Colusa and Glenn Counties,

California

Biographies: 1918

JOSEPH ZUMWALT

When Joseph Zumwalt crossed the “Great Divide” in 1892, at the age of ninety-two years, another of the prominent upbuilders of the state passed to his reward, after leaving the imprint of his enterprising personality upon the various communities where he had lived and labored. The Zumwalt family is of German descent on the paternal side, one Jacob Zumwalt having immigrated from that country with two brothers, George and Adam. The former settled in Pennsylvania, and the brothers settled in Virginia. Jacob married Nancy Ann Spurgeon, who was of English ancestry. They had a son, also named Jacob, who built the first hewn log house north of the Missouri River, northwest of Fallon station.  Joseph Zumwalt was born in Ohio in 1800, and lived there amidst pioneer conditions on the then frontier until 1829, when he went to Indiana, meeting there with about the same conditions as in the place of his birth. In 1833 he moved to Will County, ILL., and settled on a farm. He cleared the place from the timber, and engaged in farming among the Indians, who then inhabited a considerable part of that section of the country. In Ohio he had married Mary Ogle, likewise a native of that state. With her and their nine children, he left their home in the late forties, and made the long and dangerous trip across the plains to California, behind the slow-moving ox teams. They arrived at their destination on October 23, 1849, without mishap. Mr. Zumwalt at once located his wife and children in Sacramento, and with three of his sons went to the mines along the Yuba River, where he met with good success for two years. In 1850 he had located his family at what was known as Zumwalt Flat, so that they could be near where he was mining.

So successful was he that in 1852 he decided he would go back to Illinois, making the journey via Nicaragua. The following year he returned to this state with some stock, which he sold in the mines, and once more resumed mining himself. Two years later he moved to Solano County, and in the vicinity of Silveyville began raising stock and grain. Seeing the advantage of having good stock, instead of the long, rangy Spanish cattle, Mr. Zumwalt once more made a trip back to Illinois and spent one year in gathering a band of cattle and sheep, which he drove back to California, to his ranch in Solano County. He continued the stock business there until 1872, when he came to Colusa County, to that part now included in the boundaries of Glenn County. Part of his land is now the site of Willows. He erected the first frame house in the place. After living here for ten years, he sold out and moved to, Anderson, Shasta County, where he passed his last days. His wife died in 1886, at the age of eighty-two years. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are numerous in Colusa and Glenn Counties, and are among the most highly respected citizens of the valley. Many of them are occupying positions of honor and trust throughout the state.

SAMUEL ISAAC STORMER

The late Samuel Isaac Stormer, of Colusa and Glenn Counties, was one of the well-known pioneer citizens of the Sacramento Valley, having been a resident of the section later embraced in Glenn County from 1867 until his death, and much good was accomplished by his indomitable energy and enterprise in laying the foundation for our present prosperity.

Mr. Stormer was born in Morgan County, ILL., January 25, 1831, and was educated and reared to the life of a farmer in that state. On March 3, 1853, in Schuyler County, ILL., he was married to Miss Luvica Jane Cartmell, who was born on September 6, 1834, in Rush County, that state. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Stormer took up their residence in Adams County until the spring of 1864, when they outfitted with provisions, and with their three children crossed the plains with mule teams, settling in Austin, Nev. In 1867 they finished their journey to the Coast, and took up their abode in Colusa County, where Mr. Stormer engaged in grain-raising, continuing that occupation for many years, and in time acquiring thirteen hundred acres of land. He was a prominent factor in the Grange movement in Colusa County, and was counted a successful farmer.

After many years as a rancher in Colusa County, Mr. Stormer moved to the Purkitt ranch of eleven hundred acres which he had purchased in Glenn County, near Willows, and there farmed for a time, finally retiring to a comfortable home in the little city, where his last days were spent in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. He and his helpmate lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, which was held at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Potts, on March 3, 1903. The children born to this couple, and who grew to maturity, are : Martha Jane Potts, John Benton, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Greene, Charlotte Ann (who died aged twenty-one), Samuel Palmer, James Winslow, and Haydon Cassius.  The grandchildren are: Mrs. Cora F. Wickes, Mrs. Maud M. Lightner (now deceased), and Miss M. Monreo Potts; G. I.  Stormer ; James, Norene, and Barbara Stormer ; Mrs. Mattie Belle Ames and Floyd A. Greene; and Sylvan I. and Wynona Stormer.  The great-grandchildren are: Thelma J. and Elizabeth Wickes, Howell and Mavis Lightner, and Lester, Elizabeth, Floyd L., and Samuel T. Ames.

Mr. Stormer was never so happy as when surrounded by those he loved ; and his home life was always cheered by the voices and presence of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. At the time of his death, on March 15, 1909, he was deeply mourned ; for he was a man whose whole life had been devoted to the welfare of his fellow citizens and the upbuilding of his community.

Mrs. Stormer lives in Colusa, still enjoying life at the age of four score and three years.

JAMES RICHARD GARNETT

How fortunate it is to be well prepared when the time comes to assume the responsibility for the management of important interests, is shown in the case of James Richard Garnett, now in charge of the Glenn County ranch property left by his father, who in his time was a man of affairs. James Richard Garnett was born near Dixon, Solano County, July 17, 1861. He is the son of James St. Clair Garnett, who first saw the light near Hannibal, Pike County, Mo., the town immortally associated with Mark Twain. In 1853, when the great streams of humanity were flowing toward the Pacific, James St. Clair Garnett crossed the plains to California, driving a band of cattle, and after a laborious and dangerous journey located near Dixon, where he took up land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. At the time of his death, in 1908, his landholdings amounted to about thirty thousand acres, which included a fine ranch of fifteen thousand acres, some twelve miles southwest of Willows. In young manhood he was married to Miss Elizabeth Marksbury, a native of Kentucky ; and when he died, he left six children : William H. and J. N. Garnett, who have charge of the old home ranch in Solano County; Mrs. H. P. Tate, who resides at Vacaville; James Richard, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. W. F. Chaney, of San Francisco; and Mrs. W. W.  Foster, who lives at Vallejo.

James Richard Garnett pursued his studies in private schools, and particularly in a private school in Dixon and at the Oak Mound School, in Napa. He then attended the California Baptist College at Vacaville, Heald’s Business College at San Francisco, and the University of the Pacific at San Jose. For two years he was on the old home ranch with his father. In 1882, he came to Willows and took charge of his father’s fifteen thousand acres here. In early days wheat and barley were grown, eleven thousand acres being operated at one time by means of thirteen eight mule teams of the ranch and ten eight-mule teams that were hired, which, used to assist in carrying the grain to the warehouse in Willows. What these operations meant may be gathered from the fact that one year the yield amounted to sixty thousand sacks of grain. In recent years grain farming has been given up for sheepraising and cattle-raising; and now Mr. Garnett is the largest sheep-raiser in Glenn County. He disposes, on an average, of ten thousand sheep a year; and at one time, counting both sheep and lambs, there were twenty-four thousand head on his ranch. At the present time, however, the average is ten thousand sheep. He has also, five hundred head of cattle ; and with these he is equally successful.

On his ranch, also, may be found an almond orchard of ten acres, now eighteen years old, which, under the scientific care of its owner, has never failed to produce a good crop.. Ten acres are also devoted to raising grapes.

When Mr. Garnett married, he chose for his bride Miss Minnie F. Messenger, a native of Rhode Island, by whom he has had six children: James F., who married Bell Branham, by whom he has two children ; Gladys B., the wife of Joseph Reidy, and the mother of one child ; Rena B. ; John M. ; Raymer St. Clair, who married Pera Simpson, by whom he has three children ; and Margaret M. Garnett. Mr. Garnett and his family attend and support the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Garnett is in sympathy with Democratic principles and policies. As a citizen he is highly esteemed ; and he has always taken an active part in the building up and development of the county.

HERMAN QUINT

A pioneer of the later period in California, who brought with him to the Coast a record for positive accomplishment in other parts of the country, and a ripe and valuable experience such as has often contributed to the solution of problems here, is Herman Quint, who was born in Cooper County, Mo., December 15, 1844, in which state he was reared on a farm. In the fall of 1864, he came to Illinois and located near Belleville, where he worked in a coal mine. After that he farmed rented land; and still later he was employed in the construction of a railroad bridge across the Missouri River — a work extending through three years. Then he went back to farming, which he continued until the beginning of the eighties.

In August, 1880, Mr. Quint arrived at Willows and took up his first work on a California farm, working on a threshing machine for his brother, Fred Quint. One year later, he rented land on the Pratt grant, in Butte County, which he farmed to grain for four years.

When Mr. Quint settled at Jacinto, he bought eight hundred eighty acres of the Glenn estate, eight miles northeast of Willows.  He developed and improved the property, and in 1912 sold eight hundred acres to the Sacramento Valley Irrigation Co., of Willows, retaining eighty acres for his home, where he now lives.  Thirty acres of this he planted to alfalfa, and in addition he laid out a family orchard. He has a dairy with a herd of fourteen Holstein cows, and also raises Berkshire hogs, keeping a thoroughbred boar.

In 1864 Mr. Quint married, choosing for his bride Miss Catherine Cash, a native of Missouri, by whom he has had four children : Catherine, Mrs. J. R. Vaughan ; Belle, Mrs. P. 0. Elbe ; William, living in Zion City, ILL. ; and Henry, living in Princeton. Mr.  and Mrs. Quint have fifteen grandchildren. Mr. Quint is an Odd Fellow, a member of the Willows Lodge.

MAYBERRY DAVIS

Mayberry Davis has been a pioneer of California since 1855.  That year he came to the state by way of Panama, from his home in Clark County, ILL., where he was born on November 18, 1839.

Since his arrival here, at sixteen years of age, he has been closely identified with the development of the Sacramento Valley, and especially of Butte, Colusa, and Glenn Counties. In the early days, until the legislature established the boundary lines for eachcounty, there were no distinguishing features between Butte and Colusa Counties, as far as the east side of the river section was concerned, and the poll tax collector would get over the line into Colusa and gather in the tax from her citizens. Mr. Davis worked for wages on ranches in the first two counties named. In 1859 he felt encouraged to strike out for himself, and rented land near Butte City, devoting his time to the raising of grain, in which he met with success. In 1861, Mr. Davis took up a government claim near Butte City, proved up on it, and for some time farmed the land. On February 26, 1866, he bought the present home ranch of one hundred sixty acres, then raw and uncultivated ground. He greatly improved the place,, erecting buildings, fencing the land, and bringing it under cultivation; and here he carried on his ranching activities until a few years ago, when he retired to private life to enjoy the remaining years of his life in comfort and plenty.

In March, 1861, Mayberry Davis was married to Mary Jane Lycan, also a native of Illinois, and a playmate of his boyhood days. Of this union one daughter was born, Carrie Alice, who died at the age of twenty -five years. As a wheat and barley grower, and cattle and hog raiser, Mr. Davis had no superior in the county. A man of sterling qualities, he is beloved by all, and is generous to a fault. Although not a politician, he has been sought after to run for office ; but he has preferred to follow the even tenor of his way. Once he was prevailed upon to act as deputy assessor, which he did with satisfaction to all concerned. Mr.  Davis helped to build all the churches, school buildings, and roads in his precinct. While he did not favor county division at the time it was being agitated, he very soon came to the conclusion that it was the very best thing for the counties. With Mrs. Davis, he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; and they enjoy the confidence and esteem of all who know them.

GEORGE E. ST. LOUIS

Interesting and instructive is the history of such a pioneer family as that of George E. St. Louis. He was born in Yolo County, March 4, 1862, a son of Colbert St. Louis, an account of whose life appears in another part of this work. When George St. Louis was only thirteen years old, he came to Colusa County, where he worked on the ranch of his brother, A. St. Louis, near Norman. There he remained until he was twenty-one, after which he farmed for two years on rented land near Colusa Junction. He next leased land near Norman, and this he farmed to grain. After that, he rented land near Willows, which he operated for three years. He then returned to Norman, where he farmed a few years, and then rented the Frank Thomas place. For ten years he was here engaged in raising grain, getting excellent results.  In 1900, with his brother, he leased five thousand acres on the grant, which they farmed to grain. He also bought his present place of thirty acres on the river in the Glenn district, cleared the land of brush and trees, fenced in the acreage, and built for himself a home and barns. He set out an orchard containing a thousand trees in all, including four hundred French prune trees, two hundred peach trees, and orange and lemon trees. This place has proved to be some of the richest land in the Sacramento Valley.

Such is the quality of his land that, with the use of water, he raises two crops of some products each year. He had a crop of ball barley on two acres, which aggregated forty-one sacks in all, which he sold for three cents a pound. On a portion of the ranch he raises milo maize and corn, and ten acres has produced as much as fifty-one and a half sacks to the acre. His peaches are the finest raised in the county, and he took prizes for the best exhibits in that class at the recent San Francisco Exposition. He also has fine late watermelons.

On January 1, 1884, George E. St. Louis and Sarah L. Branham were united in marriage. They are the parents of three children: Raymond, Grace Margaret, and Bennett Burton. Mr. St. Louis was school trustee of Jacinto district one term, while living on the Thomas place. Both he and his wife belong to the Baptist Church of Glenn.

JOEL FRANCIS NEWLAND

A very successful agriculturist of the pioneer sort, whose family has paid a price in privation and sacrifice which should always entitle them to the respect and good-will of their fellow-Americans, is Joel Francis Newland, who was born in Crawford County, ILL., September 9, 18.38. On the paternal side, he is

of Dutch descent, in a line extending back to 1630 and associated with the founding of the Carolinas. Grandfather Major Joel Newland was killed in the War of 1812. On the maternal side he is of Scotch-Irish descent. His maternal ancestors were among the first settlers of Massachusetts, where members of the family served in the Indian wars, as well as in the Revolution, and the War of 1812.  

James Newland, Joel’s father, was born in Bracken County, Ky., and his mother, Mary Ann Morrow, was also born in that state. In 1850, James Newland moved to St. Joseph, Mo., and three years later he crossed the great  plains with his family and an ox team to California, arriving in Colusa County on October 7 of that year. Painful privation and thrilling adventures were the lot of these sturdy American pioneers before they reached the promised  land. While crossing the desert their supply of water was exhausted, and the family  were left in wagons while the stock, which accompanied the train, was driven to the Truckee River for water. In the mountains the little party paid fifty cents per pound for flour, and after arriving in Colusa County they bought flour for twenty dollars and fifty cents per hundredweight at the old mill operated by Mr. Wilson on Grand Island. Digger Indians and grizzly bears were encountered, and elk and antelope abounded along the Sacramento River.  

When somewhat settled, James Newland bought a swarm of  Italian bees for a hundred ten dollars per stand, and two American swarms for sixty dollars each; and with this outfit Joel F. Newland and his brother, Alfred M., made their start in the bee business, being among the first apiarists in Colusa County.

The home place of the Newland family was four miles north of Colusa; and there the two brothers, working harmoniously together, farmed as partners for many years. They raised fruit, and had an almond orchard, the first commercial orchard in the county, and engaged in grain and stock-raising and in bee culture. The father had died on the farm, and the mother returned East on a visit and died in Missouri. 

With the exception of three years, Joel Newland farmed for twenty-six years in succession with his brother. During the three years’ interval he served as a soldier in the Civil War. In 1863, with patriotic enthusiasm, he enlisted in Company H, First California Cavalry, at Sacramento. In time he saw rough Indian service in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, with the Apache and Navajo Indians. The soldiers had many skirmishes with the Red-skins along the Rio Grande River, during which they lost a few men and killed many Indians. After thus serving for three years with valor and distinction in defense of his country, he was honorably discharged and mustered out of service in Santa Fe, N. M., in 1866, and then returned to his home via New York City and Panama to San Francisco. After his return he resumed farming with his brother.  

In 1868 Mr. Newland bought sixty-four acres of land seven miles southwest of Willows at five dollars per acre; and thereafter he kept adding to the place from time to time. In 1879, he moved on to the place, which he had improved with house and farm buildings; and there for many years he has been a successful grain-raiser. He now owns two and one half sections in his tract, and a half section near Germantown, which he farmed to grain and stock. In recent years the land has been farmed by renters, Mr. Newland having retired after a long life of active and successful enterprise.  

Mr. Newland has a host of friends throughout Glenn County and the Sacramento Valley. Although he was solicited to become a candidate for county office, he has always refused to allow his name to be presented for nomination, preferring to give his undivided time to his business. As a citizen, he has lived a useful life; and by all who know him he is much esteemed for his many kind and charitable deeds towards those who have been less fortunate than himself, for he has always lived by the Golden Rule.

JOHN ANDREW SMITH

The forebears of the Smith family were noted for their patriotism; and when the call came for defenders of their country, they were among the first to answer the call. For over two hundred years the Smiths have figured as soldiers. William Smith, the great-grandfather of the late John Andrew Smith, of Glenn County,

came from England prior to the Revolutionary War, in which he served as a soldier in the Colonial army. After the war he went to Tennessee, and there he died. He had a son named John A., born in that state, whence he removed to Orange County, Ind., and farmed until his death. He participated in the War of 1812, being mustered out of the service at Mussel Shoals. He married, and reared a family in Indiana. One of his sons, James M., removed to Illinois in 1864, where, in Clay County, he engaged in farming until his death. He married Lucinda Norman, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children: Louisa E., Henry A., John Andrew (of this review), James, Marguerite, David, Martha, Mary E., Laura B., and Sarah.   

A native of Indiana, John Andrew Smith first saw the light of day in Orange County, December 8, 1844. He had just finished his schooling in the common branches when, in July, 1862, when nearly eighteen, fired with patriotism for his country, he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-sixth Indiana Regiment, Second Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and began service under General McPherson. After General McPherson’s death, the company was transferred to the Fifteenth Army Corps; and later they participated in a number of battles, among them being Taylorsville and Richmond, Ky. ; Corinth and Iuka. Miss.; Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga, Tenn. ; Altoona Pass ; Buzzard ‘s Roost ; Kingston and Rome, Ga. ; and Kenesaw Mountain. On July 19, they took part in the engagement at Peach Tree Creek; and the next day they were in Atlanta. From there they marched with Sherman to the sea, Mr. Smith acting as sharpshooter on the front and advance line. He came safely through the dangers of army life, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Ind., July 2, 1865. He returned to the home of his parents in Illinois, whither they had removed during his absence, and here again took up the life of a civilian. He learned and followed the carpenter’s trade, and at the same time engaged in farming until 1872. He then came to California and took up a soldier’s grant of one hundred sixty acres, where he continued in agricultural pursuits. As he succeeded he added to his holdings, increasing his acreage to five hundred eighty acres, located three miles south of Orland. Here he was engaged in raising grain until the time of his death.   

In Louisville, ILL., John Andrew Smith married Matilda Wood, the ceremony being performed on May 20, 1866. She was born in Wabash County, Ind., November 15, 1846, and was reared in Illinois. Her father, William Spencer Wood, a native of New York State, was brought to Indiana by his parents at an early day; and there he grew to manhood and farmed. He met an accidental death in 1852. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith the following children were born: Lucy, the wife of Frank W. Thompson; Ola; Eva, who married Lawrence Thompson and is the mother of three children, Vernor, Ralph, and Lester; Roy, living in Oregon; John and Oren, both deceased; William, living at home; Andrea, the wife of George Simpson, of Dixon, Cal., and the mother of four children, William, Otho, Donald, and Eleanor ; Ivy, Mrs. Alex Kraft, of Maxwell, who has one son, Lewllen ; and Byron, who married Miss Leona Freeman, by whom he has two children, Mildred and Byron, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were connected with the Baptist Church of Orland. In his political convictions Mr. Smith was a consistent Democrat. Always ready at all times to do his full share towards the upbuilding of his community and the state, he was often called upon to aid movements for that purpose, and never was found wanting. He helped organize Emigrant school district, and served as trustee for years. At the time of his death, in 1907, he was mourned by a wide circle of very close friends and neighbors, and by a devoted family.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS FELTS

During his long residence in California, since 1852, Christopher C. Felts has had an excellent opportunity to witness the growth of the state. Since 1871 he has lived on his ranch in Colusa County, of which he has become one ‘of the well-known and influential citizens. A native of Georgia, he was born on January 16, 1837. When a child he was taken to Mississippi, where he lived until 1852, when he was fifteen years of age. That year was a momentous year to him, for he then left his home for the long  overland journey to California, behind the slow-going oxen. After being on the road for six months, he arrived at his destination. Misfortune came to the lad while he was en route to California, and with it, added responsibility. His parents both died, leaving a small family, of which he was the oldest. These orphan children were brought on through to the coast by other people; but on arriving here, they found that they couldn’t keep them, and so sent word to Christopher C, who was then at Colusa. He had to go to Sacramento and get the children, and bring them back to Colusa, where he found homes for them. He took it upon himself to look after their welfare, until they were old enough to do for themselves. These children were : J. Monroe Felts, then thirteen years old, who later became one of the prominent men of San Luis Obispo ; Alivia, then eleven, who in time became Mrs. Evans, and is now deceased; Marcus D., nine years of age, who grew up in Colusa, and died there ; William W., a child of six at the time, who is now an editor, well-known throughout California. Upon his arrival here, a youth of but fifteen years, therefore, Christopher Felts had to shoulder burdens that would have discouraged many men of mature years and long experience. He turned his attention to farm work, finding employment in Yolo County for four years, after which he went to Grand Island, Colusa County. He continued to work for wages until he had saved enough money to branch out for himself, and become his own master, and then rented land on Grand Island, where he farmed until 1871. That year he came to his present place of six hundred acres, the greater part of which he has brought under cultivation himself. He erected every building on the place, set out all the trees, vines and shrubbery with his own hands, put up fences, dug wells, and in fact did  everything he could to make life on the ranch as comfortable as possible. Part of this property he still owns, and ever since coming to the place he has made it his home. Besides his own land he leased from others, carrying on farming and stock-raising with very good success, although, like others, he had his troubles, through droughts and through low prices for produce. He planted a good-sized vineyard ; but it did not pay, and he took up most of the vines in 1905. He has sold off his land from time to time, but still retains one hundred, sixty acres, upon which his home stands.   

In 1910 Mr. Felts began in the dairy business. He bought some thoroughbred Jerseys, and from a small beginning has built up a dairy of forty cows, with a fine registered Jersey bull at their head. This animal has a world’s record for cattle of the milk strain, and is considered one of the best in the state. Mr. Felts put up modern dairy barns and seeded one hundred acres to alfalfa; and he is finding this line of industry to be very profitable and sure. He also has a four-acre almond orchard, which is very promising and yields a good revenue. Two sides of his ranch are planted with shade trees, some two miles’ of them. Mr. Felts keeps abreast of the times and uses every modern and up-to-date appliance and method for getting the best results out of the soil.

Throughout this section, where once the grain fields waved in the winds and sheep roamed over the broad expanse of plain, the land is now dotted with vineyards,and with orchards of almonds, prunes, and apricots; and alfalfa covers broad fields, supporting- large numbers of dairy cattle, that bring in good revenues to their owners. Mr. Felts is numbered among those progressive men who have wrought this wonderful change.

In 1878 Mr. Felts was married to Emma Hodgen, born in Georgia; and they have had seven children: Georgia, the wife of William Corbin and the mother of three children; Alice, who married N. P. Pearson, and has three children; Virgil; Asa; Louisa, who became the wife of E. C. Pearson, and has two children; Edith, who married Homer Felts, a cousin ; and Amy, the youngest. Mr. Felts is a Mason, belonging to Maxwell Lodge No. 298, F. & A. M., and was a charter member of Maxwell Lodge No. 361, I. 0. 0. F. Ever since becoming. a voter, Mr. Felts has supported Democratic candidates. His fellow citizens have elected him to various offices of trust and responsibility. For eighteen years he was supervisor of the fourth District of Colusa County, and part of the time chairman of the board. For two years he filled the office of county treasurer with perfect satisfaction to the people. From time to time he has .served as a delegate to county and state conventions, his advice always being sought in the interest of the party. After having served his fellow citizens for twenty years, he was presented with a token of their appreciation in the shape of a gold-headed cane, neatly engraved, which he treasures highly.  

He has been an advocate of good roads, and also a builder of some, which will remain as a monument to his industry. It is the hope of his many intimate friends that he be spared many more years to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

DENNIS HUGH MASTERSON

An interesting place in the history of California agriculture is held by the family of Dennis Hugh Masterson, who was born in Jackson, Amador County, Cal., on October 5, 1854, the son of James Masterson, a native of Ireland, born in 1827. James Masterson came to the United States about 1850,

moving west to Missouri, where he married Eliza James, a native of that state. In 1853, he crossed the plains and came to Jackson, where he continued to live from 1853 until 1858, working as a civil engineer, for which he had been trained in the Old World. In 1858 he located on his home place, which he had taken up as government land, on the Newville and Orland road in Tehama County. Here lie went in for stock-raising and general farming. He also followed up surveying in various counties, and was at one time county surveyor of Colusa County. He was also surveyor while in Amador County. When he died, in 1897, two years before the death of his wife, he owned four hundred ninety acres in the home ranch, which is still possessed by his children. James and Eliza (James) Master son were the parents of the following children: Dennis H., James, Edward K., J. G., Mary (who died, aged eleven), Mrs. Louise Hulen, and Mrs. Julia Jewell.  

Dennis Hugh Masterson attended the local Newville School until he was fourteen years of age, and continued to live with his father up to the time of the latter ‘s death. At fourteen, however, in 1868, he went into business for himself, taking up stock-raising in a small way, one and a half miles south of the home place, and aiding also on the latter, where he made his home. As he prospered, he bought adjoining land from time to time. His ranch now includes about three thousand five hundred fifty acres of land in one body, in Colusa, Tehama and Glenn Counties, and is largely devoted to the raising of sheep and to general farming. The ranch is sixteen miles west of Orland, and is well watered by the north fork of Stony Creek, Burrow’s Creek, and numerous springs, which give ample water for the stock.

On October 14, 1883, Dennis Hugh Masterson was married, according to the rites of the Catholic Church, to Miss Ardell Price, a native of Woodland, Yolo County, and the daughter of John A. Price, who was born in Green County, Ky., and married Miss Frances M. Kelly, a native of Cooper County, Mo.  Mr. Price crossed the plains with his father in 1849, returning in 1850, and again crossed the plains in 1854, with his family, taking six months to make the journey. Here he took up stock-raising, locating in  Woodland, Yolo County, in 1854, and later coming, about 1871, to  the vicinity of Newville, Colusa County, where he settled on what is now the Masterson place. Five children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Masterson. These are: Jessie E., now Mrs. W. H. Coons, of Maricopa; Clara Anetta ; Carroll, also of Maricopa ; James Kendrick; and Francis Price. The two sons are associated with their father in the stock business on the home place. As the son of pioneers, who were among the first settlers to locate in this section,  Mr. Masterson has seen Glenn County develop from an almost uninhabited waste to its present prosperous condition. During his long residence here, no one has been more patriotically devoted to the interests of the county than he, nor more ready to lend his aid to  the advancement of the public good.

STEPHEN ADDINGTON

In Stephen Addington the press of the Sacramento Valley had a supporter who not only maintained a high standard of newspaper work, but whose life and character had an uplifting influence in the development of this part of the state. He was particularly energetic in developing and maintaining the best interests of Colusa, of which he was a resident for many years, and where, in partnership with Will S. Green, he built up and controlled the Colusa Sun. In 1887 he sold the Sun; but though he lived for nine years in San Francisco, he returned repeatedly to Colusa. His death occurred while on a visit to Sacramento, May 4, 1902.

Stephen Addington was reared in an atmosphere of culture and refinement, amid influences naturally inclining him to a literary life; and he probably never seriously thought of any occupation other than the one he engaged in as a means of a livelihood. His father, William B. Addington, founded the Fishkill Standard, one of the most influential newspapers of Dutchess County, N. Y. His grandfather was Dr. Stephen Addington, an eminent physician of New Jersey, and a descendant of Henry Addington, Lord Sydmouth, of England. W. R. Addington was a man of scholarly attainments. A forceful writer, he produced editorials widely quoted in the contemporaneous press. Stephen Addington was born in New Jersey, but was reared in Fishkill- on-the-Hudson. He had a natural aptitude for newspaper work, and gradually worked his way into the office of the Standard.  In 1854 he brought his virile enthusiasm with him to the West, coming to California via Panama, and soon afterwards settling in Marysville. He had a genial and agreeable personality, and a high estimate of the opportunities offered in journalism; and he soon found himself on the staff of the Marysville Express, of which he subsequently became sole owner. Later he was identified with the San Francisco Bulletin; and after severing his relations with that paper, he came to Colusa. Mr. Addington was connected with the Colusa Sun for a longer period than with any other paper during his active life. Under his guidance as local editor, it became a reliable and successful publication, appealing to the people by its faithful portrayal of existing conditions.

On November 24, 1872, Stephen Addington was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hart, a native of Indiana, who is mentioned at length on another page of this history. Since her husband’s death, Mrs. Addington divides her time between Colusa and San Francisco, in both of which cities she has numerous friends.

The character of Stephen Addington is well portrayed in the following tribute paid to his memory by Judge E. C. Hart, in a letter sent to Mrs. Addington when her heart was heavy with grief over the loss of her husband: “Few people, I think, knew Steve and his heart better than I. God never made a nobler character. His loyalty to his friends was so unusual that it was really phenomenal. If he ever became involved in unpleasant disputations with those whom he liked and loved, he possessed the divine quality of forgiveness to that high degree that he would soon forget the unpleasantness. His integrity was his pride, and was known to all who had the honor of his acquaintance. As Davy Crockett once said, speaking of a friend whose characteristics he well knew, ‘Doubtless God could have made a better man than he, but doubtless God never did.’ Our consolation in his passing from us is in the fact that he fought the battles of life honorably and well, and was universally beloved by his extensive circle of acquaintances in California. Never heard a man who knew Steve refer to him except in the most affectionate and endearing terms. In the early prime of his life his presence was always like a beautiful sunlight. His heart was warm, his nature gentle and genial, and his intelligence broad, substantial and helpful. May the sweet singers of the air ever chant their sweetest melodies to his memory.”

MRS. ELIZABETH ADDINGTON

A prominent place among the women who have left their impress on the development of Colusa must be accorded Mrs.  Elizabeth Addington, wife of the late Stephen Addington, one of the foremost men of the Sacramento Valley, and one whose services to the county were of exceptional importance, and who was associated with the late Will S. Green in the management of the Colusa Sun. Mr. Addington, by his wise investments in property in Colusa, did much to help develop a city from the barren plains.  He erected several houses, and a brick block at the corner of Market and Fourth Streets ; and this property is still in the possession of Mrs. Addington. In all of his activities Mr. Addington always had the cooperation of his able wife.

Before her marriage Mrs. Addington was Miss Elizabeth Hart.  A native of Indiana, she came as a child to California, with her parents ; and here she received her education at Mrs. Perry’s Academy in Sacramento. Her father, James Hart, came to America at the age of twelve years, and grew to manhood in this country. He received a good education, and taught school in Indiana for some time. In 1854 he located in California, having crossed the plains with an ox team. He settled in Sutter County, and at Nicolaus studied law and was admitted to the bar. In the town of his adoption he served as a justice of the peace. He eventually removed to Colusa, where he continued to practice his profession until a short time before his demise, at the age of sixty-two years. Mr.  Hart was a Republican in politics ; and fraternally he was a Mason.  He was a student and a scholar, and was charitable and kind ; and in his business and professional life his honesty and integrity were never questioned.

By the first marriage of James Hart, a son, T. J. Hart, was born. He became a prominent attorney at Colusa, and served two terms as a representative from his county in the state assembly.  For liis second wife, Mr. Hart married Sallie Cavins, a daughter of Samuel E. Cavins, a native of Kentucky, and a colonel in the War of 1812. Mr. Cavins studied law when a young man, and practiced it in Indiana, where he became a prominent judge of his time. He died while rendering service to the Union cause in the Civil War. In devoting his life to the service of his country, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who carried a musket in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Two of Judge Cavins’ sons, Elijah and Adin, entered the army as colonels and served with their commands during the Civil War, and later practiced law in Indiana. Mrs. Sallie Cavins Hart was reared in Indiana, and died in San Francisco at the age of sixty-one years, in 1895, while visiting friends. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Besides Elizabeth, who was the second child, she had eleven other children. Three sons died in youth or early manhood. The others are : Antoinette, Mrs. Richard Jones of Sacramento ; A. L., a man of remarkable endowments, who became attorney general of California, and practiced law in San Francisco, where he died; E. C, who was founder of the Willows Journal, and who afterwards was admitted to the bar, practiced in Sacramento, and served as superior judge of Sacramento County until he was elected to the appellate bench, where he is now serving his second term as Judge of the Appellate Court of California; S.  Robert, who is also a prominent attorney at Sacramento ; W. Cur- ran, who is a practicing dental surgeon in San Francisco ; Dr. Adin C, who is a physician and surgeon of Sacramento, ranking with the best surgeons on the Pacific Coast, and who served a number of years as a member of the State Board of Health; and Miss Margaret and Miss Lola, Roth residents of San Francisco, the former a well-known musician and a teacher of piano and voice, and the latter an expert stenographer with the State Bank Commission, and equaled by few in her work.

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Addington divides her time between Colusa and San Francisco, in both of which cities she has numerous friends, drawn to her by virtue of her many graces of mind and heart, and an unfailing sympathy and tact which have made her a social favorite wherever her lot has been cast. She was of great assistance to her gifted husband, was his kindest yet severest critic, and rejoiced in the noble and influential career he fashioned in the West. She is a member of the Woman’s Club in Colusa, and has always been active in its music and art section. She continues her interest in music and art, and is devoted to her piano, still keeping up her practice and giving pleasure to her musical friends. Mrs. Addington is a member of the Episcopal Church, and an active worker and treasurer of the Ladies’ Guild.  She has always assisted with the music at the church, and was a leader of the choir for years, rendering musical selections before the congregation and before private audiences. In her political affiliation, Mrs. Addington is a Republican. She is well-read, has a retentive memory, and is a most interesting conversationalist.

MRS. MARY FLOOD

The life-story of Mrs. Mary Flood, one of the long-honored residents of Newville, and the widow of the late John Flood, is another reminder of the many and valuable contributions made by the Irish and English to the settlement and successful development of the Golden State. When about twenty-six years of age, in the year 1849, John Flood, a patriotic son of the Emerald Isle, came to the United. States and located for a while in St. Louis County, Mo., where he took up the blacksmith’s trade. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California, and located in Henleyville, Tehama County, where he built the first cabin. He came with John James, helping to drive his cattle, and afterwards -ran a blacksmith shop for John Simpson in Tehama. After working in that vicinity about two years, he came to what is now known as Newville, Glenn (then Colusa) County, and opened the first black- smith shop in that section. At the same time, he took up a claim of one hundred sixty acres, where he built a house and a black-smith shop, the first one in the district. In 1859 he moved over to the north fork of Stony Creek, in the Newville district, and there established his blacksmith shop, this time a mile and a half east of the present site of Newville. lu the early days he shod horses from Sacramento to Red Bluff and Redding, along the old stage road; he was an excellent blacksmith, a thorough workman, and could make anything in the line of iron work.

In 1860, Mr. Flood came on the home place, taking up one hundred sixty acres of land at first, and gradually adding to the same by purchase, until today the ranch contains twelve hundred forty-seven acres. He continued at the forge until 1866, when he sold his blacksmith shop, and gave all his attention to his growing agricultural and stock-raising interests, in which he was very successful, and from which he acquired considerable wealth. Ripe with the experience and accomplishments of seventy-five years, he passed away, on November 22, 1898. He was a man who merited, and enjoyed, the esteem of his fellow men. He was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church. He was an active Democrat; and his aid and counsel were highly prized in political circles.

On September 6, 1860, John Flood was united in marriage with Miss Mary Williams, who was born in Liverpool, England, on October 31, 1841, and came to the United States with her parents. Her father was Thomas Williams, a native of Wales, and a tailor by trade. Her mother was Alice Robertson, who was born in Liverpool. For a while after his arrival in this country, her father had a tailor shop in St. Louis ; but hearing the stories of rich mining adventure, he crossed the plains, without his family, in 1850, and tried his luck at mining in Nevada City. Two years later, he returned to Missouri; and in 1853 he again crossed the plains, this time with his wife and three children. Two children had died in Missouri. Mrs. Flood was the eldest of the three ; and one son was born on the Platte River. They named him Louis Platte. Mr. Williams and his family located six miles north of Sacramento, on the American River, where he engaged in dairying. In 1858 he removed to Colusa County and settled three miles north of the present site of Newville, in what is now Tehama County, where he continued his dairy business, in connection with general farming, until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Flood were the parents of nine children: John Thomas, who with a brother operates the home ranch; James Mathew, ranching near the home place; Alice Margaret, at home; Louis Vernon, also a rancher in the vicinity; Grace, Mrs. J. W. Trexler, of Mills Holm; Owen Ernest, who died in June, 1897; Mary Ellen, Mrs. Lundrof, of Fruto ; Lester Henry, partner with his brother John Thomas ; and Clara Genevieve, also at home. Since her husband’s death, Mrs.  Flood continues to reside on the old home farm; and with the aid of her children she is looking after the affairs left by him.

HIRAM LEROY WEST

One of the prominent ranchers of Glenn County is Hiram Leroy West, an extensive grain farmer, fruit grower and breeder of tine horses, who resides in the vicinity of Hamilton City. He was born in Bremer County, Iowa, on November 28, 1862. He attended the public schools there until he was sixteen, and then, with an older brother, Frank West, came to California and located in what is now Glenn County, in 1879. Upon his arrival here young West went to work as a ranch hand, eager to learn the methods of farming as done by the Westerners. He had been brought up on a farm in the Middle West, and had become acquainted with the methods of successful farming as it is carried on there ; and with that knowledge to aid him, he was soon qualified to hold down any responsible position along agricultural lines. He worked for various persons, and soon became foreman on the Glenn ranch, which position he held for nine years with credit to himself and satisfaction to the owners of the property. He saved his earnings ; and when he was ready to engage in an independent venture, he leased land and for three years raised grain on a twelve-hundred-acre tract of the Glenn estate. Soon he added to his leasehold, and was farming some three thousand acres of that estate. For two years he farmed two thousand acres of the Walsh ranch. Each year saw his profits grow, as well as the scope of his operations, until he had eight thousand acres of this land under cultivation to grain. At one time he was farming thirteen thousand acres, using the best methods then in vogue for planting and harvesting his enormous crops, being recognized as one of the largest grain men of the Sacramento Valley.

In 1913 Mr. West turned his attention to horticulture, setting out seventy acres of almonds, one of the first orchards set out on the Van Syckle tract. A comparison of the trees on that ranch, now four years old, with trees of equal age in other sections of the state, will show that the growth is far more rapid here. He rented the entire Van Syckle tract until it was sold off in smaller tracts, and raised fine crops of barley on the rich land. This section of the county he considers the very best for fruit and alfalfa. With- out irrigation, from a three-year-old stand of alfalfa, he cut thirteen and one half tons to the acre, on an eight-acre tract; and between trees, two and three quarters tons per acre at the first cutting, and one and three quarters tons per acre at the second cutting, all weighed when sold from the field. While well known as a fruit grower, it is as a grain raiser that Mr. West is best known; he is still raising large crops on leased land.

For years Mr. West has given considerable attention to raising fine Belgian horses. He has sold fine animals throughout the state, and has aided in raising the grade of stock thereby. He exhibited nine head of horses at the State Fair in 1913, and took fifteen prizes. One mare, weighing two thousand three hundred seventy pounds, has been exhibited five times, and has been given five gold medals — two in California and three in the East. Mr. West specializes in Belgian stock, and has fourteen head of fine blooded animals. He also has been successful as a raiser of mules.

When Mr. West settled on his present place, it was a grain field. He built the house, barns, and outbuildings, fenced and leveled the land, planted alfalfa, and set out every tree and shrub seen on the place today. He now has one of the show places in Glenn County. He has traveled over the greater part of the United States, mainly to see what other people were doing and how they were doing it; has visited China and Japan; and has also been in Alaska. After his journeys were ended, he came back to the Hamilton district, well satisfied to make it his home the remainder of his days.

On October 23, 1890, in Sacramento, Mr. West was united in marriage with Miss Adah Longmire, born in Dixon, Solano County, June 13, 1871, a daughter of Andrew J. Longmire. An- drew J. Longmire crossed the plains in 1850 and settled in Solano County, where he married Eliza Munion, who crossed the plains in 1851. They had six children, five of whom were sons, Mrs. West, the oldest of the family, being the only daughter. The others are Leonard, George, Harry (now deceased), Albert, and Elmer. All the living children are residing in the vicinity of Hamilton City.  Mr. Longmire came to what is now Glenn County in 1874, and farmed successfully for many years. He died in Hamilton City in 1913. Mrs. Longmire is still living in that place, at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. West two children were born: Leona, the wife of Edwin Collins and the mother of a son, Hiram, Jr. ; and Leroy West, who is assisting his father on the ranch. Mrs. West has been an active worker in all good movements for the upbuilding of the section of Glenn County where they have resided for so many years. She was a member of the first committee that was organized in Hamilton City to raise funds for the Red Cross; and the members raised two hundred eighty dollars in seven days’ time, a record unsurpassed in the county. She has been identified with the movement for the organization of the new union high school; was connected with the Woman’s Improvement Club for years; and is a member of Mar- shall Chapter, 0. E. S., at Willows. Both she and her husband have been liberal supporters of all church work, and worthy charities in the county; and they are counted among the most public- spirited citizens in their section. Though engrossed with his numerous ranch enterprises, Mr. West finds time to devote to social and fraternal organizations. He is a Thirty-second-degree Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge at “Willows, the Chapter and Commandery at Chico, and Islam Temple at San Francisco; and is also a member of Chico Lodge, B. P. 0. Elks, and of the Odd Fellows at Willows. Politically he is a stanch Republican.

JAMES BYRON MORRISSEY

Among the pioneers of Colusa and Glenn Counties, James Byron Morrissey is worthy of special mention. He was born in Janesville, Wis., April 22, 1856, a son of Thomas and Ella (Dunn) Morrissey. The family moved to Allamakee County, Iowa; and there he acquired the knowledge he has put to such good advantage in later life. He was raised on a farm, and early learned the lessons of industry and perseverance so necessary in order to become a successful tiller of the soil.

When a lad of seventeen, James Morrissey set his face towards the West. He arrived in California in 1873, and first worked for wages on the Whyler ranch, near Princeton, Colusa County. For four years thereafter, in partnership with his brother, John Morrissey, he farmed a section of land, north of Orland, to grain. In 1881 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr.  Morrissey then continued to farm the large acreage alone until 1885, when he purchased his present ranch of three hundred acres, one and one half miles north of Orland. This ranch originally contained four hundred eighty acres, but he sold one hundred eighty acres of the property. Here he has a splendidly improved place, which he has been several years in developing. He has one hundred sixty acres in alfalfa ; and with his two eldest sons, he is developing a seventy-acre almond orchard. In addition to his horticultural interests Mr. Morrissey devotes a portion of his ranch to stock-raising. He was the first man to start development work north of Stony Creek, in the Orland district, and his ranch is one to which Glenn County can point with pride as an example of what can be done in this section of the state with proper development and management.

The marriage of Mr. Morrissey united him with Ellen ‘Hair.  Fourteen children have blessed their union, twelve of whom are living to carry on the work begun by their parents. They are as follows: Rodney J.; Dora M., wife of Dr. H. E. Minor; and Edward J., Clara E., Hazel C, Bernard F., Kenneth C, Jeremiah B., Melvin M., Howard P., Marjorie L., and Harold E. Both Mr.  Morrissey and his wife have been members of the school board and have helped in all movements for bettering the educational ad- vantages in their community, realizing that the future of the valley lies with the rising generation. Mr. Morrissey has served as a director of the Orland Unit Water Users’ Association, giving much time from his multiplied activities to this feature of the county’s development. All projects having for their object the progress and advancement of the community have found in him an ardent supporter. In this work he has had the able assistance of his wife, who is herself an earnest worker for the betterment of conditions, both socially and economically. Mrs. Morrissey is a charter member of the Woman’s Improvement Club of Orland.  Fraternally, Mr. Morrissey is a Mason, a member of Orland Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., and has passed all the chairs of the Order.

WILLIAM H. PAPST

The cordial communication and social relations existing between the people of Canada and the people, of the States have often been the subject of pleasant comment; and no wonder, for many of the Dominion’s sons and daughters have crossed the line to find still greater opportunities, and to bring with them their wholesome native customs and their helpful spirit of enterprise.  One of these esteemed settlers is William H. Papst, a native of Toronto, Upper Canada, where he was born on November 19, 1845, and where he attended the Model School. His parents were Henry G. and Ehzabeth (Burke) Papst, and both were natives of Canada.  In 1857, the family settled in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa ; and after a short sojourn there they located at Council Bluffs, in the same state. On May 15, 1860, they started to cross the plains with three yoke of oxen and a prairie schooner ; and on ‘September 15, of the same year, or just four months after they had set out, they arrived south of Chico, in Butte County. There the father rented some farm land; but in the fall of 1866 he crossed the Sacramento River and took up his residence at St. John, in Colusa County, where he lived until his death, in 1870.

Besides the subject of our sketch, three children born to these worthy pioneers crossed the plains with them. Charles J., now deceased, was the next younger brother of William H. Papst, Then came Elizabeth Ann, Mrs. Chaney, who died in December, 1915, at her brother’s home, where she had lived for twenty years.

Tlie youngest was a daughter, now Mrs. Frances L. Stahl. In the fall of 1867, Charles J. Papst bought out the mercantile store of A.  C. St. John, at St. John. This he conducted for twenty-five years, when he sold out and removed to San Francisco, where he died in 1893.

In 1871, William L Papst, with his mother and a sister, settled north of Germantown, where he bought a half section of railroad laud for five dollars an acre. Two years later he homesteaded eighty acres near by, on which he is still living. In 1877, his revered mother bade good-bye to the scenes of this world.

Having a chance to dispose of his half section at an advance of fifty dollars an acre, Mr. Papst sold the same in 1913. In the meantime, he had farmed the land to grain, and had engaged in the raising of hogs. His eighty acres he has recently much improved, with characteristic enterprise, sinking a well a hundred and three feet deep, and getting seventy feet of water, which has proved extremely serviceable in the raising of alfalfa. So well known has he become as a ranchman, that at one time he was president of the Farmer’s Alliance of Glenn County.

Mr. Papst joined the Odd Fellows in 1873, and is the oldest member of Stony Creek Lodge, No. 218, at Orland. He enjoys the possession of a beautiful golden emblem given him by his fellow lodge members, as a token of the esteem in which he is everywhere held by those who know him.

JERRY ALEXANDER BURGER

One of the natives of the Middle West who eventually reached California, to swell the number of sturdy American pioneers who have done so much for the development of the state, is Jerry Alexander Burger, of the vicinity of Hamilton City. He was born in Laporte County, Ind., June 10, 1859, a son of David and Minnie (Gullen) Burger, both now deceased. When he was eight years of age, he went with his parents to Linn County, Iowa. There he laid the foundation, in health and industrious habits, for much of the success of his later years. His mother died in New York, and his father at Nelson, Cal. Besides Mr. Burger, there is still one sister living, Mrs. Eliza Amelia Van Syckle.

At the age of thirteen, in 1872, Jerry Burger crossed the Rockies to California, and for a time stopped in San Jose. In June of that same year he arrived in Colusa County, and almost immediately began working for the late Henry W. Van Syckle, who gave him his start in the world. On August 25, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Irene Van Syckle, a native of Princeton, Cal., and a daughter of his employer. Mr. Burger assisted his father-in-law with the work on the Van Syckle ranch, which is now subdivided into many rich and fertile farms, upon which intensive farming is being carried on with great success.

With the money Mrs. Burger received from the estate of her father, Mr. and Mrs. Burger purchased the O‘Brien place. He at once began making improvements and cultivating the land, and met with very good returns. Through the improvements made on the place, and also on account of the natural increase in land values, after six years there they received a flattering offer and sold the place for several times what they paid for it. They then came back to the old Van Syckle tract, where they were brought up, and bought one hundred thirteen and a half acres. This has been seeded to alfalfa; and here they are running a small dairy, besides raising some stock. The property is one of the most fertile spots in the entire Sacramento Valley; and upon it anything will grow that may be planted, if it is given an ordinary opportunity.

Mrs. Burger has been a resident of this particular part of what is now Glenn County since she was an infant, when her father moved from his pioneer store at Princeton to this ranch, which at one time comprised eight hundred acres and yielded large crops of grain for its owner. Mr. and Mrs. Burger believe in the old adage, “Live and let live.” They are home-loving, hospitable, cheerful people, who try to help others less fortunate than themselves; and they have won a host of good friends wherever they are known. Mr. Burger is a Republican. For eight years he looked after and worked on the roads in the St. John district, under Supervisor V. C. Cleek. While living in the Plaza district, he served as a school trustee for several years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.

IRVING WOODBRIDGE BROWNELL

A pioneer of 1849 in California, and a man who aided materially in the development of the resources of the state, Irving W.  Brownell was born at Westport, Bristol County, Mass., October 10, 1826, a son of Isaac W. and Abby (White) Brownell, both born at Westport. The elder Brownell was a school-teacher in that state. In 1864 he came with his family to California via Panama. On their arrival they located near Knight’s Landing, in Yolo County, where he improved a farm and resided until his death. His wife also passed her last days there. The Brownell family were descended from French Huguenots who settled in Massachusetts. On the White side of the family they .are of English origin, and trace their ancestry back to the Pilgrims and the landing of the Mayflower. Peregrine White was the first child born in the Mayflower party after landing.

Irving W. Brownell belongs to the sixth generation of his family in America. He received a good education in the schools of his vicinity, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith’s trade in New Bedford. In 1848 he went to Illinois; and the following year, with a partner, Frank Gushaw, he crossed the plains with ox teams to California, landing in Placerville on August 19. For a time he mined near Hangtown with success, accumulating a few thousand dollars; and with Mr.  Gushaw, who remained a partner through all his early movements, he then began in the cattle business and took up government land.

In 1851 Mr. Brownell returned to his old home in Massachusetts. The following year, with his brother, L. C. Brownell, he started again for California, buying cattle in Illinois and Missouri, en route across the plains, to sell in the mines in California.  Mr. Brownell was captain of the train. In 1854 he made another trip back East and gathered a band of horses, which he brought back here. Two brothers, W. W. and Edwin F. Brownell, accompanied him on this trip. In 1861 he made another trip across the continent, going by stage; and on September 29 of that year he was married, in New Bedford, to Lois E. Smith, a native of Nova Scotia, born on January 9, 1841. Her father, William Smith, was a native of Nova Scotia, of English descent. He was a seafaring man, and was lost at sea. Her mother, Rebecca Ellis, was born in Nantucket, Mass., of Scotch ancestry. She made a visit to New Brunswick, and there met Mr. Smith, whom she afterwards married. After her husband’s death, she went to Massachusetts with her daughter, who was then two years old. She died in 1850 ; and the daughter was reared in Dartmouth, Mass. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brownell came on the North Star to Aspinwall, crossed the Isthmus, and boarded the Sonora under Captain Baby, for San Francisco. After their arrival, they went at once to their place at Knight’s Landing.

Mr. and Mrs. Brownell were among the first families to locate in what is now Glenn County, then a part of Colusa County; and they witnessed the growth and development of the varied interests of this section.

In 1859 Mr. Brownell had bought eighty acres from Mr.  Sparks, on Stony Creek, the nucleus of their present ranch, and had begun raising sheep. In the fall of 1862, therefore, they settled on the home place on Stony Creek. At that time there was not a house between their ranch and Princeton but the house at the old Willows water hole and the one on the M. Bryan place, at South Butte. As he succeeded, Mr. Brownell added to his first purchase, until at the time of his death he owned about fourteen thousand acres, situated on both sides of Stony Creek, from above Brownell Rocks to the Simpson place, a distance of seven miles.  He was one of the largest sheep-raisers in the northern part of the state, having as high as ten thousand head in the early days, some of them thoroughbred French Merinos. He also raised large quantities of grain, harvesting some three thousand acres a year.  His ranch house, which had been built in 1857, before he bought the place, is now the oldest house in the district. Mr. Brownell used the water from the creek for irrigation, and raised some of the first alfalfa of the section, using the first ditch. He died on November 26, 1900, and is buried in Woodland. He was a public- spirited and enterprising citizen, and was highly esteemed in his community. In national politics he was a Republican.

Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brownell four children were born: Louis Elma, Harry Leland, Irving Leroy, and Roscoe Hamilton. Roscoe H. Brownell is married and has two sons, Louis E. and Irving Woodbridge. He is associated with his brother, Louis E. Brownell, in farming, under the name of I. W.  Brownell ‘s Sons. Irving Leroy is married and has one child, Phebe Lois. He is operating part of the home ranch. All the sons live on the ranch, and are well and favorably known as sheep- raisers and farmers.

HENRY B. ST. LOUIS

In the vicinity of Norman, Glenn County, Henry B. St. Louis, the descendant of a prominent pioneer of the state, is carrying on a successful ranching enterprise which has placed him among the prosperous ranchers of his locality. He was born near Knight’s Landing, Yolo County, Cal., on September 2, 1853, the year following his father’s emigration to the state. The second in a large family of children, he was reared to young manhood in the vicinity of Knight’s Landing, receiving his education in the common schools and the college at Woodland.

Following the completion of his studies, Mr. St. Louis began to work out on ranches in the vicinity of his home. He was occupied thus until 1871, when he went to Colusa County, and with his brother, A. T. St. Louis, purchased one hundred sixty acres of land. They continued to add to their holdings until, upon the division of the property in 1889, each had three hundred twenty acres. After the property was divided, IL B. St. Louis located on his share, to which he added until he was the owner of six hundred twenty acres. This property is located three miles south- west of Norman, in Glenn County. Until 1904 Mr. St. Louis rented large tracts of land for the raising of grain; but since then he has farmed only his own property, which he devotes to wheat and barley. In conjunction with his brother he rents seventeen hundred acres of pasture land on the river, for a stock range, the two being interested in the raising of stock.

For thirteen years Mr. St. Louis was a director of the Central Irrigation District. A disagreement having arisen, and some of the people in the district having refused to help in the construction of the irrigation canal, he decided to sink wells.; and in consequence of this, he was the first rancher in Colusa and Glenn Counties to put in a pumping plant for irrigation. Now he has three pumping plants, and over sixty acres in alfalfa. He has sold some of his land, but still retains one hundred twelve acres in his home pace, one hundred fifty acres in the old Stanton place, and one hundred sixty acres in the foothills.

In Norman, Mr. St. Louis was united in marriage with Laura Cornelia Stanton, a native of Glenn County; and they have two children, Corda Joseph and Mrs. Willie Bell Nichols, both located in this vicinity

HON. CLAUDE F. PURKITT

A native son, born on September 7, 1876, at Fonts Springs, in that portion of Colusa County now known as Glenn County, Hon.  Claude F. Purkitt is the son of G. H. Purkitt, who came to California- nia in 1864. The mother, Dr. T. T. Purkitt, born in Sonoma County, was a daughter of John H. Tiffee, a pioneer of 1849, who became one of the best-known stockmen of Northern California.  Claude F. Purkitt received his education in the public schools of Colusa and Glenn Counties and the California Business College of San Francisco. Choosing the law for his profession, he studied four years in the office of Judge 0. Pirkey, during which time he supported himself by acting as deputy sheriff and tax collector under J. A. Bailey. In 1904 he was admitted to practice in the courts of the state ; and two years later he was nominated for district attorney of Glenn County on the Democratic ticket and was elected. So well did he serve the people that in 1910 his name was written into the Republican ticket for district attorney by his many Republican friends and he became the nominee of both parties, an unusual honor and tribute from his fellow citizens.  Mr. Purkitt vigorously prosecuted offenders against the law, so that conditions in his district were greatly improved. His percentage of convictions was exceptionally large; yet so impartial and just was he in the prosecution of his cases that his following and influence steadily increased. After serving eight years in the district attorney’s office, he was induced through the solicitation of friends to enter the race, in 1914, for state senator from the Fourth District, comprising Colusa, Glenn, Lake and Mendocino Counties; and so well were his record and personality received during his campaign that he was elected by a large majority in a Republican district. During the sessions of 1915 and 1917 he was active in securing needed legislation for the different sections of his district, and took a prominent part in passing important bills for the future prosperity and moral uplift of the people of the state.  In the sessions of 1915 and 1917 he was a member of the Judiciary Committee, and his legal knowledge was very helpful in the work of that committee. He was also a member of other important committees, but his time was given over largely to judicial affairs.  He prepared the bill known as Sec. 954 of the penal code of California, which permits different counts to be included in the same indictment or complaint; that is different crimes of the same character. This has been tested and has proven a boon to the tax- payer; and it expedites the execution of the law. In 1915 he introduced a bill which provided that in case of a death a wife would have the same rights to community property as a husband, with- out administration. This did not become a law; but the justice and practicability of the l)ill were afterwards seen, and as a result, in 1917, amendments were passed which greatly protected the rights of the widow in community property. He successfully led in the reclamation fight in behalf of the farmers of the state, much to the discomfiture of those who attempted to pass legislation to exploit the landowners. By his independent stand he has shown himself to be one of the leading and strong men of the senate; and since its adjournment he has been in receipt of many letters, not only from California, but also from several of the western states, complimenting him on his success.

Senator Purkitt has been very active in the Democratic party of the state ; and in 1916 he was a delegate from California to the National Democratic Convention held at St. Louis, that nominated President Wilson for the second term. At a meeting in St. Louis of the delegates from California, the members insisted on his running for Member of Congress from the First Congressional Dis- trict ; but he declined, owing to his growing practice, which he felt needed his undivided attention at that time. He was a member of the State Democratic Central Committee and of the executive committee of that body, being chairman of the committee on platform that wrote the state platform. In the fall of 1916 he took part in the councils of his party, and in campaigning for President Wilson in California and Oregon.

Since he has been able to devote all of his time to his practice, he has acquired a large clientele ; and he has a very lucrative practice throughout Northern California, as well as in Glenn County, his home. As a relief from the strenuous duties of public life, Senator Purkitt farms one hundred twenty-two acres of highly improved land near Hamilton, Glenn County, where he has eighty- five acres in alfalfa, from which he has cut as high as an average of ten tons to the acre annually. This property is under lease.

In 1907 Claude F. Purkitt was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Johnson, a native daughter, born in Lake County, whose father, G. W. Johnson, was a prominent pioneer of that county.  Senator Purkitt belongs to the ^Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and has held various offices in these organizations. He is prominent in all affairs of his county that make for better conditions for the people and the development of the varied interests that add to the wealth of the county. He is public-spirited and genial, and enjoys to a high degree the confidence of his fellow citizens ; and no doubt he will rise to greater political heights if he consents to try for them..

HUGH JAMES GLENN

The late Dr. Hugh James Glenn was one of the most prominent upbuilders of the northern part of the Sacramento Valley, where he was a large landowner and a prosperous rancher. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Va., on September 18, 1824, a son of George Glenn, also a Virginian, who moved to Paris, Mo., and passed his last days there. Hugh J. Glenn was educated in the common schools and grew to manhood in Missouri. Desiring to become a physician, he began a medical course in 1844, attending lectures in McDowell’s College, in St. Louis. In 1845, however, fired with intense patriotism, he enlisted in the First Missouri Regiment of mounted volunteers, under General Price, for service in the Mexican War ; and during the following two years he took part in several battles. After his discharge, in 1847, he resumed his medical studies in Cooper Medical College, from which he graduated with highest honors in a class of two hundred.

After practicing two years in St. Louis, Dr. Glenn decided that lie would come to California. On March 15, 1849, he was married to Nancy Harrison Abernathy; and on April 12 of that year, leaving his young bride, he came across the plains. He arrived in Sacramento in August, safe but penniless, and went to the mines on the American River, at Murderer’s Bar, where he worked a claim for two months; but wealth did not roll into his sluice-boxes as he had hoped it would, and so he bought a team of oxen and began hauling freight from Sacramento to Coloma and various mining camps. He kept at this work until he had enough money to open a livery stable in Sacramento, which he later sold for $5,000. He returned to Missouri in 1850, and put his money into a St. Louis bank, which failed three weeks later. To get another “stake,” Dr. Glenn came back to California in 1851, and located on Stony Creek, where he raised stock that winter. He made up his mind that he would make California his future home ; so in the spring of 1852 he went back to St. Louis, and the following year brought his family and settled in Yolo County, on Putah Creek. Renting land near Davis, he engaged in farming and stock-raising in company with Major Biggs and S. E. Wilson. He met with success, but in 1856 sold out his interests and went back to Missouri with his family. There he remained two years, after which he came again to California. He made thirteen separate trips across the plains with bands of horses and cattle, and finally entered into partnership with Messrs. Biggs and Wilson, with whom he continued until 1867. He then bought eight thousand acres on the north end of the Jacinto ranch, in what is now Glenn County. From time to time he added to his holdings, until he had purchased the entire forty-two thousand acres, and also, six thousand acres from the Larkin heirs. He continued buying land, and acquired four thousand acres in Tehama County, besides leasing twelve thousand acres of the Butte Creek ranch, and ten thousand acres of the Montgomery ranch. In time he became one of the largest landowners in California. His ambition was to raise one million sacks of grain in one year, but he fell a little short of this on account of the local conditions, though he had eighty thousand acres in grain.

In 1870 Dr. Glenn purchased a large ranch in Nevada, where he engaged in the stock business. This property was sold in 1885, to Miller & Lux, for $250,000. It was known as the Crutcher- Glenn Cattle Ranch, the corporation taking its name from the owners of the property, Walter Crutcher and Dr. Hugh Glenn.  In 1871 Peter French began to work for Dr. Glenn as a vaquero.  That year he took a bunch of cattle to Oregon, where he bought land from time to time until he had purchased one hundred fifty thousand acres, which was devoted to raising hay and enormous numbers of stock, under the name of the French-Glenn Cattle Ranch. This was sold to Senator Corbett, for his son. Dr. Glenn was a candidate for governor at one time, but was defeated by George Perkins. He was a prominent factor, also, in the State Board of Agriculture. He died on February 17, 1882.

Mrs. Glenn survived her husband until September, 1891, dying at the age of sixty years. She was born in Paris, Mo., a descendant of a pioneer family of that state. She had six sons and three daughters, all now deceased but Charles H., Mrs. Charles Leonard, and Frank B.

Like his father, Frank B. Glenn takes an active part in public affairs. In 1899-1900 he served as assemblyman from Colusa, Glenn, and Lake Counties. He has been twice married, first in Oakland, to Dita Bradley, of Nevada, who died in 1890. His second marriage occurred in 1892, when he was united with Philmont Jarvis, born in Yolo County, by whom he has one daughter, Nancy Glenn.

JOHN E. KNIGHT

A very enterprising and progressive rancher, who for thirty years or more has been identified in the most honorable way with the development and growth of both Colusa and Glenn Counties, and who through his patriotic devotion to this locality, together with his industry and wise investments, has prospered beyond the lot of the average, is John E. Knight, the son of Leonard S. and Mary A. (Barber) Knight, both natives of Lincolnshire, England.  After their marriage, his parents left the British Isles in 1856 for the United States, and arriving here, first settled in Iowa, where they followed farming until 1862. In that year, they came to California and bought a farm on Cache Creek, near the little town of Cacheville, Yolo County, on which they lived until the death of Mrs. Knight, in 1878. Mr. Knight then leased the ranch and bought a hotel in the town of Cacheville (now Yolo) ; and he was still managing the hostelry when his death occurred, on May 19, 1892. He left a family of ten children by his first wife, all of whom survive him, with the exception .of Leonard, his third son and namesake, who owned the home place, and who was called from this life in Yolo, February 3, 1916, widely mourned by a host of friends. The living are: Henry D. Knight, of Sacramento;

Mrs. Elizabeth Relimke, of Woodland ; Chris C. Knight, of Wood- land; Mrs. Thomas Murphy, of Yolo; Mrs. Troy Barr, of Woodland; William Knight, of Willows; Mrs. T. S. Brothers, of Merced ; John E. Knight, of this review ; and Enoch F. Knight, of Willows. In Sacramento, January- 22, 1880, Mr. Knight was married the second time, to Mrs. Sarah (O’Neil) Lynch, by whom he left two daughters: Mrs. Vernie Newton, of Woodland; and Miss Vinnie Knight, of Merced. Mr. Knight had been an extensive landowner and stock-raiser ; he was a successful and popular hotel keeper ; and he proved himself a good neighbor and citizen in the land of his adoption.

John E. Knight, familiarly known as “Jack” Knight, was the ninth child in order of birth. He was born on the ranch near Cacheville, August 20, 1875. In the summer of 188.3, at the age of eight years, he went to Elk Creek, Colusa (now Glenn) County, intending to spend his vacation with his oldest brother, Henry D.  Knight, whom he had never seen. Here he was welcomed as one of the family; and he was accorded such a good time, and the attractions of the new locality wore so strong, that he remained a year, attending the Elk Creek school, and returned the following summer. When he was twelve years of age, chafing under the restraint of a stepmother’s authority, he started out to earn his own living. For a while he found employment in the neighbor-hood ; but the memory of Stony Creek, and of his pleasant stay at his brother’s house, called him there a second time. He was again received with open arms, and here he spent the remaining portion of his youth. He attributes whatever success he may have attained to the unselfish care and love, and the kindly home influence and wise counsel, of his brother Henry and his devoted wife, Dora Squires Knight. At the age of eighteen he returned to Yolo, where he worked for several seasons on the Fair ranch. In 1895, having saved a good portion of his earnings, he decided to try his fortunes in the Alaskan gold fields. With this object in view, he went to Elk Creek to bid his brother and family good-bye, but was dissuaded from taking the trip by his brother Henry, with whom he opened a general merchandise store in Elk Creek the following spring under the firm name of H. D. Knight & Bro.

In September, 1902, this fine establishment with its contents was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, however, the Knight brothers started in again and continued together until 1911, at which time they sold the business and Jack Knight came to Willows, where he bought one hundred forty acres of land, a half mile east of town on the Glenn road. This property he devotes to stock-raising, making a specialty of fine dairy stock, which he raises and sells. About the same time, Mr. Knight erected one of the best houses in the county, a modern plastered bungalow of the Mission style of architecture. He put out ten acres to olives, and planted a family orchard. As a result of his enterprise and business sagacity, Mr. Knight has become an important property- owner. He has several ranches and considerable town property.  From his holdings, all of which are rented out, he receives a hand- some income, and a satisfactory reward for his years of self- reliant effort.

In Willows, on July 20, 1901, at the bride’s home, Mr. Knight was married to Edna Louise Purkitt, a native of Glenn County and the eldest daughter of George H. and Dr. T. T. Purkitt.  Rev. Octavius Parker, Rector of St. Luke’s Church, Woodland, officiated. Of this union two sons — John Richard Tiffee, ten years old, and George Purkitt, eight years old — have been born. A social favorite generally. Jack Knight is especially welcome among the Elks. He is a member of Chico Lodge.

EDWARD MARION SEHORN

As might be expected of one who has spent his entire life in California, Edward M. Sehorn is patriotically devoted to the interests of the Golden State, and champions all measures looking towards the development of the commonwealth. As proprietor of the Daily Journal of AYillows, he has won an enviable place among the upbuilders of Glenn County, and the state.  A native of Colusa County, Edward Marion Sehorn was born on May 19, 1873, a son of Andrew Wallace and Katherine (Hopkins) Sehorn, natives of Virginia and Wisconsin respectively, a sketch of whose lives appears on another i)age of this history.  E. M. Sehorn began his education in the public school at Willows.  After completing his studies he at once turned his attention to newspaper work. In 1897 he purchased the paper with which he has since been connected. This semi-weekly and daily messenger to the people has done much towards shaping the development of the county by molding public opinion, and has become recognized as “the home paper” by the majority of the citizens of Glenn County.

Mrs. Edward M. Sehorn was in maidenhood Maude J. Billion, a daughter of the late Joseph Billion, whose life history is given elsewhere in this work. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sehorn was solemnized in Oakland, August 29, 1908. Two children have blessed their union: Joseph Wallace Sehorn, aged seven years; and Edward Marion Sehorn, Jr., aged two years. By a former marriage Mr. Sehorn has a daughter, Catherine, the wife of Talbot Anderson, an extensive landowner in Glenn County. Mr.  and Mrs. Anderson make their home in Sacramento. Politically Mr. Sehorn is an independent Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of the Chico Lodge of Elks.

The Journal is the oldest paper in Willows. It was established on July 12, 1877, by John A. Patrick, formerly of Dixon, Solano County. Some time later the paper was sold to E. R.  Coghlan, who in turn disposed of it to Hon. E. C. Hart. W. H.  and K. E. Kelly were its next owners; and then Kelly and Freeman, who started a daily in 1887. Up to that time the Journal had been a weekly paper. Mr. Sehorn later became a partner with Mr. Kelly. In 1897 he purchased the plant, and has since been sole owner. Under his management the paper has come to be recognized as a leading factor in the promotion of all things tending to the general welfare of the county.

JOSEPH BILLIOU

That the memory of a good man frequently and potently lives after him, and glorifies his memory, is illustrated in the life of the late Joseph Billion, of Glenn County. A native of Missouri, he was born in Florissant, near St. Louis, September 22, 1839, a son of Cyprian and Mary (O’Connell) Billion, both born in that state, the father coming from a long line of French ancestors. Some time after his marriage the elder Billion crossed the plains to California with ox teams. Upon his arrival he sought his fortune in the mines in Shasta County. This did not enrich him as fast as he had anticipated it would ; so he turned his attention to farming, an occupation that he did know something about. He came to Colusa County and settled near Princeton on a ranch, where he made his home until 1876. Having made a success of his labors, he made up his mind that he would make a trip back to his old home in Missouri ; and soon after his arrival in Florissant, he passed away, in 1876. His widow lived to enjoy life until she had almost reached the century mark, living with her son Michael in California.  Of the nine children comprising the family circle, Joseph was the fifth in order of birth. He attended the common schools until he was sixteen, and then struck out for himself as a wage earner.

At the age of seventeen we find him on his way to California by way of Panama; and almost as soon as he had arrived here, he found employment with E. J. Walsh, a rancher near St. John, Colusa County, now in the confines of Glenn County. For fifteen years he worked for this man, thirteen years of the time as foreman of his ranch of twenty thousand acres. Mr. Walsh died ; and for three years thereafter Mr. Billion continued to superintend the affairs of the ranch. For three years after the death of the widow, also, he still had the property under his control, altogether twenty-one years were spent on this one property, a record hard to surpass.

During all this time, Mr. Billion saved his money. As early as 1860 he became a landowner, purchasing four hundred acres of the Walsh estate. To this he added, from time to time, until he was owner of fifteen hundred acres, which he devoted to raising wheat, barley and stock. His experience as foreman of the Walsh property had given him an insight into the best methods to pursue to get results ; so when he came to operate his own property he was able to harvest bountiful crops each year, his land being considered some of the best in the county. The handsome residence occupied by himself and family for so many years was erected by Mr. Billion in 1868, and was a modern house in its day. It was the scene of many social functions, for the family were very popular and had friends wherever they were known. He died at this home on March 3, 1914, and the landed interests he had accumulated are now owned by the five children who were left to mourn his loss.

Mr. Billion was twice married. His first wife was Miss Julia Stack, who was born in Ireland. Four children were born of this union: Annie M., Mrs. John H. Hoever of Willows; Mary, Mrs.  Ray McCune of Oroville; Richard, in San Jose; and Maud, Mrs.  Edward Sehorn of Willows. Some time after the death of liis first wife, Mr. Billion married Mary Faulkner, born in Oroville; and two children blessed their marriage : Lillian, deceased ; and Joseph, attending the Willows high school. The son Richard Was educated at Santa Clara College; and the daughters received their education at Notre Dame College, San Jose. Mr. Billion was a Democrat in politics. The family belong to the Catholic Church.

MRS. JOHN H. HOEVER

Annie M. Billion, a daughter of the late Joseph Billion, after completing her studies at Notre Dame College, married John H. Hoever, a business man of Willows who had come to California about 1875. He was a native of Germany, and was by trade a jeweler ; and on his arrival in San Francisco he engaged in that business until 1880. He then came to the new town of Willows to grow up with it, and opened the first jewelry store there. This he conducted until he passed away, on September 27, 1900. The business he established is being continued by Mrs. Hoever, who has demonstrated her ability as a business woman, and has won success through her own efforts.

Three children were the fruit of this marriage: August, a student at Stanford; Alma, Mrs. Harvey Sparrow of Willows; and Henrietta, a student in Willows high school. Mrs. Hoever is a member of Berryessa Parlor, N. D. G. W., and of the Willows Literary Club, the Woman’s Improvement Club, and the local Red Cross. She has a wide circle of friends in her community.

GEORGE W. MARKHAM

A native son of California who has seen Glenn County grow to its present prosperous condition is George W. Markham, who was born at Stony Creek in what is now Glenn County, May 16, 1865. He is a son of David Markham, who was born in Ohio and came with his parents to Utah. David Markham ‘s father died in Utah; and the widow, with her children, finished the journey to California in 1849. The trip from the East to Utah was made with ox teams, and was fraught with many stirring incidents; and from Utah Mrs. Markham came on to this state by the same means of travel and settled in Sacramento. While living there, David Markham was united in marriage with Emeline Conrad, a Pennsylvanian, who also crossed the plains in an ox-team train when her parents made the overland journey to California. After their marriage, they continued to reside in Sacramento for a time.  Later Mr. Markham took up land on the grant; but there was trouble over the title, and he gave it up. Afterwards, with two of his brothers, William W. and Warren, he settled in what is now Glenn County, and in partnership with them engaged in the stock business at Newville. After four years the partnership was dissolved, and David Markham then moved to Stony Creek, where he followed the same business alone on his one-thousand acre ranch. On this ranch he planted an orchard, the first one in that section ; and in this orchard there are pear trees now bearing that were set out some fifty-two years ago. He was always closely and harmoniously associated with his brother William W. ; and they died within a year of each other at Orland.

Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. David Markham the following children were born : William Henry, formerly county assessor, who resides in Willows; S. S., of Maricopa, Kern County; George W., of this review; Mary, Mrs. Osborn, of Corning; D. A., residing on the old home ranch ; and E. R., of Portland, Ore. David Markham was a public-spirited citizen. He took an active interest in the welfare of his community, and served his county as a supervisor.

Some four years before his death he suffered the loss of his eyesight. His death occurred in 1902, at the age of sixty-three years. He was a Master Mason, and was buried at the Newville cemetery with Masonic honors. His widow survived until 1916, when she passed away, aged seventy-six years. The home ranch is still iu possession of the family. It has been in the Markham name for fifty-two years.

George W. Markham was reared on the home ranch, and attended the public schools in pursuit of an education. At the age of twenty-two years he began leasing land and farming to stock and grain on his own account. For a short time he was in the employ of his uncle, William W. Markham ; and for two years he worked for neighbors on their ranches. He then rented his father’s ranch and raised hogs a7id sheep for two years. He first purchased land two miles from the old home place; and here he also homesteaded one hundred sixty acres, which he improved and farmed for seven years. He then sold the place at a good figure.  For the following eleven years he operated his uncle’s ranch of five hundred acres. Having made some money, he then bought a tract of seven acres, and improved a home place. With his sons he leased the Brownell ranch; and together they farmed some eleven hundred acres to grain for four years. He then leased the Peter Barceloux ranch, near Willows, where he is raising grain and stock, having about twelve hundred acres of land under cultivation to barley and wheat. He uses three big teams to put in the crop, and a combined harvester, drawn by thirty mules, to harvest the grain. In 1917 he received a good yield from the six hundred acres sown.

In 1888, at Stony Creek, Mr. Markham and Miss Eva Hayton, a native daughter of Chico, were united in marriage. Mrs. Markham is the daughter of Joseph B. and Josephine (Willard) Hayton, natives of Illinois, who crossed the plains to California with ox teams in 1863, locating near the city of Chico, Butte County, where they became pioneer ranchers, and where they spent their last days. Her maternal grandfather, Volney Willard, was killed in battle during the Civil War ; and his widow, America Willard, married Granville C. Thurman and settled on Stony Creek, where they became large stock-raisers. There Mrs. Markham was reared, and received her education in the public schools.

There are six children to brighten Mr. and Mrs. Markham ‘s home: Delbert, Eoy, Mollie, George E., Louie, and Edna. All are at home; and the sons are working with their father. Mrs. Markham is a member of the Baptist Church; and Mr. Markham has been a liberal supporter of all the churches in the community. He served as trustee of the Floyd school district for many years—the same school he attended when a boy, and the same building. In politics, Mr. Markham is a Republican.

TENNENT HARRINGTON

Ever since entering the business world, Tennent Harrington has been identified with the Colusa County Bank, of which he is now cashier. A son of the late W. P. Harrington, he was born in Marysville, July 11, 1864, and was six years old when his parents became residents of Colusa. He attended the Colusa grammar school, and then entered a preparatory school in San Francisco, after which he went to Phillips Academy, at Exeter, N. H. He then entered Harvard, in 1885. At the close of his sophomore year he took an extended trip through Europe, spending nine months.  On his return to the Ignited States, in 1888, he came at once to Colusa, and on April 18, of that year, entered the Colusa County Bank as teller. He gradually worked his way to positions of trust and responsibility, and in 1893 was made assistant cashier.  In August, 1902, he advanced to the position of cashier, which he now occupies. This bank is the strongest financial institution in Colusa County, and ranks with any in the state, of its capitalization.  In December, 1890, Mr. Harrington was made secretary of the Colusa and Lake Railroad. He also became a director in the Colusa Cured Fruit Association, and a member of the executive council of the California Bankers’ Association. Other banking interests also claim his attention. He is a director of the Bank of Willows; and president of the Bank of Princeton, organized in 1913. He is interested in irrigation and reclamation projects and is a member of the Stormer Land Company, which has seven hundred acres of valuable reclaimed land. He is a member of the Colusa Board of Trade, to which he lends his active support.  On July 11, 1893, Tennent Harrington married Miss Minnie Downing, born in Brooklyn, N. Y., a daughter of Captain Downing of that city. They have one daughter, Marie Louise, wife of Commander D. W. Bagley, U. S. N. Mr. Harrington is prominent in fraternal and social circles. He is a Mason, a Forester, and an Elk. He is a Native Son; a member of the Harvard Club, of San Francisco; a member of the California Society, of New York; a member and former secretary of the Colusa Shooting Club; a member of the Bohemian Club, and of the Family Club, of San Francisco. Politically, Mr. Harrington is a stanch Republican.  He enjoys the utmost confidence of his associates and friends, and is a worker for Colusa’s best interests at all times.

THOMAS JEFFERSON KIRKPATRICK

When, oil September 30, 1912, Mr. Kirkpatrick’s earthly career came to its close, the Sacramento Valley, and Glenn County in particular, lost a very prominent agricultural upbuilder. To those near and dear to him, he left an untarnished name, more highly cherished than the thousand or more acres of valuable farming land in his estate. For more than fifty-five years he had been identified with this section of California; and no movement was ever promoted, having for its object the development of the country or the moral uplift of the people, that failed of his hearty cooperation, and many times he launched projects of this character in person.

A native of Illinois, Thomas Jefferson Kirkpatrick was born in Sangamon County, near the city of Springfield, the home of the illustrious Lincoln, on December 29, 1832. His grandfather, Hugh Kirkpatrick, emigrated from Scotland to the United States before the War of the Revolution, in which conflict he gave valiant service for his adopted country. He became a planter and slave owner in the Blue Grass State; and when he removed to Montgomery County, ILL., and settled on Shoal Creek, he brought some of his slaves with him. One year later he moved to Sangamon County, where he developed a farm ; and there he passed to his reward.  While Hugh Kirkpatrick and his wife were living in Kentucky, a son, Thomas, was born near Lexington, March 3, 1803.  When the family moved to Illinois he accompanied them, living in Montgomery County for a time, and then settled in Sangamon County, near what is now the capital city, which he was active in locating, and of which he was one of the first commissioners. A well-known farmer there, he was perhaps better known as a millwright, for he erected thirty-three mills along the Sangamon River in that vicinity. As owner of a sawmill on that stream he did a flourishing business, which called into use many flatboats. No less a personage than Abraham Lincoln patronized his mill, and the acquaintance that had started in a business way ripened into a friendship which was only severed by death. During the Black Hawk War, Mr. Kirkpatrick participated in subduing the Indians.

In 1853 he set out for Oregon, but stopped one year in Missouri, where he harvested a crop and collected about six hundred head of cattle. He then resumed his journey westward, reaching Eugene, Ore., in due time. He bought a quarter section of land which included a mill site, built a mill, and carried on business until 1856, when lie sold out and, with six hundred head of cattle,came down into California. He lived on a ranch near Wheatland, Yuba County, farming and raising stock until 1877, when he went to Modoc County and located a stock ranch on Goose Lake. There he died at the age of ninety-four. His wife died in 1887, when in her seventy-eighth year. She was Malinda Braden before her marriage, and was born in Kentucky, March 23, 1810. Fourteen children blessed their union, eight of whom grew to maturity.  The second child of this family, Thomas J. Kirkpatrick, received a good common school education, and as was customary assisted with the farm work as he was able. He finished his education in an academy in Springfield, and in 1854 accompanied his parents to Oregon. When he arrived in California, he started out independently and bought twenty-three hundred acres of land, upon which he thereafter made his home until his death. He developed this ranch, and raised abundant harvests of grain, besides giving a great deal of attention to raising horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep. He enjoyed every necessity of life and many of its luxuries. He ran a dairy of forty cows and raised sufficient alfalfa to feed his stock. In his later years he sold off all but one thousand acres, upon which he lived in quiet and contentment. In the early days of his settlement here, Jacinto was the nearest post office, while he had to market his produce and buy supplies in Tehama and Red Bluff. Later, a postoffice was established at Orland. At the time of the county division, his land was included in Glenn County. When they first located on the ranch, Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick would ride horseback to church, twenty-three miles away.

In 1890 he helped organize the Stony Creek Irrigation Ditch, and served as president of the company until it was sold to the United States government. He it was who turned the first water into what is now the government ditch, sending the water on to Orland. He was a Republican, and as such was twice elected justice of the peace of his township, serving eight years. He was a member of Laurel Lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Eastern Star.

Mr. Kirkpatrick was an ordained minister in the Baptist Church; and at one time he filled the pulpits, as long as he was able, at the Paskenta, Newville and Butte Mountain churches. Mr. Kirkpatrick was one of the organizers of the Orland high school, and served as a trustee for years. He was also one of the organizers of the Black Butte school district, donated the acre of ground for the site, helped build the schoolhouse, and, with Mr. Graves, boarded the teacher and his family while he was holding school.  For fifty years he served as a trustee of the district.

On September 9, 1859, on Stony Creek, Mr. Kirkpatrick married Margaret Asburst, daughter of Robert and Elizabetb (Bates) Asburst, natives of Kentucky and West Virginia respectively.  The former was born on March 3, 1810, and died in Tehama County, Cal., in 1866, aged fifty-six years. The latter died at the home of her daughter in Glenn County, in 1881, aged seventy-three.  The great-grandfather on the maternal side, Israel Light, was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. John Bates, grandfather of Mrs. Kirkpatrick, was killed in the War of 1812. On the paternal side she comes of equally illustrious lineage; for her great-grandfather, Jesse Richardson, was a general in the Revolutionary War. Her nephew, Henry Fountain Asburst, son of her youngest brother, is United States Senator from Arizona, now serving his second term. The advent of the family in California dates back to 1857, when they settled on Stony Creek in Tehama County. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born in Hannibal, Mo., July 31, 1838, and crossed the plains the year of the Mountain Meadow massacre. The Indians killed many cattle that were being brought by the company, which consisted of twenty wagons under Captain Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick became tbe parents of eight children. Francis Marion married Jessie Cameron; and they have two sons, Thomas J. and Robert Lee. Edward Campbell first married Lillian. Webb, by whom he bad two children. Pearl and Raymond. His second wife was Lora Wilder ; and they have four children: Matthew, Elizabeth J., William Edward, and Grace. Elizabeth M. is the widow of Matthew H. Lotbrop. Four children blessed her home: Mary, Hale H., Ruby, and Elizabeth.  Pearl became the wife of Elisba T. Lothrop, of Petaluma; and they have four children: Albert, Nevada Pearl, Lloyd, and Wallace W. Amy Josephine married George Dowding. She died, leaving an adopted sou, Leslie Dowding. Daniel Augustus is also deceased. Joseph Laban married Alice Steele, who has borne him four children: Margaret, Theodore, Ethelyn, and Genevieve.  Garfield Stanley married Ruddicil Wacaser; and they have one son, Hartford.

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Kirkpatrick continues the dairy business, aided by an assistant, who has been on the ranch for twelve years. She has given each of her boys land enough for a home place, still retaining some three hundred acres which she intends settling on her two daughters. On the ranch is an enormous walnut tree, planted in 1880, the year her son Garfield was born, which is one of the landmarks of the county.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. She is public-spirited and generous to a marked degree, and is never so happy as when doing good for others. In the evening of her days, surrounded by her children, twenty-one grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, besides a host of friends, she is rounding out a well-spent and noble life.

DANIEL SHELLOOE

A highly respected citizen of Glenn Count}’ who lived a long and useful life was the late Daniel Shellooe, who passed from earth on June 7, 1908, mourned by a large circle of friends, besides his immediate family. He was born in Queens County, Ireland, in 1824, a son of Jeremiah Shellooe, a farmer of Queens County, and Bridget Brophie Shellooe, who gave birth to eleven children, nine of them being boys, of whom Daniel was next to the youngest.  He was educated in the subscription schools of his home section, after which he found employment with the stockmen of his county, remaining in Ireland until 1844, when he immigrated to New York City. He worked his way towards the South, locating in Georgia in 1847, and in Savannah was engaged in storing cotton, beingvery successful and acquiring considerable means. In 1852 he got the California fever, and came by way of Panama to investigate the possibilities of the great Western state.

His first business after his arrival was the killing of cattle and packing to the mines from Folsom; and at the same time he was engaged in promoting mining interests in the northern mines, where he became well and widely known. In 1869 he came to what is now Glenn County; and from that date until his death he was interested in every movement for the upbuilding of the section he had chosen for his home. He began buying land and improving it, adding to his property from time to time until he owned some five hundred acres of as fine land as was to be found in the county. This he made into a very attractive ranch, upon which he engaged in raising grain and live stock with very good success. In his later years he had the assistance of his sons, who, like their father, have become responsible and well-to-do men, equally alive to the needs of the growing country.  Daniel Shellooe was married in Philadelphia to Ann Scivington, like himself a native of Ireland, and who became the mother of his seven children, of whom five are living. These, in order of birth, are : Miss Kate Shellooe, of Helmville, Mont. ; James, living in Germantown, Cal. ; Mrs. William Deveney, of Woodland;

Daniel Augustine, of Glenn County; and Mrs. Virgil Harper, of Helmville. Jeremiah and Mrs. Frank Forrest are both deceased.

Mr. Shellooe was a Democrat, and served as a trustee of the school in his district for many years. He was progressive and public-spirited, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. When he died, the county lost one of her substantial citizens, and one who had helped to bring Glenn County to her present high place among the counties of the state.

DANIEL AUGUSTINE SHELLOOE

The interests with which Daniel A. Shellooe is identified are of a varied nature, and indicate his adaptability to different enterprises and the resourcefulness of his mind. The name which he bears has been long and honorably associated with the history of California. Perhaps there is no resident of Glenn County more familiar with its resources than Mr. Shellooe, who, having spent almost his entire life within its boundaries, is well qualified to judge concerning its prospects, its needs, and its advantages; and as might be expected of a patriotic son of the Golden State, he ardently champions all measures looking towards the development of the commonwealth. He was born in Sacramento County, June 10, 1867, the fifth child in order of birth of the seven children born to Daniel and Ann Shellooe. He attended the public schools in the vicinity of his father’s ranch; and, when he was old enough, he began working with him on the home place. He profited much by the early training he received from his sire, and in due time became able to assume responsibilities of his own, as well as to wield a powerful influence for good.  In 1900 Mr. Shellooe bought seven hundred eighty-six acres of the old Glenn estate, located three miles north of Glenn, and began making the necessary improvements to make of it a comfortable and convenient home. He planted grain, and in time leased considerable outside land, becoming one of the large grain raisers of the county, and winning his own way to independence by personal application to his work. In carrying on his large ranching operations, Mr. Shellooe looks after every detail in person, introducing modern machinery, implements and tools to facilitate the labor on the ranch. At Sidd’s Lauding be has installed the largest, as well as the best, private pumping plant in the Sacramento Valley, capable of irrigating his entire acreage.  He puts about thirty-five acres under irrigation each year, now having some one hundred acres in alfalfa; and he maintains a dairy of about thirty-five cows, mostly Holsteins, which adds materially to his annual income.

With all his personal affairs to engross his attention, Mr. Shellooe nevertheless finds time to interest himself in every movement that has for its aim the upbuilding of Glenn County, the bringing in of new settlers, and the encouraging of them to make a success and become contented citizens. For years he has been working in the interest of reclamation projects, having spent years in trying to have them carried to consummation. He was the originator of the Orland project, which has added so much to the wealth of the county; and to make the matter an assured success, he was the first one to sign up his land, and induced many others to do likewise. He was sent to Sacramento as a delegation of one, to have a man sent to Washington, D. C, to work for the project. He was given scant encouragement at first; but on his own responsibility he had W. S. Beard, of Sacramento, try to secure an appropriation to start the important work.  After having been at the nation’s capital some five months, Mr.  Beard wired Mr. Shellooe that a fund had been set aside for the purpose. This fund was made possible by trimming from some other projects already outlined. From this beginning, made at the instigation of one public-spirited man, the rapid growth of this section has sprung.

D. A. Shellooe was one of the promoters of the plan to have Glenn County participate in the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and in the San Diego Exposition. He represented the county at both places, and was one of the eight commissioners of the Northern California counties that considered it wise to go south to San Diego with an exhibit, to show the people of the Southland the wonderful opportunities of this favored part of the state, of which they know comparatively little. Great good has resulted from this outlay of money; for it has brought the North and South in California into closer harmony. After the exposition in the Southern city had closed, he was the one man who was instrumental in having the board of supervisors of Glenn County vote to install the exhibit used at the Fair in the state building in Los Angeles, as a permanent feature. He has worked for years to have the Iron Canyon project made a distinct district, where waters can be impounded and used for irrigating a wide area, thus encouraging immigration and settlement. These are but a few of the activities that have been vital objects of interest to Mr.  Shellooe, who is working for the good of the county at all times, and particularly in the endeavor to bring about the enactment of constructive legislation.

On January 18, 1899. Daniel A. Shellooe was united in marriage with Miss Emma Golden, a native of Bay City, Mich., and a daughter of Michael Golden, of whom more extended mention will be found on another page of this history. Mr. and Mrs.  Shellooe have the following children, who make their family circle complete and happy: Daniel Anthony Golden, Edward Vincent, William Marion Raymond, Sarah Albertine Marie, Margaret Anne, Daniel Augustine, Jr., John David, and Sarah Ida Marie. The three older sons were all in high school at the same time, the youngest being a little past thirteen years of age when he entered. As they have reached school age, they have all been given the best opportunities to obtain an education, to enable them to take their places in the world.

Mr. Shellooe is a member of Red Gum Camp, W. O. W., at Germantown, and of the Elks Lodge at Chico. Politically, he is well known in the state as a stanch Democrat, in national affairs.  He has served on the County Central Committee for years, and in 1904 he was elected a delegate to the state convention. He has championed the cause of public schools, and has promoted good-roads campaigns and good-government movements, ever since he has been old enough to vote. He is a director of the Glenn County Garage. With his wife, Mr. Shellooe enjoys a wide circle of friends throughout Glenn County. The family worship at the Catholic Church in Willows. In summing up the career of “Dan” Shellooe, as he is familiarly known by all, one might say, in brief, that there is no man in the county who wields a greater influence in places where it is likely to do the most good for the greatest number of people, than he.

WILLIAM THOMAS SEVILLE

Owing to the long period of his residence in Colusa County, and his close identification with its political affairs, William T.  Seville has become known among a large circle of acquaintances throughout the county, where he has aided materially in advancing the best interests of the people. He was born at Wythesville, Wythe County, Va., August 18, 1844. At the breaking out of the Civil War he was attending school; but he volunteered for service in the Confederate army in Company K, Eighth Virginia Regiment, and served until Lee surrendered, at the close of the war.

Thinking to better his condition in the Far West, Mr. Seville came to Colusa County, Cal., in 1868. Almost as soon as he arrived, he became a deputy in the office of the county clerk, where he continued until 1870. That year he received the appointment of under sheriff to J. B. Stanton; and he served under him for four years. When J. L. Howard was elected to the office of sheriff, in 1874, he appointed Mr. Beville to the same position, which he held until the close of his term of office. In 1875 Mr.  Beville was elected county assessor. To this position he was reelected, filling the office for four years with perfect satisfaction to all. When J. M. Steele was elected sheriff of the county in 1880, and Mr. Beville‘s term of office had expired, he was appointed under-sheriff by Mr. Steele. Four years later, when Mayberry Davis succeeded Mr. Steele, Mr. Beville was appointed to the same office by him, serving until Mr. Davis was himself succeeded in office. In 1886 Mr. Beville was elected sheriff of the county; and two years later he was reelected to the same office. He is now serving as under sheriff, by appointment of C. D. Stanton.  In 1872, William Thomas Beville was united in marriage with Miss Lulu Williams, a native of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Beville had three children: Virginia, who became the wife of Dr. G. I.  Cason and is now deceased; Mrs. Willie May Harding, of San Francisco; and Clarence Beville, of Colusa. Mr. and Mrs.  Beville are hospitable and charitable people; and they have a host of good friends in Colusa and the surrounding counties. In 1872 Mr. Beville was made a Mason, in Colusa Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M., in which he is now serving his thirty-seventh year as secretary ; and with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Beville is Past Matron. Mrs. Beville has been an active member of the Methodist Church since her girlhood.

JOSEPH A. SUTTON

Missouri has given many of her sons and daughters to swell the population of California. Some of these harkened to the call in the gold-mining period; but the majority, descended from farmer folk, have given their attention to tilling the soil. Among the latter we mention Joseph A. Sutton, of the Delevan district, in Colusa County. He is a native of Pike County, Mo., and was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools, until he was eighteen. At that time many were migrating to California from his section of the country ; and in 1865 he came by way of Panama to this state. On his arrival he at once turned his attention to farming, working on a ranch near Knights Landing, Yolo County.

On October 20, 1868, over forty-nine years ago, Mr. Sutton,then a young man, came to the district now known as Delevan, in Colusa County, and started the nucleus of his present landholdings by taking up a government claim of one hundred sixty acres of raw prairie land. Here he built a box house, began planting both fruit trees and shade trees, broke the land, and put in his crop of grain. As success crowned his efforts, he kept adding to his holdings, until he now owns eight hundred acres. His property is well  improved with modern barns ; a good house replaces the original cabin ; and a general air of prosperity pervades the premises. Mr.  Sutton has raised grain and stock all these years, at times leasing land in addition to his own. His harvests have been bountiful, and his income has been good.

Joseph A. Sutton was united in marriage with Mary J. Kenard, also a native of Missouri; and they have four children: Walter ; Mrs. Dolly Burgi and Mrs. Ruth Sale, both of Willows ; and William K., at home. As a pioneer of Colusa County, Mr. Sutton has watched its development with interest. He has followed the even tenor of his way, aiding good causes, and helping to maintain good schools and good government. In every sense of the word, he is a self-made man.

JAMES ROBINSON TALBOT

Among the many pioneers of the Sacramento Valley who have come and gone in the last half century, some to other locations and many to that “bourne whence no traveler returns,” James Robinson Talbot occupied a place of exceptional prominence, won by years of industry and energy and the exercise of that balanced judgment which bespeaks the successful business man, whether as a tiller of the soil or as a participant in the busy marts of commerce. Mr. Talbot’s extensive ranch was located in the foothills southwest of Willows, where he and his brother first took up land to engage in the stock business, many years ago, and where he was actively interested in the management of his property until his death in January, 1906.

Born in Montgomery County, Mo., December 19, 1823, Mr.Talbot was a son of Christopher Talbot, the latter a native of Kentucky, where, in the vicinity of Somerset, he farmed until 1809. In that year he located on the banks of the Missouri River, in Montgomery County, Mo., where he became an extensive planter, owning a large number of slaves and engaging in the cultivation of tobacco. His death occurred in that location at the age of sixty-five years. In Kentucky he married Susan Parish, a native of Virginia, and she died in Missouri in 1844. They were the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom James E. Talbot was the sixth in order of birth.

James Robinson Talbot received a limited education through the medium of the common schools of his native state, after which, in young manhood, he worked as a hand on the farm of his brother Thomas I. On the 6^th of May, 1849, attracted to the West by the gold excitement, he left Missouri as a member of the train commanded by Captain Fumes, the journey being made with ox teams via Fort Hall, up the Platte and Green Rivers, and thence to Sacramento, where they arrived on the 26^th of August. Mr. Talbot remained in that city until the following spring, and then went to Nevada City and for a time engaged in mining. Not meeting with the desired success, he then engaged in teaming from Sacramento to the mines of Auburn and Yuba River, and Rose’s Bar, being so occupied until 1851. Later, he went to Sutter County and engaged in the cattle business and general farming. After four years spent in that county, he removed to Colusa County, where, . with his brother, Thomas I. Talbot, he took up three hundred twenty acres of land and engaged in the stock business. In 1857 they dissolved partnership, Thomas I. taking the land in Modoc County and James E. remaining on the original property. From that modest beginning he increased his acreage to fifteen thousand four hundred acres. For many years he was one of the prominent stockmen in this part of the state. His place became the headquarters of the stockmen of Northern California, and there they were always royally entertained. At one time Mr. Talbot also farmed about ten thousand acres to grain, the yield sometimes reaching about one hundred thousand bushels. After 1902 he made a specialty of sheep, having from twelve thousand to twenty-five thousand head. He developed his place into a well-improved ranch, provided with good and substantial buildings for the accommodation of livestock and farm implements. The place is well watered by several springs and creeks.

In 1904 Mr. Talbot purchased an interest in Fonts Springs, a summer resort, located below the pine belt on Stony Creek, in the Coast Range, near Snow and Sheet Iron Mountains. The water of this spring was awarded the first prize, a gold medal, at the Louisiana Exposition, for its superior mineral properties. This property he constantly improved until it became one of the popular resorts of Northern California. It is reached by stage from Maxwell, Colusa County, the forty-five miles so traversed being in the midst of beautiful scenery. Mr. Talbot was also interested in business and residence property in Willows, as well as in farming land in Oregon and Northern California. Although a man of splendid business ability, who conducted his affairs according to strict business principles, he was nevertheless very lenient, and rather than resort to foreclosure, allowed many a mortgage to go by default. His word was as good as his bond, and was so considered by all who knew him. An independent man, he sought no favors ; but he was ever ready to do a favor, being generous with his means, and charitable in an unostentatious way towards those less fortunate than himself. He made no display either of his wealth, which had been honestly won, or of his acts of charity.

He was of a jovial disposition, kind and honest in all his actions; and those who knew him appreciated him for the sterling qualities which were his by inheritance and training.

In Marysville, Cal., in 1875, Mr. Talbot was united in marriage with Mary Dever, a native of Ireland. Her death occurred on August 21, 1892, at the age of sixty-four years. In his political convictions, Mr. Talbot was a stanch supporter of the principles advocated by the Democratic party, but never desired official recognition, both because of the claims of his many business interests, and also for the reason that he was domestic and quiet in his tastes, and always preferred the peace of his own fireside to the emoluments of public office.

JOHN McCUNE

The manager of the Daily and Tri-weekly Colusa Sun, John McCune, was born at Monticello, Piatt County, 111., on July 20, 1869, and grew up in his native county. James McCune, his father, was born in Ireland, of Scotch and Irish progenitors, and came to the United States, where he was married in New York to Miss Caroline Brody, a native of the Empire State. James McCune was a printer by trade; but later in life he became a brick and cement contractor. He died in Piatt County about 1873.  His widow lived in Monticello, where she reared her family in the face of many privations. She died there about 1909, at a ripe old age.

John McCune had but a common-school education. He began working at the printing business in the office of the Bulletin, in Piatt County, when a lad of fifteen, and soon after secured a position in the Herald office at the same place, which he held for two years, becoming foreman of the job-printing department and of the press room. At the age of seventeen he went to Chicago to try to better himself, and was promised the aid of a friend to help him to a position. On his arrival, the job not being to his liking, he determined to come West. He came to the Coast, and visited Seattle, Tacoma, Portland and San Francisco. In 1888, in the latter city, he worked on the Alta, Call, and Chronicle; and afterwards, in Sacramento, on the Record Union. He later located in Woodland, and with Edward Prior, ran the Weekly Leader during the campaign of 1888, after which he accepted a position with the Woodland Democrat, owned by E. E. Leake.  He remained in that city, working on that paper and the Woodland Mail, until 1892, when he accepted a position as foreman on the Colusa Sun, with which paper he has since been connected.  In the meantime Mr. McCune was united in marriage with Miss Lemma Gammill, by whom he has one daughter, Bertha, the, wife of Ray Seymour. Mr. McCune enjoys life, loves Colusa and its people, and works for a better and larger city, giving his whole time to the business management of the paper, which reaches every part of the county. The Colusa Sun stands for uplift and improvement in all things. Mr. McCune is a charter member of the Fraternal Brotherhood. Politically, he is a Democrat; and he is highly regarded as a public-spirited and high-minded citizen. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

FRANK S. REAGER

Perhaps there is no resident of the county more familiar with its resources and its exceptional advantages and prospects than Frank S. Reager, the former secretary of the Orland Water Users’ Association, who has spent most of his life within or near the county boundaries. Frank S. Reager is the son of Martin A. Reager, of whom mention is made an another page of this work. He was born on his father’s farm, six miles east of Orland, in 1868. He attended school in the Plaza district, and then entered Pierce Christian College, at College City. He graduated from the Orland Normal School, and then taught school in Shasta County for a couple of terms. In 1890. he became a candidate for county surveyor, and made a good fight in a spirited campaign, being defeated by only a few votes. He then returned to Glenn County, and resumed teaching, and soon had charge of the Orland schools. Here he made an enviable record as a progressive educator, and rendered particularly efficient service in the work of organizing the Orland High School. His work here was in a measure responsible for his election as county superintendent of schools, a position he filled for eight years, from 1899 to 1907, with entire satisfaction to the communities under his jurisdiction.

After the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Reager returned to Orland and began the direction of work on the government irrigation system. In February, 1907, he helped to organize, and was elected a director and secretary of, the Orland Water Users’ Association, a position he held until March, 1917. He thus became one of the leading men of Glenn County, and was soon made president of the Bank of Orland. He is now vice-president, as he was one of the organizers, of the First National Bank of Orland ; and he has long been associated with minor corporations. For many years he has been a trustee of the Orland schools. Mr. Eeager is the owner of a fine four-hundred-acre ranch at Ord, on the Sacramento River, devoted to grain; and he has other ranch interests in the county.

In 1899, Frank S. Reager married Miss Emma Scribner, the daughter of an early settler in California. Her father was a farmer, and also a merchant. He ran a store, with branches at Newville, Orland, and Paskenta. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Reager is brightened by five attractive and promising children: Mary A., Bernice, Helen, Josephine, and Frank S., Jr. The family are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Reager is a Mason, a member of Orland Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., of which he has served as treasurer for years ; was one of the organizers, and is now the secretary, of Orland Masonic Temple Association; and is a member and Past Noble Grand of the Orland Lodge, I.O. O. F., and a member of Chico Lodge, No. 423, B. P. 0. Elks.

CHARLES DAVIS McCOMISH

An experienced newspaper man, and one who made his influence felt in Colusa County as editor and owner of the Colusa Herald, C. D. McComish is descended from a long line of patriotic ancestry. His great-grandfather, Roger McComish, was in the United States Navy under Commodore Perry, on Lake Erie; and after Perry’s victory, he settled in Western Pennsylvania, being the founder of the family in that state. Nelson McComish, the father of Charles D. McComish, was a soldier in the Civil War. He moved to the Coast from Pennsylvania, in 1899, and settled with his family, in Palo Alto, while his sons were attending college there. He is now living in San Jose, at the age of eighty years. His wife was Martha Jane Davis, a lady of Welsh descent. She died in San Jose, March 26, 1915, aged about seventy years.

Charles Davis McComish was born at Penn Run, Indiana County, Pa., on January 7, 1874. When he was three mouths old his parents moved to a farm in Pine Township, that county; and there he was reared until he was fourteen years of age. His father, Nelson McComish, was a surveyor; and to work at his calling, it was better to live at the county seat. So the family moved to Indiana, the county seat of Indiana County, where he followed his profession. Charles D. MeComish graduated from the high school in 1891 ; and two years later he graduated from the Pennsylvania State Normal School at Indiana, after which he taught school for four years—two in Cambria County, one year in Westmoreland County, and one year at Dravosburg, Allegheny County, where he was principal. He resigned his position here to enlist in the Spanish-American War. On April 28, 1898, he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, but having contracted typhoid fever in camp at Lexington, Ky., he went home on a furlough, and was mustered out in bed, November 2, 1898, and honorably discharged.  The following year, having recovered from his illness, Mr.

MeComish came to California and entered Stanford University, where he took the four-year classical course and was graduated in 1903 with the degree of A. B. He then returned to his Eastern home, and was engaged as city editor of the Indiana Gazette for eighteen months. In 1904 he visited the St. Louis Exposition, and then came on to California with the intention of buying a newspaper in some likely town, and traveled over the state looking for a place in which to locate. He was in Sacramento when the levee below the city gave way, washing away dwellings and the schoolhouse in the Lisbon district; and he was asked to take charge of the school at Riverside brickyard. This he did, finishing the term for the lady teacher, who had been drowned out by the flood. He then came on to Colusa, bought the Colusa Herald from John L. Allison, and took possession on June 1, 1905. It was then an eight-page weekly. Mr. McComish soon made it a four-page semi-weekly. The Herald was anti-saloon in the face of sixteen saloons, each with a gambling place in connection, running seven days a week and twenty-four hours a day; and there was likewise a booming red-light district. The fight carried on by the Herald was a factor in regulating the saloons, closing them on Sundays, abolishing the gambling, and doing away with the red-light district ; and the movement resulted in a much more moral city in general. The Herald also agitated street and sidewalk improvements, running an honor-roll in the paper, of all who put in cement walks. Now there are two miles of paved streets in the city; and cement walks are pretty generally placed all over the town. Mr. McComish erected the Herald Building in 1909-1910, and as owner of the building was the first man to put his name on a street-paving contract.

On February 1, 1916, Mr. McComish disposed of the Herald in order to take up the study of law, which he is at present pursuing in the office of Judge Ernest Weyand. He took the course in law at the summer session of the University of California in 1916. This last spring he took time from his studies to plant thirty-two and one half acres to almonds and to put out two thousand Muscat grape-vines, near Arbuckle; and he also found time to write the History of Colusa County for the Historic Record Company of Los Angeles.

In 1909 Mr. McComish was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Wickersham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Wickersham, of Marshalltown, Iowa. Mrs. McComish is a graduate of the University of Iowa, and was for several years a teacher in the high school at Colusa. Two children have been born of this union, Paul and John Davis. Mr. McComish is a member of Colusa Lodge, No. 133, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs in the order. Both he and Mrs. McComish are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee.

HON. ERNEST WEYAND

Prominent among the native sons of Colusa County is Ernest Weyand, Judge of the Superior Court of California in his native county. He was born on his father’s ranch near Stonyford, on September 8, 1869. He attended the common schools of his home district, meanwhile assisting with the work on the ranch until he was seventeen, when he moved to Colusa with the family and entered the high school, from which he was graduated in 1889. Mr.  Weyand at once entered upon the study of law in the office of H.  M. Albery, later Superior Judge of Colusa County, and was admitted to practice in 1892. At the November election that year he entered the race for the office of district attorney and was elected on the Republican ticket. He served a two-year term, and was reelected for four years, the term having been lengthened in the interim. At the end of his second term he retired to private practice.

Always active in Republican politics and wielding a strong influence in the councils of the party, Mr. Weyand consented in 1904 to make the race for the assembly from the district comprising

Colusa, Glenn and Lake Counties. He was elected, and served throughout the regular session of 1905 and the special session in 1906. For six years he served as one of the trustees of the town of Colusa. He practiced law until September 1, 1915, when, upon the death of Judge Albery, he was appointed by Governor Hiram W. Johnson, to fill the vacancy. In the fall of 1916 he became

a candidate to fill the office of Superior Judge. Although he had two strong opponents, he received a majority for the candidacy over both, and was elected without opposition in November of that year. The absolute fairness of Judge Weyand in all matters pertaining to the duties of his office is well shown in the following remark made by him : “ I do not want any friend of mine to think he can come into court and get a shade the best of it from me.”

In 1893 Judge Weyand was united in marriage with Miss Nora Martin, born in Shasta County, and who came with Mrs. Watt Purdue to Colusa County, where she was reared and educated.

Of this union ten children were born, five of whom are now living: Ralph J., a student at the State Agricultural College at Davis, Cal. ; Garrett J., a student in the public school ; and Daniel Ernest, Victor E., and Elnora Mina. Fraternally, Judge Weyand is a member of the Colusa Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, and of the Independent Order of Foresters, and has passed the chairs in both orders. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.

HUGH M. GARNETT

The only son born to his parents, Hugh M. Garnett has taken his place in the business world and has made his influence felt for the betterment of general conditions in Glenn County, where he was born on the Garnett ranch, April 6, 1881. He is the son of Peter and Ruth (McCune) Garnett, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Peter Garnett on another page of this work. Hugh M. Garnett was educated in the public schools, in the Glenn County High School at Willows, and in the law department of the University of California. In the beginning of his business career he was associated with his father. Since the death of the latter, he has succeeded to the business inaugurated by him, and is now one of the largest and most prominent stockmen in the Sacramento Valley.

Mr. Garnett owns a ranch of eight hundred acres three miles southeast of Willows, and also the old Nye ranch of five thousand acres at Athena. He raises large numbers of sheep, cattle and hogs, having about ten thousand head of the former, and also buys stock, which he ships to the markets.

The marriage of Hugh M. Garnett occurred in Portland, Ore., on March 14, 1904, when he was united with Miss Emily G. Annand, a native daughter of California and a graduate of the Colusa High School. Her father, John Annand, was one of the early settlers of Colusa County. Mr. and Mrs. Garnett have a daughter, Virginia, to brighten the home circle. Mr. Garnett was made a Mason in Laurel Lodge, No. 245, F. & A. M., and is also an Odd Fellow.

The name of Garnett will always stand out prominently in the history of California. The first members of the family in this state were forerunners of its development and civilization, and aided materially in bringing about the prosperity we all enjoy.  The younger generations are following in the footsteps of their sires, and are found in the vanguard where progress is the watchword ; and of these, Hugh M. Garnett is a recognized leader.

CHRIS MYHRE

Orland is the residence and promising field of operations of many who have gained commercial success and served their community in an effective manner. Among such may be mentioned Chris Myhre, the popular president and manager of the Orland Cheese & Butter Co., and one of the “biggest boosters” Orland has ever had. Born in Denmark in 1862, he came to the United States when twelve years of age and settled in Turner County, Dakota Territory, where he was educated. After growing up, he removed to St. Louis and clerked in a grocery; but later he returned to South Dakota and bought a stock farm and dairy in Lyman County, which he conducted for fourteen years. During his residence in that state, he held several important county offices, including those of justice of the peace, County judge, county auditor, and county commissioner. In those days he had some thrilling experiences with cattle thieves. Every man carried a gun, and shooting in defense of life or property was very common.

In 1910, Mr. Myhre moved westward to Oregon, and engaged in the dairy business in the Willamette Valley. He made a particular study of dairy conditions, and wishing to place before others what he had discovered, he lectured before gatherings of farmers, being one of a party to make a demonstration train trip through the state. Experiments were made for the enlightenment of the hearers ; and the cooperation of the dairymen with the creameries in promoting their common interests was urged by the lecturer.

As a result of these efforts to extend agricultural knowledge, Mr. Mylire came to Orland to give a talk on dairy farming; and while here he decided that the district afforded an excellent field for a modern creamery, and was offered the management of the new organization there, the Orland Cheese & Butter Co. He accepted the offer, and at once set to work to install the new machinery, which was already on the ground. The establishment opened its doors to business on April 20, 1915. It occupies a modern reinforced concrete building, with all the latest appliances for the manufacture of butter ; and experts from different parts of the state, who have visited the plant, have been very complimentary in its praise. It has a capacity of over three thousand pounds of butter daily, and serves over three hundred patrons. It produces more butter in proportion to the size of the plant than any other creamery in the state. In 1916 it produced over 534,000 pounds of butter. For the month of April, 1917, there was sold 85,190 pounds of butter, the farmers receiving $28,197.71 for butter fat.

Armour & Co. handle the greater part of the output in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Diego; and shipments are made weekly for that company to Honolulu. The name of “Clover Bloom” is given the butter in the bay cities; while “Purity Butter” is the name the creamery has given to its output in the district where it is manufactured. Sixty-five designs for the label of this brand were submitted by students of the Orland high school; and the one chosen as the most appropriate bears the words “Purity Butter,” a picture of the United States Irrigation District, and a picture of a herd of dairy cows, together with the legend:

“Uncle Sam made one. We make the other. “ In 1917, the officers of the company were : President and manager, Chris Mylire ; directors, Jonas Lundeen, W. J. Petersen, S. W. Baugher, and Peter E. Moline. Under the able management of these gentlemen the plant has obtained a premium on every pound of butter it has shipped to the bay cities, over and above the highest market quotation on high-grade butter for the day.

In addition to his interests in the creamery, Mr. Myhre owns a twenty-acre ranch two miles east of Orland, where he has ten registered Jersey cows, each producing up to a high average. No one in this part of the state has a greater reputation for expert knowledge in his field than Mr. Myhre. He is a director of the Glenn County Farm Bureau, representing the Orland district; vice-president of the Glenn County Live Stock & Agricultural Association; and an active member, and a director, of the Orland Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Grange in South

Dakota and in Oregon; and when the Orland Jersey Cattle Club was organized in 1917, to promote the interests of registered Jersey stock and the improvement of the grade of dairy stock in this vicinity, Mr. Myhre was active in its formation and was elected a director. He is a Scottish Eite Mason and a Shriner, holding membership in South Dakota; and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, having been a member for more than twenty-seven years.

In 1887, in St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Myhre was married to Katie Wendel, a native of Illinois; and of this union six children were born. Delia is the wife of Charles R. Nelson, and lives at Junction City, Ore. ; Dewey assists his father on the home ranch ; Mae is a student in the Orland high school, and an assistant in the office of the Orland Cheese & Butter Co. ; Ethel is also a high school student ; and Arthur and Roscoe are at home.

JULIUS WEYAND

A native of Braubach, Nassau, Germany, the late Julius Weyand, of Colusa, was born on May 27, 1826, into the family of John Paul and Ernestine Weyand. He attended the home schools, and afterwards entered a commercial house and school, in 1840. Prom 1844 to 1848 he held a position as bookkeeper in Limburg. In May, 1848, the German revolution broke out ; and for the time being the different sovereigns made all concessions the people wanted. The Turnvereins, which existed in all the cities and towns of note, took upon themselves to be guardians of the people’s rights. Mr. Weyand was a presiding officer in one of these, and as such had charge of the lecture room and was connected with the military drilling. Eifle clubs became very efficient, and very annoying to the sovereign class. On September 6, 1848, the parliament was dispersed by intrigue, and the friends of liberty were marked for persecution. Some were arrested, and others fled the country, knowing the people’s cause was lost.  On September 15, nine days after the breaking up of the parliament, Mr. Weyand started for Antwerp, the nearest seaport, and on the 22^nd took passage on the Seth Sprague for America.

He arrived safely at New Orleans, on November 23, 1848. After his arrival in this country he sold goods at Alton and Warsaw, ILL., until 1851, when he was called to Germany by his mother. On April 27, 1852, he again arrived in Illinois ; and in September of that year he came to California, via the Nicaragua route, reaching San Francisco on November 3. He went at once to Cacheville, Yolo County, and with his brother, Theodore Weyand, engaged in farming until 1856. The next year he had crops in Colusa County, which proved a complete failure. He then went to mining near Downieville. In this venture he barely made his expenses, and so returned to his farm, which he had purchased, in Colusa County.  After another crop failure, iu 1858, he went to British Columbia, to enter the mines there ; but here his mining venture met with no better success, and he came back to California. From Berlin station he moved to Pleasant Valley, where he engaged in raising grain and stock with considerable success. He kept adding to his first purchase of land until he became owner of two thousand seventy acres in one body, which he sold in 1886. Another tract of three hundred twenty acres he had sold in 1882.  In 1867 Julius Weyand married Mrs. Mina (Kraus) d’Artenay, a native of Germany, who had lived in the United States since her childhood. Of the union with her first husband, A.  d’Artenay, five children were born: Eugene d’Artenay, a druggist in San Francisco; Lizzie, the widow of J. K. Lukes, of Santa Cruz; Thomas d’Artenay, a farmer near Dixon; Adolph d’Artenay, a blacksmith of Dixon; and John d’Artenay, a rancher in Fresno County. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weyand there were also five children: Marie Weyand, of Dixon; Hon. Ernest Weyand, of Colusa; Julius and William Weyand, mill-owners at Dixon ; and Mina Weyand, a Sister of Mercy in a convent in Kansas City, Mo. In order that his children might have the advantages of better schools than their location out in the hills offered, Mr. Weyand disposed of his ranch and moved to Colusa. His death occurred on May 17, 1893. Mr. Weyand was a man highly esteemed in his community, where he was recognized as a loyal and progressive citizen. He was always interested in good government, and was a strong advocate of the protective tariff. After his death the widow, with some of her children, moved to Dixon, Cal., where she died in January, 1905.

JAMES C. HARBISON

An associate of Allen Kitchin, and senior member of the firm of Harbison & Kitchin, ranchers and stockmen of Colusa County, James C. Harbison has gradually worked his way to a position of prominence in the agricultural life of the Sacramento Valley. He was born in Illinois, October 29, 1855, and came with his parents to California, crossing the plains with ox teams in 1868. While still a very young man, Mr. Harbison became interested in raising grain and stock, and is now one of the veteran farmers of Colusa County. He laid the foundation of the extensive interests held by himself and his partner ; and by 1889, when the present partnership was formed, he had become firmly established.  Mr. Harbison’s entire time has been given to the building np of his fortunes, although not to the exclusion of the duties that always enlist the active interest of the public-spirited citizen.  He supports Republican men and measures, and aids in the maintenance of good schools, good roads, and good government; but it is as a grain-raiser and stockman that he is best known throughout Colusa County and the Sacramento Valley.

Mr. Harbison has a son, Carl E. Harbison, who is married and takes an active interest in the operation of the ranch, residing in a comfortable home thereon. Mr. Harbison is a self-made man, and has won his way by hard work to his present enviable position among the ranchers of the county.

ANDREW WALLACE SEHORN

During his long connection with Willows and its vicinity, Andrew Wallace Sehorn has been associated with many enterprises for the benefit of the town and the advancement of the general welfare of the county. He has the distinction of being one of the very oldest residents of Willows, and is still living in the house he moved into when he became a citizen of the little village, some forty odd years ago. He was born in Wytheville, Va., December 29, 1843, a son of Marion and Rebecca Jane (Wallace) Sehorn, born in Dandridge, Tenn., and Lexington, Va., respectively. Grandfather Sehorn, who was of German ancestry, was a major in the War of the Revolution and rendered valiant service to his country ; while on the maternal side, grandfather Col. Samuel Wallace, of the Scotch clan, also served as an officer of prominence in the Revolution.

The early boyhood days of young Sehorn were spent very much the same as were those of the other youth of his section of the country. He attended the subscription schools and worked at home, doing such work as fell to his lot in assisting his father.  When the call came from his state to join the Confederate army, he enlisted and served under the colors with the best that was in him, under that famous commander Gen. Stonewall Jackson.

For three years he faced hardship and death. Thirteen times the boy—for he was but eighteen when he enlisted—answered the bugle call to “charge”; and never once did he shirk his duty,

whether it was in the smoke of battle, or alone under the stars doing sentry duty. After the war was over, Mr. Sehorn returned to his home. Things were not the same as before the war, however; so in 1868 he joined the westward tide of emigration to California, and arrived in San Francisco by way of Panama.  He had some friends in Colusa ; and thither he made bis way, and soon after found a position as clerk in the office of the county assessor, Sam. Small. He became well known in that county, and later opened a general merchandise store there, which he ran until he took over the management of the J. S. Wall Company’s mercantile business in Princeton.

It was in 1878 that this progressive merchant decided he would locate in Willows, which seemed destined to have a future in store for those who would build wisely and well. He opened business on Tehama Street, which he carried on very successfully, finally selling out and investing in a ranch of ten hundred forty acres twenty-five miles west of the town. One section of this was timber land, and the balance was suitable for farming. In the foothills of this ranch Mr. Sehorn set out an apple orchard, the first one in the county. He has always been interested in horticulture, taking great delight in seeing the growth of trees, vines, etc., especially fruit trees of the various kinds. In those days wild game abounded in the foothills and mountains of the county, and antelope, deer and elk were common sights. The streams were stocked with fish; and one pleasure Mr. Sehorn indulged in was to take a month off and spend his time in the open, where he was sure to get his share of game, even of bears. He sold this ranch and invested in twenty acres, which he improved, and on which he tried intensive farming. Here he set out lemons, oranges and peaches, being the first man to set out lemon trees in Willows.  He experimented with alfalfa, raising two crops a year without irrigation.

When the question of county division was being agitated, Mr.  Sehorn favored the project and was active in accomplishing the desired result. As an appreciation of his services he was elected the first county auditor; and he is today one of the best-posted men on the financial affairs of the county. For the past eleven years he has been an assistant in the auditor’s office, meanwhile managing a real estate business of his own. There is no man who is more highly esteemed and respected in the entire county than “Wall” Sehorn, as he is familiarly called by his friends.  He is the true type of the Southern gentleman, gallant and chivalrous; and like many thousands of other broad-minded people, he is proud that the North and the South are again united under one flag as one people.

In Colusa County A. W. Sehorn was united in marriage with Miss Kate Hopkins, who was born in Wisconsin and crossed the plains with her parents in 1855. Her father, Dr. Edward Hopkins, was the pioneer physician in Colusa Count}’. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sehorn. Edward M., editor of the Willows Journal, has three children: Catherine, wife of Talbot Anderson of Sacramento, who has a son, Thomas E.; Joseph Wallace, and Edward M. J., of Willows. The second son, William M., is foreman of Klemmers Hardware Store. Raymond B. died in his youth. The only daughter, Margaret, is Mrs. Morris of Tulsa, Okla. Mr. Sehorn is a member of the Methodist Church; while Mrs. Sehorn belongs to the Catholic Church, having been reared in that faith.

TACITUS R. ARBUCKLE

The late T. R. Arbuckle, founder of the town that bears his name, located in the central portion of Colusa County, was born in Laclede County, Mo., where he grew to manhood on a farm. During the excitement incident to the discovery of gold in California, he was peacefully following his chosen calling in his native state.  Thinking to better his condition, he left there in 1853, crossed the plains with ox teams, and arrived safely at his destination in California.  The reports of the miners were not alluring enough to induce him to try his fortunes hunting gold in the mines ; so he got a job on a ranch in Napa Valley, learned how farming was done in the West, and was soon able to strike out for himself. He took up a government claim at the Big Plains, on Russian River, Sonoma County, with William Bedwell, but sold out after two years and went to Mendocino County and began raising stock. Two years later he bought a ranch on Ranchirita Creek, at the head of Anderson Valley, in that county, and continued in the stock business.  He next engaged in the butcher business for four years in Healdsburg, and then spent one year in Carson City, Nev., where he was employed at the Nevada Jumper mine. After this he returned to Mendocino County for another year.

His experiences in the several sections of country induced Mr. Arbuckle to settle in Colusa County, where he bought one hundred sixty acres of land. He laid out the town of Arbuckle, long before the railroad had reached this point. When the railroad was prospected through this section, he gave the right of way, and also land for a depot and sidings. He was the first postmaster of the

new town, and served as constable several terms. He built a livery stable, and conducted a livery business for years. He died in 1900, after a long and useful life. ln 1855, in Napa County, Mr. Arbuckle was united in marriage with Miss Amanda M. Tinker, a native of Missouri, who crossed the plains in 1854. Their marriage was one of mutual helpfulness. Since the death of her husband, she is making her home in Arbuckle. Of the thirteen children born to this worthy couple, nine are living : Mrs. Lillie Eastburn, Mrs. Ruby Bedford, Mrs. Edith Ereil, Cyrus, Cornelius, Glenn, Theodore, Tacitus, and Clarence. The others were Etna, Lulu, Adelia, and Octavius. Mr.  Arbuckle was always interested in the welfare of his town, and was counted one of its progressive citizens. He had many stanch friends, who sincerely mourned his passing.

JOHN WALKER

A man who had the ambition to succeed, and knew how to accomplish the fulfillment of his ambition, John “Walker was equally fortunate in the selection of a life companion, so that what he had acquired was wisely administered after his death. He was born on his father’s country place, Peat Gates, near Penirth, Westmoreland, England, February 19, 1842, the son of John and Sarah Walker, who owned the country estate. Peat Gates, in the North of England, where they were highly esteemed residents.  The fourth child in a family of eight, John Walker spent his childhood at home, learning the rudiments of farming while pursuing his education in the public schools. In 1868 he came to the United States and settled in Anderson County, Kans., during the pioneer days of that state. There he developed a quarter section of fine land; but the grasshoppers devastated everything, and he resolved to leave that part of the country. So in March, 1875, he came to California, his wife following him in December of that year. Before leaving England Mr. Walker had formed an attachment for Miss Agness Jackson, an estimable young North of England lady, and had won her promise to become his wife, which was sealed by their marriage in Garnett, Kans., October 29, 1870.  She was the daughter of John and Sarah (Warden) Jackson, both natives of Penirth, England. The father was a farmer and miner, and was accidentally killed in a copper mine. The mother is still living at the old home in England. Of her three children Agness is the oldest and the only one in the United States. Her education was obtained in the public schools and in her mother’s home, where she learned the culinary art and became an excellent housekeeper.

Two years after her stalwart fiancé, John Walker, had gone to America to seek his fortune, she joined him in Kansas, where they were married. At that time farming was not profitable in that state; and so they came to the Pacific Coast, as has already been explained, where a new start was made.  Mr. Walker was an energetic worker, and despite the difficulties he encountered he soon got started in the land of his adoption.  At first he worked for wages at Clii)i)er Gap in the mountains, and then went to the Berryessa Valley, Napa County, where he secured employment on the Clark ranch. Still later he leased and farmed some three thousand acres west of Williams, in Colusa County.  He met with success and made money as a result of liis labor and enterprise, and before long found himself in possession of means with which to invest in land, which liis experience had demonstrated was a valuable asset.

In 1891, with his wife, Mr. Walker made a trip back to England, where three months were spent visiting their old home and kindred. Returning to California, both were delighted to get back to the land of opportunity, where they could do things and accomplish results on a large scale. In the spring of 1892, Mr. Walker bought a section of grain land near the foothills west of Willows, Glenn County. It was a raw, undeveloped tract, which he set about to get under cultivation and make of it a home place by planting trees, building barns and outbuildings, and putting up good fences, and most of all by erecting a fine residence, making the ranch one of the best in the valley. From time to time he added to his possessions until the ranch now includes about twelve hundred acres.

With a record of a life usefully lived and well spent, John Walker passed away on his home ranch on April 4, 1909, universally mourned by the community. He was a Master Mason, and was buried with Masonic honors. Decidedly a self-made man, and a fine example of what one with ambition and industry can accomplish, Mr. Walker always attributed much of his success to his able wife, who early and late assisted him by her able management of the household and by her wise counsel and encouragement. After his death, she carried on the ranch for a year, and then leased it to others, who raise bountiful crops on the fertile soil.  Mr. and Mrs. Walker did not live for self alone. After acquiring a competence, they were not backward in doing deeds of charity by aiding others who had been less fortunate. Particularly were they solicitous for the welfare of the two children of Mr.  Walker’s brother. Amy and Edmund, which they reared and educated in the grammar and high schools of Glenn County. Amy is now Mrs. Pilgrim, of Dunsmuir; Edmund is an employe of the Southern Pacific Company at that place. In April, 1911, Mrs.

Walker made her second trip back to England, visiting her old home and places of interest in Scotland, Ireland and “Wales. She had the pleasure of being present at the coronation of King George. On her return to the United States she visited different places of interest, arriving home in Glenn County in January, 1912. She takes an active interest in social, religious and civic affairs, and believes, inasmuch as women have been granted suffrage, they should exercise their vote on important questions. A Democrat in national affairs, she is especially interested in forwarding moral and temperance movements.

Continuing to make her home in her beautiful country residence, which she planned and which was erected during her husband’s life, Mrs. Walker loves nature and derives much pleasure from caring for the flowers and ornamental trees on the place, meanwhile making of it one of the beauty spots in Glenn County.  She is an active member of the Methodist Church at Willows, and is also active in Marshall Chapter No. 86, O. E. S., in Willows, in which, for the past five years, she has held the office of treasurer.

PETER ASBURY EARP

To reach the venerable age of four score and two years, and still retain all of one’s faculties, is evidence of right living. In the life of Peter Asbury Earp, this is aptly demonstrated. As a farmer and fruit-grower he has been an eye-witness of all the changes that have taken place with the passing of the years during his residence in the Sacramento Valley. He was born in Ohio County, Ky., September 12, 1835, the oldest child in a family of eighteen children by the two marriages of his father. His parents were Lorenzo Dow and Nancy (Storm), Earp, the former born in North Carolina, a son of Walter Earp, who in turn was a son of Philip Earp, a Virginian, who served from his colony in the Revolutionary War. Walter Earp, also a Virginian, went to North Carolina in young manhood, and in 1814 removed to Ohio County, Ky., and settled there. The record of this trip has been preserved in the family annals, and is indicative of the hardships and privations endured by the early pioneers. All the household goods taken were carried on a pack-horse over the mountains, while the family walked the entire distance. From day to day they preserved their live coals for fire, stopping at times to revive them until they were ready to start a fire. In due time they arrived safely. Mr. Earp was a school-teacher, and followed his profession in the primitive schools of his time for many years. In 1846 he moved to Monmouth, ILL., where he died at the age of sixty-eight. One of the pioneer experiences of the family was the baking of bread on a flat rock that had been heated in the tire. Their corn meal was ground in a hand-mill or beaten in a mortar.

Lorenzo Dow Earp grew to manhood in Kentucky, and went with the family to Illinois in 1846, where he lived until 1853, when he removed to near Newton, Jasper County, Iowa, and farmed there until his death in 1893, at the age of eighty-four years. He served as justice of the peace and postmaster of Galesburg, Iowa.  In politics he was a Republican. During the Civil War he was active in raising troops for the Union cause. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and lived the life of a true Christian. He was twice married, and had nine children by each wife. His first wife, Nancy Storm, was a daughter of Peter and Ann Maria (Souders) Storm. Peter Storm was a son of John Storm of Virginia, who migrated to Kentucky. “While hunting in the vicinity of what is now Louisville, John Storm was captured by Indians, by whom he was held prisoner for two years. His boldness won him his freedom, the Indians making him a chief. He escaped while out hunting, and returned to his home in Kentucky. Nancy Earp died in Illinois, aged thirty-four years.

Peter A. Earp was reared in Kentucky until he was eleven, and then accompanied his parents to Illinois. He received his education in both the free and the subscription schools in the two states, and was early trained to the duties of a farmer. In 1853 he went to Iowa with his father, and remained at home until he was of age, after which he worked as a farm hand for wages. The tales of the riches to be found at Pike ‘s Peak fired the young man with a desire to try his luck ; and with some friends he outfitted with ox teams and provisions, and on May 11, 1859, started to seek his Eldorado. Before they had got beyond the boundary of their state, they met parties returning who said nothing was to be gained by going to Colorado. They were then induced to go on to California; and after six mouths of traveling they arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville, on September 2. Mr. Earp did not go to the mines for his fortune, however, but sought employment at chopping wood, as the first opportunity that came to his hand; this wood he sold to the boats plying the Sacramento River. This was in Sutter County, just across from Colusa County. He continued in this occupation until 1863, when he bought a part of his present ranch, two and one half miles south of Meridian, and began farming, and improving the property. He set out apple trees, peach trees, prune trees and apricot trees, and raised hay and live stock; and he also had an aviary. He has over thirty acres in prunes and six acres in mixed fruits. The first year he was in this part of the country he cradled seventy acres of grain, in Sutter County. His one hundred sixty acres on the Sacramento River is well improved with good buildings, and is a model ranch property His orchard of thirty acres, principally prunes, is irrigated by a pumping plant ; and he has about twenty-five acres in alfalfa, from which he cuts four crops without irrigation.

In 1864, near Grimes, Mr. Earp was married to Martha Helton, of Missouri, who came to California in 1852, crossing the plains with her parents, William and Esther Helton. Mr. and Mrs. Earp have had eleven children, eight of whom grew up : William H., who married Agnes Woodland and died in 1915, leaving eight children; Walter, who manages the home ranch; Nancy Maria, Mrs. J. E. Starnater ; George, of Sacramento ; Mary A., the wife of J. A. Messick, of Sycamore; James, in San Joaquin County ; Emma J., the wife of Robert McMahon, of Gridley ; and Bertha E., at home. Mrs. Earp died in 1888; and Mr. Earp reared and educated the children. He is a great reader of current literature. For many years he served as a school trustee. He was also connected with the Good Templars for years. He is an elder and deacon in the Christian Church at Sycamore, and was its first Sunday school superintendent.

HENRY WEAVER VAN SYCKLE

In California, more than in any other state in the Union, the vigorous prosperity of the commonwealth is directly traceable to the sturdy character and. untiring perseverance of the pioneers, many of whom risked their lives on the trackless, Indian-infested plains, bringing hither Eastern conservatism and practical experience to the aid of Western chaos and impetuosity. Enrolled among these noble and self-sacrificing men is the name of Henry Weaver Van Syckle, who was for many years identified with innumerable enterprises looking towards the development of the state.

A native of New York, he was born on the Mohawk River, March 12, 18.30. When he was a small boy his father died, leaving a widow, two sons and one daughter. Henry W. being the oldest child, it devolved upon him to assist in the support of the other members of the family. This he did by selling papers and fruit, and by singing on the streets of New York. He continued to lend his aid at home until he was nineteen, when his mother married again. The young man then left home, intent on reaching California.

With his uncle, Solomon Hasbrook Burger, and two young men, he left in 1849 for the long and dangerous trip across the plains, with a team of fine horses. They got as far as Salt Lake, with their team almost exhausted, and the party very much discouraged by having had to walk much of the way. Mr. Burger and the two young men decided they would return to their homes,

and accordingly sold the horses, wagon and provisions, took their share of the money and went back East, leaving young Van Syckle to pursue his journey to California by himself. He was firm in his determination to reach the Coast; and so he bought a horse and saddle and started alone. His provisions gave out, however, and he nearly starved. On one occasion, seeing an Indian’s dog, he crawled about a quarter of a mile to shoot it, so as to have something to eat. Failing in this, he was ready to cry with disappointment.  He had to sell his horse to buy food, and paid as high as one dollar for two eggs, and four dollars for three biscuits. On arriving in Hangtown, now Placerville, he engaged in mining with a company of men; but becoming disgusted with the company, he left them and formed other associations, and for a time mined quite successfully. Later, on leaving Hangtown, he went to Shasta Count)’, where he formed other mining connections and flumed the Sacramento River, expecting to dig up gold nuggets by the bucketful in the river bed. He met with fair success in Shasta County until a great freshet came and washed away their flumes and place of mining, when Mr. Van Syckle lost about ten thousand dollars.  It was at this time that Mr. Van Syckle quit the mining game and went to raising fine horses, in partnership with Joe Bonds, on a ranch near what is now Butte City. In 1856 he came to Colusa County, and at a place he named Princeton, located fourteen miles north from Colusa, opened a store and engaged in the mercantile business. He continued the partnership with Mr. Bonds, and they raised some very fine stock on their ranch. In 1860 he sold out his store to John Helphenstine, and disposed of his interest in the horse business to Mr. Bonds, and then returned East for his mother, and his sister and brothers. His stepfather had died in the meantime, and Mr. Van Syckle decided that he could look after the family if they were in California. He went back by way of Panama, returned the same year, 1861, with the family, over the same route, and settled three miles south of Princeton on the Ben Hance place of fourteen hundred acres. The following year he bought two hundred acres on Stony Creek, where he raised horses and grain with success.

On November 27, 185.3, at the age of twenty-three, Henry Weaver Van Syckle was united in marriage with Mrs. Rebecca Elizabeth (Etzler) Willetts, a native of Iowa, who came to California in 1851, when she was twenty-seven years old. The ceremony was performed at the home of H. Clay Grigsby, at Princeton.

Of this union there were born five children, three of whom are now living: John William, of Chico; Mrs. Mary A. Gore, of Capitola; and Mrs. Jerry Burger, of Glenn County. Mrs. Van Syckle passed away on December 26, 1878, at their beautiful home in Santa Clara County, which Mr. Van Syckle purchased in 1871, and which comprised twenty-one acres. He had moved his family down to that county in order to give his children better educational advantages. The previous year he and his oldest daughter had made a trip back East to visit some of his old friends and relatives ; but they came back to California that same year, and settled on the ranch until locating in their new home.  Mr. Van Syckle acquired other properties also. He bought one hundred fifty acres from “Bob” Ord, near St. John, and there constructed a rough board house, in which he and his family lived until he could build a more substantial residence. He bought more land from A. C. St. John, and in time became the owner of seven hundred acres. This land he sowed to grain, doing the work alone and by hand, walking the fields with a wheat-sack fastened to him.  In 1876 he purchased three hundred nine acres one mile west of Nelson, Butte County. He became well-to-do through his own efforts ; and after a long and useful life, passed to his reward in 1903, mourned by his family, and by a large circle of friends, who appreciated his worth as a man. He was a loyal citizen, thoroughly grounded in the belief that there was no country like his own ; and he was ready at all times to do his share towards making it a better place in which to live. After Mr. Van Syckle had met with prosperity, he did a great deal to aid all those who were less fortunate than himself ; for he knew by experience what an up-hill road a poor man has to travel in order to make a success. He knew what hardships meant, and was always glad to lighten the burdens of others when he found an opportunity.

MOSES STINCHFIELD

Among the names held in high esteem in Colusa County is that of the late Moses Stinchfield, a pioneer rancher of the Sycamore district, who was noted throughout the community for his genial, liberal nature and uprightness of character. He was born on June 5, 1832, in Evansville. Ind. His father was Daniel Stinchfield, who was born on March 11, 1782. Daniel Stinchfield was united in marriage,, on May 26, 1816, with Roxana Judkins, who was born on January 17, 1800, and who died in October, 1838. He died on March 9, 1852. The progenitor of the family in America was John Stinchfield, born in Leeds, England, who migrated to  America and settled at Gloucester, Mass., later moving to New Gloucester, Maine. The township of New Gloucester was granted in 1736—in the days of the tomahawk and scalping-knife, when the general court offered a bounty of four hundred pounds sterling for Indian scalps—but the settlers were forced to flee to safety, and it was not until 175.3 that New Gloucester settlement was successfully established. John Stinchfield was the leader in building the blockhouse, which served as fort, meeting-house and home for the settlement, in which he was prominent for years. It has been handed down that he was an ignorant boy, who could not spell or write his own name when he came from England. In 1904 there were found records in the attic of the home of the First Congregational Minister of New Gloucester, which tell of many brave and wise things done by him ; and also business letters in his own handwriting, correct in form and concise in diction, which showed that he had considerable executive ability. He was married in America to Elizabeth Burns ; and their children were John, Elizabeth, James, Thomas, Sarah, “William, and Rogers. James Stinchfield married Sally Parsons; and they had the following children: Sarah, James, Lydia, William, Daniel, Mark P., Sarah, Moses, Jacob, Betsy, John, and Henry. This Daniel Stinchfield was the father of Moses Stinchfield, the subject of our sketch. To Daniel and Roxana Stinchfield the following children were born: David, John, Hiram, Moses, George, Sarah, Harriet, Rachel, Lydia, and Mark.

Moses Stinchfield, of this review, attended the public school for a short time, and obtained the balance of his education by personal study and the reading of good literature. He was particularly fond of reading. “When he had reached the age of nineteen, he was offered and accepted a position as teacher in a country school.. He was reared to the life of a farmer; and although he spent ten years mining in California, the balance of his days were spent on a farm, where he ultimately made his financial success.  During the idle seasons on the farm, he superintended the building of river levees and engaged in the building of roads and bridges.

He also did considerable carpenter” work for others, as he was handy with all kinds of tools. In fact, he was just the right kind of a pioneer to aid in laying the foundations of a county and a state. He was prominent in politics as a conservative Democrat, and was elected treasurer of Colusa County in 1873 on the Democratic ticket, serving a two-year term, after which he once more took up farming and stock-raising. He was often called upon to make public speeches, which were always made impromptu. Fraternally, Mr. Stinchfield was an Odd Fellow. He joined Brooklyn Lodge, No. 46, at Red Dog, Nevada County, in which he served as Noble Grand; and when lie moved away, his membership was transferred to Colusa Lodge, No. 133, which twice honored him with the office of Noble Grand, first upon its organization and again in 1888. He passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge and served as District Deputy for Colusa County for eleven years.  He was also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was District Deputy Grand Master for Colusa County. Moses Stinchfield was a writer of poetry, and left a large collection of choice poems, two of which are reproduced herewith.  Mr. Stinchfield was twice married, first to Mary Newell, at Nevada City, Cal., October 16, 1862. She was born in Australia of Irish parents and was left an orphan at Red Dog, Cal., when quite young. She was a fine-looking and lovable woman, and was the mother of the following children: Edna Miriam, the wife of James Monroe Graham, and the mother of two children, Alex and Robert; George Edward, who married Willia Parr and lives at Healdsburg; Albert Sydney, who is specially mentioned below;

Frank Emerson, who died at the age of thirty-three years; William Elmer, who married Ann Wood and resides in Sacramento Burdah, who became the wife of Albertus Goodin, of Dunnigan; Emma Louise, the wife of Edward F. Burtis ; Claude, who died in infancy; Stephen Herbert, also deceased; and Zoe Gertrude, who married Harry Hill, of College City. The second marriage united Mr. Stinchfield with Annie Stinchfield, who was born at Gold Springs, Tuolumne County, Cal., in 1862. She taught school for ten years, and became a well-known educator. She is the mother of two daughters: Harriet Asenath, the wife of William J. Williamson; and Roxana Judkins, who married Gordon Ferris. Mr.  Stinchfield passed away at College City, July 11, 1906, mourned by a large concourse of close friends and a wide circle of acquaintances.  Mrs. Stinchfield survives her husband. She makes her home in Palo Alto, Cal.

Albert Sydney Stinchfield, the second son of Moses Stinchfield, was born on January 30, 1867, and was educated in the public schools. On February 20, 1901, he was married to Miss Lillian Geer, by whom he has had six children : Emma Gertrude, Alberta, Moses, Henry, Robert S., and Stanley Geer. Mr. Stinchfield has a very fine collection of photographs, taken throughout Colusa County and the Sacramento Valley, and in parts of Old Mexico.  He is one of the representative ranchers of the Grimes district of Colusa County.

VINCENT A. PETERSON

The proprietor of the V. A. Peterson Alfalfa Seed Co., of Arbuckle, has gained an enviable reputation in this part of the Sacramento Valley, and has been identified with the best interests of Yolo and Colusa Counties for many years. A native son of California, Vincent A. Peterson was born in San Diego, May 15, 1875, and when eight years old was taken by his parents to Sonoma County, where he attended the Pacific Methodist College at Santa Rosa. On reaching his majority he went back to San Diego County and became interested in the cattle business and in mining, meeting with good success. For a time he carried on a furniture business in Los Angeles. Coming back to Sonoma County, he married Lulu H. Pearson, a native daughter of Stanislaus County and in 1898 they located in Stockton. There he engaged in raising potatoes on the delta lands, being the pioneer potato-grower in that section. That was at a time when potatoes were selling for thirty cents per sack of one hundred pounds—a marked contrast with the prevailing prices in 1917.

Not being satisfied with the results obtained in this venture, Mr. Peterson came to Yolo County and, near Blacks, leased the Clausen ranch of twenty-six hundred acres, and embarked in the raising of thoroughbred Holstein cattle and Berkshire hogs, importing some of the best strains from the East, which he introduced into California. In 1913, finding a good opening in the growing town of Arbuckle, he settled there and engaged in growing, buying, and selling alfalfa seed. He raises from three hundred to six hundred acres per year on leased land and buys all over the vallej^ as well as in the San Joaquin Valley’ and in Southern California. He furnishes many of the large companies in the state with alfalfa seed. All the seed handled is carefully inspected before being put on the market. Colusa County produces about one hundred twenty tons of seed every year, most of which Mr. Peterson handles, shipping it in carload lots to Mexico, Canada South America, and the Eastern States. He does a large mail-order business, furnishes all the farm bureaus with seed, keeps thoroughly posted on the alfalfa crop conditions in the state, and leases and operates four hundred acres of land southwest of Arbuckle.  In this extensive enterprise, Mr. Peterson is meeting with deserved success.

While a resident of Yolo County Mr. Peterson took an active interest in Democratic politics, and was chairman of the County Central Committee. As statistician of Yolo County he gathered data on all the products grown. He is now acting as United States Government crop reporter for Colusa County and part of Yolo County. He is a man of wide information, and is looked upon as an authority on agricultural matters. He believes in the future of the county and the state in general, is public-spirited to a marked degree, and is always found on the side of advancement and good government. He is a member of the Arbuckle Chamber of Commerce, and is recognized as one of the “live wires” of Colusa County.

Mr. Peterson is a lover of clean sport, in which he takes an active interest as local manager of the Arbuckle baseball club.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Foresters, in Stockton j the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Eagles, in Woodland.

HENRY KUHLMEY

By his judicious investments in Colusa, Mr. Kuhlmey has shown his faith in the future of that town. He is the owner of the building on the east side of Fifth Street. It is a two-story brick building, with basement, forty-five by sixty feet. Part of the building was put up in 1892, and the balance in 1912. The first floor is occupied by the Home Bakery and the Rexall Drug Store, while the second floor is fitted up as up-to-date flats, one of them being occupied by Mr. Kuhlmey and his family.  Henry Kuhlmey was born near Berlin, Germany, on June 5, 1860, and attended the common schools until he was fourteen, when he was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He then served an apprenticeship to learn the trade of the baker; and after its completion, in 1878, he worked as a journeyman in Berlin, Mecklenburg and Schleswig-Holstein. Hearing of the opportunities offered in San Francisco, he determined to try his fortunes there.

Sailing from Hamburg, April 14, 1885, on the Australia, of the Morris Company line, he arrived in New York nineteen days later, and in San Francisco on May 14. Being a thorough master of his

trade, he secured a position in Buck’s Bakery on Folsom Street, and was kept unusually busy for several years. In the meantime he was learning the ways of doing business in this country, and was acquiring an acquaintance with the English language. He saved his money, and in 1891 had enough to start in for himself.  While looking about to find a good locality in which to cast in his lot and build up with a town, he came to Colusa. Here he bought the old Colusa Bakery, and soon afterwards bought the present lot and built a new and modern bakery. In his new quarters he went to work with renewed energy to build up a trade, in which he succeeded. In 191:2 he sold the bakery to McPherson Montgomery; and the business is now being carried on under the name of the Home Bakery.

In January, 1891, Henry Kuhlmey was united in marriage, in Woodland, with Tillie Ortner, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child, a daughter, Marie, who is a graduate of the San Francisco State Normal School. While in San Francisco Mr.  Kuhlmey applied for citizenship papers, which were perfected in 1894. In all matters that pertain to the upbuilding of Colusa and the moral uplift of the citizens, Mr. Kuhlmey is always found ready to aid with his time and his means. He became a resident of the county in 1891 ; and during his residence here he has held the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends and business associates.

MICHAEL GOLDEN

A public official whose repeated selection by the people for a high and responsible office must be accepted as undeniable evidence of their appreciation of his past services and their confidence in his character and experience, Michael Golden, the genial auditor and recorder of Glenn County, was born at Sandusky, Ohio, February 2, 1848. He is the son of Michael and Margaret (Gallagher) Golden. Michael Golden, the father, was a contractor.

Young Golden was educated in the public schools in Erie County until he was twelve years old. He then began “paddling his own canoe,” and soon afterwards had his first business experience as a clerk in a store at Plasterbed, Ohio, where his alertness and fidelity to duty early attracted attention, so that before long- he had full charge of the store. In 1865 he moved further west to Alabaster, Iosco County, Mich., where he clerked in a store under  the proprietorship of George B. Smith, who was also proprietor of the store in which he had formerly been employed; and here he was given the management of the business. Soon after the death of his benefactor, Mr. Smith, young Golden decided he would come west to California, where he arrived in 1877. In January of the following year he secured a position with Eppinger & Co., in their general merchandise establishment in Germantown, Glenn County ; and later he became manager and part owner of Hochheimer & Co., a general merchandise concern in the same city. Mr. Golden resided in Germantown for twenty-nine years, while actively engaged in business.

In 1906 he gave up his mercantile pursuits to enter the political arena; and armed with the Democratic nomination for the office of county auditor and recorder, he was elected after a hard fight. In 1910, he ran for reelection, defeating his opponent at the primaries five to one, thus giving him the election. At the pri- maries he received a most complimentary vote from his fellow citizens at Germantown, where every Republican and every Democrat, but one, expressed their approval of him, a tribute of which he is justly proud. In the fall of 1914, Mr. Golden was again a candidate to succeed himself, and had no opposition. He is now serving his third term in office.

In 1870, Mr. Golden was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Bidwell, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., whose companionship he enjoyed for a decade, but of whom he was bereaved in 1880. Three children were born of this union: Edward J., manager of the Rochdale Store at Germantown ; Emma C, Mrs. D. A. Shellooe, of Glenn, who has five sons and two daughters ; and Ida O., who became Mrs. W. C. Harding, and died, leaving one daughter, Sarah Ida Marie.

DAVID PRINE

The family from which David Prine is descended represents the mingling of French and English blood on the paternal side, and of Irish and German blood on the maternal side. David Prine was born in Jackson County, Mo., on December 1, 1834. His father was William Martin Prine, born in Ohio, on March 14, 1812, a son of a French patriot who fought in the War of 1812. William Mar- tin Prine married M. Paula Daily, a native of Ohio, whose father was an Irishman, and whose mother was German-born. In 1850, with his wife and eight children, and some others, Mr. Prine crossed the plains to Oregon. Their party was small but well managed, and no untoward trouble with the Indians befell them.  The little party was saddened, however, by the death en route of two of the daughters of the family, and a brother and sister of Mrs. Prine. They died of cholera, and were buried on the plains.

On their arrival in Oregon, Mr. Prine and his family settled in Linn County, at the forks of the Santiam River, where the father farmed until coming to California in 1868. Arriving in this state, he settled near Maxwell, where he bought a quarter section of land. Here he raised grain until 1872, when he returned to Oregon. There he farmed until his death. William Prine was a man of great public spirit, always in favor of expansion and development wherever he lived.

David Prine was educated in the rural schools of his day in Missouri and Oregon, and remained with his father until he was twenty-three years of age. He then struck out for himself, leasing land for four years and engaging in general farming. Meeting with success, he decided to become a landowner and bought two hundred acres, which he improved ; and here he continued in his chosen calling until 1868, when he came with his father to this state. Upon his arrival here, Mr. Prine took up a government claim of one hundred sixty acres, four miles southwest of Maxwell.  He bought another quarter section, adjoining on the east, and still another quarter section two miles southeast of his place. He began raising grain the year of his arrival, and has harvested an annual crop every year since. Every building, tree, shrub, vine, fence and well on the property has been placed there by its owner ; and he has labored with patience until he has developed a fine country estate. A few years ago Mr. Prine and his son David F.  bought two hundred acres of land adjoining the old home on the north, where he is now living with his son, who has a fine dairy of seventeen cows, and raises alfalfa and hogs. A new pumping plant has been installed, which furnishes ample water for irrigation.

Mr. Prine married Emma Sylvester, a native of England, who died on December 9, 1911, leaving, besides her husband, three children to mourn her loss. Enoch married Miss Jameson; and they have five children. Isabelle first married Al Baker, who died, leaving one child. She later married C. A. Booher, and three children bless their union. David F. married Zenada Carlos Brice, by

whom he has two children. There were three other daughters, who married and are deceased : Margaret A., Vina, and Paula M.  Mr. Prine has eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  He is a man who makes friends easily, and retains their friendship. In religious belief he is a Baptist. No man now living in the county can say more truthfully that he has done his duty as he has seen it than Mr. Prine of the Maxwell district.

JOHN SITES

The pioneer of Antelope Valley, John Sites, was born in Hesse, Germany, October 4, 1832, and came to the United States in 1834, with his father, Henry Sites, who settled in St. Charles County, Mo., and followed farming there. On April 16, 1850, John Sites started across the plains with a Mr. Fisher, agreeing to work for him nine months after their arrival in California. They arrived in Placerville on August 4 of that same year, and young Sites began his nine months of service to fulfil his contract with Mr. Fisher. They all suffered from mountain fever ; so he and the Fishers moved to Yolo County and settled on Cache Creek, where they engaged in cattle-raising. In 1853 Mr. Sites sold out and moved to Antelope Valley, Colusa County, bringing his stock with him. He bought a small ranch and began making improvements, adding to the land first purchased until he had some seven thou- sand acres in the valley. Here Mr. Sites continued farming and stock-raising. Liberal to a fault, and branching out too freely, when the panic came it caught him and he met with some reverses.  He gave one half of the site of the town of Sites to the Colusa and Lake County Railroad Co., which company laid out the town and named it in his honor. He was also a large stockholder in the company, and one of the original directors. He died April 30, 1914. In the early days of his residence in this section he was a hunter of note, bringing down grizzly bears and other bears, as well as antelope and elk. He was a likable man, and was much esteemed by every one. He was liberal towards all worthy projects, and particularly active in the cause of education, serving as a member of the school board and assisting to establish the first school in Antelope Valley. He was a member of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Sites’ first marriage united him with Laura E. Aycoke, a native of Missouri. She became the mother of three children: John H., residing in Missouri ; Mattie L., Mrs. Halloway, of Fairview; and Nora, Mrs. J. W. Pryor, of Riverside. Mrs. Laura Sites passed away at their home in Sites. The second marriage of Mr. Sites was celebrated in Antelope Valley, where he was united with Mrs. Alferetta (Shearin) Wright, also a native of Missouri, who came to California with her parents in 1862, by way of Panama, when she was a child of four years. The family located in Antelope Valley. Her father, Joseph Shearin, was a farmer.

He is now deceased. Her mother, Octavia (Cobb) Shearin, is still  living at the old home, at an advanced age. Mrs. Sites had one child by her first marriage, Henry Wright, now a rancher near the town of Princeton. Of her second marriage five children were born : Pearl, Mrs. Bell, of Fairview ; William K., a farmer in Antelope Valley; and Floyd Lee, Jennings Bryan, and George W., who are at home. Floyd and Jennings are assisting their mother with her farming operations, and are highly respected in their community.

Mr. Sites was a Democrat in his political convictions. Fraternally, he was a member of Snow Mountain Lodge of Masons, at Stonyford; and he was buried with all the honors of that order.

He was acknowledged as one of God’s noblemen by all who knew him. Kind and considerate of others, liberal as far as his means would permit, he was always helping others less fortunate than himself. No instance can be called to mind when his heart and purse refused to respond to an appeal from the needy and distressed. 

BENJAMIN HINE

As a successful and enterprising rancher of the Grimes district, in Colusa County, “Ben” Hine, as he is familiarly called, has been closely identified with the agricultural interests of this section since he began his independent career. He was born on June 26, 1883, a son of the late Samuel Henry Hine, who was born in Sharpsburg, Washington County, Md., on July 2, 1849.  Grandfather John Hine was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died when he was sixty-nine, at which time his son was a lad of but eight years of age. Samuel Hine went to the public schools until he was twelve, and then began working as a tow-boy on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, later becoming a steersman. In 1876 he went to Illinois for a short time, working as a farm hand in Ogle County; and in 1877 he arrived in California — financially “broke,” but abundantly supplied with courage and determination, and favored with a strong constitution. He worked three years in Sutter County, and then, in 1880, came over into Colusa County, where he found work near Arbuckle for a short time. By this time he had saved enough to make a start for himself; and accordingly he bought an outfit and leased some land near Colusa, and for the following sixteen years engaged in farming, with profit to himself nearly every year. In 1898 he settled on Grand Island, and later bought two hundred fifty acres near Grimes, and he also owned four hundred acres of tule land. He was a stockholder in the Grimes Rochdale Store during its lifetime.

Fraternally, he was an Odd Fellow; and in politics he was a Republican. Samuel Hine married Susau Kretzer, also a native of Maryland ; and three sons were born to them : Benjamin, Samuel, and Leslie. He passed away in 1913; and his widow lives on one of her ranches, with her youngest son.

The oldest son of the family, Benjamin Hine grew up on the ranch and went to the public schools, and also took a course in the Stockton Business College. He began ranching at an early age, forming a partnership with his brother, Samuel. They purchased an outfit, and leased some twenty-two hundred acres of land five miles from Colusa, which they farm to grain. Modern methods are employed to plant and harvest the crops. They use a Holt combined harvester, with a 110-horse-power oil-burning steam tractor, and other modern appliances to lighten labor. The crop for 1917 proved a bumper one, and brought good prices.

In 1908, Benjamin Hine married Miss Zella Kilgore, daughter of W. W. Kilgore; and they have two children, twins, Lloyd and Earl. Mr. Hine is a stockholder in the Colusa County Bank, and in the Farmers’ Transportation Company. He joined the Odd Fellows when he was twenty-one, and is a Past Grand of the Grimes Lodge. He lives in Grimes, where he is well and favorably known.

WILLIAM TOLLES WRIGHT

Like his father, the late William Wright, this rancher of Colusa County has made his own way in the world and attained to an enviable degree of prominence in his locality. He is the only son of his parents now living. His father was a native of England, born at Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, April 14, 1832, the son of William and Mary (Measures) Wright, both born in England. He received but a limited education, and at the age of fourteen, in 1847, embarked on a sailing vessel for New Orleans, taking seventy- three days to make the trip. From New Orleans he went by boat

up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Evansville, Ind., where he was employed until 1852 at any work he could find to do. In that year, with others, he chartered a boat, and on April 14 started for St. Joseph, Mo., where they outfitted with provisions, and started overland with ox teams and the old prairie schooners, for the toilsome journey across the plains to California, under  the leadership of Captain Onyett. They left St. Joseph on May 5, and on September 1 arrived at Bidwell’s Bar, after a long and dangerous trip in which they had several battles with Indians, who ran off some of their stock and killed one of their men. On his arrival, Mr. Wright went to work in the mines at five dollars a day. He was “flat broke” when he arrived, having only seven dollars and a half left; and he had to spend that for a pair of shoes. So he was glad of any work that would give him a little money. He could not stand working in the water, however; so he kept his job only eight days, and then walked to Nevada City, and began mining for himself at Red Dog. In 1863 he came to Colusa County and bought some land south of Sycamore, so that if he should lose all his money in the mining game he would still have some laud; and in 1869 he moved to his ranch.  He took his house to pieces at Red Dog and moved it in sections to his place, where he put it together again. To protect his ranch from the inroads of the- river, he built a levee. Here he engaged in raising grain and stock until 1892, when he retired. He died on June 17, 1907. In 1864, in Red Dog, Nevada County, he married Mrs. Harriet Christina (Sanger) Green, the widow of Jeremiah Green, by whom she had three children : Mrs. Lillian F. Dunlap, Henry S. Green, and Frank C. Green. She was born in Clinton, N. Y., October 10, 1827, and came to California with relatives, via Panama, in the early fifties. Her marriage to Mr. Green occurred in 1854. By her marriage with Mr. Wright she had two sons, William T. and George M. The latter died on July 30, 1912, aged forty-four years. Mrs. Wright died on September 22, 1910, aged nearly eighty-three years. Mr. Wright was a Republican. Fraternally, he was a member of the Odd Fellows. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church.

William T. Wright was born at Red Dog, Nevada County, on February 4, 1865, and was reared in Colusa County, in the Dry Slough district, where he attended the public schools. He has a faint recollection of the trip over the mountains from Nevada County with his parents, and of the early conditions that confronted them upon settling in their new home. He learned to plow as soon as he could reach the plow handles ; and ever since he has been following the occupation of a farmer. After their father retired from active work, in 1892, William T. Wright and his brother George worked the place, part of the time together, and at other times each for himself. William T. Wright now owns the place of four hundred acres, and still lives on the property, which he leases

to tenants. Farming has not claimed all of Mr. Wright’s time and attention. He is interested in other lines of business endeavor, including mercantile and banking interests, and in projects for the upbuilding and improvement of the valley, and for increasing its transportation facilities. He believes in living and letting live, and has always been willing to lend a helping hand to those who

have been less fortunate than himself. He is enterprising and public-spirited, and like his father before him he is ever ready to give of his time and means to enhance the comfort of the people and advance the interests of the county, in which he has spent practically his whole life. He is a member of Lodge No. 266, I. 0.  0. F., at Grimes. In politics he is a Democrat, and a member of the County Central Committee.

THOMAS HELM HARLAN

The story of the life of Thomas Helm Harlan, one of the pioneers of California, is a story of deep interest; and were he alive to narrate it, the scenes that he witnessed during his active career in the Golden State, the hardships that he endured, and the obstacles that he surmounted would make a large volume.  His biography dates from November 17, 1834, when he was born in Kentucky, to the year 1910, when he died at his home in Willows. His parents were George W. and Johanna (Helm) Harlan, the latter born in Missouri.

Thomas H. Harlan received a common school education in his native state, and grew to young manhood on farms in his home locality. In 1853, lie was taken with the gold fever, and, in company with his brother Joseph, crossed the plains with ox teams, in due time arriving in Grass’ Valley, Cal., where he began mining. Thereafter he was in Yuba County until 1856, when he located in Grand Island, Colusa County, and there began raising stock. Meeting with considerable success, he later went to Bear ^”alley and there confined his efforts to raising sheep and hogs, and to general farm pursuits. He sold this property and came down to Colusa County once more, and purchased a full section of land about ten miles west from Williams. Here he improved a good ranch and farmed with success for many years, in time becoming a large stock-raiser. He it was who introduced the breeding of Angora goats in his section of the county; and he became well known in that particular branch of the stock business.  He was very successful, and was engaged in active pursuits until he finally retired to a life of quiet at a home in Willows.

Thomas Helm Harlan was united in marriage with Jane Haynes ; and they had seven children born to them : Helm Harden, Thomas William, Mattie Johanna (deceased), Joseph, Christian Madison, George B., and Susan. Mr. Harlan was a man of happy, friendly disposition, with a smile for everybody. Naturally he made many friends and few, if any, enemies; and he became one of the best-known and best-liked men in the Sacramento Valley.

He was a Democrat in politics, of much influence in the party, and a fine speaker. For recreation he wrote poetry of considerable merit, and much prose. He ranked high as a Mason. After a well-spent and prosperous life, he passed away at his home, leaving five sons to mourn his passing.

T. H. Harlan lived to do as much good as he could, to as many as he could, as he passed through life. It did not matter to him what their creed, nationality, color, or social position might be ; for he stood ready to aid all on their journey through life, so long as the path they followed did not lead to evil or evil influences. He was known to have dismounted from his horse to give it to a stranger, and then to have walked joyously home with the feeling that he had helped a fellow man. He was very hospitable; and he made it his object in life to be good and do good; to scatter precious seeds of kindness, so that the lives of others might be brightened a little for having met him. His was not a selfish life; and hence he did not look for great worldly returns.

THOMAS WILLIAM HARLAN

A native son of Colusa County, and one whose name now ranks high in agricultural circles in the Sacramento Valley, is T. W. Harlan of Willows. He was born on April 5, 1874, a son of the late Thomas Helm and Jane (Haynes) Harlan, of whom more extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume, in a sketch of the life of T. H. Harlan.

Thomas William Harlan was reared on his father’s ranch, and attended the public schools in pursuit of an education. As he was growing to manhood, he learned the various branches of farming and the care of stock; and thus equipped, he began his career as a grain farmer on rented land west from Williams.  After this he was employed for one year by the Hamilton Sugar Company, in the capacity’ of foreman of the teams used in farm- ing their lands. His next work was in the Sierra Valley, where he assisted in the construction work on the Western Pacific Eail- road. On settling in Willows he leased some two thousand acres of the Hoag tract and began raising wheat, barley, stock and rice. He has met with very satisfactory returns, so much so that he now owns the greater part of the land. He gives much attention to raising stock, and has some tine specimens on his ranch northeast of Willows.

Mr. Harlan was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Otten, a native of New York; and they have one son. Helm W. Harlan.

Mr. Harlan is president of the Glenn County Cold Storage and Creamery Company, and a director of the Electric Railway Corporation. While busily engaged in looking after his own interests, Mr. Harlan finds time to devote to such duties as claim the attention of public-spirited citizens who are interested in the welfare of their own community, and he is always ready to lend his services and give his advice to the inexperienced, to help them on their road to prosperity and happiness. The lessons learned in his childhood have always stood him in good stead. When a child he was obedient, and faithful to his parents; and in his mature!” years he was a faithful and loving companion to his mother and sisters, assisting- them in their every effort to do good.  Indeed, his entire bearing toward the gentler sex has always been characterized by marked courtesy and politeness. A man of strong character and determination, he has always directed his business affairs along the lines of strict integrity and honor. As a result he has been truly blessed with the love of his family- and the esteem of his friends and associates. He finds his greatest pleasure in doing his duty by his family, and in giving pleasure to others as he goes through the busy routine of daily business life.  Mr. Harlan is a great lover of his work, his stock, and his ranch ; and he is especially kind and considerate in his treatment of his employes. Like his father before him, he tries to do all the good he can to all the people he can, and feels that in this way he is doing his share towards uplifting humanity, spiritually and intellectually.  

ALBERT AUSTIN THAYER

Energetic, progressive, and possessing the sound judgment and executive ability necessary to manage large business interests, Albert Austin Thayer, of Grimes, is one of the foremost business men in Colusa County. A native of New York, he was born at Broadalbin, Fulton County, on January 20, 1848. He was educated in the public schools of New York City and Brooklyn, after which he took a course in Bryant and Stratton’s Business College in the latter place, graduating in 1872. The Thayer family are of English ancestry. Grandfather Reuben Thayer, whose parents were born in England, was an early settler in Fulton County. The father, Charles Thayer, was born in that county, and followed the trade of blacksmith in different parts of New York State. He married Lucretia McFarland, of Scotch descent ; and by her he had four children, all of whom have now joined the silent majority, with the exception of Albert Austin, of this review. His parents came to California in later years, and made their home with him until they died. His father passed away in 1904, aged eighty-four ; while his mother died about 1900, aged eighty.

After his graduation from business college, Mr. Thayer came to California, in 1872. He stopped in Sacramento, where he was offered a position as bookkeeper in a store, owned by C. J. Diefendorf, at Eddy’s Landing, on Grand Island. He remained in this establishment for eight years, the last five of which he was manager. In 1880 he made a visit back to his home in New York. Upon his return to this state, he embarked in the grain business for himself at Eddy’s Landing, writing insurance as a side issue. In 1877 he had purchased the ferry; and in 1892 he had a new boat built, said to be the first boat run by a cable, and propelled back and forth by the current, in this part of the state.  In association with others, Mr; Thayer built a fireproof ware- house of galvanized iron, fifty by three hundred feet, with a capacity of seventy thousand sacks of grain. He is secretary, treasurer, and manager of this company, known as the Farmers’ Warehouse Company, of which Jesse Poundstone, of Grimes, is president. The company was organized in 1905, with a cai3ital of $25,000. Mr. Thayer is also treasurer of the Farmers’ Transportation Company, organized about 1907, with a capital of $125,000, and with head offices at Grimes; the other officers are J. M.  Miller, president and manager, and L. M. Miller, secretary and assistant manager. This company owns a warehouse at Grimes, and operates in the heart of the grain-producing section of the Sacramento Valley. Mr. Thayer was the originator of the com- pany; and they built two steam barges, the Valetta and the Sacramento, each of five hundred tons capacity, plying between Colusa and San Francisco, weekly. He started a lumber-yard in Grimes, in 1905, which does a flourishing business; was one of the organizers of the Home Telephone Company; and was a stockholder in the Grimes Rochdale store, while it was in existence. He also farms fifteen hundred acres to grain, in partnership with E. J.  Miller.

Mr. Thayer has been a stanch Republican. For many years he served as a member of the Republican State Central Committee; and he is now a member of the County Central Committee. In local affairs, however, he looks to the qualifications of the applicant for office, rather than to his party affiliations. He is a member of the Union League Club of San Francisco. He served as deputy internal revenue collector for five years, from 1889, for the Fourth District of California. In 1895 he was appointed under sheriff by E. W. Jones, and served four years. In 1901 he was appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy on the board of supervisors from the Second District. He served the unexpired term, and in 1902 was elected to the office and served two years.  For about twenty years he served as a school trustee of his district.

In 1877 Mr. Thayer was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Schillig, a daughter of Paul Schillig and a native of Sutter County. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer have had seven children: Martha, wife of F. A. Beckley, deputy commissioner of weights and measures of Sacramento County; C. Paul, who married Callie White, and who is agent of the Farmers’ Transportation Company, at Sacramento; Harry M., assistant cashier of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, at Sacramento; Hilda, who married P. D.  Reese, bookkeeper for the Palm Iron Works, of Sacramento ; Albert Austin, Jr., who married Amanda Grimm, and who is assisting his father at Grimes ; Helena, the wife of Carroll Morris, of Sacramento, who is in the employ of the Don Lee Automobile Company; J. Schillig, a student in the Sacramento Business College, who is bugler of Troop B, First California Cavalry, and was with General Funston on the Mexican border. Mr. Thayer is a member of the local Red Cross at Grimes. He was made a Mason in 1874, in Colusa Lodge, F. & A. M. ; and is a member of Colusa Chapter, No. 60, R. A. M. ; Colusa Commandery, No. 24, K. T. ; and Islam Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of San Francisco. He is also an Odd Fellow and a Forester; and with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star. The residence of Mr. Thayer was built in 1878, on an acre of ground at Eddy’s Landing. Here he lives in comfort, surrounded by the many friends he has made during his long years of residence in Grimes.

PIERRE BARCELOUX

It must be very gratifying to Pierre Barceloux to look back over his fifty-eight years spent in California, forty-six years of which have been passed within the confines of what is now Glenn County ; yet the retrospect is also mingled with a sense of sadness when he remembers the years of early struggle, hardship and sacrifice that he and his wife endured before they acquired a competency and reached the point where they could retire from the busy marts of trade and agriculture to live a life of ease and quiet.  It is interesting to hear him tell of his trip to California by way of Panama, and of his arrival in San Francisco with just ten dollars in his pocket, and of how, after arriving in Sacramento, he walked to Amador County, where he began his life in this state as a farm hand.

“Peter” Barceloux, as he is better known to his friends in Willows, was born near Montreal, Canada, October 24, 1837, a son of Pascal and Marguerite (Sencere) Barceloux, both natives of the province of Quebec. His parents were born and reared near St. Manoire, where they spent their lives as farmers, until their death. Of the two sons and three daughters, Peter was the youngest; and he was but three years old when his father died. His mother lived until 1857. He received his education in the public schools of his native province, but in the French language, after which he assisted his mother until she died. In 1859 he left his native land, bound for California, and reached here by way of Panama in May of that year. He could not speak English ; so af- ter his work was done for the day, he pored intently over his books to learn the language, that he might be able to transact business satisfactorily. He worked on farms for seven years, and then went to Virginia City, Nev., where he followed mining for two years, being employed in the Comstock lode and the Imperial mines.

Mr. Barceloux then made a trip back to his Canadian home for a visit and remained about ten months, during which time, on February 2, 1869, he was married to Miss Lumina Lacroix, a na- tive of that section. They made their way to California by way of New York and Panama ; and on arriving once again in California, Mr. Barceloux farmed on Cache Creek in Yolo County for two years, after which, in 1871, he came to what is now Glenn County, where he secured one hundred sixty acres of railroad land, located four and one half miles southwest of what is now the town of Willows. At that time there was no town or railroad. He paid twelve dollars an acre for the land, put in grain and raised good crops, and in time bought more land, until he became the owner of twenty-two hundred acres in one body. The buildings on the old ranch were built by Mr. Barceloux. He farmed on a fairly large scale, using four eight-horse teams, a combined harvester, and other modern machinery as it came on the market. Later he bought twelve hundred eighty acres a mile west of Willows, and this was also farmed in an up-to-date manner. The many years Mr. Barceloux spent on his ranch were busy ones ; but he reaped his reward, and in 1912 retired to private life in Willows, where he and his wife have every comfort that money can buy. Mr. Bar- celoux has contributed to the upbuilding of the county in many ways. Among the improvements to his credit is the Barceloux Building, located on the corner of Butte and Sycamore Streets, pronounced the finest concrete fireproof building in Willows.

Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Barceloux six children were born. Two died in early childhood; and one, Ernest, died at the age of thirty-one, leaving three sons, now living in Willows.  Henry J., a business man of Willows, is married and has one son ; Cora married Fred Gelinas of Willows, and has two daughters; and George, president of the Bank of Orland, has four sons.

Mr. Barceloux is a director and stockholder in the Glenn County Savings Bank and the Bank of Orland, and also in the Fort Sutter Bank of Sacramento. A Republican in politics, he was solicited by his friends to be a candidate for supervisor of Glenn County; but not wishing political preferment, he declined the honor. He served as a school trustee of Lincoln district for many years.

Mr. Barceloux is a very liberal and kind-hearted man ; and he has often rendered benevolent and charitable aid to deserving people. His benefactions are always accomplished in a modest and unassuming manner ; and they bear as their motive the spirit of the Golden Rule. Many a worthy young man has been helped by him to get a start in life. He has always been very optimistic for the future progress of this section of the state, and has been ready to help in building up the town and county where he has been so long a resident. His many years of labor have met with the success deserved by those who labor not only for their own interests, but for those of the community as well. In all his labors and successes his lot has been shared by his faithful wife, who has been a true helpmate to him. He belongs to the Catholic Church.

OSCAR MINTON DURHAM

A man of sterling worth, in all that makes for true manhood, Oscar Minton Durham, Justice of the Peace of Grimes, Colusa County, since 1914, has won a place of honorable mention in the county that has been his home since boyhood. His father, the late James Holloway Durham, was born in Kentucky, where he met and married a daughter of that state, by whom he had five chil- dren. Pour of these grew up ; and two of the sons, with their families, came to the Pacific Coast in the train commanded by their father. Captain Dixrham. Some time after the death of his first wife, James H. Durham married Burnetta Cattlett, also a Kentuckian ; and with her he moved to Missouri, where he farmed for twenty years. This marriage resulted in the birth of six children :

John F., Robert B., Susie Burnett, Oscar Minton, of this review, Sarah E., and Thomas M. In 1865, Captain Durham, as commander of an emigrant train, crossed the plains to Oregon, traveling over the old Emigrant Trail. The party had considerable trouble with Indians, and several skirmishes took place. On the arrival of the party in Oregon, Captain Durham stopped one year in Benton County, in the Willamette Valley. He found the country too wet to suit him ; and so the following year he came down to California and leased the Murdock place, near Willows. In 1867 he settled on the Freshwater, eight miles northwest from what is now the thriving town of Williams. He was the first man to run a threshing-machine in that section of the county. He was successful, and in time owned some fourteen hundred forty acres of land, upon which he did a prosperous ranching business, including the raising of stock. He sold off his property some time prior to his death, and was living retired, in the enjoyment of a well- earned rest, when the final call came.

Oscar Minton Durham was born in Dekalb County, Mo., on March 28, 1857, and when eight years old crossed the plains over the old Emigrant Trail to Oregon. He rode a pony nearly all the way, and with his older brother drove the loose stock that was being brought to the Coast by his father. Among the stock were some twenty head of young mules. He well remembers the en- counters with Indians, who were then very troublesome. After one year spent in Oregon, he came with the family to the Murdock ranch near Willows, and in 1867 went with them to a ranch near Williams, where he grew to young manhood on the home farm, working for his father until he was twenty-one, and attending the public schools of the county. The Durham boys were good shots, fond of hunting; and having been reared in the heart of a game country, it was natural that they should be good hunters. Every year, after harvest was over, their father would let them go for a hunt in the mountains and foothills ; and they never failed to bag their share of wild game. Deer, brown bears, and all kinds of smaller game were plentiful. Judge Durham to this day enjoys with zest his outings in the mountains. He always bags the limit, and is considered one of the best running shots in the state. For two years, in his early life, he was a professional game hunter, supplying a large lumber camp with wild game; and many times he has brought in seven deer a day. He has always been very careful, and never has shot a fawn or doe.

When he was of age, Mr. Durham left the ranch and learned the plumbing business, and also the trade of the tinsmith, in Maxwell, where his two older brothers had opened a hardware store and plumbing shop, and he went to work for them in the plumbing-department. He also learned to drill water wells, and for seventeen years was steadily employed in Maxwell. He then went to Arbuckle and ran a business for himself, doing plumbing and building tanks, etc., until 1902, when he moved over to Grimes; and here he has since been in the same line of business. During the season he employs four men and operates two well rigs; and he has the reputation of having drilled more water wells in Colusa County than any other man. The esteem in which he is held by his friends in Grimes was shown when he was elected Justice of the Peace of Grimes in 1914. He has dealt out real justice upon all occasions, is fair and honest in all his decisions, and strictly impartial. ln all the years that Judge Durham has been living in Colusa County he has been making lifelong friends. There is no man who has been more conscientious in the discharge of his duties, whether as clerk, plumber, or driller of wells, or in his capacity as a public official, than Judge Durham. He has been a consistent Democrat, always standing for moral uplift; and he has an untarnished record as a man and citizen. In 1880 Mr. Durham was united in marriage with Miss Frank Lorena Phelps. She was born in Missouri, and was brought across the plains by her parents when she was a child of two years. Of this marriage four children have been born. Oscar R. married Una Kilgore, by whom he had one child, Una Y. The mother died, and Judge Durham and his good wife legally adopted the baby.  The son was married a second time, to Mary Brigg-man; and by her he had two children, Mildred Lucile and Melvin. For two years this son was living in Reno, Nev., where he was employed by Swift & Co. In 1917 his wife was taken suddenly ill, and died at the hospital there. Since then he and his children have been at home with Judge Durham. Myrtle Burnetta married Frank Conant, a grocer at Reno. Leslie died at the age of seven. Leland Perry, the youngest son, is an electrician of more than ordinary ability. He is a student of the University of Nevada, and is now making two hundred fifty dollars per month in the employ of a power company at Thompson, Nev. From boyhood he was interested in electricity. He is working his way through the university, and has stood first in his classes there. Judge and Mrs. Durham set great store by their children. They have reared them to be useful men and women; and they rejoice in every upward step they take. Judge Durham is a hale, hearty man at sixty — a descendant of that sturdy Scotch ancestry that makes for the best in citizenship wherever its representatives may settle.

History Of Colusa and Glenn Counties, California
History by: Charles Davis McCormish and Mrs. Rebecca T. Lambert
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1918
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham, Pages: 404-527

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