, being devoted to the raising of grapes, from which he manufactures about fifteen thousand gallons of fine wine annually, selling same at wholesale. His ranch is located in the thermal belt and above the frost and for thirty-four years he has not lost a crop by frost. XunuvLci uujLoil&J? HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNTIES the crops maturing early and the fruits are very luscious and rich in flavor. In 1870 Mr. Petersen was united in marriage to Mary Epsen, also a native of Sondeborg, Denmark, they being schoolmates in the land of their birth. From this union wore born six children, three of whom arc living: Christopher I... a minister; Fredericka K.. the wife of C. M. Vandercamp, of Santa Clara county and the mother of four children; and Anna I'., wife of M. 1.. McCladery, of Santa Cruz, who also have four children. In this sun-kissed land of California, with its contrasl to the bleak coast oi their forefathers, Mr. and Mrs. Petersen live to see the fruits of their labors a success, and surrounded by children, grand-children and many friends, are happy in activity and usefulness, loved and respected by the community. LEONARD REDDICK. Long before the railroad had spanned the continent and rendered com fortable the journey from east to west. Mr. Reddick had sought the opportu- nities offered, by the regions beyond the desert and the mountains. In the midst of strangers and without money he had begun life in the coast country. I bscouragements often impeded his progress, illness made inroads upon his once stalwart frame and the discomforts ^i frontier existence were his portion for year- \ ; withstanding these and many other experiences of somber hue, it was bis good fortune to rise to success and to attain financial independence. The afternoon of a useful existence finds him busily engaged in farming and fruit-growing in Solano county, where he has lived for more than a quarter of a century. Never having married, he is alone in the world except for his many stanch friends and well-wishers and excepting also a few relatives back in the east, none of whom but a brother now living in Union City, Ind.. has ever been in the west. The tir-t six months in the life of Leonard Reddick were passed in Fred- erick county. Md.. where he was born January 10, 1834, and whence his par- ents removed to Ohio, settling at Dayton. Montgomery county, and buying raw land in the vicinity of that flourishing town. Ohio country schools gave him a fair education and the home farm afforded him every opportunity for training in the principles of industry, economy and perseverance. At the age of twenty-one years the young man came west as far as Iowa and settled in Mount Pleasant, where he worked by the day. One year later he moved to Jacks' >n county, Mo., and secured employment in a sawmill. At the expira- tion of twelve months he moved to Nebraska and made a brief sojourn in Nebraska City. Early in 1858 he worked for a company at Westport, Mo., that furnished supplies for the United States soldiers stationed at Salt Lake City. During July of that year he and another young man bought a wagon and team of oxen and joined a party of emigrants, forming a train of about thirty-two men. and traveling wesl via Forts Kearney. Laramie and Bridger. From Salt Lake City they turned to the Southern California route, which landed them at San Bernardino. From then- they proceeded to San Pedro and took passage on a. boat bound for San Francisco, where they arrived about the middle of January. 1850. none the worse for their wearisome journey. After a trip to Redwood City and a return to San Francisco, Mr. Reddick secured passage on a boat and went to Portland, working there about six months, then crossed to Olympia. Wash. For five month-- he remained on Vashon island, where he worked at a logging camp. Returning to California in 1860, he began to farm on the Feather river in Butte county, but during the autumn of 1861 he left that region for Nevada, taking a drove of hogs to Vir- ginia City, where they were butchered, cured and sold. Other work >rc- sented itself which kept the young Californian in Nevada until 1863, at which 936 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES time he returned to this state and settled in Butte county. Illness prevented him from working for a time, but on regaining his health he again plunged energetically into the first occupation that presented itself. During 1880 he visited in Washington. On his return he settled at Emigrant Gap and worked there for four years, coming thence to Solano county in 1884 and buying one- half interets in three hundred and fifteen acres with J. B. Chinn as a partner, later purchasing Chinn's interest. Twenty acres of the tract are under culti- vation to fruit and there are eighty acres of tillable land, the balance being utilized for the pasturage of stock. It is known as Pigeon Point ranch and lies four miles south of Vacaville and is devoted to horticulture, grain and stock raising. During the season of 1909 there were fourteen tons of dried prunes sold from the ranch at $100 per ton, also one and one-half tons of apricots and three hundred crates of plums, the whole representing a large income in re- turn for the care and cultivation bestowed upon the orchard. To this place Mr. Reddick devotes his entire attention, not being connected with fraternities nor desirous of identification with local affairs nor a participant in political matters aside from casting a Republican vote at the national elections. WILLIAM ALEXANDER JONES. In the upbuilding of the city of Vallejo no man has been more actively interested nor taken a more prominent part than has William A. Jones, who is well known throughout this section of country as an architect with more than average ability. Coming to the locality in boyhood, he recalls vividly the lack of advantages with which the family had to contend as compared to the present day, improvements then undreamed of in home, shop and field, now being accepted and utilized as a matter of course. Flourishing towns and cities have arisen in the meantime, well-kept farms abound,, and many and varied industries have been established during the years that Mr. Jones has been a resident of Solano county. All of this has been of special interest to him, inasmuch as he has had a part in the work of development, and no little of the credit for the high standing of Vallejo architecturally is due to his genius and ability. A native of the east, William A. Jones was born in Eagleville, Rutland county, Vt., September 25, 1859, the son of Marshall Jones, who though a native of Belfast, Ireland, was reared principally in New York City, receiving his education there and also preparing for future years by learning the moulder's trade. Removing to the west in young manhood, he was located for a time in Milwaukee, Wis., but later returned to the east and settled in Rutland county, Vt. There he was superintendent of the state quarries until his removal to Washington, where he was employed in the navy yard. Leaving the east in 1870 Mr. Jones brought his family to California by way of Panama and settled in Lakeport, Lake county, and in that vicinity he engaged in farming and stock-raising for about two years. Coming to Solano county in 1872, he found employment in the government navy yard at Mare Island and ultimately became foreman of the moulding shop, and was holding this position at the time of his death. His wife, in maidenhood Fredricka Lessing, was the descendant of an old German family and was herself born in the Fatherland. Grandfather Lessing became one of the early settlers of Milwaukee and Mrs. Jones was reared and educated in that city. She is now living in Vallejo, and all of her five children are still living. Next to the oldest of the children comprising the parental family, Wil- liam A. Jones was about eleven years old when removal was made to Vallejo, where he continued his studies in the common schools, and subsequently he learned the carriage-maker's trade. He had followed his newly acquired trade only a few years, however, when he turned his attention to architecture, HISTORY OF SOI. WO AND NAPA COUNTIES 937 taking up the study in San Francisco, which included a course in the art institute of that city. His student course in this profession covered about three years altogether, when he put his knowledge to practical use in the office of H. P. Merritt in San Francisco, and subsequently was in the office of Clinton Day. From that city he later returned to Vallejo, where for a time he was employed in the navy yard, and in 1898, just after the earthquake, he became head draftsman in that .'Mice, continuing there until his resignation in 1906. His object in retiring from the latter position was to remove to Reno. Nev., where he drew plans for structures in that city for about two years, after which he returned to Vallejo and established the beginning of the large business which he controls today. Prominent among the buildings that represent his skill and ability, attention is called to the Elks building, the addition to the Odd Fellows' building, the Empress theater, the new Odd Fellows' building, and among the residences, those of G. W. Pennycook, Grant Halliday, W. W. Wilson and many other of the finest and most costly structures in the city. Associated with .\lr. llenning of Sacramento he drew the plans of the new county court house of Solano county, also the county jail at Fairfield. The fact that congenial work means success has been exemplified in the experience of Mr. Jones, who has been successful above the average of those similarly engaged in Vallejo, and those who have em- ployed him once are sure to return to him when in need of work in his line. In Vallejo Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Mrs. Gila Grace Brownlie, who was born in Vallejo, the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Hobbs. Mr. Hobbs was one of the prominent characters in the early history of Solano county, and an interesting account of his life will be found elsewhere in this volume. After the death of her husband Mrs. Hobbs continued the business activities which had engaged the attention of her husband for many years, and among other ventures erected many buildings in the city that ultimately became very valuable. At the time of her death in 1911 she had reached the age of eighty-four years. Born of Mrs. Jones' first marriage were two chil- dren. Mary Esther and Jean Alexander. One child was born of her second marriage, William A. Jones, Jr. As a recognition of his ability to take an active part in municipal affairs, Mr. Jones was in October. 1910, elected a member of the board of freeholders, this body having been elected to frame a new city charter. Enterprising and progressive, and ever alive to the best interests of his home city, Mr. Jones had for some time been in favor of the commission form of government and was one of the strongest advocates in bringing Vallejo under this form of control. Fraternally Mr. Jones is allied with a number of orders, belonging to Xaval Lodge Xo. 87, F. & A. M., of which he is Past Master; Golden State Lodge Xo. 216. I. O. O. F. ; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a charter member of his lodge, besides which he belongs to the Cham- ber of Commerce, the Sierra Club of San Francisco, and the Geographical Society of Washington. WILLIAM SMITH. The life of William Smith began in Orleans, Mass., February 7, 1832, and closed in Xapa, Cal., December 9, 1901. Into his "three score and ten" of years he had crow r ded much, being a man of wide experience and generous heart and well deserving of a place in the annals of this county. Educated in Massachusetts, when he was a lad of seventeen years he boarded a sailing vessel bound for California by way of Cape Horn and finally landed in San Francisco. The attraction in coming to the west was the possibilities of the mines, and he therefore spent some time mining in Placer county. Xot doing as well as he had expected, however, he came to Xapa county in 1850 and 938 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES immediately afterward opened a hardware business with C. Cheeseborough under the name of Smith & Cheeseborough, theirs being the first hardware business established in Napa county. After some time Mr. Smith returned to the east, where he remained for a few years, and then, returning to Cali- fornia, he engaged in the hardware business in San Francisco as a member of the firm of George H. Tay & Company. He remained with this well- known firm for a number of years, and then on account of failing health he retired from active business and came to Napa to pass his remaining years. Here he died, December 9, 1901. His place is vacant and his voice in public affairs is missed, for he was one who took a deep interest in everything that concerned the public welfare. In Boston, Mass., in 1868, Mr. Smith married Harriet A. Jones, a native of that city, and their only child, Alex W., died in November, 1886, at the age of fifteen years. By a former marriage there was one child, now Mrs. Susan T. Hackett. of Napa. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Smith has con- tinued to reside at the old home on First street, Napa. ROBERT B. DEMPSEY, M. D. The medical profession is well represented in Vallejo by Dr. Dempsey, who though young in years has gained a standing in the confidence of his fellow citizens of which many an older man might Avell be proud. A native son of the state, he was born in Sebastopol, Sonoma county, April 24, 1876, the son of Andrew and Maria L. (Bowne) Dempsey, natives respectively of Manchester, England, and Brooklyn, N. Y. Much of the life of the father was passed on the sea. In his earlier years he sailed from English ports with exports from that country, and returned with cargoes of goods for home consumption. After coming to the United States his business was centered largely in transportation and freighting on the Columbia river, where he owned vessels and made a success of his enterprise. He passed away in Vallejo in 1898, some years after his relinquishment of the seaman's life, and his wife survived until 1907. Of the four sons and one daughter comprising the parental family Robert B. Dempsey, fourth in order of birth, was reared and educated principally in Portland, Ore., that being the home of the family while the father was operating on the Columbia river. Following his graduation from high school he matriculated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco, from which he was graduated in 1903 with the degree of M. D. Immediately following his graduation he came to Vallejo and opened an offite for the practice of his profession, meeting with splendid and well deserved success. However, a desire to extend his medical and surgical knowledge led him to take a course in the Post-Graduate Medical College of New York City, which he followed by a prosecution of his studies in London, England ; Paris, France ; and Berne, Switzerland. It was with considerable satisfaction that he returned from this extended course of study and investigation to his former home in Vallejo and resumed the practice he had laid aside temporarily. To- day he is regarded as one of the most reliable and thorough-going medical practitioners in Solano county. In order to keep in touch with the advance- ment that is continually being made in the medical profession, he holds mem- bership in County, State and American Medical Associations, in leading circles of which he is highly esteemed as an acquisition to the profession. When the city of Vallejo was in need of capable men to assist in the reorganization of the old charter, she chose from among her citizens those who had her best interests at heart and in whom the utmost confidence could be placed. It was therefore a compliment to be chosen to the membership of the Board HISTORY OF SOL wo AND N \P\ COUNTIES 941 of Freeholders, an honor which came to Dr. Dempsey in October, 1**10. fol- lowing which he and his colleagues drew up the new commission form of charter under which the city is now operating. As physician and citizen Dr. Dempsey is a shining li.^lu in Vallejo, and as he is a young man, the honors that have come to him thus far both from a professional and municipal standpoint arc bu1 a foretaste of what he may reasonably expect in the years to come. ALBERT ROSEL. It is said y>\ the German thai thrift is a national characteristic. Be this as it may. this quality is most admirably evidenced in the large, well-managed ranch of Albert Rosel. Born in Saxony. Germany. December 9. 1861, he resided there until he was twenty years of age, receiving his agricultural training and what education he was able to acquire by his own efforts. Tims in his early manhood, with a stalwart frame, alert mind and a willing heart as his chief assets and with the ambition born of youth to surmount all ob- stacles, he embarked for this country, landing in N'ew York City in 1881. After following farming near Rochester for two years he traveled to some extent, visiting Chicago. St. Paul, Sioux City and Kan>.i< City, in the last mentioned city engaging in the dairy business. During the years that he continued in that business he was very successful, but the same cannot be said of his -rain speculation there. Me came to California in 1892, and lure, with the advantages of an equable climate and fertile soil, he has been enabled to bring about marvelous results on his ranch. This ranch consists of two hundred and seventy-eight acres located at Coombsville, one and a half miles from Xapa. One hundred and seventy acres are under the plow, one hun- dred acres in corn, sixty in wheat, thirty in fruit, ten in oats and the balance in pasture. Mr. Rose! runs a dairy on his place, having twenty-five fine cows. and owns seventy hogs and ten horses, but in addition to all this, he is making a specialty of poultry and now has eight hundred young chickens, aside from five hundred hens and roosters, and is planning to have fifteen hundred hens next season. In Kansas City. Mr. Rose! was united in marriage to Frances Schults. a native of Wyandotte county. Kans., and of German descent. They are the parents of seven children : Albert E.. Fred. 'Ralph R., Raymond, Mabel, Laura and Frances. The oldest child was graduated from school in Coombs ville, and four are now attending school. Mr. Roscl takes just pride in giving to his children all the advantages of which he himself was denied in his youth. In his political affiliations he is a Socialist. ARCHIE P. McMATH. An informing experience as a hunter in different parts of this stale is a valued possession of Archie P. McMath. When in reminiscent mood he delights to narrate his thrilling adventures to young men. Born in 1X47 in Niles, Mich., he left his native state when he was nine years old and. with his parents, came to California via Panama and settled in Marysville. There he remained eleven years. In 1868 he went to Lake county and hunted on the Eel River, sometimes with his brothers, at other times alone. llis skill and prowess as a huntsman were widely recognized. On one occasion he was attacked by a wildcat which sprang upon his back, and after a fierce >true^le he managed to dispatch the animal, but not without receiving a number of wounds. One season he killed about one thousand deer. lie made a specialty of trapping foxes in which he was assisted by his brothers. 942 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES In those days trapping was a very remunerative business, as high prices were paid for the hides secured. The fisher was worth $7 to $9, the silver gray fox $50 to $75. In connection with trapping he operated a sheep ranch. The brothers separated, and Mr. McMath moved to Hanford, Kings county, Cal., and thence to Solano county, where he assisted in the construction of the railroad of the Southern Pacific Company from Sacramento to Vallejo. Mr. McMath married Miss Josephine Saunders, who bore him four sons and two daughters : Robert F., Stanford, Archie, Irwin B., Harriet E. and Carrie J. Harriet E. married Mr. Frank Shirley, of Dixon. Carrie married J. M. Connor. Robert F. married Maude Bristol of Vacaville. Stanford lives in Idaho. The two younger boys have three steam traction engines and are engaged in drilling wells in California and New Mexico. Some years ago Mr. McMath bought a ranch two miles north of Elmira, later he bought another farm property, and now he owns a hundred and thirty-five acres, devoted to alfalfa, dairying and gardening. In 1908 he raised five thousand pounds of berries from only one-third of an acre. There are three gasoline pumping stations on his property, supplying the means for a splendid system of irrigation. Politically Mr. McMath is a Republican. He believes that the way to successfully cope with the disastrous forest fires that have been raging of late is to burn the forests out each season. He argues that this, under right supervision, will be effective. A man of 65 years, Mr. McMath has learned many lessons in the school of experience and is ever ready to help men of the present generation by narrating his ups and downs, his trials and perils, his struggles and successes for their instruction and encouragement. He is re- spected by an admiring circle of acquaintances. LOUIS ARTHUR SACKETT. In Louis Arthur Sackett, California has a native son who has made good by showing to the world that he possesses the indomitable energy and keen wisdom that are essential to success. His experiences have been many and varied, but he has always been able to turn to good advantage the different situations in life in which he has found himself from time to time. Mr. Sackett was born near Winters, Yolo county, October 2, 1870, son of Buel L. and Frances (Williams) Sackett. Mr. Williams came to California in 1851 and is a citizen of Alameda. When he was four years old Mr. Sackett was taken by his parents to Oakland. Another four years and the family was re-established in Yolo county, whence it moved in 1887 to Solano county. As a young man Mr. Sackett spent about ten years in the mines and there he learned well those hopes and aspirations that burn within the miner's breast as day after day he is lured on to seek precious metal. A portion of his time has been spent in San Francisco. Ten years ago he came back to Solano county with a valuable experience and a supply of hard earned money. Two years later he bought the ranch he now occupies. This is very fertile soil, embracing some one hundred and sixteen acres. Over one-half of this holding is in orchard, the major portion in deciduous fruits. Seven acres is set aside for the cultivation of oranges and lemons. Mr. Sackett has the noteworthy distinction of having the largest orange grove in the county. The thrifty appearance of his ranch bespeaks volumes for the care and at- tention he has so energetically bestowed on it. In fact the whole of his time is devoted to fruit raising, at which he is very successful. His oranges are of superior quality and command the highest price in the San Francisco market. From thirty lemon trees he received $300 in 1912. He has lately installed a pumping plant of sufficient capacity to irrigate his entire orchard. In 1891 Mr. Sackett married Miss Clara Graham, a native of Dayton, Cal., HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 943 who lias borne him a son and a daughter, named respectively. Sanford B. and Dorothy. Mrs. Sackett's parents, Charles II. and Mary (Newton) Gra- ham, live in Solano county. Mr. Sackett is a member of Buckley Lodge No. 195, F. and A. M.. of Winters. Cal. Known as an ardent advocate of good roads he takes every opportunity to champion the cause of this public necessity. He has won and retains the good will and esteem of the people oi his district and all who know him arc ever ready to attest to his breadth of mind, goodness of heart and kindliness of disposition. MARTIN JOHXSOX. One of the substantial citizens of Elmira township is Martin Johnson, who came to America in 1871. a poor and friendless young man of twenty- one, and by undaunted courage, tireless energy and upright methods, has risen to a position of prominence in his community. lie was born in llalland, Sweden. July 18. 1850, and when he had obtained a good education was well equipped mentally to fight the battle of life in a new and prosperous land. After he had spent fifteen months in Chicago working at the carpenter's trade, he came to California and located in Casper, Mendocino county. Four years later he went to Sacramento, and afterwards located in Solano county, where he has since farmed successfully. In association with his brother Andrew he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land three miles and a half north of Elmira. To this purchase others were added till they owned six hundred and forty acres of fine ranch land. In 1899 they leased the Chand- ler ranch, the operation of which Mr. Johnson superintended and on which they raised grain and hay and draft horses. Shropshire sheep and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Johnson's special pride is a valuable full blooded black Percheron stallion. Brutus, that may be seen in his stables. Politically Mr. Johnson is a Republican who believes in giving to his party a stanch support. He was married in Dixon in 1897 to Minnie Carlson, a native of Vermland. Sweden, who came to California in 1890, and the two live together in much felicity, enjoying the social attentions of their numerous loval friends. ANDREW JOHNSON. From Sweden, that rugged land of ice and snow, there have come many men and women to avail themselves of the freedom and attendant joys of this great republic. Most of them inherited the strong characteristics of the ancient Xorsemen whose influence was strongly felt in Europe centuries ago. Of such birth and national characteristics was Andrew Johnson, born October 1. 1844. At twenty-five years of age he was, by education and ex- perience, at least partially fitted to assume new responsibilities in this great western land. Arriving in New York, he went, after a time, to Connecticut where he found employment on a railroad. From the Nutmeg state he went eventually to Chicago. After laboring there three years he came to San Francisco, Cal. He worked in a sawmill in Mendocino county for four years, then returned to San Francisco, only to move again, this time to Solano county. In this well known region he successfully established himself as a rancher. Here he and his brother owned six hundred and forty acres of land, well suited to farming. They leased other land and farmed in all twelve hundred and eighty acres, devoted chiefly to grain, and, running a combined harvester, they cut on the average about one thousand acres a year. Politically Mr. Johnson was a Republican, holding strongly to the tenets of his party. He married, in Solano county, Bertha Petersen, a native of il o Km i— i p o M Ph P 05 Q H «! I— I f Oakland. There he fanned on an extensive scale, having eight hundred acres of land under operation. This he cultivated to wheat, raising some stock. For twelve years Mr. Christensen rated there with much success, then went north to Butte county and took Up orange raising. The land that he cultivated he had to clear himsch ami then plant to trees, lie had twenty acres of tine navel oranges and grape fruit, and owing to the tact that the crop comes very early in that section of the state he made good at his enterprise. Mis fruit was shipped to the east early in November of each year. Mr. Christensen came to Napa county in 18% and bought his fine ranch on the Big Ranch road, four miles north of Napa. It comprises one hun- dred and twenty-seven acres, the soil being from fifteen to twenty-five feet deep, and is especially well adapted for horticulture and the raising of black oats and other grain. Mr. Christensen grows wheat and oats. The former runs from nineteen to twenty sacks to the acre and the latter from twenty to twenty-five. In earlier days he raised corn, harvesting about two tons to the acre. He also raises fine high-grade draught horses, for use on the ranch, which as he has improved it is considered one of the best in the county. In San Francisco, in March. 1884. Mr. Christensen married Miss I'rede- ricka Petersen, who was born near Abenrade, Denmark. The following named children blessed their union: Louisa, wife of Wm. Pratt of Oakland; Anna. wife of Andrew Piatt, of Napa valley, and Mena, a baker in Oakland, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Christensen are well liked and progressive, and every just and worthy cause receives consideration at their hands. Their experience in other sections of the state has enabled them to make a success of their enterprise here. Indeed. Mr. Christensen is conspicuous among the up-to-date men who are giving Napa county an enviable reputation throughout the state and in distant markets. EDWARD GERALD MANASSE. That prominent citizen of Napa, Edward G. Manasse, is proud of the fact that he is a native son of Napa count}-. Cal., for the records of his own county show that he was born in Napa August 16, 1872. He has established himself strongly in the hearts of the people of his county and city, not only because he has the qualifications of a good business man, but also because of the largeness of his heart and the kindliness of his attitude towards all. As a young man, Mr. Manasse had the advantages of the splendid public school system of this county and studied assiduously to gain useful knowledge. At the age of eighteen years he entered the employ of the Sawyer Tanning Com- pany and for about nine years was a faithful employee and always an inter- ested workman. So closely did he apply himself to the mastery of the details of tanning, under his father's direction, that he was, about 1894, made super- intendent of the tannery, a position of responsibility which he has since filled. On the death of his father, in 1899, he took his place as treasurer of the com- pany, which office also he has filled to this time. Always careful and con- servative, he safeguards the interests of the company in a manner to make his administration noteworthy. In the last decade the plant has been prac- tically rebuilt and tanning and tanning methods have undergone great im- provement. Mr. Manasse's superintendency of the building-up of the plant to its present importance and efficiency and to its well merited rank among the leading leather-making concerns of the United States, has been widely commented on. Mr. Manasse was elected a member of the city council of Napa in 1901 and is now serving his third term in that capacity. As councilman he has 950 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES given his constituents and supporters every consideration, and all measures fo'r the betterment of conditions in the city in which he lives find in him a worthy advocate. He is a member of Napa Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is Past Grand; and also of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and of the B. P. O. E., in which he has been exalted to be an esteemed Loyal Knight. February 14, 1900, he married Anna Louise Hoff- man, a native of Vallejo and daughter of Nathan and Anna M. (Brown) Perry. Her father, born in Mercer county, Pa., served in Co. K, Sixty-third Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, during three years of the Civil war. He came to California in 1868 and is now a citizen of Napa. His wife, born in Vallejo, died there in 1901. Mrs. Manasse has borne her husband four sons: Gerald, Robert, Irving and Philip. Mr. and Mrs. Manasse are well known in Napa and have the high esteem of a large and ever widening circle of friends, who love them for their sterling sincerity. ANN E. INMAN. Among the prominent residents of Napa is Ann E. Inman, a native of Independence, Mo., and the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Smart) Young, the former of whom died when his daughter was a small child. Ann E. and her mother remained in Missouri until 1853, when they, with the moth- er's sister and her husband, William Clarke, made the hazardous journey across the plains to California, bringing with them five hundred head of cattle. Indians followed them for three days, but did not get any of their stock, and during the long trip Miss Young was ill, so it was with grateful hearts that they finally ended the five-month journey and made settlement in Napa county. Her brother, Elisha Young, and two sisters had preceded them to the west in 1850. In 1859 Miss Young was united in marriage with Hon. Andrew Inman, a native of Tennessee, who came to California in 1849, and from the time of her marriage until her husband's death she lived in Contra Costa county. Mr. Inman was a prominent man there, being a wealthy stockman and sheep raiser with large holdings and very successful in his chosen line of work. He was not only prominent in the industrial life of the community, but also took foremost part in the political affairs of the county, at one time proving his worth by serving his district as assemblyman in the state legis- lature at Sacramento. At the time of Mr. Inman's death in 1868 Mrs. Inman took up her residence in Napa. She recalls the early days of this place, which then boasted only two stores, and there was no railway, the only means of com- munication with the outside world being a stage from Benicia and a small steamer on the river. She has watched the growth and development of the town with keen interest and has contributed her full share to the prog- ress attained. In 1892 she purchased her present place on West First street, just outside the city limits. This is a splendid property, consisting of twenty- five acres of fine fruit trees. She has improved the property to a large ex- tent and made a beautiful home of it, where she resides with her son, Arthur G., who manages and conducts the affairs of the ranch. For the most part the ranch is planted to cherries, pears, prunes and plums. The fine condi- tion of the trees is indicated by the fact that the cherry crop for 1909 amounted to nineteen tons, and of pears, twenty tons. Mr. and Mrs. Inman had three sons, two of whom, William and Charles, are deceased. Arthur G. Inman married Effie Allen, of Sedalia. Mo. Mrs. Inman is greatly esteemed by the citizens of Napa because of her many charities and kindnesses and the worth of her womanly character. A^^^^^ f Randol 1 1 « >1 d- ridge, who served in the Mexican war. and his paternal grandfather was a participant in the war of 1812. \- a boy Mr. Holdridge received such edu- cational advantages as the time and place afforded and at the age of fifteen he wont to sea, and during the eighteen months he was on board ship he fished extensively between Havana and Key West. At eighteen years of age he left home permanently, subsequently embarking on a vessel destined for the Isthmus, his intention being to come to California. The vessel on which he came up the Pacific was very crowded, having about twenty-five hundred passengers on hoard, and after a t ri j > i>\ twenty-one days the hoat finally landed in San Prancisco in 1858. Passengers had to pay $7 per day for room and board. After arriving in San Francisco Mr. Holdridge went to Sacramento and did odd jobs for a while and later drove a four-horse team for a freighter and also ran a threshing machine in Napa valley and also the Sacramento valley. Saving his money he bought a team and commenced Operations for himself, freighting between Sacramento and Auburn. Nevada City and Grass Valley. This he continued from 1858 until 1867. In the latter year he came to Dixon and bought a quarter section of land for which he paid $5,500, and on which he now resides, lie added to his original pur- chase until he owned seven and a half epiarter sections in one body and lying about four miles from Dixon. However, he has given each of his children a farm and now has six quarter sections which he is operating, making a specialty of stock-raising and of raising grain and alfalfa. Mr. Holdridge was married in 1867 to Mary P. Hall, a native of New York who came to California with her parents in 1853 across the plains. In 1854 they started on the return trip east on the Yankee Blade, which was wrecked, after which they determined to remain in California. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Holdridge. Richard A.. Ida M. and Mary Maud. Richard A., a farmer near Dixon, married Anna Brown; Ida M. became the wife of C. Collier, a farmer near Dixon; Mary Maud is the wife of Robert Collier, and they reside at Tremont. Politically Mr. Hold- ridge is a Republican. He is proud of the fact that his first vote was cast in favor of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has voted in twelve presidential elections. Mr. Holdridge makes the statement that he has been off his ranch for only one month during the last forty-five years and he considers his present surroundings practically ideal. The family was bereaved by the death of the wife and mother March 1. 1890, husband and children as well as her many friends deeply mourning her loss. GUY S. HALE. No more live, forceful and enterprising citizen claims Vallejo as his home than Guy S. Hale, an efficient machinist in the employ of the Mare Island navy yard. As far back as it i>- possible to trace the history of the family its members were identified with the Empire state, and William S. Hale, the father of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born and reared in New York state. lie was quite a young man when he ven- tured from the home of his forefathers and settled in Minnesota, locating in Winona county, where as yet few had preceded him. lie was busy breaking the land with ox teams and preparing the land for seed when the war be- tween the north and south, broke out and the call for able bodied men to assist in the restoration of peace found him ready and willing to go to the 43 954 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES front. As a member of the Second Minnesota Battery, Fourteenth Army- Corps, he went to the front and gave valiant service until an accident to his knee confined him to the hospital until he was able to resume his duties on the field, and after the close of the war he returned to Minnesota. In- stead of resuming farming, however, he located in Winona and subsequently accepted a position as machinist in the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad shops at that place. Later years found him in Oakland, Cal., where his sons had located in the meantime, and in Vallejo he died in 1908. His wife, formerly Julia E. Leach, who was also born in New York state, is still living and makes her home with her son in Vallejo. The only other child living of the four who originally comprised the parental family is Harry, who is superintendent of motive power on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, with headquarters at Cincinnati. Guy S. Hale was born at Saratoga, Winona county, Minn., November 5, 1867, and was reared in the city of Winona until attaining his majority. In the meantime he had laid a good foundation in the public and high schools of Winona, and to this he has added a fund of valuable information through reading and observation, to the end that he is now well informed on all general topics of the day, takes an intelligent interest in events of world- wide import, and is an interesting conversationalist. In the choice of a profession Mr. Hale chose the one in which his father had been so successful, and no doubt it was from him that the son inherited his predilection for the machinist's trade. After mastering the trade, having worked at it as an apprentice for five years in the North- western shops, he was employed in a number of cities until 1899, then going to Oakland, where he held a responsible position in the Southern Pacific Company's shops. In September, 1900, he came to Vallejo and entered the employ of the government at Mare Island navy yard as machinist, and as an evidence of his efficiency it may be said that he has retained- this posi- tion ever since, having the confidence of his superiors and the respect and esteem of his co-laborers. Mr. Hale has a commodious home at 532 York street, Vallejo, where, he and his wife entertain the many friends who enjoy their hospitality. Mrs. Hale was before her marriage Miss Emily Watts, who was born near Gains- borough, England. She is the daughter of George and Ann (Longmyers) Watts, who brought the family to America, locating in Beloit, Wis., where he was a merchant tailor. Mrs. Hale was educated in the public and high schools of Beloit. In October, 1910, Mr. Hale was elected a member of the board of freeholders who framed the new charter for Vallejo, a oosition which he accepted with pleasure, for he was strongly in favor of the com- mission form of government and it was therefore a matter of considerable satisfaction to him when his home city came under this form of civic control. While a resident of Minnesota Mr. Hale was made a Mason in Winona Lodge No. 18, F. & A. M., and he is also a member of Oakland Chaoter No. 36, R. A. M. With his wife Mr. Hale is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church at Vallejo, and in the casting of their votes both are in favor of Prohibitionist candidates. JAMES DANIEL DALY. One of the early pioneers of the state was James D. Daly, who was born in Ireland in May, 1840, and came to America at the early age of thir- teen years. His first home was in Hartford, Conn., and it was from there that he set out for the west in 1861, when twenty-one years of age. The trip was made via the Isthmus of Panama, and he arrived in San Francisco in April of that year. Here he learned the trade of a brass moulder and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES followed it during his stay in San Francisco. Going to Bloomfield, Sonoma county, he engaged in raising potatoes there for three years, then going to ntra Costa' county, and from there to lake county, where he engaged in stock raising and also did teaming work For the quicksilver mines in that place. In 1SS5 he came to Napa valley with the intention of making this his permanent home ami he has lived here ever since. In the early days he farmed one thousand acres >.A land which he rented. The home place on which the family now lives consists i<\ a ranch of sixty-eighl acres about four miles north of Napa, and here at the age of seventy-one years he is enjoying the quietude <>i a well ordered and productive ranch, respected by all in the community and held in high regard by his neighbors. In 1863 Mr. Daly was married to Mis> Mary Barry, and seven children were horn to them. William died in June. 1902, when twenty live years old. Josephine died September 1. 1911. The other children are: James A., sccretarv oi the Chamber of Commerce at Napa; John C. a rancher near a: Fannie, the wife oi Charles Parker; Mary, the wife of James Carroll, Napa; Dora, the wife of John I. McDermott. of Napa; and Catherine, the wife of Ed Matthews, of San Rafael. HORATIO XELSOX FOSSETT. Having arrived at the zenith of his life Mr. Fossett can look back over a long life'filled with activities, for he was from youth up temperamentally inclined towards thrilling adventure and daring enterprise. He was born in Pemaquid. in the town of Bristol, Lincoln county. Me.. October 19, 1841. lie did not devote much time to gaining an education in the schools afforded at that time, hut began to follow the sea at the early age of thirteen years, when he shipped with Capt. George Carlton, of Camden, Me., on the R. A. Allen, which sailed to Liverpool. Because of his industry and thrift he was promoted from time to time, and at the age of twenty became second mate of the John Patten of Bath. Me.. William Whctmore. being first mate. In the life of the sailor there came many thrilling experiences for he was twice shipwrecked. For two years he sailed with Capt. John Taylor on the clipper ship Falcon. This was during the war and the ship was engaged in the South African trade. He made several other voyages as mate of different vessels and in 1864 he came to New York on The Guardian, which was built at Damariscotta, Me. At this time he was first mate. Here he was transferred to the ship Kentucky, which left Xew York in February that year and after a stormy voyage of two hundred and six days around Cape Horn, arrived in San Francisco September 23, 1864. This was the roughest trip he ever made, and, wearied of the sea-roving life, he went to Little River. Mendocino county, and worked in a saw mill for one year. Not vet satisfied to settle down to the quiet life here offered him, Mr. Fossett in 1865 joined the Western Union Telegraph Company's expedition to Siberia, where they had a project on foot to put a telegraph line around the world. Mr. Fossett left San Francisco on the ship Palmetto, as second lieutenant under Capt. William Arthur. The vessel first sailed to Honolulu, arriving there July 4, 1866, and from there went to a Russian port. In Sep- tember. 1866. he arrived in the northeastern part of Siberia. He was trans- ferred as nautical engineer to take charge of and run the steamer if the expedition had been continued. He remained for fourteen months with George Kennan. who afterward wrote "Tent Life in Siberia." The twenty men and officers composing the party traveled inland, making a survey of the route for the line, but the project was abandoned and they returned to San Francisco. Here Mr. Fossett worked as finisher in a planing mill for 956 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES eighteen months. During this sojourn in San Francisco his marriage oc- curred, in September, 1869, when he was united with Miss Abbie E. Ruggles, a native of Vermont. Turning his attention to agricultural interests Mr. Fossett purchased one-half interest in a large dairy in Marin county, where one hundred and sixty-five cows were maintained. He remained in the dairy business for two years, when he sold out and returned to San Francisco, working there for the California Furniture Company for two years, and then going to Monterey county, where he took charge of the Insenel grant, remaining there two and one-half years. In 1875 he purchased a ranch of eighty-four acres, devoted to wheat raising, near Suisun, Solano county, and in 1880 sold this property, returning again to San Francisco, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for seven years. On July 2, 1887, he bought his pres- ent place in Napa valley, one and a quarter miles northwest of Napa City, known as Pemaquid. The property consists of fourteen acres planted to orchard, and was purchased from Edward Ryan. Mr. Fossett has made a great many improvements on this fruit ranch and built a good home, to- gether with barns, etc., and now has one of the most productive and attrac- tive places in the valley. Mr. Fossett has taken an active part in the farmers' organization of Napa valley. He is a charter member of the Napa Grange, being the first man to sign. He organized the same and was vice-president of the first Rochdale store at Napa and a director of the same. He is a member of the State Grange and helped to organize the Farmers' Insurance Company and was its first president. In national politics Mr. Fossett is a Republican, but locally he votes for the man he considers best fitted to fill the office. For many years he was a member of the Republican Central Committee. In 1885 he took a trip back to his old home in Maine, where many changes had taken place, and he has since been content to remain in California. C. H. GILDERSLEEVE. No development of the past decade has been more conspicuous than that of the cement industry. The many and ever increasing uses possible to be made of concrete have given to the work great and permanent popu- larity and have attracted to its specialization men of enterprise and busi- ness acumen, noticeable among whom may be mentioned C. H. Gildersleeve, a prominent cement contractor having his headquarters in Napa. As he was one of the first to become interested in cement work, having taken up the contracting business as early as 1894, so also he is one of the most proficient and experienced, a thoroughly reliable workman and careful builder, evincing in every contract the most painstaking industry and superior skill. Of recent years he has given especial attention to large and important contracts, notably those for the building of bridges. Born in San Francisco, September 15, 1869, Mr. Gildersleeve was two years of age when the family came to Napa county and his earliest recollec- tions are of the redwood district where he lived as a boy and young man. At an early age he began to work for wages on farms, but agriculture possessed less interest for him than other lines of activity and he drifted into business affairs. While still quite young he studied the cement in- dustry and learned the exact methods of mixing in order to secure the best grades of concrete. From 1894 he has given his time to the contract busi- ness and has made Napa his home and business headquarters. In this city he has laid miles of sidewalk, has built the foundations of various houses i£. HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 9S9 and had the contract for the stone bridge on Seminary Btreet. Besides his contracts in Napa he has had considerable work in Vacaville, Suisun, Benicia and Fairfield, and lias built concrete bridges in Lake. Calaveras and Solano counties. Among recent contracts were those for four substantial concrete arch bridges across Suisun creek in Solano county and the fine appearance of these structures is a matter >.>\ general comment. The comfortable residence of the Gildersleeve family at No. 504 Semi- nary street. Napa, is brightened by the presence of young people, there being one son Carlton, and two daughters, Norma and Mala. Trior to her mar- riage in 1893 -Mrs. Gildersleeve was Lulu M. Carlton. Born in North Caro- lina, she came to California in childhood with members of the Carlton family and received fair educational advantages in Napa county. In her own circle of intimate friends she is deservedly popular and her attractive characteristics have won appreciated recognition. Mr. Gildersleeve also i-. popular socially and has become prominent in local fraternal work, being especially inter- ested in the Knights of the Maccabees and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. EDMUND GWYNNE W ATKINS. A native o\ England, Edmund G. Watkins was born in Monmouthshire. May 24. 1841. He received a good education in his native land and also acquired valuable experience on the home farm under his father. Cradock Watkins. who was a fanner and landowner. Edmund G. Watkins carried out a long cherished plan in the spring of 1867. when he embarked on a vessel bound for Quebec, Canada. After spending the summer knocking around in the British provinces he started in the fall for California via Panama, land- ing at San Francisco. From there he went to Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras county, but after staying there some time, in the meantime becoming satis- fied that he had no taste for mining, he drifted down into the Sacramento valley, spending a year on the ranch of W. B. Brown, near Rio Vista. In the meantime Mr. Watkins 1 brother had come to California and located at Bellota. San Joaquin county. Mr. Watkins went there to see his brother and subsequently they undertook farming in partnership on a place which they purchased (mostly on time) on the Calaveras river near Bellota. The land was rich but very foul, and sometimes the crops cotdd not be harvested, it then being necessary to burn them off in the fall. There was a fair market for hay to be shipped to the mines, and taking advantage of this Mr. Watkins and his brother farmed their place in a three-year rotation, raising corn, barley and hay with excellent results. In 1881 E. G. Watkins sold his interest in the place to his partner and the following year bought a half section of land two and a half miles south of Davis on Putah creek, for which he paid 831 per acre. On this land he has made his home ever since and is now engaged in mixed farming, rais- ing grain and hay. as well as cattle and hogs. He has a small herd of red polled cattle and Poland China hogs and he receives splendid returns from a twenty-five acre tract on the creek which is in alfalfa. On July 2. 1903, Mr. Watkins met with disaster by fire, which in two hours swept the ranch of crops, fences and buildings and also killed a few head of live stock. Among the buildings destroyed were three barns and a two-story house. In December. 1882. Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Hattie R. Hart, the eldest daughter of John Hart, the well-known Bellota rancher. In De- cember. 1891. Mrs. Hattie Watkins passed away, leaving two small children. John Sidney and Edmund Arthur. In November, 1900. Mr. Watkins married Mrs. Olive Davis, a native of Iowa and a former neighbor at Bellota. Those 960 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES who knew Mr. Watkins in youth predicted that he would make a success of whatever he undertook and the prediction has been more than borne out in his life work. Religiously he is a believer in the tenets of the Baptist faith, and politically he is an independent Republican. A man of broad ideas, he is ever ready to aid every project that tends to uplift humanity or better conditions. SUTTON HAYDEN GLAZIER. The early memories of Mr. Glazier clustered around the then unpreten- tious city of Cleveland, Ohio, where he made his home in early boyhood and where he attended the public schools. In one of the highest grades of the school that he attended was a bright lad nine years older than himself, toward whom he looked with a feeling of affection mingled with awe, for to his plastic mind the older youth embodied all that was ambitious and desirable in life. In later years this same youth attained a world wide repu- tation and went to the grave of a martyred president, the honored James A. Garfield. Cleveland, though the early home of Mr. Glazier, was not his native place, for he was born in the village of Orange, Ohio, December 29, 1840, being a son of Rodney and Charlotta (Ewen) Glazier and a descend- ant of Scotch ancestry. At the age of ten years Mr. Glazier accompanied the family to Michi- gan and settled on a raw tract of land, whence later removal was made to Illinois and a tract secured embracing two hundred acres adapted to the dairy business. The father was a farmer and dairyman and while living in Cleveland had control of the milk business in that city. In 1859 the family went to Denver, Colo., and a year later the father bought a farm in Living- ston county, Mo. Eventually the son left home and started out to earn his own way in the world, for which he was prepared by previous experience at various avocations in different parts of the country. At Leavenworth he met a company in charge of a father and son and equipped with fifty mule teams for service on the plains. As foreman of this train he was promised a salary of $200 per month and started with the expedition for Santa Fe, N. M. En route they encountered many bands of savages and in skirmishes they killed eight Indians, besides wounding several others. On one occasion, when the emigrants had sheltered themselves beneath the wagons and under blankets, the savages approached on all sides and attacked them with poisoned arrows, but by firing from under the blankets they killed several of the red men, receiving in return severe wounds in hands and arms from the poison in the arrows. Upon the completion of the trip from Fort Riley, Kan., to Santa Fe., N. M., the company disposed of the freight and then bought furs and buffalo hides. They returned to Leavenworth with fifteen loaded wagons and sold the freight for $14,000 to a Jew, who loaded the furs on a boat for ship- ment to St. Louis. The owner offered the entire train of mules and wagons for $23,000 to Mr. Glazier, who bought them with no advance payment whatever except the money due him as wages. Within eighteen months he had paid for the outfit. During 1859 he hauled a load of freight to Denver and en route had to wait for grass for his teams. The delay occurred at the Platte river and when finally he reached Denver he sold the outfit for $42,000. The money was invested in mines and they proved worthless. Meanwhile Mr. Glazier had started for New Mexico and had encoun- tered seven feet of snow on the mountains, so that the trip was one of hard- ship and even peril. When he arrived at Santa Fe he sold his coat and bought provisions. When they were exhausted he went without food for three days and then told his needs to the proprietor of a store, who immediately HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 961 gave to him ami his two companions a large quantity of cheese and crackers. The first w->rk he was able to secure was that of cook at $150 per month. Though he was unfamiliar with the art of cookery he put himself undei the instructions of a kindly French cook and (earned to make bread with encouraging success. Deciding to go to Denver Mr. Glazier asked for and secured his wages in food instead of money. Then, with pack burros and several companions, he started on the journey. Water was scarce on the desert and for seven nights their stock returned to the same water-hole. Meanwhile supplies having become almost exhausted, he killed and dressed a coyote, which he took back to cam]) with the statement that it was a coon. Believing the statement the men cooked and ate the animal. After many exciting experiences the party reached civilization and safety. By chance Mr. Gla- zier encountered the' sheriff, a gallant westerner dressed in buckskin, and in his home he enjoyed a dinner as fine as it was ever his good fortune to taste. Besides he and his companions had each a new suit of clothes at the sheriff's expense. That friendly officer had a store and hired Mr. Gla- zier as a clerk, so that he remained, but the others proceeded to the mines and took up claims. Upon returning to Illinois in 1860 Mr. Glazier cast his first presidential vote for Abraham" Lincoln and then proceeded to Michigan, where he en- joyed a pleasant vacation and also had a brief experience in spending some of the money he had very recently made in western mines. The war having just begun he enlisted under Captain Fisher in a Michigan regiment of infantrv and served for three months, meantime participating in the battle of Bull* Run. On the expiration of his time he visited his father in Missouri and there the fighting war spirit, inherited from his grandfather, a Revolu- tionary soldier, and exhibited in the Mexican war service by his uncle, dis- plaved itself when he was threatened by the southerners of the community. Scarcely had he arrived at the parental home when a gang of men came there and started to attack him. but he immediately pulled out a revolver and declared he would shoot the first one who laid hands on him. With that they sullenly retreated. The feeling in the neighborhood was bitter. Factional spirit was strong. Those in sympathy with the Union joined to- gether and recruited horses and supplies. A sister of Mr. Glazier made a Union flag and it was presented to the company, who, carrying that em- blem, marched through the Confederate quarters and took two hundred men with a loss of twenty on their own side. All of their prisoners took the oath of allegiance to the Union and promised to render no further assistance to the Confederacy. During March of 1863 the company was assigned to a cavalry of Union troops and took part in the battle of Pea Ridge and the siege of Vicksburg. While fleeing from Little Rock to Devall's Bluff, Ark., in order to escape from the enemy, the company traveled by night as well as by day. At the battle of Clarendon. Ark., Mr. Glazier was severely ruptured and the horse he rode was shot from under him. Later he lost another horse in battle. General Price was raiding Missouri at that time and the Union soldiers engaged in his pursuit, which gave them an abundance of thrilling experi- ences. On one occasion they captured two hundred and twenty prisoners and took them to Carthage. Mo. While serving as chief orderly Mr. Glazier was transferred to General Sherman's command and took part in the march to the sea, later returning to Nashville. Next he was ordered to Mobile bay to report to Gen. Andrew J. Smith and from there was sent to Browns- ville. Tex., via New Orleans. On the 12th of July he was mustered out at St. Louis as an orderly sergeant, having three times refused a commission as lieutenant. Out of* thirty-eight who enlisted he and five others alone 962 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES returned and as they parted they took down the old flag, endeared to them by many sacred associations, and cutting it into the necessary pieces, each took one away as a souvenir of eventful war times. Shortly after his return from the war Mr. Glazier was made deputy sheriff of Livingston county, Mo. During the period of his service in office he married Miss Mary L., daughter of William and Avaline (Perkins) Moore, the former born in Yorkshire, England, and the latter in Tennessee. Mrs. Glazier was born in Hancock county, 111., but was reared and edu- cated in Keokuk, Iowa. Three children blessed their union, but one of these died in infancy and Eva died in childhood. William H., the only member of the family to attain maturity, is a horticulturist near Napa. Upon com- ing to California in 1872 Mr. Glazier settled at Yuba City, Sutter county, where he worked for Hugh Jones, the inventor of the threshing machine bearing his name. After five years he removed to Colusa county and still later he went to Yolo county, where he carried on a hotel, and also for a time engaged in the meat business. Tulare county was his next location. His efforts there were disastrous and entailed heavy losses. After a short sojourn on a ranch near Stockton he went to Benicia, Solano county. About 1907 he came to Napa county and bought twenty-two and one-half acres in Brown's valley, where he made his home until his death. Two acres of the farm are in fruit and the balance is in pasture. In politics he favored Republican principles and while living in Yolo county he served as deputy sheriff. At one time he was a prominent worker in the local camp of Red Men and in addition he was actively associated with the Grand Army of the Republic. Among his most prized possessions was a badge presented to him by General Phil Sheridan during the war and he also had other relics associated with those stirring times. Mr. Glazier died at his home September 6, 1911, leaving a wife and son to mourn his loss. He was buried at Sutter City in the family lot. Mr. and Mrs. Glazier joined the Christian Church in their youth. EUGENE J. DRUSSEL. The successful and capable manager and secretary of the Guarantee Abstract Company of Napa is Eugene J. Drussel, a native of California, born in San Francisco July 22, 1874, the son of Daniel and Julia (Bonnet) Drussel. A native of Germany, the father came to the United States when a youth in the early '50s. Crossing the plains, he was engaged in mining in Idaho for a time, and later came to California, first engaging in business in Calistoga, Napa county, and later taking up his residence in San Fran- cisco. Throughout his later years he combined mining with the cattle business, and was thus engaged at the time of his death, about the year 1882. The mother was born in Paris, France, where she was reared and educated in a convent. She crossed the ocean and the plains as a ward of Gen. John C. Fremont, and her life abounds in interesting incidents of the early days. She now makes her home in Oakland with her only daughter, Eleanor. Of the four children born to his parents, Eugene J. Drussel was next to the youngest and he and his sister just mentioned are the only ones living. He was educated in the public schools of Watsonville and Oakland and after his graduation he entered the office of Krause & Lyons, abstractors, of Oakland, Cal. For one year he remained in their employ and then went to the Stocker & Holland Abstract Company, of the same city, remaining there for over fifteen years. He then bought out the Alameda County Ab- stract Company, and after running this business for one year he sold out to John McCarthy and associated himself with the Central Title and Insur- ance Company of San Francisco and Oakland. Coming to Napa in 1905 § $ HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 965 he installed the plant of the Guarantee Abstract Company of Napa, and be came secretary and general manager of the same. His years of experience are proving an invaluable asset to him in this capacity, and in his line he is an expert. The Guarantee Abstract Company was incorporated in l'X)5 with the following officers: T. \. Mount, president; \Y. 1). Mackinder, vice-president; W. T. Rutherford, secretary, and the James II. Goodman Co. Bank, treasurer. This company does the major portion of the abstract- ing oi Napa county. In May. 1911, Mr. Drussel was elected member oi the city council of Napa by a large majority, representing the people of the first ward. Ik- has thrown himself in the work with the same zeal and vigor he has shown in his business and this has been recognized in his appointmenl as chairman of the finance committee, while he is also serving with different members of the council on other important committees. Mr. Drussel is a member of the California band Title Association, and the American Association of Title Men. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Native Sons of the Golden West. Woodmen of the World. Fraternal ( >rder of Eagles and Knights of the Maccabees. He was married in 1896 to Margaret E. Callahan, a nativi California, and they have four children. Madeline. Dorothy. Eugene and Elmere. Mr. and Mrs. Drussel are well known in social circles in Napa and have a large number of friends and acquaintances. DITTMER BROTHERS. As an example of the results to be achieved in agricultural pursuit--, when the combined efforts of a number of energetic young men are turned toward the attainment of a single end. mention may be made of the sons of William Dittmer. himself for years one of the industrious and sturdy farmers of Solano county. The family is of Teutonic extraction and the father was born in Hanover May 12. 1820. receiving an excellent education in the schools for which Germany long has been noted. Upon attaining his majority he crossed the ocean to the United States and settled in Missouri, where at once he secured employment as a gardener. Gradually he became familiar with the English language and with the customs of the people among whom he lived. With the increased knowledge of the language, people and the soil he received larger wages and was able to save more for future needs. Although desirous of coming to California immediately after learning of the discovery of gold there, it was not possible for Mr. Dittmer to come until 1854. He then made the long journey via Panama and after two months of travel he landed in San Francisco. At once he went on to the gold mines and for more than eight years he labored as a miner, meanwhile enduring the vicissitudes incident to such an existence. Upon leaving the mines and com- ing to Solano county he invested his earnings in a dairy near Sacramento. which he ran for about three years. In 1871 he purchased land two and a half miles north of Dixon and started a ranch which is now the family home. He was married in San Francisco in 1876 to Miss Eliza Cope, a native of Hanover. Their five sons are Augustus, William, Frederick. Henry and Charles. The three daughters are Mamie. Mrs. Warnken, of Dixon; Elise, Mrs. Morrell. also of Dixon; and Caroline. Mrs. Mohler, of Winters. William Dittmer passed away July 28. 1910. With his wife he was a member of the German Lutheran Church in Dixon. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Dittmer has continued to reside on the old home place and look after her interests. A large area of territory is under control of the brothers, all of whom 966 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES engage in agricultural pursuits. Working in unison, they have been able to achieve greater results than would have been possible single-handed. Be- sides the one hundred and sixty acres at Dixon the mother owns three hun- dred and twenty acres near Winters ; the brothers own six hundred and eleven acres of land in the same vicinity, besides they lease several hundred acres for raising grain. Experience has proved that there are quicker returns from the cultivation of the land than from the raising of stock and the brothers therefore make a specialty of grain, but at times engage extensively in the stock industry and always with considerable profit. None of them has been active in politics, but all vote the Republican ticket in national elections and in local campaigns give their allegiance to the men whom they consider best qualified to promote the welfare of the people. Two of the brothers have taken a warm interest in Woodmen affairs and hold influential positions in the local lodge, giving through its agents to charitable projects and helpless families, while all of the family have been generous contributors to move- ments for the permanent upbuilding of Solano county. JOSEPH ZEBIDEE EWING. Few interesting experiences had broken the monotony of routine affairs in the boyhood and youth of Mr. Ewing, who had been reared on farms in the central states and had received the education common to the middle half of the nineteenth century. Born in Lorain county, Ohio, March 17, 1840, he has few recollections of the place of his birth, for he was only four years of age when the family left that state to locate further west. The first stop was made in Hancock county, 111., near the shores of the Mississippi river. Three years afterward removal was made to DeKalb county, same state, where land was secured, buildings erected and the task commenced of earning a livelihood from the cultivation of the virgin soil. With the eager ambitions of early maturity Mr. Ewing found himself planning for emigration to the west as soon as he had attained his majority. During the spring of 1862 he joined an expedition bound for the west. Three wagons formed the train, which started west with one hundred head of horses be- sides other stock. Guards were stationed at the camp every night. The utmost care was exercised in the hope that the stock might be kept from the Indians. The emigrants traveled without special incident to Fort Lar- amie, thence to Salt Lake and from there to the sink of the Humboldt, next following the route to Virginia City, Nev., and Marysville, Cal., where the company dispersed on the 20th of July, 1862, each one anxious to secure employment without delay. The first work secured by Mr. Ewing was that of teamster between Marysville to Washoe, Nev., later from Washoe to Peace river, and in the third season he teamed from Washoe to Honey lake. Next he took up land in the Surprise valley, Modoc county, where in addition to farming he engaged in teaming for four years." Removing to the coast country in 1876 he took up land in Del Norte county, Cal., and for twenty-eight years he carried on general agriculture there, with a specialty of dairying. By industry and frugality he became the owner of two hundred and eight acres of bottom land and redwood timber on the Klamath river three miles from the coast. Years of toil were devoted to the upbuilding of the farm and in 1894 he disposed of the place, after which he came to the Napa valley and bought one hundred and thirty acres forming a part of the old Yount grant. Ten acres are under cultivation to a vineyard that produces large crops of luscious grapes, while twenty-five acres have been planted to a new vineyard. A family orchard affords fruits of all kinds in their season and there are also twenty-five acres of young fruit trees. The balance of the farm is under HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES cultivation to grain, or in meadow and pasture, the whole forming a val uable and productive tract, known as the Aurilla farm, whose Fortunate owner is regarded as possessing one of the best places in the valley. Mr. Ewing was married in Modoc county. Cal., to Miss Sarah McDaniel, a native oi this state and a woman iA capability and intelligence. They are the parents of three daughters, Ensa 1... Ilertha 1.. and Elma G. The youngest daughter is the wife of Frank Evans and the mother of two chil- dren. Lanty and Rachel. Bertha 1... who received an excellent education in the college at Eureka, Cal., married George Reynolds, of Oakland, and they have one daughter, Elma. It was the aim of Mr. Ewing to give his daugh- ters good educational advantages and he also has been interested in seeing that all of the children of the community enjoy Opportunities for study. In that respect he rendered efficient service through filling the office of school trustee. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order <>i United Workmen. As a farmer and horticulturist he is prudent, resourceful and capable, and by industrious application has won a deserved success, securing from the sale of fruit, grapes, stock and general farm products a neat income each year in return for his care and cultivation. GEORGE FRANK GARDNER. A name well known in Xapa county is that of George Frank Gardner. He was born in Wooden valley September 8, 1855, a son of George Gordon and Sarah T. (Rice) Gardner, the former a native of Arkansas, and a de- scendant of an old southern family. The senior Gardner served in the Mexi- can war and came to California in 1849, soon returning to Arkansas. Later he came again to California, where he remained a short time. He then went to Tennessee and was there married and in 1852, with his bride, came to the Pacific coast, crossing the plains with ox teams and soon afterward settled in Xapa county, where he reared his family, and where he died in 1881. His wife was of German ancestry, and through the Dodsons became connected with that Rice family so well known in Tennessee. The children born to G. G. Gardner and wife were George F., John H., J. B., Mrs. T. I. F. Johnson, and Mrs. G. W. Hill. George F. Gardner was educated primarily in the public schools of the county and in the Solano county schools, completing his studies in Napa College in 1873. He had already entered the business world, at the age of fifteen, being employed by Mansfield & Theodore, in Vacaville. His school days over he entered the employ of Van Beever & Thompson, general mer- chants in Xapa, remaining with this concern through its changes for the fol- lowing seven years. In August, 1881, he went to Lakeport and became manager and part owner of the Farmers' Business Association. Leaving Lakeport in 1884. he located in the Soscol valley. One year later he went lonticello and clerked for G. S. McKenzie, in the general merchandise business. In 1887 he opened the Samuel Springs, at Berryessa, on the Los Putas rancho; these he improved during the following twelve months and, returning to Xapa. became bookkeeper for James & Son. It was during this time that he became interested in politics and was elected tax collector and treasurer of Xapa county and assumed the duties of the position Jan- uary 1. 1893. For two years he served with eminent satisfaction, as was shown by his re-election to the office at the two subsequent elections, and for ten consecutive years he ably filled that position of trust. In the campaign of 1902 he was succeeded in office and then became assistant to his succes- sor, thus giving the office the benefit of his valued services. In all the years that he has been identified with the county he has held the esteem of the people and as a Native Son. he has taken an interest in all its progressive 968 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES movements. Mr. Gardner is an expert accountant and has been called to inspect books in various places. Such a call came to him from Grants Pass, Ore., and after he had completed his work he was employed there by a large hardware firm as head bookkeeper, and is there so employed (1911). November 7, 1880, in the Soscol valley, Napa county, George Frank Gardner married Miss Dora L. Hill, who was born in the Soscol valley in 1858, the daughter of James Hill, who came to California in 1852. Mr. Hill was a well known rancher in Napa county, and while he did not long survive, he made his influence felt and maintained the respect of his neighbors and friends. He died from becoming overheated, while working at threshing, in 1869. His wife, Nancy (Gray) Hill, survived him several years. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner the following children were born : James E., George Cecil and Edgar Frank. They were all born, reared and educated in Napa county, and have become useful and honored in their various places of residence. Mr. Gardner is a Democrat in politics, giving his time and influence to promote the best interests of his party. He is a Native Son, a Red Man, and an Odd Fellow, and has taken an active interest in the different branches of the latter order, and with Mrs. Gardner has membership in the Rebekahs. He has served as vice-president of the Rebekah Assembly of the state. D. J. BROWN. During his life work as locomotive engineer D. J. Brown has driven locomotives in ten states and territories, from Rock Island in the north to Atlanta in the south ; from the West Virginia line to the Pacific coast and south as far as the Rio Grande and El Paso. A portion of his experience was during the Civil war, in which he served as an engineer and also as a volunteer. D. J. Brown was born in Patterson, N. Y., in 1838, moving from there to Cincinnati when he was a boy. His father, who was a bridge builder, built the large suspension bridge at Cincinnati, Ohio. D. J. Brown studied locomotive engineering at the Covington Locomotive Works, Covington, Ky., where he worked as an apprentice and learned to put machinery together as well as learning to run a locomotive. His first employment was in run- ning an engine on the old Lexington and Southern Kentucky Railroad. He was running into Lexington, Ky., at the outbreak of the war, and all north- erners were ordered out of that city. In common with some others, he was given three days in which to make good his exit, for he was looked upon as a spy and a conspirator. A mass meeting was held and threats were made against him. One man in the crowd, who seemed to be a friend, took him to one side and, giving him a pistol, told him to defend himself and they would stand with him. He remained a week, when the committee secured his discharge, when, of course, he left. After leaving the south Mr. Brown enlisted in the army at the first call for troops, being attached to the Second Iowa Infantry at Iowa City. He served with this regiment for three years and saw active service in the following battles: Fort Donelson, Shilo, Siege of Corinth, Battle of Corinth, Iuka and The Hatchie, as well as fighting in several smaller battles. He was mustered out in 1864. For fifteen months he ran an engine on the U. S. Military railroad from Nashville to Chattanooga. He pulled one of the last trains out of Atlanta at the time of General Sherman's evacuation. After the war he ran on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad for three years, and on the Missouri Valley Railroad, from St. Joseph to Kansas City, for five years. Coming to California, Mr. Brown entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Company and remained therein for more than twenty years. He has HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ««»«> been all over their lines in the west and in California, operating their li motives. For six years he was foreman of the Rocklin repair six »p at Rocklin, east of Sacramento For eight years he pulled trains out of the Oakland mole and for five years operated over the Santa Rosa and Napa branch of the Southern Pacific Company's road. It was while on this latter run that he became well acquainted with General Yallejo, who used to ride on his cab and hold many interesting conversations with him. Mr. Brown bought his ranch m the Carncros district in 1SS4. The ab- stract ran back to the Spanish grant and was a part of the Salvador grant. General Yallejo once told -Mr. Brown that at one time he had a grant ex- tending from Petaluma to Suisun and twenty miles back from tide water. intimate were Mr. Brown and General Yallejo that when the latter died the former draped his engine with flags and in black in honor of the friend- ship of the great man. For this act Mr. Brown received a Utter of thanks from the friends and relatives of the deceased General Vallejo. Mr. Brown came to the valley to live on his ranch in 1893, where he has fifty acres of fine land in fruit and grapes. In 1867 he married Kate Barhyte. a native of New York; they adopted a child, who is now Mrs. Nellie Hubbard. Mr. Brown is a life member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Few men have lived a more active life or passed through more trying experiences. JOSEPH OBERTE. The peculiar adaptiveness of the native sons of Italy to the climate, resources and opportunities of California, finds emphatic expression in the success of Joseph Oberte. known to the region about Cordelia as an extensive rancher, and to the town itself as a wine manufacturer, and progressive, en- lightened citizen. The initial experience of Mr. Oberte as a grape grower and wine manufacturer was gained in the vineyards of his father in sunny Italy, where he was born in 1856. His education was limited not only by the scarcity of schools in the rural districts, but by the need of his constant ser- vices in maintaining the home place. Seeing little prospect for gaining a foot- hold in his own country, he came to America, and the extent of his resources may be determined when it is known that on his arrival in San Francisco in April. 1875. he had but seventy-five cents. He hired out to A. B. Passalacqua, in Yallejo. and for three years worked at gardening and in his store, after which he came to Green valley, where for seven years he worked in a vineyard. He continued to accumulate money by spending less than he made, and in May. 1888. he returned to Italy to visit his father, who survived thereafter until 1901. His mother died in' 1867. Mr. Oberte's reward for years of perseverance in his adopted land even- tually took form in his splendid ranch of two hundred and twenty acres, the greater part of which is under fruit. He has improved his leisure by research along many lines, but particularly has acquainted himself with all branches of horticulture, and in this connection is one of the best posted men in the county. In 1885 he established his winery, known as the Green Valley Winery, the annual capacity of which was three hundred and fifty thousand gallons. He also operated a still with a daily capacity of seven hundred and thirty-five gallons. His products had a reputation for excellence extending far beyond the borders of the state, and his business long had been on a sound and paying commercial basis. Unfortunately, on July 19, 1911, while he was on a trip to Walters springs, the winery took fire and burned to the ground. causing a total lo— Mr. Oberte has been a Mason many years, and is a member of Suisun Lodge No. 55, 1". & A. ML, Solano Chapter No. 43. R. A. M., and Naval Com- 970 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES mandery No. 19, K. T., in Vallejo. Politically he is a Republican. He has been thrice married. In 1883 he married Louisa Misters, a native of Cali- fornia, who became the mother of two children, one of whom, Frank W., is living. Mrs. Oberte died in 1887, and in May, 1888, Mr. Oberte married her sister, Sophia, who met with a fatal accident in 1889. In 1897 Mr. Oberte married Edith Handeberger, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden. It is an interesting fact to chronicle that the store in which Mr. Oberte worked in Vallejo for about two and one-half years after he came to California is now owned by him. This property he rebuilt in 1900, now having a two-story brick and steel structure which is rented for business purposes and is located at Nos. 139-141 Georgia street. JOHN DAVIDSON. The mental attributes that stand out most conspicuously in Mr. David- son's character are those which lie at the basis of all effective citizenship and any careful study made of his achievements would indicate a bent of mind toward progressive public activities. A resident of Vallejo throughout the greater part of his life, he has promoted many enterprises of civic im- portance and has served efficiently as a member of the board of freeholders elected in October, 1910, to draft a new charter for the city, and was one of the most active in advocating and securing the commission form of gov- ernment for Vallejo. In no line of public service has he been more active than in educational matters. For eight years he was a member of the board of education and during six of these years he officiated as president of the board, filling that responsible post with energy, intelligence and fidelity. Indeed, for some time he devoted much of his time to a study of the public school system with a view to making local changes where advisable. As a result of his study he established a new system of promotion in the schools and also established a commercial course in the high school, which has proved a very popular feature of the advanced educational work. Born in Dundee, Scotland, during December of 1870, Mr. Davidson's recollections of his native land are those which nature implants in the plastic mind of a child, dimmed by long years of absence from such surroundings. When eleven years of age he accompanied his parents to America and settled in San Francisco, where he attended the public schools and secured a fair education. Upon leaving school he was apprenticed to the trade of a ship- joiner with the Union Iron Works Company of that city and remained in the same position until the expiration of his time, after which he worked at his trade in San Francisco. In 1893 he came to Vallejo and secured em- ployment at the Mare Island navy yard. For fifteen years he continued as a ship-joiner in government service, but during June, 1907, he resigned in order to accept the position of outside manager of the Peerless Manufactur- ing Company, continuing with them for eighteen months, when he engaged in the contracting business in Vallejo. He is devoting considerable attention to repair work also, and among other private and public buildings he has remodeled is the St. Vincent hotel. From the government he secured the contract for converting building No. 69 on Mare Island from a general shop into a fine office structure with modern equipment. At the age of twenty years Mr. Davidson married Miss Martha L. Gil- more, a native of California and a lady possessing genuine worth of char- acter with excellent educational attainments. To the union four children were born, Hazel, Mazie, John H. and Heather. Always interested in the great problems affecting capital and labor, Mr. Davidson has been promi- nent in various organizations of workingmen. For three terms he served as president of the local labor council and during the past six years he has HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 971 efficiently filled the position of secretary of the council. He was one of the anizers of the State Federation oi Labor and for two trims he was hon- ored with the office of presidenl of the organization and in thai important capacity he won friends throughout every part of the commonwealth, secur ing widespread recognition for forceful ability no less than for devotion t>> the rights of the laboring man. Fraternally he has been active in Court Solano No. 909, I. O. F. He is also a member and pasl chancellor of Wash ington Lodge Xo. 7, K. 1'.. holds offict as captain of Washington Company No. 4 ( >, L". R. K. P., and is secretary of Vallejo Lodge No. 468, Loyal Order ^i Moose and secretary of Vallejo Aerie No. 71, F. O. E. Whether he is giving his attention to educational work or to fraternal activities, whether to the councils of labor or the enterprises that form the basis of his liveli hood, he evinces steadfast perseverance, unwavering integrity and keen in- telligence and these qualities have brought him a high standing in his home localitv. GEORGE W. GILDERSLEEVE. A native of Xew York. George \V. Gildersleeve was born in (den Cove, Long Island. December 31, 1828. and died in Santa Rosa, Cal., in 1906. At the age of eleven years he moved to the east end of Long Island and resided with an uncle for five years, and then, when about sixteen years old, he returned to Cold Springs and learned the silverware trade. April 15. 1850, he sailed from New York for San Francisco via Cape Horn, reaching that city on September 17. Going immediately to Stockton, he embarked in the dairy business, continuing this successfully for three years. In 1853 he located on government land near Stockton, which he farmed until 1862, when he sold out his interests and going to San Francisco, engaged in the wood and coal business. From 1866 until 1871 he engaged in teaming. and in the year last mentioned he came to Napa county and settled on a ranch ten miles northwest of Napa city. On this fertile place he engaged in farming, fruit raising and timber cutting and stock raising for many years, or until 1903, when he moved to Santa Rosa and settled down to peace and quiet. It was in this place that the end came in 1906. Mr. Gildersleeve married Charlotta A. White February 24, 1865, she being a native of Chelsea. Mass., born December 22, 1842, and she died in Xapa in 1903. Five children were born of this marriage: George \\ '.. born November 19. 1865. and residing in Sacramento; Susie M., born Sep- tember 22, 1867. now Mrs. William Ashley, of Xapa; Charles H., born Sep- tember 15, 1869, residing in Xapa; Fred W.. born February 13, 1872. and residing in Los Angeles; and Eddie S.. born June 29, 1874, and residing in Merced. JAMES W. PLEASANTS. The Pleasants patronymic is well known throughout this section of the country and is indissolubly connected with the rise and the progress of the state. In 1850 three discontented miners came to Solano county and in one of its most fertile parts began a life of sacrifice before which a youth of today might well quail. This trio was composed of the grandfather, father and uncle of James W. Pleasants. The first named is deceased, having gone to his long rest February 14, 1899; the others and their offspring still per- petuate the Pleasants name and reputation in Solano county and in other parts of the state. James W. Pleasants was born in the valley in Solano county bearing his family name. June 30, 1867, son of William J. and Nancy (Hopper) Pleas 972 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ants. A sketch of the father appears elsewhere in this volume. Of the eight children in the family James W. was the fifth. He lived at the Pleasants home until 1903, acquiring a common school education. He bought thirty- five acres of fruit land two and a half miles west of Winters, and on this has established himself very comfortably. About sixteen acres are in orchard and in 1910 sixteen tons of fruit, mostly peaches, were produced. The bal- ance of the ranch is devoted to vegetables and the raising of hay. Mr. Pleasants has unbounded confidence in the future of this section of Cali- fornia and looks forward to the time when the fruit industry will show a decided material increase, for, with many others, he is satisfied that climatic and soil conditions combine to make Solano county an ideal place for the carrying on of this valuable industry. Mr. Pleasants married Lucy E. Johnson, a native of Messina, St. Law- rence county, N. Y., the daughter of Francis and Annie (Hennigan) Johnson. Mrs. Johnson died in New York and in 1884 Mr. Johnson came to California and settled with his family in Woodland, where he died in 1891. His sons, under the name of Johnson Brothers, are well known merchants in Woodland and Sacramento. Mrs. Pleasants was a graduate of Woodland Business Col- lege and a teacher of penmanship. Politically Mr. Pleasants is a Prohibi- tionist. He and his wife have a large circle of friends, who respect them for their true worth. ARTHUR JAMES BROWN. The name of the Brown family is well known in Solano county, for it belongs to men who have been active in the building up of this section of the state for more than half a century, during which period none may be said to have worked harder for county development than the bearers of this patronymic. Arthur J. Brown, a prominent farmer and well known resident of Maine Prairie, was born in Solano county in the house in which he now lives, Admission Day, September 9, 1863. His father, Jackson Fay Brown, was a pioneer of Solano county and a descendant of a substantial old New England family. As a boy Arthur J. was given a public school education and became proficient in every branch of farming as it was then conducted. Thus was he fitted efficiently to succeed his father when, in 1909, the latter was called to his last resting place. The property of Arthur J. Brown includes eleven hundred and twenty acres of land, a portion of his father's old home place. Three hundred and twenty acres of this is planted in barley, the rest being used as pasture land. He owns one thousand head of sheep of Shropshire and Merino strains and makes a specialty also of other stock. His place is pleasantly situated eight miles south of Dixon and about five miles east of Elmira. Mr. Brown married Lila J. Burrows, a native of Santa Clara county, and to them have been born the following named children : Elmer M., Ora L., Eva H., Arthur J. Jr., Ina M. (deceased), Homer J., Grace V., Herbert D. Ora L. is attending the College of the Pacific at San Jose. Eva H. is at the Dixon high school. Elmer was graduated from the Polytechnic Busi- ness College at Oakland and is assisting his father. Mrs. Brown's father, Joseph Burrows, a descendant of an old English family, was born in Eng- land in 1829 and came to California in 1856, bringing his family. He was a miner for almost twenty years and then took up ranching, which he followed until 1898. The following children were born to him : Joseph H., of Ari- zona, Eliza A. (Mrs. Murray, deceased), Richard J. of Elmhurst, Mary E. (Mrs. Sparling of Dixon), and Lila J. Mr. Brown has been for many years clerk of the board of trustees of the Binghampton district. He prefers to wield his acknowledged influence in a quiet and unassuming manner. Dur- HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 973 ing his sojourn in Solano county he has seen land values advance from $5 an acre to $300 an acre. He is a man of fine public spirit, helpful to all move ments having for their object the advancement of the interests of his town, county and state. \\ 1 1. 1.1AM D. PETERSEN. A son of that well-known and worthy pioneer settler and resident of Solano county. Henry Petersen, William D. Petersen was born on the old home place near Dixon. April _'. 1875. This lias been his lifelong home and he owns the property. Alter completing his studies in the common schools ^i Dixon he entered the high school of that city and graduated therefrom in 1897. Mis school days over, he engaged in farming and stock raising and he now owns six hundred and forty acres half a mile south of Dixon, where he makes his home with his brother, J. 11. Together thc\ cany on their father's estate at Rio Vista, a tract of four thousand acres, devoted to grain and raising sheep. For gathering their large crops the} have a combined harvester, and taken together they are among the largest and most successful ranchers in Solano county. They make a specialty of raising Shropshire and Merino sheep. The estate owns thirty-two hundred acres of land at \ aca\ ille. which is used for a cattle range, and together William I), and J. II. own twenty-six hundred acres at Capay, which they devote to farming and stock-raising. In Sacramento, William D. Petersen was married to Emma Apperson, a native of Dixon, and they have two children. Klizabeth and Marjoric. Mr. Petersen is a stockholder in the Hank of Dixon, of which his brother J. II. is president. Politically he is a Republican, and takes an active part in fur- thering all public enterprise s. AXSEL PUTNAM PLEASANTS. Among the younger men of merit deserving a permanent place in the annals of Solano county is one of the son> .if a worthy pioneer, William James Pleasants, a biographical notice of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Ansel P. Pleasants is a native of the county, having been born in the valley named in honor of his father. February 6, 1860. He resided with parents and received his education in the public school and at Vacaville college, and upon the completion of his studies applied himself to the work of the ranch. He was early trained to raising fruit, for which that section is noted, and it was to be expected that when he entered upon an independent career he would take up that pursuit. He purchased as a nucleus of his present place, forty acres in the Wolfskill sub-division. This he improved and added to as his means would permit and he is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-four acres of as productive land as is to be found in that locality, all of it under cultivation. One hundred and thirty acres are devoted to peaches, apricots, plums and grapes. In 1 ( »10 he had ninety tons of green apricots (when dried there were eleven tons), and about fifty tons of dried peaches. He makes a specialty of peeling peaches, as does his father. Besides operating his own place he bases other land on which he raises hay and fruit. He keeps stock for his own purposes and his improvements mi the home place, adequate for his need-, wire placed thereon principally by himself. Mr. Pleasants was married in San Francisco to Miss Mary Hanson, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, who has lived in California since her early girl hood and is a graduate of the San Francisco Normal school. Three children were born to Mr. and Mr-. Pleasants. Grace M.. Elizabeth and William Irv- 44 974 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ing, the last named of whom is dead. The elder daughter is a student at Mills College at Oakland. In politics Mr. Pleasants supports such men and measures as he believes promise most for the good of the country. He is a member of the Winters organization of Woodmen of the World, and has served as school trustee for several years. He has devoted his time closely to his home interests and by so doing has gained deserved success. Mr. and Mrs. Pleasants have a large circle of appreciative friends. HANS NISSEN HANSEN. Born in Sleswick-Holstein, Denmark (now Prussia), August 21, 1857, Hans N. Hansen remained in the home of his forefathers twenty years, gain- ing an education by study and observation which has been useful to him in all his career. In 1877, when he was about twenty and full of hope and determination, he came to America by way of Quebec. On this initial jour- ney he came as far west as Humboldt county, Nevada, where he followed farming. In 1878 he came to Solano county, California, where he has since lived. Not being over-burdened with this world's goods on his arrival in this country, he was content to work for others, knowing that the time would come when he could purchase land of his own. As a steppingstone to this object, he rented land ten years, then bought fifty acres, a mile east of Elmira. Careful administration of his affairs enabled him to add sixty acres to his holding. Thirty-five acres he has planted in prunes and apricots, which now are full bearing. The balance of his acreage is used for general farming purposes, pasture, horse-raising and hog-raising. The land has been wonderfully improved under his careful farming, so that today it is very valuable. He is engaged also in grain raising, and rents four hundred acres for that purpose. Politically Mr. Hansen is a Democrat and a stanch supporter of his party. He believes that those concerned in the passage of any measure should have the right to nominate and elect representative men to guard their principles. At Sacramento, September, 1903, he married Miss Emma Higgins, a native of Solano county, who has borne him three boys, Harvey, Ernest and Donald. Mrs. Hansen is the daughter of Frank Higgins, also a native of Solano county and now a resident of Elmira. ROBERT M. MOORE. The discovery of gold in California brought the historic influx of citizens of the United States and men born in foreign lands in the final forties and the early fifties. The glowing tales told by travellers returning east from this state induced the coming of many seekers of fortune to this land who were successful, but many more returned to their former homes with heavy hearts and empty pocketbooks. Robert M. Moore came to California in those early "gold days" and sought fortune in the mines, but not finding it he turned his attention to other pursuits and so made a success of a life that might have been a failure. He was born in Missouri, June 1, 1838, and lived in his native place till he was fourteen years old, gaining an education in the common school and learning something about practical agriculture. He then went to Springfield, Mo., and later to Greenville, Mo., and followed farming and stock raising. In 1853 Mr. Moore yielded to the lure of the west. Coming to California he mined at Placerville until 1855. Meeting with only indifferent success he went to Sacramento and resumed farming, and was for twenty years a citizen of Sonoma county. During the early part of his residence there he attended HISTORY OF SOLAXO AND NAPA COUNTIES 975 the Sonoma Presbyterian College at Sonoma. He was engaged in the sheep sing business for some years prior to his departure from Sonoma county for the San Joaquin Valley. Not being satisfied with lus prospects in the latter place, he came to Solano county in 1S ( >0. Mr. Moore married, in Kockville. near Green Valley, Miss leu -a 1. amerce, a native of California, and she bore him four children: Jessie, Charles, Lulu and Teresa. His second marriage united him with Elizabeth Baker, a native of England, who bore him three children: Charles, Edward and Nellie. His second wife having died, he married, at Dixon, July. 1897, M. J. Royce, a native of Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Moore own and occupy in Dixon, Cal., a pretty little home at Jackson and Cherry streets. They own one whole block in that town and have erected four houses on it. Politically Mr. Moore is a stanch Democrat and supports the men and measures of his party to the best of his ability, lie is a member of the Chosen Friends and i^i the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious support and that oi Mrs. Moore is given to the Methodist Church South. JOHN HUNT. Strangers visiting Davisville for the first time inquire concerning the Hunt homestead and express a profound admiration for the artistic skill displayed and the picturesque effects secured in its architecture. This com- modious residence of twelve rooms contains all modern improvements and is furnished in a manner indicative of the refined tastes of the family. Sur- rounding it are large and beautiful grounds embellished with fruit and orna- mental trees. Perhaps the most conspicuous trees are twenty of a superior quality of orange, twenty-five years old. There are also fifteen orange trees seven years old. five lemon trees and a number of peach and apricot treo, besides many large shade trees. A neat brick walk affords convenient access to various parts of the grounds and to the residence itself. The owner of this attractive property was born in county Mayo, Ire- land, in 1840. At thirteen he crossed the ocean to the United States, and since then has been self-supporting. He worked for a time in New Orleans, whither he went from New York. After a brief sojourn in that city and in Wisconsin he returned to New York and secured employment there. The year 1859 found him an emigrant to California by way of the isthmus. No- vember 16, that year, he arrived in Sacramento and from there came to the site of Davisville. For a time he operated a large tract of leased land that later was sold to Robert Armstrong and eventually became the property of the state of California, which has converted it into an experiment station for agricultural products. During his early experiences in the west, he operated a freight business between Hangtown and the mines of Virginia City and Carson City. New. using two wagons and eight mules and carrying about eight tons to the load. SI. 000 having been the average price he received for a load of freight. Returning to the east Mr. Hunt settled near Kenosha, Wisconsin, and took up dairying and farming wdth success. Meanwhile he married, in Chi- cago. Miss Catharine McAllister. They are the parents of four children. Thomas. Mary, Josephine and Irene. The son. who was educated in eastern high schools, is farming and has displayed judgment and energy in his chosen field of labor. The two older daughters are graduates of Chicago high schools, and the youngest child is being educated in the Davisville schools. Some twentv years after he had left California Mr. Hunt returned to Davisville and bought three hundred and forty-three acres near there at S75 an acre. At this writing he owns and operates seven hundred acres adjoining Davis- 976 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ville, improved with neat buildings and under a high state of cultivation. Four hundred and fifty acres are in barley. The rest of the land is utilized for hay and pasture. All of Mr. Hunt's stock is the best of its kind. There are about one hundred and sixty head of hogs, all of pure-bred Poland-China types. In cattle the shorthorn Durham is the breed represented by the two hundred head kept on the farm and the herd is headed by the very choicest of pure-bred animals. Five horses aid in the farm work and thirty mules are utilized in operating the combined harvester that cuts and threshes the grain. Since becoming a citizen of our country Mr. Hunt has voted the Democratic ticket, but he takes no active part in politics and on no occasion has he sought office. In religion he is identified with the Roman Catholic Church. JOHN DIXON LITTLE. In the life of the late John Dixon Little we have a splendid example of what a man of determination and strength of character may do: Born in Kentucky, August 1, 1840, a member of a family of two sons and five daugh- ters, it was just ten years later when he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and settled with his parents, John P. and Johanna Little, in Grass Valley, after they had tarried briefly in San Francisco. Mr. Little was a carpenter and worked at his trade for some time. Of good appearance and fine character he was respected by all with whom he came in contact. He long served as justice of the peace and notary public and for more than twenty years was a member of the school board and clerk of that body, and thus had a splendid opportunity to show his progressive spirit in matters educational. Mr. Little died in 1898 and is survived by his widow and family, who keep the memory of their loved one ever green, for he was a good husband and a kind father. Politically he was a Democrat and fraternally a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars. He was a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At Monticello, March 8, 1868, he married Miss Caroline Sweitzer, a native of Northern Missouri. Ten children were born to them, seven of whom are now living: Albert, Wade, Henry, Rose- mond, Amy, Beatrice and Irma. Rosemond married D. McKenzie, a member of the firm of Cook and McKenzie, and they live in Monticello with their three sons. Albert married Harriet Swanson, a resident of Cloverdale, and has been the proprietor of the Peacock hotel for the last seven years. Wade married Emma Mangles of Cordelia ; they have one son. Amy married John Ferguson, superintendent of an oil lease in Coalinga oil fields. Beatrice married Clifford Clark and they reside in Monticello with their son, who is employed in a merchandise store. Henry is employed in the Coalinga oil fields. The youngest daughter, Irma, is Mrs. B. V. Scribner, of Monticello. When the parents of Mrs. Little (Mr. and Mrs. Sweitzer) came across the plains to California, there were nine children in the family and they were met by the state soldiers, who offered them protection from the Indians. On coming to California Mr. Henry Sweitzer, the father of Mrs. Little, was successful in mining in Grass Valley and made $12,000 from nuggets and gold dust there. He settled in Suisun Valley, where he bought some land, then moved to Berryessa Valley, where he purchased four hundred acres on which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1872, after which his widow moved back to the old family home in Suisun Valley. Mrs. Little resides in Monticello, Cal., and has the respect of the whole community, for her life has been an open book Avhich all could read. She has ever striven to promote the welfare of the vicinity in which she lives, and is rounding out the closing years of her eventful life with many good works. HISTORY OF SOLANO \ X I > NAPA COUNTIES 977 MARTIN VAN BUREN SPARKS. Frequent trips to California during the period of frontier development gave to Mr. Sparks a deep affection for the freedom and vastness ol the wesl and also gave to him the cosmopolitan breadth of views that travel always ■ us. The first Of these western expeditions took place during the sum mer of 1850 and had its origin in the spirit of adventure thai colored the monotony oi his work as a farmer's son in Cooper county. Mo. The family had removed thither when he was six years of age, from their former home in North Carolina, where he was born in July of 1833 and where previous generations of the name had labored for a livelihood. A large nam of emi grants started from Missouri with wagoUs and oxen and proceeded via Fori Kearney and Salt Lake City, arriving in San Francisco at the close oi a tedious journey, untroubled by Indians and undisturbed by sickness among the emigrants or losses among the stock. A year spent in the mines of Placer county was followed by the return of the young emigrant to his Missouri home via Panama. Soon he started on a second trip to the west, this time driving a band of cattle and going as far as Sacramento. After a short sojourn he returned to his old home. Again in 1S54 he crossed the plains, as before driving a herd of cattle and disposing of the stock in Sacramento, whence he came back to Missouri as soon as arrang< ments could be perfected for the trip. During 1859. in Cooper county. Mo.. he married Miss Sarah Judy, a native of Kentucky. They became the parents of ei^ht children, of whom Arthur. Martin and Lulu are deceased. The others are Richard A.. Ralph E.. Thomas A.. Lillian and Mabel. The first-named married Catharine Stephens and has three children. Archie. Myrvan and Richard A.. Jr. : Ralph E. chose as his wife Miss Laura Manning, and they are the parents of three children. Ralph E.. Jr., Alice and Virginia; Thomas A. married Anna Delebliss. a native of California, and they are the parents of three children : Lillian is the wife of John Fuller; and Mabel married Sherman Holladay. both sisters residing in Oakland. The children were given educa- tional advantages as thorough as the locality afforded. The wedding tour of Mr. and Mrs. Sparks consisted of a trip across the plains in a wagon drawn by oxen. The expedition was a large one. embracing a combination" of fourteen trains. The Indians proved very troublesome and endeavored to stampede the cattle, but the numerical strength of the emigrants enabled them to quell all disturbances without delay. When the party reached California they dispersed to various locations. Mr. Sparks settling in Wheatland. Yuba county, where he had sixteen hundred acres of land. In 1882 he bought the Theodore Winters ranch at Winters. In 1888 he bought seven hundred and seventy-eight acres near Davisville. which he sold in 1907 for a very large sum. forming the present state farm. In his community Mr. Sparks was known as an enterprising citizen, a capable business man and a stanch Democrat. For many years he held membership in the blue lodge of Masons. Since 1877 the family had made their home in Oakland, and in the residence on Sixteenth street in that city the death of Mr. Sparks occurred in August. 1909. bringing to a close seventy-six useful and busy years. RICHARD A. SPARKS. Through the pioneer efforts and accomplishment- of .Martin Van l'.uren Sparks the name became well known in Solano county, where he passed many useful years, and the work which he laid down at his death in 1909 is being carried' forward by his sons. The eldest of these, Richard A. Spark-, was born in Wheatland. Yuba county. Cal.. October 9. 1864. and ha- never known anv other home than the Golden West. A rancher from choice and inclina- 978 HISTORY OF SOLAXO AXD XAPA COUNTIES tion, he is making a success of his undertakings and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. Altogether he owns twelve hundred acres of land, of which one section lies in Yolo county and is used as a sheep range principally, although adapted to farming to some extent. The remainder of his property forms the homestead of five hundred and sixty acres, six miles northwest of Dixon, where he has installed a large pumping plant and is rais- ing alfalfa. Having demonstrated to his satisfaction that there is no land in the state better adapted to the raising of alfalfa than the land in this section, he is gradually sowing his whole tract to this desirable commodity. On his land that is not as yet in alfalfa he is engaged in breeding and raising fine horses, cattle, mules, sheep and hogs. In addition to the property above mentioned Mr. Sparks also owns real estate in Sacramento. San Francisco and Oakland. Impartial observers claim that Mr. Sparks has on his home place one of the best pumping and irrigation plants in the whole state. The water is pumped by an electric motor from two twelve-inch wells sixty-two feet deep, located at the highest point on the ranch. From that eminence the water is readily run to every part of the farm as needed. Fraternally Mr. Sparks is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Dixon. Politically he follows his father's example in adhering to Democratic principles. The education he received in the public schools and Heald's Business College at San Francisco proved of value to him, but he owes his success more to native ability, to his own force of character and the environment and association of his father. WILLIAM McCANN. The life herein delineated began in Ireland in 1821 and ended in San Francisco in September, 1901. The intervening years were filled with vary- ing experiences, most of which had to do with business ventures of import- ance, in all of which he achieved success. In fact, Mr. McCann seems to have been one of the few men able to utilize the lessons of the past in the shaping of the future. He left Ireland and came to Baltimore, Md., in 1847, and lived in that city three years, working in the livery business. In 1849 he left Baltimore in a ship coming to California around the Horn, and after a long and perilous trip arrived safely in San Francisco, January, 1850. From San Francisco he went to Placer and Eldorado counties and worked in the mines, also driving a freight team. As soon as he had saved sufficient money he purchased a team for himself and freighted until 1853, when he returned to Missouri via the Isthmus. The next year, 1854, he crossed the plains with a herd of cattle and several wagons. Soon after his arrival in Sacramento he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on Bear River, and lived on the property a year. Leaving that locality he came to Putah Creek, where Davisville now stands, and after a residence of twelve months there took up a quarter section of land at Tremont, Solano county. He added to his holdings from time to time until he owned eighteen hundred and forty acres. Mr. McCann married Mary Rogers, a native of Missouri, and she bore him one son and three daughters : Charles, Anna E., Susan and Elizabeth. Charles married Anna E. Connelly, a native of San Francisco, and they have four sons : Charles R., Raymond, Harold and Lester C. In 1859 William McCann started in the cattle business, in which he continued three years. His only shipping point was Maine Prairie and teams came for forty and fifty miles in order to bring his products to market. In 1862 he engaged in the grain business and also took up butchering, con- ducting a slaughter house on his own property. He lived a vigorous life HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 979 and since his death his memory is honored by the tender recollections oi friends who survive him. Charles MeCann. the only son ol William ami Mary (Rogers) McCann, owns six hundred and forty acres of land nine miles southeast of Dixon, devoted to grain and stock raising. With his family he resides in Dixon. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the R^\ Men. There •erv prospect that the rugged qualities of his ancestry inherited by him in no small degree, will bring to him as -real a measure of success m com mercial undertakings as that which attended the efforts of his father. JOHN G. BRADS II AW. Born in 1S24 in Kentucky, John G. Bradshaw lived at home until he was eighteen years of age. during- which time he received training in matters of primary education and also in those higher branches of learning and knowledge that can be received only from the lips of a good mother. At the age mentioned he removed to Missouri, locating in Benton county, and engaged in farm work. Not content with the limited horizon of a common agriculturist, the young man determined to come west and seek his fortune in the land that was then opening up. The tales of gold and of opportunity to amass a fortune in California in a short time lured the young man onward. He accordingly left Missouri with an ox-team train and started out for the west across "the plains. The train consisted of seven wagons and several head of stock, and Samuel Whitlock and several brothers were with the train. The party came through Salt Lake City and the Humboldt Sink and on to Hangtown. From this latter place Mr. Bradshaw came on to Napa, Cal.. and located on what is now known as Chicken ranch, formerly called Winthrop place. In Missouri Mr. Bradshaw married Mary E. Whitlock. and twelve chil- dren blessed the union: Richard, Robert (deceased), William, Thomas J., John. Margaret (deceased). Louise. Sarah. Mary A.. Harriett. Ida (deceased), and Susan. Margaret married Walter Logan and at her death left one child : Sarah married S. F. Black and they reside, in Napa, six children having been born to them : William married Isabella See, and they have three chil- dren : Harriett married William Moss and they have three children; Mary Alice married William Lyons and they have one son; John is married but has no children. John G. Bradshaw passed away in 1885. having lived a life that will bear inspection and one that was most unselfish. Thomas J. Bradshaw now carries on the work of the old home ranch, >^ which he owns one hundred and seventy-eight acres. Fifty-five acres of this is in grain and aside from a small vineyard the balance is in pasture. There are about three hundred chickens and twenty head of stock for breed- ing purposes on the place. Politically Mr. Bradshaw is a Republican and he has been roadmaster for some time and also school trustee. His marriage united him with Sarah F. Fuller and three children were born to them, George A.. Bessie (deceased") and Thomas Wendell. OLOF OLSON. The life story of this successful self-made man will be of interest to all who may chance to read it. Born in Skane. Sweden, he put an ocean and a continent between the place of his nativity and the locajity where In- elected to carry out his life work. He was born December 21. 1872. and passed his youth and early manhood in his native country, gaining there an educa- tion' on which he could depend in his quest of a livelihood. In his younger 980 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES days he did farm work and was employed in - flour mills. Later, he decided that he could better fit himself for a successful career by learning a trade. His choice was that of a cement worker, at which he labored with such suc- cess that after three years he was enabled to heed the call to America, and responding to it, he came to the United' States in 1902. Mr. Olson came directly to San Francisco, where he lived for eight months, working at his trade, and then, still laboring as a cement worker, he went to Woodland, where he remained for about a year and a half. There he began contracting. In 1904 he located in Dixon, Solano county, and has put in all the cement work done in Dixon since his arrival. In this way he has had opportunity to do much to beautify the city, and his work has always been a credit to it and to himself. He has laid miles of cement side- walks, built the new postofnce building and done the cement work on Henry Timms' dairy near town, the most sanitary dairy in the state. His work is of such a character that his reputation is not confined to his home town. He built a fine bank building in Davis, and laid cement walks there and in Suisun and Winters and other towns. In order to fill the demands made upon him he keeps three or four men constantly employed. He has built many silos not only in Solano county but in Yolo and Kings counties and has established quite a reputation in that line. Fraternally Mr. Olson is connected with Montezuma Lodge No. 172, I. O. O. F. of Dixon. In 1911 he made a trip to Europe, visiting not only home and parents in Sweden, but also portions of Norway and Denmark. In religion he is a Lutheran and his political views are Republican. THOMAS MOORE. The first eighteen years of Mr. Moore's life were passed in the north of Ireland, where he was born March 3, 1853. Being an ambitious youth and feeling that there were larger opportunities for advancement in America, he decided at the age mentioned to come to America, and forthwith he em- barked for San Francisco, Cal. On arriving at the latter place in 1873 after a tedious overland journey, he worked about three months in the rope works and then went to Virginia City, Nev., to work in the mines, where he secured a position with the California Gold and Silver Mining Company and remained for three years. Hearing much about the favorable social conditions and wonderful resources of New Zealand, he decided to take a trip to the antipodes and visit that place for himself, but his expectations were not fulfilled, and he returned on the first boat to San Francisco. On his return Mr. Moore commenced a long term of service with the Pacific Rolling Mills Company, working with them for twenty-one years, operat- ing a furnace, but on account of failing health he had to resign his position. Mr. Moore moved to Napa in 1896 and for six years resided in the valley. In 1902 he bought seven hundred and sixty acres of land in Wooden valley, thirteen miles from Napa. When he acquired the land it was in rough condition and covered with stumps, and at the present time he is the owner of one of the most productive farms in the locality. His vine- yard of fourteen acres yielded eighty tons of grapes last season. He also raises sheep, having two hundred and fifty, and in addition raises a few horses for farm use. In Reno, Nev., in 1876, Mr. Moore was married to Mary N. Handlaw, a native of England. Six children were born to the union : John W., Edward. Elizabeth, Mandy, Edith and Flora. Elizabeth married Lincoln McDonald, who is in the lumber business in San Francisco; and John and Edward are at home with the parents. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Presbyterian Church and politically the former is a Republican. HISTORY OF SOLANO \.\i> NAPA COUNTIES 981 JOHN PERRY W 1 1 1 IE. The birth of John P. White occurred in Clinton county, 1ml.. August 11. 1846. When he was a child of six years the father, Daniel B. White, started to cross the plains with his family, ox-teams furnishing the motive power. After reaching Iowa they stopped in Linn county, thai stale, for a year and then resumed the journey to Oregon, which was their destination, \lthough so young at the time John P. White well remembers the long trip and the hardships the travelers had to endure. Arriving in Oregon in 1853, the father took a half section donation land claim from the government in Lane county and there for many years he engaged in farming. The farm lies near Cottage Grove, and is now carried on by a son, Nathaniel W. White. John P. White worked with his father in Oregon on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he started out for himself. For a time he lived in northern California and then removed to Nevada, working for six years in the silver mines in White Pine county. Tiring of this occupation and desiring to get hack to ranching, he returned to Oregon and again engaged in farming For some time. In Cottage Grove, Ore., he was married February 9, 1879 to .Miss Susie A. Turpen, a native daughter of California, horn in Montezuma, and the daughter n\ Jonathan and Emily | Wterbury) Turpen. natives oi Kentucky. Mr. Turpen crossed the plains to California with ox- teams in 1857 and in 1864 removed to Oregon, where his daughter, Mrs. White. was reared and educated. In 1882 Mr. White removed to Goose Lake valley, Ore., where he engaged in stock and sheen raising and general farming for nine years. In October. 1891. he came to Nana county, CaL, and for a time rented a ranch at Calistoga and later he rented the ranch he now owns one and a half miles from Calistoga and consisting of twenty-seven acres. Since he has been the owner of the ranch he has greatly imoroved it and its value has been enhanced as a consequence. He has fifteen acres in vines and ten acres in French prunes, which he himself set out. Another industry i)i the ranch worthy of mention is the chicken industry, which is under the immediate supervision of Mrs. White, and indeed it was through her suggestion that the poultry business was entered into. From the five hundred laying hens of the White Leghorn variety a good yearly income is realized. It is the consensus of opinion that the White poultry farm is the neatest in arrangement and the most carefully kept in the county, as well as having the highest grade of stock, all of which is also true of the horses and cows. Mr. and Mrs. White enjoy the confidence of all who know them. Their lives have been marked by integrity in all transactions and they have been cheerful contributors to the advancement of all worthy causes. A.VDREW PETER. A life-time resident of Solano county. Andrew Peter is a direct descend- ant of a long line of honorable Teutonic ancestors, who have been noted for their perseverance in the face of difficulties. Hermann Peter, father of An- drew. wa< born in Germany in 1827. and came to Solano county at the age of nineteen years, by way of Cape Horn. He married Miss Anna Regan, a native of Ireland, and three children were born of their union: Paul. An- drew and Mamie. The mother is still living in Dixon. Paul married Jessie Kennedy and they reside at Berkeley. Cal., and have three children, Frank. Lester and Stanly. Andrew Peter was born in Solano county in the year 1872. Early in life he devoted his attention to farming and performed all the work involved in maintaining a ranch in those days, when agricultural implements were less perfect than at present. Mr. Peter owns one hundred and sixty acres 982 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES of land at Binghampton, six miles south of Dixon. With Iven P. Fitzpatrick he leases 560 acres and also runs one hundred and sixty acres of his mother's ranch, where they are raising grain on a large scale, harvesting it with a combined harvester. In 1885 Mr. Peter married Miss Henrietta Luttges, a native of California and a daughter of Gustavus Luttges. The latter was born in Germany in 1831 and came to California at the age of twenty- four years. She has borne him one son, Lloyd F. Mrs. Peter is one of a family of three children, the others being Adolph and Agnes Luttges. Mr. Peter is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and politically he is a Democrat. Having lived in this county all of his life, he has grown to love his native place and is a ready supporter of all measures that have for their aim the advancement of the section of the state of California in which he lives. FREDERICK ROOS. Much has been said and more has been written relative to the attitude of Germany toward the United States along lines of commerce and national supremacy, but whatever this attitude is we must give Germany the credit of having supplied us with some of the very best of our citizens, with their life blood running red and warm with the fervor of the patriot. True it is that some immigrants from Germany do not achieve much in the spheres of business activities, but the quiet and stolid characteristics of the Teutons make them a very desirable class of immigrants, for their ceaseless toil and dominant energy often lead them to success when their more brilliant "cousins" fail. In Frederick Roos we have a man of this type, whose in- dustry and general good qualities are known to those with whom he has to do. Frederick Roos was born in Baden, Germany, October 24, 1841, and at the age of twenty-one left the Fatherland and came to New York City. Leav- ing New York he came to California and made his way to San Francisco on the ship Vanderbilt. He came to Yolo county in 1863 and has since resided here, following ranching with fair success. The first year he was in Yolo county he rented eleven hundred acres of land from Mr. Littner, but his crop was a failure, for he reaped only fifty tons of hay from the whole acreage. Since that time he has done much better. He has never purchased land for ranching purposes, but in 1874 he bought six lots in Davisville, where he resides, following the occupation of a transfer man, and doing general teaming. Mr. Roos married Adelia Denzler, a native of California, at Sacramento. To them eight children were born: Frederick; Charles; Louis; John; Amelia A., who married Thomas Hink and lives at Davisville; Marie, who married Fred Michael, of Davisville ; Louise ; and Barbara. Fraternally Mr. Roos is a member of the Davisville Lodge. I. O. O. F., and politically he is a Re- publican. LUTHER MARK TURTON. The useful career of L. M. Turton may be studied with interest and profit by the young men of this generation, if they are ambitious of success. His is an active life, a career of endeavor partaking of those practical and substantial features which, in all the world's history have commanded the respect and incited the emulation of all intelligent men. Luther M. Turton, the well known architect of Napa, was born near North Bend, Dodge county, Neb., May 22, 1862, and spent the first few years of his life there. When Mark was fourteen years old, in 1876, the Turton family moved to California and settled in Napa county, in the city of Napa. Here the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 983 young man attended the public school, and after completing its curriculum he took a course in Napa College. Going to San Francisco he entered the offices of B. MeDougall & Sons, and for two years studied there with much assiduity the work of architecture and drafting. Feeling that he was quali fied to work for himself in this particular business, he opened an office in Napa in 1887 and lias prospered there professionally ever since. During his business career in Xapa he has drawn plans for the foil,. wing buildings: Migliavacca building, the Behlovt building. Goodman Library, Central School building. Lincoln school building. Washington Primary school building. Cecil Hotel block. Cope building, among the largest and finest buildings in the city, the latter being a reinforced concrete fireproof structure, and the resi- dences of Dr. Kahn. George H. Frances. R. Raymond and L. II. Winship and many other dwellings in Xapa. He has also refitted the interior of the three bank buildings in that town. Some of the work he has done outside Xapa includes a bank in Gridley. Butte county; a bank and Masonic Temple in Yuba City. Sutter county; Woodland Sanitarium at Woodland, Yolo county: a bank in Yacaville. Solano county; the refitted First National Bank of Vallejo, and many residences there. Thus this enterprising man of splen- did talent has been responsible for many of the ornate buildings in this and other counties. His work has given great satisfaction to those who have employed his services and he is perhaps foremost among the architects in this part of the state. February 22, 1893. Mr. Turton married, at Santa Rosa, Miss Lillie A. Bell, born in Guelph, Ontario, Can., and they have a daughter named Lois Belle. He is a member of the K. O. T. M.. and he and Mrs. Turton are active members, he being treasurer, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His worth and integrity are recognized by all who know him, and no movement promising the advancement of his town, county or state fails of his earnest and liberal support. FRANKLIN TEMPLE GRIGSBY. There are few men alive today who can say that they came to California in 1847. for the list of those who first came to our state is rapidly diminish- ing. Franklin T. Grigsby came to California when the state was new, and after many experiences he was called to lay aside the activity of life and enter upon a season of rest. Born in Tennessee in 1829. F. T. Grigsby remained there only a few years, for the family moved to Missouri and settled in Pope county for a time. The routine of the home was broken into when Franklin decided to leave the place where he had so long sojourned with his parents and go ''out west" to the new country that was then opening up. Accordingly he set out with a company in the year 1845, and with stock and ox teams commenced the long and dangerous trail to California. In the company was his brother, Capt. John Grigsby. The train of ox-teams and men came direct to Napa valley, where Mr. Grigsby settled for a time. In the year 1847 he returned across the plains and later on acted as escort to General Fremont, who was then a prisoner. Franklin T. Grigsby was a Bear Flag veteran of Sonoma county, and had fought for one and one-half years in the Mexican war. At the close of the war he returned to Pope county. Mo.. engaging in farming for some time, and in 1851 he again crossed the plains to California. The train with which he traveled was a large one, but not so large that it frightened the Indians, for they attacked it several times, driving the cattle off, although these were retaken. In one of these skir- mishes they almost captured Mr. Grigsby's step-daughter. Mary, the only thing that saved her life being one of her shoes, which came off at a critical 984 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES moment, allowing her to free herself. At last, after many exciting adven- tures, Mr. Grigsby arrived with his cattle in Napa county and here he lived for several years, making Napa his home. In 1881 the family moved to Wooden valley, Napa county. Mr. Grigsby married Mrs. Martha (Alexandre) Bray, and to their union twelve children were born, as follows. William, George. Jasper, Frank, John, Martha, Dauthula, Clara, and four deceased. William married Kittie Sandercocks, they have two sons, Walter and Wesly; Martha married James Lyons and from that union there were born the following : Edward, Susie, Nellie, Mollie, Martha and Clara, and one daughter deceased ; Dauthula married B. Bailey and seven children were born to them, Frank, Robert, Raymond, Mabel, Eunice, Kittie, Susie ; Clara married Will Stice and they moved to Texas ; Frank married Ruth McComb and they make their home in Wooden valley with their daughter. Annette ; John married Helen Mc- Comb and they have two children, Martha and Wanda. Franklin T. Grigsby died in 1894 and his son, J. B. Grigsby, carries on the farm. John B. Grigsby was born in Yountville, Napa county, September 27, 1869, and was reared and educated in Napa county. After completing the grammar school course he took up farming and has followed it ever since. He has one thousand acres of good land in Wooden valley, ten miles from Napa, for which he paid $8,000. A tract of two hundred acres is tillable for hay and grain and the remainder of the land is used for pasturage of fifty head of cattle and sixteen head of horses. Mr. Grigsby was married in Napa December 18. 1901, to Miss Helen Mecombs, who was born in Napa, the daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Finn) Mecombs, the former born in Wayne county, Ohio, and the latter in Boston, Mass. Isaac Mecombs came to California across the plains in 1848 and was a farmer in Napa until he died. Mrs. Mecombs came to Cali- fornia in 1872 and died in 1874 and Mrs. Grigsby is the only child of this union. Mr. and Mrs. Grigsby have two children, Helen M. and Wanda H. Politically Mr. Grigsby is a Democrat, but believes in voting for the best man. He is a man that delights in hunting and this is his chief pleasure. The coming years should greatly improve the value of his land, for he is working with assiduity and has many friends. BALTAHESAR DARMS. Born in Switzerland in 1823, Mr. Darms there followed the trade of carpenter until coming to America in 1850, after which he did not give attention to his trade except as it aided him in the erection of necessary buildings on his farm. The first location which he selected was in Wis- consin, where he worked as a farm laborer until he had saved an amount sufficient to enable him to start out as an independent farmer. With the means which he had accumulated he came to California in 1883, settlement being made in Napa valley, where he bought a ranch of sixty-four acres five miles north of Napa on the St. Helena road. In the early days the land had been devoted to grain raising, but later a large acreage had been converted into a vineyard and a specialty was made of the grape industry. When the vineyard ceased to be profitable the vines were removed and fruit trees were planted. The principal varieties to be found on the farm at this writing are prunes, peaches, pears and cherries, and many of these trees were planted by Mr. Darms. His death occurred at Oak Knoll in 1895, at the age of seventy-two years. In his demise the county lost one of its leading horticulturists. While living in Wisconsin he had married Miss Elizabeth Truep, a native of Switzerland. Surviving him are three HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 985 sons ami four daughters: John; Henry; Herman; Mrs. Rosa Haas, win. remains at Oak Knoll: Mrs. Sula Linder, of Xapa county; Mrs. \nnic Frash, of Napa; and Mrs. Emma Schmidt, of Oakville. WILLIAM E. DOWNING, M. D. An important factor in maintaining the health and caring for the ill- of human kind in Yallejo is Dr. \Y. E. Downing, a physician and 9urgeon gifted with special aptitude for his calling. A native son of Suisun, Solano county. he was horn in 1880. After completing his studies in the public Schools, lie took a two-year course at Stanford University, then completed the course of four years at the Cooper Medical College of San Francisco, from which he was graduated in 1903 with the degree oi M. D. Upon receiving his professional degree Dr. Downing became lions.- sur geon at the German hospital, San Francisco, and later was resident physician at the Waldeck Hospital in the same city. He then associated himself in a general practice of medicine in Suisun with his father. Dr. William (i. Down ing, a practitioner oi forty years in the county, and in July. 1908, came to Yallejo and established a private hospital on Marin street, mar Georgia. In this hospital, built for the purpose, Dr. Downing has held to a high ideal in medical institutions, and his equipment bespeaks appreciation of the most scientific and sanitary methods known to the profession. An advantage rather than otherwise is the comparative smallness of the institution, as patients thus receive more individual and better care than in larger and more CTOwded hospitals. From two to four trained nurses carry on the work of caring for the sick and assisting in the operating room, and' every appliance and condi- tion which can add to the comfort of afflicted ones is anticipated and supplied. In connection with the hospital he has a large general practice. In 1 ( >03 Dr. Downing was married to Florence Baugh, a native of Phila- delphia. He is well known in fraternal circles, having been made a Mason in Suisun Lodge No. 71. F. & A. M.; and is a member of Yallejo Lodge, B. I'. O. E. In the line of his profession he is a member of the Solano County .Medi- cal Society, of which he is vice-president, and also a member of the State and American Medical Associations. He is a member of the Beta Thcta Pi fra- ternity at Stanford, and the Xu Sigma fraternity at Cooper Medical College. PAUL MORSBERGER. Although they have but recently established themselves in Xapa county. Paul Morsberger and family have decided, after seeing much of the coun- try both east and west, that there is no better place to make their home. Mr. Morsberger was born in Maryland in October, 1859. and lived with his parents until he was twelve years of age. His school days being over at that age he tried farming for three years and then entered' the butcher's business. Subsecpiently he changed his vocation to that of carpenter, and proved himself so efficient that he took up contracting and building, and as a result, many fine buildings in Xapa and elsewhere are silent testimonials to his able workmanship. Among these are a 812,000 building on the corner of Greenwich and Taylor streets, San Francisco; a stone flat-building for Hilbert and Taylor; a 85000 job in Fruitvale; and a $2000 job on Pedemont avenue, and many remodeling contracts. Mr. Morsberger was united in marriage in Baltimore, Md.. to Catherine Peregoy of the same state, and to them were born ten children: Harrv. Grover L.. James T.. Jennie. Emma L.. Maud. Bertha M.. Edith. Olive and Bessie M. Grover L. married Gladys Wilson, and Bertha is the wife of 986 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Leland Wilson, now residing in Vallejo, neither of whom has had any children ; Jennie is the wife of James Taylor, a foreman on tunnel work, having had charge of a tunnel in Washington, D. C, two miles in length; their home is in Baltimore, Md. ; and Emma is the wife of E. G. Land, now living in Vallejo, they being the parents of two children, Seymour and Aubry. Mr. Morsberger came to California in 1907, living first in Oakland for a year, after which he bought twenty acres of land in Shasta county and lived there for a short time. Returning to Oakland for a while before in- vesting in Napa county, he now has twenty-five acres of land in Coombsville, and he and his sons are engaged extensively in the poultry and egg business. The family are members of the Adventist Church, in which they are active workers, and politically Mr. Morsberger adheres to the principles of Dem- ocracy. JOHN A. KLAM. Born in Germany in 1827, John A. Klam spent his youth in his native land and received his education in the splendid public schools of that coun- try, and also learned a trade, his choice being the shoemaker's trade. When he came to America, at the age of twenty-two he engaged in the butcher business in Rochester, N. Y., for six years. Coming to California in 1855, via the Isthmus of Panama, Mr. Klam was for a time engaged in mining in Sierra county, and also followed butch- ering during the seventeen years he resided in that county. In 1872 he came to Napa county, settling in the Napa valley, five miles north of town. Here he bought forty-six acres of raw land which he improved and culti- vated until now he has a highly productive ranch yielding a remunerative crop each year. He has planted a vineyard and fruit trees, raising apples, pears, peaches and nuts, this giving him a large variety and different sea- sons for the handling of the crops. Mr. Klam was married in 1857 to Miss Eliza Mann, who died two years later, leaving a daughter, Katherine, now the wife of Howard Grigsby, of Napa. His second marriage occurred in 1867 and united him with Mrs. Katherine (Piper) Crow, a native of Washington county, Pa. Of the four children born of this union, two are living: Elizabeth, Mrs. Percy King, of Napa, and Alice, Mrs. Evans, who resides near the old home. Fraternally Mr. Klam has for fifty years been an Odd Fellow in good standing. Now, at the age of eighty-four, he is enjoying a life of retirement and comfort on his ranch. MICHAEL OPICI. For more than thirty-five yeas Michael Opici has been a resident of Napa county and during this time he has made a success of all his under- takings. Today he has considerable property of an improved type, that yields a good annual income. Mr. Opici is a descendant of an honorable Italian family. His father, John Opici, was born in Italy in 1811. He married Theresa Peoli, who died in 1877. To this union there were born fourteen children, Michael Opici of this review being the fifth oldest, his birth occurring November 1, 1844. For thirty years he remained in his native land, then feeling assured that he would better himself by leaving the home of his parents, he came to California, June 25, 1875, and immediately located in Napa county. For a time he worked for wages and managed to save sufficient money to permit the purchase of land about twenty-three years ago, when he bought eighty HISTORY OF soi \\i ) AND NAPA C< >UN NES acres aboul nine miles from Napa. In 1896 he made another purchase, acquiring one hundred and sixty acres of land suitable Eor the culture of les. In all he has twenty-five acres in grapes, and lasl season he had twelve tons of black Burgundy grapes, lie is a man thai devotes all his time to the improvement of his property and has every prospect of continued success. rilll. LIP DUFFY. A prominent and progressive citizen of Napa county, Phillip Duffy, has demonstrated what can he done by hard work and good management for he has accumulated a competency in this western commonwealth and now can live in the enjoyment of a well-earned retirement, lie was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1833 and spent his boyhood days in his native land, also receiving his early education there. In 1850 he decided to come to the United States, having become dissatisfied with conditions in his home country and thinking to better his lot in America, where larger opportunities awaited those ^i his energetic nature. He embarked on the sailing vessel Enterprise, and after a stormy voyage which took nine weeks and three days, landed in New York. The last week of the journey the water on board was nearly exhausted and all were placed on short rations to conserve the supply. It was with a thankful heart that land was sighted and at once upon landing, young Duffy, with the characteristic energy and thrift of his race, found employment and by dint of persistent application gradually worked his way from the bot- tom round of the ladder to his present position of affluence and influence. Mr. Duffy's first settlement after landing in this country was in Herkimer county. X. Y.. where he found employment on a dairy farm and for the follow- ing seven years was steadily engaged. Having saved his money during these years he had enough to begin his journey further west and we next find him in Clark county. Mo., and the following seven years were spent in that and in Lewis counties engaged in general farming. This was during the progress of the Civil war and conditions were very unfavorable for progress at that time. In 1865 he again took up his westward journey with mule teams and crossed the plains to Sacramento. Cal., remaining there until the following spring. settling then in Lander county. Xev., where he engaged in raising horses, cattle and sheep. His cattle, which were secured in Salt Lake, Utah, were taken to his ranch in Xevada, known as the Iowa Canon ranch, which extended for eight miles up and down the canon. He shipped many beef cattle to San Francisco markets. Besides his stock he raised large quantities of hay. This continued to be his home for many years and he became very well and favor- ably known and took an active and intelligent part in the development of the interests of the state. In 1901 Mr. Duffy sold his holdings and came to California to make a permanent home, where he would be relieved from much care and worry and where he could spend his remaining years in peace and plenty and in an enjoy able climate. On coming to N'apa valley he bought the John W. Grigsby ranch on the Big Ranch road and named it the Nevada ranch in memory of his successful years spent in that state. This ranch has three hundred and eighty-six acres, all good land, suitable for any purpose to which it might he put. After a time he added forty acres and this fine property is developed into a dairy ranch on which he maintains sixty cows. He has an up-to-date creamery, where he makes from one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds of butter daily; this is known as the famous Duffy's creamery butter, which commands the highest prices in the Xapa markets. There are three sets of buildings on the place, suitable for the needs of the business: the water for irrigating the sixty acres of alfalfa is pumped from the river by a gasoline 988 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES engine, and the dairy house is equipped with steam which furnishes power for the improved machinery and also for pumping water for domestic purposes. The place is dotted with trees and shrubs, one row of English walnut trees contains the largest ones in the valley. Two native black walnut trees measure eleven and one-half feet in circumference and two others twelve and one-half feet, showing the fertility of the soil in that part of the valley. Besides his dairy Mr. Duffy raises a large number of hogs with great profit. Over all of this large and growing business he gives his personal attention, although his two sons manage the work under their father's direction. In 1873 Mr. Duffy was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Maxwell, a native of Ireland. Of this union five children were born, viz : Phillip, Jr., and Owen M., who carry on the ranch and dairy; Dennis M., an attorney in San Francisco; Ellen and Agnes. Mr. Duffy, his wife and family enjoy the esteem and confidence of the community where they have settled and where they have taken an interest in the general welfare of the people and locality. The success he now enjoys has been of his own making and his example is worthy of emulation by others who intend to make a success in their lines of endeavor. MANUEL S. MESQUITA. Born on the Island of St. George, Azores, in 1853, Manuel S. Mesquita is the son of parents who trace their ancestry back for many years in the history of Portugal. At the age of fourteen he came to the United States and located in Boston, Mass., and from there subsequently came to Cali- fornia, locating at Sausalito, Marin county. Two years later he came to Solano county. In spite of the fact that he had had no advantages of schools or college, Mr. Mesquita's first venture was in a business of his own and the undertaking proved a success. In 1893, in San Francisco, Mr. Mesquita was married to Miss Mary Candidi Borges, she also being a native of Portugal. Five children were born to them : Mary, who was educated in Mt. St. Gertrude Academy and now the wife of John August, of Suisun ; Amelia M., who was also educated in that institution and is now the wife of Toney Gonsalves and residing in Fresno; Manuel, who died May 7, 1911; Frank, of Fresno; and Josephine, who is attending Mt. St. Gertrude Academy. All of the children were born in California. Mr. Mesquita first bought property in Rio Vista in 1889, and today he owns several pieces of land and two residences here. He is a man who has made all he has by his own untiring efforts and industry, and his example is worthy of emulation. LOUIS LIMO. Born on St. Michael, the largest of the Azores, off Portugal, April 10, 1866, Louis Limo, filled with the ambition and courage of youth, left his native land at the early age of fifteen and took passage for San Francisco. Having learned the mason's trade and being exceedingly proficient in his craft, it was not long before he was launched in his chosen calling and happily settled in Oakland. There he was united in marriage to Susie Miller, a native daughter of California, and they became the parents of six children, Manuel, Louis, Frank, George, Benjamin and Antone, all living and the three oldest attending school. Although a young man and still following his trade of mason and building contractor, with a minimum remuneration of $5 per day, Mr. Limo HISTORY OF SOI \\<> AND NAPA COUNTIES 989 spends much thought ami time upon the improvement of his ranch, where he expects to spend his latter May- The eighty acres in his possession la- in the beautiful Wildhorse valley, sixteen acres being devoted to vineyard, where were produced thirty tons of fine grapes in 1**11 and the resl in grain, pasture and timber. Mr. Limo is not partisan in his principles politically, voting For the man who. in his judgment, would be besl suited for the "thee. As a member of the Catholic Church and C. P. C. and I". P. C. lodges of Napa, his public spirit is apparent and his benevolence well known. SAMUEL E. HOLDER A native of Concord, X. H., born February 3, 1845, Samuel E. Ilolden received his education in the select schools of his home city and spent mOSl n\ his vacations working in a factory, by which he gained familiarity with factory life and an acquaintance with the wool industry. He prepared for college at the New Hampshire Conference Seminary at Tilton, which he was attending at the breaking out of the Civil war. In September, 1862. hearing the call of his country, he laid aside his bonks and put off his school garb for the soldier's ride and the "army blue." tramping, sleeping fighting, under the Stars and Stripes, an enlisted soldier in the Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, in which he served one year under Gen. N. P. Hanks during his Louisiana campaign. After "muster out" he resumed his preparatory course and in 1865 enured Wesleyan University, Middle- town, Conn., from which he graduated in 1869. Returning to Concord he took up the study of law in the office of Minott & Mugridge, where he re- mained three years, in 1872 being admitted to oractice in Grafton county. X. H. He formed a partnership at Bristol. X. H., with lion. S. K. Mason, under the name of Mason 6c TToklen, continuing this association until he came to California in 1875. at that time locating in Xapa. While a resident of Bristol he was treasurer of the Bristol Savings Bank and helped make it a success. Mr. Holden came to Xapa and became bookkeeper for B. F. Sawyer & Co.. and was also interested with them in buying fleece wool. On the reorganization of the company. April 1. 1880. he became a member of same and devoted himself entirely to the development of the business. He served as president of the Sawyer Tanning Company and of the Napa Woolen Mill, was a director of the Bank of Nana and chairman of its finance com- mittee. He was largely interested in and helped organize the Xorton Tanning Company of South San Francisco, and was a director in the Concord Manu- facturing Company of Concord. X. TI. He was president of the board >>\ directors of Xapa College and did much for the welfare of that institution. Vs a trustee of the University of the Pacific, now College of the Pacific at San Jose, he was not wanting in interest in its success. He was als nrominent and useful member of the Pay Association of the California Con ference. and was one of the incorporators of the Relief Association organized in the interest of the Conference Claimants. Tie also served in the broader Christian interest as a director of the state Y. M. C. A. It was. however, in the local church at Xapa where his faithful services were probably of the greatest worth. For twenty-four years he was a member of the official board, serving as trustee, steward and district steward. Por many years he was teacher of the young men's class in the Sunday school. Twice he was elected a member of the city council of Nana and no more faithful. canable. upright servant ever sat on its board. lli> fellow townsmen speak of him with great respect and tell of his interest in all that was for the city's 990 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES welfare. In business circles he always had the welfare of his employes and their families at heart and during the stress of hard times, some years ago, stood financially under business concerns that were run at a continuous loss. He was a Mason of the Knights Templar degree and also an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1869, the year of his graduation, Mr. Holden was married to Miss Mary E. Taylor of Sanbornton, N. H. She accompanied him to California in 1875 and passed away in Napa on May 4 of that year. In 1879 Mr. Holden was married to Miss Anna Smyth of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Robert S. Holden, who graduated from Wesleyan University in 1902, is employed in the Bank of Napa ; Harold E., who graduated from the University of California in 1906, is connected with the Norton Tanning Company of South San Francisco; and Philip S. is also in San Francisco. One daughter, Gracie, died in early childhood. Mrs. Holden is a graduate of Cornell Col- lege, Mount Vernon, Iowa, and came to California in December of 1876 as preceptress in Napa College. She and his three sons survive him. Mr. Holden was a Christian man who held to the principles of his faith with a quiet, firm persistency. He ever evidenced a genuine faith, a consistent life and a piety in the home, the church, and the world. He died December 31, 1900, at Altruria, Sonoma county. ANTONIO FRANCISCO FURTADO. Born on the island of Flores, one of the Azores, in February, 1854, Antonio F. Furtado is a splendid example of the man who, unaided and alone, can make a competency for himself. When seventeen years of age he left his homeland and came to the Pacific coast, in 1871 locating in Half Moon bay, San Mateo county, Cal., where he accepted the first employment that came to hand. Altogether he remained in that locality for about two years, and in 1873 went to Petaluma and followed dairying for a short time. Subsequently coming to Solano county he worked as a ranch hand until 1881, when he located on a ranch which he rented and in 1884 he bought the nucleus of his present ranch at Twin Sisters Mountain. To his first purchase of eighty acres he has since added until he now has one hundred and sixty-five acres in his home place, of which sixty acres are under culti- vation. Besides fruits and berries for his own use, he has eleven acres in vineyard, which in 1911 produced twenty-two tons of an excellent quality of grapes. Some of the land is in grain, and the remainder is in pasture. Mr. Furtado was united in marriage with Mary Vieira, also a native of the Azores, and to this marriage five children were born. He is a member of the U. P. E. C, a Republican in politics, and has been a school trustee in District No. 12 for three years. In his religious faith he is a Catholic. JAMES CAIN. Born in Ireland in the year 1839, at the age of eight years James Cain came to the United States with his mother and settled in Illinois, there taking up his studies in the public schools. After his graduation he began working as a farm hand. A desire to see the west brought him to California in 1864, at which time he settled in Rio Vista, Solano county, and for more than forty years past he has been actively identified with the growth and development of this section. James Cain was married in 1885 to Miss Margaret Foy, also a native of Ireland, who had located in Chicago, 111., when young. Mr. Cain owns a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres of good land, he having added HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ""1 one hundred and sixty acres to a like acreage which he homesteaded in the early days. This property is given over to the raising of sheep, which is a profitable undertaking, lie owns a beautiful home in Rio Vista, which is a source of great comfort to him in his advancing years. Politically he is a Democrat. DANIEL SMITH YATES. Ever since settling in California Mr. Yates has made his home "ii a farm in Napa county, where, through diligent application, he acquired twenty- two acres of land, eighteen being used for the raising of -rapes, where in 1911 eighty-seven tons of a fine quality were produced. The other four acres in his possession are used as pasturage for his stock and swine, which he keeps for his own needs. He has added to the original purchase the 1'. < i. Hottle ranch and now owns ninety acres about three miles east of Rutherford. The early home of Mr. Yates is far removed from the home of his later years. He was horn in Clinton county. Mo., July 5, 1852, but in his early manhood, inspired with the thought o\ some day becoming a ranch owner in the far west, he set out to cross the plains to the land of his dreams and today his dreams have been realized. In 1875 he came to California, where he followed the occupation of ranchman for nine years before purchasing a home oi his own in 1889. He married Miss Louisa Turner, a native of Clinton county. Mo., and from this union were born three children: Ida 1'... wife of James Morris, of St. Helena; Mathew A., who married Miss Adams i they having a daughter. Josephine), and Rachel, the youngest daughter, who is at home with her parents attending the public school at Libert v. Politically Mr. Yates is a Democrat and that he is a public-Spirited man is attested by the fact that he was school trustee for many years. DAVID DOAK. Scotch-Irish ancestry is one of which men are prone to boast, as it is supposed to combine the wit of the Irishman with the stability of the Scotch- man and all the sterling qualities of both. It was this ancestry upon which, David Doak prided himself and its characteristics were those by which he was best known. He was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1830. As his educational advantages were meager, his natural intelligence and native pluck- were his chief stock in trade and to these qualities are due the success of his life and the peace of his latter days. Desirous of bettering his position in life, he came to America in young manhood and located in Albany, N. Y., remaining there until 1856, when he set sail for New York, from there by way of the Isthmus of Panama coming to San Francisco, Cal. For a time he was interested in mining, and later located at Marysville, where he started a broom factory. The product was freighted into the mountains as far as Nevada. Subsequently Mr. Doak came to Hastings Island, Napa county, and engaged in farming until he made a trip back to his old home. On his return he purchased one hundred and eight acres of land, in 1866, and in a short time was able to add thirty-nine and a half acres to his ranch, now owning one hundred and forty-eight acres one and a half miles from Rutherford. In 1876 Mr. Doak was married to Mary Brown, who was born near Belfast, Ireland. She survives her husband and makes her home with their only son. David A. The latter manages the ranch, which is located on the old George Yount grant. A vineyard of thirty acres yielded seventy tons in 1909, fifty tons in 1910, and over seventy tons in 1911. The rest of the 992 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES land is in grain and pasture, where the OAvner keeps eight head of stock. Following the manifold duties of the farm David A. Doak has few idle moments, but he always has time to be civil and courteous to all those with whom he comes in contact. He votes the Republican ticket and, through his identification in the Presbyterian Church, his charities are many. A. HENRY BOLOMEY. In the list of scientific men who have been attracted to California stands prominently the name of A. Henry Bolomey, chemist, from the College of Lausanne, Switzerland. He came to this state in 1899 and in San Francisco followed his profession for a number of years, first for individuals, and sub- sequently for the state and government, securing for himself a high standing in the field of chemistry. Mr. Bolomey was born in Switzerland, April 17, 1865, and upon receiv- ing his education there and mastering his vocation, at the early- age of eighteen he embarked for this country, arriving in New York and from there came to San Francisco. It was here that he was united in marriage with Pauline Schmidt, a native of Germany, and to them were born a son, A. Henry, Jr., now attending college, and a daughter, Lucienne, who is a nurse in a sanitarium in St. Helena, Cal. Mr. Bolomey's interests are chiefly along educational and scientific lines; he is a student and experimentalist in horticulture, and to his ranch, known as Redwood Ranch, of one hundred and fifty acres in Dry Creek valley, he devotes much time and derives much pleasure. Here he has twenty acres devoted to fruit and garden for family use, the balance being in timber, ten thousand cords being the annual output. In this timber are frequently found arrow heads and other relics, which is evidence that some Indian tribes had a hunting and camping ground on his property, and wild animals have also frequented the woods. It is with great pride that Mr. Bolomey looks over his vast possessions, a vista of unsurpassing beauty and a land of peace and plenty, but he does not despise the days of small beginnings and is ever ready to lend a hand to a student of his calling, and to the church of the Seventh Day Adventists, of which he is a member, he devotes most of his charities. Politically he is a Republican. M. M. MOFFITT. Forty-six years ago, when he was five years old, M. M. Moffitt came to California with his mother and uncle. Much has been said of the courage of men that crossed the plains in the early days, but it took more than courage for Mrs. Moffitt, whose husband had lost his life at the hands of the Indians just five years before, to undertake the hazardous trip with a child. Mr. Moffitt's uncle, C. White, one of the early pioneers, coming here in 1848, was a successful miner, and twelve years later Thomas Jefferson Moffitt. our subject's father, spurred on by the knowledge of the vast wealth of gold in the Sierras, started across the plains with an emigrant train, with several thousand dollars in money, and horses and mules valued at $6,000. At a place on the plains called Battle Creek Mr. Moffitt became so ill that he was obliged to rest, thinking that after a few days camping he would be able to overtake the train, which it was deemed advisable should move on, as it was heavily loaded and its progress necessarily slow. Accordingly some of the stock was left behind and three men stayed in order to take care of it and to do what they could for Mr. Moffitt. The emigrant train HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 993 was not more than out i^i sight, however, before the camp was surrounded by Indians who had been in hiding, awaiting their chance to capture their stock, money and belongings and performing heinous crimes, too horrible to relate, upon the men. torturing them to death. This outrage was not known by the train for many days and it was several months before tin- sad tidings reached the east. The trip taken by the Moffitl party was not without hardship and peril, hut they all reached California in safety, coming direct t" Santa Rosa, where he remained during his school days, and at the age of twenty years, after graduating from the Methodist College, he went to Amador county. where his Step-father was located. There for twenty-five years as assayer and paymaster of the Keystone mine he commanded the high -alary of S300 a month. Besides this he enjoyed a large income from the Wabash mine. which is now valued at $40,000. In its undeveloped state diggings to the amount of S° per day had been secured, and made for him a very com- fortable income. Besides this Mr. Moffitt and his mother own some very valuable property in San Francisco, at Nos. 29. 31 and 33 Washington street, and three residences on Pacific Heights, but for the past twenty vears thev have lived in Napa and Sonoma counties, last year having leased a ranch oi one hundred acres belonging to heirs. Here Mr. Moffitt has engaged entensively in the poultry business, making a specialty of white leghorns, having three hundred pure bred fowls and many more hatching, having an incubator of five hundred egg canacity. On this ranch he has six fine horses and two work horses, a good deal of land being set in alfalfa. It was an old Indian camping ground and many Indians have been buried there, arrows and relics having been found on the premises. M. M. Moffitt was born in Iowa in 1860. his parents being Thomas Jefferson and Hattie (White) Moffitt. the latter still living in San Francisco Of the three children. Marian M., Thomas D. and a half-brother, William A., all are living. With the prosperity and accomplishments of a successful man. Mr. Moffitt has just passed the half-century mark, but good fortune has followed him from the first. His religion is the Golden Ride, and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World, where his charities are best known. JESSE G. ROWE. SR. The Rowe family comes of "Id eastern extraction. Jesse G. Rowe, Sr., was born in New Tcr'sev January 6, 1837, and when two years old was taken to Ohio, where his father, Philip Gray Rowe. settled on a farm near Cin- cinnati. In that neighborhood he attended school and also gained a prac- tical knowledge of agriculture, later also acquiring proficiency in the trade of an engineer. At the age of nineteen years he left Ohio and went as far west as Iowa, where he remained for a number of years and followed his trade as well as agricultural pursuits. While living there he met and married Miss Susan R. Armstrong. The journey that brought Mr. Rowe to California in 1864 was exceed ingly circuitous' owing to the absence of railroad connections between the east' and the west. Starting at Burlington. Des Moines county, he traveled via the railroad to New York City, where he took passage on the Ariel Eor Panama. Crossing the Isthmus on the railroad he then took passage on the Arazaba. which landed him at San Francisco in April with thirteen hundred other passengers. His plans had been made and brought him on t" Sacramento and from there down into the country to aid in boring wells. After four months he went to Folsom City. Sacramento county, and rented eleven hundred acres, largely adapted to the pasturage of stock and thus 994 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES utilized by him. Three hundred acres were in hay and barley and in 1865 he delivered at Sugar Loaf Station fifty tons of hay and fifty tons of barley, for which he received $50 per ton. Nine profitable years were passed on that ranch and he then removed to Davisville, where ever since he has made his home. Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe. John D., the eldest son, married Mary Horning, a native daughter of the state, and they have four children. Philip H. chose as his wife Daisy Simmons, a native of California, and they have two sons and two daughters. Jesse G., Jr., married Miss Etta Wire, a native of the state, and they have six chil- dren. Charles H., who married Florence Davis, likewise a native daughter of the state, has one child, a daughter. Laura A., Mrs. Perry Scheffer, is the mother of seven daughters. Nettie V. married Charles Hadsall, a na- tive son of the state and at present serving as county clerk of Yolo county; they are the parents of four daughters. Minnie, Mrs. Charles Fissel, lives near Davisville and has two daughters. Zillah, Mrs. Orrin Wright, is a resident of Davisville. Eva is Mrs. F. A. Russell, of Woodland, and has two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are very proud of their nine children and thirty-two grandchildren, and they now have several great-grandchildren who form objects of especial affection. During early life Mr. Rowe became identified with the Methodist Church, and he is a Democrat, as also are his sons. Fraternally Philip and John hold membership with the Woodmen, Charles has local connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Jesse G., Jr., belongs to Athens Lodge No. 228, F. & A. M. of Davisville. The firm of Rowe & Wire, of which Jesse G. Rowe, Jr., is a member, engages in the tinning and plumbing busi- ness, also conducts a general repair shop and deals in pumps, windmills, tanks, gasoline engines of all sizes and well-boring machinery. Outside of the men in the shop and office five men are given constant employment in the boring of wells and a large business is conducted in that line. HENRY TIEDEMANN. Strong national characteristics marked the progress of the life of Henry Tiedemann, and the manner of his steady toil and earnest application was at once the admiration and inspiration of his friends. Born in Lamstadt, Germany, in 1841, he did not have many of the advantages of a German upbringing, for we learn that he was quite young when he left his native land on a sailing vessel bound for the United States. A voyage of three months brought him to New York harbor, and for a time he worked on a farm in New Jersey. Coming to California in 1870, he settled down to farm- ing near Petaluma, Sonoma county. Later he came to Yountville, Napa county, and worked for ten years on the McFarland ranch, near this place. In 1887 he bought the Lowell place, consisting of twenty-four acres of good land. He passed away in Yountville in 1900. Loved ones mourn his loss and honor his memory, and to them he left the legacy of a life well spent. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Tiedemann was married in 1879 to Rose S. Sutter, who was born in Canton Zurich, Switzerland, and who came to California in 1876. The following children were born to them: Charles P., in San Francisco; Henry, on the old home place; Lulu, the wife of Louis Farres, of this vicinity; and Holly and Adeline, who also reside on the old home place. After the death of her husband Mrs. Tiedemann undertook the man- agement of the ranch and that she was equal to the responsibility was evi- dent in her accomplishments. She added to the original acreage until the HISTORY OF SOLANO AND XAPA COUNTIES 995 ranch comprised seventy-two acres, having fifteen acres in vineyard and the remainder in hay and pasture land. Mrs. Ticdemann was a chicken fancier and possessed some very fine blooded birds. The success with which she met in her undertakings was merited and all who knew her admired her courageous spirit. She passed away September 3, 1 *> 1 1 - mourned no1 alone by her immediate family, but by her many friends and acquaintances. CHARLES CANTONI. A native of Switzerland, born in Ticino, December 20, 18(o. Diaries Cantoni came to the United States and to the Pacific coast in youth with only $1.50 in his pocket and in debt $180. He is now a well-known and prosperous rancher in Xapa county, having risen to his position by applying inherited characteristics to the business spirit of the land to which he came. Coming to California in 18S0 he worked on a ranch devoted to dairying at Duncans Mills, Sonoma county, and during the thirty-three months he was there he learned much about the conduct of a dairy ranch, as well as methods of general ranch work. Leaving Sonoma county he came to Solano county in 1883 and worked on a dairy ranch three miles north of Vallejo on Napa road, afterward giving up his employment to go into partnership with I. C. Braghetta in a dairying business. The partners rented Holyoke ranch, near Xapa Junction and for thirteen years conducted a successful business, dur- ing which time they were both able to save money and purchase property. In 1897 the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent and Mr. Cantoni moved to his present location, a ranch of two hundred and ninety-six acres, just east of Xapa Junction. When he purchased this ranch there were no improvements. He built the modern residence, two large barns and the other necessary buildings for conducting an up-to-date farm and dairy. He also set out a vineyard and orchard and today the place is one of the most prosperous and productive in the vicinity. Wheat, oats and barley are the products of this fine ranch and some seasons the wheat yield has been as high as sixteen sacks to the acre. At one time the owner had a dairy of forty-five cows, but now has only about twenty-five. For all that he has been able to accomplish Mr. Cantoni shares the credit with his wife, who has been his invaluable assistant. Mr. Cantoni is a member of the United Order of Red Men, Vallejo Lodge, and is an active participant in the affairs of his order. He is also a member of the school board of American Canon district and favors modern methods for the instruction of the young. He was married in 1895 to Mi>s Matilda Beltrametti and to this union was born one son, John, who is attend- ing the Xapa high school. The example of Mr. Cantoni in building up a competency from nothing is well worthy the imitation of young men of today. GEROLAMO C AST AGXETTO. Among the sons of Italy who have contributed to the citizenship of California is Gerolamo Castagnetto. who though a resident of the state for forty years, has lived in Vallejo only since 1895. In the ancient city of Genoa he was born in 1852. and while still a young boy his love of the sea led him to ship as a cabin boy on board one of the numerous vessels ship- ping from that port. The fascination of the life was the cause of his enlist- ment on merchant vessels sailing to distant shores, and while still very young he had visited nearly all of the principal ports in the world. On account of his vast experience as a seaman Mr. Castagnetto did not regard his immigration to the new world in 1871 as such an undertaking 996 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES as might otherwise have been the case. As he had intended, this trip proved his last ocean voyage, for it was his purpose to settle down to the life of the landsman, and in California he has more than realized his expectations. He had been primarily attracted to the state on account of the mining pos- sibilities it offered and for over twenty years he mined for gold in Sierra county, in the vicinity of Sierra City. Since coming to Vallejo in 1895 Mr. Castagnetto has been engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business at Nos. 300-304 Virginia street, five men being employed. For a number of years Mr. Castagnetto was the sole owner of the business, but since 1907 business has been conducted tinder the name of G. Castagnetto & Son, his son Victor M. being taken in as a partner in that year. In Sierra City, Cal., April 2, 1881, Mr. Castagnetto was married to Rosa Canessa, also a native of Italy. All of their five children were born in Sierra county, but of the number only three are living, Victor M., Columbo J. and Adelina. Fraternally Mr. Castagnetto is identified with the Masons, having joined the order in Sierra City. ISIDORO CHARLES BRAGHETTA. A native of Switzerland, born in Canton Ticino, February 22, 1861, Mr. Braghetta came to this country at the age of twenty, with only a few dollars in his pocket and no friends to give him more. Coming to California in 1881, he worked on a dairy ranch at Guallala, Sonoma county, where he had an opportunity to learn the dairying business as conducted in this country. Ten months later he came to Napa county and for fifteen months worked in a vineyard on Cedar Knoll ranch, formerly known as the Old Hagan ranch. Hearing of an opening on a dairy ranch three miles north of Vallejo, Solano county, he went there and engaged to work for wages. The next important step was his association in the dairy business with Charles Can- toni, on the Holyoke ranch of four hundred and twenty acres. For thirteen years they operated the dairy and ranch near Napa Junction, and then, in 1897, the partnership was amicably dissolved. It had been productive of much good in the experience of Mr. Braghetta, for the two worked together with unanimity of purpose and profited by the united effort. In 1898 Mr. Braghetta bought two hundred and sixteen acres of the Holyoke ranch which he has in wheat, oats and barley, besides which he has a dairy of about forty cows. Mr. Braghetta is a member of the United Order of Red. Men, Vallejo Lodge, and is a school trustee of Soscol district. He was married in 1893 to Josephine Beltrametti, and they have three children, Eliza, Olga and Mary. Mr. Braghetta is a successful rancher and is honored for his integrity, en- terprise and honesty of purpose. PETER J. YOLO. The owner of a dairy in Solano county, Peter J. Yolo is closely iden- tified with the progress of the community in which he lives, having built up a good business by straight forward dealing. Born in Canton Ticino, Switzer- land, in November, 1870, Peter Yolo spent the first nineteen years in his native land, which is famed the world over for its dairies. Coming to Amer- ica at the age of nineteen, he located on Joyce Island, Solano county, and for five years he worked on a dairy, thus becoming acquainted with the method of conducting the business in this country. Leaving the Island, he went into partnership with his brother, Joseph Yolo, continuing this asso- HISTORY OF SOLAXO AND NAPA COUNTIES nation until three years ago, when he came to Elmira and bought about seventy acres of land for himself. On this ranch he lives with his family and carries on the dairy. He is also engaged in raising alfalfa, having a pumping plant for irrigation. Mr. Yolo was married in San Francisco to Miss Angelina Luchessa, a native of Switzerland, and the union has been blessed with four children, Joseph P.. Emma F.. Lena P. and John V. Mr. Yolo is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and politically is a supporter of the Republican principles. CARL E. SCHMEISER. A prosperous rancher of Dixon. Carl E. Schmeiser was horn in Yolo county. Cal., in June. 1877. and has spent his whole life in this state. He IS well acquainted with all details of agriculture of Solano county, for he has followed this vocation ever since he had to earn his own livelihood. Educated in the public school, he early decided to follow farming for a live- lihood, and made his first purchase of land in 1895. when he bought two hundred acres at S70 per acre. A portion of this land was devoted to almonds. In 1911 he removed to Dixon, where he built a new modern residence on his alfalfa farm one-half mile north of the city. Mr. Schmeiser married Bertha Runge, a native daughter of California, and to this union there have been horn two children. Vernon and Elda. Po- litically Mr. Schmeiser is a Republican and fraternally holds membership in Winters Lodge, Woodmen of the World. JULIUS DODINI. In the list of resourceful farmers of high standing in Solano county we mention the name of Julius Dodini. well known as a leading agriculturist of the northern locality. By birth and ancestry he is of the Swiss race. In a humble home in the little republic nestling at the foot of the Alps he was born in February of 1872, and there he learned life's early lessons of frugality, thrift and industry. When only fifteen years of age he sought the larger opportunities of the new world and since then has been identified with the landed interests of Solano county. Upon reaching San Francisco in 1887 Mr. Dodini came at once from that city to the Suisun valley and here he worked as a farm hand for three years. With the earnings of that period he embarked in farming for him- self and leased a tract of land, on which he engaged in dairying. To his country home in 1895 he brought his bride, who was Miss Mattie Jullieri, a native of Switzerland. Six children bless their union, namely: Arthur J., Florentine A.. Anna S.. Alice G.. Agnes X. and Ida Josephine. The parents are solicitous to give their children every advantage their mean- render possible, in order "that they may be prepared for whatever responsibilities await them in the future. Through the exercise of rigid economy Mr. Dodini was enabled to buy a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, about nine miles northwest oi Suisun. Fruit is now an important part of the farm products, there being eighteen acres in apricots, eight acres in figs and nine acres in cherries. In 1907 he purchased three hundred and twenty acres more, located four miles west of Dixon, on which he now lives, engaged in dairying and farming, Sixty-five acres are in alfalfa, besides grain and pasture land. One hun dred and sixty head of cattle are kept on the farm, over one hundred of these being dairy cows, the income from which averaged about $40 per head dur- 998 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES ing the year 1910. Forty head of horses and mules also are kept on the land, many of these being young stock. There are also about eighty head of hogs kept on the place. The alfalfa yields about seven tons to the acre, and is one of the most profitable crops that can be raised on the land, furnishing the most healthful of hay for the stock. Mr. Dodini is a Republican. Since 1911 he has served as school trustee of his district and for five years he was school trustee for the island district. Fraternally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Improved Order of Red Men, being an interested worker in the camp and lodge at Dixon. While living in his native land and as yet a mere boy he became a member of the Roman Catholic Church and his inter- est in that organization has never diminished. GEORGE MEE. Considerations of health necessitating a change of climate led Mr. Mee to Napa county and induced him to acquire the title to a valuable tract of land on Spring hill, where pure air, the right altitude and pure water soon restored him to his former strength and since have enabled him to boast of the merits of the place from a health standpoint. An original purchase of one hundred acres was supplemented by the acquisition of adjacent property, so that he now owns a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres. Out of this tract ninety acres are under cultivation to crops suited to the soil and cli- mate, while the balance is in timber or utilized for the pasturage of the twenty-five head of stock kept on the place. At one time a vineyard of forty acres furnished large crops of grapes and suitable buildings were erected to care for the same. The product was converted into wine and sold in the city markets, where the superior quality brought ready customers. Careful management of the business was necessary for the maintenance of profitable prices, but the owner proved equal to the emergency and as long as the vine- yard remained in good bearing condition he sold the product at a gratify- ing profit, but eventually the vines were removed to give place to other crops. Born in county Cavan, Ireland, in April of 1847, George Mee was a child of six years when his parents, Edward and Hattie Mee, left their native Ireland and crossed the ocean to Canada. Both in the old country and in Canada the father followed the occupation of a schoolmaster, for which he was qualified by superior educational advantages and excellent powers of discipline. In addition to teaching school he interested himself in farming. The son was given a fair education in Canada and remained there until 1871. At the time of the great fire in Chicago he was working in that city and the catastrophe left an indelible impress upon his mind. Shortly afterward he came to California and secured work as a farm hand near Sacramento. After one and one-half years in the country he settled in Sacramento, where, in March of 1873, he was married in his own home to Miss Mary Coulter, a native of Ireland. A general transfer and express business occupied his attention from 1873 until May, 1877. Owing to the chronic recurrence of malaria fever he was advised by his physicians to seek a change of climate, whereupon he came to Napa county and took up agri- cultural pursuits. The raising of grain, the supervision of a family orchard and the care of the stock and the flock of chickens occupy his time and in return give him a neat profit for the year's efforts. The doctrines of Christianity have the support of Mr. Mee, who endeav- ors in his life to exemplify the teachings of the Lord, but makes no outward claims to church membership. In character he always has been upright and honorable, aiming to treat others as he would have them do by him. While HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 999 he is devoted to his adopted country, political ambitions have not been awah ened in his breast and he lias been averse to assuming the burdens incident to office. It has been his preference simply and unostentatiously to follow the quiet round of agricultural duties incident to his existence, enjoying the comforts of home, the society of friends and the companionship of wife and children, without participating in any oi the affairs that are associated with civic enterprises or the public welfare. In his family there are seven chil- dren, namely: W. E.. George T.. James G., Harry L., John G.. Hattie S. and Thomas H. The only daughter married Frank S. Avers manager of the American Tea Company at San Diego, where they and their two chil- dren reside. George T.. who married Esther Borton. is a carpenter by trade and erected the house now occupied by his father. At this writing he has a position as foreman for a contracting company at Long Beach, Cal. Harry I... who married Esther Johnson, daughter of a minister formerly pastor of the St. Helena Methodist Episcopal Church, is the father of two children by that union. Thomas H., who is a graduate of the University of Southern California, has entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal denomination and already has given promise of more than usual success in the profession. MATHEUS GONSALVES. A popular dairyman of Vacaville. Matheus Gonsalves was horn on the Island of St. George, Azores, Portugal, January 31, 1868. At the age of seventeen, in 1885, he came to the United States, reaching Boston, Mass., in July of that year, and remaining there for a short time. From Massachu- setts he came to California, reaching Solano county in September with just S2 in his pockets, and he has been a resident of the county ever since. He first began working on farms for wages, and by being economical he was able to save a large portion of his earnings each month and ultimately was in a position to lease one hundred and sixty acres of land at Elmira. There he engaged in raising hay and grain for nine years, when he leased the Bruck place of one hundred and sixty acres and devoted it to dairying, supplying milk to families in Vacaville for nine years. In 1905 he purchased one hun- dred and sixty-eight and a quarter acres three miles southeast of Vacaville which he still owns, and later he rented one hundred and sixty acres ad- joining and thus enlarged his dairy, and he is now shipping cream to Suisun. Altogether he is running about four hundred and eighty-eight acres and keeps about forty cows of the well known Durham and Holstein breeds, as well as a large number of young stock, horses and hogs. Besides his dairy he has one hundred and sixty-eight acres in barley and wheat, and cuts from seventy-five to one hundred tons of hay each season. Politically Mr. Gonsalves is a Republican. He is a member of the Catholic Church. In Elmira he was married to Miss Mary J. Mattos, also born in the Azores, on the Island of Pico. To this union there were born three children: Frank, John (attending Vacaville high school), and Mamie. PETER A. DADO. From the republic of Switzerland many of the sturdy pioneers and rugged citizens of our state and country have come, bringing with them indomitable spirits, high ideals and restless energy. These assets have been harnessed and turned to good account in their association with American ideals, and consequently the majority of these immigrants have proven them- selves most worthy citizens of the United States. Peter A. Dado was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1846, and 1000 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES came to California when twenty-five years of age. He located in Marin county and for four years followed butter making and dairying with much success. He then moved to Napa county and resided in the region of the Napa redwoods until his death, in 1899. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land and improved the same, building a house and barn and planting a vineyard and an orphard. His place of residence was known as Ivy Cottage, situated about twelve miles from Napa, on the Brown's valley road. In San Francisco, in April, 1872, Mr. Dado married Louisa Lohmann, a native of Posen, Germany, who came to San Francisco in 1871, in com- pany with her parents, Gotleib and Fredericka (Boettcher) Lohmann, and resided there until her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Dado the following chil- dren were born : Hermann, Benjamin, Peter, Frederick, Frank and Marie. Hermann married Coba Sax and they have one child, Anita. Peter married Louisa Glos and they have two children, Peter and Zelda. Frank married Hulda Woodworth. Marie married Gustaf Schneider, a musician of San Fran- cisco, and they have one child, Ewald. After the death of Mr. Dado his widow married Otto Zaugg, a native of Switzerland, the ceremony taking place in San Francisco. In 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Zaugg bought sixteen acres of land and built a home in the Napa redwoods. JAMES H. McCORD. The life which this narrative depicts began in Somerset county, N. J., December 29, 1826, and closed near St. Helena, Cal., August 7, 1890, after a long period of useful activity in the Napa valley dating back to the year 1852. The fourth among the children of James and Mary (Woodruff) Mc- Cord, of eastern birth and lineage, James H. McCord was five years of age when he was taken into the home of his father's uncle in Morris county, N. J., and there he remained for seven years, meanwhile attending the public schools. After returning to Somerset county he entered upon an appren- ticeship to the trade of a shoemaker and acquired by diligent effort a thor- ough knowledge of the occupation, which later he followed as a journey- man. At the age of twenty years he went to Essex county, N. J., for the purpose of working at his trade, but soon gave up business cares in order to become a participant in the Mexican war. Six months of service were given to his native land as a soldier at the front, but the breaking of one of his arms produced a disability that caused him to be honorably discharged. N A brief sojourn at Detroit, Mich., followed by removal to St. Joseph, same state, gave Mr. McCord an opportunity to open a boot and shoe store in the latter city. April 1, 1849, he joined an expedition at St. Joseph, Mo., and started across the plains for California, traveling with wagons drawn by oxen. The tedious journey consumed five and one-half months and brought him to the state via the Truckee cut-off. From Sacramento, after a short stop, he proceeded to Sonoma county and secured employment in the red- woods. During the spring of 1850 he took charge of a farm owned by Gen- eral Vallejo, but soon resigned the position and opened a boot and shoe store in the village of Sonoma, where he made for the same distinguished Spaniard the first pair of boots manufactured north of the bay of San Francisco. The occupation, however, proved too confining for his health and in April of 1852 he came to the Napa valley, where he settled near the present site of St. Helena, taking up farm land as well as working in the redwood timber. Ninety-three acres purchased by Mr. McCord in 1855 formed the nucleus of the property now owned by his widow. Hither he brought his family and here all of his children but the eldest (a native of Sonoma) were born. HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 1001 Forty acres of the farm were planted in a vineyard and in 1872 he embarked in the manufacture oi wine. Disaster tnel the effort, for at the expiration "t six months the entire plant was destroyed by fire and twenty-six thousand gallons of wine were lost. During 1876 he made a new start in the mauu facture of wine and eventually became the owner of one of the finest cellars in the state. Giving his attention very closely to business matters, he had no leisure for participation in politics or fraternal matters, yel he served impartially as justice of the peace and associate judge of Napa county. Throughout the community he was honored as a man of high worth and sterling attributes of character. A marriage ceremony at Sonoma performed by Judge Handley on the 17th oi April. 1851, united the destinies of James H. McCord and Miss Mary Griffith, who was born in North Carolina December 2, 1834. She is the daughter oi James A. and Elizabeth (Rogers) Griffith, who came to Califor- nia in 1845. theirs being the first wagons to cross the Sierras into California. Mrs. McCord is therefore a pioneer of 1845. The eldest child born to Mr. and Mrs. McCord was Lafayette, who was born January 8. 1852; he is married and the father of two children. Nathaniel, born March 15, 1854. has been twice married, having three children by the first wife and one by the second union. Albert, born July 30. 1859, lias a family of four children. Ellen, born July 20. 1862. married Elias Gates and has two children. AuguMa, born December 6. 1868, is the wife of Albert Newell and the mother of two children. James M. and Lillian B. James II.. born April 5, 1872, married Martha Hill. The youngest living member of the family, Lillian M., Mrs. James Maddux, of St. Helena, has one daughter. Edith E. There were also three other daughters in the family circle, but all of them died in childhood. The son. James, who bears his father's name and is continuing the work once superintended by that parent, married a native daughter of Napa county, belonging to a well known pioneer family of the west. Her mother came via the Isthmus as early as 1849, while her father landed in California Sep- tember 22. 1859, and later became a resident of Napa, where he died in 1883. In the family of James and Martha McCord there were the following-named children besides an infant, born September 29. 1904, and deceased unnamed: Isabel C. born October 26, 1894; Mary F., Tulv 24, 1896; Eva M., September 26. 1898; Pearl A.. August 1, 1900; Martha H.. October 16. 1902; James H.. September 23. 1906; and Delia D., December 11, 1910. The two eldest daugh- ters are students in the Napa Business College, having previously completed the studies of the country schools. The younger children are being sent to school as they reach the stipulated age for primary work. At the time of his death the senior McCord owned a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, on which there was then and still remains a vineyard of thirty acres. For the season of 1911 it produced seventy t of grapes. A small family orchard furnishes the family with all the fruit they desire for home use. Fifteen acres of the farm are in grain and there a>tnre for six head of stock kept on the land. In political views father and -"ii< gave >tanch support to the Republican party and were loyal to its principles at all times. PATRICK H. LENNON. A retired stock-raiser, residing in Napa and a pioneer of Napa county since 1858. Patrick H. Lennon was born in county Roscommon. Ireland, in March. 1835, a son of Michael and Honora (Moran) Lennon. His mother died while he was a young boy and in 1842 he started with his father on the long voyage from Ireland to America. During this voyage the father died and was buried at sea. leaving the seven-year-old child an orphan, home- 1002 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES less, friendless and penniless. The voyage across the Atlantic ended on the arrival of the vessel at Quebec and shortly afterwards the orphan was taken to the home of Mr. Crozier, Washington county, N. Y., where he was in- structed in the first principles of agriculture, and proving an apt scholar, he soon made himself useful on the farm. The spell of the Pacific Coast country was not without its charms for Mr. Lennon and in 1857 he went to New York City and embarked on a vessel bound for the Isthmus of Panama. In due course of time he arrived, March 19, 1858, at San Francisco. Realizing that agriculture is one of the main- stays of any country, Mr. Lennon invested his meager capital in the pur- chase of a small house on a grant of land near St. Helena, Napa county, after having satisfied himself as to the productivity of this region. Two years later he moved close to Napa City and rented a ranch for one year, when he was able to purchase it. During the following years by untiring energy and splendid application he improved the property by the erection of farm buildings, the planting of an orchard, etc., and its value was increased rapidly. One notable improvement on this property is the row of pine and cypress trees planted from the house to the road, some of which are now three feet thick. The motto of this pioneer man is "The best of everything," and this was very carefully applied in the large stock-raising business of which Mr. Lennon made a specialty, although raising wheat and barley in large quan- tities. Only the finest breeds of stock were kept and he is well known throughout the county for the splendid breed of Durhams he maintained. Raising horses was a delight and a fascination to this enterprising man and on his ranch a large number of roadsters were bred, one span of which he sold for $1200 and others have brought from $600 to $800 each. Men came from all parts of the country to view his stock before purchasing elsewhere, so well known was his name and reputation. In 1890 parts of his ranch were let out to persons desiring to grow vegetables and five years later he sold the entire property, which is now known as the Spreckels ranch. At the time of selling he moved into Napa, purchasing an attractive residence on First street. Mr. Lennon married Carrie Welsh, a native of Boston, Mass., who died in October, 1908. Of this union there were born three daughters : Ethel, who died in childhood ; May, the wife of John F. Bradt, the owner of a blacksmith business in Napa ; and Ella, who married Alexander A. Herritt, and has one son, Lennon W. ANTONIO FILOMEO. The Filomeo patronymic denotes the Italian origin of the subject of this sketch, Antonio Filomeo. He was born in Castroville, Italy, in the year 1871 and at the age of eight he came to the United States with his mother, his father, John Filomeo, having come hither previously, first locating in Colorado and later coming to California, where the family joined him. An- tonio Filomeo was educated in the public schools of San Francisco and at the same time worked industriously helping his parents. In 1884 he came with his parents to Solano county. Here he remained for a short time and then returned to San Francisco, but not to stay, for we find him once again coming to the fertile Vaca valley, where his father had bought land. At an early age he began working on his father's farm, learning the rudiments of agriculture and horticulture. Eight years later, associated with others, he bought one hundred and sixteen acres of land, which was subsequently divided and Mr. Filomeo received thirty-five acres as his share. He bought more land and today he has one hundred and seventy-nine acres divided HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAI'A COUNTIES 1003 into fruit lands and stock ranches. Thirty-five acres are in apricots, plums, grapes and peaches, ami after drying the fruit he Bhips it to Vacaville, Bix miles north of the ranch. Mr. Filomeo is preparing to .set out Bixtv four ;urcs more to orchard. Mr. Filomeo was married September 16, 1894, to Miss Severia Dalto, a native of Tegano, Italy, who came to this country with her parents when she was an infant, and was reared and educated in San Francisco. All of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Filomeo are Living, as follows: John, born in 1895; Joseph George, 1897; Rosie, 1899; Eddie S., 1901 : William Stanley. 1903; Alvera C. 1905; and Lucia. 1909. Mr. Filomeo is looked upon as one of the most successful farmers of the Vaca valley. He is roadmaster of the district in which he lives and has served as a member i^i Vacaville high school hoard for the last five years. In addition to his fruit and stock ranches he owns property in Vacaville, but spends most of his time looking after his orchards. Mr. Filomeo came to this country as a youth of eight years and by persistence and pluck he has achieved for himself an education and a competency which he set out to do and has acquired a place in the community that other young men would do well to emulate. GEORGE C. ALLAN. Born in Scotland in the year 1849. for twenty-one years George C. Allan walked the heather of his native land. During boyhood he attended the public school of his birth-place, and later he learned the milling trade. On reaching his majority he left the shores of "bonnie Scotland," determined to seek his fortune in the great and promising United States. Arriving at Boston. Mass., he fortunately found work at his trade, and has followed this all his life, with the exception of the last five years, since then following ranching and working at the carpenter's trade. Mr. Allan came to California in 1874. first going to San Francisco. His experiences since coming here have been varied. He has erected mining ma- chinery and traveled to Peru and South America. Twenty-five years ago he bought the place he now owns, in all over forty-nine acres. Of this, thirty acres are now in cultivation to all kinds of fruits suitable for local and distant markets. In 1906 Mr. Allan married Miss Mary Emma Coulter, a native of Mis- souri, who was brought to California when two years old. Mr. Allan is a true representative of his nationality and has won many friends by his geniality of disposition and careful consideration of the good of others. Politically he is a Republican. SAMUEL K. CAGLE. Born in Jasper county. Mo., August 28. 1860. Samuel Cagle grew to manhood on a farm and received common school advantages. He lived in the vicinity of the lead and zinc mines and secured employment as a miner for some years, but agriculture suited his inclinations better than mining and he decided to seek a location where opportunities for a farmer were more favorable than in his own section of the country. At the age of thirty- one years he came to California and settled in San Bernardino count v. where he secured employment on a ranch. The principal industry conducted by his employer was a dairy of Holstein cows and the young hand devoted con- siderable attention to milking and caring for the cows. For some time he continued on the dairy ranch and meanwhile became familiar with the best 1004 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES methods of carrying on such a business. Later he resigned his position in order to embark in farming for himself. Upon coming to Solano county in 1900 Mr. Cagle rented a farm and for some time operated as a tenant, but meanwhile he was saving his earnings and eventually he felt justified in purchasing property for himself. Industry and economy enabled him to buy the eighty acres near Dixon that he now owns and operates. Twenty acres are in alfalfa, which without irrigation has produced as much as two tons per acre a year. The balance of the farm is under cultivation to grain. Fourteen sacks of barley is considered a fair average crop for an acre of land. Facilities for irrigation have been intro- duced on the farm through a new well one hundred feet deep. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dixon and has been an influential worker in the lodge. As a Democrat he takes a quiet part in local politics and keeps posted concerning the questions affecting our national welfare. Mr. Cagle married Miss Mary Vancuren, an own cousin of Senator Harry Willis of San Bernardino. The children born of the union are as follows : Pansy E., who married William J. Jahn and resides at Davisville ; Paul A., Samuel E.. Charles A. and Chester O. JOHN BURROUGHS. The annals of Morgan county, 111., state that John Burroughs was born in that county December 15, 1862, a son of George and May (Connell) Burroughs. The former was born in England in 1830 and as a young man came to the United States and married May Connell in Illinois. To the union there were born five children : George, John, Mary, Elizabeth and Nellie. Mary married Mr. Kennal and has four children ; Elizabeth married Fred Debolt and has two children ; and Nellie married Charles Debolt. From Illinois, John Burroughs accompanied the family to Minnesota, and for six years resided in Mower county. In 1875, when he was thirteen years old, he left the parental roof and came to Napa county, Cal., by train. After living in Napa for a time he later passed one year where the Soldiers' Home now stands and for fourteen years he worked in Woodland, Yolo county, doing general harvesting work and spending a number of months each year working in a vineyard. From Yolo county he went to Trinity county, remaining there four years and spent one year in Trinity and Placer counties discharging the terms of a mail contract that he received from the government. For this work he received $600 a year. In 1891 he home- steaded one hundred and sixty acres of good land near Sulphur Glenn in Sage Canyon, Napa county, where he has a fine sulphur spring. A portion of the ranch is used for raising grain and hay and the balance is in fruit, vines, and pasture. Like his father, Mr. Burroughs is a Democrat and is associated with the Odd Fellows order. HERMAN W. GOLDS. A native of Germany, Herman W. Golds was born in 1834. He learned the blacksmith's trade with characteristic thoroughness, so that, when he came to America and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, he was competent to earn his own living. After remaining in Cleveland for a number of years he came to California in 1860, via the Panama route, and settled in Marysville, Sutter county, working at his trade under the direction of the California Stage Company. After leaving this employ he settled for a time in Santa Clara county and then in Lake county, and in 1882 he came to Napa county. He HISTORY OF SOLANO \\l> NAPA COUNT11 > 1005 tirst settled on a ranch on the Big Ranch road and later came to the Fly district, where he lived until his death in 1894. The old home place La an eighty-five acre ranch about six miles southeast of Napa, on which Mr. Golds conducted a vineyard as well as raising fruit, grain and alfalfa. In 1865, in Sacramento, Mr. Golds was married to Miss Mary E, Kah, and to this union eight children were horn. They are a^ follows: Flora, the wife of J. C. Larsen. of Napa county; William, who died in 1S ( >2; John. with H. S. Schwarz Co.. of Napa: Carrie, the wife ^\ Joseph Kohinson, of Napa; Edward, with the Napa City Water Company and is also managing the home farm: Lillian, the wife of A. W. Chapman, of Napa; Frank, who lives on the adjoining ranch: and George, who resides in San Jose. After the death of her husband Mrs. Golds continued to operate the ranch they had improved until her death. June 5. 1911. Her loss was mourned not only by her children, but by her many friends, who had learned to love her for her main' excellent traits of character. JOSEPH LEE EDINGTON. A resident of Chiles valley. Joseph Lee Edington is the owner of three hundred and ninety-eight acres of land, recently purchased from James I'.. Edington, located about fourteen miles from St. Helena. This ranch is mostly all under cultivation and presents an appearance of care and attention seldom exceeded in this section. Two hundred acres are in grain and hay. Thirty- two in vineyard and the balance is pasture land, with the exception of a family orchard. There is plenty of wood on the place and some stock is kept; there are six head of horses, seven head of cows and twenty-two head of calves, besides a number of hogs. Mr. Edington was married in Xapa in 1899 to Emma, daughter of Samuel Radelfinger, a well known resident of Napa, Cal., who was employed at the Yallejo navy yard until he died in October. 1911. Mrs. Edington is a native daughter and is a woman of much initiative. They have one child, Velma. JOHN JACKSON SWIFT. A native of the south. John Jackson Swift, who was born in Adair county. Ky.. November 13. 1830, was only three years of age when his parents. Anthony W. and Melinda (York) Swift, closed out their affairs in the Blue Grass state and started in a "prairie schooner" for the newer country of Missouri. Entering government land in Pike county, Mo., the family remained there between eight and nine years and then removed further southwest in the same state, settling in Morgan county, where, as before, they entered a tract of government land. March 10, 1850, the young man left the parental home and from that time onward he made his own way in the world. After a brief stay with a neighbor, in April he joined an expedition bound for California. The trip was made with horses and mules with Samuel Hand as foreman of the company. With them as with other emigrants the Indians proved very troublesome. On one occasion they stampeded all of their stock, but by mounting their horses the whin- men kept them in sight and the next day were able to recover all that had been stolen. The trains before and behind them had considerable trouble with the Mormons, but they passed through their country peacefully. Upon reaching the district west of Weaver creek the train went ahead and left Mr. Swift and his companions alone, so he was compelled to make the 46 1006 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND, NAPA COUNTIES rest of the distance without money or provisions. On the last day of July, 1850, he arrived at Hangtown and from there went to Georgetown, where he secured a position in a mine at $6 per day and board. To a hungry, penniless lad the wages seemed large and he remained until he had earned $40, when acting on the advice of a friend at Georgetown he went to a place the friend had just left, but found no opportunity for work. Next he tried the Kelsey mine but without any special luck. A later effort at Missouri Flat was more successful and he and his companion left that dis- trict with gold to the value of $5,000. The next expedition took him to the south fork of the American river, where he undertook deep water mining for gold and where he prospered until the water rose so high as to prevent further work. An experience of three years at Gold Hill, Eldorado county, left Mr. Swift with a profit of about $5,000. Thereupon he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Eldorado county and built a cabin in which to live, also constructed a table, some chairs and other articles of furniture. On selling his claim he removed to the Napa valley in 1859 and for a time engaged in binding wheat at $5 per day, after which he bought two hundred and sixty-four acres, remaining on the land until 1902. He then came to Napa, where he and his wife own two comfortable cottages, but they made their home on Calistoga avenue. For eight years he served as road supervisor. For a long time he held the offices of clerk of the town and trustee of the Eldorado school. In early life he was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he long has been con- nected with the blue lodge of Masonry and in politics he votes with the Democratic party in national elections. The marriage of Mr. Swift and Hannah (Gwin) Winston, a native of Ohio, was solemnized in Napa in 1865. By her marriage with Mr. Winston she had six children, two of whom died in infancy and those living are John G., Mrs. Angeline Davis, Mrs. Laura Chapman, and Olive. Of the union with Mr. Swift there have been ten children, two dying in infancy and eight living. Anthony W. married Julia Jenson and has two children ; J. Franklin married Sarah McLaughlin and has two children ; Miles E., residing in Los Angeles, married Clara Graham and they have one child; Minnie is the wife of Henry Studer and the mother of two children; Delia, Mrs. A. W. Beer, has two children, and they are residents of Washington, D. C. ; Chester A. married Alice Cook and they have two children ; George is the next in order of birth ; and Mazie is the wife of J. L. Reams and has one child. Since settling in Napa Mr. Swift has lived retired with his family and surrounded by his friends. GERMAIN CROCHAT. The life of Germain Crochat commenced in France in the year 1822 and ended in Napa county, Cal., January 19, 1894. It is recorded that Mr. Crochat came to New Orleans before the war in 1861 and lost all he had in Louisiana. After a very severe attack of yellow fever he decided to come to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in 1870, poor in pocket but rich in resolves to do and to achieve. In his native land he had learned the trade of distiller and on coming to Napa valley he found this trade of much use to him, for he hired himself out to work for Mr. Krug of St. Helena, in the wine business. Here he worked steadily for two years, in which time he saved as much as he could from his weekly pittance and at the end of the time men- tioned he was able to purchase, with Mitzener Valper, a ranch of seven hun- dred and fifty acres of land in Conn valley. Only a portion of this land was :;. HISTORY OV SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 1007 improved, but the new owners commenced improving it by planting a vine yard, and Mr. Crochat established a winery and a distillery, this being one of the firsl plants of its kind to be sel up in Conn valley. Mere Mr. Crochat remained until his death. In 1882 Mr. Millet, Mr. Crochat's nephew, with two children, came from France. Mr. Millet married Louise Mason, a native of France, the ceremony taking place in their native land in 1879. Three children were horn to them, \dolph. Mane and Germain, the latter being born on the voyage to \merica. Marie married |. 1.. Freeman, and they reside in \ allejo, Cal., with their two children. Albert and Louise. Mr. Millet was killed November 16, 1882. Mr. Crochat married Mrs. Louise Millet and to them were born two sons, Jules and Leon, who are both single and remain at home with their mother. When the father left them at the call of Death, the family sold out their in- terests in Conn valley and purchased a two hundred and eighteen acre ranch in Chiles valley. They have a twelve acre vineyard and about seventy acres oi grain land, the rest being devoted to pasture. There are about ten head oi cattle on the place and also an orchard for family use. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Crochat was a member of the Masonic order and politically he was a Democrat. ANTON ROSSI. One of the successful wine makers of the vicinity of St. Helena is Anton -i. who was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, December 28. 1852. At the age of eighteen years he landed in New York a very poor lad and for three years worked hard in order to gain a livelihood. His next m was to California, in 1874, and after a short stay in San Francisco he \ t<> Sonoma county. After working there for a while he came to St. Helena and took up his present industry. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Spring valley, about three miles east of St. Helena, under a high state of cultivation. Besides thirty-five acres of vineyard there is a small orchard and the balance of the property is devoted to grain and pasture. Mr. Rossi has a winery with a capacity of thirty thousand gallons. Mr. Rossi was married in St. Helena to Ida M. Bacon, a native of Kansas. To them were born the following children: Fred B., who married A. Bollat; Luther C. who married Minnie Hall, they and their two chil- dren living in San Francisco; and Arthur G. Politically Mr. Rossi is a Republican and he and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. HENRY BEDDOE. A native of Utah. Henry Beddoe was born in Salt Lake City June 26. 1853. one of the seven children born to his parents, William and Mary B. Beddoe. The children were as follows: Henry, Benjamin. Elinor, Margarette, Mary A.. Naomi and Margaret. Mary A. married M. Frazer, a native of Indiana, and six children were born to them. Margaret became the wife Of Park II. Hall. Henry Beddoe remained in his birthplace until his parents moved back to St. Joseph, Mo., settlement being afterward made in Rolla, Phelps county, that state, and he continued under the parental roof until he was forty-five years of age. In Missouri he married Ella Moore, a native of New Jersey. and nine children were born to them, as follows: Daisy F... Tansy 1... William \Y.. Benjamin F.., Thomas IT. Everett E., Adolph R.. Morris and Roy R. 1008 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES William W. married Hannah Wiley, of Rolla, Mo., and they have three chil- dren; Benjamin E. married Anna Lowe, of Hannibal, Mo., and they have two children; Thomas H. married Edna Stone, and they have two children; Daisy E. married James A. Stephens, a minister residing in San Francisco. Henry Beddoe came to California in 1898 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Chiles valley. He died in the year 1906, and the work of the farm is now carried on by the children. The ranch is divided as follows : Thirty acres of grapes, eighty acres of pasture and timber, fifteen acres of alfalfa and fifteen acres of grain. The orchard consists principally of peaches and prunes, from which a good yield is obtained. Politically Mr. Beddoe was a Republican and fraternally he was a member of the Odd Fellows. The Beddoe family has done much to promote the welfare of the community and has materially added to the progress of the county. JOHN KJELLANDER. The birth of John Kjellander occurred in Sweden in 1826, and those who knew him aver that he was a true representative of that country. When he was twenty-four years old he set out for the new world, landing in San Francisco in 1850. He first followed mining in British Columbia, but the venture was not as successful as he had anticipated and he returned to California and settled in Napa county, taking up tilling of the soil. He cultivated in all twenty acres to prunes, peaches and table grapes and lived an industrious life on his ranch. Mr. Kjellander was a man well read in all affairs of national and inter- national importance as well as in general subjects. Politically he supported the Republican party. He did not establish a life of domesticity, in that he did not marry, but lived a life of usefulness, attending to his own duties and then doing all he could for the advancement of the welfare of others. He was a truly good man, of fine characteristics and was ever ready to aid those who had been less fortunate. His demise occurred in June, 1909, and he leaves many friends who honor his memory. HENRY T. MARCH. Prominent among the citizens of Chiles valley, Napa county, is H. T. March, whose success is due to individual labor and effort, rather than to inherited wealth and fame. He was born in the county in which he still resides, in Napa valley, October 18, 1859, and has ever been an interested participant in the growth and expansion of the county of his birth. He has not spent his life in the idle attempt to accumulate wealth in a ma- terial sense, but has paid attention to the cultivation of the spiritual side of his nature and his position as superintendent of the local Christian Church Sunday School is an indication of the regard in which he is held. The father of H. T. March, R. B. March, crossed the plains in 1857 with an ox team train and settled in Napa valley, being satisfied that this section was destined to see great expansion in the immediate future. But changes came into the family life, and about two years after the birth of their son, of this review, they moved to Elmira, where the father engaged in the livery business for twelve years. He died at the age of seventy- three years. In Elmira, Cal., H. T. March married Miss Ava Shanks, a native of Missouri, whose mother came to California from Missouri in the early days. Eight children were born to them, as follows : Irvine, who married Mamie HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 100) Batton; Earl, who married Hazel Jacobson and they have one child, Ade line; Earnest, deceased: Lester; Harold; Milton; Mure! and Rachel. For eight years after his marriage Mr. March resided in Elmira, when he moved to Napa City anil rented a fruit farm for two years. The next move was to St Helena, where he worked on a farm, and alter selling his interests, worked in the store of L. A. 1'ritehard. and later for Henry Harris. He then moved into Chiles \ alley, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres. A vineyard of thirty aeres in young vines yielded seven tons of grapes in 1910. There is a small orchard on the place and the balance is used for hay ami pasture land. Mr. March keeps a few horses and cows and some hogs, but does not raise these for market. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen lodge and his wife is a member of the Women of Woodcraft. Politically he believes in voting for the man calculated to best serve the interests of the people, and he and his family are members oi the Christian Church. LOWERY SWEITZER. When in 1849 the news of the discovery of gold in California reached Iowa. Lowery Sweitzer. then a young man of twenty-eight years, was con- sumed with a desire to visit the land of promise, and in company with others he undertook the perilous trip to the Eldorado, from which he never re- turned. Mr. Sweitzer was horn in Iowa in 1821 and was there educated. On December 2. 1856. he was united in marriage to Mary E. Post, in Contra •a county, and two sons were born to them: Frank H., born November 2. 1857. and Charles D.. horn February 18. 1859, both in Contra Costa. Mr. Sweitzer conducted a ranch near Big Bridge, Xapa county, with a commendable measure of success until the day of his death, which occurred January 31. 1878. He is survived by his widow. Mary Sweitzer, and his second son. Charles D. Frank II. was accidentally killed by a snow-slide on January 4. 1893. in British Columbia, and the fact was not known to the family until his mother read an account of it in the San Francisco papers. He was buried by his brother in the Freddie Lee mine in Kasto Slogan District, B. C. The oldest residence in Monticello is the home of Mrs. Sweitzer. where she now lives with her son Charles. In addition to this property they own a block of twelve lots and seventeen acres of land under cultivation. Although seventy-seven years of age. she is still hale and hearty, taking an interest in the general topics of the day and the welfare of the people, many of whom have been made happy by her deeds of charity, and it is said of Charles that he is a friend of every good cause. He is a member of several orders and holds the position of road master of his district, demon- strating the confidence the people have placed in him in many ways. J. M. MANSFIELD. Born in Dudley. Worcester comity. Mass., March 14. 1825. J. M. Man- field was a son of Jerry and Lucretia (Corbin) Mansfield, both horn and reared in that county. About 1828 the family removed to Vermont and settled on a farm near Barton. Orleans comity, where he grew to manhood, receiving meanwhile a common school and academical education. At nine- teen he began to teach school and during tw<> winters he followed that profession, helping on the farm in the summers. Winn he attained his majoritv he left home to earn his own way in the world. It had been his intention to Study medicine, hut he had little leisure for the study and 1010 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES continued it under many discouragements until he was twenty-four. March 4, 1849, he sailed from Boston on the ship Edward Fletcher, bound for California via the Horn, and after a tedious voyage he landed in San Fran- cisco on the 6th of September. Immediately after his arrival he found em- ployment as a carpenter. Next he teamed in mines near Stockton until an attack of fever forced him to relinquish all physical activities until the spring of the following year. During the summer of 1850 Mr. Mansfield engaged in trading between San Francisco and Stockton and afterward he opened a meat market at Stockton, where he remained for one year. Upon selling out that business he engaged in boating and trading from San Francisco to Stockton and Marysville. Later he went to San Francisco and embarked in the dairy business. Soon, however, he relinquished that business and removed to Napa county, where he acquired the title to more than three hundred acres north of Napa. That property he developed into a valuable ranch and it continued to be his home up to the time of his death, which occurred November 6, 1896. Through the judicious planting of fruit trees he made the ranch one of the most productive in the county. During the latter part of his life he became the owner of a farm of one hundred acres in Brown's valley. Farming continued to be his chief occupation, with horti- culture as a profitable specialty, but also he found leisure for other activities and for some time acted as a director of the Bank of Napa, besides which for two years he engaged in merchandising in Napa with J. F. Lamdin as a partner. Mrs. Mansfield bore the maiden name of Ellen G. Easterbrook and was born at Concord, N. H., February 7, 1836. Throughotit girlhood she made her home in New England, where she received fair educational advantages. Her marriage was solemnized May 5, 1859, and resulted in the birth of four children: Walter D., born February 11, 1860; Grace L., October 15, 1863; Jerry M., January 9, 1867; and Channing C, December 20, 1874. After the death of her husband Mrs. Mansfield removed to Napa and estab- lished a home at No. 423 Fourth street, where she is quietly passing her declining years. FIENRY MARTIN MEACHAM. A native of the east, Henry M. Meacham was born in Sandy Creek, Oswego county, N. Y., January 1, 1846, a son of Chauncey and Betsy (Thompson) Meacham, both natives of Vermont, who represented old American families who had been established in New England for many years. About the year 1823 the parents removed from their native state to New York and in Oswego county began farming and continued with success until the death of Mr. Meacham in 1877. He was survived by his widow, who passed away in 1882. They left three children, William, Harriett and Henry M. Henry M. Meacham attended the public schools in his native county and completed his studies in Pulaski Academy, where he was graduated in 1866, after taking an eight years' course. His school days over, he accepted a position as a clerk for the firm of Jones & Company, in Pulaski ; and after an experience of two years he embarked in business for himself as a dealer in drygoods, continuing for two years. In 1870 he went to Syracuse, N. Y., and accepted a position as traveling salesman for the drygoods house of Atwell & Hubbard, and after he had been with that firm five years he re- signed and went to Meadville, Pa., where he went to regain his health, and where he remained three years. This change did not benefit him as much as he wished and in 1878 he decided to come to California, hoping HISTORY OF SOL WO WD NAPA COUNTIES 1011 thereby to more readily recuperate in the less rigorous climate of the Pacific coast.' He soon found himself In St. Helena, Napa county, and from 1878 until 1887 was engaged in farm work and viticulture, gaining greatly in health and becoming familiar with the grape and wine Industry. In the fall of 1887 Mr. Meacham was appointed by the board of super »rs to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term of county assessor, the incum Lent. John Kean. having vacated the office. So efficient was Mr. Meacham that at the next general election he was urged by his friends to accept the nomination and was elected for the lull term. He succeeded himself at each succeeding election and was returned by the citizens of the county, who had implicit faith in his integrity and capability in the conduct of the office. For twenty years we find him an incumbent of that office and during that time no man became more familiar with land values throughout the entire county than Mr. Meacham. Only twice did he have opposing candidates at the polls, and then his large majorities were proof of the confidence imposed in him by his friends in both parties. In 1905 he was elected president of the J. II. Goodman & Co. Hank of Napa and has served in that capacity ever since. He retired from the office of county assessor in 1907. and has since devoted his entire time t" the banking business, in which he has given eminent satisfaction. He is a director in the Xapa City Water Company. July 6. 1869, in Meadville. Pa.. Mr. Meacham wedded Miss Mary E. Cullum.' a native of Meadville and a daughter of Horace Cullum, manu- facturer of barrels. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Meacham two children were born who reached maturity. Etta S. and Charles. In fraternal circles Mr. Meacham is well known and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Chap- ter and Commandery in Xapa. and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Since he made his home in the west he has become strictly a west- ern man and has identified himself with all movements that have had for their object the betterment of conditions throughout the county; and his judgment once expressed, carries weight on whatever subject it may be rendered. He and his wife have surrounded themselves with a host of friends who admire them for their many good traits of character and their sterling worth as neighbors and citizens. FRAXCIS A. WILKIXSOX. Manv vears ago a minister in the Methodist Episcopal denomination. obliged to resign his charge in Michigan owing to ill health, resolved to seek a more genial and healthful climate. In those days the railroads had not spanned the continent and eliminated distances, hut extended only through a comparatively small portion of the country. This circumstance led him to make the trip in a "prairie schooner." in which was placed a cot for his use. A halt was made in the southeastern part of Nebraska, where tin dry, warm climate soon brought renewed strength to the invalid, who was further benefited by the outdoor work demanded by his agricultural activities. It was' while this minister and his wife, who bore the name of Sarah (Hathawav) Wilkinson, were making their home in Seward county. Neb., that a son, Francis A., was born. May 31. 1873. and he remained with tl there and in Xemaha county. Kans.. until he was ready to go his own way in the world. Before he was old enough to enter land, his father aided him by paying the necessary fees and doing the other work connected with the securing of government acreage. The Cherokee Strip, to be opened in Oklahoma, was known to be a rich section containing all the essentials for successful farming. Father and son went to Oklahoma and remained 1012 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES in line for two days and nights until the run was made at 1 :30 p. m. on the 31st of September, 1889. During the long wait they had to pay ten cents a cup for water. Water had to be bought for their horses also. After making a run of seven miles in twenty-four minutes on horse- back Mr. Wilkinson secured a claim that proved to be excellent land. The best claims were taken within a few hours, and in a few days no land was left but some almost worthless tracts in distant places. For five years the young claimant remained on his homestead, making desirable improvements. He secured a patent by paying the government price and eventually sold out at a fair profit. While living on the farm, in 1896 he married Miss Anna J. Bell, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Benjamin and Eliza J. Bell. Mr. Bell brought his family to the Choctaw Nation and later to Cherokee Strip. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson are the pa- rents of one son, LeRoy. They first visited California in 1909, but after eight months returned to Kansas and in September, 1910, came back to the west as permanent settlers, locating near Dixon. In politics Mr. Wil- in choosing an occupation. WILLIAM CARROL DARDEN. The early experiences of William C. Darden cluster around Springfield, Sangamon county, 111., where he was born August 11, 1830. There he attended school and was an interested spectator of the city's growth for twenty years. He remembers the first state house that was built, about 1836, when the population of that now flourishing city numbered only about two thousand people. He was the son of John J. and Rosie Elizabeth (Goodman) Darden, natives of North Carolina. The former was a farmer, as was his father also, and William C. Darden followed in their footsteps in chosing an occupation. In 1849 William C. Darden moved with his father to Jasper county, Mo., remaining there three years, when he went to Keokuk county, Iowa, and farmed three years. It was in 1864 that he came across the plains to California, making the journey in a horse-team train, coming by way of the Great Salt Lake, and taking the southern route by Donner Lake, the spot where the Donner party perished being plainly indicated by the stumps of trees. They then came to Sacramento and on to Bennett's valley, where they arrived on the anniversary of his wife's birth. For three years they lived in Santa Rosa, Sonoma county, and then moved to Berryessa, where, in 1867. Mr. Darden bought fifty-two acres of land. About ten acres of the tract is in fruit trees. When the present owner bought the land it was wild and uncultivated, never having been plowed, but he took hold of things with a strong determination and very soon had a home built and some sub- stantial improvements made. The first grain crop from Berryessa valley was reaped on this land in 1868. There are some almond trees planted and the balance of the land is used for hay and pasture. In front of the house there is a large pine tree, measuring three feet in diameter at the ground and rising to a height of eighty feet. This tree was planted by Mr. and Mrs. Darden and is a land mark in this section of the country. In 1856 the marriage of Mr. Darden and Susan Gill was celebrated in Keokuk county, Iowa, the latter being a native of that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Darden one son, Mitchell J., was born. He married Emma Haines and three children were born to them, Ralph E., Harvey L. and William C, Jr. Politically Mr. Darden believes in voting for the best man and follows also the teachings and tenets of the Prohibition party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Although advanced in HISTORY OF SOLANO WD NAPA COUNTIES 1013 years Mr. Darden is active with mentality alert and keen. His success in life is due to his own unaided efforts and lie lias enjoyed a goodly measure i>t' popularity among the inhabitants of the different localities in which he has resided. He and his wife are today the oldesl Settlers living in I'.erry- essa valley, with the exception of Mrs. Mary Sweitzer of Monticello. Com- ing into the valley in the same year in which Reuben and Alonzo Clark appeared there. Mr. Darden has seen the locality changed from the wild state of plain and forest to grain fields and orchards of wonderful richness and productiveness. LLEWELLYN T. BROCK. The first twenty years in the life of Llewellyn T. Brock were passed uneventfully in the home of his parent- at Vacavillc. where he was horn March 6, 1859. He received a common school education, supplemented by a thorough course of study in a commercial college. Upon entering the ranks of the wage earners he took a position with the Chandler Lumber Company as manager of their lumber yard at Madison. There he was emploved three years, proving his worth and gaining a thorough knowledge ^\ the business. However, deciding for agriculture as againsl commercial pursuits, he turned his attention to farming and has since followed it in some of its branches. During October. 1895, he came to Solano county and bought the farm which he has since transformed into a profitable fruit orchard, having converted the entire tract into an orchard, one-fourth apri- cots and three-fourths peaches. The returns for 1910 showed twelve tens of dried apricots and twenty-eight tons of dried peaches. Every detail of Mr. Brock's business is planned with care and executed with precision. The management of the farm shows the employment of a keen mind, in- dustrious hands and a willing spirit. Upon establishing a home of his own. Mr. Brock married Martha Caroline Hall, a native of Yolo county. Their wedding was celebrated at Madison in 1883. They are the parents of five children, namely: Thomas II.. man- ager of the Chandler Lumber Company at Esparto; Frank E., of San Fran- cisco; Llewellyn. Jr.. at home; Shelby I., wife of J. H. Devine, a civil en- gineer residing in Oakland; and Margery M.. who is attending the Winters high school. It has been the ambition of Mr. Brock to give his children tile best advantages his means would permit, and accordingly he sent all of them through the common schools, later giving them such opportunity for higher education as they have desired. He has served as clerk of the board of trustees of the Wolfskill district. Fraternally he holds member- ship in Buckeye Lodge No. 195. F. and A. M.. at Winters, and in the Win- ters organization of the Woodmen of the World. GEORGE W. LOXG. A native son of California. George W. Long was born on the old Long homestead, near Vacaville, September 3, 1865. a son of William B. and Timaranda (Lewis) Long, pioneers in Solano, who are fully represented in the sketch of Miss Minnie Long. George W. was educated in public schooL and at Vacaville. but early went to work in the stock business with his father. Later he turned his attention to horticulture. In 1903 he located on his residence farm, where he is succeeding well with general farming. He owns one hundred and sixty-seven acres three miles from Vacaville. In Caroline. S. Dak.. Mr. Long married Mrs. Ida Hughes, a native of Missouri. He was made a master Mason in Vacaville Lodge No. 134. I". 1014 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES and A. M. In politics he is a Democrat, and in the public affairs of his community takes a deep and helpful interest, being always ready to assist any movement that has for its object the enhancement of the fortunes of any considerable number of his fellow citizens. In ,his native public spirit he reflects that of his enterprising father, William Buck Long. ALBERT SIMS BIRD. As a member of an old family of California, whose pioneer identifica- tion with the history of Solano county finds expression in the name given to Bird's Landing, Albert Sims Bird is worthily carrying forward the en- terprises with which he is associated, and by industrious, intelligent appli- cation adds lustre to an honored family name. A native of the county where his life thus far has been spent, he was born at Bird's Landing October 12, 1873, and received a common school education in his home neighborhood, later having the advantage of a course of study in a business college at San Francisco, where he remained until he had acquired a mastery of commercial principles. Since then he has devoted his attention largely to horticulture, in this matter following the trend of modern activities, which develops orchards and alfalfa fields on ranches once given wholly to the cultivation of wheat and barley. Albert S. Bird is a son of John Bird, the founder of Bird's Landing, Solano county, who is represented in another part of this work. In Fair- field, in 1900, he married Miss Carrie Wells, a native of that place. They have two daughters, Helen and Ruth, both pupils in the public schools. Mr. Bird's home farm, near Winters, comprises fifty-four acres. Of this land he in 1894 bought forty-four acres for $67.50 per acre, and subse- quent increase in land valuations and improvements he has made in orchards, have caused it to advance in value until it is now worth $400 an acre at a conservative estimate. Ever since he acquired title to the land Mr. Bird has devoted it to fruit in an increasing degree. Some of his trees are young and scarcely yet in full bearing, while others have reached the age yielding the largest returns. Ten acres are planted in apricots, from which in 1910 he harvested forty-five tons of green fruit. Thirteen acres are in peaches, many of the trees being young and not in full bearing, yet in 1910 he sold seventy-five tons of green peaches from the orchard. In addition he har- vested two tons of almonds from the land planted to that product. While he has given his attention chiefly to the development of his fruit farm he has not done so to the exclusion of all other interests. Fraternally he is associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World, and with his wife holds membership in the local lodge of Rebekahs. As a Republican, supporting his party in national issues, he has always given his influence to the reforms in party management and political procedure that he has thought promised the largest good to the largest number, and has consistently shunned partisanship in favor of pro- gressive citizenship. DENNIS LUCEY. The environment that surrounded Mr. Lucey's youth in Ireland, where he was born in 1859, had its chief characteristic in a depressing poverty and a hopeless outlook. Out from that condition his vision turned longingly toward the new world, and at the age of twenty-four years, without means or friends, he came on the long journey from his native country to the shores of the Pacific, where he landed at San Francisco. From there he HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 1015 traveled to Contra Costa county and secured employment al any occupa tion affording an honest livelihood, In was on the 7th of June, 1883, thai he arrived in this state, and twelve years later, after a long period of em ployment in his first location, he came to Solano county, his present place of residence. Selecting a favorable location near Winters and investigating property in the locality. Dennis Lucey boughl twenty two acres for $90 an acre and twelve acres adjoining at $67 an acre. The tract of twenty two acres he still owns. During the fourteen years that have elapsed since he bought it the land has increased in value until it is now worth more than $400 an acre. Thirteen acres are in apricots, the remainder in peaches. The \ u Id is large and brings the owner gratifying returns on the present valuation of the land, while in addition he has the advantage of the increase in value. A- a fruit farmer he is skilled and capable and few men in the county possess a wider knowledge than he concerning the best varieties of fruit and their adaptability to the climate. At the time of his coming to the west Mr. Lucey was unmarried, hut later he married, at Yacaville. Miss Kate Kenney, a native of Ireland, but a resident of California from early life. They are the parents of three chil- dren. Ahigail. Vincent and Daniel. The family hold memhership in the Roman Catholic Church and Mr. Lucey has been an earnest and generous contrihutor to the support of the same. Politically he is a Democrat. PASQUALE G. MARINO. The subject of this sketch was horn in Italy November 5, 1873. For fourteen years he remained in his native land and then came to the United States, landing in New York. In that city and vicinity he continued for nine years and then came to California. After six years passed in San Francisco he went to Southern California, and was a resident of Los An- geles for another six years. In 1906 he came north to Vacaville and bought out a cigar store and barber shop, which business he continues, having an up-to-date store and the leading business of the kind in the city. He had learned the barber's trade in New York City. In 1898 Mr. Marino was married to Miss Mary Ferrazzano. a native of Italv. Six children were born to this union, five of whom are living: Joseph, horn October 29, 1900; Angelo, December 20, 1903; Isabelle, January 14, 1906; Alfonso. September 4. 1909; and Florence, November 28, 1911. Mr. Marino's father died at the age of seventy-two years and his mother is still living in Italy. lie has a brother and a sister living in Los Angeles. His wife's parents are living in Buenos Ayres, South America. Politically Mr. Marino is a Republican and always votes that ticket at hoth state and na- tional elections. WILLIS L. GRINSTEAD. Few men have had more varied experiences than has Willis L. Grin- stead. Although not by any means a young man, he has been a resident of Solano county for only ten years, but during that period he has established himself in local industrial and commercial circles as one whose word and wl husiness transactions may be implicitly relied upon. Mr. Grinstead was born in Hart county, Ky., May 25, 1837. and until 1862 lived at the home of his parents, where he received his education and much of that basic general knowledge on which he built in after years. Coming to California in 1875 he leased Pratt's grant, near Chico, Butte 1016 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES county, and worked that land for some time. He next located on the Sacra- mento river, and from there went to Butte City, Glenn county, where he purchased a quarter section of land, paying $1400 for it. For several years his land was periodically flooded, thus involving him in financial difficulties, and after much persistent but futile effort he sold out at a loss and came to Solano county. Nineteen acres of good land represents his present acre- age. About one-quarter of this is devoted to apricots, the balance to dif- ferent kinds of peaches. In the season 1910 he disposed of three tons of dried apricots and nine tons of dried peaches. Mr. Grinstead married, in 1858, Miss Lucinda Owen, a native of Ken- tucky, born in 1837, and of this union one son, James Russell, was born. The latter, who is engaged in the real estate business in Berkeley, married Alice Ford, a native of Missouri, and four children were born to them. Politically Mr. Grinstead is a Democrat and religiously a member of the Christian Church. FRANK E. BAILARD, JR. The gentleman whose name introduces this article bears the name of his father, who was born in Holland, December 18, 1845, and was brought to the United States by the family in 1849, when he was not quite four years old. Hence his memories of his native country were vague and indis- tinct. As a boy he attended the public schools at Palmyra, Wayne county, N. Y., where later he became identified with the routine of farm work. When only a boy of fifteen he eagerly offered his services to the Union cause, at the very opening of the Civil war, and was accepted as a private in a New York regiment of infantry, under General Hancock, and in the course of the war he participated in many engagements of importance. The famous siege of Vicksburg was one of the memorable campaigns in which he participated. At the battle of Gettysburg he was wounded in the leg, and he afterward fell into the hands of Confederate soldiers, by whom he was taken to Andersonville. For eighteen months he languished in that dark and terrible prison, but was finally exchanged and honorably discharged. After the war the young soldier returned to New York, where he farmed until his removal to California. While still living in the east he married Miss Sarah Goldsmith, who was born in the Empire state and remained there till after her marriage. Twelve children were born of their union, namely : George L., a farmer in Lake county, who married Henrietta Stan- ley; Allen, who resides in Glenn county; Louis E., a farmer at Suisun; F. E., Jr., whose name introduces this sketch ; Gilbert, who married Lucile Creba and resides in San Francisco ; Fern, deceased ; Charles, who resides near Winters; Winfield S., of Suisun; Maynard, who resides in Vacaville; Chester, of Suisun; Emma F., Mrs. Turner of Suisun; Sadie M., Mrs. Bucker, of Fairfield. After the family had settled upon a ranch in Solano county and had become identified with the interests of the Suisun valley, its mem- bers became popular through their possession of admirable traits of char- acter, and the parents now enjoy their declining years in the midst of a large circle of relatives and friends, with an income sufficient for their modest needs. At the home ranch in the Suisun valley, F. E., Jr., was born De- cember 25, 1877, and in neighboring schools he received his education. In this locality he met and married Miss Hattie M. Emrick and they have three daughters, Esther, Jessie and Bertha. Identified with property interests near Winters, Mr. Bailard has a home- stead of nineteen and one-quarter acres, of which three acres are in almonds, four acres in grapes and the balance in general farm products. Through a recent sale he received $6,366 for a tract of improved land which brought HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUNTIES 1017 $300 an acre As a fruit farmer he is skilled ami resourceful and under bis able management his small place produces a mat income, Religious move ments receive Mr. Bailard's sympathetic support and he has been actively identified with tin- work <>t' the Methodist Episcopal Church. In national elections he supports the Republican ticket. HARRY G. TOYXTnX. Within the limits of the beautiful ami fertile Green valley lies the large farm owned by Mr. Toynton. While he came to this place as early as 1896 upon his removal to Solano county, it was only as a renter, and not until 1904 did he accumulate the means necessary for the purchase of the property. Quite early he foresaw the importance of the fruit industry. Without les- sening his interest in the raising of cattle and horses he turned some of the grain land into an orchard and now has ten acres in cherries, a similar amount in peaches, two acres in apricots and a large vineyard. Born in England in 1856. Harry G. Toynton was a descendant of an ancient family of that country and his mother died there at the age of thirty-one years. His father, who was horn in 1829. spent all of his early life in England, hut during the year 1869 brought his family to the new world, settling in Wisconsin when the son. Harry G.. was a lad of thirteen years. There he developed a farm, became the owner of considerable prop- erty and remained until his death in 1908. Primarily educated in English schools. Harry G. Toynton was sent to the country schools of Wisconsin for a few years and then began to work for his father on the home farm. During 1873 he came alone to California and secured work on a stock ranch, where he remained for two years. Upon his return to Wisconsin in 1875 he began to work at butchering, but in 1877 he came back to California and entered the employ of the same rancher with whom he had been in his previous residence in the state. Leaving that position in 1880. he went to San Joaquin county and engaged in farming. He continued there for some time, but at the time of his marriage in 1888 he secured work as a foreman with a lumber company in Stockton and established a home in that city. There he remained until his removal to Solano county eight years later. Before her marriage Mrs. Toynton was Mary Eichner, and she shares with her husband in his devotion to the commonwealth of which she is a native. Politically he is a Democrat. During 1902 he returned to Wis- consin to visit his father, and while he found pleasure in renewing the asso- ciations of youth he returned to California more ardent than ever in his championship of the west and in his faith in its possibilities. CARL HANSEN. Before coming to Solano county and settling on the place he now calls home Mr. Hansen went through many experiences. It is safe to say that he has never been happier than at present, fur open air and an out-door life have done so much for him that he i- an ardent "booster" for Solano county. He believes the future of this region will include much of tin- wonderful. Horn near Yarde. Jylland, Denmark. September 18, 1864. he attended public school from the age of six till he was fourteen years old. and during that time profited industriously by the splendid educational system of his native country. In 1886 he came to the United States and in Iowa farmed suc- cessfully for about a year. Going to Wyoming at the end of this time, he entered the service of the Union Pacific road in 1SS7 as fireman. After some years of earnest application to his duties he was promoted to be a locomotive 1018 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES engineer, running between Laramie and Cheyenne and Rawlins, having withal a fortunate experience. Mr. Hansen came to Solano county in 1900, in which year he pur- chased ten acres of uncultivated land that he set out to orchard. Three years later he bought another ten acres, and now he has twenty acres in orchard, ten acres in peaches and ten acres in apricots. In the season he disposed of thirteen and one-half tons of dried peaches, and six and one- half tons of dried apricots. In Laramie, Wyo., Mr. Hansen married Anna Holt, a native of Aarhus Denmark, who bore him two children, Paul and Arthur, who are attending public school. Mr. Hansen is a school trustee for the Wolfskill district. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Danish Brotherhood. His wife is a member of the Danish Sisterhood. RUDOLF GUSTAFSON. One noting the thrifty appearance of the ranch owned and occupied by Rudolf Gustafson. of Winters, would conclude that he had been a rancher all his life, but inquiry would develop the fact that farming is one of his latter-day accomplishments, for it dates only from the year 1907. Born in Sweden, February 17, 1878, he spent the first fourteen years of his life in the family home, acquiring a practical school education. Then he served an apprenticeship to his trade, that of spinner in woollen mills. On coming to the United States in 1900 he went to Massachusetts and found employment in one of the large woollen factories, folloAving his trade four years. Subsequently he worked in a restaurant, and later, in 1907, came to California. During that year he located in Solano county, purchasing twenty- five acres of land at $250 an acre. Three acres are devoted to apricots, the remainder to peaches of various kinds. From this splendid fruit farm the owner receives a good harvest for his labor. In 1910 he sold one and one- half tons of dried apricots and eleven tons of dried peaches, proving that a small place properly worked will yield good results. Mr. Gustafson married Amelia Rimpel, and she has borne him three children, Adolph, Carl and Ethel Victoria. Politically he is a supporter of Republican principles. WILLIAM McNEILL. In the establishment of the McNeill orchard in Solano county, the owner undoubtedly proved himself to be a man of great courage and in- domitable will, as well as the possessor of great executive ability. These inherent qualities, together with the exercise of powers of individuality, are the stamp the world over of the race of people whose home is a certain famous small island off the west coast of England. William McNeill was born near Belfast, Ireland, famed for its ship building yards, in 1860. He left his island home at the age of eighteen years to come to America, locat- ing in Canada. Here the young man settled and for three years followed farming, during this period accumulating knowledge that has since stood him in good stead. His next move was across the line separating Canada from the United States, into Michigan, where for seven years he was a lumberman. Then, longing to return to ranch life, he came to California in 1891 and settled in Solano county. Mr. McNeill married, in Dixon, Solano county, Miss Lily Hahn, a native of Germany, and one child, William, was born to them. After com- ing to Solano county he farmed successfully. He purchased twenty-three HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA COUN lllS 1019 acres of land, raw and uncultivated, on a portion of which he sel out fruit trees with his own hands. Todaj he lias three hundred apricot, six hun dred almond and eight hundred poach trees, all in good bearing condition, During the season of 1 () 10 he received from his orchard five tons of apricots (dried), two tons of almonds, and six tons of peaches (dried). Politically he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. McNeill enjoj a splendid measure of success that has come to them because <>i their persistence in the Face of difficulties. ROBERT E. BAKER. Descended from old southern ancestry. Robert 1". Baker was born in Callaway county, Mo., December 1". 1859, and received his education in schools near his boyhood home. At the age of twenty-two years he left home, parents and friends and came to California, where a brother-in-law had promised him work on a ranch in Solano county. It thus came about that he settled in this county, and here or in Yolo county he has since lived. He worked four years for wages and at the expiration of that time went back to Missouri to visit the old home. On his return to California he and his brother-in-law rented twelve hundred acres known as the "Ned" Wolf'- skill ranch. With a lease of three years they at once began the cultivation of the land. Mr. Baker establishing a "bachelor's hall" in a little cabin on the land. When the lease expired the owner took back the ranch, wishing to cultivate it himself. The enterprise had been profitable to the tenants, who had cleared $7,000 through their labors on the land in 1887, 1888 and 1889. After another visit east, Mr. Baker spent the winter with his brother- in-law and then bought an interest in the mercantile establishment of T. II. Finley. at Winters. The firm of Finley & Baker carried on a growing busi- ness and built up a trade that extended throughout the country in every direction. The partnership continued for eighteen years and then was dis- solved only on account of Mr. Baker's impaired health, which enforced upon him a change of occupation. In 1893 he married Miss Bettie Wolfe and their wedding tour took the young couple to the World's Fair in Chicago. During their trip east they visited his parents and the parents of Mrs. Baker. They have two children, Robert C. and Elva. who are students in the Win- ters public schools. The family holds membership with the Winters Chris- tian Church, and Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been leading workers in that congregation. For twenty-one years or more Mr. Baker has been identified with the Knights of Pythias and during a part of the time has served offi- cially in the Winters Lodge. Politically he is a Democrat. Since purchasing the fruit farm of twenty acres, about a mile south of Winters, known as the William Mears tract, in October, 1908, Mr. Baker has given his attention to horticulture. On his farm are four hundred and fifty apricot trees, three hundred and fifty almond trees, three hundred peach trees, and some fig and French walnut trees. In 1910 he harvested thirty- one tons of green apricots from the orchard; his peach trees, all of which are young, produced fruit that dried to one and three-fourths tons; and he sold three tons of almonds and a small crop of walnuts. JOHN OSCAR DANIELSOX. Born in Smoland. Sweden, January 17, 1872, Mr. Danielson came, at the age of fourteen years to the United States, settling in McPherson county. Kans. After a residence in that county of two years he came to Solano county, Cal.. and remained five years, then went back to Kansas ami Okla- 1020 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES homa, where he spent one winter. Returning to California about twenty- years ago, he worked five years in Suisun, then went again to Oklahoma, to take up homestead land. On investigation he found that the title to the land he wanted was not good, so he returned to California, this time locating rn Los Angeles. From Los Angeles he went to Merced county, via Ventura county, and spent one year there. Failing health caused him once again to locate in Suisun and from there he went to Vacaville. For five years he carried on farming on leased land. Mr. Danielson and his brother Charles leased the J. W. Hawkins ranch of two hundred and thirty-five acres. Of this, one hundred and thirty-five acres were planted in orchard, prunes, peaches, pears, apricots and other fruits being cultivated. This ranch they farmed about two years. Some eight years ago Mr. Danielson bought the Harvey George ranch of fifty- five acres for $3,000. Today this same place could be sold for $7,000. From the twenty acres of vineyard Mr. Danielson gathered one hundred tons of grapes in 1909. A large section of the place he has devoted to the cultiva- tion of alfalfa, which yields a good crop. The remainder of the ranch he sets apart for barley and pasture. Politically Mr. Danielson is a Republican and fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He is a communicant of the Baptist Church. Mr. Danielson married Miss Dora Woods of Elmira, Cal., in 1901. The following named children have been born to them: John O., Jr., Herbert A. and Belva I. Mr. and Mrs. Danielson have many friends who have learned to respect them because of their splendid traits of character. EDWARD L. FEUDNER. On the ranch which he now owns, four miles east of Dixon, Edward L. Feudner was born September 7, 1880, and has resided all his life. He is at present actively identified with the agricultural industry in his section of the state and is looked upon as a successful rancher. Mr. Feudner attended the public schools as a boy, after which he took a course in Heald's Business College, graduating in 1900. He then engaged in farming on the old home- stead. Mr. Feudner was married in Santa Rosa in 1906 to Mrs. Lulu (Klink) Prestwood, a native of Sonoma. He has four step-children : Sydney, Gladys, Bernice and Thelma Prestwood. Mrs. Feudner's father, William Henry Klink, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1850, and at the age of eighteen years moved with his parents to California, locating in Santa Barbara. Most of his life has been spent in Sonoma county. He married Emma Shepherd, who was born in Missouri in 1855, and who crossed the plains with her parents nine years later. Mr. Feudner is the youngest of eight children of Valentine and Catherine (Simma) Feudner, the former born in Germany, the latter in Austria. Valentine Feudner came as a young man to California, and was one of the early settlers in Tremont township and a successful farmer, stockman and dairyman. He died in 1880, his widow in 1904. Mr. Feudner has one hundred and sixty acres of land which he has improved with a pumping plant, a large portion of which he devotes to the cultivation of alfalfa, from which he receives good returns, as the soil is very rich. He rents 200 acres on which he raises grain and engages in dairying and stock raising. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Order of Red Men. He and his family are communicants of the Christian Church and all members of his household are well known and highly respected in Dixon and its tributary country. HISTORY OF SOLANO KND NAPA COUNTI] KLM CHAR] ES E. SMITH. The firsl six years in the life of Charles E. Smith were spent in Menomi nee, Wis., where he was born March 18, 1859, and whence he was taken by his parents to Winona, .Minn. Onlj three years were spent by the family in that state. In order to secure a more genial climate it moved to Iowa, and Mr. Smith bought a farm in Boone county, where the family remained five years. There Charles E. Smith was senl to country schools until he had gained sufficient education for the demands of ordinary affair-. Since then by self culture he has added to his store of knowledge and be come a well-informed man. As early as 1874 he became a resident of South Dakota, settling on raw land near Canton, the county seat of Lincoln county. Upon starting out in the world for himself lie went to Charles Mix county, S. I)., in 1879. and later proved up on a claim there, making it his home for twelve years, meanwhile transforming an unattractive, unimproved tract into a neat and productive ranch. With the hope i^i finding a climate less rigorous than that of South Dakota, whose long winters and destructive summer winds made agriculture difficult. Mr. Smith came to California in 1804 and bought twelve acres in Solano county at $125 an acre. The small purchase consumed a large por- tion of his savings, hut he was so successful in the cultivation of the land that eventually he was aide to add to the property until he now owns an orchard of thirty-seven acres. Twenty acres are planted to apricots, two acres to almonds, and the remainder of the farm is devoted to the cultiva- tion of peaches. During 1910 forty-five tons of dried peaches were sold off the place, seventeen tons of dried apricots and one and one-half tons of almonds. In addition to his farm property Mr. Smith owns a two-story flat building at No. 610 Twenty-first street. Sacramento, also a house of four rooms with a large lot at Crockett. Contra Costa comity, hesides his residence on Foothill boulevard. Melrose Heights, Oakland. Charles E. Smith married at Sioux Falls, S. D.. .Miss Emma J. Ding- man, a native of Vermont and a descendant of a family that came across the ocean in the Mayflower with the historic pilgrim hand that landed at Plymouth Rock. Their only child. Clarence Henry, a graduate of the Oak- land Business College, is employed in the state comptroller's office in Sacra- mento: his wife was Miss Birdie Henney. In fraternal relations Mr. Smith is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of the blue lodge at Winters. In their leisure hours he and his wife find pleasure in taking their friends out for delightful drives in their five-passenger "Rambler," and he has the agency in this locality for that popular automobile, in whose merits he has the utmost confidence and whose value he has proved by experience. LEVI SHERER. The trip across the plains during the historic period when "prairie -chooners" afforded the only mode of transportation left an indelible impres sion upon the minds of the party of which Levi Sherer was a childish mem her. The monotony and fatigue of the journey were soon forgotten by the emigrants, who, however, never forgot the constant strain caused by threat ened attacks by Indians. The Sherer family had started from Iowa, where Levi was horn, in Davis county, in May. 1852. The original caravan com- prised only eleven wagon-. Oxen and horses were utilized for motive power. Other emigrants joined the party during the first few days out and finally the train had increased until it numbered one hundred wagons, which pro ceeded along the route via Forts Kearney and Laramie to Salt Lake City 47 1022 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES thence to Red Bluff, Cal., where the emigrants dispersed according to their individual plans. During the progress of the expedition across the plains they halted at the request of a white man until he could bring his Indian wife to join them, for his and her own protection. The savages had threatened his life and were pursuing him with intent to kill, when, fortunately, the emigrant train came his way. Even then the red men followed on horseback and gave every evidence of being on the warpath. It became necessary to leave two wagons behind. One of these the savages burned, the other they plundered. The danger did not lessen until the mountains and the desert were left behind and the beautiful valleys of California appeared in view. It was during October that the journey ended and the weary emigrants had an •opportunity to rest. For years before coming to the west David Sherer, who was born in North Carolina, had farmed in Illinois and Iowa, and after taking up his residence in California he resumed agricultural operations. He died in Yolo county in 1875, having survived his wife about ten years. The mother, Elizabeth Swischer, also was born in North Carolina. She went to Illinois with her parents when a child. There were nine children in the family, the only daughter being Elizabeth (Mrs. Andrew Glassburner), who became the mother of ten children, five of whom are living. Three of the sons in the Sherer family are deceased, namely : Jacob ; Daniel, who married Susanna Goodner and left one daughter, Alice N. ; and Hardy H., who enlisted in the Union army after the opening of the Civil war and served as a private in an Illinois regiment until 1866, when he was honorably discharged. He had six children, three of whom are dead. The five other sons in the Sherer family are Henry, John, David, Noah and Levi. John chose as his wife Elizabeth Hathaway, and they are the parents of five children. As early as 1887 Levi Sherer purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Yolo county, for which he paid $14,000 and for twenty years he retained possession of the property, selling it in 1907. In 1910 he bought the fruit farm near Winters that he now owns and operates. It comprises thirty-five acres in Solano county and is a valuable property. Only four head of stock are kept on the place, less attention being devoted to farming than to horticulture. There are two hundred and eighty apricot trees, from which last year Mr. Sherer sold three tons of dried fruit. The peach orchard of one thousand trees contains three different varieties, all choice and select. The last crop brought more than eight tons of dried peaches. In addition there are about twenty almond trees, also a number of orange,, prune and plum trees, the whole forming an orchard of great productiveness and at- tractive variety. Mr. Sherer, while not long identified with this vicinity, is proving his resourcefulness as a fruit farmer and is eminently worthy of the success that undoubtedly waits on his labors. Though not active in politics he stanchly adheres to Democratic principles. He was made a Mason in Buckeye Lodge No. 195, F. & A. M. at Winters. PETER H. JOHNSON. The first twenty-four years in the life of P. H. Johnson were passed un- eventfully in Denmark, where he was born, in Shetland, October 28, 1845, and where he received a common school education. With a desire to better his condition he came to the United States and was for a time employed near Des Moines, Iowa, where he made his home fifteen years. Meanwhile he saved his earnings as a laborer on farms and eventually began to operate land for himself. While living in Iowa he married Miss Mary Andersen, HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNT IKS 1023 a native of Jylland, Denmark. They arc the parents oi five sons and three daughters, namely: Louis A., who married Fannie Brown and is nov» living in Africa; Henry E.; Alfred; Augusl T. ; John, of San Rafael, having a wife ami two children; Catherine (Mrs. Ray Baker, of Winters); Emma and Lillie. All of the children were sent to high school and some had normal school advantages, while the youngest son had also the privilege of attend- ing Lick school at San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are justly proud of their sons and daughters, the promotion of whose welfare and happiness IS their chief ambition in life. The finely unproved fruit farm owned and occupied by Mr. Johnson comprises two hundred ami sixty acres, one hall mile east of Winters, in So- lano county. The entire tract is under cultivation to fruit, all of the orchard having been set OUt by the owner. For the plowing of the orchard and for field plowing he owns and uses two Johnson gasoline traction engines, one oi thirty and the other of thirty-five horse power. These engines are manu- factured by Johnson Brothers at Sunny Yale. Santa Clara county, Cal.. and the manufacturers likewise have the distinction of being the inventors of the traction engine. The horse-power varies from thirty to sixty, the former being able to plow ten acres per da) - . Attached to the traction Mr. Johnson has four disc plows, with which he readily turns the soil in orchard and field. The engine is also useful for pumping water, for churning, for grinding feed, and indeed for any purpose where power is needed. During the year 1910 Mr. Johnson's home farm produced twenty tons of dried apricots, eighty tons of dried peaches and two tons of almonds. Mr. Johnson votes the Republican ticket at national elections and the only office he ever consented to hold was that of school trustee. JOHN JOSEPH JOYCE. On the rugged shores of southeastern Ireland lies the little hamlet of Kilmore, whose scanty population represents a rugged race of sea-faring men and included in past generations many of the name of Joyce. Like other portions of county Wexford the vicinity of Kilmore furnished meagre op- portunities for earning a livelihood aside from following the sea and it was this limitation of labor that led Thomas Joyce, who was born at Kilmore in 1845, to seek a home beyond the broad seas in the far western land of California. Immediately after his arrival in 1865 he settled in Solano county and here he remained until his death in 1893, meanwhile struggling against severe odds in the earning of a livelihood for his family, who in his demise were left almost without means, but with a large circle of friends to wish them a prosperous outcome for their subsequent efforts. During the year 1875 Thomas Joyce had married Catherine Hughes, who was born in county Mayo, Ireland, in 1855, being a daughter of a humble but industrious and capable Irish family. Xine children w r ere born to Thomas and Catherine Joyce, but four of these died in early childhood. The eldest of those now living, Anastasia, was born September { >. 1877, and received common school advantages. September 26, 1894, she became the wife of William R. Barrett, to which union were born James T. in 1900 and Clara Isabel, February 3, 1906. The second of the surviving members of the family. John Joseph, whose name introduces this article, was born at Fair- field, Solano county, March 2. 1879. and received a common school educa- tion, after which he followed butchering in San Francisco and for a time worked in the Swift packing house. For two years he was a member of the police force at the cement works, and November 8, 1910, he was elected by a large majority to the office of constable of Suisun township, which 1024 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES position he now fills, meanwhile making his home with his mother in Fair- field until her death. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. His circle of friends is large in the town where almost the whole of his life has been passed. The second son in the Joyce family, Thomas A., was born July 16, 1880. He formerly held a government position as meat inspector in San Francisco, but is now a member of the police force in that city, where he and his wife with their only child, a son, make their home. James F. Joyce, born in Solano county March 5, 1882, was formerly engaged in railroading, but is now a special police in San Francisco. The youngest member of the family circle is Clara Isabel, born December 4, 1892, and a graduate of the Fairfield high school, now attending Heald's Business College in San Francisco. The men of the family are stanch in their allegiance to the Democratic party, which the father also supported during his lifetime. After the death of her husband Mrs. Joyce had a strenuous struggle to educate her children and earn their livelihood, but by keen, capable management she fitted each child for the responsibilities of the world and also acquired a neat compe- tency for her old age, owning, besides a neat cottage home in Fairfield, a number of tracts of unimproved real estate here. About 1902 she bought two hundred and ten acres of farm land for $2,000 and this she later sold for $5,000, while she also owned four hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable land, on which she had a flock of five hundred sheep. Constant, painstaking labor was the secret of her success. Step by step her frugal savings enabled her to rise out of poverty into the independence in which her last days were passed. Mourned by her children and many friends, she passed away March 20, 1911. HANS TIMM. In the person of Hans Timm Ave have another prosperous and sub- stantial farmer of Solano county, owner of nine hundred and sixty acres of choice land about six miles east of Dixon. The measure of success that has attended his efforts in agricultural pursuits has come to him as a result of the display of his most conspicuous characteristics, permanency and per- severance. Hans Timm was born in Holstein, Germany, November 28, 1831, the second of the four children of Peter and Annie (Paul) Timm, descended from influential German families. Peter Timm was born in the year 1800, and died when his children were small ; the mother died in 1892 at the home of our subject. Mr. Timm was reared and educated in his native country. In 1850 he served in the Schleswig-Holstein-Danish war. Later he emigrated from Hamburg to Hull, England, thence to Liverpool. From there he came to New Orleans, where he arrived May 7, 1853, bringing a vivid memory of a voyage of 47 days on an old-time sail vessel. From New Orleans he came by boat up the Mississippi to Davenport, Iowa, where he was employed in brick-making six years. Then, till 1864, he was a farmer. In that year he came to California by way of Panama, arriving in San Fran- cisco in March. One month later we find him located on his present ranch. Mr. Timm married, in 1856. Miss Gretchen Weise, a native of Holstein, Germany, who came to New Orleans, La., in 1853 with her parents, and thence to Davenport, Iowa. They have reared a family of eight children, viz., Peter, who helps to manage the home farm ; Agnes (Mrs. Forck, of Pasadena) ; Henry, of Dixon ; Carolina (Mrs. Higgins, of San Francisco) ; Cecelia, a member of her father's household; Mary (Mrs. Kirby, of Dixon); Charles, who lives near Dixon; and Bertha (Mrs. Faller, of Dutch Flat). Two others have died. Mr. and Mrs.- Timm have a beautiful home, with a lovely garden and HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 1025 a lawn that evidences greal care and attention. They are engaged in -ram and stock raising and he is breeding Shropshire sheep. They recently cele brated their golden wedding anniversary, and it is a notable tact that the} have lived in their present home for more than forty six years. Mr. I mini was naturalized in Davenport, Iowa, cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has been active in twelve national campaigns. I le and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church at Dixon. GEORGE W. ABERN ATHIE. The prestige of the Abernathie family in Solano county is materially strengthened by the painstaking efforts of George \Y. Abernathie, a native son born in the Suisun valley March 9, 1869, and for the past few year- vari ously identified with the best fruit interests of this section. Mr. Aber- nathie has profited by a variety of developing experiences, and with a common school education for foundation, at the age of eighteen he left the home ranch to embark in railroading. His career on the road was unexpectedly terminated at the end of a year through an injury, and after recovery he found employment for a time with the Earl Fruit Company, thereafter, and up to the present time, engaging in an independent fruit business. Linaeus Bolan Abernathie, the best years of whose life were devoted to horticulture in Solano county, was born in Union county. 111., February IS. 1831, and in 1S52 crossed the plains in an ox train, accompanied by R. C. Ilaile. Making settlement in Nevada territory, he first engaged in team- ing and later in grist and saw milling and mining. In 1863 he located in Napa county, and the following year he bought land in Solano county, upon which on a large scale he engaged in cattle raising, and also raised fruit and grain. Me established an enviable reputation as a reliable farmer and progressive citizen, and his passing from the scene of his various activities, December 1. 1903. was profoundly regretted by a host of friends and well wishers. Tlis first wife, formerly Eunice Park, died in 1867. leaving a son. John T. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Emma McMullen, of which "union there were two children, one of whom. George \V.. is above referred to, and Bonita. of Berkeley. The second wife dying in 1877. Mr. Aber- nathie subsequently married Laura Edwards, who survives him. and who is the mother of two children. 'George W. Abernathie married. November 11. 1902. Neva McLeod, a native of Massachusetts, and of the union there are two children. Mario Gladden, born February 11. 1905. and Jerome Bolan, born in 1908. Mr. Abernathie is a Republican. Giving his time closely to fruit culture, he has not had leisure for participation in public affairs or fraternities, and docs not hold membership in any social or fraternal organization. JOSEPH BROVELLI. The Brovelli patronymic would denote Italian origin and this is true, for the annals of Lombardi, Italy, state that Joseph Brovelli was born there in the year 1878, a son of a wine maker and a man of high standing. From his father he learned the wine-manufacturing busine.s> and came to America in the year 1895. After his arrival in the eastern states he worked for wages for some time in Boston and Medford, Mass. In 1902 he came to Napa county. Cal., and settled in St. Helena, work a stone mason first and later running a wine and liquor store. In 1909 he began to make wine on his leased ranch near St. Helena, which i- now known a- the St. Helena 1026 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Winery. He manufactures a high grade of red and white wine and caters to the wholesale as well as to the retail trade. Last year the output was forty-five thousand gallons. The business is in a very flourishing condition and is a sign of the industry of the man who owns it. He is a successful business man with good prospects for the future. Mr. Brovelli was married in Italy to Rosa Brovelli and their children are Mary, Josie and Arthur. They are both members of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Helena and are favorable to everything that will improve the conditions of life in their home town. FRED J. MERRIAM. The career of Fred J. Merriam is one that is well worthy of note and deserves mention in this history of Napa county, for he has stamped himself as being one of the eminently progressive workers in this section of the state. He is the proprietor of the Chula Vista winery, an active education- alist and one who can be counted upon to assist in every measure that has for its object the good of the people of the community in which he lives. His success in life is not attributable to any inheritance of wealth or to any caprice of fortune, for he has worked his way along and won out in the face of great difficulties and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Fred J. Merriam was born in Rockland, Me., September 29, 1855, and as a young man he worked in the ship-building yards in his native place. Later on he went into the mercantile business in the same state and then, in 1877, believing that he could better his condition in California, he came west and settled in Napa county, on a ranch on which he now lives near St. Helena. When he secured the land on coming here it was hay land, but he saw that it was capable of developing something more remunerative than hay, and accordingly planted a vineyard and ultimately built a winery. Today he has thirty-five acres planted in fine resistant vines, and from the grapes gathered he makes twenty-five thousand gallons of red and white wine each year. The average crop is six tons to the acre. Mr. Merriam has been thirty-four years in the wine business and is well acquainted with all departments of it. On December 15, 1886, Mr. Merriam and Miss Jennie Bennett, a native of Ireland, were united in marriage. Two sons were born to them, Arthur B. (deceased), and Leslie. For many years Mr. Merriam was a school trus- tee for the St. Helena district and in 1900 he took an active part in the promotion of a scheme whereby the grammar school of St. Helena was built and his name is on the corner stone of the building as one of the promoters of the school. In addition to this he is an active member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church of St. Helena. GRANT T. ROBINSON. The United States Government has in its employ a remarkable force of men who are known for their sterling qualities. It is safe to say that only those of proven worth can long hold a position with "Uncle Sam," for he demands the best manhood the states can furnish. Belonging to this class is Grant T. Robinson, who has held the important position of rural mail carrier since 1904. Mr. Robinson was born on his father's (Jonathan M. Robinson) home- stead in Vaca valley in 1863, and attended the public schools, applying him- self assiduously to the tasks before him. His early years are intimately associated with the agricultural industry, for we learn that his first employ- HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES 1027 ment was on a ranch ami thai later on he went i n t . > the fruit raising busi ness, working for wages, and at the same time gaining a complete knowl edge of it for his future benefit. Tins occupation was continued until hi.s present task was undertaken. In 1892 Mr. Robinson married Miss Cordelia Williams, a native of Mendocino county. They have had four children, of whom three are alive. Thomas Carlyle, Lorena C, and John Marshall, all of whom are students in the Vacaville public schools. Politically Mr. Robinson is a supporter of Republican principles, that have so long stood as the bulwark of our nation. A man of geniality of disposition, integrity of character and firmness of principle, he is loved and respected because of these qualities. GOTTLEIB RIEHL. The ancestors of Gottleib Riehl had long been closely identified with the history and progress of Poland, where he was born in 1846. They had occupied positions of trust in civic affairs and were looked up to by all their friends and associates. Mr. Riehl lived in the home of his birth until he was twelve years of age, receiving the practical instruction from his parents so characteristic of the peoples in Eastern Europe. He married Pauline Smith and followed farming there until he came to California and located in Vacaville in 1893. To Mr. and Mrs. Riehl there were born nine children: Gustavo. Adolph, Rudolph. August. Frederic, Rosella, Florence, Mary and Emma. The majority of these children are married and settled in good homes. Mr. Riehl now resides on his son Gustave's place, in the Blue mountains, about eleven miles northwest of Vacaville, where fruit raising commands his best efforts and richly rewards his labors. Members of Mrs. Riehl's fam- ily are connected with the milling business in Russia and are well-to-do, employing many workmen in their mills. Mr. Riehl is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church, which he attends with some members of his family. He is respected and honored by all the people of the circles in which he moves, for by persistent industry, often in the face of difficulties, he has risen to his present position, and his advancement has not been achieved at the expense of his fellow townsmen. He has demonstrated his devotion to work and the square deal. JOHN BRAZIL. The early years of John Brazil were spent in a vcrv hazardous calling and included a succession of experiences filled with stirring adventures. He was born in St. George's Island, Azores. Portugal, May 3. 1839. His parents were not wealthy and he had to shift for himself at an early age. The sea presented to him an excellent promise of a livelihood. A sailing vessel put into the port where the youth was living. It was short of men and its captain offered him a berth. Accordingly young Brazil, then eighteen, became one of the crew of the whaler "George and Susan." Whaling is a dangerous occupation and Mr. Brazil frequently found himself in perilous positions. The whales arc sought in the arctic seas. The flesh of the cap- tives is dried and the oil is extracted and put in barrels carried for the pur- pose. Before the Civil war the whale oil sold in New Bedford, Mass.. at SI. 25 a gallon, but after the war it brought only thirty-five cents a gallon. In 1861 Mr. Brazil returned to New Bedford, Mass.. and decided there- after to devote his attention to an occupation on land. After two weeks 1028 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES he left Massachusetts and came to San Francisco, arriving June 3, 1861, with only $10 in his pocket. But, with strong determination to do the best he could, he set out to the mines in Butte county and remained there and in Yuba county five years. Having made some money, he decided to buy land and settle down to ranching. Coming to Solano county, he bought one hundred and sixty acres for $1,360. where he has made. his home ever since. He bought three hundred and twenty acres adjoining and now has four hundred and eighty acres, a mile and a half east of Elmira. He has been successful with grain and stock. In San Francisco, in 1883, Mr. Brazil married Elizabeth Stapleton, a native of New Brunswick, and they have one son named John B. Mr. Brazil is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a hard working man and has accumulated his property by steady ap- plication to business. The family is well respected in the locality and has many friends throughout the surrounding country. JOHN F. SERPA. A well known Rio Vista business man is John F. Serpa, who was born April 4, 1857, in Flores. Azores, the son of parents who passed their entire lives in that country. At the age of seventeen John F. Serpa came to the United States, locating in California. After a residence of five years in Los Banos he went to Lodi. and about three and a half years later went to Blue Canyon. Placer county. A later removal was to San Francisco and sub- sequently he came to Solano county as a farmer and cultivated land for about eighteen months, after which for a short time he engaged in the West Indies banana business. So far had he progressed in the accumulation of means, that he determined to take a rest for eighteen months. This he did and later entered the liquor business in Rio Vista, where he is engaged at the present time. In 1885 Mr. Serpa married Miss Mary Josephs, the first Portuguese child born in Rio Vista. He is a member of two orders in Rio Vista, the Druids and the Ancient Order of Foresters, being treasurer of both. CHARLES M. CHUBB. Since the coming of the Pilgrim Fathers there have been many immi- grants from England, who have been attracted to America by its wonderful resources, its splendid opportunities for advancement, and the national free- dom that is the basis of our Constitution. Thus, when there has been a harmonizing of the dogged persistence of the Englishman and the vivacious energy of the true American, we have seen men and institutions grow and flourish. Charles M. Chubb is an Englishman transplanted to the United States, who has made a success of his life. Born in 1849, he received an education in one of the great public schools of his native land, thus laying a sure foundation for his after triumphs. After his graduation from school he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and on coming to America at the age of twenty-two, was well qualified to earn his living. He landed at New York and immediately proceeded to Boston, Mass., and took up his residence there. He there began as a stair-builder and thus he was employed for fourteen years in Boston and in Oakland, Cal. It was in 1875 that he migrated to California, destined to learn that it was a propitious fortune that had impelled him to journey westward. He established his home in Yacaville in 1884. and has since lived there. In 1873 Mr. Chubb married Miss Mary W. Reddacliff, also a native HISTORY OF SOLANo A.ND \ \l' \ C< HJNTIES L029 of England, born in 1851. The fruitage of their union has been seven chil- dren, of whom three have passed away. They were named thus: Charles, Jr., deceased ; Mary \Y.. married to Ralph EL Lancaster, now residing in Oakland; Lillie, who married W. C. Coburn and died leaving one child; Anna, a teacher, living at home with her parents; Susie, who married Louis Moore and died in 1911; William K.. who died at the age ol twenty years; Florence B., who is Mrs. Marshall of Vacaville. Like many other residents of Solano county, Mr. Chubb is a horticul- turist and possesses a ranch comprising one hundred and twenty-two acres, which is planted to a variety of fruit trees, including cherries, pears, peaches, apricots plums and prunes. This orchard is his especial persona] care, and he makes certain that all necessary precautions air taken n order that it may produce the largest possible returns. Mr. Chubb and family are active members of the Baptist Church. Me is a quiet and kindly man. ready to lend aid where aid is needed and to assist in every way to promote the well being of his fellow citizens. FREDERICK AEBI. In selecting the occupation of a Qorist for his life work Mr. Aebi chose a calling for which he possessed decided natural aptitude. Comparatively few attain a high degree of success in this business by reason of the demands it makes for peculiar talents. The first essential is a genuine love of flowers. The second is practical common sense. Scarcely less necessary is such sagacious judgment as leads one to handle plants wisely and with discrim- ination. Each variety demands different treatment. Insect pests must be conquered, the soil must be renewed, the ground fertilized properly and the utmost care exercised in even the smallest details. No one understands the intricacies of the industry more thoroughly than does Mr. Aebi. and his prosperity has resulted from the exercise of the qualifications requisite t< ' the work. Descended from a long line of Swiss forefathers. Mr. Aebi was born in the canton of Berne. February 1. 1869. and there received a common school education as well as the training that forms the foundation of his present knowledge of his calling. At the age of eighteen years he came t" the United States, landing in New York City, where he secured employ- ment in the shop of a florist. Later he traveled from one city to another, gaining a fair knowledge of the east while earning a livelihood at his cho^i n occupation. Meanwhile he had heard much concerning California and, be- lieving its soil and climate well adapted to floral culture, he came to the coast in 1893, settling in Berkeley, where since that time he has built up a business of large proportions. lie owns a nursery of two acres, all under glass and fitted up in a thoroughly up-to-date manner, lie makes a - cialty of cut (lowers, the popular demand requiring roses and carnations, and in 1910 he sold fifteen hundred plants in addition to the flowers; $40,000 is given by competent judges as a conservative estimate of the value of his Berkeley property. Appreciating the necessity for larger ground^ for the starting of nur- sery stock. Mr. Aebi came to the Napa valley in 1908 and purchased twenty six acres near Rutherford, where now he has planted four acres in different varieties of roses. The place cost him $200 an acre, but he feels himself entirely justified in the expense, for the climate is healthful, not only for human beings, but for plants, and all of his gardens thrive abundantly. Four acres of his farm are in alfalfa, five in a vineyard. Three head of stock are kept in order to furnish the motor power needed in the can 1030 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES the land. The entire tract reflects the care and sagacity of the owner and proves him to be a master in his specialty. So closely has he given atten- tion to the upbuilding of his business that he has had no leisure for asso- ciation with fraternities nor for mingling in society. Nor, indeed, has he been a participant in politics aside from casting a Republican vote at all general elections. In his native land he was reared in the Protestant faith, but he has avoided denominationalism and is not identified with any spe- cial church. After coming to Berkeley he met and married Miss Anna Scheeiber, a native of Vienna, Austria, and they have four children, Fred- erick, Francis, Anna and Josephine, to whom will be given all possible educational advantages. WILLIAM S. PEDRICK. The best we can do in life is to use well and wisely the time that we have in which to live our lives, making the most of the opportunities that come to us day by day, so that the largest development possible may be ours. Then when the time of our departure from the scene of life's activities comes, we can not have many regrets, for there will be credited to us achievements of which we may be proud. A man who is thus making the most of his life is William S. Pedrick, an agriculturist and sheep raiser of Solano county. It was in Devonshire, England, that William S. Pedrick was born, June 18, 1838. There he learned the trades of plumber and gas fitter. For many years he worked at these trades combined and was able to save money. At the age of thirty-six years he came to the United States, landing at New York. He journeyed by the overland route to San Francisco, Cal., where he remained three months. Residential changes brought him to Silveyville, where he has since resided, improving a ranch of four hundred and eighty acres, on which he raises barley and sheep. Of the former he annually pro- duces about two thousand sacks, and of the latter he has two hundred Shrop- shires and Merinos. Each season his products increase in value and his yearly income from his ranch is steadily growing. Mr. Pedrick married Miss Sarah Brinley, a native of London, England, born July, 1836. Five sons were born to them, William E., Thomas J., John, George A. and Henry S. William E. married Belle Buckley and resides near Denverton. Thomas married Ada Banfill and lives near Dixon. George, who married Minnie Ackman, resides in Dixon. Henry S. married Mildred Berry and is a citizen of Yountville. Politically Mr. Pedrick is a Republican and fraternally he is a member of the Dixon lodge of Masons, having passed the three degrees abroad. His family attend the Episcopal Church. They have the esteem of the whole community because they have always made the Golden Rule their rule of life. JOHN CASEY. As may be judged from the patronymic, John Casey is of Celtic blood, having been born in Ireland, in 1844. With characteristic Irish ruggedness and industry, he has forged his way to the front and, filling his years with thrifty employment, has attained a commendable degree of success. His boyhood days were spent in the old country, but when he reached his ma- jority he became dissatisfied with conditions there and determined to profit by the greater advantages offered in this country. Accordingly he made the trans-Atlantic voyage at the age of twenty-five years, landing in New York city. He came across the continent on the Union Pacific Railroad via HISTORY OF SOL \\<> AND N \r\ COUNTIES 1031 Salt Lake. This was at the time when the road was under construction, and soldiers were required to guard the workmen. From Salt Lake City he crossed the plains to the far west, arriving- in Stockton, Cal., in 1869. He began ln's California career as a railroad section foreman, lived at Stockton seven years, and labored there in the above mentioned capacity five years. From Stockton he removed to Oakland, still acting as a section foreman. He was thus employed at San Pablo and at Ailtioch, and from Antioch went to the San Joaquin valley and entered the service of Furtin & Knox, contractors, who completed the railroad from Napa to Santa Rosa, lie then came to Dixon where he has since lived, working as a section foreman and as under foreman. After living in Dixon for five years he purchased a small farm for $2,000 hut afterwards sold it. While living in Stockton he married Miss Elizabeth Xarey. ni Irish birth, who came to America at an early age and has since lived in California most of the time. They are the parents of seven children, only one of whom, Edward, of San Francisco, survives. Mr. Casey and his family are members of the Catholic Church. Politi- cally he is affiliated with the Democratic party, being a stanch supporter of its principles both at the polls and in his private life. He takes an active part in all movements and enterprises for the public welfare and for the good of the community. SAMUEL DAVID BRISTOW. This is the brief history of years well used, those of Samuel David Bristow, who is rounding out a life of usefulness spent largely in the service of others, in the vicinity of Yacaville. Solano county. Born in Madison ville, Hopkins county. Ky., May 16, 1846, he was educated in the public schools of Bourbon county, Ky. When but sixteen years old he enlisted in the Con- federate army and served four years under General John Morgan. He was captured in the Ohio raid and held a prisoner at Camp Douglas till paroled. In 1868 he entered Kentucky University and was a student there four years. Later he taught school three years and during that time studied law and was admitted to the bar. For three years he practiced his profession in Kentucky, achieving much success. March 6, 1873. Mr. Bristow married Miss Margaret Wolcott of Yates county. Xew York, a descendant of Oliver Wolcott. They have had seven children, three of wdiom are living. Their son, Bruce T., is an engineer on the Southern Pacific Railroad and lives in Bakersfield. Their son Archie is an engineer in the employ of the Standard Oil Company and resides in Kern county, Cal. Their daughter Mary Anne married Robt. McMath and is living near Dixon. Mr. Bristow's father. James H. Bristow, came to California and settled in Solano county in 1852. He was one of the pioneers of the county and had spent some of his life in Mexico. He died in Ken- tucky in 1871. He married Letitia Amelia Calmes, a native of Virginia, born May 5. 1816, who lives in Morganfield, Ky. Mr. Bristow has been justice of the peace at Vacaville eight years. He came to California in June, 1880, with a wife and three small children to accept an appointment to the chair of Mathematics and English Literature in the California College at Vacaville. For a year he held that position and then went to Nevada and taught school there four years; and on his return to California in 1886 he was an early settler in Brown's valley, Solano county, and one of the first to put out fruit there. He owns a very pro- ductive ranch of about sixty acres, part of which is devoted to horticulture. one of his fond ambitions being to make a hundred trees grow where none grew before. Politically he is a Democrat, true to the principles underlying 1032 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES his party's tenets. In the peace and tranquillity of Brown's valley he is spend- ing his days, happy in the thought that to him has been given the privilege of helping to better conditions. ANDREW GOOD SUMMERS. The genealogy of the American Summers family is traced back to the early settlement of Virginia and to prominent colonial residents of that com- monwealth, where Andrew and Susan (Walls) Summers spent the early years of their useful lives. While they were living near the city of Rich- mond a son was born October 12, 1837, to whom was given the father's name, and when this child was four years of age the family removed west to the then borders of the frontier, settling in Clark county, Mo., where a humble home was established in the midst of the wilderness. Schools were few and opportunities for an education meager, but the boy had the inesti- mable advantage of being reared in a Christian home where honesty and piety ruled. Religion was the most important element in the upbuilding of the community and the entire surroundings were of such a character as to inculcate in a childish heart a love of uprightness. From those humble pioneer homes went forth young men and women of dauntless courage, pre- pared to face the battle of life with strength of character and determination of will, upheld by devoted religious faith and rendered self-reliant by early training. For a time after attaining man's estate Andrew G. Summers engaged in farm pursuits in Missouri. Meantime he became actuated by a desire to put his fortunes to the hazard in the great and growing west. When he had attained his twenty-seventh year it became possible for him to put his purpose into realization and he started across the plains, traveling overland with mule teams. During the autumn of 1864 he arrived in Calaveras county and two years later came to Solano county, where he at once rented land and embarked in ranching on his own responsibility. In the raising of grain he met with fair success and by 1874 was able to buy land. During that year he purchased from J. C. Merryfield three quarter sections, to which, in the fall of 1875, he brought the lady whom he had married April 3, 1873, and who had borne the maiden name of Susan Warfield. Husband and wife labored together to develop a fine farm. Their attractive and well-appointed residence, now occupied by Mrs. Summers, was a source of great pride to Mr. Summers during the latter part of his life. Besides erecting one of the most beautiful country homes in the county he built commodious barns and laid out extensive grounds shaded by ornamental trees. Three other quarter-sections of land were subsequently bought adjacent to the original homestead of Mr. Summers, and these were improved as the occasion demanded. At his death, which occurred July 25, 1890, he owned one of the most valuable and productive ranching properties in this section of California. His widow still owns nine hundred and sixty acres of fine land and maintains the splendid improvements instituted by her husband, having two ten-inch wells for the irrigation of alfalfa, keeping in excellent repair barns and sheds of sufficient capacity to house all the stock, and occu- pying the elegant residence built for her comfort and pleasure by Mr. Summers. A native of Solano county, Mrs. Summers was a daughter of Martin and Martha (Sweany) Warfield. The former left his native place in Ohio in 1850 and came west as far as Nevada. Soon after his marriage, in 1852, he came to California and settled in Solano county, where he died at an advanced age. His wife, a native of Tennessee, remained in Solano county until 1898, when she removed to San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Summers HISTORY OF SOLANO A.ND NAPA BOUNTIES 1033 found the greatest happiness of their lives in tlu-ir children and labored earnestly for their welfare. Ml are still living excepl one daughter, Jennie. The eldest daughter. Martha II.. is the wife of E. II. Foster and the mother of four children, George, Summers, Leslie and Grace. The only son in the family. John W. Summers, a tanner by occupation, married Mattie Cramer and has one son. Roscoe Summers. Nellie G. and Grace are the remaining members of the Summers family, the former bring the wife of Allen Caven, of Oakland. A deep student of Masonry, Mr. Summers was identified with Sil ville Lodge No. 201, F. & \.'M.. Dixon Chapter No. 42, R. A. M.. and Sacramento Commandery, K. T., and with Eastern Star activities. His wife still holds membership with Ivy Chapter, Order of the Eastern Mar. at San Francisco. While exhibiting a constant interest in public enterprises, Mr. Summers never cared for public offices and took no part in politics aside from voting the Democratic ticket. In dealings with others he was prompted by a spirit of unselfishness, sincerity, candor and fairness and these attractive qualities extended to the most trivial details. Never was he known to take undue advantage ^\ another. On the other hand he frequently permitted himself to be the loser by reason of his unwilling ness to perform any act that might be. even mistakenly, regarded by others as an indication of an ungenerous spirit on his part. Charitable and helpful without ostentation, he was sagacious and prudent, weighing well the con- sequences of each step. His public spirit manifested itself in helpfulness to local projects. His regard for the general welfare was frequently demon- strated in a conspicuous manner. Not infrequently he took the initiative in pushing forward worthy enterprises. A useful citizen, noble man and high minded friend, his name deserves a place of prominence in the annals of Solano county. HIRAM J. RUSSELL. The experimental experiences of Hiram J. Russell in various sections of the United States terminated with his arrival in Suisun, a few years ago, for he is now firmly established in that place and is more than satisfied with the outlook on things from that point of view. Mr. Russell was born in North Bloomfield. Ohio, in 1858, a son of John Quincy Adams Russell, a native of New York, who had taken to wife a native of Pennsylvania. The former died at the age of seventy-nine years and the latter was sixty-nine years old when she passed away. Neither came to California. At the age of four years Hiram J. Russell left his native county and went to Bremer county. Iowa, where he remained over twenty years'. He was educated in public and high schools and at an early age showed a decided taste for things mechanical, and his first occupation was at the machinist's trade. Leaving Iowa while in the twenties he went to Nebraska and thence came to California. From the latter state he jour- neyed to Illinois and then returned to California. It was in 1900 that he came to Cordelia. Cal.. in which place he secured employment with Henry Goosen. Leaving this work, he went to Vacaville and, after a stay there of four years, came to Suisun. Cal. Here he has built himself a fine home and is running a machine shop for himself, having conducted the enter- prise successfully for the last four years. Mr. Russell was married in 1891 to Eunice Evelyn Emerson, a native of Indiana, and she has borne him seven children. Harley, born in Ne braska, is employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and lives with his parents; Claude is employed by the Wells-Fargo Express Com- pany. The other surviving ones are Wayne, Edith, Leslie and Dorothy. 1034 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES Dale died November 5, 1911. Mrs. Russell's parents died when she was nine years of age. Politically Mr. Russell is a Republican. He is a Knight of Pythias and a Woodman of the World. Always prudent, yet enterprising, it is not to be wondered that he has made a success of his life, for he has built on firm foundations. He has put his money into real estate, believing that to be the best investment. LESLIE J. CHRISLER. Although not a native of California, Leslie J. Chrisler has passed the major portion of his life in this state, for he was only two and one-half years old when his parents brought him from Three Rivers, Mich., where he was born January 10, 1860. His father died in 1882; his mother is living in Solano county. Their children were the subject of this notice and the following named: Minnie A., born in 1866, died at the age of thirty-two; William Andrew, born August 22, 1869, married Mona Robie and is living, as are his three children, in Solano county; Sarah E., born January 21, 1872, married John A. Wilson, September 18, 1894, and has six children; Charles Diamond, born December 24, 1874, married, October, 1903, Metta Schrosky, a native San Franciscan of German origin; Peter S., born May 25, 1877, died September 9, 1887; Albert A., born June 8, 1879, married Jessie Schultz of Carson, Nev., in May, 1907. Mr. Chrisler's grandparents on his father's side were natives of New York and so, too, were his maternal grandparents. His youth Mr. Chrisler spent in public schools in Solano county, apply- ing himself to the acquisition of the primary education necessary to the best use of opportunity. At the age of eighteen years he began to get a practical knowledge of the moulder's trade. In 1881 he engaged in the insurance business. After his father's death, in 1882, he located permanently in Suisun, Cal., where he has since been in public life, and for some time he has been deputy county tax collector and deputy sheriff. In 1903 Mr. Chrisler married Miss Ellen E. Neitzel, a native daughter of Solano county, whose parents are living in the Suisun valley. Mr. Chrisler is well known to all in the county. He has always occupied a prominent place before the public and is well and widely respected. THOMAS F. BELEW. That popular and progressive property owner and prosperous rancher of Solano county, Thomas F. Belew, possesses many inherent qualities that make for man's success in whatever vocation in life. During his experiences here he has shown himself to be the possessor of a great heart and of a courage that brooks no obstacles. Straight as an arrow-flight he has fol- lowed the line of life he has mapped out. He is justly proud of the fact that he is a native son of California and counts it no small honor to be numbered among the successful descendants of early California pioneers. Born in Butte county, August 5, 1864, he came to the place of his present abode May 10, 1876. Here he has lived ever since, and his proportionate part of the prosperity of this section of the state has come to him during this time. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land and devotes his attention to raising barley and to stock raising. In Maine Prairie Mr. Belew married Louisa Brinley, a native of Eng- land, born October 4, 1868. Two children she has borne him, Ernest F. and Ada B. Mr. Belew's father, Thomas Belew, a native of Maine, settled in California and married Bridgett Riley, of Irish birth. Six children were born to them, all of whom except Thomas F. and Arthur are dead. Mrs. HISTORY OF SOLANO ^ND NAPA O IUNTIES 1035 I'elcw has one sister. Her father, George Brinley, was born in London, England, in 1843 and at the age of twenty-five years came to the United States. He died en voyage to China. Mr. and Mrs. Belew arc of good social standing. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Dixon. He has ably filled the office of constable. C \UI. \. TORP. In spite of the fact that there is a wonderful similarity between men and men. we find that each has some peculiar and individual characteristics that stamp him as being" a man different from any other. These charac- teristics are often beneath the surface of things, but they crop out in the motives that actuate the various changes that come into a man's experiences and that chiefly constitute them. In the person ^\ Carl A. Torp, a well respected resident ai Suisun. Cal.. we have a man that has stamped his individuality upon the community in no unmistakable manner by the life that he has lived and by the successes that he has achieved. Mr. Torp was born in Denmark in 1861 and for twenty years lived in the land of his nativity and there received his education and learned how- to make a living. About 1881 he came to America and took up his residence in Xew York, where he quickly familiarized himself with the language and the customs of the people of the land of his adoption. At the end of one year he came to California, settling in Solano county, in which section of the state he has ever since made his home. Here he has worked hard to accumulate a competency and is in a fair way to success. He is at pres- ent employed in the packing house of the J. K. Amesby Company, where he has been for the last five years, during which period he has discharged his duties as night watchman faithfully and well. After a residence of ten years in Solano county Mr. Torp made a trip to his native land, where he was married to Miss Josephine Nelsen, of Danish parentage and birth, and she has borne him four children : Anina A., now teaching school near Elmira, Cal.; Carrie, bookkeeper in the Suisun Garage; Charlie, in high school; Gussie. All these children were born in Solano county and their upbringing reflects credit upon their parents. The parents of both Mr. and Mrs. Torp are deceased. Politically Mr. Tori) is a Republican and fraternally he is a member of the Suisun Lodge, I. O. O. F. During recent years he has purchased property in Suisun and is doing well. He is very loyal to the land in which he has made his home and is respected by all who know him. DANIEL McCLAXE. The name Mr. McClane bears is one of which he may be justly proud, for it is the patronymic of his Scottish forefathers, men who have left their names upon the history of their country because of the bravery and indomit- able spirit they have ever shown in time of danger. Dan McClane was born in Scotland in 1816. and early developed a great fondness for the sea. At the age of eleven years he left home and took to ship and for twenty years spent his life on the bosom of the mighty deep, undergoing experiences that few men have and seeing every land and country in the world. He has been to Australia, to China, has fought in the Crimean war. has been in Russia. On one occasion he was shipwrecked and rescued by a man-o'-war, after which he went on to the island of Malta, and re- mained there two years. Leaving there he went to England and later went to India to assist in the subjugation of the Hindus, remaining there, in the 1036 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES land of the orient, for two years. From Bombay, India, he came to San Francisco, Cal., and obtained employment on the old steamship "Senator." After being employed on the coast of California he went to the Caribo mines, and there became familiar with mining. Mr. McClane made his first visit to Solano county in 1852, during the time of a flood by which thous- ands of head of cattle and sheep were lost, and did much to assist the res- cuers in their work. In the fall of 1870 he visited the Hayden Hill country and remained there until 1910, On one occasion, being a keen business man, he traded one hundred head of horses for a ranch and then traded the ranch for a hotel and livery business in Hayden Hill, but was eventually burned out there and came to Solano county. In 1874 Mr. McClane married Mary A. Shepherd, a native of Utah, and to them eleven children were born, eight of whom are living, three at Hay- den Hill, three at San Mateo, one in Oregon and one in Fairfield, Cal. Mr. McClane has enjoyed a prosperous life and has met with much success in spite of his nomadic disposition. Although well on in years, he is keen and alert, possessing a brain and faculty undimmed by passing years. Having come to Solano county in the fifties for a visit he is able to sum up from memory much of the progress and advancement that has been made during the interim between that time and the present. He is a citizen whom the people of the county honor as one whose example of strenuous living and business activity may be followed with profit by many of the younger gen- eration. JULIUS MAGGETTI. A native of Switzerland, Julius Maggetti was born in canton Ticino, January 14, 1847, and was one of a family of nine children. The parents, Paul and Margueretta Maggetti, were united in marriage in Switzerland and reared their children in the Roman Catholic faith. Leaving home at the age of twenty-six Julius Maggetti finally landed in New York. Find- ing that the trend was westward and the prospects for successful farming better in a new country, he came to the fertile Napa valley, Cal., reaching his destination July 9, 1873. He soon became associated with Captain Grigsby, one of the old pioneers in farming and dairying, and in the course of a few years, after farming at St. Helena for a time, bought two acres in Oakville, which he has under cultivation. Much of his time for the past three years, however, has been devoted to his public house. Ever since casting his first vote Mr. Maggetti has espoused the Republican principles. He is enterprising, broad-minded and genial and has been "a friend in need" to many less fortunate. CHARLES VOGEL. As one of the most practical and successful fruit growers in the vicinity of Suisun, Charles Vogel is entitled to mention as one of the sterling up- builders of this well favored locality. By steady progress he has advanced from the ownership of a small tract of land to that of more than twice his original acreage, and by handling his own fruit, picking, preparing and dry- ing it for the market, he is making an excellent record from a moderate sized orchard. Ann Arbor, Mich., was the birthplace and early boyhood home of Mr. Vogel. He was born in 1864. As a dutiful son he remained with his parents until he became of age ; and when free to choose a field for his labors he came to California and has since been a resident of the state. Napa first appealed to him as a good location, but after he had worked there as a HISTORY OF SOI \\«> VND NAPA COUNTIES 1037 farm hand for two years a1 $20 a month, on the ranch of M M. Estey, he led to investigate conditions across the line in Marin county. One year's ex .nonce there preceded his coming to Solano county, where, as he had done in the other places mentioned, he worked at first on the ranches ol others. \t"ur working for V I.. Reed, near Suisun, for a time, he made his tirst purchase of land, consisting of four acres near Rockville. As yel none of his experiences bore directly on the business in which he is now I, and it was not until 1896 that he purchased the first tract of the ranch which lie now owns. This consisted of twenty acres, and to it he later added by the purchase of thirty-five acres of adjoining land and in l l 'll he bought forty acre- ^\ the old William Pierce tract, which he has converted into an orchard of peaches, pears, prunes and cherries. He now has ninety-five acre- <>\ as fine fruit land as can he found in Solano county. His ranch is equipped with a drier, which enables him to handle his fruit from orchard to market, a saving of expense, as well as a means to putting the fruit on the market in better condition. Some idea of tin- volume of less done on his ranch may he gathered from the statement that in 1910 he cleared S4.000 from the sale of his fruit. The marriage of Mr. Vogel, in 1887. united him with Miss Lena John- son, a native "i Sweden, who died in 1903. Six children were horn of this marr ; age. and all of them are still under the parental roof. Mr. Vogel's nd marriage was to Emma Andres, horn in Ann Arbor, Mich. No resident of this community has the interest of the county and state more at heart than Mr. Vogel, which fact he demonstrates in the casting of his ballot, which is given invariably to the man of the highest moral character, irrespective oi the party for which he stands. HERMAX W. LYONS. Of an old Southern family. Herman W. Lyons has sought and found '"ortune in the west. His nativity occurred in Dallishurg. Ky.. June 17. 1854, and he is a son of John and Martha (Medley) Lyons. Being planta- tion owners, they were slaveholders before the Civil war. Mr. Lyons num- her< among his forefathers some of the earliest settlers of Virginia, his ma- ternal ancestors owning the original site of Jamestown, in that state. In ' the family moved from the south to Illinois and lived and farmed there until 18o4. Tn that year they came across the plains to California, locating in Xana valley. They had many startling and thrilling experiences on tins and their train met with many heavy losses, finally arriving with hut four head of stock, having lost all the rest on the way. suffering from depre- dations both hv Indians and Ecdcral troops, the latter foraging for supplies. The party came by way of Fort Laramie, and coming through Placerville and Sacramento, settled in Xapa valley, where Mr. Lyons has lived ever since. Mr. Lyons married a native of Nana. Miss Ida Cain, and of their union three children have been born: John C Lottie and Bernice. John and Bernice are doing college work and are attaining a high academic standard. Lottie married Ed. Stanley and they live at Suisun. having two children. In 1883 Mr. Lyon- and his brother, William Lyon-, bought three hun- dred acres in Wooden valley, paying a purchase price of $8,000. The bulk of this property is devoted to pasture land and to corn raising. He owns individually eighty-four acre< and has a twenty-acre vineyard which yielded a crop of eight tons per acre in l r >10. Twelve acres of the ranch is planted in orchard fruits of various kinds. One year Mr. Lyons sold $2,700 worth of grapes. He maintain- on the place eleven head of horses and cows. Mr. Lyons is connected with a company which own- twelve hundred and thirty 48 1038 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES seven acres of alfalfa land in Yuba county. He has a private ownership of thirty-five acres of land in the same county and owns also forty acres of good land in Glenn county. Politically Mr. Lyons is affiliated with the Republican party, giving the platform of that party his stanch and loyal support. For twenty-four years he has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Lyons is a member of the Rebekahs and of the Eastern Star Lodge of Napa. They enjoy the highest respect and esteem of the community, and Mr. Lyons is attended by that measure of financial success which is com- mensurate with his superior ability and high integrity. JOHN HOHBERGER. Born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 24th of July, 1845, John Hohberger passed an uneventful boyhood, working at home or attend- ing school according to the season of the year. At the age of twenty-two he came to the United States on the old sailing vessel Argonaut, that con- sumed fifty-six days in the voyage. Meanwhile the provisions ran short and passengers were placed on a strict diet limited to hard tack and tea with two spoonfuls of soup. With thankful heart the young immigrant first beheld the shores of America and with an energetic spirit he sought and found work. During 1870 he went to Baltimore, Md., where for two years he worked in a brewery. Thence he went to Connecticut and for two years worked as a charcoal burner. Next he tried his luck at farming in the east, his location being in Ontario county, N. Y., but the venture did not prove satisfactory and he decided to come to the west. In 1876 he crossed the continent on the railroad and found employment in San Francisco. In the spring of 1877 Mr. Hohberger came to Napa county and secured work with William Denning and continued in his employ for a year. Later he worked for others at various pursuits, much of his work being in vine- yards. For some time he has occupied a farm of fifty-five acres near St. Helena and has followed such occupations as are indirectly or directly con- nected with agriculture. When in early life he attended the Presbyterian Church and since then his sympathies have remained with that denomina- tion, although he recognizes the good accomplished by the followers of other creeds and maintains no narroAV prejudices in religion. The first vote he ever cast for president was in support of Gen. U. S. Grant and from that time to the present he has continued to support Republican principles by his influence and ballot, but at the same time he has avoided direct partici- pation in public affairs, for which indeed he has no inclination. JOHN JOE KREUZIER. Switzerland was the home of the Kreuzier family for several generations, and there, too, John Joe Kreuzier was born. When twenty-nine years old, believing that there was more remunerative business in store for him than following the occupation of his father, who was a stone cutter, he left his native land and came to New York in March, 1882. Not successful in get- ting a situation in that city he went to Philadelphia, where he worked in a brewery for three years. Gradually, however, he drifted westward to Cali- fornia and not far from Napa he was employed for eight years. By carefully saving his earnings he was able to buy a ranch, a venture that proved so successful that later he bought about five hundred acres in the fertile Coombs valley. Besides having thirty acres in orchard, he also raises hay and grain, HISTORY OF SOLANO KND NAPA COUNTIES L039 as well as hogs and sheep, and has from twenty five to thirty cows and one thousand chickens. While in Philadelphia Mr. Kreuzier married Catharine Hischur, of his own nativity, and from this union were born five children: Robert, William, Emil. Olga and Alvina, all of whom arc living at home. The famil) attend the Catholic Church and Mr. Kreuzier is a Democrat. \\ II. 1.1AM II. STANIELS. The call for volunteers in the Civil war found its response in the enlist merit of thousands of gallant and patriotic young men. who offered their services to aid in securing the preservation of the Union and the freedom of the Slaves. No one responded with greater enthusiasm and none fought with greater bravery than the youth who to his friends was known as "Bill" Staniels and who now. a popular resident of the Veterans' Nome in Napa county, is still "Mill" to old comrades. Bluff, hearty and open hearted now as then, he looks on the sunny side of life and accepts the adversities incident to existence with a cheerful optimism that recognizes their necessity but defies their terrors. While he has never recovered from disabilities caused by the hardships of army service, ill health does not seem possible to him, for it is concealed beneath a rugged, stalwart frame and an endless fund of good nature. Born at Salem. Mass.. October 23, 1S47. Mr. Staniels accompanied mem bers of the family to California in 185° and settled in San Francisco, hut returned to the east in 1863 for the purpose of enlisting in the Union army. From his earliest memories he has been interested in hunting and trapping. While yet very young he and a hoy chum ran away from their homes and at night hid themselves in a haystack, sleeping with their rifles beside them. A peculiar noise awakened them. The night was dark and it was impossible to see objects with any distinctness, but they decided that the noise must have been made by a bear. Hastily leaving the haystack, they aroused the nearest farmers, only to find, when help with lanterns had reached the spot, that the noise emanated from the animal kept at the head of the herd of cattle. Not long after this event he ran away from home a second time. His father gave him a nickel with which to buy some soap, but instead of doing as he was told, he took all of his own savings out of his portable hank and left, remaining away from home for three years. On his return he carried twenty-five cents worth of soap to his father, who received it with the ex- clamation. "Well. Bill, it took you a long while to get that soap!" I'pon his enlistment as a volunteer in the Civil war Mr. Staniels was assigned to Company E, Second Massachusetts Cavalry, and was sent to the Shenandoah valley. For two years he took part in all the engagements of his command and in 1865, upon the surrender of General Lee, he received an honorahle discharge, after which he went hack to San Francisco. There he learned the trade of machine harness operator and worked steadily for years in the employ of Market street firms, hut the effects of his war service began to cause a debility so serious that he was incapacitated for work at his trade. 'Thereafter he turned his attention to hunting and trapping. March 15, 1907, he came to the Home in N'apa county and in the early part of VHY) he was appointed keeper of the dam impounding the flood water- for the use of the Home. This work he has continued, as well as the task of feeding the trout. black bass and catfish kept in the dam. In addition he has had the respon sibility of protecting the Nome poultry yard from raids made by wild animals that come down from the surrounding hills and prey upon the chickens. That he may closely watch the fowls he dwells in a primitive shack, whose interior 1040 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES bears evidence of his prowess as a hunter and his skill as a trapper. From this place he roams all over the surrounding country, watching his one hun- dred and twenty-four traps that are set for small animals. During the year of 1910 he trapped and killed three hundred skunks, two coyotes, eleven gray fox, one bear cub and innumerable squirrels, as well as thirty-seven bob-cats (American lynx) that are peculiarly destructive in poultry yards. On one occasion, when approaching the bridge near the dam, Mr Staniels saw a skunk and instantly shot and killed the animal. However, he had not perceived the mate of the skunk standing near, but he soon had evidence of its proximity. Hastening to the Home quartermaster, Col. J. J. Lyon, he asked for another outfit of clothing. The officer directed him to leave at once and then he placed the clothing midway to the spot occupied by the perfumed hunter, who seized the garments and retired to a thicket in order to make the necessary change in his wardrobe. When out hunting one day Mr. Staniels had an adventure with a mountain lion, that first chased his dog and then himself. As he weighs over two hundred and forty pounds, he does not consider himself an adept in running, but having nothing but shell shot in his Winchester he considered not the order of his doing, but emulated a Marathon runner until he had reached his shack, when he slammed the door and remained secluded until the lion had grown weary of waiting for his appearance and had left. It is known to trappers that the scent of the human body is imparted to traps and mars their usefulness for the purpose intended. Wishing to free his traps from this deterrent, Mr. Staniels asked General Woodruff, the commander, to order a bottle of Labrador fox scent. When the bottle came he put it in his pocket and started for his traps. Somewhere along the route it began to rain and he took shelter in a ranch house, where he took a chair near the fire and began to dry his shoes and clothing. To his utter aston- ishment he was soon surrounded by a legion of rats that had been attracted by the fox scent. Other amusing experiences have marked his life in the west, while he also has had experiences more perilous than amusing. Fond of outdoor existence, he is never happier than when with his gun he starts on a tramp over the hills in search of game. A contented spirit, a dog and a gun, he considers indispensable to happiness, but wealth never had any attractions for him and a mansion would pall his simple tastes. The people at the Home enjoy the cheerful presence of this interesting personality and listen with pleasure to his tales of experiences among the wild animals of the hills. J. PACHETEAU. The enterprising gentleman whose name is the title of this notice is probably the largest individual shipper of wine out of California. The business has been built up entirely by his unaided efforts and is a splendid example of what can be done by a man of energy and constructive ability. Mr. Pacheteau is a native of France but lives at Calistoga, Napa county. He paid California a visit in 1875 and was so pleased with what he saw and the promise of success here along almost any commercial line with the further development of the country, that he decided to remain. Engaging in business in San Francisco, he remained there twelve years, meanwhile conceiving the idea of shipping California wine to New York in large quan- tities and establishing stores there for the sale of the shipments. For twenty- three years he has been engaged in the wine and restaurant business in New York, where he owns two splendidly equipped stores, a fine restaurant and a beautiful home. His stores in New York supply over three thousand families with the exhilarating products of California vineyards. Seventeen HISTORY OF SOI \M> VND NAPA COUNTIES 1041 re ago he registered the trade mark under which he operates, the "Cab fornia Wine Cellar." He sends yearl) to Nem VTork from Napa county four thousand barrels of wine, I lu- shipmenl lias run as high as five hun dred barrels a month. In his New York stores he sells wines from all over the world as well as his California products. In 1903 Mr. Pacheteau bought ninety acres of fine ranch land mar Talis toga ami here he lives most of the time. He considers the California climate unexcelled and is glad to gel awa) from the hustle and hustle of the large cities and enjoy his life's twilight amid the tranquillity of the Napa \ alley. On his ranch he has erected a fine stone residence, with commodious OU1 houses and buildings. Twenty five acres of his ranch is in vineyard and he buys the entire product of twenty wine cellars in the Napa valley, thus aiding the development of the grape industry and insuring employmenl to many men. Few citizens have done more for the advancement of the country than he has accomplished by his extensive commercial operations, and he is held in high esteem by all who know him. SAMUEL STRATTON. That well known teamster and rancher. Samuel Stratton, of Collins ville. Cal., was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, in November, 1858. For fifteen years he remained in the country of his birth and then removed to the >tate of New York, remaining there five years. But the trend of empire was westward, and it is not surprising that many of the youth of the early days turned their longing eyes toward the setting sun, and traveled thither to acquire experience and wealth in a new land. This is what Mr. Stratton did. for we find that he left New York and came to California, locating in Collinsville, Solano county. As a young man he went to work on a ranch and also did teaming. In all Mr. Stratton now farms about seven hundred and twenty acres of land, mostly to grain and hay. He also raises sufficient stock for his own purposes. The marriage >da\ Mr. Hartlcx is One of the important factors iii the stock industry in hi< community. His chief business along these lines today is buying and selling rather than raising, although he does considerable of the latter. The Vacaville Fruit Company, consisting of sixteen of the prominent growers of the vicinity, was formed in 1908. Because of the fact that he had had -i\ years of experience in shipping fruit easl with Hartley Brothers, Mr. Hartley was chosen vice-president and manager. In April, 1899, Mr. Hartley was married to Miss (Catherine Meyers, a native of San Jose, Cal., horn in 1876. Two children were horn to them. Helen K.. horn in 1°00. and (lenient Madison. Jr.. horn in 1004. both at- tending the Vacaville public school. Mr. Hartley is a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery and finds time to attend to the social side of life, in spite of the fact that he is a very busy man. ? • HON. JOHN M. GREGORY. \ considerable period has passed since the death of Judge Gregory in Fairfield, hut notwithstanding this his life and accomplishments made an impress that time can not efface. The Gregory family is of southern origin, and there, in Williamsburg, Va., John M. Gregory was horn March 6. 1840. the son of John M. and Amanda M. (Wallace) Gregory. When he was a child of one year his parents removed to Richmond. Va.. and from then until reaching young manhood his life was associated with that southern city. The circumstances of the family made it possible for him to enjoy every advantage for an education, and after completing the studies taught in the public schools of Richmond, he continued his training in the Kaptist college of that city, entering in March. 1853. and graduating with the class of June. 1857. with the degree of R. A. From there he went to the Uni- versity of Virginia, graduating in 1860 with the degree of Master of Arts. During his student life Mr. Gregory had ever in his mind the desire to become a practitioner of the law. and with this idea in mind he hegan reading law with his uncle. Thomas Wallace, and subsequently he studied with his father, until May of 1861, when he laid aside his hooks to do his duty as a southern citizen. He enlisted in the Richmond Fight Infantry Blues, under command of Capt. O. J. Wise, the son of Gen. Henry A. Wise, to whose hrigadc the company was attached. After a two-month service in the infantry in August. 1861, he joined the Rockbridge Artillery, attached Stonewall Jackson's hrigadc: he entered as a private and continued as such until Fehruary. 1863. when he was appointed first lieutenant ami was assigned to duty with Col. William Allen. For meritorious service he was then assigned to duty as chief advance of the artillery of the same corps and still later was promoted to captain of artillery. After the surrender of General Fee. Judge Gregory resumed the study of law and at the same time engaged in the lumber business. In 1868 he came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Fra*\cisco in Octoher of that year. Until he could decide upon a location suitable t<> hegin his law practice he taught school f,, r about one year and at the end of that time opened an office for the practice of his profession 1044 HISTORY OF SOLANO AND NAPA COUNTIES in Vallejo. The citizens of the town readily recognized his ability, and realizing their own need of an efficient city attorney, lost no time in placing him in this position. Subsequently he was made city clerk, and in Decem- ber, 1873, he was elected superior judge of Solano county, a service of four years in this capacity being followed by his re-election in 1877, and he still held this position at the time of his death. The marriage of Judge Gregory, May 1, 1872, united him with Miss Evalyn T. Craven, the third daughter of Rear Admiral Thomas T. Craven, of the United States Navy. Two children resulted from this marriage, John M., who was born in Suisun June 26, 1875, and Thomas C. October 4, 1878, in the same city. / ,,,-. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 169 529 6 £