Colusa and Glenn Counties, California

Biographies: 1918

 

GEORGE B. HARDEN

When mention is made of the history-makers of Colusa County, agricultural, commercial and political, no name is cited more often than that of George B. Harden, of Maxwell. He has been closely identified with every project tending towards the development of his community in particular, and of the whole county in general. A native of Missouri, he was born in Pike County, November 1, 1847, into the family of William and Eliza (Mellen) Harden, Virginians by birth moved to Missouri at an early day, where they met and were married. William Harden was an architect; it was lie who designed the buildings of Columbia College, at Columbia, Mo. In the fall of 1864 the family crossed the plains to California. They spent their first year in Yolo County, and then came to Colusa County and located on a farm on Grand Island, which they operated for a time. They then enlarged their operations, moving onto the plains west of Maxwell, where they continued successfully to grow grain and raise stock until the father and mother retired to College City. There they lived until their deaths, passing away within a few weeks of each other.  George B. Harden and his brother, Thomas P. Harden, formed a partnership and farmed on the plains together until 1878. That year they located in Maxwell; and as it was a good shipping point, they built a grain warehouse, the first in the town.  They also engaged in the general merchandise business, under the firm name of Bacon, Harden & Harden, erecting a suitable building on Main Street for that purpose. At the end of five years Thomas P. Harden sold out his interests in Maxwell. George B.  Harden continued alone in the grain business. For many years he bought and sold grain, and engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He has bought and sold large tracts of land in the neighborhood of the town, has erected a number of dwellings and business blocks, and has interested many settlers, and induced them to locate there. He established the first newspaper, the Maxwell Tribune, which first appeared on January 19, 1912; and he has continued its publication ever since, always in the interests of good government, good schools, good roads, and general progress.  He has always been an active worker in the Democratic party, serving as delegate to county and state conventions, and as a member of the County and State Central Committees. He was elected to the office of county assessor on the Democratic ticket, and served two. terms in office. For sixteen years he served as a trustee of the Maxwell school, thirteen years of that time as clerk of the board; and for a number of years he was a member of the board of trustees of Pierce Christian College. He was a member of Colusa Lodge, F. & A. M., but transferred his membership to Maxwell Lodge, No. 280, which he helped to organize. In recounting the names of those whose records show whole-hearted, unselfish, earnest, and efficient service towards the upbuilding of Maxwell and its environs, none can be mentioned who have done more than Mr. Harden. He is known throughout the Sacramento Valley as one of its leading citizens.

On November 11, 1879, George B. Harden was married to Lucy J. Lovelace, a native of Missouri, an account of whose family appears in the sketch of C. W. Lovelace on another page of this work. Mrs. Harden is an active worker in all good causes, being On November 11, 1879, George B. Harden was married to Lucy J. Lovelace, a native of Missouri, an account of whose family appears in the sketch of C. IV. Lovelace on another page of this work. Mrs. Harden is an active worker in all good causes, being prominent in church and club circles, and in the Red Cross work and other charitable movements. Their four children are: George L., a grain-buyer and real-estate dealer at Maxwell; Lulu, who married R. E. Nevins, of Colusa; Mande, the wife of H. K. Rubey, who is in the engineering department of the University of Wash­ington, at Seattle; and W. Bismarck, with the Maxwell grain ware­house. All are filling responsible positions in business and domestic circles, and are reflecting great credit to their worthy parents.

 

PETER HENRY GRIMM

A big man physically, Peter Henry Grimm has proved that he is a big man mentally and morally as well; and his worth as a citizen of his adopted country, and as a worker for the development of his particular section of it, is recognized by all who know him. A native of Germany, lie was born in Purpling, Holstein, December 16, 1856. His father, John Grimm, died when Peter was only five years old. The mother, Minnie (Eichmeier) Grimm, remained a widow; struggled against odds to raise her four children, of whom Peter was third in order of birth; and died when he had reached the age of seventeen. By self-sacrifice and tireless effort, she had brought up her children, providing for their needs, pre­paring them to help themselves, and impressing upon their minds lessons of honesty and thrift that have remained with them through the passing years. Her children were: Henry and John, both residing in Holstein; Peter, the subject of this sketch; and Dora, a widow, who lives in Hamburg, Germany.

With the desire to be of what assistance he could to his mother, Peter worked in a brick-yard more than six months each year for six years, from nine years of age to fifteen, his schooling being obtained during the winter months. On reaching fifteen years of age, be started to work on a farm; and there he continued until lie reached his majority, when he entered on his service in the German army. In the army, owing to his splendid physique and great strength, and his athletic proficiency, he rose rapidly and was soon singled out from the ranks and selected to join the Crown Prince's First Guard Regiment, which is made tip of Ger­many's choicest soldiers. During his term of service be often met the members of the royal family. In fact, he has personally met, spoken to, and often joked with, the present Emperor William; his father, Emperor Frederick; and the grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm; and has also met the ladies of the royal family. He was well acquainted with the present Emperor's father, Frederick, and was a favorite of his. Emperor William was then captain of the Second Company; and Mr. Grimm was a member of the Ninth Company of the same regiment. He served his full three years and received his honorable discharge. After completing his mili­tary service, he continued to work in Germany, on a farm, for two years. His thoughts then turned to America, the laud of desire for so many of the ambitions young men of Germany; and he de­termined to seek his fortunes here. On March 15, 1882, he sailed from Hamburg; and on March :31, he arrived in Castle Garden.

Staying in New York only one day, Mr. Grimm took the train for the Pacific Coast, acting as leader for twenty-eight of his coun­trymen who were making the journey with him. Their destination was Willows, Cal.; and on arriving there Mr. Grimm went to work on a farm owned by his friend, John Johansen, where he re­mained for three years. He then went to Dixon for one year; and while there he became acquainted with Miss Augusta Hoop, a na­tive of Hanover, Germany, whom he married in 1885. A daughter was born to them; and sixteen clays after the birth of this child, the mother died. This daughter was named Mamie. She is now the wife of Ray Young, a rancher in Sutter County, and is the mother of one child.

Mr. Grimm became manager of the old W. H. Williams stock ranch, a position he held for four years. During the last year there, he was married the second time, taking for his bride Miss Kina Moritzen. She was born near Tondern, in Schleswig-Hol­stein, and came to California with Mr. and Mrs. Fredk. Hanson, who had been back to Germany on a visit. After their marriage Mr. and Sirs. Grimm went to -Winters, Cal., and engaged in the restaurant business. They remained at Winters four years, and then came to Willows and rented the Johansen ranch, on Stony Creek. After spending three years here, they rented another ranch for two years. They then came to Grimes, in Colusa County, and leased the Monson ranch of four hundred sixty-five acres, which they farmed successfully for fourteen years.

In 1913, Mr. Grimm rented from the late Samuel H. Hine his two-hundred-fifty-acre ranch near Grimes. For three years he operated the place with success. This year (1917), the plow land is rented to the Hamilton Sugar Beet Company. Mr. Grimm re­tains fifteen acres, which he has planted to alfalfa; and he is also cultivating five acres he owns at Grimes. The family live in the beautiful residence recently erected by the late Samuel Hine, near Grimes.

Mr. and Mrs. Grimm became the parents of four children: Laurence, in the employ of the Standard Oil Company at Grimes; Leonard, deceased; Amanda, wife of A. A. Thayer, Jr.; Rita, wife of John Millis. The three living children are residing at Grimes. The second child, Leonard, was injured by falling from a horse. He was an invalid for twelve years, and then passed away. In all his renting operations Mr. Grimm has brought to bear a thorough knowledge of agriculture, and has managed so successfully that he is now independent, and can live in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. Of his thirty-four years in California, four were spent in Yolo County, six in Glenn County, and twenty-four in Co­lusa County. For eighteen years he has resided at Grimes. He and his wife, and their family, are highly respected and esteemed by their many friends in the community. Despite the fact that he served in the Emperor's crack regiment, in which the present Em­peror William was a captain, Mr. Grimm is a patriotic citizen of his adopted country. His loyalty and allegiance are given to the nation that welcomed him and his countrymen when they came seeking a place for themselves on her hospitable shores. He has been road overseer for the Grimes district for the past eight years. He has been school trustee for twelve years, and has just been elected for another three years. Mr. Grimm has at all times been active in furthering the best interests of the community, and has been an influential factor in its advancement. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, a Past Grand of Grimes Lodge, No. 266, and is serving as Grand Guardian of the Grand Lodge of California.

 

NATHAN PROVINCE

A veteran of the Civil War, one of that band of gallant men who are rapidly growing fewer as the years go by, and of whom there will soon lie none left to receive the homage of grateful hearts throughout the nation for the brave stand they made for freedom and an undivided Union, the late Nathan Province spent the evening of his days in ease and plenty, with his life partner by his side and surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, all eager to make his last years happy. A native of Fayette, Fayette County, Pa., He was born on May 2, 1840, a son of Jesse Province, also a native of Pennsylvania, whose father, Joseph Province, was born near Providence, R. I., and later settled in Pennsylvania. .Jesse Province, father of Nathan, was a farmer in Pennsylvania, whence he went to Monroe County, Ohio, and followed farming, later removing to Kansas, where his death occurred. He married Celia Spencer, also horn in Penn­sylvania; and they became the parents of fifteen children, five girls and ten boys, seven of whom served their country in the War of the Rebellion. He was wounded in battle, and died. The mother passed away in Kansas.

Nathan Province was the tenth child born to his parents. When he was eight years old, the family moved to Ohio, where he was reared and educated in the public schools of Monroe County. In December, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Seventy- seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in at Marietta as Corporal, and took part in the Battle of Shiloh, after which he was sent west and served in the Battle of Brownsville, Ark., and at Little Rock. He served also at Mobile Bay, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. in January, 1864, he veteranized, and then served, in the same regiment, until the close of the war, and for one year thereafter, being sent to Rio Grande during the Maximilian uprising. He was mustered out on March 28, 1866, as First Sergeant, at Brownsville, Tex., came back to Ohio, and received his hon­orable discharge at Columbus.

After his discharge from the army, Mr. Province followed farming in Ohio ; and there his marriage occurred, in Washington County, March 5, 1867, when he was united with Miss Elvira Edwards, a native of Monroe County, that state, and a daughter of Benjamin R. and Ethelinda (Cline) Edwards, both natives of Ohio. The father also served in the Civil War, in the One Hun­dred Sixteenth Ohio Regiment, and was crippled during his ser­vice for his country. Elvira was the oldest of seven children born to her parents.

In 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Province removed to Kansas, locating in Wamego, Pottawatomie County, where they bought railroad land on Haw bottoms, improved a farm, and raised bumper corn crops. Mr. Province, however, was troubled with asthma; and to benefit his health they came to California, in May, 1879. Here lie recovered his health and, locating near Elk Creek, Glenn County, homesteaded one hundred sixty acres, which he later sold. He purchased another ranch south of town, sold it in turn, and then, in February, 1914, bought the present ranch, situated one and one half miles west of Elk Creek. Ile was the owner of over eight hundred acres here. The ranch is devoted to grain and to the raising of cattle and hogs. Assisted by his son Oscar, who still manages the place, Mr. Province met with the best of success in his undertakings ; and their cattle brand, the letter U, is known through­out the valley. On November 11, 1917, Nathan Province passed away at his home. He was buried on November 13, in the cemetery at Elk Creek.

Ten children of this worthy pioneer couple are living, as follows: Albert, in Orland; Harvey, a stockman in Elk Creek; Porter, in Yuba County; Benjamin F., a carpenter in Elk Creek; Oscar, manager of the home ranch; Mary, Mrs. Vanderford, of Elk Creek; Kate, Mrs. Wilbur Smith, of Oakland; Ethelinda, Mrs. Manson, of Elk Creek; Etta, Mrs. Dixon, of Elk Creek; and Fern, at home.

In Starch, 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Province celebrated their golden wedding, a large gathering attending, including all of their chil­dren and grandchildren, with the exception of four of the latter. All had an enjoyable time. A bounteous dinner was served, fol­lowed by music and songs; and the occasion was one that will be long remembered by all present.

The family are members of the Christian Church of Elk Creek. Mr. Province had always been a member of the G. A. R. before settling at Elk Creek; but as there is no Post or Circle near by, he was here deprived of the pleasure of that fraternity of kindred spirits of the days of Politically, Mr. Province was a Republican.

WILLIAM WALLACE BROWN

For over thirty years a resident of Colusa County, William -Wallace Brown has within that period risen from the status of a farmer's boy, dependent upon his own resources and ability to make his way in life, to that of one of the largest landowners and most successful agriculturists and stock-raisers of this section of the state. Of Scotch ancestry, his grandfather, Townsend F. Brown, was born and reared in old Virginia; but early in their married life, he and his wife went ou horseback to Kentucky, where they lived for a time, and then moved to Atchison County, Mo., where their son, Townsend F. Brown, Jr., was born and reared. Townsend F. Brown, Jr., married Mary Tolson, also a native of Missouri; and they became the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters. The mother passed away in Mis­souri, in 1915, aged seventy-seven years; the father, at the ripe old age of eighty-four, still lives there, and also one son and three daughters. One daughter resides in Wyoming.

William Wallace Brown was born in Missouri, in Rockport, Atchison County, on August 30, 1865. He received his education and grew to manhood in that state, attending the public schools, and working on the farm. Be early learned the rudiments of farm work, and began to drive a team of horses when but a lad of eight years. In 1886 he accompanied his parents to California, where they settled in Colusa County and rented the Tolson ranch of four hundred eighty acres. Not taking to life in California, after their long residence in the Southern state, the parents went back to Missouri. The son, however, remained, and started in to make his way to success in his new surroundings—a task that has re­quired foresight and unremitting industry, and the meeting of set­backs and small failures with renewed determination to reach his goal. In partnership with Emmet Tolson, his cousin, he ran the old William Tolson ranch for a time; and later, in 1890, he bought the home ranch of four hundred forty acres from the Tolson es­tate. Ile built his house and barns, fenced the land, and started in to raise grain on an extensive scale, also devoting some of the land to the raising of cattle, moles, and hogs. In 1900 he pur­chased an additional four hundred eighty acres from the same estate, and enlarged his ranch operations, taking advantage of modern machinery and methods. Re used a thirty-two-mule-power combined harvester, which makes a twenty-foot cut, and in other ways increased the efficiency and multiplied the results of his efforts in such a manner as to assure the realization of his am­bitions while yet a man in the prime of life. Among his other business interests, Mr. Brown is a stockholder in the Colusa County Bank and the First National Bank of Colima.

At Grand Island, Colusa County, in 1891, William Wallace Brown was united in marriage with his cousin, Miss Cora E. Tol­son, a native of Grand Island and a daughter of William Tolson, a well-known Colusa County pioneer and landowner, and one of the "forty-niners" of California, who took part in the Mexican War and came to California at the expiration of that conflict. He was an uncle of Mr. Brown, another of whose uncles, Franklin D. Brown, was a pioneer and a Mexican War veteran, and came to California with General Fremont in 1846. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brown three children were born: Two sons, Clyde F., and LaVerne Townsend, who have formed a partnership and are renting the four-hundred-eighty-acre ranch owned by their father ; and one daughter, Crystal, aged eighteen, a Senior in the Chico State Normal School, preparatory to entering the State Univer­sity at Berkeley. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are active members of the Grand Island Christian Church, of which Mr. Brown is a trustee, and to which they donated the site for the church edifice, which is located on a corner of their home ranch. For six years Mr. Brown was a member of the board of trustees of the Dry Slough school district, during which time the present school building was erected on a corner of his four-hundred-eighty-acre ranch. These are in­stances of Mr. Brown's public-spirited devotion to the betterment of social and economic conditions in his county. A man of broad views and keen insight, his enterprise and liberality have been of material help in the upbuilding of his section of the state. Fra­ternally, Mr. Brown is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern -Woodmen of America, at Grimes.

 

PETER KROHN

A resident of Colusa County since 1885, Peter Krohn is well known in the business circles of Grimes and vicinity, where he is recognized as a man of upright principles and honesty of purpose in all his dealings. He was born in Holstein, Germany, August 19, 1865, a son of Peter and Elsabe (Albert) Krohn, the fourth in a family of five children born to his parents. The others are: Christine, who resides in Germany ; John, in Petaluma, Cal. ; Joachim, in business in Petaluma ; and Ernest, a well-driller in Santa Clara County.

Peter Krohn was apprenticed to the shoemaker’s trade when fourteen years of age, serving a period of four years; and at eighteen he became a journeyman. Having heard of the opportunities for industrious and ambitious youths in the New World, he determined to try his fortunes there; and bidding good-by to his family and friends, he sailed from Hamburg on the S. S. Lessing, of the Hamburg- American line, landing at Castle Garden on November 11, 1883. He secured employment on his arrival, in the saddle department of a New York City riding school, where he remained for six months. He then went to Hoboken and obtained a position as a clerk in a grocery store. After spending some time there, he decided to continue his journey to the Western Coast. Coming to Arbuckle, Colusa County, in April, 1885, he found employment in farm work on different ranches in the Sacramento, Santa Clara, and San Joaquin Valleys. With one employer, E. J. Miller, now a rancher fifteen miles south of Grimes, he remained for a period of eight years. Afterwards he was employed on the Stovall-Wilcoxson ranch near Williams for two years. In Williams he met the young lady who became his wife.  Miss Clara Doldt. She was born and reared in Brookfield, Linn County, Mo., a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Hotfman) Doldt. The father died in Missouri ; and the mother is still living in that state. Both parents were born near Aurora, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Doldt were married in Illinois, and later moved to Missouri.  Ten children were born to them, of whom six are still living, two sons and four daughters. Mrs. Krohn came to Williams in the year 1899; and on August 27, 1902, she was married to Mr. Krohn at Colusa.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Krohn settled in Grimes, where Mr. Krohn established his business as harness-maker and dealer in horsemen’s general supplies. He also does first-class boot and shoe repairing, having learned that trade thoroughly when a lad. He bought the lot where his building now stands, in 1903, and built his store and residence that same year. Both he and his wife are thrifty and industrious, and content with their lot in life. They are free from cares, and make a good living, owning their own premises, store and home, with a fine family garden on the grounds. Three children have been born to them:

Madella Christine, Aaron Sylvester, and Jewell Lorell. Mr.  Krohn is regarded as one of the dependable citizens of his com- munity. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in Colusa, May 7, 1895, while living in the San Joaquin Valley. He took a homestead near Los Banos, Merced County, on which he proved up, and which he afterwards sold. He is a member of Grand Island Lodge, No. 266, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is a Past Grand ; and with his wife he is a member of Valley Rose Rebekah Lodge, No. 311, at Grimes. He and his wife are both Lutherans, in which faith they were reared. Politically he has always been a Republican.

 

REV. FATHER C. C. McGRATH

A man of strong Christian character, earnest consecration, and unselfish devotion to the holy work he is carrying on. Father McGrath has accomplished great good for the church and the people, in his various fields of activity in California. He was born on Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland, in 1853, and spent his youth there in gaining an elementary education in the national schools. In 1869 he joined an uncle, Jeremiah Murphy, a contractor and builder in the United States, who was living at Worcester, Mass. There the young lad worked at the builder’s trade four years, in the meantime attending night school and taking special studies in drawing and designing. From early boyhood he had entertained a great desire to enter the priest-hood; and during the days when he was working at his trade, he prayed earnestly that his ambition might be realized, although his circumstances offered small hope of attaining his desire. He saved his earnings, however, depositing them in the People’s Savings Bank; and at the end of the four years, with some additional assistance, he was enabled to enter St. Charles College, in Howard County, Md. Two years later he entered St. Vincent’s College, at Latrobe, Pa.; and there he completed his classical and theological courses. On July 6, 1882, in the seminary, he was ordained by Bishop Twoig for the Sacramento diocese, in California. He at once came back to the Coast; and during the first month spent here he was assistant to the priest at Virginia City, Nev., after which he went to Marysville, where he remained nearly a year at the cathedral. The next year he was pastor of.  St. Monica’s Church in Willows, being the pioneer in that locality.  His parish was poor, and he suffered many hardships. His next charge was in Crescent City, Del Norte County, where he had charge of St. Joseph’s Church for four years, and built up a large congregation. In 1887 Father McGrath was sent to Yreka. He completed the building of St. Joseph’s Church at that place, and also built the parish house and three beautiful altars in the church. During the next few years he was busily engaged in various places, doing work for the Master. He ministered at Fort Jones and at Etna, where he improved the buildings and erected altars; he attended the church at Callahan’s ranch, forty- two miles from Yreka, and erected a new church at Sawyers Bar, eighty miles away; he founded the congregation at Dunsmuir, where he planned the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was dedicated by Bishop Manogue in 1889; and he also attended other missions in Siskiyou County. During the seven years of his labors there, he had an assistant but one year. His rides, which were long and dangerous, were made either on a mule or by stage, over mountains, in deep snow, through a wild country; and he had many hairbreadth escapes — one on February 22, in a runaway of the stage team down a mountain, when for- tunately no lives were lost.

In 1894 he was appointed pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Red Bluff. Here he remodeled the church, and built a parish house, superintending the work, which was done from his own designs. Not having the money to complete the work, he did much of the interior finishing and decoration with his own hands.

On all the ornaments, both inside and out, he made free use of the shamrock, which, being emblematic of the Blessed Trinity, and of the faith of his forefathers in the Island of Saints, he considers more appropriate for church decorations than the California poppy, so generally used by local architects. The church, priest’s house, and parish school are located in grounds surrounded by ornamental and fruit trees, near the Sacramento River, where the steel bridge spans the stream, and command a fine view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. While at Red Bluff, Father McGrath attended the Redding church until it was able to sustain its own pastor. Later he built the church at Keswick, erecting altars and making the ornaments himself. During this time he attended the old Shasta church and the congregation near Tehama. He built the church at Corning, beginning its erection in 1903, and holding mass in it five weeks later ; and in May, 1904, it was dedicated. That same year he was transferred to his former parish at Willows, where he repaired the church.

In 1911, Father McGrath located in Colusa; and since then he has served the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and has entered heartily into the best interests of Colusa and the surrounding country. This is a large and important parish, and has many activities. He has greatly improved the property at Colusa. He has charge of the congregations at Meridian and Grimes, and also ministers to the congregation at Princeton, where he has drawn plans for a new edifice. In Colusa he is the head of the Convent School, with Mother Mary Agnes in charge.  Father McGrath publishes an annual church directory of Colusa, which contains a fund of original local information and abounds with witticisms. He is highly respected by everybody, and no citizen is more public-spirited than he.

  

JOHN WESLEY TREXLER

A ranchman who, through application of the results of scientific investigation, and untiring attention to details, has brought the raising of both sheep and cattle to a high plane in California, is John Wesley Trexler, the son of Henry Trexler, a native of Pennsylvania, who took up his residence in the South. From Alabama Henry Trexler moved to Mississippi; and in 1857 he became a pioneer in the wilderness of Arkansas, where he died six years later. His wife, who was Elizabeth Halsey before her marriage, died in Arkansas in 1861. Ten children, six of whom were sons, were born to this worthy couple, John Wesley being the ninth.

John Wesley Trexler was born on May 28, 1853, in Alabama. He went with his parents to Mississippi, and thence to Arkansas, where he attended school until he was nine years of age. He then left home and went to live with a Mr. Bates in Memphis, working for him on a farm until 1865. Afterwards he went to

Crittenden County, Ark., where he continued to work as a farm hand, receiving more experience than dollars for his efforts. In the spring of 1875, when he was entering upon young manhood, Mr. Trexler came across the plains to California, and on his arrival went to work as a ranch hand in different counties for two years. In 1877 he purchased his first land in this state, located west of Red Bluff, Tehama County; and here he cleared the land and farmed for himself with fair success. Later he moved west of Corning, where he also tilled the soil. In 1885 he sold out his  home place, but continued to operate the List-named ranch until in 1889, when he came to what is now Glenn County and leased the Mills Holm place, ten miles west of “Willows. When he took charge of it, there were no fences. He has fenced and cross- fenced the place, the latter at his own expense, and has devoted its acres to the stock business and to grain-farming. In 1892 he gave up his lease and bought sixteen hundred acres of the Robinson ranch, meantime again leasing the Mills Holm ranch, and farmed both places until he gave up the Robinson ranch. He also leased five thousand acres of the Glenn ranch, operating over ten thou- sand acres for two years.

Mr. Trexler has followed sheep-raising with success; but about five years ago he sold off his bands of sheep and bought shorthorn Durham cattle, and is now making a specialty of that branch of the stock industry. He is classed with the leading stockmen of the Sacramento Valley. His well-known brand is JT combined, having the appearance of a J with a T top.

On April 18, 1898, John W. Trexler and Miss Grace Flood were united in marriage at Newville. She was born in that locality, a daughter of John Flood, a pioneer of this county. Of this marriage seven children have been born: John William; Beulah, wife of Fred Minge, of San Francisco ; and Vernon Abner, Mary Ellen, Roy Anson, Genevieve, and Edna Augusta.

When the county division question came up, Mr. Trexler aligned himself in favor of the project, and gave of his time and influence to bring it to a favorable culmination in the organization of Glenn County. For some years he has served as a trustee of the Mills Holm school district, and was clerk of the board when the schoolhouse was completed. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows and of the Woodmen of the World.

  

MRS. CHARLES W. COCKERILL

It can be said of Mrs. Charles W. Cockerill that no woman has done more for the general good of the public in Princeton and vicinity than has she. Her ability as a local correspondent for various papers of the Sacramento Valley and the Bay cities has ever kept Princeton and its happenings before the reading public; her untiring energy and zeal as a citizen of Princeton have done much to make the town a desirable place in which to live, and to raise to a higher plane the morality of the people; and she has been actively interested in every project that would mean a permanent and substantial benefit to both citizens and  town. No citizen of Colusa County is more in accord with the spirit of progress than this tireless worker and public upbuilder.

Upon a time without a date, a man without a name was seen by unknown neighbors to frequent a burn in the Highlands of Scotland. Superstition, strong in the dawn of civilization, prompted these fearsome Scots to name the solitary stranger the Wraith of the Burn. In time the name became Wraithburn, “Wrathburn, Eathburn, Rathbone, and Rathbun. Public spirit, independent thought, and free speech have been strongly characteristic in the members of this family. Two Rathbone brothers sought freedom from religious oppression in Plymouth Colony, in its earliest history; and one of the brothers died during tbe first winter in the wilderness. The survivor, John Rathbone, married a Pilgrim widow; and many children were born unto them, and unto their children’s children.

Religious oppression became intolerable to father John Rathbone; and he and his family followed Roger Williams to the colony of Rhode Island, where, from the “Island of Roses,” sprang one of the largest families in America. Sons and daughters of the Rathbuns have ever kept pace with the “course of empire” in its westward march. More often, indeed, they would appear upon the farthermost edge of the frontier. Appleton wrote of their family: “Their names should be written in history’s pages in letters of gold, for their service to their country and for their interest in the betterment of mankind.” The route of the Rathbuns from Rhode Island to Colusa and Glenn Counties, Cal., was opened by Joseph Rathbun, who left his native state of Rhode Island for Ohio, where he married Mary Davis, and then pushed on to Montgomery County, Mo. Here their youngest son, Jesse Perrin Rathbun, the father of Mrs. Cockerill, was born in 1842. The wife and mother died two years later; and in 1846 the father married again. In 1848, Erskine and Edwin Rathbun, brothers of Jesse Perrin, crossed the plains to California; and soon after their arrival gold was discovered, aud they went into the mines to hunt the precious metal. In 1852, Joseph Rathbun and his two sons, Davis and Jesse Perrin, joined the older brothers in California, crossing the plains with a herd of fine dairy cattle, and made a stop in Sonoma County, where the business proved profitable. Joseph Rathbun served in the second session of the state legislature, and helped organize the first California State Fair Association. Schools were scarce; and in 1860 the father decided to return to Missouri with his two sons, where they became students in St. Charles College. Out of some three hundred students in the college, these two boys were the only supporters of the Union cause. Joseph Rathbun took an active part in the Union cause. He was a polished speaker; and he did not hesitate to voice his sentiments against slavery. He met with an accident that caused his death in Missouri, being thrown from a buggy while bidding good-bye to his friends, preparatory to returning to his California home. He died in 1867.

When his studies were completed, Jesse Perrin went home and began to teach. In 1864 he married Mary E. Johns, born in Franklin County, Mo. Two years later, during which time a daughter Alice, now Mrs. Cockerill, was born, the call of the West proved too strong to be resisted longer, and he decided to return to this state. He started with his wife and baby, coming via Nicaragua and locating in Sonoma County. Some years later the family settled in southern Colusa County, and later near Williams, where they lived from 1870 to 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun then located in College City, where they now live. Mr. Rathbun has been engaged in mining and in farming during the passing of the years, and at the age of seventy-four is still hale and hearty.  Into their family ten children were born, three of whom died in early childhood. The others are : Alice, Mrs. Charles W. Cockerill, of Princeton; Joseph Edwin, a business man in Hollywood, Cal.;

Dr. William T., county physician of Colusa County; H. Adell, wife of M. T. White, a real estate man in Los Angeles ; Ross B., an electrician in the employ of the Guggenheims; Earl H., who was killed on August 11, 1907, by a premature explosion in a quick- silver mine at Cedarville; and Jessie, who married Dr. Ernest Foster, of Hanford, Cal.

Alice Rathbun grew up in Colusa County, and attended Pierce Christian College until she was forced to stop on account of ill health. When she was twenty-eight, she married Charles W.  Cockerill ; and in 1908 they came to their present home in Prince- ton. Mr. Cockerill was born in West Virginia, and came to Colusa County in 1887. He is now engaged in farming and in land- development work. Five children were born to them. Olive C, a graduate of Princeton High School and of the Chico Normal, is a very successful and popular teacher in the schools of Arbuckle, where she specializes in domestic science, domestic art, manual training, indoor art, and household chemistry. In 1916 she was chosen queen of the Rose Carnival at Williams. She was also elected to represent Colusa County in Sacramento, at the celebration of the opening of the causeway. A son, M. Dean, is interested with his father in growing rice near Princeton. The other children are Kern L., Alden Reed, and Nellie Pearl, all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Cockerill and their family hold a high position in the social life of Colusa County. Mrs. Cockerill took a prominent part, doing more than any other person, in organizing the Princeton Joint Union High School District. Her newspaper articles did much towards the erection of the John Boggs Memorial at Princeton. For years she has been collecting interesting views and historical pictures of Princeton and vicinity, which she has made into a valuable album. This has been loaned to various fairs and expositions, and has elicited wide comment as a work of rare merit. She has an artistic temperament, and has executed some fine amateur paintings; and this talent has been inherited by her daughter, Olive C.

 

THOMAS A. RICE

On his well-improved property of five and one half acres in Colusa, resides Thomas A. Rice, a highly respected and well- known citizen of the county, who has made his own way in the world from early boyhood. A son of the late Martin Luther Rice (mention of whom will be found on another page of this work), he was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on July 10, 1861, and was educated in the common schools and reared on a farm until he was nineteen, working for wages as a farm hand. In 1880 he came to California and joined his father, who was living in Colusa. Upon his arrival here, he went to work in the country as a ranch hand ; but he did not like farm life in California, and decided to learn the carpenter’s trade. He served an apprenticeship under his father, who was a carpenter ; and when he had mastered the trade, he went to work for others. He spent some time in Portland, Ore., in 1883-1884, coming back to Colusa in 1884 and entering the employ of the firm of Rice & Stuart, contractors and builders.

Owing to ill health, Mr. Rice gave up work at his trade, temporarily, and went to Elk Creek, now in Glenn County, where he farmed for seven years, regaining his health. He then went to Santa Rosa and engaged with a nursery, representing the Sonoma Valley Nursery Company, from October, 1891, to May, 1892, when he once more came back to Colusa, where he has since lived.  He bought his small ranch and improved it, and has now a very comfortable home. In addition to operating his ranch, he works at his trade at times, and also keeps a fine Hambletonian stallion, that is known throughout this section of the valley. Mr. Rice if a public-spirited man; and as far as he is able he supports all movements for the upbuilding of the county.

In 1888, at Elk Creek, Thomas A. Rice was married to Miss Lucinda Mendenhall. She died when their daughter Lucinda was born. When the babe was seventeen days old, she was taken into the family of Mrs. E. W. Jones, by whom she was reared and educated, and with whom she is now making her home, in Berkeley. By his second marriage, on December 2, 1893, Mr.  Rice was united with Miss May Buckius, of Pasadena. They had one child, Velma Carradine, now living at home with her father.  Mrs. Rice died on February 1, 1898. Some years later, on August 1, 1905, Mr. Rice was united in marriage with Miss Myra W. Robinson, a native of Colusa and a daughter of Jesse Robinson, a “forty-niner” from Pennsylvania, who crossed the plains with ox teams and followed mining at Carson City, Nev., and teaming in California. Jesse Robinson was married in Colusa to Miss Lizzie J. Wilmot; and they had three children: Myra W., Mrs. Rice; Charles D. ; and Ollie D. Mr. and Mrs Rice are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in Colusa, where they are well and favorably known.

 

MORRIS A. MERRILL

A breeder of blooded stock, and one of the leading ranchers in the Sacramento Valley, Morris A. Merrill was born near Kaneville, Kane County, ILL., April 30, 1851, a son of Nathan and Ann (Morrell) Merrill, natives of New Hampshire who became early settlers in Kane County. Upon his arrival there, Mr. Merrill bought land, built a log house, broke the prairie with oxen, and opened up a valuable farm. His wife died on the Illinois farm, and soon afterwards the bereaved husband joined his children in California. He passed away in Willows at the age of seventy-six years. The seven children in their family were : N. S., of Merrill, Klamath County, Ore.; Ann, Mrs. Jones, who died in Illinois;

William R., now a resident of Colusa ; Abbot, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and is now living at Redding ; C. H., a resident of Merrill, Ore.; Morris A., of this review; and Henrietta, Mrs. Scoggins of Merrill, Ore. From 1858 to 1863 — a very trying time, as it was during the war — the family lived in McDonald County, south- west Missouri. They managed, however, to get back to Illinois.

In 1865 Morris A. Merrill came to California with his brothers, William R. and Abbot. On the journey they had a thrilling experience, when face to face with death. They sailed from New York on the steamer Golden Rule, bound for the Isthmus; and when near that coast, the vessel was wrecked and the passengers were cast upon an island, where they were obliged to remain with a food supply hardly sufficient for ten days, their rations being limited to a sea biscuit and a pint of water a day. Finally they were rescued by a United States gunboat and taken to Greytown, and thence to Aspinwall ; and from there they crossed the Isthmus and landed in San Francisco from the steamer American, on July 2, 1865, their journey having consumed forty-two days.

Making his way to the Sacramento Valley, Morris A. Merrill secured employment on a ranch in Butte County, where he rode the range as a cowboy; soon he came to Colusa County, where he readily found employment. In 1872, with a brother, Charles, he leased a section of land seven miles southwest from what is now the site of Willows, and for two years farmed to grain. In 1874, having succeeded as a grain raiser, he purchased three hundred twenty acres, next to the place he rented. The land was raw and undeveloped. He put the first plow in the ground, and soon had it under cultivation. To further enhance the value of the place, he set out trees, fenced the land, erected a house and farm buildings, and generally improved it. For years he farmed the ranch to grain, besides renting other land, at times having as high as twenty-five hundred acres in wheat and barley, and using four ten- horse teams to do his work. As he met with success, he added to his holdings, buying and selling three different ranches in the vicinity of the home place at a profit. His home place has three hundred sixty acres, some of which is checked and planted to alfalfa, and irrigated by a pumping plant installed for the purpose.

During all these years Mr. Merrill has raised horses and mules, some of the best marketed in the state having come from his ranch. He began that industry in 1908, raising Jacks and Jennies, and breeding a superior grade of stock. As a result he has taken more first prizes, blue ribbons, and cups in the past three years than any other man who has exhibited the same number of animals. In five years he has secured twenty first prizes, two second prizes, and two third prizes, and has never exhibited an animal that did not take a prize. At the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, he exhibited ten head, taking prizes on each one. He owns the Jacks Frenchie and Silver Tone Mammoth, the latter being imported, and as finely bred an animal as there is in the United States.

Mr. Merrill married Miss Florence Chamberlain, a native daughter of California, by whom he has three children : Lovell C, Frank A., and Mrs. Geraldine Westby, who now resides in Oak- land. The sons are both well-known ranchers in Glenn County.  Mr. Merrill is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Willows.

For more than fifty-two years he has been an active developer of the Sacramento Valley; and for forty-five years he has lived in what is now Glenn County. He has served on grand and petit juries, has been active in the movements that have been projected to build up and bring settlers into the county, and is among the most influential of the men now living here; and he is well and favorably known as a public-spirited citizen.

  

MILLER H. JELLISON

There is one man now living in Princeton, Colusa County, who, since 1904, has gained many friends by his careful and consistent attention to duty in handling the United States mail between Norman and Princeton, and also by his courteous treatment of all passengers who ride on his stage. He is a son of Alexander Jellison, a Pennsylvanian who went to Illinois and settled in the vicinity of Sycamore. At the breaking out of the Civil War, Alexander Jellison enlisted in Company A, One Hundred Fifth Illinois Sharpshooters. He served through the war, and at its close settled at Packwaukee, Wis. He married Almeda Hodge. Mr. and Mrs. Jellison died in 1908, within two months of each other. They had five children, of whom Miller H. is the only one living.

Miller H. Jellison was born at Packwaukee, Wis., April 26, 1867. He attended the common schools for a time, and finished in the high school at Wabasha, Minn. He became interested in farming in early manhood in South Dakota, where he also took a very prominent part in politics. Later he moved to Washington, and was engaged in the real estate business at Spokane. His next move was to Binford, N. D., where he conducted a livery stable. Here he contracted rheumatism, which reached such a stage that he had to dispose of his business. He then came to California to seek relief at some of her fine springs and resorts. He selected Wilbur Springs, and fully recovered the first year he was in the state. So well satisfied was he, that he decided to make his permanent home here. For three years he managed Campbell & Peterson’s large stock ranch, in the foothills of Colusa County; and two years were spent as manager of Cook’s Si)rings, during which time he did much to make that a popular resort.

In 1904, Mr. Jellison became a resident of this locality, where he purchased thirty-eight acres of unimproved land, part of a large barley field subdivided by J. B. De Jarnatt, of Colusa.

Here he began to improve a home. He erected a comfortable house, built barns and outbuildings, fenced the place, and developed water. He set out a family orchard, planted alfalfa, put in a garden, started a dairy of fourteen cows, and also began in the poultry business. A diversified farming enterprise has met with success throughout this section of the state; and no one has realized more satisfactory results than Mr. Jellison. To add to his revenue he secured the government mail contract to trans- port mail between Princeton and Norman. In connection with this he established a stage business, and has been carrying passengers to and fro. Having confidence in the possibilities of this section as a rice center, Mr. Jellison leased land and put in four hundred acres of that grain in 1917, which bids fair to ])ro- duce a good crop. All in all, he is a busy man ; and he is reckoned one of the ‘ ‘ live wires ‘ ‘ of Princeton.

In 1889, in Faulk County, S. D., Mr. Jellison was united in marriage with Mary A., daughter of John and Louise (Marquette) Linke, natives of Germany. They had both been married before, and were both the parents of children. One brother of Mrs.  Jellison, William Linke, a resident of Canada, is with the British colors in France. Mrs. Jellison was born in Wisconsin, and was teaching school in Faulk County, S. D., at the time of her marriage. One child, Robert Jellison, adds cheer to their home. Mr.  and Mrs. Jellison are hard workers. They are progressive and public-spirited, and have made many friends in their community.  Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. Jellison has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has passed through all the chairs of the subordinate lodge, and to Grand Warden in the Grand Lodge of South Dakota, prior to moving away. He now holds his membership in Maxwell Lodge.

  

MARTIN LUTHER RICE

The late Martin Luther Rice, of Colusa, was one of the most prominent contractors and builders in Colusa County in his day.  He was born in Pennsylvania, received a fair education in the common branches, and learned the trade of the carpenter under skilled mechanics. In 1856, then a young man, he went to Iowa, where he worked at his trade in Mt. Pleasant; and there he was married, in 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Allender, born in that state.  He continued working at his trade until the time of the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and served from October, 1861, to October, 186-4. He was honorably discharged from the service, and resumed his occupation in Iowa.

On July 11, 1872, he was bereaved of his wife ; and the following year he once more set his face to the West. Arriving in California, he mined for two years at Placerville, and thereafter went to Marysville, where he stopped a short time, after which he came to Colusa and worked at his trade until 1876. That year he returned to the East, visited the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, and renewed old acquaintances at his former homes in Pennsylvania and Iowa. Upon his return to California, he was married, on December 30, 1876, to Miss Josephine Silver. He then began taking contracts, and erected, among other buildings, the First Methodist Church, South. He superintended the erection of the Odd Fellows building in Colusa, and built the grammar school at Arbuckle, as well as other buildings of every description. For years he was the leading contractor in Colusa County.  Many bridges throughout this section of the Sacramento Valley were constructed by him. He died at the age of eighty-two years, on September 13, 1912, and was mourned by a wide circle of friends.

Of the marriage of Martin Luther and Elizabeth (Allender) Rice five children were born : George W., who died at the age of eleven years, and Thomas A., Anion Ulysses, Martha J., and Perry Franklin. Of the second union, there were seven children : James Edward, who died in infancy; Mary Viola, the wife of Lee I.  Mclntire, of Pasadena; Luther V., of Stockton; Porter Eugene, of Woodland ; Alice Josephine, a teacher in Sacramento ; Ella Grace, a stenographer in Sacramento; and Lucinda Irene, the wife of Walter Newbeaur, of San Francisco.

 

CARL HENRY JASPER

A sturdy pioneer who has helped to pave the way for others, and in so doing has also made straight and smooth a path for him- self until today he is looked upon as one of the founders of the commonwealth, is Carl Henry Jasper, one of the most successful and prosperous ranchmen of Glenn County. He was born in Han- over, Germany, October 15, 1849, and was reared in that section, on a farm, and given a common school education according to the excellent German standards.

At the age of seventeen, he crossed the wide ocean to America to seek his fortune in the New World, and found his first work in a store in New York City. There he was employed for seven months ; and in the meantime, by hard application in the evenings, he learned to talk every-day English. When thus equipped, he set out with his face toward the West, and traveled as far as Mason County, ILL., where for a year he worked on a farm.

In 1869, the ambitious young man resumed his journey westward. He crossed the continent to California on one of the first steam trains that made their way over the prairies, although it then took three weeks for the entire trip. He first located near Sacramento, where he had an elder In-other, Chris Jasper, and worked for wages on ranches until 1872. Then he came to his present ranch, where he has since lived.

In the beginning, he took up one hundred sixty acres of government land. He now owns one section of fine acreage, and farms considerable rented land besides. Decidedly a self-made man, he possesses only what he has acquired by hard work and commendable saving ; and today he is a man of affairs, and one of Glenn County’s best-known citizens.

On November 19, 1882, Carl Henry Jasper was married to Pauline Brown, born in Baden-Baden, Germany, September 11, 1860 ; and she became the mother of four children. Henry A., the eldest son, was born on his father’s ranch near Orland, on October 23, 1885, and was educated at the Plaza School. After that, he farmed with his father on the home place, and later rented six hundred forty acres of land west of Orland, where he raised grain on his own account for three years. In November, 1916, he bought His present ranch of eighty acres, three miles east of Orland, formerly known as the Downing ranch. There he raises alfalfa, almonds and garden truck. He is aided in his endeavors by his good wife, who was Ruby Johansen.

Herman W. and Chris K. Jasper, the second and third sons, are with their father on the home place. The only daughter, Theresa C, is the wife of the well-known contractor, A. F. Kronsbein ; and they have one daughter, Paulina.

Mr. Jasper has erected all the buildings on the place — the house, barn, sheds, etc. — has planted both the shade trees and the family orchard, and in many ways has contributed to make this one of the most attractive ranches in the vicinity.

Mr. Jasper belongs to the Lutheran denomination. He is one of the pillars of the Lutheran Church of Germantown.

  

LUKE E. BOEDEFELD

The important office of horticultural commissioner of Colusa County is being filled most acceptably by Mr. Boedefeld, one of her native sons, who was born in Colusa, October 16, 1879, and grew to manhood in his native town. He attended the grammar school, and was graduated from the high school in 1897. His father, the late Joseph Boedefeld, was one of the well-known citizens in the county, and was chairman of the first horticultural commission of he county, serving for some time ; and be was likewise one of the pioneer prune-growers of the county. Joseph Boedefeld was born in Westphalia, Germany, and came to California, via Panama, in 1869, settling in Colusa. He bad been brought up in the clothing business; and on his arrival here he engaged in that occupation, establishing a clothing store on Fifth Street in 1870. He was one of the pioneer merchants in that line in Colusa, and continued actively in business until 1903, when he sold out. For years he served as one of the city trustees ; and he was a member of the committee that laid out West End Park. Mr. Boedefeld took great pride in furthering the interests of the county. He bought some land and set out an orchard to prunes as an experiment, thereby becoming one of the pioneer orchardists here. That orchard is today one of the most profitable in Colusa County. The industry, an infant one in 1891, has grown to large proportions, and now means much to the county. Mr. Boedefeld died on October 28, 1911, at the age of seventy years. Joseph Boedefeld was married in Colusa to Mary Elizabeth Sherman, distantly related to General John T. Sherman. She was born in New Orleans, La., and came to Marysville, Cal., with her mother and sister Katherin, in 1863. She was then a girl of twelve years of age. Her education was obtained in a convent at Marysville.  Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boedefeld, nine of whom are living: Robert T., of Oakland; Elizabeth, Mrs. M. J.  Boggs, of Colusa; Francis S., of Santa Eosa; Luke R., of this review; Josephine, Mrs. W. W. Wilson, of Marysville; Paul H., of Oakland ; Gertrude, of Colusa ; Marie, Mrs. S. E. Crockett, of Sacramento; and Bernard S., of Colusa. Walter died at the age of twenty-four, and Lawrence at the age of two years. Mrs.  Boedefeld survives her husband, and is living at the old Boedefeld residence in Colusa.

After finishing at the high school in Colusa, Luke R. Boedefeld entered the social science course at the University of California, and was graduated in 1903, with the degree of A. B. The follow- ing year was spent in Hastings Law College; but the father’s failing health necessitated a change of plans for the young man.  Turning from the law to farming and horticulture, he assumed the care of an orchard of one hundred acres of prunes owned by his mother. After three years with J. L. Jackson in the grain busi- ness, he engaged for another like period in grain-buying for him- self. This he gave up in order to devote all his attention to super- intending the orchard, and to performing the duties of the office of horticultural commissioner, to which he was appointed in 1910.

He was the first county horticultural commissioner under the new law establishing the office, and is now serving his second four-year term. To facilitate the work of his office, he has divided the county into five separate districts.

Mr. Boedefeld is well and favorably known throughout the entire county, and in fact all over the Sacramento Valley. He has prepared and read papers on the fruit industry at various gatherings in the Sacramento Valley. He knows the needs of the orchardist, and has made a special study of the parasites and diseases that harass their trees, so as to be able to recommend the control measures necessary in order to combat them successfully; and he keeps abreast of all new discoveries for the benefit of the industry. He is meeting with hearty cooperation from the fruit-growers, and it is safe to say that no one stands higher in the esteem of the people of the county than Luke E. Boedefeld.

  

WILLIAM W. GATLIFF, M. D.

Without doubt one of the best-known and most popular men, especially in professional ranks, in this section of Glenn County, is Dr. W. W. Gatliff, a native of Butler County, Mo., where he first saw the light on March 15, 1857. His father was Elias Gatliff, a native of Kentucky, who joined the Confederate forces, and was killed in the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1863. His mother, also a native of Kentucky, was Miss Rachael Boyd, before her marriage.  She makes her home with her son at Butte City.

When twelve years of age, William Gatliff removed with his mother to Thorp Spring, Hood County, Texas, where he was educated at Addran College. He showed much proficiency in his studies, and was encouraged to try for a professional career ; and in time he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis.

Having received his degree of M. D., Dr. Gatliff came to the Pacific Coast and began the practice of medicine at Bellingham, Wash. Later, he came to Butte City, and in 1887 he began his practice here ; and since then he has been steadily at it, with a record of thirty years in one locality. In the days when one rode horseback all over this section, and often, by day and by night, visited remote places to relieve the suffering of patients, the practice of a physician was no sinecure. As one result of these many years of faithful and successful application. Dr. Gatliff is now the vice-president of the Glenn County Medical Association, and a highly honored member within its ranks; and he is also a member of the State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association.

For a while, Dr. Gatliff owned and conducted a well-known drug store at Butte City, but later sold out his stock and good-will to others. He now owns a three-hundred-tweuty-acre stock ranch near Elk Creek.

In the Elk Creek district Dr. William W. Gatliff married Miss Mattie Rawlins, daughter of the Rev. T. F. Rawlins, of whom ex- tended mention is made on another page of this history. Of this union one daughter was born, Loraine, now the wife of James James, and the happy mother of a son, William H. James.

URIAH WAVERLY BROWN

Attorney at law, member of the firm of Brown & Albery at Colusa, president of the First National Bank and the First Savings Bank, of Colnsa, Uriah Waverly Brown is a prominent citi­zen and upbuilder of Colusa County. He was born on November 24, 1860, in Dekalb County, Mo., twenty miles from St. Joseph, a son of William D. and Martha. (Bentley) Brown, conscientious Baptists and farming folks of that state, who, in 1865, crossed the mountains, desert and plains to Oregon. There they spent two years, located at Corvallis. The train in which they traveled con­sisted of about one hundred persons, well armed, and prepared to protect themselves from the Indians that infested their path. Coming to California in 1367, the family settled in Antelope Valley, twenty-five miles west from Colusa, and there raised grain and sheep for many years. Mrs. Brown died in Red Bluff, in 1873, during a temporary residence there. Mr. Brown was again married, to Ada Simpson, by whom be had one daughter, Esther, now Mrs. W. E. Dunlap, of Antelope Valley.

The only son, U. W. Brown, was brought to Oregon when a child of five years. After coming to California, he attended the district schools of Colusa County, and later, through his own efforts, paid his way through Pierce Christian College, at College City, graduating in 1332 with the degrees B. S. and B. L. During the ensuing four years he taught school, meantime reading law un­der the preceptorship of Richard Bayne; and in 1387 he was ad­mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the state. Opening an office in Colusa, he at once began to build up a practice, and in time formed a partnership with Mr. Albery. Mr. Brown is recognized as the leading lawyer of Colnsa County, and has been retained in many important cases at the bar. He has many financial interests in the county, and is the owner of seine very valuable farming lands. IIe was one of the organizers, in 1819, of the Cook's Springs Mineral Water Company, and served as its president; and was also one of the organizers, and is the president, of the First National Bank, and of the First Savings Bank, of Colusa. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery, and to Islam Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in San Francisco; and is Past Commander of Colusa Commandery No. 24, K. T. He is also a member of the Colusa Lodge of Odd Fellows, and of the Odd Fellows Association, organized in 1595, which built the Odd Fellows building, and of which he has been president ever since. Mr. Brown is a member of the Christian Church, and for years has served on the board of trustees of the local congregation.

Mr. Brown was united in marriage, in Colusa, with Miss Emma Lovelace, who, like her husband, was born in Missouri, and who came with her parents to California in 1868. Four chil­dren have been born to them: Azile, the wife of Harmon M. Albert'; Ilarris Nesbit ; Uriah Waverly, Jr.; and Bentley Love­lace, who, with their parents, hold a high place in the citizenship of Cohisa County. A Democrat in principle, Mr. Brown never allows Partisanship to interfere with his good judgment, but supports the men he considers best qualified to fill the offices, regardless of party. He has always been a stanch supporter of Colusa County and its best interests, and is ever ready to lend aid to all worthy projects for its upbuilding. It is to such men that the state of California is indebted for its progress and expansion.

 

MICHAEL O'HAIR

Owing to the long period of his residence in Colusa County, and his close identification with its ranching interests and its political affairs, the late Michael O'Hair became known among a wide circle of acquaintances in the Sacramento Valley. Like many other men who have helped to develop this state, he was of foreign birth and lineage. He was horn in Glasgow, Scotland, October 10, 1845. When he was three years old, his father, John O'Hair, brought his family to New York. There he engaged in the mercantile business until 1852, when he took his family to Michigan, and a year later to Illinois. Still later, lie settled in Floyd county, Iowa, and engaged in farming.

Michael O'Hair was educated in the public schools of Iowa. At the age of seventeen, in February, 1863, he enlisted in the Union army for service during the Civil War, joining Company K, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered in at Davenport, Iowa.

His regiment, under General Sully, was the first expedition of white men that ever crossed the Bad Lauds ; and they had many encounters with Indians. With others of his regiment, Mr. O'llair relieved Captain Fisk and his train of emigrants. While in that section of country, he saw the first steamboat that went up the Yellowstone. Under his commanding slicer, Colonel Pattee, he assisted in laying out Fort Du Rosh at Sioux Falls, and also Fort Firesteel, on the James River, both in South Dakota. At the close of the war he was mustered out and honorably discharged by gen­eral order. He spent one year in the vicinity of his old home in Charles City, Iowa, and then secured employment in the building of the Union Pacific Railroad, gradually working his way west un­til he arrived in California, in 1869. After remaining in San Francisco a short time, Mr. O'llair went to Puget Sound and spent one season in the lumber camps of that section, and then came back to San Francisco. He then came to Colusa County, and engaged in ranching near Princeton. Three years later, lie and his brother William bought thirty-six hundred acres on Stony Creek, on the boundary line between Tehama and Glenn Counties, and began raising grain. About 1886, while that district was still a part of Colusa County, Michael O'Hair was elected a member of the board of supervisors from the fifth district. He was chosen chairman of that body, and served with satisfaction to his constit­uents. During his term in office the question of county division was agitated. It did not receive his support, as he was opposed to increased taxation. In 1887 be assisted in organizing the Kraft Irrigation District. In 1896 he sold his property in Glenn County, and purchased the old Jerry Powell ranch, situated four miles southwest of Colusa; and on its nine hundred acres, and the eight hundred acres adjoining, which he leased, he raised large crops of grain and considerable numbers of stock, specializing. in Short­horn Durham cattle. He met with more than ordinary success financially, and won and held a high place in the esteem of his friends and neighbors.

In December, 1888, Michael O'Hair and Miss Hattie Hunter were united in marriage. She was a daughter of Mrs. Pallas Love. Mr. and Mrs. O'Hair had one son, William Hunter O'Hair. Mr. O'Hair east his first presidential vote for Gen. George B. McClellan, and ever after supported the principles of Democracy. He helped organize the Grand Army Post at Orland, and also the John F. Miller Post at Colusa, and was Past Commander of both. He was a member of Colusa Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M.; Colusa Chapter, No. 60, R. A. M.; and Colusa Commanders, No. 24, K. T.; and with Mrs. O'Hair he was a member of the Eastern Star Chap­ter. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. At the time of his death he was serving as supervisor from the second district of Colusa County. After a long and useful life, O'Hair passed to his reward on September 28, 1912, mourned by a large circle of friends. His manly traits of character and his genial manner had endeared him to all classes. During his long connection with the vicinity of Colusa he was associated with the development of the county, and promoted the welfare of its people.

 

ALONZO LUCE, SR.

"Like father, like son" is a familiar phrase, quite applicable to the successful careers of the elder and younger Alonzo Luce, who are both deserving of a place of honor iu the history of Glenn County. Alonzo Luce, Sr.. was born at Hoosick Falls, N. Y., May 24, 1827, the only child of Daniel and Patience Luce. He received his education in the local public schools, and went to work on a farm when fifteen years of age. Elsewhere than behind the plow, however, he had received his first introduction to hard, exhausting labor ; for he toiled as a tow-boy on the Erie Canal, where, week in and week out, he traveled the border path for miles, driving the canal horses used to haul the heavy and slow-going boats.

In 1852 he came to California by way of Panama, and for a while mined on American River. Then he went to a ranch ten miles above Colusa, where he worked for •wages. In 1857 he set out for Sonoma County to engage in the cattle business. Seven years later he settled on a ranch two miles southwest of Newville. Here he prospered, farming to grain and raising cattle and hogs, and in time came to own fifteen hundred twenty acres in his home place, and nine hundred sixty acres near Paskenta, in Tehama County.

March 24, 1859, witnessed the marriage of Alonzo Luce to Miss Elizabeth McKay, a native of Canada, where she was born on October 10, 1836. She was the daughter of Daniel McKay, who came to California in 1857, and had a blacksmith shop at Santa Rosa. In 1863 he moved to Tulare County, where lie conducted a stock ranch eighteen miles east of Visalia. In 1872, he removed to Nevada, and two years later he died there. Mr. and Mrs. Luce were the parents of five sous and three daughters: Isaac D. and John, both of Paskenta ; Alonzo, of whom mention is made on an­other page of this work; Guy M., of Woodland; Zachariah, on the home ranch; Clara, Mrs. Milligan, who died at Corning, January 1, 1917; and Mrs. Alice Millsaps and Mrs. Estella Givens, both of Newville. Mr. Luce passed away on February 20, 1907, a few mouths before the death of his wife, on June 16 of the same year. These aged pioneers were held in high esteem by their community, where their passing was mourned as a public loss.

 

ALONZO LUCE

The men who are today developing California's opportunities, which in pioneer days were opened up by those dauntless men and women who braved every danger to get to the "land of promise" and, after their arrival, began to shape the destinies of the new state, so that their descendants might enjoy prosperity, have shown their aptitude to build on the foundation left them as an inheritance. Of this number, mention is due Alonzo Luce, a native son of Glenn County, born on his father's ranch at Newville, September 13, 1869.

Alonzo Luce attended the public school in the district near the home ranch, assisting his father when not in school. Later he went to Wyoming and rode the range. Here his duties took him over a broad expanse of country, extending one hundred miles along Green River, and back to a depth of sixty miles. In his string were some fourteen saddle horses. He became an expert rider, as well as a roper. Upon his return to California he rented his father's ranch and engaged in raising stock and grain with exceptional ability until 1905.

It was at this time that Mr. Luce branched out and began buy­ing and shipping stock, his business growing to large proportions with the passing of the years. At present he is engaged in buying cattle, sheep and hogs, his experience in various parts of the West well fitting him both for the difficult task of selecting stock, and for the equally great responsibility of disposing of it. In this work he represents the Willard Commission Co., of the Union Stock Yards in Portland, Ore., one of the best-known firms on the Pacific Coast. His operations are extensive; he deals and ships in train-load lots. When opportunity arises, he buys five or six hundred head of cattle, and ranges them until they are in shape for the market.

As might be expected of one who has moved about so much among the mountains and valleys, Mr. Luce has been identified with mining in one form or another. He located three chrome mining claims, which be sold for twenty-five thousand dollars; and he still owns another claim of the same mineral. He also located and still owns a manganese claim in Tehama County, while he has located a very promising coal claim in Shasta County. 

At Willows, on November 21, 1894, Mr. Luce was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Dobkins, a native of Willits, Mendo­cino County. Her father, Jacob Styles Dobkins, was born in Mis­souri. He became a pioneer of California, where he married Re­becca Campbell, a native of San Leandro. Grandfather John T. Campbell was born in Scotland. He married in his native country and, emigrating to California, became a prominent farmer of Alameda County, where he died at his home on April 29, 1917, at the age of eighty-seven years. Mr. Dobkins followed the trade of blacksmith at Willits, and later had a shop at Newville, where he continued as the village blacksmith until his death on April 20, 1904. His wife died on November 22, 1909. Besides Mrs. Luce, his children are Mrs. Nettie MeBain; Mrs. Myrtle Johnson; and Lee R., Ida, and Lena Dobkins. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Luce five children have been born: Lorena ; Inez, Mrs. John Hie-Jar; and Myra, Daisy, and Lenus A.

In connection with their large interests as feeders of stock, Mr. Luce and Mr. Willard shipped out of Willows, in the season of 1916-17, five hundred fifty head of cattle in one shipment, val­ued at sixty thousand dollars, and one shipment of five thousand sheep, representing about fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Luce is ever ready to do his duty as a citizen of the state, and has supported movements for the betterment of his county at every opportunity. He is one of the best-known stockmen in the Sacramento Valley, where he is highly esteemed for his integrity of character, and his honesty and square dealing.

ALLEN KITCHIN

The junior member of the firm of Harbison & Kitchin, of Colusa County, was born in Darke County, Ohio, January 26, 1855, a son of Alfred and Hannah (Harbison) Kitchin, the former born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Darke County, Ohio. Of seven children, Allen was the next to the youngest. When twelve years of age he went with his parents to Illinois. He attended the district schools in Christian County, and a business college in Springfield, where he graduated. When he was twenty-two years of age, he began for himself, raising corn, oats and hogs with con­siderable success. Wishing to branch out on broader lines, he went to Dakota and preempted land near Aberdeen. lie proved up on his land, but afterwards sold it,•and engaged as a dealer in agricultural implements in Aberdeen for some time. He next spent two years in business in Minneapolis, and then farmed in Oregon from 1887 to 1889. In the fall of 1889 he came to California, and at once settled in Colusa County, where, in partner­ship with his cousin, James C. Harbison, he engaged in grain- farming and stock-raising with marked success. Today he is recognized as one of the substantial men in the county.

While not especially interested in politics, Mr. Kitchin sup­ports the principles and the candidates of the Republican party, and is ever ready to do his duty as a citizen. He is public- spirited, favoring every movement for the good of the county, and lending his active support so far as he is able. He is quiet and reserved, and during his many years of residence in the county he has made a host of friends, who appreciate him for his upright and manly character.

BYRON D. BECKWITH

Searcher of Records, real estate dealer and writer of fire insurance, Byron D. Beckwith, of Colusa, is one of the substan­tial men of the county. He was born at Newhope, San Joaquin County, March 8, 1884. His father, the late Byron De la Beckwith, was born in Ohio, across the Virginia state line, July 16, 1839, and married Mary Oliver in Stockton, Cal., a native of the Old Dominion State, who had come to California at an early day. She died when her son, Byron D. Beckwith, was only five years old. A daughter died in infancy.

The Beckwith family migrated from Normandy, France, to England, from which country two brothers later came to America. One of these settled in Virginia, and the other at Plymouth, in Colonial times. Mr. Beckwith is descended from the Virginia branch of the family. His uncle, James R. De Beckwith, came to California in 1848, and settled in San Joaquin County at about the time of the discovery of gold by Marshall. Mr. Beckwith's father came at a later date, and settled in the same county. He was the first settler in the town of Lodi, and erected the first brick building there, in which he conducted a drug store; and he was appointed the first postmaster of the town. He acquired considerable land in that part of San Joaquin County, which he later sold; and also acquired interests in Shasta, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Tulare, San Joaquin, and Alameda Counties. He traveled extensively, always boosting his adopted state. To his son's knowledge, he made sixteen trips back to New York State. A man of great executive ability, he went into various irrigating projects. He was a firm believer in irrigation, and was such a strong advocate of it that some of his friends questioned the sanity of his views. He organized and was the leading factor in the Woodbridge Canal and Irrigation Company, in 1881. This project proved a success; and though it had its ups and downs, it is still in existence. This was one of the first irrigation schemes put in operation in this part of California. At the first' Irrigation Congress held in San Francisco, he became acquainted with the late Will S. Green, of Colnsa, and learned of the Central irrigation Project of Colusa County. This was organized under the Wright law; but internal troubles arose through divergent interests, and led to its financial failure and abandonment. It was Mr. Beckwith who devised a plan for its reorganization and conduct. He went to work in a quiet way, devoting several years to it. Litigation in the federal courts had tied up the work for several years; but he succeeded in interesting outside capital, so that the ditches could be com­pleted, and one hundred seventy-five thousand acres was placed under irrigation. He was then sixty-three years of age, and was still active and mentally alert. This irrigation project was incor­porated as the Central Canal and Irrigation Company; while his successors reincorporated it as the Sacramento Valley Irrigation Company, and the Sacramento Valley West Side Canal Company, a parent and a subsidiary company, respectively. To protect his interests, Mr. Beckwith had to enter suit ; and the case of Beck­with vs. Sheldon et al. ran through all the courts of California, being in litigation for twelve and one half years. He was repre­sented by Ernest Weyand, of Colusa; A. L. Shinn, of Sacramento; J. W. Dorsey and Judge S. C. Denson, of San Francisco. This was one of the• most celebrated irrigation cases ever tried. It established many very important points of law, especially those involving a trust relationship. This project was held to be a fiduciary trust. Under the strain of prolonged litigation, Sir. Beckwith was taken ill and died in 1904. His only son, Byron D. Beckwith, of this review, as sole heir and administrator, carried the litigation to the end; and in 1915, by the ruling of the state supreme court, affirming the decision of Judge M. T. Dooling, the trial judge of the superior court of Yolo County, Mr. Beckwith was awarded a large amount of money.

Byron D. Beckwith grew up in Colusa. His mother died at Woodbridge in 1089, and be was only thirteen when his father moved to this city, where he was educated. On account of the illness of his father, he quit school at an early age, and has had charge of business matters since he was a lad. George W. Peltier, of Sacramento, a friend of his father, came to his aid financially, and the case so long in litigation was brought to a successful close. At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Beckwith began working in the abstract office, of which he is now the owner. He also engaged in the real estate business, later purchasing the business of Senator J. W. Goad. His set of abstract books are complete in every detail. He also owns the Yuba County Abstract Company, at Marysville, besides writing a general fire insurance business. With J. W. Kaerth, he prepared data for the third official county wall map of Colusa County, in 1915. This is very complete and accurate, and a very valuable addition to the geographical litera­ture of the county.

For five years Mr. Beckwith served as captain of Company B, Second Infantry, N. G. C. He was postmaster of Colusa from 1909 to 1912, when he resigned. Ile owns a ranch of seven hun­dred forty acres, eight miles north of Colusa, and in 1917 planted one hundred acres to French and Robe de Sargent prunes, besides farming extensively to beans, corn and alfalfa.

In 1912 Mr. Beckwith married Miss Susan S. Kugel., of Greenwood, Miss., a niece of Mrs. Sallie M. Green, and one of the South's fairest daughters. This happy couple have a delightful home in Colusa. Mrs. Beckwith is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Beckwith is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Marysville Lodge of Elks, and Colusa Parlor, No. 69, N. S. G. W.

 

FRANCIS J. RYAN

Much of the credit for the well-established success of the busy grain warehouse at Monroeville is due to Francis J. Ryan, who for eighteen years was its experienced and obliging- superintendent. Born at New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, in 1848, he emigrated with his family to Canada in 1865, and settled for a while at Quebec. For a short time he was on a farm there, and then he went to Ottawa, where be entered the timber woods of the great Northwest, and became an expert lumberman.

In 1869, be crossed south into the States, and resumed his timber-cutting at Wausau, Marathon County, Wis. In time, he be­came foreman of the gang; and in that responsible position he remained until 1890. there he had charge of a large timber mill owned by J. E. Leahy, a former senator of the state. In 1890, he went north to the state of Washington, and for three months was employed at the month of the Columbia River, near Astoria. In the fall of the same year, he came to Shasta County, Cal., and for a couple of years was engaged in timber-cruising.

In 1892, Mr. Ryan removed to St. John, Glenn County, and homesteaded a farm on an island in the Sacramento River. It was a rough place, in the beginning; but he greatly improved the prop­erty, and was soon farming there as successfully as any one in the neighborhood. His wife and family joined him here, coming on from Wisconsin. He bought two hundred acres which had belonged to the Glenn ranch near Ord, Glenn County. This property he sold to the owners of the Parrott ranch.

For eighteen years Mr. Ryan was superintendent of the grain warehouse at Monroeville, living of late in Hamilton City. In 1917 he left the Monroeville warehouse to accept a position with the Sacramento Valley Sugar Company, at Hamilton City, where he now is. When this town was started, in 1906, he bought the first lot and built the first house; and no more enthusiastic "booster" of Hamilton City could be anywhere found.

In 1881, in Wausau, Wis., Francis J. Ryan married Miss Mar­garet Jane Barden, a native of St. Johnsburg, Vt., although a resi­dent of Wisconsin for years. Of this union were born twelve chil­dren, eleven of whom are living. These are John P., who married Marie Saner, by whom he has one daughter, Margaret Marie; Margaret, the wife of Ernest Williams and the mother of one daughter, Mildred; Frank, who married Pearl De Bolt; James, who married Miss Clara May Scott, by whom he has a daughter, Katherine; Katherine, Mrs. Arthur Jensen; Agnes, the first of the children born in California ; Helen, Mrs. Orville Shelby Kibby; and Eva, May, Edna C., and Joe W. Mr. Ryan and his family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Ryan has been actively interested in politics, in the various communities where he has lived. He is a Progressive Republican, and a supporter of every worthy project promoted for the welfare of the people. He has been a particular friend of the public school, and served as trustee in St. John district two terms. He has seen the whole Coast coun­try change for the better during the past twenty-five years ; and in the county where he is best known he counts everybody his friend.

MRS. SARAH LEAKE

A native Californian, Mrs. Sarah Johnson Leake was horn at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, the daughter of the late William Johnson, a review of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. Sarah Johnson was educated in the public schools and at Mrs. Perry's Seminary in Sacramento. By her first marriage, when she became the wife of George Vickery, she had one son, Fred Vickery, who is her partner in the Glenn County Dairy. They have twenty-one acres planted to alfalfa, which furnishes feed for the forty-five cows of mixed breed in their dairy. On the ranch there is a fine pumping plant, the first installed to be run by elec­tric power, in this section. The dairy is sanitary and up-to-date in every particular. Only tuberculin-tested cows are kept, and the milk is bottled in thoroughly sterilized and air-tight bottles. This dairy supplies eighty gallons of milk daily to the people of Willows.

The second marriage of Mrs. Leake united her with William I. Leake, a native of Rails County, Øo., who settled in Glenn County in the late sixties. Ile came across the continent in one of the first steam trains, and farmed near what is now the town of Willows. For nine years he was superintendent of the county hos­pital; and be was the first man in this section to install an electric power plant for pumping water for irrigation. He passed away- in January, 1914. Of this marriage two children were born to Sirs. Leake: Sirs. Lillian Longineyer, who is now deceased, and , Marcellus Leake. Sirs. Leake is a woman of winning personality, and is deservedly popular. She is a charter member of the Eastern Star Chapter of Willows, and also a member of the Rebekahs and the Native Daughters of the Golden West. She has made of the Glenn County Dairy a marked success, and is a liberal and earnest supporter of all movements for the public good.

 

WILLIAM JOHNSON

Among those who early wended their weary way across the great, rolling prairies, and after untold inconveniences, privations and imminent dangers, reached the land of golden promise and there won for themselves and their kin all the honor that a free people gladly accords the sturdy pioneer, was the late William Johnson, a native of Posey County, Ind., where he was born on October 20, 1836, and whence, on September 1, 1854, he set out with the customary ox team to traverse the plains leading to Cali­fornia. He paid a hundred dollars for his passage, and was obliged to stand guard and take his tarn in driving. The party comprised ten people, and each had his share of responsibility and burdens.

Arriving on the Coast, Mr. Johnson first located at Sacra­mento, and then removed to San Francisco, where he worked for an uncle who was in the dairy business. He next moved on to So­noma County, and settled for a while near Healdsburg, and after­wards went to old Silveyville, near Dixon, where he learned the trade of the blacksmith with his brother, James O. Johnson. For a number of years they worked together ender the firm name of Johnson Bros. He also farmed four hundred acres of rented land near Dixon, seeding the same to wheat, and raising in one year over four hundred tons.

In 1870, Mr. Johnson came to Willows, and formed a partner­ship for the conducting of a mercantile store with Mose Hoch­heimer, under the firm name of Johnson Flochheimer. After about three years, Mr. Johnson sold out his interests, and with his brother James engaged in farming near Willows for a number of years, renting the John Boggs place, which they planted to grain. This brother died in 1910; another brother, John D., is in the hardware business at Dixon.

William Johnson married Miss Amanda Beard, a native of Illinois, who died on July 10, 1914, the Mother of thirteen children, four of whom are living. The eldest of these is Mrs. Sarah Leake, of Willows; James lives at Hamilton City; another daughter, Mrs. Harriett Culver, resides in Sacramento ; and Panl resides in Willows.

An active Republican, and decidedly a public-spirited man, William Johnson was appointed postmaster of Willows, and served in that capacity for fifteen years. For half a century he was an Odd Fellow, and had passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge. On July 19, 1917, this worthy pioneer passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Leake. He was buried in the family plot at Dixon.

 

HANS SIEVERS

Born in Holstein, Germany, April 5, 1864, Hans Sievers came to the United States, and to California, when he was a youth of seventeen, and settled at Dixon, in Solano County, where his aunt, Mrs. Salzen, an early pioneer of that county, lived and owned a ranch. Later, he became manager of the farm; and during his spare time he learned the trade of a butcher at Dixon. In 1890, he came to Orland, then only a small settlement, and bought out the Nordyke butcher shop, which lie conducted for three years. When he closed out the business, he rented four hundred eighty acres of the Brown ranch, near to the Glenn ranch; and this tract he farmed to grain for a couple of years. For the next two decades he was associated with P. D. Bane in the culture of almonds east of Orland. They devoted thirty-three acres to this nut, with such success that they never had a failure in any one of the twenty crops, and averaged half a ton of almonds to the acre. During the succeeding three years, when the orchard was leased, Mr. Sievery raised almonds on his own acreage. He also bought a ninety- acre ranch near the Bane place. Soon after, he sold sixty acres of this place. The remaining thirty acres he planted to peaches and alfalfa. He cuts five crops of alfalfa a year.

On January 1, 1917, Mr. Sievers entered the butcher business in Orland, opening up a modern and thoroughly first-class shop on Fifth Street, for the supplying of which he also erected a slaughter-house four miles east of Orland. There he kills his sheep, cattle and hogs, and also smokes such hams and bacon as he needs for his trade. Mr. Sievers has also had a number of houses built in Orland, which he rents to various tenants.

Hans Sievers was united in marriage with Miss Maude E. Bocnn, a Dative of Indiana, and a daughter of Moses Boone, an early settler in California. Mr. and Mrs. Sievers are the parents of four children. Ray, Glenn, and Teddie R. assist their father in his business. Fern married Chester Leonard; and they reside in Orland.

PATRICK HENRY HAUGH

In the life of this successful citizen of Colusa County are illus­trated the results of perseverance and energy, coupled with judi­cious management and strict integrity. He is a citizen of whom any community might well lie proud. Patrick Henry Haugh was born in County Clare, Ireland. He is a splendid specimen of those who, starting amid humble environments in the Old World, have come to America and contributed to the development of this repub­lic. fie received a public school education in his native land, and came to the United States when he was still a lad in his teens. His first work in this country was in a rolling mill in Chicago, where he remained for a year, after which he found employment in the shops of the Chicago and North Western Railway Company in that city. His work was by no means light or easy; lint what he did he did well, and the lessons there learned he has continued to apply in the subsequent years of his success.

In thu boom period of 1386, Mr. Haugh came to California; and at Vallejo he worked in the yard of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Then he went to Woodland, Solo County, where he had charge, as foreman, of a section for the same railroad. In the fall of the same year he was transferred to Williams, still in the position of foreman. This was in 1887. Meanwhile, from the time of his arrival in the state up to that time, be had been getting valuable experience. Abandoning railroad work, for the next five years he was employed on a ranch owned by Campbell, Terrill and Williams; and then, when he was able to do so, he built the Washington Block in Williams, and for some years was engaged in the liquor business. The building is now occupied by a bakery.

Mr. Haugh always had a desire to own land; and as soon as his means permitted he bought a farm, and for more than twenty- two years now he has been engaged in farming. He made-money and invested it wisely. Today he owns three fine ranches, and also is part owner in another farm. He decided that those who would buy ranch property would greatly profit by so doing. His first investment was the Pat Graham place, seven miles west of Williams, consisting of two hundred forty acres. This he has since farmed to grain, generally averaging twenty sacks to the acre. He improved the place, and superintends the operations of the ranch himself. He also purchased five hundred sixty-five acres of the Pnlsifer ranch in the same locality, and three hundred twenty acres of the Conrad Kissling place, three and one half miles northwest of town. The two last-named places are leased to tenants. He also owns some valuable business property in the town of Williams. Besides these interests, he has a one-quarter interest in twelve hundred ninety-two acres five miles southwest from Williams. This is a splendid ranch, with sixty-five acres in vineyard and orchard and the balance in grain.

For thirty years Mr. Haugh has watched the growth and de­velopment of -Williams and vicinity, seeing many changes for the better in both town and surrounding country; and he has himself been a factor in these improvements. He has always had faith in the value of Colusa County lands, believing this to be one of the best sections in-the state for investment in farming and horticul­tural acreage. He has won a name for himself in the county, where he has lived for the past thirty years ; and by all who know him he is respected for his just dealings with his fellow man.

JOSEPH JAMES

The title of pioneer is justly merited by Joseph James; for although he settled in Orland as late as 1876, he first came to Cali­fornia in 1850. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., July 12, 1833, and was the son of John G. and Julia (Crealey) James, both natives of Missouri. His father died when he was a boy; and he remained at  St. Louis, where he was educated, until he was seventeen years old. Then, together with two brothers, Edward and Samuel, he joined a party of twenty-one and crossed the plains to California, traveling on horseback as far as the headwaters of the Humboldt River. There the Indians drove off their horses in the night ; and they were obliged to walk all the rest of the way, across desert and mountains, to their destination. In the spring of the same year they reached Mud Springs, in Placer County, where they mined for a while; and then Joseph James went on to Sacramento and secured work in a livery stable owned by Nicholas Watson, and located on J Street between what is now Eighth and Ninth.

Realizing the necessity of a bold stroke of enterprise, Mr. James returned East in February, 1851, by way of Panama, walk­ing across the Isthmus, and finally reaching his old home, in St. Louis. There he bought a band of cattle, and with others drove them across the plains, spending just six months and a day on the trip. On October 13, 1853. they arrived with their cattle in Te­hama County, at a spot where Ilenleyville now stands; and later he drove his herd to the Newville section, in Colusa (now Glenn) County. There he remained about fifteen years, ou government land, raising cattle and hogs. During this time he had much trouble with the Indians, whose depredations brought about fre­quent encounters between them and the settlers. On Sunday morning, July 7, 1855, he was shot in the breast with an Indian arrow; and the wound, which might well have cost him his life, still bothers him at times. Later the Indians were pacified, and became industrious farmers and peaceable neighbors.

On the first day of the centennial year, at a time when there were no houses here and all was a barren plain, Mr. James re­moved to what is now Orland. He took up eighty acres of govern­ment laud in the southern part of the town, which he farmed to grain; and for a time, also, he was engaged in the liquor business. In later years, he handled live stock, buying and shipping to the markets. When the railroad was projected through Orland, many of the property-owners sold the right of way through their land at very high prices; but when the agents came to Mr. James, he granted them a strip one quarter of a mite long through his property, for one dollar, and gave them back the dollar, an act well illustrating his public-spirited attitude towards enterprises for the upbuilding of the county. He opened the first store at Newville, when that section of country was new.

In the early days elk and antelopes roamed the plains; and Mr. James recounts times when he saw as many as fire hundred elk in a single band. He once came upon five grizzly bears on Townes Creek. Although he was a fine shot with rifle and revolver, he let the bears go. In those days, when the settlers lived far apart, furrows were plowed as guiding lines between their ranches; and if a traveler got off his beat and found one of the furrows, by following it in either direction he would find a habitation at the end.

In St. Louis, Mo., in 1857, Mr. James married Miss Felicia Moro, a most estimable lady, born in that city, and they came to California for their wedding trip. They left New Orleans for Ha­vana, Cuba, where the vessel was in quarantine fifteen days on ac­count of yellow fever; and half of the passengers died of the dread disease. A New York vessel picked up the survivors and took them to the Isthmus. They crossed to Panama, hoarded the Golden Age, and were lauded in San Francisco. This made the third voyage for Mr. James. Mrs. James died on .August 1, 1895. She was the mother of four children. John resides in Paskenta. Mary is the wife of C. P. Dyer, of Paskenta, and they have four children, Z. P., Irene, William, and Morris. Mildred married Martin Herman, and has three children: John, Mildred and Mar­tin. Della married T. B. Land, and died in 1903, aged twenty-one years, leaving one daughter, Bernardine Lund. Mr. James is a Democrat in national politics, but has never been an office-seeker. He is a quiet, unostentatious man, doing all the good he can as he travels through life, and trying to live by the "Golden Rule."

JOHN THOMAS HULEN

For many years John T. Hulen, of Orland, has been identified with the development of this part of California. Born in Marion County, Iowa, On November 3, 1859, and bronght lip and educated in Union County, of the same state, he was bereft of his father while yet a lad. With his mother he jonrneyed westward to Cali­fornia, arriving in Marysville in January, 1878, with but twenty- five cents in his pocket. From this small beginning; he has risen, largely by his own efforts, to a position of prominence and success. fie secured employment on neighboring ranches, for a while working in the Fall River country, and later coining to Colusa Comity. In 1880 he was in charge of the fine driving stock on the Dr. Glenn ranch.

In the spring of 1881, Mr. Unlen came to Willows, scarcely expecting that he was to remain there for seventeen years. Dur­ing the first two years, he conducted a draying and express busi­ness; and then he started to learn the butcher's trade, working for Nordyke Sherfrev. He was quick to learn, and soon had a fair understanding of the details of the trade. In 1597, he settled at Newville, on a part of the old James Masterson ranch, where lie raised grain, cattle and hogs; and during the last three years that he was there he had a chance to apply the knowledge he had ac­quired in the butcher shop, having secured a government contract to furnish meat to the men employed on the government irrigation project. In 1909, he arrived in ()Hand and opened a butcher's shop, which he conducted six years and then sold at an advantage.

In 1897 Mr. Helen married Mrs. Louisa (Masterson) Shellooe, widow of Jerry Shellooe, by whom she had one son, Daniel Claude, employed by Armour Company, with headquarters at Modesto. Mrs. Hulen is a daughter of James Masterson, the well-known pio­neer, who is mentioned on another page of this work. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hulen, four children have been born: John W., James Batten, Golda 1., and Ila G. John W. Hulett graduated from the Orland high school in 1917. The others are students in the Orland school. Mr. Hulen erected a fine residence on North Second Street, in Orland. He and his family, however, spend much of their time on his ranch of a hundred sixty acres, located sixteen miles from Orland on the Newville road. In addition to this property, he also rents two hundred acres, which he devotes to the raising of cattle and hogs, and to the growing of alfalfa, for which, on account of excellent irrigation, the place is well adapted. Mr. Hulen is a Mason, belonging to Newville Lodge, No. 205, F. A. M. Since August 25, 1881, also, he has been a member of Monroe Lodge, No. 289, I. 0. 0. F., at Willows.

 

JAMES MASTERSON

How many interesting narratives might be gathered from pioneers who saw things with their own eyes, and actually had a hand in fashioning our present heritage from cruder conditions, is suggested by the story of James Masterson, whose father, of the same name, was a native of Ireland, and whose mother, Miss Eliza ,Tames, before her marriage—a sister of Joseph James—was born in St. Louis, of French-English descent. His father arrived in Mobile, Ala., on December 31, 1850, after a three months' trip from Europe on the sailing ship Guy Manning, and pushing in­land to St. Louis, obtained work there. On February 5, 1853, he and Miss James were married, and by the first of March they had begun their trip, with ox team and prairie schooner, across the plains. Two brothers of Mr. Masterson, Hugh and Terence, were in the party, mid shared the experiences of the toilsome journey. At Carson River, in the Sierras, the oxen died; and from that point on they packed what they could on horseback, and the whole party walked the rest of the way. In the fall of 1853, they arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville. There, for a while, the men mined; and then Mr. Masterson went to Jackson, Amador County, and again tried his luck with pick and shovel. Later, he entered the dairy business, buying Spanish cattle at a hundred twenty-five dol­lars a head. When he sold out, in 1858, it was to settle at Newville, Colusa County, where he took up five hundred acres of government land, still in the possession of the family after all these years. Although devoting himself more or less to farming and the raising of cattle, the elder Masterson was by profession a civil engineer. He served three terms as the county surveyor of Tehama County; and he was afterwards deputy surveyor of Colusa County. He performed much meritorious public service. His death occurred in January, 1897; and his widow passed to her reward two years later, in the month of June. Of their children, Dennis H. Masterson, of Newville ; James Masterson, the subject of our sketch; and Edward K. Masterson, of Germantown, were born in Amador County; while John G. Masterson, of Newville ; Mary (now deceased); Mrs. Louise Hulen, of Orland; and Mrs. Julia Jnhl, of San Francisco, were born in Tehama County.

Born at Jackson, October 8, 1856, James Masterson was reared on the home ranch at Newville, and in 1868 attended the old Union School there, the first school to be established in the northern part of Colusa County. He remained at home with his father until 1878, and then married and settled in Tehama County. Here he farmed for nine years, and was afterwards engaged in the sheep business until 1893. In 1891, he came to Orland to give his children the advantage of the town school, and bought fifteen acres in the southeastern part of the town, where he has since resided. He devoted ten acres to an almond orchard, and recently. he has experimented with onion-growing. In 1916, he planted an acre to the California Red variety, from which he received a net income of one hundred fifty-five dollars; and in 1917 he planted five acres to the same vegetable, which yielded not less than eight hundred sacks.

The appearance of the valley in the early days, when Mr. Masterson first saw it, is a subject of exceptional interest. The valley was then a great, barren waste. All the early settlers lo­cated on or near the mountains on account of wood and water. 1°1'0M Redding south to Suisun Bay was a wilderness. The Tod. hunter ranch of thousands of acres was on the spot where Wil­lows now stands. The old Indian adobe house was the only build­ing in the Orland district ; and the River Settlement was made up of large Spanish grants. The nearest post office was Tehama, in Tehama County. Mail came from there on horseback twice a week. Antelopes, elk and wild cattle roamed the plains, and interfered with the driving of stock; for in those days hogs and cattle had to be driven many miles to market. The Indians were wild, and for the most part wore only a breechcloth. In 1862, a band of Pitt River Indians made a raid down Newville Valley and killed a man named Watson. Then the settlers took up the trail and drove the red men up into the mountains, capturing some and killing many. During the battle a man named Ford was killed. After that there was but little trouble for the settlers. During the past ten years, this smile territory has been cut up into small tracts and sold to settlers. Great development has overtaken the country; and what was an uninhabited waste has been settled up by a home- loving, prosperous people. All this transformation has been wit­nessed by Mr. Masterson with a great deal of satisfaction.

On November 1, 1878, Mr. Masterson was married, at Red Bluff, in Tehama County, to Miss Hannah Quinn, a native of Be­nicia, Solon() County, although she was reared in Mendocino County; and of this anion five children were born. Mary is a teacher in Orland; Edward II., who married Miss Kate Carrico, is under sheriff of Glenn County; Louisa is at home; Anna is deputy county recorder of Glenn County; and Marcus Q., who married Miss Alma Carrico, and has one son, James Joseph, is employed in the Farmers' Cash Store at Orland. Mr. Masterson helped establish the Orland grammar school, of which he was a trustee for twelve years. He is a conservative Democrat in national affairs; locally he is non-partisan, favoring good government at all times.

COLUSA COUNTY BANK

The pioneer financial institution in Colusa County is the Colusa County Bank, established September 15, 1870, by George Hagar, John Boggs, W. F. Goad, Edgar Mills, D. 0. Mills, Henry Miller, Calvin Paige, A. C. Whitcomb, Peter Decker, John B. Jewett, Jerome Lincoln, and William P. Harrington, all "forty-niners" in California. The capital stock originally paid in was $95,­000, which has been increased by earnings to $500,000, with surplus and undivided profits of $360,000.

The first president was W. F. Goad; and the first cashier, W. P. Harrington. In 1882 George Hagar succeeded to the presidency; and he in turn was succeeded in 1902 by W. P. Harrington. Upon the death of the latter, in 1903, B. H. Burton became president; and he holds that position at the present time. Tennent Harrington, formerly assistant cashier, became cashier in 1902, and still holds that position.

When the bank was founded, there were but twelve stockholders; in 1917 there were ninety. The original founders are all dead, but a large part of their stock in the bank is held by their heirs. The present directors are B. II. Burton, Alfred S. Tubbs, of San Francisco, M. J. Boggs, Elliott McAllister, and Tennent Harrington. The growth of the bank has been phenomenal; and to render it more convenient for depositors in various parts of the county, branches were established—one at Maxwell in 1911, and one at Grimes in 1914. On March 5, 1917, the bank report showed individual deposits subject to check, $1,194,873.35; demand certificates of deposit, $24,307.43; time certificates of deposit, $733,042.­23; and state, county and municipal deposits, $25,000.

JOSEPH S. SALE

The first emigration of the Sale family after its establishment in Virginia was made by William G. Sale, M. D., a native of that state, who removed to Missouri in 1850 and settled in St. Louis County, where he followed the practice of his profession. He made his home in the vicinity of Fenton until his death, in 1862. His wife, Emily Anderson, also a Virginian, survived her husband and came to California in 1870, where she married James Williams, a pioneer of Elk Creek. They lived on a farm until the time of their death.

Joseph S. Sale, the only son and oldest child in a family of three children, was born at Fenton, St. Louis County, Mo., Febru­ary 2, 1858. His preliminary education was received in the common schools of Missouri and California, after which, in 1880, he returned to Missouri and attended the Christian Brothers College at St. Louis, taking a commercial course. He returned to California in 1881 and finished his education at Pierce Christian College, at College City. Some time later, he settled at Elk Creek.

On his return from college, Mr. Sale engaged in ranching at Winslow on three hundred sixty acres of land, raising grain and stock. In 1906 he sold his farm and bought the Laraway general store at Winslow. He increased the stock and enlarged the build­ing, and for six years was engaged in the general merchandise business, serving also as postmaster. lie continued the business successfully till his election, in 1912, to the county board of super­visors from the third district, when he sold out, feeling that as a public official he did not wish to have his time taken up by individual business, when he should give it without distraction to his official duty. He assumed the office in January, 1913, and served his constituents with fidelity, looking well to their interests. So highly was his work appreciated, that lie was reelected in 1916 over two opponents.

In the vicinity of Winslow, Mr. Sale was united in marriage with Mary Gillaspy, a native daughter, born near Cordelia, Solano County. Her parents were Jeremiah C. and Harriet Gillaspy, California pioneers and early farmers of the Elk Creek country. Mr. and Mrs. Sale are parents of four children. Edna is the wife of G. D. Baker of Sacramento; Leland married Rena Hull of Elk Creek, and they have two sons, Marvin and Lyle; Nellie became the wife of W. L. Steele of Willows; and William married Etta Troxel and resides at Winslow.

Mr. Sale is a charter member of the Christian Church of Elk Creek, and has been a member of the board of trustees since its organization. Politically he is active in the counsels of the Demo­cratic party, in the interests of which he has served on various committees. For two years he served as deputy assessor, and for twenty years he served as superintendent of roads, having ac­cepted the position when this entire section was known as Colusa County. Ile still makes his residence at Winslow, where he owns a comfortable home and a small country place, though he has also built a residence in Willows, which is occupied by his daughter.

THOMAS FRANKLIN RAWLINS

Among the sturdiest pioneers in every section of the United States, who have builded better than they knew, are those ministers of the gospel who, like the late Rev. Thomas F. Rawlins, while they sowed the seed of eternal truth, were also busily engaged in tilling the soil of Mother Earth. Born in Henry County, Iowa, June 21, 1844, Thomas Franklin Rawlins went with his father, William Rawlins, when a child, to Mount Pleasant, in the same county. There the elder Rawlins was a pioneer ; and there he bvilt the first horse erected in that section. In 1846 the family removed to Dallas County, Texas; and there Mr. Rawlins erected the first flouring mill, which was run by water power.

Thomas F. Rawlins was reared and educated in the Lone Star State. He was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, and began his ministerial work in the neighborhood. At the same time he conducted a general store for about ten years, meanwhile serv­ing as postmaster. During this period he preached the gospel every Sunday at some schoolhouse or church in the country round about, doing real pioneer work. About this time a destructive fire destroyed his place of business, entailing a heavy loss ; and he then accepted a position in Nashville, Tenn. He also edited and pub­lished The Christian Student, a church paper of wide circulation. In Nashville be preached the gospel, and with his versatile pen contributed to the Gospel Advocate, a church paper of that city. He then spent four years in the mercantile business at Denton, Texas, after which he came to California in 1886. His first post in this state was in Fresno County, where he preached for one year, after which he spent three years as pastor of the Christian Church at Butte City, in Glenn County. For the following fifteen years he farmed and preached at Elk Creek, and then returned to the pulpit at Butte City for two years. About six years, also, were spent in preaching the gospel in Oregon. He finally took up his residence in Elk Creek, where he became pastor of the Elk Creek Church, which position he held until his death. On October 1, 1915, Rev. Rawlins was honored with the appointment as sealer of weights and measures for Glenn County, being the first incumbent to hold that position in this district. In his official capacity he gave close attention to details, and fulfilled the duties of his posi­tion with satisfaction to all concerned.

On December 17, 1861, Thomas Franklin Rawlins was united in marriage with Miss Naomi Ham, born in Illinois, a daughter of William and Naomi (Burton) Ham. The former came across the plains in 1850, engaged in mining at Sonora, and died there in 1854. His wife had died in 1850, at Galena, Ill. She was .the mother of six children, of whom Mrs. Rawlins is the only survivor. To Mr. and Mrs. Rawlins ten children were born. The eldest is Mrs. Attie V. Clark, of Iowa City, Texas ; -William F., the second in order of birth, is a member of the staff of the Sacramento Bee; Mrs. Hattie Gatliff is the wife of Dr. W. W. Gatliff, of Butte City; Henry Grove lives in Willows, and is mentioned on another page of this work; George Edgar is a dentist at Orland ; Herbert H. re­sides in Butte City; Dollie married I. N. McVay, and lives in Co­lusa County; Cline T. resides at Elk Creek ; Grace became the wife of W. N. McVay, of Colusa Comity; and Ricardo P. is a teacher at Folsom, Cal.

On September 10, 1917, Rev. Thomas Franklin Rawlins passed away at his home in Elk Creek. "His death was very sudden. He suffered no pain, and lived only a few minutes after he was stricken." He was a man universally respected wherever he was known, and in his ministrations as a pastor, and his literary labors as a Christian editor, he was instrumental in the accomplishment of much good in the various communities in which he lived.

 

JOHN BEECK

Another Holsteiner who has amassed a comfortable compe­tence, and who, at the same time, has earned and now enjoys the respect and good-will of his fellow citizens, is John Beeck, one of the heads of the prosperous Rochdale Store of Germantown. Born in Holstein, Germany, May 5, 1858, he is the son of Paul and Anna (Soeth) Beech. The father died when John was a little boy. The mother married again; and John Beech was reared by his stepfather, Peter Martens, who had a grist-mill of the old Hol­land type common in his country in those days. John Beeck at­tended the grammar schools, from which he graduated at the age of sixteen. He then learned the trade of a miller, working early and late in the mill until 1881. In that year he came with friends to the United States, and almost immediately went to Germantown and set to work as a farm hand on the Butte ranch, driving mules. In Germantown he engaged for a time in the liquor business, in the middle eighties. Selling out the liquor business, he rented the Henry Kartenhurg place of six hundred forty acres for two years, and then leased four hundred eighty acres of land two miles north­west of Germantown, on the old Henning ranch, which he planted to grain. From 1884 to 1886, Mr. Beeck and Fred Kettels farmed a section of land near Germantown, known as the Dr. Watts place, after which Mr. Beech sold his interest to his partner. In 1886 he bought eighty acres of land near Willows, adjoining eighty acres owned by his wife; and for a while he industriously farmed his acquisition. Later be rented out the tract, and still later sold it to William Shillings. In course of time, Mr. Beech became vice- president of the Rochdale Store, of which he was also one of the charter members. In 1890, before the county division, he was elected constable of Germantown, resigning the office the following year. He also served as school trustee.

In 1886, John Beech- was married to Mrs. Anna Hinrechsen, whose maiden name was Henning. She had come to Colusa County in 1874, from Germany, accompanied by her parents, Hans Henning- and wife, to join her two brothers, August and Henry, who were in California. Later she was married to Mr. Hinrech­sen, by whom she had two sons, Henry and Hans Hinrechsen. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Beeck: Two daughters, Mrs. Elsie Golden and Mrs. Adele Masterson, who re­side in Germantown; and a son, Otto Beech. All three of the boys are in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railway. There are five grandchildren in the family. In 1907, Mr. Beeck bought his present attractive place of six acres in Germantown, where he now has his residence. He became a citizen of the United States in Colima Comity, in 1887. He is a Democrat in politics and for some years was active in the party, serving as a delegate to county conven­tions. As far back as 1887, Mr. Beeck joined Monroe Lodge, No. 289, I. 0. 0. F., at Willows, in which he is still a highly respected member.

CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH SCHMIDT

The late Christian Friedrich Schmidt was born in Scherrehick, Schleswig, Germany, on February 16, 1861. When sixteen years of age he came to the United States, arriving in New York in Sep­tember, 1877. From there he came to California, to the home of an aunt who lived at Rio Vista. There he attended the public school for a year, and then learned the trade of the harness-maker, which he followed for three years. He then went to Visalia, in Tulare County, but at the end of a year, in 1882, came back to Rio Vista, where he had a harness shop of his own. On November 22, 1886, he removed to Orland, and bought out the Connelley Harness Shop ; and there he continued in business, on the same spot, for over twenty-nine years. He started in a small, unpretentious frame building; but as his business steadily grew, he increased his stock, and later he built there a new and thoroughly modern build­ing. He became one of the first harness-makers in Orland, both in respect to time and as to the quality of his work. Not long after he had settled here, Mr. Schmidt bought a ranch of three hundred twenty acres, five miles to the southeast of Orland, paying twelve and one-half dollars per acre. He farmed the ranch to grain for a year ; and since that time the place has been rented to others.

On October 30, 1889, Christian Friedrich Schmidt was mar­ried to Miss Catharina Jasper, a native of Sacramento, and the daughter of Christian and Rebecca (Ahrens) Jasper, both of whom were natives of the famous old city of Hanover, in Ger­many. Christian Jasper was a miller. When a young man of twenty-one years, he left his native land and went to Australia, where he mined for seven years. Then he sailed for San Fran­cisco, and in that city met his sweetheart, who had come from Ger­many to join him; and there they were married. They settled in Sacramento; and Mr. Jasper worked for three years in the Phoe­nix Flour Mills. Early in the seventies, Mr. Jasper took np a gov­ernment claim, five miles to the southeast of Orland, and began farming to grain. Later, he bought various tracts of land; and at one time he owned a whole section. In 1905, he sold the ranch, which he had greatly improved, erecting a ranch house and the usual barns, setting out orchards, and laying out gardens. Then he bought a quarter section near the old home place; and there he lived and farmed for five years. He was a good farmer, and among other features of his well-cultivated ranch was a fine black­berry patch—one of the finest in that district—from which he re­ceived a yearly income of nine hundred dollars. Mr. Jasper was one of the founders, and remained a member, of the Lutheran Church at Germantown. In 1900, Mrs. Jasper died; and on Sep­tember 14, 1916, her husband also passed away. Besides Mrs. Catharina Schmidt, this worthy pioneer couple left two children: Charles Jasper, of San Francisco, and Edward Jasper, a rancher near Orland. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt four chil­dren were born. Anita, the eldest, died at the age of six years; Edna is a graduate of the San Francisco Normal School; Everett assists his mother in the conduct of the harness shop; and Alta is a pupil at the Orland high school. Mr. Schmidt was admitted to citizenship on July 30, 1884, at Fairfield, in Solano County. He was elected a trustee of the town of Orland, an office he held at the time of his death, which occurred on January 13, 1916. He was a man of sterling character, a member of the Lutheran Church at Germantown; and there, as elsewhere, he exercised a powerful in­fluence for good.

TIMOTHY REIDY

Not every man has seen as much of the wide world as did the late Timothy Reidy, the highly esteemed pioneer blacksmith and wagon maker of Willows. An Irishman by birth, he first saw the light in County Kerry, in 1830. He came to the United States and to California, by way of the Isthmus, when he was only eighteen years of age, and worked at his trade as a blacksmith at Sacra­mento, Folsom, Nevada City and Carson. From all reports he held his own in each place as a man who knew his trade in the good old-fashioned way.

Returning east, he traveled all over the world. He visited Australia and the South Sea Islands, and toured much of civilized Europe. Again crossing the ocean, he made his way to Chicago, and from there went to Montreal and Quebec. In each of these places he worked again at the blacksmith's forge, and having ac­cumulated some means, he made a second trip, in 1860, to Califor­nia. In San Francisco, he worked at his trade for a time, and then packed his valise and was off again. 

On his return east in 1869, Mr. Reidy was married at Louis­ville, Ky., to Mrs. Kate (Breck) Kinman, a fair daughter of that state; and three years later, in 1872, he made his third trip to the Coast. While in England, he had learned the shipbuilder's trade, and had learned it well; and now, instead of blacksmithing, he worked as a ship's carpenter and builder on the docks at San Francisco, and assisted in the construction of many of the large ships of early days. It did not take long for foremen to see that he was an expert in his line, and consequently his services were in great demand. Leaving the shipyards, he went to Nerd and Chico, where he was employed at the anvil; and in 1876 he settled in Willows, when the town was just starting. Here lie continued at the blacksmith's trade, and soon owned the corner of Butte and Sycamore Streets, where the Glenn County Savings Bank now stands. Here, for many years, he had his picturesque shop, a meeting place where neighbors and friends often stopped to chat with the genial, wrinkled veteran.

Mr. Reidy retired from active life in 1902; and thereafter he passed his days in the society of his three children—William J., Joseph M., and Miss Sadie E. Reidy, now a teacher in the Willows grammar school, who received her early education here, and grad­uated from the Willows high school and from the Chico State Nor­mal. There were three children who died. Two of these, Nellie and Ida May, died at fourteen years and five years of age respec­tively; while the third, Harry, was in business with his brother until his death in 1909. Besides these Mr. Reidy had a son, Timothy, by a former marriage, who resides in Sacramento.

On May 2, 1916, this worthy citizen and pioneer passed away, and was buried according to the rites of the Catholic Church, of which he was a devout member. Mr. Reidy possessed good pow­ers of observation; and retaining until the last a wonderful mem­ory, he liked to talk about his travels over the world and through­out the States, and to tell of his many and interesting experiences.

 

GEORGE E. WRIGHT

A man of wide travels, who, after seeing the charm and ad­vantages of many sections of the Western Continent, was still most attracted by California, is George E. Wright, blacksmith and wagon-maker in the wide-awake and promising town of Orland. George E. Wright was born at Dubuque, Iowa, on October 23, 1865. When lie was five years old, his family took him to London, Ontario; and there he was educated. There, also, he learned and began working at his trade. Just when he was getting nicely es­tablished, however, he decided to travel and see something of the world. In 1885 he came to California, landing in Los Angeles with just twenty dollars in his pocket. His first employment was in shoeing fast race-horses for Lucky Baldwin, at the Santa Anita ranch; and after fulfilling his engagement there, he worked for Helen Bros., at Pasadena. Traveling on to San Francisco, he re­mained in that city for a short time, and then started for South America, taking with him some fifteen hundred dollars which he had saved from his hard labor. He visited Panama on his way, and while in South America stopped at Valparaiso and other ports. Returning to California, he worked for a while at Ala­meda, and in 1892 came to Glenn County, where he opened a black­smith shop at Elk Creek. In time he sold this; and then he worked for a summer at Newville. -Wherever he set up his forge, the thoroughness and honesty of his work were soon apparent.

In 1893, Mr. Wright removed to Orland, and here he has since lived, participating in all the active movements of the town, and reaping with others the benefits of citizenship in a developing and thriving community, He formed a partnership with Del Harelson, under the firm name of Harelson Wright, and together the part­ners opened a shop on Walker Street. John Lake bought out Harelson's interest, and then the firm became Wright S Lake. Later still, Mr. Wright bought out his partner, and became, as lie is now, the sole owner. Attracted to certain lots on Fourth and Fifth Streets, he erected a shop and sales room there, and established an agency for Studebaker wagons and buggies, Oliver- plows, and Simpson tractors. Ever since then he has done a large business, and is now rated as one of the solid men of the town. He also owns a business block on Fourth Street, near Colusa, which he erected. Upon the incorporation of the city, Mr. Wright was elected its first mayor.

In 1891, George E. Wright was united in marriage with Miss Carrie H. Martin, a native daughter, and now one of the popular members of the Rebekahs and of the Eastern Star. Three chil­dren have blessed their happy union. John assists his father in business, and is himself agent for the Maxwell auto, a fully equipped car, with an electric starter, which is proving more and more popular. Ethel is a student in the Art School at Berkeley, while Florence is one of the bright pupils at the school in Orland. Mr. Wright is an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Rebekahs; and is also a Past Master of the Masons. and a Past Patron of the Eastern Star.

 

THOMAS DAVID GRIFFIN

One of the prominent pioneer citizens, farmers, and stock- raisers of the Sacramento Valley is the man whose name heads this article, who has been a resident of this section of the state since October 19, 1857. Mr. Griffin was born near New Loudon, Rails County, Mo., on July 27, 1845, and came with his father to this state when he was a lad of twelve. He received a good education in the common and private schools at Knight's Lauding, Polo County, and was engaged in farming on the home place with his father until he was twenty-five years old. In 1870 he began stock- raising on Cache Creek, near Polo, where he raised hogs. His first trip through what is now the Williams section, in Colusa County, was made about 1865; but the land seemed barren, and the plains were not an encouraging sight. In 1872 he began rais­ing grain near Williams; and in 1880 he bought three hundred twenty acres five miles southwest of what is now the town of Wil­liams. He sowed his land to grain, principally wheat and barley, and also raised cattle, sheep and hogs. As he succeeded, he bought land at different times; and he now owns eight hundred acres in the foothills of the county, and one hundred forty acres in the mountains, on. which there is a fine sulphur mineral spring with wonderful curative powers for stomach trouble. These acres are in addition to his original home place. As he increased his hold­ings, he began to raise horses and mules, in addition to his other stock interests. All in all, he has met with very good success. His highest yield of wheat was twenty-six sacks to the acre, and of . barley, twenty-three sacks. At one time he had as many as three thousand hogs, mostly of the Poland-China and Mime-Jersey breeds, mixed. Mr. Griffin may well feel proud of his record as a rancher; for since first putting a plow in the ground on his fa­ther's ranch, in 1857, he has planted and harvested crops for sixty years without intermission—a record hard to beat.

It is proper that mention should be made of the pioneer father, Joseph Griffin, a Virginian who moved first to Kentucky, and then in succession to Indiana, Ohio and Missouri, where he settled long enough to improve a farm and partly raise his family. In 1850 he made his first trip across the plains to California, where he mined until 1851. He then returned to Missouri, and remained there until in May, 1857, when lie packed into wagons his provisions and such supplies as might be needed for the long journey, and with his family started across the plains to Califor­nia behind slow-going oxen. It was the same year as the Mountain Meadow massacre. The Indians were on the warpath most of the time; and his party had considerable trouble with them, en­gaging in many skirmishes. However, the party arrived at their destination in October. En route they saw many herds of buffalo roaming the plains, and large numbers of them crossed their trail, an incident which greatly interested the son, Thomas D., who was then a lad of twelve years. Upon reaching this state, Mr. Griffin stopped a year in Solano County and engaged in the cattle busi­ness; and the following year he went to Knight's Landing, took up some government land, and developed a farm, with the aid of his son. He spent ten years in that location, after which he sold out and moved to Winters, where he bought nine hundred sixty acres and farmed until his death, in 1886, aged sixty-eight years. His wife, Nancy Ely, was born in Missouri. She gave birth to twelve children, eight of whom grew to years of maturity. She died at Winters in 1911, aged eighty-two years.

In Woodland, T. 1). Griffin married Florida A. Spriggs, a na­tive of Blairsville, Union County, Ga., and a daughter of John M. Spriggs, of South Carolina, who went to Georgia when a young man and engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1849, when he came around Cape Horn to California. The following year he re­turned to his eastern home for his family, again coining to Cali­fornia in 1852. This time he crossed the plains with ox teams. Mrs. Griffin was then four years of age. He located at Knight's Landing for a short time, and then went to St. Helena, Napa County, where his wife died, and later to the San Joaquin Valley, where, near Newman, he engaged in sheep-raising and general farming. He died while on a visit to a (laughter in Oregon. Of five children Mrs. Griffin is the eldest. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffin: bits, the wife of James Lucas of Elk Creek; Pearl Belle, who married L. A. March and lives at Wil­liams; Earl David, who married Irene Smith and resides at Co­lusa ; and Clifford Milton, who has charge of the home place.

Mr. Griffin has always been active and enterprising. He has shown himself to be thoroughly efficient as a rancher and stock­man, and has won wide appreciation throughout the valley for his ability and public spirit. In the county where he has lived for these many years, he stands second to none in the promotion of worthy enterprises for town and county. With his wife and fam­ily he has the respect of all who know him; and he has done his part towards making California history. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

 

CLAUS F. JANSEN

A pioneer of California, and one of Glenn County's substan­tial citizens, Claus F. Jansen was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Ger­many, December 24, 1850. He is a son of Claus F. and Margaret D. (Rohwer) Jansen. The father, deciding that the New World held brighter prospects for himself and family, set sail for New York, and landed there in 1860, with his wife and five children, of whom Claus F., Jr., was the oldest. They left that same year for California, via Panama, and upon arrival settled near Dixon, So­lano County, where the father homesteaded a government claim of one hundred sixty acres, three miles northeast of Dixon. He farmed the land for many years, finally selling out in 1908. He has now reached the venerable age of ninety-one years, and makes his home with his daughter in San Francisco. Five of his children are now living: Clans F., Jr.; Margaret, wife of Claus Frahm, of San Francisco; Annie, wife of Henry Gruppe, of San Francisco; Katie, wife of Earnest Rohweder, of Spokane, Wash.; and Gil­more, of Dixon, Cal.

Claus F. Jansen, Jr., was educated in the Sam Pitts school, southwest of Dixon. He assisted his father on the home farm un­til 1870, when he decided to start out for himself. Coming to what is now Germantown, he bought three hundred twenty acres of land, putting the first plow in the soil. He fenced the land, planted trees and a family orchard, and was here engaged in rais­ing grain for many years, with success. He also devoted consid­erable attention to the raising of cattle and hogs, specializing in the Berkshire breed of hogs. The farming land is now rented to his son-in-law, Carl Peterich, who is raising grain, while Mr. Jan­sen still devotes his time to his hogs and cattle.

Mr. Jansen has always taken an active part in the develop­ment of his section of the state, being interested in all things that make for the betterment of the community. By his efforts the first school in that section was started, Mr. Jansen realizing that the educational advantages a community affords are one of the important factors in its development. He was also one of the founders of the German Lutheran Church of Germantown, which has been a power for good throughout this section, and has well repaid its founders for the time and thought given it from their busy lives. Together with other citizens he started the Rochdale Store of Germantown, of which he is a director.

The marriage of Mr. Jansen united him with Miss Fred­ericka Rohweder, a native of Germany; and they have one daughter, Martha, who has received a good education, and is a very intelligent and progressive woman. Her husband, Carl Peterich, is one of the rising young farmers of the Germantown district, where he was born and raised. A biography of his father will be found in another part of this book. Mr. and Mrs. Peterich are the parents of four children, three of whom are living; Edna P. C., Lillian A., and He J. F. Mr. Jansen has served for one year as Justice of the Peace. He has always had the best inter­ests of the community at heart ; and he holds the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends.

WALTER M. HENNING

Among the most successful scientific ranchers in the region of Willows, and one of those who, while developing the business side of their farm operations, are advancing the study and practice of agriculture in the state, is Walter M. Henning, who was born at Willows, on August 16, 1881. He is the son of a pioneer, August Henning, a sketch of whose interesting life is elsewhere given in this book. Educated in the excellent schools of Willows, he began at the age of eighteen to earn his own living, first working for his uncle, Henry Henning, on the James Talbot ranch west of Willows.

After a thorough apprenticeship of seven years under his uncle, Mr. Henning was engaged on several other ranches in the county, and in the course of time leased his father's ranch of three hundred acres on the Sacramento River, near Ord. He has been cultivating this rich and productive farm for ten years, raising wheat and barley; and for the last three years he has not gathered less than three thousand five hundred sacks of grain. In 1917, the Henning ranch yielded a bumper crop, producing over four thou­sand sacks. In 1916, Mr. Henning leased his uncle's ranch of nine hundred eighty-four acres, four hundred fifty of which he immedi­ately seeded to wheat and barley. He is also leasing one hundred acres on the Miller ranch. He raises cattle, turning off forty to fifty head yearly; and his live stock also includes a fine lot of Berkshire hogs, to which he has recently added a fine registered Berkshire boar. In this department he has met with exceptional success, marketing about two hundred hogs a year.

In 1916, Mr. Henning married Miss Emma M. Appleby, a na­tive of San Francisco, and established a cheerful and hospitable home, whose welcome is immediately felt by friend and stranger alike.

 

DAVID C. TUCKER

If there be any department of business activity in which a community is bound to feel a direct interest, and where the char­acter of the individual conducting the same, as well as his technical and professional experience, always counts for much, it is the expert, artistic and considerate work of the undertaker. The community of Willows has followed carefully the career of David C. Tucker since he first came here several years ago, and now gladly reposes in him the confidence which is so often one of the best assets of a business man. A native of Tennessee, in which state he first saw the light on March 15, 1860, he attended the schools of his neighborhood, and at the age of nineteen went to Texas and topped off his education at Turners Point College. Five years previously, he had become associated with his uncle in the undertaking business; and under his careful instruction he laid the foundation for his later proficiency.

In 1883, he pushed on to the Pacific Coast, and located in Fresno, Cal., where for a time he was with the undertaking firm of Hall Brothers, and later in the employ of Stephens & Bean, of that city. While in Fresno he took a course in the United States School of Embalming at Chicago, and later returned for a postgraduate course, finishing his work there in 1891. His next important move led him, in 1899, to enter the service of the United States government, when he sailed for the Philippine Islands, where he was stationed for two years at the First Reserve Hospital in Manila, as a government embalmer. On his return to this country, Mr. Tucker resumed his position in Fresno with Stephens & Bean. With his wide exeprience and his credentials, it was easy for him to become associated with some of the leading undertaking firms in California, prominent among which may be mentioned the Craig-Cochran Company, at San Francisco. In Tonopah, Nev., also, Sir. Tucker had charge of the establishment of Wonacott & Hall.

On September 4, 1908, Mr. Tucker moved to Willows, where, with C. E. Chearin, he bought out O. W. Orr, and with his new partner began to conduct the undertaking firm of Tucker & Chearin, undertakers and embalmers. Three years later, how­ever, he purchased Mr. Chearin's interest; and since then Mr. Tucker has been sole proprietor of the well-known parlors. He has developed the work on the broadest and most tasteful lines, and employs a Winton Six automobile hearse, the only one in Glenn County and the first in northern Sacramento Valley. 

A Republican deputy county coroner under Coroner J. N. Reidy, Mr. Tucker was elected, in the spring of 1914, to be county coroner and public administrator; and most satisfactorily has he attended to the peculiar duties of this public trust. In his professional work Mr. Tucker observes esthetic and ethical standards, believing that the remains of the deceased, no matter of how humble a station in life, should be treated with the greatest respect and deference; and it is this dignity in his profession that has endeared him to the people of Glenn County, who admire him for his straightforwardness and sterling worth.

  

WILLIAM T. RATHBUN, M. D.

As the leading physician and surgeon of Colusa County, Dr. William T. Rathbun has made his influence felt in professional and social circles. He was born in this county, on October 17, 1869, a son of Jesse Perrin Rathbun, who owned and operated a large farm near Williams. Jesse Perrin Rathbun was a Califor­nia pioneer of 1852, and settled in Petaluma on his arrival in the state. His first trip to the Coast was made with his father, who came in the late forties from Missouri. He brought one of the first herds of cattle into the state. Dr. Rathbun's parents are now living at College City, aged seventy-five and sixty-eight years, respectively. They had eight children, five of whom are now living, as follows: Mrs. C. W. Cockerill, of Princeton ; J. E., of Los Angeles; Wm. T., of this review; Mrs. M. T. White, of Los Angeles; and Jessie, the wife of Dr. Ernest Foster, of Hanford. One son, Earl, was accidentally killed by an explosion of dynamite at Round Mountain, Washoe County, Nev.; and Julia and Harry are also deceased.

Dr. Rathbun was reared on his father's ranch until he was sixteen years of age. He then learned telegraphy, and was an operator for three years, holding positions on the Southern Pacific and the Mackey-Bennett lines. He matriculated in 1889 at the medical department of the University of California, in San Fran­cisco, where he pursued the regular three years' course, graduat­ing on December 13, 1892, with the degree of M. D. The following year was spent as interne in the City and County Hospital in San Francisco; and in 1894 Dr. Rathbun came to Dunnigan, where lie began a general practice. Two years later he went to College City, Colusa County; and there he was engaged for eight years in a very successful practice. He then located in Colusa, and opened an office in the Brooks Building. Since coming to this city, he has built up a large practice, which keeps him busily occupied. Dr. Rathbun spent five or six years as city and county health officer, with the result that many of the causes of ill health in the com­munity were removed and the standard of health was raised con­siderably. In appreciation of his past services, the supervisors appointed him to the office of county physician in January, 1917. In 1914, be took a course at the New York Postgraduate College.

In 1895, in San Francisco, Dr. William T. Rathbun was mar­ried to Miss Emma C. Holmes, of that city; and one son, Stanley H., has been born to them. He graduated from the Colusa high school, and is now a student in the College of Physicians and Sur­geons, in San Francisco.

Dr. Rathbun is a conscientious physician, thoroughly versed in up-to-date medical science. He has given special attention to preventive medicine. He is a Mason of the Royal Arch degree, and belongs to the various medical associations of the county and state.

 

BENJAMIN HOWELL BURTON

The president of the Colusa County Bank, B. H. Burton, was born in the Hoosier State, at Aurora, October 26, 1857, and when a babe in arms was taken by his parents to Arcola, Douglas County, Ill., where his father, B. H. Burton, Sr., opened a general merchandise store and "grew up with the country," remaining there until his retirement from business cares. B. H. Burton, Sr., was a Democrat, and was a delegate to the convention that nom­inated Horace Greeley for the Presidency in 1872. His last years were passed at the home of his son in Willows, Cal., where he died in 1898, aged seventy-seven. While a resident of Indiana, where he opened a mercantile establishment at Aurora, in 1837, he mar­ried Janet Conwell, who was born in Ripley County, that state. She, like her husband, was descended from Quaker stock. Of their six children, three sons and one daughter came to California, the daughter and mother living together at Nordhoff, Ventura County.

B. II. Burton, of this review, attended the grammar and high schools in Arcola, during his vacations assisting his father in the store until 1875, when he came to California and took up his home at Colusa to begin life's battles for himself. His first employment was in the store of M. Nicklesburg & Company. On July 1, 1876, his banking career began, when he became assistant bookkeeper in the Colusa County Bank under its first president, W. F. Goad, who was followed by Col. George Hagar and W. P. Harrington in turn. 

Under these men Mr. Burton passed through the various grades of promotion until, in 1889, he was made assistant cashier. At this time the bank bought a controlling interest in the Bank of Willows; and Mr. Burton was selected as cashier, and elected a director of that institution. As manager he proved his worth by his careful consideration of the interests of the stockholders and patrons, and by his conservative investments and keen business ability. In December, 1903, he was made president of the Colusa County Bank, and of the Bank of Willows the following January, AV. P. Harrington, his predecessor, having died in office. While he was cashier of the Bank of Willows, its capital stock was increased from $200,000 to $300,000, and dividends were regularly declared. The Colusa County Bank enjoyed the same degree of prosperity. Both banks are members of the American and California Bankers Association.

When Mr. Burton became president of the Colusa County Bank, he removed from Willows to Colusa, where he has since made his home. He has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Anna Tar]eton, born in 'Waverly, Ind., to whom he was mar­ried at Martinsville, that state. She died at Willows, Cal., June 10, 1096, leaving a son, Benjamin Howell Burton, Jr., a student in Stanford University, who enlisted in March, 1917, for enrollment in the French Ambulance Corps, and has been decorated for val­iant service. The second marriage united him with Miss Myra Kelly, who was born and reared in California, Mo., where they were married. Two children were born of this union, John Kelly and Ruth.

 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK AND FIRST SAVINGS BANK OF COLUSA

These two banks are separate institutions, although allied in interests, officers and directorate, and occupying the same build­ing. The First National Bank was organized under the Federal banking laws, in 1911; and the First Savings Bank was organized that same year under the banking laws of California. Their first home was a brick building that had formerly been occupied by E. C. Peart, a pioneer merchant of Colusa, and that stood on the site of the present building. The old building was remodeled in 1912, when it was enlarged to forty by one hundred feet and made two stories high. The building is of sandstone from the Sites quarry. The interior is modern and well lighted, and amply meets the needs of the business. One part of the building is occupied by a store; and the second floor, by the Antlers Club of Colusa. 

When the demand was made in Colusa for another bank, the First National Bank took over the commercial department of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, while the First Savings Bank took over the savings department. Both show combined assets of over $700,000. Upon its organization there were about sixty stock­holders; and the following officers and directors were the first incumbents in office: U. W. Brown, president ; R. E. Blevins, vice- president ; F. Monsen, J. J. O'Rourke, and John C. Ahlf, com­pleting the directorate ; 11. F. Osgood, cashier ; and Everett Bowes, assistant cashier. In 1014' the directorate was increased from five to seven members, and consists today of U. W. Brown, president ; R. E. Blevins, vice-president ; and Mrs. Clara C. Packer, Ira L. Compton, E. M. Gordon, E. B. Vann, and E. V. Jacobs ; while Mr. Osgood and Mr. Bowes are cashier and assistant cashier. The officers and directors of the First Savings Bank are U. W. Brown, president; R. E. Blevins, vice-president ; and Clara C, Packer, Ira L. Compton, and J. J. O'Rourke. The First National Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank in District No. 12.

ROBERT BRUCE BALLARD

A West Virginian who has found a good place in which to invest his money is Robert Bruce Ballard of Colusa, who is now the owner of sixty-eight good acres of as land as is to be found in the county. Upon this tract he makes his home, in the western part of the city of Colusa, while he also owns thirty-seven acres one mile to the south. On all of this property he has been engaged in general farming along intensive lines.

Mr. Ballard was born in Logan County, Va. (now W. Va.), on March 24, 1847. At the time of his birth, the state had not been divided. He was sent to the subscription schools, for up to the time of the state division and the Civil War there were no free schools in that part of the state. During the progress of the war the schools were abandoned. People had to go in hiding many times to avoid conflict with raiding parties, who took cattle, horses and foodstuff wherever they found them. The settlers had to bury their money and food in order to preserve them for their own use. Five of Mr. Ballard's brothers were in the Union army. One was killed during the war, and two died of fever. Of the two that returned, one was wounded at Cross Keys. After the organization of the state of West Virginia, free schools were instituted; and in these Robert B. Ballard completed his schooling, working on the farm until he married and struck out for himself. On March 15, 1877, Miss Leatha A. Cook became his wife. She was the daughter of Thomas and Jane Cook, Virginians of English descent, and pioneers of Logan County—now Wyoming County, \V. Va. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ballard : Robert Hugh, Blackburn Wirt and Henry Rush.

After spending many years in his native state, farming on a place of four hundred acres he owned, Mr. Ballard disposed of his interests, and in 1906 came to make a home under the sunny skies of California; and since taking up his residence here he has been well satisfied with the change. The sons are operating the ranch. They have thirty acres in prunes, and farm the balance. The water for irrigating the land comes from the Roberts Ditch Company, and affords an ample supply for their needs. They raise alfalfa, grain, and hay, and have a dairy of over twenty cows.

The chances for many years of life in California are in Mr. Ballard's favor ; for his parents, Rhodes D. and Maly (Perry) Ballard, both Virginians of Scotch ancestry, lived to be eighty- four and eighty-six years of age, respectively. They died in the state where they were born. The father served two terms in the state legislature, and was a prominent factor in the develop­ment of the new state of West Virginia.

JOHN WILLIAM MONROE

A patriotic native son of the Golden State, and one who has spent his entire life in California, John W. Monroe ardently champions all measures looking towards the development of the commonwealth. A son of Daniel F. Monroe, he was born on No­vember 25, 1977, in Santa Barbara County, where be lived the first eight years of his life. He then accompanied the family to Glenn County, where he grew to manhood, meanwhile doing chores about his father's ranch as a boy, and attending the public schools when they were in session. After he had graduated from the pub­lic schools, he took a commercial course in the Chico State Nor­mal, and then clerked for two years in a general store at Elk Creek. In 1902, when twenty-five years of age, he was appointed a deputy under Sheriff Bailey, who was also collector of the county taxes ; and for eight years he ably discharged the ditties imposed upon him.

There was a steady growth in the thriving community of Wil­lows, and here Mr. Monroe saw an opportunity to do some good business. As he was very handy with tools, he began taking building contracts, and built and sold many homes at a good profit. Among some of the more important houses erected by Mr. Monroe mention may be made of the homes of Raymond Greer, Mrs. Annie Frisbie, J. F. Garnett, John Johansen, Charles Belieu, and Marion Zumwalt; and besides these he erected many others.

From his youth Mr. Monroe has been interested in agricul­tural pursuits. He is the owner of a twenty-acre fruit ranch one mile west of Willows, which he has planted to lemons, olives and almonds. The place is improved with a two-story residence, of modern design; and here he makes his home. He also owns and looks after five houses in town.

In 1904 Mr. Monroe married Miss Mary St. Louis, a native daughter, whose father, Alfred St. Louis, born in Missouri, was a pioneer rancher of Glenn County. Mr. St. Louis owned a place at Norman, and later bought some property from the Glenn ranch near Sidd's landing; and besides these he leased large tracts of land and farmed on a large scale with very good success. He died in 1905, after a long and useful life. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe have four children: Mary Alfredo, Willamae, Daniel Edward, and James Arthur.

The years spent as a deputy county officer, and the proficiency with which the duties were executed, were not forgotten by the fellow citizens of John W. Monroe. He was tendered the office of county treasurer of Glenn County in 1910, and was elected by a good majority. His conduct of the office was pleasing to the peo­ple, and in 1914 he was reelected to the position without opposi­tion. He won in the primaries over two opponents by a majority of sixteen hundred votes. Sir. Monroe is popular in fraternal circles. He is a member of Chico Lodge, No. 423, B. P. 0. Elks, and of Laurel Lodge, No. 245, F. S: A. M., of Willows. He is a fine example of the energetic men of the state who are building a great future for the commonwealth and who believe in pulling to­gether with others to make it the most favored spot in our whole country.

LEANDER S BALLARD

One of the later arrivals in Colusa County, where he is making good and is welcomed as one of its foremost home-makers, is Leander S. Ballard, who was born on July 30, 1953, in Logan County, in that part of Virginia which later became West Vir­ginia. The Bollards are descendants of sturdy Scotch ancestors who figured in the history of Virginia as farmers and landowners. There were no free public schools in that part of the state before the war, and Leander attended the subscription schools as a boy. While he was growing to manhood, the Civil War was in progress; and lie was a witness of many scenes of violence he would like to forget. As the war progressed the schools were abandoned; raiding parties helped themselves to horses, cattle and food­stuffs; and the settlers often had to hide in the hills and in the woods, and bury their money and food in order to save them. Many a night Leander and an older brother stayed in the woods all night, biding away from Confederate officers who wanted to enlist his brother in their cause. Five of his brothers were in the Union army. Three died during the war, and one was seriously wounded. Those were strenuous times. The Old Dominion se­ceded, but Western Virginia remained steadfast in its allegiance to the Union. Mr. Ballard well remembers the time of the elec­tion of delegates to the State Constitutional Convention. Dele­gates were elected throughout the western part of the state; and the election for their precinct was held in his father's house be­tween midnight and daylight. West Virginia was admitted to the Union June 20, 1863. Piddle schools were then organized, and young Ballard, regretting very much that his education had been curtailed, attended them for a time.

Mr. Ballard's father had a large tract of land, most of it rough and hilly, with only about forty acres suitable for cultiva­tion. Here Leander Ballard grew up, and at the age of twenty- five married Miss Almeda Workman. Two children were born to them. One was a daughter, Maud, who married James Alder­man, of that state. She had one child, Marie, now a young lady, who makes her home with Mr. Ballard. His wife died in their native state, and he was married a second time, to Miss Minnie Flown, born in Lawrence County, Ohio, who moved with her par­ents to Boone County, W. Va., when she was a baby; and they have three children, Homer, Goldie and Geraldine.

Mr. Ballard was engaged in farming in West Virginia, and kept a general store at Bald Knob, in that state. Ile also acted as resident agent for non-resident landowners for some time, looking after some fifty tenants. In 1902 he decided to come to California and spend the balance of his days. He had worked hard, had become well-to-do, and felt entitled to a rest. He closed up his affairs, and, with his family, left for this state, arriving in Sacramento on September 15. He and his wife came to Colnsa, were much impressed with the conditions there, and bought a twenty-acre tract of the J. B. De Jarnatt tract. This he improved and farmed, in 1909 adding thirty-eight acres to his first holding. He has farmed carefully and well, and now has fifteen acres in prunes, set out in 1915, 1916, and 1917. In the last-mentioned year he completed a beautiful modern bungalow residence on the property, making it an attractive suburban home. Mr. Ballard and his wife are Methodists in religious belief. They have an ever-widening circle of friends in their home section.

HARRY F. OSGOOD

A clear-headed, dependable financier, Harry F. Osgood, cash­ier of the First National Bank of Colusa, and of the First Savings Bank of Colusa, holds a high position in banking circles of the Sacramento Valley. He was horn in Tuolumne County, Cal., May 26, 1865, a son of the late E. H. Osgood of San Luis Obispo, who was born in Hancock County, Maine, and became a pioneer of California in 1854. He was a marble-cutter by trade; but the dust in­jured his lungs, and he decided to come to California and seek his fortunes in the mines. Upon his arrival here in February, 1854, he went at once to the mines of Tuolumne County, and took up mining as a business. While there he was married to Eliza Jane Hoot, a native of the Green Mountain State. They had three sons, Frank, Harry F., and Willis. The mining venture did not prove as successful as Mr. Osgood had anticipated when he was in far- off Maine; so he turned his talents to the carpenter's trade and became a contractor and builder. In 1874 he moved with his fam­ily to San Luis Obispo; and during the remainder of his life he executed contracts for buildings, bridges and wharves. He died in 1915 at the age of eighty-six. His wife had passed away in 1878, soon after their removal to San Luis Obispo.

The only child of the family to grow to maturity, Harry F. Osgood attended the public schools of San Luis Obispo, and Hesperian College. He entered the office of the Pacific Coast Railway Company in San Luis Obispo as a clerk, where he remained for some time. An opening then presented itself, and he entered the employ of the San Luis Obispo County Bank. Here he learned the banking business, and made a wide acquaintance among the financiers in various parts of the state. In 1902, Mr. Osgood was offered a position as assistant cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Colusa, which he accepted. Later, upon the organ­ization of the First National Bank and the First Savings Bank, of this city, in 1911, he was selected as cashier of both institutions; and since that date he has filled these positions most acceptably. Ile has worked his way up by diligent application and conserva­tive methods ; and today he holds a high position in the banking circles of the state, and in the esteem of the citizens of Colusa County, where he cooperates with all progressive movements.

In San Luis Obispo, Mr. Osgood was united in marriage with Miss Florence Gregg, born in Iowa ; and they have three children: Lois, a senior in the Colusa high school; Gethel, a junior; and Florence. Their comfortable bungalow home on Sixth and Oak Streets evidences good taste, and radiates good cheer to their many friends. Mr. Osgood is a member of Colusa Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. M., of which he is a Past Master. He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church; and Mrs. Osgood is a member of its Ladies' Aid and Missionary Societies. In the later development of Colusa, Mr. Osgood has made his influence felt for the good of the town; and he is counted as one of her public-spirited men.

GEORGE LORENZO BROWN

During his long years of residence in California, dating from 1049, when he was a lad of seven years, and including the period of the American occupation, George Lorenzo Brown has witnessed the development of the state from early pioneer conditions to its present high position in the galaxy of wealthy and prosperous commonwealths. His father, Thomas Brown, was born in Durham, England. He was a man of superior education and a mining engineer of international reputation. He went to Scotland in the interests of his profession, and while there married Emma Gregory, of the famous Gregory clan, that has given to the world many men of military and historical prominence. From Scot­land Mr. Brown was sent by his government to Barcelona, Spain, to construct a government smelter, after the completion of which he had charge of the mining operations, and the smelter, for two and one half years. He then left for the United States, and upon his arrival located in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1047, where he remained a little over a year. The excitement attendant upon the dis­covery of gold in California spread over the country; and being interested in mining, Mr. Brown could not resist the call of the West. With his family, be joined a train of fifty wagons, drawn by slow-going oxen, the party numbering some seventy persons; and in 1849 they came by the Lassen route to California. Mr. Brown was chosen captain of the train. During the long journey of six months' duration, they endured many hardships and suf­fered many privations. They had two severe battles with Indians, in which twelve of their party were killed. They arrived in Butte County, six miles above Oroville, where Thomas Brown put in the first flume ever built in the state for mining purposes, ou the north fork of the Feather River. His years of experience as a gold-mining expert made him an authority on the subject, and he was able to use the most satisfactory methods of that period for washing out the gold. During this time he opened a hotel in Forbestown; and it was in this section that he discov­ered one of the great lodes that is now a paying property. He organized a company and raised $00,000, which was intrusted to a member of the company to be taken back to Connecticut for the purchase of necessary machinery. He was never heard from, and was probably killed and robbed. The claim passed into the hands of an English syndicate, and is now a profitable mine. Mr. Brown died at Marysville, at the age of seventy years; and his wife passed her last days iu Red Bluff, dying at the age of sixty-five. They had six children: Martha, Mrs. Williams, of Marysville; Joseph, also of Marysville; Susan, Mrs. Parks, deceased; Eliza­beth, Mrs. Barkman, also deceased; Jonathan, buried in Tuba City; and George L., of this review.

George Lorenzo Brown was born near Glasgow, Scotland, on the Isle of Sky, February 12, 1843. He learned to speak Spanish during the two and a half years the family lived in Barcelona, Spain. The long trip across the plains is stamped indelibly on his memory, as are the early days in California. Be Lad but a limited opportunity for an education; and the broad knowledge he pos­sesses has been gained by contact with the world and by reading good literature. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil War, at Marysville, in Company F, under Captain Dean, and served in California. He was wounded by a bayonet thrust iu a fight with a secessionist, at Colusa, and was honorably discharged. After the war he engaged in farming. In 1881 he moved to Colima County and bought forty acres of land, to the cultivation and development of which he has since given his attention, besides leasing other property.

In 1871 Mr. Brown married Mary Gilchrist, who was born in Nevada; and they had nine children: Lorenzo, superintendent of the Colusa Water Company; George, a farmer near Colusa ; Eugene, proprietor of a garage in San Francisco; Mary, who married ('lark I1a11, of Sacramento; Charles, superintendent of the William Ash ranch; Peter H., a farmer in Colusa County; Agnes, at home; Albert, a student in Santa Clara College; and Francis, at home. The family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Brown votes independently, according to his convic­tions. regardless of party lines. He is well informed; and his knowledge of early conditions in California, and fund of personal experiences, would make an interesting volume if it were written. In the evening of their days, he and his wife are enjoying life, in the knowledge that they have done the best they could to help in the making of this glorious state.

SEAVER BROTHERS

The firm of Seaver Brothers, of Colusa County, is engaged in general or mixed farming, and owns five hundred fifty acres of land, six and one half miles north of CoInsa on the Sacramento River, besides leasing three thousand acres in the valley. The Seaver brothers are among the most prosperous and successful men in the county, and represent a pioneer element of the period of 1852 in California. Their father, Charles Seaver, was born near Lowell, Mass. He was an old-time teamster, who came via Panama to Marysville, Cal., in 1852, and engaged in freighting to the mines at Carson City, Nev. He was well known among many of the early mining men of the Northwest. Charles Seaver mar­ried Annie Timoney, a native of Ireland who arrived in Marys­ville in 1854. She died on June 11, 1903, at the home of her sous in C'olusa County, at the age of sixty-nine years. Mr. Seaver passed away on October 5, 1887, when sixty-one years old. Their four children are: Eliza J., Mrs. Sorrel, who, with her husband, lives on the Seaver Brothers ranch; John Henry, farming near Chico; and George W. and Charles Franklin, of the firm of Seaver Brothers.

George W. Seaver was born on January 28, 1866, in Marys­ville; and Charles Franklin Seaver was born on July 31, 1868, in the same place. George W. Seaver was married in Modoc County, October 31, 1893, to Miss Emma Fisher, who was born in Oroville, July 26, 1870; and they have one son, Lloyd PC, a graduate from the gas engineering course of the Oakland Polytechnic. The Seaver brothers came to Colusa County with their parents in August, 1869. They were reared on the farm, received a good public school education in their home district, and began ranching at an early age, working by the month until they felt able to make a venture for themselves. Their first large venture was made in Glenn County, where they leased large tracts of land at Mills Holm and raised wheat and barley; but the low price of grain from 1892 to 1396, during the hard Democratic times, broke them. Wheat was seventy-one and one half cents per hundred, and barley fifty-eight cents, and they had fifty thousand sacks to sell. After reimbursing their finances, they began once more in Colusa County. They got a start by handling wood during the slack season, putting in twelve mouths in the year. They now own their own property, upon which they have set out forty acres to French prunes, besides an orchard and a fine garden. Their place is well improved with buildings suitable for their needs, and they lease three thousand acres, where they have three thousand sheep, and one thousand acres in beans, barley and hay. 'They keep about one hundred fifty hogs; twenty-five cattle, with a fine Durham bull at the head of their herd; and thirty mules. They were among the organizers of Cheney Slough Irrigation Company, pumping water from the Sacramento River, from which they irrigate their ranch.

Seaver Brothers bring to bear all of the modern methods in use on up-to-date farms, working in harmony at all times. By intelligent application to their work, they have won a well- deserved success, and attained a high standing in financial circles. While giving their entire attention to their farming operations, they have not neglected the duties of citizenship. They have assisted all worthy enterprises that have been promoted to build up Colusa County and the Sacramento Valley, throughout which they are well known as aggressive and prosperous stockmen and grain-raisers.

MAX PAUL SCHOHR

That the fame of Colusa County as a grain-raising section had early reached agricultural districts all over the world, is evidenced by the fact that Max Schohr, now a successful rancher of Grand Island, had, as a boy in Germany, read stories of America and California, and of farming and wheat-growing in Colusa County. These stories first inspired him with a desire to see for himself the land where this phenomenal development of which he read and heard, was taking place. Max Paul Schohr was born in the town of Friedberg, Province of Brandenburg, Prussia, on May 26, 1880. His father, Heinrich, and mother, Bertha (Sagert) Schohr, were both natives of that country, and are still living there, engaged in farming. Their son, Max, received his education in the public and high schools, and completed the course at the Gymnasiums, after which be learned practical fanning, as an apprentice, on a sixty-five-thousand-acre, scientifically managed faun in that country. He then attended the University of Koenigslerg for three semesters, obtained his diploma, and at twenty-one years of age went into military training in the Prussian army, remaining one year. Having never forgotten the stories he read, as a boy, of California's miles of waving wheat fields, and having in the meantime seen still further literature on the subject, he decided to fulfill his early desire and journey to America to investigate conditions on the Pacific Coast. Sailing

from Bremen, in 1905, he landed at Galveston, Texas, and became manager of a sugar plantation in Louisiana. Later he bought a one-hundred-eighty-acre plantation, paying a purchase price of fifteen hundred dollars, and in a comparatively short time sold the property for seven thousand dollars.

In 1910, Mr. Schohr turned his face toward the West and came to California. He was engaged as manager of a ranch for the Portland Cement Company in Solano County, and then as manager for the Tisdale Ranch, in Colusa County, in 1912. In 1913 he was united in marriage with Miss Elva E. Browning, daughter of J. W. Browning, of Grand Island, one of the largest individual landowners in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Schohr are residing on their ranch on Grand Island. Mr. Schohr is a man of broad mind, and keeps himself well informed as to new developments in agriculture, applying theory to practice whenever he sees an advantage in so doing. Mr. and Mrs. Schohr have two children.

JOHN ANDREW RYAN

A California hotel-keeper who will long be remembered by his patrons, both tourist and resident, for the warm hospitality and the spirit of comfort and cheer always to be noted in his hostelry, and so suggestive of the old-fashioned days, was John Andrew Ryan, the late proprietor of the Williams Hotel at Williams, Colusa County. His father was Dennis Ryan, a farmer, who migrated from Illinois to California in 1870, and located in Solano County about seven miles from Suisun. He later farmed near Knoxville, Napa County ; but after retiring, he passed his latter days in comfort and happiness with his son at Williams. He died in 1896. His wife, who was born in Illinois, was in maidenhood Elizabeth Earle. She died on the ranch in Napa County. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Ryan.

John Andrew Ryan, the oldest of the children, was born on December 1, 1863, in Springfield. Ill. He was but a lad of seven when he accompanied his parents to California. For a time he was given every advantage for gaining an education; but circum­stances made it necessary for him to go to work when he was about thirteen, and thereafter he was self-supporting and made his home with Abraham Clark in the Berryessa Valley. In 1882 he came to Colusa County and entered the employ of Reuben Clark, a leading rancher of this county, and remained in his employ for a number of years. He next was engaged with J. C. Stovall, and continued with him for some time. In the fall of 1893, he was appointed deputy county assessor, serving under William Hurd until the expiration of his term in office. Mr. Ryan then engaged in the liquor business.

On July 4, 1900, John A. Ryan assumed charge of the Wil­liams Hotel; and from the very first day of his management it bore the impress of his strong and pleasing personality. The hotel was a commodious house, well fitted and furnished, and was appreciated by all its patrons.

On March 6, 1901, Mr. Ryan was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tully, a native of Fredericksburg, Chickasaw County, Iowa, and a daughter of Ambrose J. Tully. Her father was born in Huron County, Ohio, was left an orphan when but five years old, and in his eleventh year was brought to Green County, Wis., where he completed his schooling. At the age of fifteen he went to Chickasaw County, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand until 1863. Having then resolved to reach a point farther west, he crossed the plains with ox teams to Carson City, Nev., followed mining for a few years, and iu 1866 located near -Benicia, Solano County, Cal. Here he farmed extensive areas of land and en­gaged in ranching. From 1870 until 1872, he made his residence and farmed at Kelseyville, Lake County. Meantime he had be­come interested in farming. in Colusa County, and in 1872 he moved there. It was in 1881 that he purchased the ranch which became his residence place until he died. It comprised six hun­dred forty acres, four and one half miles southeast of the town of Williams, although he farmed a greater area, making a specialty, of raising wheat. He also owned thirty-two hundred eighty acres in _McMullen and Duval Counties, Texas, and also a stock ranch of four hundred eighty acres lying sixteen miles southwest from Wil­liams. He had been in poor health for some years previous to his death, which occurred on December 22, 1897.

Thirty-one years before, on November 22, Mr. Tully had mar­ried Visa Polly Jones, a native of Kendall County, Ill., horn on August 20, 1840. In company with Abe Clark, she crossed the plains in 1564, driving one of the teams. She was of New England ancestry, a (laughter of .Jonathan Jones, who was born in Ver­mont, whence he removed to Illinois, and from there to Chickasaw County, Iowa. Mrs. Tally made her home with Mrs. Ryan until her death, on March 3, 1904. Mrs. Ryan was the only child of her parents, and was educated in the public schools of Colusa County, later graduating from the normal department of the Stockton Business College, after which she was engaged in teaching until the death of her father.

In polities, Mr. Ryan was a Democrat; and fraternally, he was a Past Grand of Central Lodge, No. 229, I. 0. 0. F., at Wil­liams. In 1908 he sold out his hotel business and devoted his time to looking after his varied interests. He was interested in the Jones Hot Springs property on Sulphur Creek, and during the season of 1914 he took personal charge of it, meeting with his usual success until he sold the place to the Wilbur Springs Company, on October 15, 1914. He was a stockholder in both the Cortina and the Freshwater vineyards; and upon this enterprise, as upon all other ventures, he brought to bear his pleasing person­ality and high sense of honor. He died ou November 3, 1916, mourned by a large concourse of friends.

GEORGE A. BERGER

There is no man better posted on race-horses of the United States than George A. Berger, is quiet, unassuming, but prosperous rancher living in Colusa County, six miles north of Colusa. He was born near Laytonville, Long Valley, in Mendocino County, November 3, 1864, the son of James L. Berger, a Missourian who settled in Iowa and there married Mary Jane Lambert, a native of that state. They crossed the plains overland with ox teams to California in 1852, during the gold excitement; and for a time Mr. Berger wooed Dame Fortune in the mines. Not being as successful as he had anticipated, he went to Mendocino County and there engaged in farming. He was an enterprising man, who could turn Ins hand to almost anything. Later he moved to Ukiah, where he built and ran a livery stable, and also conducted a meat market. There were five children in their family: Three daughters, still living in Mendocino County; George A., of this review; and James, who died in Ukiah. Mr. and Mrs. Berger made friends wherever they went. Their last clays were spent in Ukiah.

George A. Berger attended the public schools in Mendocino County, and also pursued a course of study at Heald's Business College. From a lad he assisted his father in the butcher and stock business. In 1882 he sailed from San Francisco on the General Knox around Cape Horn to Liverpool, taking five months and four days to make the trip, and spent about eighteen mouths in England and on the Continent, returning to New York City on the sailer W. H. Starlmck. On his return to California, he became interested in horse-racing, acquired a string of horses of his own, and followed the race-courses over the United States. He trained horses for some of the most prominent race-horse men, among them Spreckels, Gaylord, Chase, Baldwin, and others. He would buy likely colts and train them. Among others he owned Toledo, one of the fastest two-year-olds in California, and also Solaris and Cousin Carrie. He would spend about six mouths of each year about San Francisco, and then go to Denver, Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City, and on to New York, and come back via Portland, Ore. He continued this life until 1906, when laws adverse to profitable racing knocked out that sport. It was then that Mr. Berger went to farming, at first settling in San Luis Obispo County, near Santa Margarita, in 1907, where lie farmed on the Murphy grant, raising grain and stock. He remained there until 1910, when he came to Colusa County and bought from the Moulton Irrigated Lands Company thirty acres, which he im­proved and still owns. In 1916 he moved to his present place on the Weis ranch, where he has two hundred forty acres in barley and sixty-five acres in alfalfa. He is also raising rice. Since engaging in ranching, Mr. Berger has met with very good success. He keeps abreast of the times, is public-spirited, and has a wide acquaintance all over the country.

On April 1, 1892, Mr. Berger was united in marriage in Fresno with Annie E. Bronaugh, daughter of Robert B. and Dorcas (Swope) Bronaugh. Her father was born in Louisville, Ky. He made five trips across the plains, coming finally in 1865 to make his home in California, and eventually settling in Fresno, where Mrs. Berger was reared from the age of eight. They have one son, William G., now a young man of twenty-one. Mrs. Berger accompanied her husband in all his travels about the country in his racing days, and is as much interested in good stock as her husband. Both are happy and contented, and have a wide circle of friends in Colusa County.

WILLIAM H. ASH

A progressive young man, who is fortunate as the representa­tive of a family long esteemed and influential in California circles, and who enjoys the respect and good-will of a large circle of friends, William 11. Ash is the son of the Hon. William Ash, the well-known legislator, a sketch of whose interesting life appears elsewhere in this work. He was born at his father's old home, six miles south of Williams, in Colusa County, on August 24, 1880, and was educated in the public schools, and at Brewer's Military Academy at San Mateo, and the Stockton Business College. As a lad, be learned farming and stock-raising. While still in his teens he was able to handle the big teams used in the grain-fields; and he continued farming with his father until the latter's death. As secretary of the William Ash Company, he took charge of the company's affairs after his father's death, and has been active in its interest ever since. Until 1912 lie operated the home farm, and then leased from the William Ash Company his present place of nineteen hundred sixty-seven acres, known in early days as the Scroggins & Coleman ranch, eight miles north of Colusa, which his father had purchased about twenty years ago. After moving onto the place, young Mr. Ash built a new residence and the necessary barns and outbuildings, and made other extensive improvements; and there he has met with success in raising stock and grain.

Mr. Ash was one of the organizers of the Cheney Slough Irrigation Company, and has been its president ever since. This company utilizes the natural course of Cheney Slough as a canal, keeping it filled by means of large pumping plants drawing water from the Sacramento Diver. The overflow of the Sacramento has built up•the slough, so that it is higher than the surrounding lands; and by means of laterals the water is conducted to some four thousand acres of rice land, and irrigates, besides, large areas given up to alfalfa. The Cheney Slough Irrigation Company, therefore, has had much to do with the development of the country.

Besides this important interest, Mr. Ash himself raises about one thousand acres of barley and four hundred acres of rice each year, using only the latest and most improved machinery and adopting the most up-to-date methods. He has, for instance, a Holt sixty-five horse-power caterpillar tractor, with combined harvester, and binders and threshers for the rice. He also makes a specialty of raising hogs, and in large numbers.

Since the death of his lamented father, William H. Ash has continued as secretary of the William Ash Company, giving his best efforts and the benefit of his years of experience to advancing the large interests built up by his able father and entrusted to the family. No better choice could have been made for this responsibility, the full and conscientious discharge of which has meant so much to the surrounding and affected community.

Mr. Ash was married to Miss Sadie Briscoe, a native of Colusa County, the ceremony taking place near Williams; and two children have blessed their union: William and Elba. He is a member of the Marysville Lodge, No. 783, B. P. 0. Elks; the Antlers Club of Colusa ; and Central Lodge, No. 299, I. 0. 0. F., at Williams; and he enjoys the distinction of being Past District Deputy Grand. In politics of a national character Mr. Ash is a Republican; and he is serving his party as a member of the Republican County Central Committee.

JOHN ROACH AND AMANDA TERRILL

The family of which John Roach Terrill was a member comes from Virginian stock and Colonial blood, and has given to our country many men and women of worth. A cousin, Hon. J. W. Terrill, was governor of Georgia. Robert Terrill, the father of John Roach Terrill, was born in Virginia, and when eighteen years old moved to Kentucky, and there married Mary Beasley, a native of that state. When the tide of emigration turned towards Missouri, Robert Terrill and his family joined the throng; he improved a farm in Marion County, and there he died at the age of four score years. His good wife and helpmate also passed her last clays on their farm. She gave birth to sixteen children, all but one of whom reached maturity. None of them_ are now alive. Two of her sons were Mexican War soldiers. Robert Terrill always spelled his name Terrell, as is found in the old record of the family, published in 1833. How later generations came to change the spelling to Terrill is not known.

John Roach was the youngest of the family, and was born in Marion County, Mo., August 12, 1834. He was more fortunate than many boys of his period and surroundings, for he received a good education and graduated from Palmyra College. He became interested in the stock business as soon as he engaged in farming for himself, and not only raised fine stock, but was an extensive buyer of cattle and hogs, making large shipments from his farm near Palmyra to Quincy, St. Louis and Chicago. He was very successful in all his operations; but the pioneer spirit that prompted his father to help open up the new territory of Missouri no doubt led John R. Terrill to close out his holdings in Missouri and come to the Pacific Coast, which he did in November, 1869, on the second train that came to California after the golden spike had been driven, uniting the East and the West with bands of steel.

Upon his arrival in this state, Mr. Terrill bought a ranch of one hundred sixty acres near Davis, Yolo County, where he remained four years. He then moved to Winters, and was engaged in the hardware business for a like period, after which he sold out and went back to farming on the Glide ranch near Willows, Glenn County, and for four years raised grain on a large scale. His next move was to the vicinity of Williams, where he leased fifteen hundred acres from W. H. Williams and continued the grain business, which was then the leading industry of Colusa County. In 1890 he moved to the property that is now the home of Mrs. Terrill, seven miles north of Colusa, where he bought and improved a country home. There he spent his last years, dying on June 22, 1908. He was made a Mason in Palmyra Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M., before leaving Missouri; was a charter member of Davis Lodge of Masons; and later joined Colusa Lodge, No. 240, F. & A. 11. He was an active worker in the Democratic County Central Committee of Colusa County, and never swerved in his allegiance to his party.

On September 28, 1869, at Palmyra, Mo., Amanda Hayden became the bride of John Roach Terrill; and by this marriage two prominent Southern families were united. She was a daughter of Col. Elijah C. Hayden, of Mexican War fame, who married Delila Whaley, a representative of a prominent family in Kentucky, where Colonel Hayden and his wife were born, at Paris. Ten children were born to Colonel and Mrs. Hayden, six boys and four girls. Mrs. Terrill was born in Marion County, Mo., on November 10, 1846, and was educated in the early subscription schools. Six weeks after her marriage she came with her husband to California; and here she devotedly followed his fortunes until his demise. Two of her children are living. Anna B. is the wife of Howard B. Sartain, and the soother of three children: Howard Terrill, Hayden B., and Hollis Calvin. Adela M. married Charles Terrill. All live together harmoniously on the home ranch, which comprises seven hundred acres on the east side of the river, seven miles north of Colusa. They are devoting the place to the raising of alfalfa, and to dairying and stock-raising. They are also raising Belgian horses, and own the Belgian stallion George Washington, which weighs twenty-three hundred pounds. On the Terrill place is located the oldest house (now standing) erected on the Sacramento River. it was built in 1817, and is kept in good state of repair. Airs. Amanda Terrill is a most hospitable, good- natured, and motherly woman, whom it is always a pleasure to meet. She radiates good cheer to all about her, always extending a helping hand to those in distress, and has a host of friends among old and young, who delight to sing her praises.

 

ELI TRIPLETT

To speak of a man as a native son means that he has certain traditions that should be lived up to, a certain standard to maintain. The history of California antedates the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620, and carries with it an interesting chain of events, from the time Cabrillo landed on our shores, in 1542, down to the very present. Until the discovery of gold but little was known of the great resources of the state. Gold was the lure at first. Then many, who knew soil and its possibilities, failing to make good at mining, turned to agriculture; and from that time to the present, the state has set a winning pace in agricultural development.

A native son who is descended from one of the history makers of 1850 is Eli Triplett, of Maxwell, who was born in Santa Rosa, February 15, 1864, a son of Hezekiah 0. and Maria (Kirkpatrick) Triplett. The father was born in Illinois, grew to manhood there, and in 1850 crossed the plains with ox teams to California. It may he that he intended to seek his fortunes in the mines, as did almost every one who started for California during those exciting times. However, we find that he got a quarter section of govern­ment land in Sonoma County, where he farmed, that same farm now being part of the present site of Santa Rosa. He was mar­ried in that town, in the first hotel that was erected in the place, to Miss Maria Kirkpatrick, who came from the Hoosier State; and this worthy couple, working together, helped to make California history.

Hezekiah Triplett later took his little family and went to Men­docino County, where he engaged in getting out lumber and ship­ping it to San Francisco from Fish Rock, nine miles below Point Arena. They lived under trying conditions while he was making a "stake" in order to go elsewhere. They had six sons and six daughters to clothe and educate, Eli being the fifth oldest child. In 1879 this family came to Colusa County, where. the father raised grain for many years. He was the second man to own a combined harvester, which for a long time he operated in the valley. He lived to a ripe old age, passing away in 1907. He was a man who sought to fulfil his duty to his God, to his country, and to his family. His fraternal association was with the A. 0. U. W., of which he was a member for many years.

Eli Triplett was educated in the public schools of Mendocino and Colusa Counties, finishing his schooling in the Sycamore dis­trict. In 1880 he began working for wages, grubbing out oak trees and cutting cord wood after school, on Saturdays, and during vacation, until, with the aid of his younger friends, he had one hundred cords cut. Ile went out on the George Brownley ranch and drove a header wagon for twenty-nine days, and worked for A. E. Potter, bucking straw, for seventy-nine days during the threshing season. For many years he followed threshing machines, working at everything that is connected with threshing. From sixteen until twenty-one years of age all his hard-earned wages went to his father, to aid in the support of the family. He helped to run the first combined harvester and reaper in Colusa County, continuing in this work for about twenty-one years, and never losing a day during the season. He farmed on a big scale, leasing two sections of land for that purpose, and raising good crops of wheat and barley, as also some stock.

In 1904 Mr. Triplett located in Maxwell and started in the livery business. Here he built up a large patronage and met with good success until the automobiles forced him out of business. He sold off his stock and buggies in 1017. He had always believed in keeping lip-to-date, as has already been shown; so he turned his stable into a garage, and automobile livery, secured the agency for the Overland car, and is now gradually building up a good busi­ness in the new line. Ile has succeeded financially, and owns con­siderable property in the bay cities and in Maxwell. Meanwhile, he has made and kept friends by always endeavoring to give a square deal.

Eli Triplett married Lizzie J. McDermott, of Maxwell; and they have three children: Elmo, who graduated from a business course and is is stenographer in Sacramento; Ione, a graduate of Chico State Normal School, who is teaching in Maxwell; and Mar­garet, at home. Mr. Triplett is a self-made man. Having had lim­ited advantages, he appreciates the value of education. He has assisted in the education of the younger brothers and sisters, and is giving his three daughters • he best of educational opportunities. Like his father, Mr. Triplett is a member of the A. 0. U. AV. Lodge. He is a man of public spirit, a true type of the progres­sive native sons.

CHESTER G. POIRIER

A descendant of French ancestry, and a representative of one of the old families of Colusa County, Chester G. Poirier has made good as a farmer and horticulturist, and since 1905 has been operating the home place with success. He has had a varied experience in business 1Mes. For a time he was a traveling sales­man for a wholesale grocery house in San Francisco; after the death of his father be conducted the Riverside Hotel in Colusa ; and now he is carrying on a successful business as an orchardist and farmer, operating the old Poirier ranch, seven miles north of Coltish.

The Poirier family is of French extraction. The ancestors migrated to Quebec, Canada ; and some of their descendants have moved thence to the United States. Chester's father, R. Poirier, was born in Montreal, Canada, May 1, 1832, and came with his parents, in 1840, to St. Louis, Mo., where he clerked in a store. In 1856 lie crossed the plains with ox teams, arriving in Sacra­mento on September 14, 1856. He was engaged as a batter until 1860, when he took charge of the commissary department of a Sacramento River steamer. In 1863 be secured the management of the eating department on several of the largest river steamers. In 1882 he bought the Colusa House, leasing it until March 17, 1884, when lie took charge. Be owned the building, and for twenty-six years ran it as a first-class hotel, in the meantime becoming widely and favorably known to the traveling public. In 1885 he bought a ranch, and in 1887 set out fifty acres of prunes. This orchard has been a steady bearer ever since, and is one of the best in the county. Ile died in 1901, at the age of sixty-eight. His wife was in maidenhood Alphonsine La Port, a native of Troy, N. Y., and a descendant of a prominent French family. She is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Poirier had four children: Edmund, Arthur, Chester G., and Florine.

Chester G. Poirier was born in Sacramento, April 10, 1880, and received his education in Colusa, leaving the high school to care for the orchard on the home ranch. After the death of his father be began to look after the diversified interests he had left. For a time he carried on the Colusa House; and in 1905 he leased the home place, which be has operated with very good results ever since. On the three hundred twenty acres he has a dairy of twenty-five cows—Guernseys, Jerseys, and Holsteins. One hundred twenty acres are in barley, and fifty in Egyptian corn. To furnish an ample supply of water, Mr. Poirier installed a seventy-five horse-power motor to run his fifteen-inch pump, which yields a flow of eight thousand gallons a minute, with a lift of twenty-two and two-tenths feet. He makes a specialty of horti­culture. Having been trained in the care of fruits and orchards since he was a lad of fourteen years, and having had charge of fifty acres of orchard since lie was eighteen years old, he under­stands the business thoroughly; and he is recognized as one of the best-posted men on horticulture in these parts.

Chester G. Poirier and Miss Leslie Evans were united in mar­riage in Sacramento; and they have two children, Alpbonsine and Mildred. Mrs. Poirier was born in Grimes, Colusa County. She is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Bell (Graham) Evans, natives of Missouri, who crossed the plains with their parents when young. The father was a large landowner in Colusa County and Lassen County. He died seventeen years ago, in Maxwell. The mother died twenty-five years ago. Mrs. Poirier has been a good helpmate and mother; and with her husband she enjoys the confidence and esteem of an ever-widening circle of friends.

 

HENRY LEWIS HOUCHINS

The senior member of the firm of H. L. Houchins & Son, proprietors of the Grimes meat market, is one of the popular business men of Colusa County. He was born at Paris, Monroe County, Mo., March 12, 1859, and is the son of Samuel Houchins, whose life-history is also included in this volume. Henry L. Houchins attended the public schools in Missouri, and after coming to Colusa County, Cal., in 1872, completed his education at Pierce Christian College, of College City, meanwhile working on the ranches in the Jacinto district of what is now Glenn County. After leaving college in 1879, he ranched for a year, and then entered the butcher shop of P. Hannum in College City. Here lie drove the wagon for nine years, and learned the trade of butcher during the time he was in the shop. In 1889 Mr. Hannum opened a branch shop in Grimes; and so satisfactory had been the work of his assistant, that he was sent there as manager of the shop, and in 1893, upon the death of Mr. Hannum, he became sole proprietor. He had been very industrious and saving, and had the money with which to enter into business when the oppor­tunity offered. By square dealing, courteous treatment, and promptness in meeting all obligations, Mr. Houchins has taken a place in the front rank of the estimable business men of Colusa County.

Mr. Houchins began at the bottom of the ladder, driving a butcher wagon throughout the country from College City, and then assumed the management of the branch at Grimes. He saved his money, and was able to buy the shop he now owns, after the death of his former employer. As his business expanded, he made new additions to his place, until in 1913 be erected a new building on the corner with concrete floors and modern appoint­ments. In the cold-storage plant the refrigerating is accom­plished by a two-and-one-half-ton Cyclops ice machine. When his son Claude L. was old enough to enter business, Mr. Houchins made him a partner in the market; and they buy and ship cattle, hogs and sheep in connection with their retail business. The hogs are shipped principally by boat, but the sheep and cattle are sent by rail from Grimes. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Houchins has a splendid fifty-acre alfalfa ranch near Grimes.

The first marriage of Mr. Houchins united him with Miss Mattie Hannum, and resulted in the birth of two children: Claude L., associated with his father in business; and a daughter Leah, who died in childhood. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Houchins was again married, to Miss Lillian Whipple, born in Sacramento County; and they had three children: Helen and Betty, and a son Clifford, who died at seven years of age. Mr. Houehius is a Democrat, and has been a member of the County Central Committee. He is an Odd Fellow, a Past Grand of Grand Island Lodge, No. Nt. He has a wide circle of acquaintances throughout the Sacramento Valley, who esteem him for his straightforwardness and integrity.

SAMUEL HOUCHINS

When the late Samuel Houchins passed on to his reward, one of the stanch upbuilders of California answered the final roll- call. When the tide of emigration began-to drift from Kentucky into Missouri, this worthy man determined to become one of the pioneers of the new territory. He was a member of an honored family of the Blue Grass State, and a cultured and highly educated gentleman. After his settlement in Missouri he taught school for years, and later conducted a successful general merchandise store at Granville, in that state, and became a promi­nent man of affairs.

Through the influence of friends Mr. Houchins was induced to migrate to the Pacific Coast; and in 1872 we find him on a ranch in the Jacinto district, in what is now Glenn County. His superior qualifications soon attracted the attention of the citizens of the county, and he was prevailed upon to become a candidate for the office of superintendent of schools of Colusa County, to which he was elected by a large majority. He moved his family to Colusa and entered upon the duties of the office, and for the following seven years did his best to build up the school system, in the interest of the rising generation. After his retirement from the office, he went to Los Angeles and spent two years in the abstract business, after which he again returned to Colusa County and taught school for one year. Ile was then elected county auditor, and continued in office until 1892, when he died.

Samuel Houchins married Belinda Burks, a native of Ken­tucky, who died in Colusa County. Their children were Annie, Mrs. J. W. Crutcher, of Williams; Ed A., of Colusa ; Emma, Mrs. Heitman, of Berkeley; Henry L., of Grimes, who is men­tioned at length on another page of this work; Carrie, the widow of E. T. Crane, of Colusa; and Gertrude J., of San Francisco. Mr. Houchins was a stanch Democrat. Fraternally, he was a Mason. An earnest worker hi the Christian Church, and a man whom it was an honor to call a friend, he left to his descendants the heritage of an untarnished name.

WILLIAM FRANKLIN SITES

A man of much enterprise and force of character, who has been a resident of Colusa County since September, 1876, William Franklin Sites was born near Augusta, St. Charles County, Mo., September 9, 1852. He is a son of Henry and Annie Catherine (Nadler) Sites, natives of Hesse-Nassau, Germany, who migrated to Missouri and located on a farm in St. Charles County, where they followed agricultural pursuits until they died. Of the family, seven children grew to maturity, as follows: Elizabeth, Mrs. Lowenbaupt, who resides in Augusta, Mo.; Eliza, Mrs. Grunthke, who died in Missouri; Minnie, Mrs. Slafe, living in St. Louis; Louis, who died in Missouri; Annette, who became the wife of Henry Brune and died in Missouri; Charles, accidentally killed in Missouri; and William, of this review. Another son, John, born of his father's first marriage, was the founder of the town of Sites, in Colusa Comity, where he died.

William Franklin Sites was reared on a farm iu St. Charles County, Mo., and was educated in the public schools; but on account of the Civil War his opportunities were very limited. Farm hands were very scarce, and he was put to work out on farms, receiving as wages only eight dollars a month, which went to his mother until he was twenty years of age.

In 1872 he made his way westward, stopping for a time in Colorado, where lie was employed as a farm hand near Canon City, until the following spring. He then turned his attention to mining and prospecting at Mt. Lincoln, near the Alma Smelter, and later was employed at °royale, near what is now the city of Leadville. In the fall of 1873 lie came to Eureka, Nev., and for three mouths drove an eighteen-mule team. When his employer failed, the team was seized by creditors; and all Mr. Sites received for his three months' wages was the eighteen mule blankets. He burned charcoal during the winter of 1873-1874 but when spring came, the mines in Eureka closed down, and he was obliged to sell the thirteen hundred dollars' worth of charcoal for two hundred fifty dollars. With the money he came to California in 1876, join­ing his brother John at Sites, and working for him at farming and stock-raising.

To 1879, with his savings, he purchased a farming outfit, and leased land from his brother—the farm he now owns, by the way, and where lie resides. Here, on a thousand acres, he engaged in raising grain, his outfit soon growing to three big teams. Mean­time he bought a ranch of seven hundred sixty acres north of Sites, which he operated in connection with the leased land, and which he kept until 1914, when he sold it. In 1903 he purchased his present ranch. He continued to raise grain and stock, and met with good success. As he prospered, and as opportunity offered, he purchased adjoining land, until he now owns forty-four hun­dred acres in one body lying about in the center of Antelope Val­ley. It is a fine tract of land, well fenced and improved. The rich soil is watered by Antelope Creek and by numerous springs. From one of the springs water is piped half a mile to the house, where it is used for domestic purposes. Mr. Sites also has a splendid well, with a good pumping plant. In September, 1914, his residence was destroyed by fire, causing a heavy loss, which included some valuable relics lie had accumulated during the many years of his residence here. This house has been replaced by a comfortable modern residence.

Mr. Sites rents about half of his ranch, and operates the bal­ance himself. He raises about six hundred acres of grain each year, and devotes the rest of the laud to raising. cattle. His brand, W. S., is well known. He has had a varied experience in grain- raising, having sold wheat as low as sixty-nine cents per eental. The highest price was received in 1917, when he sold for three dol­lars and seventy-five cents per cental. Once before he sold wheat as high as two dollars and seventy-five cents; and he has sold blue- stem wheat for two dollars per cental in years past.

Mr. Sites was first married in 1882, on Grapevine Creek, Co­lusa County, to Miss Maggie Sheariu, a native of Missouri, born in Montgomery County, the daughter of Joseph Shearin, a farmer. Mrs. Sites died in January; 1904, leaving eight children: Lanra. Mrs. Harmon of Stony Creek; Clara, Mrs. Ainger of Grimes; Dora, Mrs. Peer of Antelope Valley; Henry, operating a part of the home ranch; Louise, the wife of M. E. Pence, a rancher in An­telope Valley; Birdie, Mrs. Harold Harden of Maxwell; Alice, Mrs. Rebstock of San Francisco; and William, who is at home. The second marriage of Mr. Sites took place in San Francisco, on November 12, 1911, when he was united with Mrs. Hattie V. (Schardin) Malloway. She was born in Woodland, Mob County, a daughter of Nicholas and Helen (Hunt) Schardin, natives of Germany and Michigan respectively, and successful ranchers near Woodland. Mrs. Sites was the sixth child in order of birth in a family of eight children. She married William Manoway, a far­mer near Maxwell, where be died, leaving three children: Jesse, serving in the United States Aviation Corps; Helen, Mrs. Faust of San Francisco; and Robert, who is still at home.

On Mr. Sites' ranch are the remains of an old Indian ranch­eria which was formerly occupied by Digger Indians. There are now only two brothers of them left at the rancheria, one of whom is working for Mr. Sites. The old Indian burying ground still remains. Many years ago, some Spaniards came through the valley; and on one occasion they killed two Indians. As a result, all the rest left, remaining away for many years. It was not until after John Sites settled here that an Indian, afterwards called Humpy, showed up. John Sites taught him how to pump or draw water, and do other work. He remained three weeks and was paid for, his work, and then he left. After a while Humpy returned, and with him were several other Indians; and the Indian rancheria was built up again. It is narrated how Humpy and his brother Bush, in the early days before the Indians' exodus, had a fight with a grizzly bear that had been wounded and had killed their brother. The two took revenge, besting the brute in true native style with their hands and with home-made weapons, long lances with flint heads, having no firearms. It is also told how the Span­ish would steal young Indians and take them south and work them practically as slaves. On one occasion John Sites and a man named Van Huder were camping in a canyon, when they saw three men skirting the ridge, apparently avoiding them.- Mr. Sites and Mr. Van Ribber took their guns and started after them, when two of the three men ran away, leaving one, who was found to be an Indian boy of fifteen years. Undoubtedly more of this cruel practice existed in early days than has ever been realized. The country in and about Antelope Valley abounds in interesting inci­dents; and it is indeed pleasing to hear Mr. Sites relate his remin­iscences of the locality, particularly of the aborigines and of the early bunting days. In early days Mr. Sites and his brother John often hunted big game. Mr. Sites still enjoys the sport, and nearly every year goes on a hunting trip. Of late he goes to Hat Creek and Mt. Lassen, where he meets with success, each year bringing back his trophies of deer horns.

Mr. Sites was for years a member of the board of trustees of Antelope school district. Ills wife is now a member and the clerk of the board. He is an independent Democrat, and a member of the County Central Committee; and be has served on the grand jury.

 

JACOB FRUCHTENICHT

Colusa County and the state of California owe a debt of gratitude to the men of enterprise and public spirit who have untiringly given of their time and effort to aid in establishing the industrial interests of their communities on a firm foundation, and thus also in building up one of the greatest commonwealths of our union of states. Of this number Jacob Fruchtenicht is counted a leader in his section. He was born near Uetersen, Holstein, Germany, on November 6, 1851, and was a son of Deiterich and Annie Dahke) Fruchtenicht. The mother died when her son Jacob was a child of five years. There were three other children in the family: Deiterich, now in California; John, in Washington; and Anna, in Germany. The father married again, and had the following children by that union: August, Herman, Otto, Rebecca (deceased), Augusta, and Elizabeth (who died aged six mouths). The father is still living in Germany, at the advanced age of ninety-two.

Jacob Fruchtenicht was educated in the German schools in his neighborhood, and at the age of nineteen, in 1870, sailed from Hamburg for the New World, with California as his objective point. From New York he took passage on another steamer for Aspinwall, crossed the Isthmus on the railroad, and then took ship for San Francisco, where he arrived in due time. He first found work in Alameda County, where he labored a few months; and in the fall of the same year he came to Colusa County. He worked as a ranch hand for various ranchers for about ten years, saving his money, and in 1880 bought out Joe llauchilt, and with a partner, Jasper Kolpien, began farming on the one hundred fifty acres thus acquired. Three years later he bought out his partner, and ever since has been managing his operations alone. When he bought his partner's interest, he also bought his one hundred fifty acres, and iu 1892 added thirty-four acres more, giving him three hundred thirty-four acres of fine land, which he has been cultivating for years with good success. lle inises grain, hay and stock, and has a small dairy of Holstein and Jersey cows. The improvements seen on the place today were put there by Mr. Eruchtenicht himself, who has worked hard and successfully to build up a good property. With his son John he also owns three hundred twenty acres one half mile south of his place; and they also rent other lauds.

Mr. Fruchtenicht chose for his first wife Annie Rechter, who died about a year later, leaving a holly boy seven days old, named John. The second marriage united him with Maria Webter, a sister of his first wife. She was born in Holstein, Germany. Of this union eleven children were born; Herman, who married Josie Hahn, and lives in Arbuckle; Lillie, wife of Rolla Hill, of Grimes; Annie, who died aged two years; Charles, who died aged eight months; Mary, Mrs. Grove Beckley, of Grimes; and Otto, Emma, Hilda, Wilbert, Jennie and Ernest. The family are mem­bers of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Fruchtenicht is a supporter of all the charities of that organization. He was naturalized in 1877, and has been a member of the county grand jury. In polities he is a Republican on national issues; but in local affairs he considers men rather than party. A self-made man, he has won his success by hard work and good management, and now is able to enjoy comforts of which he had to deny himself while working hard to acquire a competence.

GEORGE WASHINGTON HASTINGS

Those men and women who were trained to useful occupations under the pioneer conditions when the Middle West was the fron­tier, and who received their education in the log schoolhouses, have been the bulwarks of our civilization. Their ranks are thinning rapidly; yet there are still some of them left to recount the hardships and privations endured, which, when compared with our modern conveniences and facilities, seem almost unbearable. George W. Hastings, of Maxwell, is one of these pioneer men. He was born near Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, on November 21, 1833. His father, James Hastings, served in an artillery regiment in the War of 1812; and his grandfather Hastings served in the Revolutionary War, and was in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The paternal great-grandfather came from England and settled in New Hampshire. George Hastings' mother was Prudence Dick­erson, a native of Vermont.

George W. Hastings lived in Ohio, and attended school there until he was sixteen. The family then went to Johnson County, Iowa, settling near Iowa City, where the father improved a farm. George finished his education in the log schoolhouse there, after which he engaged in teaming. There were no railroads in that

section, and all produce had to be hauled to the larger market places or to the wharves on the Mississippi River at Muscatine for shipment. He hauled logs to Iowa City until he was twenty-two, and then left home for a trip through Louisiana and Texas, returning to Iowa in the fall of 1860, where he farmed in Polk County until 1865.

In 1865 Mr. Hastings joined a wagon train of three hundred people, with wagons drawn by both oxen and horses, for the journey to California. They left Des Moines in April, 1865, and arrived in Marysville in September. Mr. Hastings went to work on a ranch, and later rented some land on the Sacramento River near Meridian, in Sutter County, where he raised grain until 1869. That year he came over into Colusa County, and for three years farmed on the Hagar ranch near Mooney's ferry. In 1873 he ventured out on the plains and bought one hundred sixty acres north of Maxwell; and there he has lived ever since. He planted fruit and shade trees, erected a house and other buildings, and engaged in raising grain. For over forty years Mr. Hastings ran a threshing outfit through five counties in the valley; and he is well known all over the section where he traveled.

At Fort Des Moines, Iowa, on June 12, 1861, Mr. Hastings was married to Mary M. Harris, who was born in Indiana, June 8, 1840. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hastings: Mary Rosa, Mrs. Ellis of Maxwell; James W., a farmer near Glenn; Isaac M., a conductor in Sacramento; Prudence, Mrs. Kelly, also of Sacramento; Newton H., a farmer near Maxwell; Ida, Mrs. Roscoe, who lives in Sacramento; George W.. farmer near Maxwell; Georgia Viola, Mrs. Laban of Arizona; Hattie, Mrs. Turner of Oakland; and Matthew E., who is assisting his father. There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild to brighten the evening of Mr. Hastings' life. Mr. Hastings was bereaved of his beloved wife, on January 28, 1911. Her passing was mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Mr. Hastings is a prominent Mason, a member of Maxwell Lodge, No. 288, F. S A. M. He has served as a school trustee, and been active in maintaining good schools; and he has been a mem­ber of the county grand juries. Now at the age of eighty-four, he is still hale and hearty; and with the aid of his son, Matthew E., he still runs his ranch, where for over fifty years be has been a grain farmer. He is public-spirited and hospitable, and has always been on the square in all of his dealings. He has friends all over the Sacramento Valley.

 

CHARLES WILLIAM LOVELACE

The state of Missouri has given this portion of the West many of her stalwart sons, and they have proven important fac­tors in the upbuilding of the communities in which they have cast their lot. One of these is Charles W. Lovelace, who was born in Montgomery County, Mo., on February 27, 1860. He is a son of John and Ann (Shearin) Lovelace, natives respectively of Vir­ginia and North Carolina. Mr. Lovelace is therefore a true son of the South, both by birth and by ancestry; and he also has the honor of being a descendant of pioneers of California, as John and Ann Lovelace came to the state, via Panama, in 1867, bringing their family with them, and settled in Bear Valley, near Sulphur Springs. here the founder of the family bought land and engaged in the cattle business. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, as follows: Lucy, wife of G. B. Harden; Martha, wife of Wm. II. Miles; and Charles IV., Mrs. U. W. Brown, Joint H., Walter, and Stewart.

Charles IV. Lovelace received the foundation of his education in the schools of Bear Valley, and afterwards attended Pierce Chi istiau College, where he was graduated in 1883. He then taught school for one year in Bear Valley, after which he engaged in farming, first renting land near Colusa, and later in the hills near Sites. He finally settled in Maxwell, in 1898, and engaged in the real estate business, buying and selling large ranches, princi­pally in Colusa County. He has probably owned and sold more land than any one else in the community. Mr. Lovelace owns forty acres east of town, planted to alfalfa, and three hundred twenty acres south of town, which is being developed into a fine ranch. This ranch is devoted to the raising of alfalfa, cattle, sheep and hogs. Besides these properties he also owns about one thousand acres of farming lands in this vicinity, in addition to his resi­dence and other property in Maxwell, where he makes his home.

On Grand Island, June 1, 1884, Charles William Lovelace was united in marriage with Nellie .1. Clark, a native of Colusa County, born near Grimes. She is a (laughter of an old pioneer of Cali­fornia, Andrew Clark, who crossed the plains in early days and was a farmer and stock-raiser on Grand Island, and also in Modoc County. tier mother was Martha Grimes, a sister of Cleaton Grimes, the founder of Grimes, and an own cousin of Gen. U. S. Grant. Mrs. Lovelace's grandmother was named Susan Grant. Nellie Clark attended Pierce Christian College before marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Lovelace are the parents of four children: Blanche, a graduate of San Francisco State Normal School, and a school­teacher in lnyo County; Esther, wife of A. M. Anderson; William H., assistant cashier of the Bank of Maxwell; and Clark, manage of his father's large ranch properties.

Mr. Lovelace is one of the prominent and successful ranchers of Colusa County. He is a self-made man, and owes his success entirely to his own capabilities. Aided by a good education, he has made the most of his opportunities, and well deserves the suc­cess which has crowned his efforts. He is a strong advocate of progress and advancement, and a willing supporter of worthy projects for the development of his district.

MRS. CLARA C PACKER

It did not need the enfranchisement of women to bring out the executive ability and far-sightedness of Mrs. Clara C. Packer, of the Princeton precinct, Colusa County; for she inherited from her father, James Jones, a California pioneer and a successful merchant at La Porte, Plumas County, those qualities which have given him the reputation of being one of the best business men in his county. These, with her own sound common sense and native ability, have made her one of the best-known women in the north­ern part of the Sacramento Valley; and she has the further dis­tinction of being the only woman director of a bank in Colusa County.

Mrs. Packer is the daughter of James Jones, a native of Cum­berland, Md., who came to California in 1862 with his parents, Austin and Celia (Spill) Jones, both born in England. The fam­ily migrated from Maryland to Plumas Comity, Cal., in 1862. In La Porte James Jones began clerking in a store, at the age of thirteen, and soon after began buying and selling gold dust on his 0111 account. Later he became a merchant; and today he is one of the prominent old business men of his county. Mr. Jones is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. His wife, California Remington, was born in Forbestown, a daughter of a pioneer family. She died in La Porte, leaving eight children, of whom Mrs. Packer is the oldest.

Clara C. Jones received her education in the schools of Phimas County, from which she graduated; and on October 17, 1897, . she was united in marriage with Albert Marshall Packer. For seven years thereafter they lived at La Porte, and then moved to San Francisco, where Mr. Packer followed the carpenter's trade. In 1903 Mr. Packer purchased the Lincoln tract of thirteen hundred acres, the present borne place in Colusa County. Here be erected a fine three-story residence, which was destroyed by fire in 1909. He then rebuilt on the same site as before. Mr. Packer was not spared to enjoy his new home very long, for on March 12, 1910, he died, on his ranch, leaving his widow, three children, and his mother, to mourn his loss.

Albert Marshall Packer was born in Sierra County, November 25, 1861. He was a son of William Packer, who came to California in 1854, and grandson of Job Packer, a native of Pennsylvania and a member of the Society of Friends. William Packer was born in the Keystone State, and was among the first Pennsylva­nians to settle in California. lie was a miner, as were two of his brothers, George F. and Marshall, who had come to this state in 1852, to seek their fortunes in the mines. While working his mine at Rock Creek, William Packer went back to Pennsylvania ; and on January 2, 1861, married Miss Sarah Emily Young. He Came back with his wife to California, where their son, Albert M., was born. William Packer died on Slate Creek, Minas County, in January, 1903, aged seventy-two years. After his death his widow made her home with her son and her daughter-in-law. She was hale and active until her seventy-eighth year, when she died suddenly, on June 14, 1917. She was owner of a farm of one hundred sixty acres back in her home county in Pennsylvania.

After the death of Albert Packer, the care of the ranch fell upon his widow, who then showed her ability to manage financial affairs. She leases part of the land, six hundred acres being in rice and four hundred in barley, and farms the balance, with her cousin, Walter Morthnore, as her superintendent She became a. stockholder in the First National Bank of Colusa, and later was elected a member of the board of directors.

Mrs. Packer's three children are Ella, a graduate of the Colusa high school, now a junior at the University of California, at Berkeley; Nettie L., a student in the Princeton high school; and George Albert. With all her diversified interests, Sirs. Packer still finds time to give to charitable enterprises, and lends her support to projects that have for their aim the general improvement of conditions in her community and throughout the state. She has a wide acquaintance in the Sacramento Valley, where she has made many warm friends.

 

MR. AND MRS. G. H. HIGH

Mr. and Mrs. High are operating a ranch about three miles from Grimes. Mr. High is a North Carolinian, while Mrs. High (who was formerly Rose Isabella Poundstone) was born in Amador County, Cal. Mrs. High was educated in the Convent at Benicia, and was married to Mr. High in 1900. They are successfully carrying on the four-hundred-acre ranch property in Grand Island precinct, Colusa County, specializing in grain:- raising and hog-raising—two industries for which Colusa County is noted. Mr. and Mrs. High are the parents of three children: Marcella, Herbert and Muriel. The family enjoy the esteem and respect of many friends in their community.

JOHN EDGAR CAIN

The Bank of Arbuckle stands for prosperity and conserva­tism; and much of its prosperity, and present solid standing in the community, and among the banking concerns of the Sacra­mento Valley, is traceable to the individuality of its genial cashier, John Edgar Cain. A native of the county, Mr. Cain was born on Grand Island, January 17, 1860. His education was obtained in the public schools of Colusa; Hesperia!) College, at Woodland; and Pierce Christian College, at College City, where he remained three years. Upon leaving this institution of learning he embarked in business under the firm name of Cain & Martin, continuing is this relation for five years, after which he farmed for a like period with very satisfactory success. Mr. Cain then was employed in the general store owned by H. H. Seaton, at Arbuckle, for about eighteen months. While thus engaged he helped organize the Bank of Arbuckle by interesting others in the enterprise; and upon its organization, on July- 1, 1901, he became assistant cashier. He also owned considerable stock in the bank, and was its secretary and a member of its board of directors. In 1907 he was made cashier, and the interests of the Bank of Arlan:1;1e, which started with a capital of $50,000, have since received his careful attention. In 1917 its capital, surplus and undivided profits were $70,000; its deposits were $100,000 in excess of 1910; and it had earned a surplus of $20,000, making it a sound and growing concern. Its officers tire: George C. Meekfessel, president ; C. B. Morrison, vice-president; John E. Cain, cashier ; and these, with H. V. Traynham and Asa Kalfsbeek, make up the very efficient board of directors, who work in har­mony at all times.

The pioneer of the Cain family, who founded the name in Cal­ifornia, and gave to the state two stalwart sons who have followed in the footsteps of their honored sire, was Isaac Newton Cain, who crossed the plains from Missouri in 1849, when a young man of twenty-six years. He was born in Clay County, that state, on August 27, 1823. His early life had been spent ou a farm, and he was well equipped to carry on the work of a farmer wherever he might be located. He was peacefully following that occupation when the news of the discovery of gold in California changed his plans, and he decided to go West and seek his fortune in the mines. With his brother William and others, he crossed the plains over the old Santa Fe trail, and arriving at his destination, mined for about five years. In 1855 he took up government land on Dry Slough, improved it, and began raising grain and stock. He be­came a very prominent man in Colusa County. In 1866 he was elected public administrator and coroner, and the following year moved to Colusa. Upon the death of the sheriff of the county, he was appointed to fill the vacancy; and at the next general election he was a candidate for the office, and was elected. He filled the office for a number of years. Subsequently Mr. Cain engaged in the mercantile business with the firm of Harris, Hart & Com­pany, and later with the firm of Estell, Cain & Lovelace, until he sold out in 1874 and moved to a ranch near College City, where he farmed until his death, in August, 1901. For fifty years he was a deacon in the Christian Church; and he was one of the organizers, and for ten years was president of the board of trustees, of Pierce Christian College. Fraternally, he was a Mason. In 1854, in Mis­souri, Mr. Cain married Mrs. Susan Jane (Brasfield) Miles, a widow with one son, W. H. Miles, who became a prominent man in Colusa, serving as county clerk several years. Mrs. Cain bore her husband five children, of whom two sons are living, John Edgar and T. D. Cain. The latter married Ella Glasscock, of Yolo County; and they had four children.

In College City, John E. Cain was united in marriage with Lizzie L. Clarke, born in Indiana, a daughter of William J. Clarke, who came to California and settled in Yolo County in 1850, and later farmed for twenty years in Colusa County. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cain nine children have been born: Ellsworth, book­keeper in the Bank of Arbuckle; Edna, married to IV. H. Love­lace ; Celia; Vernon, a rancher in the county; and Fern, Mildred, Virgil, Norma and Marjorie. Mr. Cain was one of the original stockholders in the Arbuckle and College City Rochdale companies. He served as a trustee, and as clerk of the board, of the Pierce Joint Union High School, comprising twelve districts. He is a stanch Democrat, always ready to do his part to advance the best interests of the county; and no man has done more towards the expansion and development of the Arbuckle district than John E. Cain.

JOHN C. WARD

This worthy citizen and pioneer of Arbuckle came to California in 1869, and has taken part in the wonderful development of the state since that date. A native of North Carolina, John C. Ward was born on March 17, 1840, and was reared in that state and in Tennessee, where his parents had moved when he was a lad. At the breaking out of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Confederate army, in which he served valiantly, being twice wounded —once in the side and once in the arm. At the close of hostilities he resumed his trade as harness-maker, which he followed for several years in Versailles, Mo. Having fully made up his mind to come to California and cast in his lot with the growing Western state, he closed up his business and came. Mr. Ward spent the first year here on a ranch north of what is now the site of Arbuckle. He built the very first house in the place, and opened a harness shop to do repair work for the ranchers in the neighborhood. For many years he conducted this shop, and later was engaged as a carpenter, and as a contractor and builder, working on many of the buildings in the growing town, as well as in the surrounding country. For some time Mr. Ward was constable of the town; and in many ways he has shown his public spirit in furthering the best interests of the community, where he has lived for almost half a century. He helped to organize Meridian Lodge, No. 182, F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member.

On February 18, 1866, in Missouri, John C. Ward and Mary E. Weaver were united in marriage ; and they have seven children William, a stockman of Arbuckle; Susan, who married R. Griffin, of Esparto ; Lucy, the wife of E. H. Peake, manager of the warehouse at Hershey siding; Nellie, the first child born in Arbuckle, who became the wife of J. D. Bradford, and lives in Sacramento; Lelah, Mrs. R. Moore, of Stockton; Charles, with the Southern Pacific Railroad at Marysville; and Mrs. Eva Lausten, of Maxwell. This worthy couple have ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. On February 18, 1917, the fifty-first anniversary of their marriage was celebrated in an appropriate manner at their home, where they received the congratulations of their many friends and relatives, all of whom wish them many more years of life. Mrs. Ward was born in Booneville, Ky. She is a woman of kindly and charitable nature, always responding to a call for aid from the sick and afflicted, amongst whom she nursed for many years, encouraging and cheering them by her kind ministrations. She is a devout member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Arbuckle, and is loved by every one.

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: 527 - 657

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Page Updated: 27 November 2021