Yolo County Biographies – S
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Buel Ruthven SACKETT Studying the genealogy of the Sackett family, to which belong the well-known
ranchers of California, Buel Ruthven Sackett, now deceased, and his
son, Harry E. Sackett, it is found that one of the name, supposedly
a native of England, served as a regimental surgeon in the Revolution.
His son, Rev. John B. Sackett, was born near Syracuse, N. Y., January
8, 1812, and in 1837 became a pioneer of Ohio, where he first taught
school, and later became a Baptist minister in Ashtabula and Knox counties.
As a student of the Bible he attained a widespread reputation, and in
an accurate knowledge of the Scriptures had few equals. In recognition
of his profound Biblical knowledge he was appointed corresponding secretary
of the Ohio Baptist convention, and in the discharge of his duties he
traveled throughout the entire state. His sudden death, December 24,
1870, closed a career of more than ordinary usefulness and honor. For
some years he was survived by his wife, Amanda (Bardeen) Sackett, who
was born in New York January 16, 1813, and traced her lineage to Scottish
ancestry. Harry E. SACKETT One of the most prosperous and well known places of Yolo county, Cal.,
and indeed of the entire state, is the Golden Star orchard, owned and
operated by Harry E. Sackett, whose able and efficient conduct of this
place has brought it to a high state of cultivation, so that its product
has gained world-wide fame for its particularly fine quality. George W. SANDERS A goodly number of competent judges assert that in his knowledge of
the nursery business Mr. Sanders is unsurpassed by any resident of Northern
California, but that gentleman himself accustomed modesty always disclaims
any skill beyond that possessed by any other nurserymen. Be that as
it may, certain it is that he has devoted years of laborious application
to the business and through unflagging devotion to its demands has risen
to a place of independence. It may also be stated that he is familiar
with every phase of fruit culture. Many discouragements have met his
ambitious endeavors to promote the industry in his own community and
often obstacles have appeared to retard his personal progress, but ultimately
a determined will and an untiring industry have enabled him to override
hardships that would have daunted many others. William SANDROCK Time has wrought manifold changes in the aspect and environment of
Yolo county since first Mr. Sandrock arrived in this portion of the
state. The vast tracts of land that then awaited the first turn of a
furrow now have been brought under cultivation. Villages have been transformed
into thriving centers of population and commerce. Schools and churches
betoken the mental and religious aspirations of the residents. Into
this work of upbuilding and development he threw the energies of middle
age and by his own painstaking industry, by his progressive spirit and
by his consistent uprightness he proved a valuable citizen to the community
with whose destinies his own fate had been sealed. Of late years and
indeed during the greater part of his residence in the county he has
been a business man of Blacks Station, where he still resides, occupying
a comfortable home, but now to some extent retired from the enterprises
that engrossed his energies and youth and early maturity. For a few years after coming to the west Mr. Sandrock remained a bachelor,
but in October of 1882 he was united with Miss Crona Rominger, who was
born in Germany, but grew to womanhood in California and received her
education in local schools. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sandrock comprises
five children, namely: Freda, wife of Louis Schieman, a prosperous rancher
of Yolo county; Henry W., employed as a fireman on the Southern Pacific
Railroad; Arthur, bookkeeper for the Southern Pacific Railroad at Marysville,
Cal.; Annie and Lawrence. Ever since coming to California and attaining
his majority Mr. Sandrock has voted with the Republican party in state
and national elections. In local campaigns he gives his influence to
the men to whom he considers best qualified to discharge the duties
of the offices in question, without regard to their opinions concerning
the national problems. While at no time solicitous for office himself,
he has consented to fill positions of local trust, the most important
of these being the office of justice of the peace, to which he was elected
and in which he continued for a number of terms. On several occasions
the party organization has chosen him to act as delegate to county conventions
and in such gatherings his influence has been given to measures for
the benefit of the party in the county. No question interests him more
keenly than that of education and for some fourteen years he gave efficient
service to the district in the capacity of director, meanwhile striving
to promote the welfare of the schools and to surround the boys and girls
with advantages enabling them to prepare for the responsibilities of
active life. While not identified with any religious movement he contributes
to the Lutheran Church, to which his wife belongs and in which faith
she was reared. Many years ago he joined the lodge of Odd Fellows at
Davisville, but of recent years he has held membership with the lodge
at Blacks Station and has passed through the chairs up to and including
that of past grand, while his wife for a time was very active in the
work of the allied organization of Rebekahs.
Harry Russell SAUNDERS It is with pride that Harry Russell Saunders claims California as his
native commonwealth and proudly asserts that Yolo county, where he lived
most of the time since childhood and where now he is a influential citizen
and popular official, yields precedence to no other part of the great
west in its agricultural possibilities and exceptional resources. Himself
in the prime of manly strength (born September 8, 1864,) he is a native
of the neighboring county of Solano, having been born near old Tremont,
and his first recollections cluster around scenes and sights there and
in Yolo county. As he contrasts the activities and improvements of the
present day with the conditions of the past, he recognizes that such
results would have been impossible without a natural wealth of soil
and a vast undeveloped richness of resources. In official positions
he has proved efficient and prompt, attending to the duties connected
with the post in a manner indicative of his ability and trustworthiness. Franklyn G. SCHAEFFER One of those who the state of Pennsylvania has contributed to the Golden
State is Franklyn G. Schaeffer, who was born in Northumberland county
in the year which closed the Civil war, 1865. His father, P. D. Schaeffer,
a miller by trade, was also a native of Northumberland county, and his
mother, in maidenhood Rebecca Stitzel, was likewise a native of Pennsylvania.
When a lad of seventeen years Franklyn Schaeffer accompanied his parents
to Three Rivers, St. Joseph county, Mich., where for the ensuing eight
years he assisted his father in the maintenance of the farm. In 1902
he carried out a plan which he had long been cherishing and came to
the Capay valley, Yolo county, Cal., where soon afterward he purchased
that land that is now his bearing orchard. This comprises twenty-one
acres of land near Rumsey, all of which, aside from two and one-half
acres in alfalfa, is in prune and apricot trees. Otto SCHLEUR OTTO SCHLEUR, one of Woodlake's enterprising business men, now engaged in a bakery there, was born September 20, 1846, in Hanover, Germany; a son of William and Matilda (Struck) Schleur. His father was a merchant and passed all his life in Germany. At an early age Otto learned the baker's trade, and continued to follow it until he came to America in 1866. Landing at New York, he came almost immediately to California by way of the Isthmus. At first, in this State, he was engaged eighteen months in a bakery at Washington, opposite Sacramento, at $35 a month. In October, 1877, he established a bakery at Woodland, in which he has ever since been interested. His institution is a fine one, well patronized. Mr. Schleur is also a stockholder in the Yolo Brewery, and in the Buffalo Brewery at Sacramento, and he owns eighty acres of choice land near town, devoted in wine and raisin grapes. He is a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 111, I.O.O.F. He was married in 1873, to Miss Anna Dinzler, a native of California.
Of their eleven children, there are seven living, namely: Tillie, Eddie,
Willie, Annie, Ralph, Birt and a babe unnamed. Fred. SCHLIEMAN a well-known farmer of Yolo County, was born in Germany, December 15, 1825, a son of Fred and Helen Schlieman, natives of that county. At the age of twenty-one years he emigrated to Texas, landing at the port of Galveston, and served in the Mexican war. In 1850 he started with a mule team and came through Mexico and Arizona to California, arriving at San Diego September 17, 1850. Four months afterward he went to San Francisco and in a short time to the mines at Park's Bar, on the Yuba River; next to Doty's Flat in Placer County, where he was engaged in mining until 1856. He then spent a year at his native place in the East, and on returning settled in Yolo County at the place which he now occupies, containing three quarter-section of land. He is a prosperous farmer, and takes great interest in the welfare of his community and in the county. He was elected Assessor in 1879, served till 1884, was elected County Clerk in 1885 for two years; was also Justice of the Peace in earlier days. He was married, in 1857, to Caroline Kuntze, a native of Germany,
and they have two daughters and four sons, namely: William A., Harry
F., Ernest E., Adolph F., Louis F., Helen L. and Minnie C. SCHLIEMAN Brothers From the era of frontier history up to the present time of progressive development the name of Schlieman has been identified honorably and intimately with the agricultural activities of Yolo county, whither in an early day came a rugged and stalward (sic) young German, Ferdinand Schlieman, the descendent of a long line of Teutonic ancestors and the possessor in his own sturdy mentality of qualities inherited from worthy progenitors. While he had not been endowed with wealth nor had destiny bestowed upon him the qualities that bring a swift success, he had a large fund of energy and industry and was not easily disheartened by obstacles. Hence he was in a position to appreciate the advantages offered by Yolo county and to foresee the possibilities of the region as the result of careful cultivation. The pre-emption of a claim of one hundred and sixty acres gave the industrious young German his start in the new world and established him among the ranchers of Yolo county, where as a subsequent prosperity gave him financial standing and credit he was enabled to buy one-half section, thus giving him the title to four hundred and eighty acres in one body, situated near Blacks Station. Favorably impressed with the opportunities here presented to industry and thrift he resolved to establish a permanent home on his land and with that object in view he returned to Germany for the young lady, Miss Caroline Kuntze, to whom he had plighted his troth. A quiet wedding ceremony was followed by farewells to their friends and they then set sail for the new world, coming direct to California and beginning their married life upon the farm that is now owned by their children. Here they passed many busy and happy years and here their last days were passed. The only exception to their continuous residence upon the farm was during the period of his official service, when they made their home at the county seat. For one term he served as county assessor, for one term he filled the office of county clerk and for one term he held the position of county recorder. In each position he gave satisfaction to the people of the county. Since the death of this pioneer rancher and his devoted wife the old homestead has been occupied by Ernest E., and the daughter, Miss Helen. Adolph and Louis have built neat residences on other portions of the estate. The three brothers work in partnership and by wise and harmonious dealings they have gained prominence as farmers and stockraisers. The productiveness of the land proves their skilled cultivation. Alfalfa and grain raising are carried on extensively and they merit their splendid financial returns. Conservative and careful, energetic and enthusiastic, they possess the traits indispensable to successful agricultural operations and are wisely developing the interests inherited from their father. The oldest of the three brothers, Ernest E., is a member of Grafton Lodge No. 293, I.O.O.F., to which the youngest brother, Louis, also belongs. All have the sturdy traits characteristic of the Teutonic race, supplemented by the enterprise that is associated with the American race, and their high principles of honor have gained for them the respect of a large circle of acquaintances. 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 515-519, by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company,
1913. Gustave Ernest SCHLOSSER Two spots, with the width of one-half the continent between them, have
furnished the environment for the energetic efforts of Mr. Schlosser,
and these locations are Hancock county, Ill., where he lived until he
had attained his majority, and Yolo county, Cal., of which he has been
a resident from the age of twenty-one up to the present time. The family
comes of German extraction, as the name indicates, and his father, Peter,
was the first representative of the family in the United States, crossing
the ocean to the new world and settling in Hancock county in 1848. The
land which he purchased was rich and fertile, but no attempt had been
made at cultivation and long years of effort were necessary before gratifying
returns could be secured. The country was sparsely settled at the time
of his arrival. A few years before he had become a resident of the county
the Mormons, who had built a temple at Nauvoo, were expelled from that
locality and sought refuge farther west subsequent to the killing of
their leader, Joseph Smith, in the Hancock county jail at Carthage. Chris SCHLOTZ In a comfortable residence on West Main street, two miles from the
city of Woodland, lives Chris Schlotz, who was born in Oberamt Schorndorf,
Wurtemberg, Germany March 13, 1874. His father, David Schlotz, a farmer
in Wurtemberg, is still living in his native land. The latter married
Christine Birk, who died in 1907, after having borne him ten children,
of whom seven are living and of whom Chris, fourth in order of nativity,
is the only one in California. Otto SCHLUER Sturdy principles that form the basis of all true success have governed
the resolute activities of Mr. Schluer and contributed to the commendable
degree of prosperity achieved by him. It is characteristic of his quiet,
home-loving temperament that he prefers old friends to new, familiar
scenes to the most beautiful that are strange to his eyes and the accustomed
routine work-a-day activities to the most thrilling adventures pen could
depict. Possessing such mental endowments, it is natural that he selected
a location more than forty years ago and has never removed therefrom;
natural, also, that he selected an occupation in boyhood and continued
at the same trade until he retired from all business activities. Almost
ever since he crossed the ocean he has made Woodland his home and among
the old settlers of this attractive city he has a large circle of stanch,
true friends. Oliver B. SCHOOLING In 1859, when he was eleven years of age, Oliver B. Schooling came
to California across the plains with his parents. Although this is not
a very early date as compared with the time of the old pioneers, the
family nevertheless had their share of hardships and adventures on the
great trans-continental trail before their train was disbanded in Marysville.
At the beginning of the journey the company consisted of five families,
but it grew larger as it proceeded and overtook other small bands of
immigrants, and presently was a twenty wagon train. They met the usual
bands of mischievous Indians with eyes on the travelers' cattle, and
it took all their care and watchfulness to prevent trouble and preserve
their three hundred head of livestock. Mr. Schooling relates an incident
along this line which is unusual and unique. The train seems to have
crossed the trail of a general buffalo migration, and these wild animals
occasionally were disposed to claim relationship with their kin, the
immigrants' cattle. In quite a sociable way they went through the train
and succeeded several times in stampeding the domestic herd. Of course
the men used their rifles freely, and not only had plenty of buffalo
meat as an article of diet, but captured a number of buffalo calves
whose mothers had fallen in the fights. John K. SCHUERLE In the loss of Mr. Schuerle, a successful and highly respected Yolo
county agriculturist, who passed away January 15, 1901, Woodland relinquished
one of her most able citizens, whose generous aid in the development
of that locality proved both well directed and permanent and clearly
attested his foresight and intelligent public interest. John K. SCHUERLEY JOHN K. SCHUERLEY, a farmer near Woodland, who is widely known for
his generous disposition, good humor and cordial sociability, was born
June 1, 1831, in Würtenberg, Germany, a son of Bernard and Mary
(Mains) Schuerley. His father, a farmer by occupation, died in Germany,
his native country in 1846, at the age of sixty years. John K, was accordingly
brought up to farm life, and was educated at a governmental agricultural
college, spending three years at the institution. The ensuing three
years he was foreman of a large estate in Switzerland, owned by a German
nobleman. In 1854 he emigrated To America from Havre de Grace, landing
in New York after forty-two days' voyage, and forty-two persons died
of the cholera on the way across the sea. He went to Cincinnati, Ohio,
and engaged upon a farm near by for two and a half years; then he was
employed in the city by a large lumber company, contractors and builders
until the spring of 1860 when he returned to New York city, and took
passage on the North Star for the Isthmus, and thence on the Golden
Gate for San Francisco. He first visited Coloma, where the prospect
was poor, and then went to Woodland, and soon found employment on the
farm of F. C. Ruggles near that place. In 1862 he started a brewery,
in company with A. Miller. The building was erected at a little distance
from where Woodland now is, and afterward moved to his present location
on Main street in the western part of town. Mr. Schuerley operated the
institution successfully until 1880, when he sold it and moved upon
his present property, consisting of 240 acres of choice land which he
purchased in 1877, adjoining the city limits; seventy-five acres is
planted to choice varieties of grapes. In 1875 Mr. Schuerley made a
trip to Europe, returning in 1876. He is yet unmarried, and his sister,
Bertha A. Weber, is mistress of his home. David S. SCOTT DAVID S. SCOTT, a contractor of Woodland, was born in West Virginia,
December 11, 1834, a son of Peter W. and Lucinda (Spielman) Scott, father
a native of Pennsylvania and mother of Maryland; his father was born
in 1803, and was a mason by trade. In 1853 Mr. Scott went to Dayton,
Ohio, and served his time at the mason's trade, learning it of Daniel
Richmond. In 1855 he traveled to some extent and finally located at
Leavenworth, Kansas, and from there he came to California, arriving
first in the southern part of the State in 1860; then came to Nevada
City; and in 1867 he went to Sacramento and worked upon the State capitol
during the summer. He then came to Woodland for a short time, returned
East on a visit, and to Woodland again in 1870; in 1874 to San Francisco
and was employed upon the Palace Hotel until the next year; was then
in Oregon until 1880, when he finally returned to Woodland, where he
has had the building of the best blocks in that beautiful town,-such
as the Opera House, Exchange Hotel, Bune's Hotel, Prior Block, Gibson
& Co.'s Block, J.S. White's residence, etc. He owns eight acres
of ground on Oak avenue, on which he has a comfortable residence. George W. SCOTT (#1) one of the leading agriculturists and one of the foremost citizens of Yolo County, is a native of Seneca County, New York, born near the town of Ovid, between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, October 19, 1828, his parents being Daniel and Sarah (Dunlap) Scott. The father, who was of a noted New England family, was born at Warwick, Connecticut, whence he removed to New York State, where he followed farming. The mother was born in Seneca County, New York. Of their family of fifteen children, twelve were boys, and eleven grew to maturity. Besides our subject, there are only two others of these now living, viz.: Charles, who lives by the side of his brother, George W., in Yolo County, and James B., a resident of Geneva, New York. The subject of this sketch grew up at his native place, under the watchful eye of his father, to the age of nineteen years, when he was allowed, in the fall of 1847, to take a trip to Wayne County, Michigan. It was not intended that he should stay longer than a few weeks, but the lake froze up, navigation closed, and he was good for an all winter's stay with his Western relatives. The mails in the spring brought him instructions to return by the first steamer, but he decided to strike out on his own account, and to make his own start in the world. Instead of taking the route homeward, he started west, and proceeded to Kalamazoo, thence to St. Joseph, and finally to Chicago. He was very fond of flat turnips, and, seeing a supply displayed in a grocer's establishment, he invested a shilling and got a half bushel of them. With these he filled the valise he carried, and all the available room in his pockets, and taking the few that remained in his hands he started to walk into the country in search of employment. He brought up in Columbia County, Wisconsin, 150 miles away, with $1.50 left of the $6 with which he had started, and six turnips out of the half-bushel. He secured work, and when his father learned that he was not going to return home he sent out another son, who bought for our subject 400 acres of land on Portage Prairie. There he remained until 1850, farming, and by that time he had the place in pretty good shape. He caught the California fever, however, and in the year mentioned he and two friends in Columbia County, named George Jess and E. K. Dunlap, together with another man started on the long trip to the Golden State. They had four horses hitched to a small, light wagon, and three saddle horses, and, taking only such supplies as they deemed absolutely necessary, the start was made. The result showed that their preparations were exactly right, and when the journey was finished all were ready to admit that they could not do better with all their experience. They crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph on the third of May, and proceeded via Forts Kearney and Laramie, Sublette's cut-off, and down Humboldt River. At the sink of the Humboldt they left their wagon, and with their horses packed across the desert and into California, arriving at Placerville on the 21st of July, having stopped over twenty days and traveled sixty-two. Mr. Scott commenced mining there, but after a few weeks went to Spanish Bar, on the middle fork of the American River, and after a short time spent in search for gold there went up on the divide between the North and Middle forks, having been fairly successful in mining. He engaged in freighting between Sacramento and Yankee Jim's, employing a mule team and also one of oxen. In the winter of 1851 he sold his freighting outfit and came to Yolo County pitching his tent on Cottonwood Creek, about two miles from his present residence. He stocked the place with hogs, and also bought a few cattle and horses. After a few months he took S. M. Enos and Enoch Drew as partners. In the spring of 1852 he went back East, partly to visit his parents and brothers, and partly to buy stock, being accompanied by Mr. Drew. He arrived at his old home in July, and was congratulated by his father on having been successful in doing for himself. He remained there until the spring of 1854, being at that time the only one of the boys at home, and then started on the return trip overland. In southern Illinois he and Mr. Drew bought about 200 head of cattle, and started West, crossing the Mississippi River at Chester. They reached the ranch in Yolo County with 167 head. During his trip East Mr. Scott was married and his wife accompanied him on the trip. After arriving her Mr. Scott and his partner, who had accumulated jointly considerable property, dissolved partnership, he taking the stock and Mr. Drew taking the ranch. Mr. Scott took up a stock ranch at the head of Buckeye, and for years thereafter was extensively engaged in the cattle business. American cattle was then worth about $50 a head, and the resources of the country seemed so abundant that a large number of the settlers were soon heavily engaged in the cattle business. The year 1864 found everybody with big droves, and cattle fell to $5. That, together with the terrible drouth of that year, broke up nine-tenths of the cattle men. Mr. Scott gathered up about 600 head out of the 1,200 or 1,400 he had on hand, and took them to Nevada, placing the remainder on the tule lands. His cattle became fat in Nevada, and he sold them at from $20 to $30 apiece, making a good profit. His horses, which he took down to the tule lands about Rio Vista, also came out well. Mr. Scott is now extensively engaged in cattle-raising, but he and Mr. Love have in partnership between 7,000 and 9,000 head of Spanish merino sheep. They are also among the heaviest farmers in the valley, cultivating about 3,000 acres of land, and 10,000 used for grazing, which they own together, Mr. Scott having the sole charge of the business. He also has 1,000 acres on his home place, and 500 acres in his Buckeye ranch. He is also interested in oil wells in Ventura County, and at Half-Moon Bay, San Mateo County. At the latter place he and a partner have $10,000 invested in machinery, which is of the most improved pattern known to that industry. This business takes about all his time the year round. He has also about 1,000 acres at Banning, San Bernardino County. Mr. Scott is a stanch Republican in politics, and has taken a prominent part in the councils of the party, although he does not class himself in any sense a politician. He has, however, served his county in the Board of Supervisors, and was the Republican candidate for the Legislature in 1870, and again in 1880. Though unsuccessful on account of the long lead of the opposing party, he made a close race, and ran ahead of his ticket. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and the welfare of the community. While a member of the Patrons of Husbandry he was one of the most ardent workers for success. He took an active part in the building of the Vaca Valley & Clear Lake Railroad, grading the line at his own expense from Madison to Winters, and in all put about $18,000 into it without any returns. Mr. Scott is a man of iron will and great self-reliance, which qualities have made him what he is financially. He could, however, have been vastly better off had he not been ready at all times to lend a helping hand to those who asked his aid. His highest recommendation, however, is his honesty, and it is said of him that he is incapable of anything but pure and manly motives, his word being to him as sacred as life itself. His wife, to whom he was married in New York State, as previously
mentioned, December 13, 1858, was formerly Miss Emma Bloomer, a native
of the Empire State. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have four children, living,
viz.: Clarence, at home; Arthur, who lives at Banning; Elma, wife of
John H. Rice, of Dixon; and Charles Latham, at home. Two are deceased,
viz.: Addie and Stella. George Washington SCOTT (#2) One of Yolo county's earliest pioneers was G. W. Scott, who passed
away at his home near Winters, Cal., February 20, 1912, and who long
will be remembered by his countless friends and associates, more particularly
those who have lived and worked with him through his busy years in Yolo
county, as a man of exemplary qualities and conservative business judgment,
fully deserving of the honors which he enjoyed through the esteem and
confidence of his fellow citizens. J. Smith SCOTT As chairman of the board of supervisors of Yolo county Mr. Scott is
giving to his native region the benefit of his discriminating judgment,
superior mental powers and enthusiastic belief in the unrivalled resources
of the section. While all projects for the material development of the
county receive his earnest co-operation, in no department of progress
is he more interest in the building of good roads, and the people of
the county, more particularly the farmers, have been aroused to a realization
of the value of his suggestions concerning the highways. When first
he entered upon road construction in Woodland township, he advanced
modern ideas as to methods of work, and by means of a large traction
engine with plows attached he broke up the roads, refilled them with
gravel and finally oiled the highway, thus securing a permanent and
substantial road at a small cost to the county. The benefit of his services
in this one respect can scarcely be overestimated and in other avenues
of progress, while less prominent, he has been interest in an equal
degree. Levin N. SCOTT a citizen of Yolo, in Yolo County, retired from active business, is
a son of Robert J. and Charlotte Scott, the former a native of North
Carolina, and the latter of Maryland, who emigrated in early day to
Adams County, Ohio, where Levin was born, December 6, 1820. He was but
five years of age when the family moved with him to Illinois, where
they remained for twenty-five years, the father being a farmer most
of the time. In 1841 Mr. Scott, our subject, married Miss Wyatt, and
had one daughter, Jamima Ann. She died in Illinois, in February, 1843,
and in 1847 Mr. Scott married Miss N. A. Daughbetee, a native of Illinois.
In 1850 they came overland to this State, stopping first in Nevada County,
after a journey of six months and five days. Here Mr. Scott remained
about seventeen years, engaged in farming and merchandising about three
miles from Nevada City, on Rock Creek. He then moved into Placer County,
purchased a ranch and was engaged in its cultivation until 1889, when
he disposed of it and bought a fine large residence of fourteen rooms,
situated on a thirty-acre tract of land in Cacheville. There are now
four children in the family, and two have died. The living are George
H., Mary C., Edgar C. and James F.; and the deceased are Edward B. and
Nancy A. Mary C. is now the wife of J. P. Williams, and has one child,
named Mamie I. George, the eldest son, is now engaged in freighting
goods through the mountains from Lincoln and Auburn to Michigan Bluff,
Forest Hill, etc., and Edgar C. is attending the Commercial College
at Woodland. Elias SEABOLD ELIAS SEABOLD, a prominent farmer three and a half miles west of Madison,
Yolo County, has 465 acres there, upon which he raises wheat and barley.
He was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, October 5, 1827. His parents,
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Zindel) Seabold, natives of the father-land,
died when he was a small boy. At the age of twenty years he came to
America, landing at New Orleans, and at once went to St. Louis, Missouri,
where he remained a year and a half, then he spent six months at Quincy,
Illinois; and then he came to California, in 1850, stopping at Placerville,
having been four months and a half on the journey. He followed mining
for some time in the neighborhood of Placerville, spent three months
in Sacramento, then mined five months on the Salmon River, returned
to Sacramento again with the intention of going East; but on arriving
there he changed his mind, concluding that if other people could stand
it here he could. Accordingly, he bought a team in Sacramento and went
to freighting, following that business from October, 1851 to 1867; he
then entered Yolo County, where he has since remained, purchasing that
year the place which he still occupies. For his wife he married Ellen
Kegan, who was born in Ireland in 1837, their marriage taking place
in Placer County, January 29, 1859. Their children are: Elizabeth J.,
who was born in March, 1872, and Annie S., who was born in March, 1874. Henry SEAMAN HENRY SEAMAN, a prominent farmer five miles west of Winters, Yolo County,
was born October 12, 1826, in Prussia. His parents, Jacob and Catherine
(Jacobs) Seaman, natives also of Prussia, emigrated in 1837 to Cincinnati,
Ohio, and the next year to Indiana, where he died in 1845; he was a
farmer most of his days. Henry's mother died when he was very young.
As he grew up he was first employed in a general store, from 1837 to
1847. In 1858 he came across plain and mountain to California, with
ox teams, and for the first seven years he was a resident of Sacramento:
ten months of this time he was clerk in the Bee-Hive Hotel. In 1859
he purchased a ranch on Putah Creek, in Solano County. His place now
contains 2,000 acres, fifty acres of which are in orchard. He has also
been a very extensive stock-raiser. In 1890 he bought a nice residence,-a
house and four lots -in Winters, where also he is raising some very
fine fruit. Jerme O. SHAFER (See the “Nelle Shafer COIL” Biography.) Bernal H. SHARP At Castlewood, S. Dak., Bernal H. Sharp, manager of the Woodland station
for the Western Creameries Company, was born July 2, 1885, a son of
O. M. Sharp, who brought his family to California in 1903 and is one
of the successful farmers in the Woodland district. Samuel SHRYOCK engineer of the Woodland City Water-works, is a son of John and Mary
(Sheets) Shryock, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of
Rochester, New York. He was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, November
14, 1827, where he, on growing up to manhood, served his time as an
apprentice at the carpenter and joiners' trade. In 1853 he came to California
and was in the mines until December, 1855, when he went to Yolo County
and purchased a squatter's right near Woodland. Subsequently he purchased
an interest, with William Borden, in a general machine and blacksmith
shop in Woodland, and conducted it for three years. Next he was engaged
in the manufacture of syrups for two years; and then he started a machine
shop, and three years subsequently he and a man named Studenburg bought
the Woodland Flouring Mills and ran them two years. In 1868 he sold
out, went East on a visit, when he was married to Miss Rachel Williams,
a native of Indiana. Returning in 1874 to Woodland, he began running
a threshing-machine, and continued with it nine years, when he disposed
of that and was employed by the Woodland Water Company in his present
position. His wife died in June, 1875, leaving three children: John
J., born in May, 1869; Gertrude A., in 1871, and Josephine A., November
8, 1873. Mr. Shryock, when running his machine shop, furnished a great
deal of the material for the court-house at Woodland. Chris SIEBER Chris Sieber, proprietor of the Pacific House at Woodland, is an example
of those who came from a foreign land to young America and have attained
affluence under our benign institutions. He was born January 29, 1847,
in Germany, in the Kingdom of Wirtemberg, a son of Ludwick and Rosa
(Linck) Sieber. His father, a farmer, came to America and to California
in 1886, and died the next year, in Woodland, at the age of sixty-seven
years. The subject of this biographical mention remained at home on
the farm until he was fifteen years of age, when he commenced to learn
the tin-smith trade. After completing that he sailed from Liverpool
to New York city, where he remained a year working at his trade. In
1866 he came by the Nicaragua route to California, worked a year in
his vocation at Sacramento, and then two years at the same in Woodland,
when he engaged in a bakery and saloon, which he ran successfully for
three years. He then disposed of his bakery and continued the saloon
until 1881, when he purchased the Tackney House. He afterward changed
its name to the Pacific House, under which name he is now running it,
with magnificent success. He is also interested in the Woodland brewery,
the electric light system of the city, the Woodland street railway and
various other enterprises. He was elected in 1878 a member of the City
Council, and he served also as City Treasurer two years. He is a member
of Woodland Lodge, No. 111, I.O.O.F., and also of the O.C.F. Chris SIEBER (#2) The large hardware establishment of Chris Sieber & Co. is said
to be among the oldest stores of its kind in Yolo county and now occupies
a central location on Main Street, Woodland, where a commodious modern
building is utilized for the storage and display of the large variety
of agricultural implements, hardware, harness, etc., provide for the
selection and convenience of the customers. The firm represents the
John Deere Plow Company, also carried a full line of wagons and carriages
manufactured by Studebaker Bros., besides selling the Deering harvesters
and mowers and the gas engines manufactured by Root and Vanderworth.
In connection with other lines of activity the firm manufactures harness
and also provides facilities for the repair of harness brought to them
by their customers. Every department of the business shows the thrift,
energy and wise judgment of the owner, whose capable oversight is seen
in the smallest details as well as the most important orders of the
house. William SIMS WILLIAM SIMS, a prominent citizen near Winters, Yolo County. California is a wonderful land. Its inhabitants have become renowned the world over for a spirit of enterprise and perseverance that has never been witnessed elsewhere. It is indeed a land of gigantic undertaking and grand achievement, even in this country of great attainment, remarkable for the conspicuous success which the resources of the country so uniformly grant to them who are diligent in attention to business and adopt judicious methods. It is therefore a peculiar pleasure to write the history of the lives of Californians. A striking example is the gentleman whose name heads this article. He dates his birth July 14, 1832, in Fayette County, Virginia, of humble parentage. His early days were spent upon a farm. He left Virginia March 19, 1849, and located in Cass County, Missouri, expecting to begin the study of law with an uncle there; but the gold excitement of California drew him on as with a hurricane. May 7, 1850, he crossed the western line of the State of Missouri, his mind not full of adventure but of honest principle. Coming with an ox team, he met with the usual experiences of the route, and remained about eight days in Salt Lake City. The last 300 miles he came on foot, arriving at Georgetown, August 31, 1850. He began work in the American River mines at $7 a day, but worked only three days and a half when fever attacked him and held him to his bed for three weeks. Alone in a strange land and his means exhausted, not having even a "two-bit" piece with which to secure a scanty meal, he soon found a man with a heart that recognized his condition and took him in; but his exposure had caused a relapse and for nearly three years he was an invalid. He spent some time in a store as a clerk and book-keeper. In 1856 he went to Lake County, where he was engaged in farming until 1861; then he went to Yolo County and purchased a squatter's title, which he afterward sold, in 1863 for $400. Purchasing an outfit, he commenced teaming to the mines, and at the end of the first season he had $20 as the result of all his work! But with a remarkable degree of grit he continued in the same business the following season, and made sometimes as much as $100 a trip. In 1866 he put on another outfit and made as high as $700 a trip. From 1867 to 1876 he was engaged in running threshing-machines, in which business he was successful. In 1869 he took a contract to cut 900 acres of grain for $4,500. In 1870 he purchased his present property,-240 acres across three miles northeast of Winters,-upon which he built a large and elegant residence in 1887. He now has some 560 acres in Yolo County, on which he carries on general farming, and he also has some thirty-five acres in fruit. Thus, after the privations, failures and sickness already referred to, on his coming to California, we find him to-day enjoying prosperity in connection with a fine ranch and a comfortable home. He takes great interest in political affairs, but does not aspire to office, although he has often been asked,-even to fill some of the highest stations in the county and State. He voted at Murderer's Bar, at the first election held in California. He has been one of the School Trustees since 1862, and now nearly all the business in that relation is imposed upon him. He became identified with the Grange movement in 1873, in which he has taken a very active part. He is a large stock-holder in the warehouse at Winters, and also in the Bank of Winters, of which he has been vice-president since its organization. He is a member of Lodge No. 195, F. & A. M., of Dixon Chapter, No 48, R. A. M.; of Lodge No. 33, K. of P. at Winters, and for fourteen years of the I.O. G. T., of which he is now G. C. T. In 1857 he married Miss L. A. Sims, a native of Ohio, who was reared
in Virginia, and they have four children: George, Wilburn, Nora and
Fred. V. SLADE V. SLADE, a farmer near Winters, Yolo County, was born December 8, 1822, in Baltimore County, Maryland, a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Pierce) Slade, natives of Maryland. The father, a farmer by occupation, remained a resident of that county until his death, which occurred in 1856; the mother died at the same place a few years later. Mr. Slade was brought up on a farm, working on the home place until he was thirty years of age. He then spent two years in Illinois as a farm laborer, and in 1859 he came overland by ox teams to California, the journey occupying the time from April to September. The first two years in this State he was in Solano County, and then for some time alternately in Solano and Yolo counties; and then he purchased land in Sonoma County, which he occupied for two years; then he sold out there, in 1875, and purchased his present property, three and a half miles east of Winters,. This is a very fine place; the residence is so situated that an observer there obtains a very fine view of all the country around. The farm comprises about 260 acres of choice bottom land, well set to vines and other fruits. He also raises a great many vegetables. He has packing sheds and all necessary equipments for carrying on the fruit business. He was married, in 1843, to Elizabeth Mathews, a native of Maryland,
and of their seven children two sons and three daughters are living. H. H. SLAVENS H.H. SLAVENS, a dry-goods merchant at Woodland, is the son of H. and Lydia (Goodman) Slavens. His father, a native of Kentucky, and a farmer and drover, died in Iowa in 1869; and his mother, born in Indiana, is still living in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1855 Mr. Slavens, when seventeen years of age, came to California, landing first at Stockton, where he worked at odd jobs, mostly farm work, until he came in 1883 to Woodland, where he has since been successfully engaged in mercantile business. For several years he was on Main street; but the present year, 1890, he opened a dry-goods and clothing store opposite the old stand and near the Capital Hotel. The establishment is now known as the Star Clothing House, and they carry a large stock of fancy goods and are well known throughout the county. Mr. Slavens was married in 1881, to Emma Canion, who was born in Santa
Clara County, and their two children are: Harold, aged five years, and
Effie, one year. Hon. James Kerson SMITH Hon. James Kerson Smith, a grocer at Woodland, California, was born in Richmond, Virginia, June 10, 1831, son of William N. and Ann (Brown) Smith, who moved in 1839 from Virginia to Glasgow, Howard County, Missouri. The mother died in Virginia about 1833 or 1834, and the father survived until 1878, dying in Missouri. Mr. Smith was brought up in the latter State from the age of eight years to the age of nineteen. In 1850, with a party from his neighborhood, he started across the plains for California, arriving at Hangtown on the last day of August. He followed gold-mining, mostly in Nevada and Yuba counties, until 1868, when he came to Yolo County. While living in Nevada County he was elected to the Legislature, serving during the years 1857-'58, and while in Yuba County he was a member during the sessions of 1867-'68. On arriving in Woodland, Yolo County, he first engaged in furniture and undertaking for a number of years, and during that time served one term on the Board of Supervisors of this county, being elected in 1875. In 1880 he was elected County Clerk and served three years: on his election to this office he disposed of his furniture business. Being a candidate in 1883, he was defeated by M. O. Harling, the present county clerk. He then purchased the interest of C. B. Culver, who was in the grocery trade in partnership with T. S. Spaulding, and the firm became Smith & Spaulding. In 1885, having become a candidate, he was elected County Treasurer and served a term of two years; being renominated for the same position, he was defeated. He then bought the interest of M. O. Harling in the grocery firm of Harling, Frazer & Company. He is now a member of the Town Board of Trustees, having been elected in May, 1888, and is the only Republican member of the board. He has been a member of the Masonic order ever since 1854, and has been for the past three or four years the Masonic Inspector for the nineteenth district. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. W., in which latter order he is financier. Mr. Smith was married in 1859 at Nicholas, Sutter County, to Miss Abbie O. Gilman, a native of the State of Maine, but brought up in Illinois. She came to this State in 1854 with her brother-in-law, Dr. D. Ray, at one time a resident of Yolo County. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son and five daughters. In 1887 Mr. Smith made a visit to his old home in Missouri, which after a lapse of thirty-seven years presented many remarkable changes, but the most extraordinary change witnessed on the trip was the difference in the mode of travel between the older States and the coast, the time being reduced from four or five months to as many days. During the Fraser River mining excitement, which began in 1858, Mr.
Smith was one of the many who repaired to that point, the journey being
exceedingly difficult. He went by steamer from San Francisco to Whatcom
on Puget Sound, and thence by pack animals crossing the Cascade Mountains.
At some of the points on the way he had to do considerable excavation
in order to make his road, being the pioneer over that route. It is
well known that nearly every one that went to that region returned without
finding anything of value. John H. SMITH The results of frugal saving of wages earned in the employ of others
eventually enabled Mr. Smith to invest in property for himself and during
1896 he became the owner of twenty acres in Willow Oak park, near Woodland,
since which purchase he has devoted his entire attention to the cultivation
and improvement of the ranch. The tract has been seeded down to alfalfa,
of which he has frequently cut six crops per annum, never cutting less
than five crops of the hay. It has been his experience that an alfalfa
ranch affords an exceptional opportunity for success in the dairy industry
and he still has his dairy, which, although small, is so well conducted
as to yield gratifying results. A family orchard adds to the value of
the property and furnishes an abundance of fruit for table use. John J. SMITH The proprietor of Alfa-Dune ranch in the Capay valley traces his lineage
to an old and honored family of Ireland, whose first representative
in America, Charles Smyth, first saw the light of day at Belfast in
County Antrim. During the early part of the nineteenth century he crossed
the ocean to Canada in company with a brother and settled near Kingston,
where his son, John, passed the greater part of his life. The spelling
of the name was changed to its present form during comparatively recent
years. Genealogical records show a Scotch lineage through some of the
ancestors and the evidence of Scotch blood has been manifest in the
traits of every generation, for they have been honorable in business,
religious in temperament and frugal in expenditures. At the same time
a considerable proportion of the family have possessed the wit and keen
sense of humor characteristic of the Irish race. E. SNAVELY E. Snavely is a member of the firm of Snavely & Baker, proprietors
of the Woodland Winery, situated on Main street, opposite the gas works,
where they manufacture wines, vinegar, syrups and brandy. The capacity
of this establishment is 91,000 gallons of wine, 25,000 of syrup, and
3,000 of brandy. Their syrups are mostly sold to the general Government.
Although this has ever been known as the Woodland Winery, it has changed
hands several times. The present proprietors make a complete success
of their enterprise, having now established a reputation throughout
the United States. Eli SNIDER (#1) Eli Snider, proprietor of Putah Nursery and a fruit-raiser, Yolo County,
is a native of Ohio, born in Springfield, Clark County, March 1, 1853.
He received his education in the public schools of his native place.
At the age of seventeen years he engaged as an apprentice in one of
the excellent machine shops of Ohio, where he served three years, thoroughly
learning the machinist's trade. In the fall of 1875 he came to Yolo
County, California, where he worked for five years, most of the time
either as engineer for steam thresher or steam pump. In 1880 he engaged
in farming, on rented land, giving a portion of the crop in payment
for rent; he continued farming on rented land for four years. In 1885
he bought the farm on which he now resides. He has ten acres of nursery
stock, which consists of all kinds of fruit and ornamental trees and
vines. On his fruit farm he has seventy acres planted to apricots, prunes,
peaches and pears, twenty acres of which are bearing. Eli SNIDER (#2) Genealogical records show that the Snider family came from Germany
to America during an early period of our colonial history and settled
in Virginia, from which state Felty Snider went forth to do service
in the war of 1812. At the close of the war he returned to his Virginian
home, but in 1814 he removed to the then wilderness of Ohio and settled
in a region so sparsely inhabited that his nearest neighbor lived twelve
miles from his own cabin. In the clearing of a farm he had the energetic
assistance of his children, one of whom, Jacob, the father of Eli, was
born in Clark county, Ohio, some years after the family had become established
in that portion of the country. His existence, like that of his father,
was filled with hardships and discouragements, but blessed by affection
and industry, and ultimately crowned with a success which place him
among the well-to-do men of his community. Helpful to him in his struggles
and enjoying with him his achievements was his wife, who bore the maiden
name of Catherine Shoemaker and was a native of Highland county, Ohio. W. H. SOULE a hardware merchant at Woodland, is a native of Maine. His parents, William F. and Elizabeth M. (Frost) Soule, were also natives of that State. His father was born March 5, 1800, and his mother in 1802. In the spring of 1852 they went to Wisconsin for a short time, and in the same year came on to California, by water. The ship on which they were to sail became disabled and they were landed on the Isthmus, where they were compelled to wait until a relief ship came; and the place being very unhealthful, James Soule, brother of W. H., was taken sick and afterward died at sea and was thrown overboard off Monterey, and his sister Eliza died on the very day they landed in San Francisco, and shortly after that, September 5, 1852, their mother also died, in San Francisco. There were originally five daughters and four sons, of whom four daughters now reside in San Francisco. William Soule, the father, followed mining a short time, when his health failed and he went to Puget Sound for a year. In the spring of 1854 he and son W. H. went to Port Orford, Oregon, during the "Beach" excitement, where they mined and prospected on their way back to Marysville, this State, and proceeded on to San Francisco. In 1855-'56 they followed farming in Marin County, and then in Sonoma County until 1861, when they dissolved partnership, the father going to San Francisco, where he died February 19, 1876. Mr. Soule, our subject, went to Idaho during the gold excitement and followed mining there until the autumn of the next year, then for three years he followed freighting between Sacramento and Virginia City. From 1865 to 1873 he followed agricultural pursuits in Solano County; then he purchased 320 acres on Putah Creek, in Yolo County, and occupied it until 1884; then he spent six months in Texas; next, returning to Woodland in 1886, he purchased a half interest in the hardware store of P. W. Barnes, and after a partnership of one year he bought out Mr. Barnes' interest, and is now enjoying a substantial patronage. Mr. Soule was born February 12, 1837, and was married in Solano County,
September 2, 1871, to Mary Cunningham, a native of Canada, and they
have two adopted children, William H. and Minnie A. J. SOVEREIGN J. Sovereign, manufacturer of wagons and buggies at Woodland, is the
son of Richard and Elizabeth (Plummer) Sovereign. His father, a native
of Pennsylvania, was a carpenter by trade; and his mother was a native
of New Jersey. Mr. Sovereign was born in Canada, in 1833, and in 1845
he went to Illinois and learned his trade; and in 1860 he came to California
and for the first seven years resided in El Dorado County; in 1867 he
moved into Yolo County, where he has ever since remained. He is following
his trade at Woodland, with signal success. He is a member of Woodland
Lodge, No. 22, A.O.U.W., and also of the K. of P. Fred Victor STENING A native of Dortmund, Westphalia, Germany, this successful and artistic
merchant tailor was born February 21, 1877, a son of Herman and Louise
(Gronenberg) Stening, natives of Germany, who lived out their lives
in the Fatherland. The father, who was a merchant tailor, passed away
in 1907. Of their nine children Fred Victor was the fifth in order of
nativity. The years of his childhood and boyhood until he was fourteen
was passed in acquiring such education as he was afforded in the public
schools. Then he served a three years' apprenticeship to the tailor's
trade under his father. After that he was a journeyman tailor in different
German provinces and in Austro-Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and other
parts of Europe until 1897. His service in the German army followed,
and for two years he was a member of the First Company, Second Guard
Grenadiers, Emperor Francis Joseph Chief of Honor Regiment. In 1901
he came to America and for two years worked at his trade in Chicago,
Ill. From there he went to Denver and other places in Colorado, including
Colorado Springs, but working most of the time in Denver, till he moved
on to Goldfield, Nev. After working there three months he came, in October
1905, to Sacramento, and from Sacramento he came to Woodland in March,
1906. Soon after his arrival he opened a merchant tailor's establishment
and from the first was so liberally patronized that the growth of his
business was a foregone conclusion. Carrying a large line of woolens,
foreign and domestic, and employing only the best help and keeping in
touch with the styles from year to year, he has proven himself to be
the truly up-to-date tailor of his city. In 1911 he bore the expense
of time and money incidental to a trip to Chicago in order there to
study the latest methods of the most advanced tailors in the art of
garment cutting. His patrons are among the really good dressers of Woodland
and vicinity. His location at No. 433 Main street is one of the most
attractive in the town. G. D. STEPHENS G. D. Stephens, farmer near Madison, Yolo County, is one of the old
'49ers of this golden county. Leaving Cooper County, Missouri, May 10,
1849, he crossed the plains to the Golden Coast, arriving in Sacramento
August 6, following. He followed mining at Mormon Island, Missouri Bar,
on the American River and Hangtown, and then with other parties he wintered
in a cabin on the Sacramento River. In the spring he returned to mining,
on the middle fork of the American River. July 4 he returned to Sacramento.
Soon he entered the business of buying cattle and mules from arriving
immigrants, and drove them down to Cache Creek, where in 1850 he made
a camp, thinking it was Government land, but found it to be on the Berreyesa
grant, which they bought. In 1853 he returned to Cooper County, Missouri,
bought cattle, and in 1856 went to Oregon, continuing in the cattle
trade. He arrived again in Yolo County in March, 1861, where he has
ever since made his residence. Of the home ranch there are 3,400 acres
and on the Gordon grant 1,000 acres. He is engaged principally in the
raising of livestock and grain. George Dickson STEPHENS From the initial period of American occupancy of California until his demise more than fifty years later George Dickson Stephens was intimately identified with the upbuilding of the great west and contributed in especially large degree to the development of Yolo county. The record of his life epitomizes the romance of the frontier. Time itself, painting with glowing colors upon the canvas of the past, reveals the study figure of a youth crossing the plains in company with an expedition of Argonauts eager to find the hidden gold of unknown mines, but little dreaming that it was to be through the cultivation of the fertile and undeveloped soil of the state they would find the gold of their hopes. The party of goldseekers began their journey from Cooper county, Mo., May 10, 1849, and arrived in Sacramento August 6, having pushed their way across the plains with a persistence that faltered not for weariness or perils. The new country with its cosmopolitan population presented a remarkable contrast to the environment familiar to the early years of the young man. In a region remote from the scenes of boyhood and the homes of kindred, with no relative near him excepting his older brother, John Dickson (long the confidante of all business undertakings and the comrade of many frontier expeditions), he struggled toward independence and success and laid the foundation of the interests that now make his name one of the most prominent in the annals of Yolo county. The life which this narrative depicts began in Cooper county, Mo., July 31, 1828, and closed in Yolo county, Cal., December 22, 1901. Many of the qualities that individualized a forceful personality came as an inheritance from Scotch and Welch ancestors. The family genealogy indicates that Peter Stephens, who was born in Pennsylvania during the latter part of the seventeenth century, founded the village of Stephensburg in that state. The next generation was represented by Peter, Jr., who married Johanna Chrisman and moved to Wythe county, Va. Out of a family comprising seven sons and one daughter it is a noteworthy fact that every son became a Revolutionary soldier and two died the death of patriots while fighting on the battlefield for liberty and independence. One of these young heroes was Joseph Stephens, who in 1801 settled in Wayne county, Ky., thence moved to Tennessee in 1815 and during November of 1817 traveled by wagon to Missouri, settling thirteen miles south of Boonville, Cooper county, where he acquired slaves and a fine tract of land. For years he contributed to the agricultural upbuilding of that community. His death occurred May 7, 1836, near Bunceton. Twelve children had been born of his marriage to Rhoda Cole. By his second wife, Catharine Dickson, he was the father of nine children, namely: John D., who for years before his death was an influential banker of Woodland, Cal.; George D., whose name introduces this article; Andrew J., Thomas H. B., Margaret, Alpha, Harriet, Isabella and Lee Ann. As an educative preparation for life's activities the environment of George Dickson Stephens in youth was most efficacious. Self-reliance and persistence were learned by actual experience. In addition, observation taught him lessons which could not have been learned in school. Gold was discovered in California just at the time when, standing at the threshold of manhood, he was pondering the subject of a permanent occupation as a means of livelihood. He was therefore in a mood to be fascinated by the unknown opportunities of the west and with ardor he entered upon the expedition made up for the coast. As his primary object in seeking this state had been to search for gold, he immediately began to work as a miner and prospector and established temporary headquarters successively at Mormon Island, Missouri bar on the American river and at Hangtown. The winter of 1849-50 he spent with others in a cabin on the Sacramento river. During the spring of 1850 he mined on the middle fork of the American river. Returning to Sacramento on the 4th of July, he soon began to buy cattle and mules from arriving emigrants. These he drove down to Cache creek, where in 1850 he made a camp on what he supposed to be government land. Soon, however, he found that it was a portion of the Berryessa grant. With his brother, John D., he acquired the property in the same year and put up an adobe house, the only building of the kind now remaining in Yolo county. To this original adobe has been added a comfortable home where the family gather to have their good times. In addition to the purchase of the Rancho de Capay the brothers promoted the Cottonwood Ditch Company, later know as the Capay Ditch Company (which ultimately was merged into the Yolo County Consolidated Water Company) and now known as the Yolo Power and Water Company. With the securing of irrigation it was possible to raise grain profitably and from that the brothers drifted into livestock operations, raising horses and mules, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs, also sheep of such fine quality that they won many premiums at local and state fairs. While building up a remarkable business in stock and grain George D. Stephens at the same time identified himself with the material upbuilding of the community, promoted the maintenance of good schools, helped to secure first-class teachers for the country schools, and also wielded a wide influence as a Democrat, although he never consented to become a candidate for office, nor was he willing to accept party favors of any kind. During 1872 he married Miss Laura Wilcoxson, who was born in Fayette, Howard county, Mo., the daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Stapleton) Wilcoxson, of Kentucky. She died in 1875, leaving two daughters, Kate L. and Josephine. The latter is the wife of Russell Harriman and lives in Los Angeles, Cal. The former was elected secretary of the Stephens Agricultural & Livestock Company, the president having been George Dickson Stephens from the organization of the concern until his death, December 22, 1901. Since then his eldest son, by a later marriage, was elected to the office his father's death vacated. The second marriage of Mr. Stephens took place May 27, 1877, and united him with Miss Nannie Lucas, a native of Buchanan county, Mo., and a daughter of G. J. Lucas, who in 1868 brought his family to California. Of this union there are the following-named sons and daughters: John L., president of the Stephens Agricultural & Livestock Company; Mrs. Louise M. Plummer, of San Francisco; Sarah, wife of Capt. Charles Gordon, U. S. A.; Margaret; Mrs. Elizabeth Needham, of Sacramento, Cal.; George D., now in Arizona; Frank Warren, of Woodland; Ben Gray, of Winters; William Fulton, Thomas Jackson, and Paul, who remain on the estate. The property comprises about eight thousand acres of land in Yolo county and has been provided with every equipment for the care of stock, in which a specialty is now made of Shorthorn Durham cattle and of Shropshire sheep. Since the death of Mr. Stephens, to whose far-seeing ability must be
attributed the acquisition of the vast tracts in Yolo county, the estate
has remained intact and conducted as an incorporated business has brought
gratifying returns to the heirs. The marvelous harmony that pervades
the family, an admirable and most unusual feature in such instances,
causes each member to place implicit confidence in the others and to
make sacrifices if necessary for their good. A bond of affection and
trust exists between all the members of the family that is rarely shown
so strongly or expressed so positively in even the most minute details
of daily activities. This spirit of devotion and confidence is a heritage
from the father, whose home was to him the fairest spot on earth and
whose great heart encompassed each child with a boundless affection.
Deep as was his interest in agriculture, progressive as he was in promoting
the quality of livestock raised in the county, engrossed as he was in
schools and other public institutions of worth, interested as he was
in the directorate of the Bank of Woodland and prominent in many movements
of permanent value to the county, it was in his home, surrounded by
his family and extending a gracious hospitality to friends, that he
was at his best and there his generous nature, unselfish spirit and
honorable character shone forth with a dignified beauty that lends a
permanent value to the record of his life. To his children he taught
precious lessons by example and precept. From him they learned how to
bear disappointment with fortitude, how to secure victory with moderation,
how to suffer with patience, in short, how to live with courage and
how to die with honor. John D. STEPHENS (#1) JOHN D. STEPHENS, of Woodland.-In a historical volume of Northern California such as this, treating of the country within its territorial limits in all its varied phases from aboriginal times to the present day, the most prominent feature must necessarily be the known history of the days since the discovery of gold in 1848. As many of the men who made that history and were the authors of this region's progress from a condition of nature to its present position as one of the finest spots and proudest commonwealths in the American Union, are yet living and still in the front rank of trade and enterprise, a recital of their individual narratives, and the part they have taken in the great work, becomes at once interesting and an essential portion of this volume. One truth that particularly attracts the attention of the historian in collecting material for it is the fact that the principal impetus to this growth has been given, not so much by the political leaders as by men in the private walks of life. Of this latter class it is probable that Northern California affords no better example than John D. Stephens, with whose name this sketch commences, and a brief outline of his career, giving some of its salient points, is herewith appended. He was born in Cooper County, Missouri, where the town of Bunceton now stands, September 23, 1826. His father, Joseph Stephens, was born in Virginia, of Welsh and German parents, who came to this country prior to the Revolutionary war. He removed from Virginia, and in 1817 settled in Missouri. He was a stock-raiser and farmer and kept packs of hounds and large numbers of horses for the chase, a sport to which he was greatly attached, and one of the frequent occurrences in which all ages joined in delight. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Catharine Dickson, was descended from Josiah and Isabella (Reed) Dickson, both of whom were born in Scotland and emigrated to America in colonial days. The Stephens family in Missouri occupied a high place in the community, and then as now their influence was felt in civil and political circles. Among its members most prominent in later days was the late Joseph L. Stephens, nephew of our subject, who was a banker and capitalist, a prominent factor in State politics, and but few years ago a leading candidate for Governor of the State. When just merging into manhood he responded to General Gaines' call for troops for the Mexican war by promptly offering his services in behalf of his country, and though the youngest of a company of about 110 men he was unanimously chosen as its Captain. The subject of this sketch received much of his schooling at his home,
being furnished by his father with teachers, who were men of exceptional
ability and learning, and his education thus received was enhanced by
later experience as a teacher, which vocation he followed for two years
previous to 1846. Then he enlisted for the war with Mexico, being a
member of the company of which Joseph L. Stephens, previously mentioned,
was chosen Captain. This company was a portion of the force designed
for the relief of General Taylor, and, when mustered into the United
States service by Colonel Robert Campbell, was ordered to quarters at
Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis. While there a dispatch was received
conveying the information that General Taylor had already been relieved,
and the command was sent to Boonville, subject to orders, and afterward
discharged by general proclamation. But little time was spent in Sacramento, and after getting as thorough an idea as possible of the country he went to Mormon Island, and in company with his brother and a couple other members of their party, he commenced mining there, panning out the gold in the primitive manner of the early days. By this means he was able to clean up about $8 a day; but a couple months of such work showed him that it was a pretty difficult way to make money, and not such a fine one as his mind had pictured, while attended with considerable inconvenience and more or less privation, provisions being sometimes scarce, and the work compelling him to be always in the water, which was not conducive to good health. Accordingly, after studying over the situation, he concluded that there were other sources of revenue than the mines, and one probably more to his taste, and he went about looking up the possibilities. After inspecting considerable territory in Sacramento and Yolo counties, with a view of selecting a location for the stock business, he chose the Capay grant, in the latter county, as the place most suitable for his purpose, and there he and his brother located. In 1851 they bought a league and a half of land there, in partnership with John S. Jury and John Q. Adams. In 1856 they bought out Mr. Jury's interest, and later Mr. Adams sold his interest in the property. The title was perfected by a United States patent, which our subject secured on a personal visit to Washington. During this time Mr. Stephens had been active in importing and improving the quality of stock, and for this purpose made trips East in 1853 and 1854, while others made similar journeys for them, with the same object in view at other times, bringing back some excellent stock, including cattle, horses and mules. He also bought sheep of Rowles & Rawson, at Oakland, and did much toward giving an impetus to improvement in that quarter. Among his purchases was that of the famous Southdown ram, World's Prize, which cost $2,000. When the State Fair was organized he took an active interest in its success, and lent to it his encouragement, being a consistent exhibiter from its organization until 1864. In 1861 Mr. Stephens, accompanied by his wife and daughter, went East, and upon landing at New York first learned that the civil war had broken out. While he was at his old home in Missouri the battle of Booneville took place, and he will never forget the comical side of the situation as he saw the vanquished scurrying along in retreat after their first battle, one of them occasionally explaining how they were mowed down, with all the exaggeration occasioned by their excited frame of mind. In 1862 he took another trip East, via Panama, and spent the winter there, returning in the spring. In 1859 Mr. Stephens organized the Capay Ditch Company and was elected president, a position he has ever since held. This enterprise was one of the first of its kind in this part of the State, and besides is one of considerable magnitude. He gave his personal attention to the management of the large land, stock and water interests in the Capay Valley until 1864, when, leaving his brother George D. in immediate charge, he went to Virginia City, Nevada, with capital to invest in mining enterprises, etc., there. For a time he was engaged in operating a quartz mill there, and during his entire stay of four weeks was active in financial matters. Leaving there in 1868 he went overland to San Diego in search of grazing land, and having concluded his mission there returned to Yolo County. He then bent his energies to the establishment of the Bank of Woodland, which he accomplished in connection with others, he taking nearly half the stock. This bank, which is noticed at length elsewhere, is the largest financial institution on the Pacific coast outside of San Francisco. It is safe to say that no bank in California has been the medium of more genuine accommodation to men in need of assistance than the Bank of Woodland. Its immense power and prestige, with its paid-up capital and surplus of over $1,000,000, has always been used to build up rather than to tear down, and it has been of incalculable benefit to the community. Ever since its organization Mr. Stephens has been its president, and the only change in the officers have been in that of cashier, now ably filled by C.F. Thomas. In 1871 the Pneumatic Gas Company, which had undertaken to supply Woodland with light, failed on account of defects in its system, and a company was formed to buy its plant, with Mr. Stephens as its president. The purchase effected, coal gas was substituted, and the new system, which at once proved a success, has since been in vogue. In 1872 J.W. Peek undertook to supply the city with water, but his project ended in failure. Recognizing the fact that Woodland's prosperity demanded a plentiful supply of water, Mr. Stephens came to the front, took hold of the enterprise, and in company with two other enterprising gentlemen soon placed at the disposal of the citizens a supply more than sufficient for all purposes. These are but a few of the undertakings to which he has lent a helping hand and assisted to place upon a substantial foundation. Hardly a church is there in Yolo County but acknowledges his liberal generosity, and this though he is not himself identified with any denomination. He has been the consistent champion and patron of education, this fact being particularly emphasized in the case of Hesperian College, to which his donation was double that of any others and of which he is now a trustee. He has never allowed a benevolent scheme of merit to pass him without substantial encouragement, and yet it is not in such a manner that his benevolence has been. There are men to-day living in California in comfortable and even affluent circumstances, and some who have passed away bore similar testimony, that ascribe-and justly too-to Mr. Stephens their success in life. He found them sometimes in the midst of financial difficulty, made personal investments for them, gave them the results and stood by them when they were on their feet. While one of California's successful men, he has truly attained his independent affluence without harm to other men. No man is the power for his riches, but many are better and more prosperous. Perhaps the most striking feature of Mr. Stephens' character is the entire absence of greed of gain, which so often characterizes men who are the architects of their own fortunes. A cool, collected, self-contained and apparently easy-going man, of plain, entirely unostentatious demeanor, fond of art and of collecting the relics and mementoes of aboriginal times, one wonders where there is room for the business side of his nature which has accomplished such results in the world of commerce and of finance. It is a latent strength which, if unseen, is none the less felt for that effect. In this respect Mr. Stephens may justly be considered a remarkable man, illustrating to a nicety the idea of force without friction. He has for over forty years been connected with the Masonic order, in which he yet takes an active interest. He was one of the charter members of the Woodland Commandery, Knights Templar, of which he has since served as Eminent Commander. He is a member of the Sacrament Society of California Pioneers, believing with the best minds of the day in the preservation of the annals of the early days of the State and the recollection of the memories of the men who made the present California possible. He has been a member of the Union Club of San Francisco since 1883. While it may be said that he has never been a man of leisure, but rather one without leisure from boyhood, he has recognized the necessity of a man with his many business cares abstaining at times from his customary active methods, and has usually spent his vacations in travel. Among the trips thus taken was one in 1876, during which year he visited the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia and attended the National Democratic Convention at St. Louis. In 1878 he made a tour of Europe, visiting all points of interest. In 1881 he made his last trip East, combining business with pleasure, and in 1885 he visited the New Orleans Exposition and traveled through the Southern States. He also visited Alaska in 1888. Perhaps the most memorable of his pleasure excursions, however, was the one to the Sandwich Islands, in 1887, as one of the Masonic guests of King Kalakaua, a trip which will be incidentally mentioned in connection with its sequel further on in this article. Mr. Stephens was married at Bellair, Missouri, January 4, 1854, to Miss Mary F. Alexander, a native of Kentucky, who removed with her parents to Missouri in 1845. She is of Scotch descent, and her ancestors settled in Virginia at an early day, the city of Alexandria in that State having been named after her grandfather. Three children were born to them, of whom the only one surviving is a daughter, now the wife of Joseph Craig, of Woodland. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens make their home in the block surrounded by College, First, Cross and Pendegast streets, where they have a stately mansion surrounded by grounds embellished in a happy style of art, which is yet suggestive of nature. These grounds are traversed by walks and drives and ornamented by semi-tropical and other trees. One spot is in the form of a circle completely embowered by tropical trees, and in this circle on October 12, 1887, occurred the banquet which may here be recounted as a feature of one of the most noted entertainments that has ever occurred in California. The following extract from the San Francisco Call well describes the event and the occasion for it. "The Stephens' Luau at Woodland.-The luau which took place at the residence of Mr. J.D. Stephens, in Woodland last Tuesday evening, was an event that will not be forgotten by those present for a long time to come. Mr. Stephens spent a part of last summer on the Hawaiian and neighboring islands, having gone there in company with a large number of Masons, who were invited there by their brother Masons, residents of the island. To illustrate to his neighbors and friends the habits and customs of the natives in the Cannibal Islands, Mr. Stephens conceived the idea of giving a social party at his residence which would represent similar gatherings of the upper class in that country. While Mr. Stephens and party were at the Hawaiian Islands they were tendered a reception after their return home, and requested Mrs. George D. Hall, then of Virginia City, Nevada, now of Alameda, and Miss Josie Watkins, now of Tacoma, Washington, who were among his companions to make minute note of the details that it might be faithfully reproduced, which was done in the most successful manner, being both amusing and instructive to the large number of people present. "The beautiful residence is situated in the southern part of Woodland city and occupies a place in the middle of a park of about four acres of ground. The park is laid off in walks and driveways, and is ornamented with shade trees, flowers and fountains. On the east side of the park there is an arbor which is of an oblong shape, 30x80 feet, inclosed by thickly planted cypress trees, which make a solid foliage on all sides, the branches being sufficiently long to inclose the top, and which has been used for playing toka, and a dining-room on special occasions. It was in this arbor that the aloha was held. The ground had been thickly covered with straw, which was covered with matting. The novel dining-room had three long tables running lengthwise, ten inches high, and the room was lighted by fifty Chinese lanterns, which included all its furniture, there being no chairs. The low tables were well loaded with all the good things of the State, including stewed dog meat, which is prized so highly by the natives of Hawaii, together with many things brought from the islands for the occasion. "Everything having been put in readiness long before the setting of the sun, the invited guests commenced to arrive before the sun hid itself behind the Coast Range of mountains. As fast as the guests arrived they were conducted to a room on the second floor of the residence, where they were provided with a wreath of flowers, which passed under one arm and around the neck. The Woodland orchestra soon took its place on the lawn and filled the park with excellent music, the park being lighted with more than 100 Chinese lanterns, some of which were as large as flour barrels, giving it a most beautiful appearance. "About six o'clock the grand march commenced to the arbor, where the royal banquet was spread, all things being represented that were given to the Masons by King Kalakaua on their arrival at Honolulu, the capital city. The guests first took their places around the table, where the order was given to sit down on the matting with feet under the tables, which was not much of a feat for the young and light weights, but no easy task for the old and corpulent. After much time had been spent in feasting of the dainties, G.C. Grimes, who had been selected as master of the ceremonies, arose and announced the first toast, "Aloha," which was responded to by Professor J. I. McConnell. "The toasts and responses continued as follows: California, R.H. Beamer; Fraternal Friendship, F.M. Brown; Masonic Excursions to Honolulu, Judge Crowly; Yolo County, F.S. Sprague; Poi, Dr. Ross; Pleasure of a Sea Voyage, E. C. Dozier, of Rio Vista; The Social Side of Life, Hudson Grand; Our Lady Guests, Hon. F.E. Baker; The Pioneers and Native Sons, C.H. Garoutte; Music and Flowers, Colonel G.P. Harding; Our Host, Judge J.C. Ball. "The responses were well received by quiet recognitions of the
audience, who were twisting their bodies in all kinds of positions hoping
to find an easier position, with their feet still under the table. While
there were many dishes on the tables that are common with the Kanakas,
"poi" is the national dish of the Sandwich Islanders. It is
obtained from the root of the kalo, which, after having been baked and
well beaten on a board with a stone pestle, is then made into a paste
with water and allowed to ferment for a few days, when it is fit to
be eaten. There is a peculiar breed of dogs which, when exclusively
fed on poi, is considered a great delicacy. The kalo plant is grown
in wet places. It is said that a patch of kalo forty feet square will
yield sufficient food to support a native for a whole year. A square
mile would support 1,700 persons. The stewed dog looked tempting, and
several partook freely of the dainty dish and pronounced it good. After
all had risen and had a good stretch, the music commenced, when a social
hour was enjoyed in a free-and-easy way which was most suitable to each
individual until after midnight. John Dickson STEPHENS (#2) From the time of the establishment of the first bank in Yolo county
until his demise almost thirty years later Mr. Stephens sustained a
wide reputation as one of the most able and far-seeing financiers of
Woodland. His the keen mental vision that discerned the need of adequate
banking facilities in the then frontier settlement; his the sincerity
of citizenship that gave to the community an example of unselfish devotion
to duty; and his the intelligent insight into financial problems that
laid stanch and deep and strong the foundations of a banking institution
honored among the bankers of the entire state. Nor did he leave the
impress of his fine personality alone upon banking enterprises, for
he also was known and honored as a philanthropist of wise activities,
a stock-raiser of successful experience, a pioneer miner of conservative
policies and a citizen of cultured attainments. His death, which occurred
August 27, 1898, was a loss not only to the bank of which he had been
the first and only president, but also was recognized as a distinct
loss to dignified, unselfish, high-minded citizenship. Lawrence David STEPHENS One of the most highly esteemed and public-spirited citizens of Woodland
is Lawrence D. Stephens, who since 1898 has been president of the Bank
of Woodland, having been a director since its organization in 1868,
when his uncle, John D. Stephens, was its chief executive. Born in Boonville,
Cooper county, Mo., June 30, 1835, he spent his boyhood on the farm
of his parents, James Madison and Mary Ann (Adams) Stephens, receiving
his early education in the district school of his home community. William Albert STITES One of California's native sons, who is engaged in viticulture and
horticulture near Citrona, is William A. Stites, who set out and improved
his vineyard and orchard from the raw land. Possessed of the qualities
of courage and manliness, he has not only made a decided success of
his own life, but, by his well-directed efforts and generous aid, has
assisted in countless ways his many friends and associates, who regard
him with warm esteem and admiration. Matt H. STITT The chairman of the board of supervisors of Yolo county is a representative
of an honored old Kentucky family that since 1888 has been identified
with the material upbuilding of California. Since having been established
in the new world, the family has displayed a depth of loyalty to country
and a degree of patriotism that proves beyond question their true American
spirit and by no one of the name was this loyal devotion more evidenced
than by Hon. William J. Stitt, a Kentuckian of the old school, brave
in battle, honorable in business and enterprising in temperament, whose
love for country was so great that it impelled him to serve throughout
the entire period of the Mexican war, and whose devotion to the south
was so sincere that it led him into the Confederate cause, as a major
in the command of the famous leader. Gen. John C. Breckenridge. When
the cause was lost he again took up the pursuits of peace, and out of
the wreck of the ruined hopes of the Confederacy endeavored to build
anew a permanent place in his own home state. As proprietor of Hotel
Flemingsburg, in Fleming county, and the Versailles house, in Woodford
county, he found work peculiarly fitted to one of his temperament, for
his genial disposition and friendly manner won for him many friends,
and as "mine host" of the two southern hotels he became very
popular with the traveling public. His intelligence of mind and energy
of spirit were appreciated by the people among whom he lived and they
called him to serve in positions of trust. For one term he served as
sheriff of his native county of Nicholas. The position was one for which
he was well qualified by his absolute fearlessness of temperament. In
the administration of the law he knew neither fear nor partiality. For
two terms he represented the people of his district in the Kentucky
state legislature, and in that responsible capacity he proved not only
efficient, but even brilliant, upholding the interests of the locality
which he represented and at the same time laboring willingly for all
measures calculated to benefit the commonwealth. John STODDARD Out of the dreary environment and intense isolation of a miner's existence
into the freedom and outdoor exercise incident to the occupation of
agriculture, Mr. Stoddard passed when he came from the east to California
and settled among the pioneers of Yolo county. At the time of his location
here, 1867, land was cheap and easily obtained, yet so scanty were his
means that he was impoverished through the purchase of one hundred and
sixty acres of raw land lying ten miles southwest of Woodland. However,
although lacking capital to develop the land, he did not lack energy
and industry, and these two qualities carried him through many a discouraging
condition of affairs, becoming indeed the foundation upon which later
was built his very substantial degree of success. F. M. STRICKLAND F. M. Strickland, member of the firm of Howells & Strickland, proprietors
of the leading grocery house in Madison, is the son of Thomas and Louisa
(Rother) Strickland, the former a native of England, born in 1803, and
a physician, who died in Guthrie County, Iowa, at the age of sixty-three
years, and the latter a native of Germany and still living in Guthrie
County. Mr. Strickland was born in the same county in 1862, and came
to Madison, California, in 1880, where he has ever since been successfully
engaged in mercantile business. The present partnership was formed September
1, 1888, and they carry between $5,000 and $6,000 worth of stock. Mr.
Strickland was married in 1889, in Madison, to Miss Mamie Brown, a native
of Placer County, California, and they have one son, Harry Francis,
born in Madison, Yolo County, California, April 13, 1890. H. S. STRIPPEL The type of foreigner represented by Mr. Strippel is of that class
so advantageous to American progress and development. While never forgetful
of his native land, which gave to him as a heritage the qualities of
thrift, frugality and industry, he nevertheless has maintained a loyal
devotion to the country of his adoption and is peculiarly patriotic
in his sincere admiration for California, his chosen home. Quietly and
unostentatiously he lived his active life of labor and energetic effort
and finally, when more than sixty years of existence had left their
burden upon him, he retired from agricultural activities and since then
has lived in quiet enjoyment of home and family and friends. J. E. SUGGETT Since establishing a home in Yolo county during the year 1897 Mr. Suggett
has owned and magaged ten acres of alfalfa land in Willow Oak park,
where he has an attractive country home. Since he has made a specialty
of alfalfa he has been prospered in a gratifying degree and has cut
as many as seven crops yearly, never taking off less than six crops,
which fact in itself speaks volumes for the character of the soil and
its adaptability to this popular variety of hay. It has been found profitable
to carry on a small dairy and the owner devotes much of this time to
the correct care of the splendid milch cows kept on the place. A firm
believer in the future growth and prosperity of the county, he gives
it as his opinion that in all of his travels throughout the west he
has found no region more fertile, no people more hospitable and no climate
more salubrious than is to found in his own chosen locality. C. Grant SUTHERLAND One of Woodland's capable and useful citizens is C. Grant Sutherland,
who is rendering appreciated service as assistant secretary of the Woodland
Clinic Hospital. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on the 29th
of May, 1899, and was reared there, receiving his early education in
the grade schools of that city. Later he was a student in Trinity College,
at Port Hope, Ontario, and while in that institution took an active
part in athletics, particularly in ice hockey and football. During the
World war he joined the Canadian Army and was ready for service, but
was not ordered overseas. He then engaged in business as a public accountant
and a stock and bond dealer in Winnipeg, to which he devoted his attention
until 1925, when he came to Woodland. Here he became associated with
H. O. Harrison in the latter's stock ranch and automobile agency, and
when Mr. Harrison closed out his interests in Yolo county Mr. Sutherland
was appointed assistant superintendent, under H. O. Cummings, of Woodland
Clinic Hospital. He is now assistant secretary of that institution and
its financial man, a very important and responsible position, the duties
of which he is discharging in a manner that has earned for him the commendation
of those who know of his activities and the results obtained. Carrington A. SWETE Of English parentage and birth, Mr. Swete was born in Oxford March
21, 1873. His father, Fanshaw C. B. Swete, was a graduate of Dublin
University, from which institution he first received the degree of A.
B. and later that of A. M. He was a clergyman in the Church of England.
The grandfather, John B. Swete, was the owner of Blatchford Hall, Netherexe,
Train Hall, Oxton Hall and other estates. He married Lady Shafto, who
passed away at Park Place, county of Devon. The father, a gentleman
of means and leisure, resided at the latter place. The family on both
sides were prominent in the English navy. The children in the parental
family were educated at the Rossall school in Lancashire. From boyhood
Carrington A. Swete made many trips to various parts of Chile and other
points off the Horn, where the winters, which occur in July and August,
are very stormy and where the nights are long and dark. On one of these
expeditions Mr. Swete came near losing his life, when one night a storm
came on, which increased in severity as the hours passed. So fearful
was the power of the wind that not only the boats but the wheel house
as well were torn away; the sea raged over the deck, sweeping before
it the sailors, whose long training in such emergencies, however, enabled
them to cling with almost superhuman power to various parts of the ship.
In the midst of this crisis Mr. Swete was thrown overboard, but succeeded
in grasping the guard rail, to which he hung, while the foaming waves
dashed over him and the voice of the tempest thundered in his ears.
A few moments, hours to him, passed ere strong hands rescued him, shaken
but safe, from his perilous position. Only by the valiant efforts of
the crew did the ship weather the storm, arriving at her goal crippled
but with her precious cargo intact. For four years Mr. Swete sailed
the ocean in trading vessels, and the life, though ofttimes fraught
with grave danger, held for him a fascination the memory of which still
thrills him. George H. SWINGLE It would be impossible to overestimate the value to Yolo county of
the indefatigable labors of the sturdy pioneers of the '50s. Many of
that rugged throng of home-seekers have rested from their labors, but
their works do follow them, and they are remembered with affectionate
reverence as important contributors to the permanent prosperity of the
region. Not the least among these men was George H. Swingle, who for
a long period of successful activity identified himself with the ranching
interests of the county and also contributed his quota to the public
service. The lapse of time since his demise has not dimmed his memory
in the hearts of family and friends, nor has it lessened the appreciation
of his pioneer labors for the upbuilding of the community. His the task,
with other early settlers, of laying the foundations broad and deep
and strong, so that future generations might labor with every hope of
success. His the labor of turning the first furrows in the virgin soil
and transforming a barren waste into a productive ranch, and the work
which he started with such commendable has been prosecuted sagaciously
by the inheritors of the estate. George Kirk SWINGLE From pioneer times to the present members of the Swingle family have been closely identified with California's development and progress along agricultural lines, and the work instituted by his father is now being successfully carried forward by George Kirk Swingle, who is engaged in farming near Davis. He is cultivating the home place, on which he was born July 9, 1873, a son of George H. and M. E. (Hall) Swingle, the latter a native of Elyria, Ohio. The father was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, July 26, 1826, and in early life went to Missouri, locating near Independence. In 1853 he started for California, making the long and hazardous journey in a covered wagon, drawn by oxen, and at length arriving safely in Sacramento. From there he proceeded to Dutch Flat, where he made his home for about five years, devoting his attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1858 he removed to Yolo county, purchasing a tract of land, which he improved and developed, and eventually he became one of the prosperous grain growers and stock raisers of this part of the state. In public affairs he took an active and helpful part and in 1866 was elected a county supervisor on the democratic ticket, serving for a term of four years, during which he was instrumental in securing the accomplishment of much constructive work. His death occurred on the 1st of November, 1895, and his wife has also passed away. The early educational advantages enjoyed by George K. Swingle were provided by the grammar and high schools of Alameda and his advanced studies were pursued in the University of California. After his graduation he returned to the homestead, taking over its management at the time of his father's death, and has since devoted his efforts to the cultivation of the place, adding many modern improvements thereto. The property comprises ten hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, a portion of which is under irrigation. There is a deep well on the property, which is provided with eight pumping plants, turbine pumps being used, and thus one-half of the ranch is irrigated. In addition to truck gardening Mr. Swingle is extensively engaged in stock raising, specializing in registered Shropshire and Hampshire sheep. He now has four hundred ewes and raises rams for breeding purposes. All of his activities are based upon system and science, and gratifying results have followed his well directed labors. He has ever been animated by the spirit of progress and there is no phase of general agricultural pursuits with which he is not thoroughly familiar through years of close study and practical experience. Mr. Swingle was united in marriage to Miss E. I. Hughson, who was
born in Sacramento, and their attractive and hospitable home has long
been a center of the social life of the district in which Mr. Swingle
has always resided. He is deeply attached to his state and his public
spirit is expressed as a director of the Davis Chamber of Commerce.
He is a member of the Faculty Club of Davis, the Sutter Club of Sacramento
and the Wool Growers Association of California, and he possesses those
attributes which win for a man the respect and esteem of his fellows. |
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Peggy B. and Patrick Perazzo 
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