KEEHN BROS.

That there has been a continuous development of the building industry in Woodland and that the place presents an unusually attractive appearance by reason of its beautiful homes and substantial public structures, may be attributed in large degree to the persistent and permanent efforts of the contracting firm of Keehn Bros., comprising five brothers, Benjamin E., William, Frank, John and August, all of whom are natives of Stark county, Ohio, all received public school educations and all were trained to exceptional thoroughness in the occupation they chose for their life work. Unusual similarity therefore appears in any narrative of their careers, for as they studies together in boyhood and learned their trade together in youth, so together they have labored throughout manhood's years and side by side they have labored for success in their chosen calling. There are various departments of work in carpentering and contracting and each brother has been delegated for the tasks for which nature best qualified him, so that the desired result is secured more easily and more economically than otherwise would be possible.

In 1881 the family removed to Chillicothe, Livingston county, Mo. The first of the brothers to leave the east for the broader opportunities offered by the Pacific coast country was Benjamin E., who in the spring of 1886 went to Caldwell, Idaho, remaining until August, 1887, when he came to California, during the "boom" in Los Angeles that had its collapse in 1189, found ready employment at his trade and remained for a time in that part of California. After a visit at the old eastern home he again came to California and on this occasion followed his trade at Colusa. After another visit in the east he came back to the coast accompanied by his four brothers and in 1891 they settled in Woodland, where they have since remained, actively and successfully engaged as contractors and builders. All are competent and experienced workmen, able to carry to completion any task connected with the erection of a building. Besides their building and indeed as an aid to the same, they own and operate a planing mill on Fifth near Main street and are thus enabled to furnish finishing lumber on short order and in any desired quantity.

Besides taking part in all activities connected with the building industry, the brothers have been prominent in the social and public life of their community and Benjamin E. likewise has been quite prominent locally in the Woodmen of the World. They own their own homes and have an intimate association with the welfare of their chosen location. So occupied have they been with the filling of contracts that it would be impossible to give a complete list of their work, but the following recapitulation shows how greatly in demand their services have been, not only in their home town, but throughout the surrounding country. The James Campbell residence near Davisville was one of their contracts and they also erected the houses of George Hollingsworth, H. E. Coyle, Z. Kincheloe, Frank Bullard, and the homes of Joseph Cooper at Yolo, Fred Miller, Charles T. Laugenour, Thomas B. Gibson and George Merritt. Many business blocks in Woodland have been remodeled under their supervision, a new plant has been erected for the Standard Oil Company, an addition has been made to the Catholic convent in Woodland, also a large annex and hall to the same, the Arcade block was erected, new city water plant on Grand avenue, the Union warehouse, the alfalfa mill, the Ogden warehouse, a large shed for the West Valley Lumber Company, the parsonage of the German Lutheran Church, the electric garage, the College stable, an addition to the county hospital, the warehouse at Merritt Station, many barns in various parts of Yolo county, and in Woodland the residence of Dr. Fairchild, Mrs. Ford, W. B. Collins, W. M. Germeshausen, Ed Leake, J. J. Brown, R. B. Cranston, Dr. Alexander, Mrs. B. Weber, Dan Jacobs, Edward Germeshausen and William Johnston. While this list is far from complete it is sufficient to indicate the enterprise of the firm and the far-reaching nature of their contracts as well as their importance from the standpoint of the permanent development of the community.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 863 - 864.

John KEITHLEY (#1)

JOHN KEITHLEY, a Yolo County farmer, was born in Harrison County, Indiana, November 15, 1828, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Roberts) Keithley, natives of Kentucky. The grandfather of John Keithley was a pioneer of Kentucky. Jacob was a farmer, and moved from Kentucky to Indiana when a young man, and thence in 1837 to McDonough County, Illinois, which was at that time a new and wild section of the country. He came to California in 1869, but in the fall of the same year he returned to Illinois. During 1870, however, he came again to California and purchased land near Santa Rosa. This he sold and returned to Illinois the second time in 1871. In 1872 he came the third time to the Golden State, principally for the sake of its climate, and purchased land near Fulton Station, in Sonoma County, and lived there until he died, in August 1875, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife returned again to Illinois, where she now residing, at the age of eighty-five years. They had ten sons and two daughters, all of who are living except one son, who died in California.

Mr. John Keithely, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the Illinois farm, commencing to plow corn at the early age of eight years. He was a member of the parental household until twenty-three years of age, when, with all his earthly possessions in a "prairie schooner," he set out in 1852, across the interminable desert for the Golden Coast. His journey, occupying six months was a pleasant one. After visiting Downieville, Marysville and Sacramento, he went to Mormon Island, and was engaged in digging a canal about six weeks. Returning to Sacramento a short time, he was persuaded by friends to go to the mines again, and he spent one month among them at Placerville, but with poor success. After paying for his board he had $300, with which he decided to return to Illinois; but on ascertaining the fare at San Francisco, he was afraid to start, and he went to the San Jose Valley for a short time, and then, in company with his brother, William, and a friend, went to Redwood City and took a contract to cut redwood lumber. At this work they each cleared $1,160 in seven months. Going again to Sacramento, they purchased cattle with the expectations of returning to Redwood City and following the business of teaming; but on arriving there they sold the cattle, at an advance of $20 a head; and they immediately purchased other cattle and during the following winter followed teaming to Redwood City. The following spring they sold their teams to the mill company and worked by the month until fall. Then the company "broke up" and Mr. Keithley and his partner took back their teams for the purpose of carrying on the farm with them a year. They returned to Sacramento and followed teaming, principally to the mines at Nevada City, doing a little farming at the same time in Sacramento County, for two years. During the ensuing winter they sold out, and they found themselves in the possession of $14,000, which they invested in the cattle trade. Two years subsequently they sold out again and engaged in sheep rearing in Solano County, having at one time over 7,000 head; but a collapse occured and they retired from that business, with a loss of about $20,000. In 1860 they purchased the Henry Conner tract of land, consisting of 1,000 acres, and began raising wheat, and teaming again to Virginia City, and thus they were engaged in partnership until 1865, when they divided their funds. Since, Mr.John Keithley has been a constant resident on the Yolo County farm, where he has made all the improvements and where today he is enjoying prosperity. The ranch now contains 840 acres in Yolo County, 640 in another portion of the County and 320 in Solano County. With his general farming business he also makes a specialty of mules and fine horses. In his political views he is a Republican. In 1889 he visited his old home in Illinois, for the first time since he left it in 1852.

He was married in 1865, to Miss Maria E. Briggs, a native of Massachusetts, who died November 15, 1866; and he was married again, in October, 1868, to Miss Alicia Reynolds, a native of Canada, and they have three sons and one daughter: George F.L., William E., James R., and Geneva E.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, Pages 615-616
Transcribed by: Bonnie Phelan

John KEITHLY (#2)

From the Atlantic seaboard, where the original immigrant to America established a home, the Keithly family by successive removals became transplanted to the west and its present representatives in California are associated honorably and intimately with many enterprises for the agricultural upbuilding and commercial development of the commonwealth. The member of the family to whose worth this sketch forms a sincere tribute was born in Harrison county, Ind., November 15, 1828, and entered into eternity in 1898 after a long association with western history. In him were combined the elements necessary to enduring pioneer activities. Sturdy of frame, stalwart of physique, optimistic in temperament and sanguine under the most discouraging outlook, his physical and mental attributes were those of the frontiersman. Upon no shoulders more capable than his could fall the task of promoting pioneer movements and laying well the foundation of a great and wealthy state, whose chief cause for gratitude is the presence of early settlers resourceful in mind and patriotic in spirit.

Genealogical records show that Jacob and Sarah (Roberts) Keithly, natives of Kentucky, became pioneer farmers of Indiana and as early as 1837 removed thence to Illinois, settling in McDonough county upon a large tract of raw land. Ere this the son, when a boy of eight years, had ploughed corn on the Indiana farm and he took up the same task in Illinois, besides doing other work more fitted for older boys or men. There was a large family (ten sons and two daughters) and it was necessary for each to aid in the cultivation of the land or the care of the home to the extent of his or her ability. When the children started out in the world for themselves they became widely scattered and some came as far west as the coast. Their reports concerning the west so enthused their father that in 1869 he visited California. During 1870 he again came west, this time buying land near Santa Rosa, but in a short time he sold the property. Returning to Illinois in 1871, the next year he removed permanently to California and purchased a ranch near Fulton, Sonoma county, where in August of 1875 his useful existence came to an end.

When twenty-three years of age, in 1852 John Keithly crossed the plains in a "prairie schooner" and at the expiration of six months arrived at Placerville, where he took up mining pursuits. Later he worked in the Santa Clara valley. In partnership with his brother, William, he went to Redwood City, San Mateo county, and took a contract to cut timber, at which work they made $1160 in seven months. Going to Sacramento, they purchased a drove of cattle with the intention of returning with the stock to Redwood City, but a favorable offer was made and they sold the cattle at an advance of $20 per head over the cost to them. With the returns from the sale they bought other cattle. That herd they took to Redwood City and during the winter engaged in teaming. Their next venture took them to Sacramento and from there they engaged in teaming to the mines at Nevada City. A large sum of money resulted from their energetic labors and this they invested in cattle, but after a few years they sold out. Taking up land in Solano county, they became interested in the sheep industry and at one time owned a flock of seven thousand head. During 1860 they bought one thousand acres from Henry Conner and engaged in raising wheat.

Upon the dissolution of the partnership between the brothers in 1865 John Keithly came to Yolo county and purchased eight hundred and forty acres near Davis. Later he acquired a tract of six hundred and forty acres in another part of the county, besides owning three hundred and twenty acres in Solano county. The large area was devoted to the raising of grain and to the stock industry, his specialty being fine horses and mules. As a rancher he carried forward his work upon an extensive scale and met with returns gratifying as well as richly merited. For twelve years after his death the farm was managed by his widow, but eventually the property was divided among the heirs and Mrs. Keithly then established a home in San Francisco, where she makes her home. Prior to her marriage in 1868 she bore the name of Alicia Reynolds. From girlhood she has lived in California, but Canada is her native land. The former marriage of Mr. Keithly had united him with Miss Maria E. Briggs, who was born in Massachusetts and died in Yolo county in 1866 one year after their union. Of the second marriage four children were born, George F. L., William E. (deceased), James K. and Estelle, Mrs. Simon Errington. The oldest son married Miss Sophia Struve and has two children, Edwin L. and Clarice. The second son not only conducted a livery stable at Davis, but also assisted his mother in the management of the ranch and displayed ability in both lines of activity until his death, October 4, 1899.

Mrs. Keithly was the daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Koen) Reynolds, who brought their family to California in 1856 via Panama. Mr. Reynolds engaged in farming near Vacaville, and there he died at the age of fifty years. Mrs. Reynolds died at the age of eighty-one years. After the death of her mother Mrs. Keithly purchased the old home of her parents containing three hundred and twenty acres four miles northeast of Vacaville. This she rents, as she also does another half section that she owns.

Mrs. Keithly received her education in the public schools near Vacaville and at St. Catherine's convent in Benicia. In retrospect she looks back over fifty years and sees broad vacant plains that now abound in productive farms and orchards and beautiful homes.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 391 - 393

August KERGEL

a Yolo County agriculturist, is a native of Prussia. His parents were Gotlieb and Anna Rosa (Veimert) Kergel, natives of that country; the father, born in 1804, died in 1885, and the mother, born in 1811, died three months after her husband, both in the old country. Mr. Kergel, our subject, was born August 12, 1832, and September 22, 1860, he started for California and arrived in San Francisco. Directly he took a boat from Sacramento and in a short time went into Yolo County and began to work for John and Michael Bemmerly, and was in their employ five years; and finally he purchased a ranch where he now resides, being now the owner of 640 acres.

His first wife, whom he married in 1868, died the next year, and subsequently he married Miss Eslock, his present wife, and they have seven children, named Lewis, August, Charlie, Joe, Agnes, Nettie and Annie.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

Henry KETTENBURG

The Kettenburg family was prominent in German politics prior to the coming of several of its members to this country. They were from Hanover, and the student of history will recall the exciting part the Hanoverians played in the "Seven Weeks' war," which was fought during the months June and July, 1866. Primarily the conflict was between Prussia and Austria, with a number of the German states, among which was Hanover, in sympathy with Austria. The complete victory of Prussia over her foes at the battle of Sadowa was anything but pleasing to the Hanoverians. Henry Kettenburg, Sr., always objected to his sons serving their allotted time in the Prussian army, and though he did not leave his native city, he encouraged his male relatives to immigrate. Born in Bremen, April 5, 1860, Henry Kettenburg, our subject, at the age of fifteen, a typical sturdy German lad, landed in New York in June, 1875. He finally joined an uncle, Richard Kettenburg, in Colusa county, whither the latter had come from Germany in 1857 and become an extensive land owner. Under his uncle Henry Kettenburg gained his first insight into farming as conducted in this country. For twelve years he engaged in boring wells and so industrious and continuous was he at this business that in the territory around Winters, Dixon, Woodland and through Berryessa valley he bored over five hundred wells piercing the old globe's dry crust and drawing the living waters from her deep reservoirs. His farming ventures were fully as successful. He first purchased fifty-five acres, and then sixty more, in and adjoining Winters. Apricots, peaches, prunes, plums and almonds are his specialty, and the harvests of 1910 and 1911 were unprecedented. His vineyard is also turning out each season a good vintage. As a pioneer in the setting out of orchards he has taken an active part in developing the horticultural interests of Yolo county. In partnership with a Mr. Prescott he has installed a pumping plant for irrigation, and from this source gets ample water for his orchards and alfalfa.

In San Francisco, August 30, 1884, Mr. Kettenburg married Caroline Koop, a native of Hanover. Six children were born to them, as follows: Henry W., Clarence G., Elmer J., Caroline D., Elise A. and Ethel K. Caroline became the wife of William D. Gifford, of Winters, and their children are William, Joseph and Harry.

Mr. Kettenburg is a member of the Lutheran Church at Dixon, a Republican on progressive lines, and a dependable, consistent citizen.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, page 572.

Henry M. KIER, M. D.

The science of therapeutics has no disciple more loyal to the profession, more conversant with its possibilities or more eager to keep pace with its development than Dr. Kier of Yolo county, a skilled practitioner whose extended experience has brought to him the ever-increasing prestige associated with accuracy in diagnosis and success in the treatment of disease. His researches into the mysteries of materia medica, commenced while he was yet at threshold of life's activities, have been continued with enlarged appreciation and growing results up to the present time. In these studies he has availed himself of every opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge. The best medical literature of the age has been consulted. The great leaders in medicine and surgery have been sought. The centers of medical research, both in this country and abroad, have been visited in an eager effort to keep pace with the modern development of the science. Extensive travels have been entered upon with a view to the broadening of his profession knowledge. Nor has this desire for increased medical information been the mere selfish hope for personal attainments. On the other hand, he has continued to be an earnest student of the profession, an eager disciple of the greatest physicians and surgeons in the world, solely that he might use the knowledge thus acquired for the benefits of the patients under his charge. A lofty spirit of altruism has guided his professional labors. Devotion to humanity has been the ennobling principle of his existence. A sense of duty to others, and particularly to those now or in the future to be under his professional charge, causes him to study every development in the science and adopt into his own practice every modernism whose value has been proved by the most exhaustive tests.

It was but natural that Dr. Kier should enter upon the profession of medicine as a life occupation, for from his earliest recollections he was taught to regard the science with deep interest and to believe that a profound, comprehensive knowledge of its varied departments represented the highest phase of human attainments. It was his father, Dr. J. S. Kier, who unconsciously impressed him with the greatness of the profession and whose own self-sacrificing devotion to the work inspired the son to emulation. During the early portion of the nineteenth century, when medical colleges offered fewer opportunities than those of the present day, J. S. Kier, a native of Armstrong county, Pa., and the recipient of a classical education in the Western Reserve College, acquired an exceptionally broad knowledge of materia medica and became one of the most renowned physicians of his native county. After the Cincinnati Medical College had conferred the degree of M. D. upon him he spent some years in professional work in Armstrong county, but his growing reputation led to his removal to Pittsburg, where he became one of the leading men of his profession of that period. About the year 1865 he became a pioneer of Detroit, Mich., where he purchased property, established a home and built up a practice that formed the highest tribute to his professional skill and enviable reputation. Until his death in 1889 he continued to be an active practitioner, deeply interested in all developments in the science, quick to avail himself of modern advancement in therapeutics and grasping with all the enthusiasm of younger years the presentation of new principles for the treatment of disease. In the hopes and aspirations of his professional career he had the wise council and active co-operation of his wife, Martha J. (McBride) Kier, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., and died in Detroit in 1909 at the age of eighty-one years.

The splendid qualifications of the parents, descending as an inheritance of their three sons, brought to each a fair degree of success in his chosen sphere of activity. Dr. William F. Kier became a prosperous physician of St. Louis, Mo., and James A. entered into business enterprises in Detroit, Mich. The eldest of the three, Dr. Henry M. Kier, was born at Leechburg, Armstrong county, Pa., August 31, 1847, and received a public-school education in Pennsylvania. After the removal of the family to Detroit in 1865 he attended the schools there for two years. In 1867 he matriculated in the medical department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and continued in that institution until 1869, when he was graduated with the degree of M. D. Upon returning to Detroit he became associated with his father in professional work. However, he soon found that his professional knowledge was incomplete and unsatisfactory. With the high ideals which he entertained of the calling he was satisfied with nothing less than the best. Under these circumstances he determined to continue his collegiate studies beyond their previous limits. Choosing St. Louis as the center of his advanced studies, he forthwith entered the St. Louis Medical College and took a thorough post-graduate course under the distinguished professor of obstetrics gynecology then connected with the institution, while at the same time he gained practical experience in the profession by laboring among the patients of the Sisters' Hospital. In 1874 the college conferred the degree of M. D. upon him. He chose California as the field for his future professional career, selecting San Francisco as his probable location. However, having formed the acquaintance of Dr. Edward Gordon, of Knight's Landing, Cal., a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College and a young man of professional promise, Dr. Kier naturally visited him on his arrival in the west. He was immediately impressed with the greatness of the county and its future possibilities and he therefore joined his friend as a practitioner at Knight's Landing. Six months later Dr. Gordon removed to Dixon, but Dr. Kier continued at the same location until 1880, when he went to Europe for the purpose of carrying forward special studies under some of the master surgeons of the world. For two years he studied in the medical department of the University of Vienna and then for nine months he had the further advantage of a special course in the University of Berlin, after which he spent four months in the city of London and studied the principles of therapeutics as explained by some of the leading physicians of Great Britain. Upon his return to Yolo county in 1884 he engaged in practice at Woodland and in this city he has built up an enviable reputation for medical skill. Few physicians in the west have enjoyed more extended advantages than he and his years of close study and research have enabled him to make a success of his chosen work. Identifying himself with the local progress of the profession, he has entered into active membership with the Yolo County Medical Society. The California State and American Medical Associations also have the benefit of his intelligent co-operation. Aside from his professional activities, he has found leisure only for identification with Masonry, whose principles of philanthropy and brotherhood always have appealed to him as an agency in the forward march of humanity. As early as 1875 he was made a Mason in Grafton Lodge, F. & A. M., at Knight's Landing, and he still retains his membership in that lodge, being one of the very few survivors of its leading workers of early days. Since becoming one of its members he has risen in the order until now he is a thirty-third degree Mason in the United States jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 667 - 670.

Z. B. KINCHLOE (#1)

Z. B. Kinchloe, one of the early settlers and well-known citizens of Yolo County, was born December 9, 1823, in Missouri, a son of Joseph and Martha (Edwards) Kinchloe, natives of Kentucky who in early day moved to Cooper County, Missouri, where at the lead mines the father died, in 1828. In their family were five sons and five daughters, of whom only four are now living. Mr. Kinchloe, the subject of this sketch, remained at home on the farm with his widowed mother until her death, which occurred in 1845. He then rented land and continued farming until 1854, when he came overland to California, with ox teams, the trip of five months being a tedious one. The train consisted of ten wagons, with eighteen men and eight women, and David Workman as captain. They had considerable trouble with the Indians. Their first permanent halt was in Yolo County, at the home ranch of Abraham Barnes, Mr. Kinchloe's father-in-law, who had come to this State in 1850. Mr. Kinchloe then had a cabin built, which still stands, as an eloquent monument of pioneer life. The land, 160 acres, was afterward surveyed and found to exist within grant limits, and Mr. Kinchloe was therefore obliged to pay for the same, at the rate of $5 per acre. Later he homesteaded other land, and now he and his brother, who came with him to California, own together 640 acres of good land, in quality second to none in the county. They carry on general farming and stock raising, and have accumulated means sufficient to enable them to retire upon their capital. When they first located there the land was perfectly wild, and their nearest market was Sacramento, twenty miles distant. Their property is five miles southwest of Woodland. The brother, P.G. Kinchloe, was born in 1826.

Mr. Z. B. Kinchloe was married in 1846, to Miss Victoria Barnes, a native of Missouri, and they had ten children, seven of whom are now living. Mrs. Barnes was a faithful wife and mother for forty-two years, when, to all appearances in the best of health, she was taken suddenly sick and died in a few short hours. It was ever her desire to render to her beloved family every comfort possible, and her loss is therefore very deeply felt.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, Page 734
Transcribed by Pat Houser

Z. B. KINCHELOE (#2)

In the minds of our pioneers who obeyed the "call of the west" there must have existed a feeling akin to that which filled the hearts of Columbus and his followers when they boldly launched their crafts upon the great unknown sea; secretly somewhat fearful, yet possessing sufficient faith to risk their lives in the attempt to establish beyond peradventure of a doubt to the truth that there did exist behind that endless stretch of water another land and not the end of the world, either.

Among those who laboriously made their way to California in the early days was Z. B. Kincheloe, who was born in 1823 in Howard county, Mo., and who passed his early manhood years in Cooper county. In 1845, when he was scarcely twenty-two years of age he married Miss Victorine Barnes, a charming young lady of the neighborhood, and the young people continued their residence in Missouri until 1854, when they joined a "settlers' movement" which for some time had been agitating the community and started west with a large train of wagons drawn by oxen. The travelers hopefully believed that the trip would occupy not more than three months, but the end of that period found them still plodding onward, their goal far in the distance. The tales of this journey are many and interesting, being well spiced with both love and danger, for more than one romance sprang to life along the trail of the pioneers, and, too, the travelers can recall many instances when the Indians surrounded them, serious results being averted by the tactful advances of the white men. Gifts of provisions and articles pleasing to the eye of the Red Man were proffered and in each case the party was allowed to proceed in peace. Ere the last camp was called five months had elapsed since the wagons wended their way out of the village in Missouri, amid the anxious "Godspeeds" of the friends and relatives gathered to witness their departure.

The Kincheloes settled in Yolo county, five miles southwest of Woodland, and proceeded to diligently improve their land. Prosperity marked them for her own as she ever does those who earnestly seek her and for thirty-three years they lived happily in their new home. In 1887 Mrs. Kincheloe, who had always been a devoted wife and a tender mother, went to her well-earned rest. After his wife's death Mr. Kincheloe continued to reside on the home place, retiring from active labor several years ago. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kincheloe are: Mrs. Mary J. Hartley, of Berkeley; Mrs. Martha Browning, deceased; Mrs. Isabel Matheson, of Contra Costa county; Mrs. Grace Howard, who resides at the old home; Mrs. Eva Craig, deceased; and John, who has charge of the ranch, with his nephew, Homer Howard. The farm consists of an entire section and is well adapted to grain and alfalfa, both having been raised extensively for years. Mr. Kincheloe also established a small dairy some years ago. Since his wife died his home has been presided over by is daughter, Mrs. Grace Howard, who ministers to his comforts.

Mr. Kincheloe proudly affirms that he is the possessor not only of forty-two grandchildren, but of forty great-grandchildren. He is a member of the Masonic order and is a prominent and much-loved citizen of the community which has been his home for so many years.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 613 - 614.

William KING (#1)

Beneath the shadow of the Great Smoky mountains, with the lofty peaks of the Blue Ridge chain lying in the remote distance and lifting their gray summits toward the sky, in the eastern portion of Tennessee seventy-five years ago there stood a few buildings on a Knox county plantation, forming a homestead whose memory lingers with William King into his old age. There he was born in 1838 and there he played with the zest of care-free childhood. But when he was yet quite small the family, in the hope of bettering their condition, removed by wagon to Missouri and journeyed west almost to the Kansas line, settling in Jackson county south of the present metropolis of Kansas City. Into that region settlers were coming in large numbers, but the news of the discovery of gold in California turned the tide of emigration still further toward the setting sun.

With the passing of winter and the opening of the spring of 1853 an expedition was formed for the purpose of crossing the plains. In the party there were thirty-two men and only two boys, David and William King, brothers, the latter a youth of fifteen years, sturdily endowed by nature, but with only the education afforded by the day and locality. He was quite useful as a cattle drover and also looked after the mules for the men. At the end of a tedious journey Yolo county was reached during the autumn of 1853 and here Mr. King still resides. At present there is not a man nor a woman in Davis township who was here when he came in 1853 and many are the changes he has witnessed during the long period of his residence, his own quiet and industrious labors having contributed to the bringing about of some of these changes.

After having made two trips across the mountains hauling freight with four yoke of oxen, Mr. King began to work on the Gregory ranch, where he was the only employee able to speak English. Two-thirds of the people in the vicinity of Davis at the time were Spaniards. In 1856 he rented sixty acres of raw land and raised a crop of wheat, which he sold at $2.50 per cwt. Next he squatted on a land grant, but was ejected because he had not attained his majority. However, he managed to raise a crop of broom corn on the place. During 1861 he began to haul freight from Sacramento to Virginia City and continued at the work for a considerable period, eventually, however, removing to Yolo county, where he bought eighty-five acres of unimproved land. His first task was the clearing away of the brush that covered the land and he then was able to raise large crops of barley and wheat. In 1875 he moved into the village of Davis, where ever since he has made his home, but the farm of eighty-five acres, purchased in 1869, he still owns and manages. All of the trees on his home place in Davis were planted by Mrs. King. Many other improvements were made that enhanced the value of the property. During 1910 the grain threshed on the farm averaged twenty-three sacks to the acre. A large crop of hay also was taken from the farm.

Since becoming a citizen of Davis and a man of some leisure, Mr. King has devoted a part of his time to public activities. Movements for the benefit of the town or township receive his sympathetic co-operation and he has been progressive in his citizenship from the first of his identification with the county. In no movement has he been more interested than in the improvement of the highways and he has rendered efficient service as roadmaster. As early as 1879 he was first chosen to the office of justice of the peace and for nine years he continued to serve with impartiality and intelligence in the position. During 1890 he was elected a member of the board of county supervisors and later was honored with the chairmanship of that body. During this time he built the first two steel bridges in his district, the first in the county, and he justly takes pride in having reduced the taxes to $1. No one surpasses him in devotion to the county, of which for so many years he has been a progressive citizen. Sharing with him in the regard of others is his wife, formerly Miss Rebecca M. Montgomery, whom he married March 30, 1864, and who was born in Marion county, Mo. She crossed the plains with her parents in 1854. Her father, Alexander, and her grandfather, William Montgomery, first came to Yolo county in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. King became the parents to eight children, but two, J. K. and Daisy, have passed from earth. The others are as follows: Catherine, Mrs. W. H. Scott, of Davis; Amanda, wife of J. B. Harrington, of Davis; Thomas J.; Edna, Mrs. W. Cole, of Sacramento; Nellie, wife of Samuel Lillard, of Davis; and Belle, who married I. C. May and lives in Sacramento.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" page 259-261 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

William KING (2)

William King, a retired farmer of Yolo County, was born January 1, 1838, in Knox County, Tennessee, a son of Alfred A. and Sarah (Sharp) King, father native of North Carolina and mother of Tennessee. The father, a farmer by vocation, moved from North Carolina to Tennessee with his parents, where he remained until 1840; and then resided in Jackson County until 1849, when he came to California across the plains, settling first in Sonoma County, where he remained until his death, in March 1853, when he was about forty-four years of age. William was brought up on a Tennessee farm and in Missouri three years, and came to California in 1852, across the continent, being from May 5 till September 28 on the road, and ever since then has made his home in Yolo County, chiefly as a farmer. The first two years he worked for wages, and after that he had a farm of his own, which he sold out in 1876, and since then he has lived a somewhat retired life. He has been Justice of the Peace since 1879. It can be said that Mr. King has done his share of work and borne his share of burdens, as he commenced to work on his own responsibility at the age of seventeen years, in California. He was only sixteen years of age when he made trips to the mines with ox teams, taking provisions there and returning with lumber. When he first settled in Yolo County there were but three others living in his township. He was married March 30, 1864, to Miss R.M. Montgomery, a native of Missouri, and they have two sons and six daughters.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Page 743 - 744, Transcribed by Pat Houser

Samuel KIRKHAM

Samuel Kirkham, a farmer five miles southeast of Woodland, and an early settler of Yolo County, was born June 19, 1827, in Butler County, Ohio, a son of George D. and Mary (Dennis) Kirkham. His father, a native of Kentucky, was a tanner and also a farmer, and moved first to Ohio and then to Illinois, and to California in 1876, where he died, July 7, 1878. Samuel also worked in the tannery and upon the farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when, in the spring of 1850, he came across plain and mountain to California with ox teams, being on the road from April 28 to August 20. He remained at Hangtown until 1854 engaged in mining, when he selected his present home, which has long been a model residence. Mr. Kirkham is a very liberal-hearted man, generous to a fault and has generally been too "easy" with his debtors, else he would have been worth thousands more than he is.

He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary R. Chandler, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Salmon and Naomi (Beebe) Chandler, who came to California in 1859 and who are now both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkham have had two children: George E., deceased, and Naomi J., wife of Jonathan Scott Harmon, of Oakland.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, July 2004.
Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1891. pg. 310.

Peter KNUDSEN

The years between that of his birth, August 30, 1869, and that of his immigration to the United States in 1887 were passed by Mr. Knudsen in his native country of Denmark. The earliest memories in existence are to him associated with the picturesque environment of the Baltic sea and the stern, gloomy isolation of Danish isles. The island of his boyhood home was that of Fyen lying between the Great Belt and the Little Belt and there his father cultivated a little farm near Odense on the fiord of the same name. Such were the surroundings of the first eight years of his life, but a change came then with the death of his father. The children were scattered and he was taken into the home of relatives at Odense, where he attended the public schools and where at the age of fourteen he began to earn a livelihood by the driving of horses. However, there seemed to him to be little hope for the future if he remained on the sterile and stern island of his birth, so he decided to seek a home across the great ocean in the new world. The year 1887 found him at Greenville, Mich., where he worked in town for two years and on a farm for a similar period.

After arriving in California during 1891 Mr. Knudsen first took up the work in which he has since achieved his life's success. As a helper he secured employment in a Sacramento laundry owned by Fred Mason, with whom he continued for fourteen years, meantime working in every department and becoming thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business. During the period of his employment in that plant he and an associate started a laundry in Vacaville in 1901, but this they sold after having conducted it for thirteen months. After he left the Mason laundry he embarked in the restaurant business and for two years he carried on such an enterprise in Sacramento. April 1, 1909, he came to Woodland, where he bought a very small laundry at No. 419 Main street, this being the nucleus of the present Woodland Steam Laundry. The building was small and the equipment meager, making the work so unsatisfactory that December 4, 1909, he removed to another building, which he remodeled for a laundry, putting in new machinery and doing satisfactory work with his up-to-date equipment.

A disastrous fire, January 28, 1911, caused the total destruction of the building and the plant. The energetic proprietor refused to stop work in the face of the heavy disaster. Renting rooms in a brick structure adjacent to the former laundry, he continued the business as best he could with his heavy handicap. Meanwhile he had immediately started a new building and on the 28th of February he was able to open up for work in the building at No. 315 College street, where he has a plant 74x60 feet in dimensions. The latest machinery has been introduced. Competent judges assert that, for its size, this is the finest laundry in the west. The owner, who has seen the remarkable improvement in laundry machinery since he first became connected with the occupation, believes that it is economy to buy the best and most modern. Accordingly the washers and mangles and indeed all of the machinery are of the most improved types, while a twenty-five horse power steam engine is utilized for power and for heating. The trade is not limited to Woodland, but extends to adjacent cities, shipments being made back and forth on the trains.

Since he became a naturalized citizen of our country and attained his majority Mr. Knudsen has voted with the Republican party. In religion he adheres to the Lutheran faith in which he was reared from his earliest recollections. Fraternally he holds membership with the Dania Order, the Modern Woodmen of American, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while commercially he is a leading member of the Woodland Merchants' Association. In Sacramento, December 19, 1900, he married Miss Birdie Dreyer, by whom he has two sons, Peter and Henry. Mrs. Knudsen was born in Stockton, this state, but was reared in Sacramento from the age of one year and received an excellent education in the schools of the capital city. Her father, Henry Dreyer, a native of Berlin, Germany, and a pioneer of California, died in Sacramento, where also occurred the demise of her mother. From childhood she has been in sympathy with the doctrines of the Baptist Church and has contributed to its maintenance. In social circles her attractive qualities have won for her many friends, while she is likewise popular in fraternal work and a leading member of the Rebekahs and the Marguerite Circle of the American Foresters.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 564 - 568.

Emil KRELLENBERG

A native of New York City, Emil Krellenberg, of Woodland, Yolo county, Cal., was born December 9, 1856, a son of Peter and Julia (Clausen) Krellenberg. Peter Krellenberg first saw the light of day Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, June 22, 1828, and died in Woodland October 21, 1904. After leaving school he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, then worked at his trade until he entered upon his three years' term of military service. In 1853 he came to the United States and for ten years thereafter he lived in New York City, working continuously for one house at his trade. Soon after his arrival he married Julia Clausen, of German birth, who bore him nine children, of whom only three are living: Emil, Julia and Nellie. In 1863 he brought his family to California by way of Panama, expending most of his ten years' savings on the journey. At that time he had four children. Settling near Blacks Station, Yolo county, he made furniture for his neighbor pioneers, and he made such good furniture that some of it is in use in the county at this time. In 1864 he moved to Sacramento, but in 1869 settled in Woodland, then only a small village, and opened a furniture store and cabinet shop on the corner now occupied by the establishment of his son and successor. His small building did service as both store and residence, but his success was such that he was soon able to erect a brick building in its place, in which he enlarged his enterprise, partially by the purchase of an undertaking business. His second building was burned in 1881, but he immediately built a two-story brick structure, and in the following year put up an adjoining building, and the two constituted a block with a ground area of 76x100 feet. For eleven years he served as county coroner by election and re-election on the Democratic ticket, and then declined further renomination. He was city trustee also for many years, and officially and as a private citizen did much for the advancement of the interests of his fellow townsmen. As he advance in years his business was entrusted more and more to Emil Krellenberg, his one and partner. Socially he was popular and he was a member and officer of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

With his parents and their other children, Emil Krellenberg came to California when he was seven years old. He was educated in the public schools of Woodland, completing the course in 1874, when he was eighteen years old and then entered his father's establishment and acquired a full knowledge of the business in its mechanical as well as in its commercial department. He became his father's partner in 1881, the firm name becoming P. Krellenberg and Son, and since his father's death he has been sole proprietor. Besides the shop and establishment above described he has a storage warehouse in the block adjoining. The main building is at the corner of Third and Main streets, the auxiliary building across the street, also on Main street. When the elder Krellenberg located in the town there were oak trees growing in the middle of Main street, and the country all around about was very new and its population was sparse. At the time of the senior Krellenberg's last illness his business was the oldest in Woodland under one management and today is the oldest business of any kind in the city. Emil Krellenberg finds time for some political activity in the work of the Democratic party, in the policies of which he is much interested. Other business interests than his immediate enterprise command his attention to some extent. He is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Woodland.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 490 - 492.

Peter KRELLENBERG

Peter Krellenberg, furniture dealer and undertaker, Woodland, was born in Holstein, Germany, but at that time the province of Denmark, June 22, 1828, a son of Jocob and Mary Krellenberg, both of whom are deceased. The mother, whose maiden name was Jarvis, died in 1842, the mother of eight children, seven of whom were living at that time; the husband survived until 1849.

When a boy Mr. Krellenberg began to learn the cabinet-making trade of his father. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the military service of his government and served four years. He then worked at his trade until 1853, when he emigrated to the United States and found employment for ten years in New York City. In 1863 he came to California, by way of Panama, and landed at San Francisco in the latter part of June. His first year in the Golden State he passed in Yolo County among relatives, then went to Sacramento, where he followed his trade five years. In 1869 he started in business for himself at Woodland, with only a capital of $600, which he invested in property for a residence. He also borrowed money and purchased the corner lot where he is now located, upon which stood a small frame building. This he fitted up as a shop, put in a small stock of furniture and began business. Three years later he erected a one-story brick building and enlarged his business. In 1881 his property was destroyed by fire, his loss being about $16,000, and the insurance only $5,000. Wholly undaunted by this catastrophe, he immediately rebuilt his present large establishment on the corner of Main and Third streets, 76x90 feet and two stories high. At present every available space is utilized with his large and complete stock of furniture; and he has besides a large undertaking department, all of which is run in the most improved style.

Mr. Krellenberg was married in 1854 to Julia Claussen, a native of Germany, and they have had nine children, only four of whom are now living. While residing in Sacramento they suffered much misfortune. It was there that three of their children died; one died in New York and one in Woodland. Those living are: Eimel, who is associated with his father in business; Emma, wife of Henry Kraft, of Colusa County; Julia, wife of William Dose, of Oakland, and Nellie, still living at home.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891 page 754
Transcribed by: Melody Landon Gregory

Herman KUHN

HERMAN KIHN, a tinner at Woodland, is the son of Stephen and Katharine Kihn, both natives of Germany; the father died in that country in 1864, and the mother is still living in Sacramento, at the age of sixty-seven years. Mr. Kuhn was born in Germany, in 1851, and at the age of seventeen years emigrated to America, landing at New York city, and thence he came by water to California, landing in San Francisco in 1867. He then learned the trade of tinner of D. Wyman, on J street, between Ninth and Tenth, Sacramento; and after working there three years he moved to Woodland and was employed by C.D. Morin, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; and after working for him three years he entered partnership with C. Rosenkrans in the tinware trade, and at the end of two years he purchased the interest of his partner, and since has conducted the business alone; he enjoys a good patronage. He has held the office of Constable two years; is a member of Lodge No. 24, O.C.F., and of Woodland Lodge, No. 43, K. of P.

He was first married to Lizzie Hummer, in 1875, who died in 1878, leaving two children,-Herman and Willie. He was married the second time to Lydia Bower, a native of Germany, and they have three children,-Lydia, Josie and Vilio.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Betty Wilson

William KUHN

WILLIAM KUHN, a retired business man of Woodland, was born October 17, 1814, in Prussia, a son of George and Anna (Rena) Kuhn. The father was a tradesman and farmer, and died in 1868 at the age of seventy-six years. William learned the brewer's trade and followed the same in his native country until he came to America in 1869, landing at New York city and spending only one week there; and then he came by rail to California. First he endeavored in vain to find employment in his line at Marysville, and then at Sacramento, but was soon employed upon a ranch and in a chicory factory. In the spring of 1871 he began to work at the Columbus Brewery in Sacramento, and after a time for the Pacific Brewery, of the same place; next he conducted a saloon on J street, between Sixth and Seventh, which place is remembered by many old-timers. In 1872 he came to Woodland and was employed by the Woodland Brewery; afterward he became a partner with the same, and sustained that relation until 1888, and November 1, that year, he sold out and has lived a somewhat retired life. His beautiful residence on Fourth street was built in 1889, and it is indeed a model of neatness and beauty. He also has a very fine property adjoining. He is a member of the society of the German I.O.R.M., lodge No. 124. Socially and as a citizen Mr. Kuhn has attained a high standing, while his business reputation was always untarnished. He was married in 1887 to Miss Anna C. Sekaumdoffel.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Betty Wilson August 2004