Was born in Galway county, Ireland, May 13, 1828.  He emigrated to the United States in 1844, and after a short time spent in New York settled at Ottawa, La Salle county, Illinois.  For a short time he remained there, and in 1851 sailed, via the Isthmus, to California.  In the spring of 1852 he came to Siskiyou county, and after roaming around through the mines for a short time located on the ranch now owned by Mr. Geo. W. Arbaugh.  This was in the fall of 1852.  Late the next year he sold it and spent about five years in the Fraser River country.  On his return to Yreka, he worked at his trade, carpentering, which he learned while living in Illinois and at St. Louis.  In 1858 he purchased the place on which he now resides, and has since been engaged in merchandising and is the postmaster.  The place, though in a very rude condition when purchased by Mr. Cavanaugh, is now one of the most beautiful locations in Siskiyou county.  The farm is well watered and adapted to grazing.  Mr.. Cavanaugh has turned his attention to dairying and the breeding of thoroughbred cattle, having some as fine Durhams as there are in the State, brought from the valley below at a heavy cost, ranging from $100 to $400 for each calf.  His dairy consists of about fifty cows, and the butter made finds a very ready sale in the immediate vicinity.  There are about 400 fruit trees, consisting of apple, peach, and pear, and small fruits of all kinds are grown in great abundance.  Mr. Cavanaugh was married January 1, 1860, to Miss Ann Keating.  By this union there have been four children, viz., Edward B., Mary L., Richard E., and Franklin.  Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh have by careful management surrounded themselves with a good and comfortable home, and are giving their children a good education--the best inheritance they could have.  The place is called Butteville and the name of the post-office, Edgewood, described and illustrated elsewhere in this volume.

The above picture and text are from: History of Siskiyou County, Harry L. Wells, D. J. Stewart & Co., 1881; pp. 184B, 184C

Joseph Cavanaugh and his wife are buried in Edgewood Cemetery

Copyright February 16, 2002

Siskiyou Cemeteries Online

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