Amador County Biographies

W. C. JONES
Was born in Lewis county, Missouri, April 1, 1834, where he spent his boyhood until be was eighteen years of age. Being of an energetic temperament,
he broke away from the comforts of home and made his way to the land of gold, by way of the plains, arriving in Diamond Springs, El Dorado county, Sep-
tember 30, 1852, where he remained engaged in mining until 1857, when he removed to Amador county. He was married October 11, 1857, to Mrs. Elizabeth Kelley, by whom he has had six children, four of whom are now living. He takes naturally to keeping hotel, having been mostly engaged in that business since his residence in the county. All the travelers on the road in 1859-60 will remember the comforts of the Revere House under his management. He recently purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres among the romantic hills, two and one-half miles cast of lone, which he is fitting up as a pleasant stopping place, and as a resort for persons seeking rest and amusement. The character of his improvements will be best learned from the fine engraving of them which accompanies this volume.

THOMAS KERR
Was born in 1843 in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where be remained until he was fourteen years of age, during which time he took advantage of such
opportunities of informing his mind as the place afforded. He came to California in 1860, locating at once in the town of Amador which he has since made
his home. For a few years he engaged in freighting, the immense quantities of timber and other supplies needed in the heavy mining around the town, making that a very extensive business. After four years of this kind of work he engaged in the livery business, which he has since followed. In 1871 he was
married to Miss Augusta Fassett, a native of Illinois, who died February 25, [copy smeared] Have three children, two boys and one girl. Mr. Kerr is a Californian in spirit and fact, his active years so far, having been given to the Golden State.

STEPHEN P. KIDD
Was born in Colne, Lancashire, England, in 1825, living there until he was twenty-three years of age, following the business of landscape gardener, seedsman and florist, callings for which he had been regularly educated. In 1848 he came to the United States, and four years afterwards to California in company with the Surface family, who settled on Dry creek. In the Summer after his arrival he engaged in mining at the old Winters Bar, opposite Lancha Plana, following his trade the following Summer on the rich lands of Dry creek. Being naturally of a scientific turn of mind he soon mastered all that was known of mines and mining, and his advice became valuable in connection with the mines afterwards discovered in Nevada, some of the most extensive and profitable ventures in that State being inaugurated by him. The fine, artistic plans on the Edwards place, now owned by Younglove; was the result of his skill as a landscape gardener. After spending some years in the Nevada mines be finally settled down on a beautiful place in Jackson valley to make a home for his young and interesting family, he having married Miss Mary M. Goodding December 13,1870; but God disposes. In the midst of his projects he was taken sick, and on Sunday eve he breathed his last.
As a man Mr. Kidd was quiet and unassuming, always cheerful, with a kindly word for all. ln his business relations he was exact and reliable, managing with justice and discretion. Nature forms but few such men.

MERWIN LEACH
Was born in Franklin county, Vermont, in 1837, and came across the plains in I860, bringing up in Amador City, where he lived for ten years. In
1870 he went to Plymouth, residing there for one year; thence to Church Union mines in El Dorado County for two years; thence to Kelsey, where he
remained until April 18, 1881, when he returned to Plymouth, and purchased a half-interest in the store of Thompson Davis, with whom ho has since
remained. He is not married at the time of this writing.

JAMES LESSLEY
Is one of our valuable men who go straight to work; satisfied with moderate prospects they turn neither to the right nor left, but keep on with slow and steady accumulations until they outstrip many who start in life with much more brilliant prospects. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, February 16, 1840, and came to California with his parents in 1854, making his. home since that time in Amador County. His education bus been rather practical than otherwise, being acquired mostly in business operations. He was employed with a team soon after coming here, and in due time acquired a team of his own and engaged in the lumber trade until he became one of the principal dealers and manufacturers in the county. He was married, August 22. 1869, to Miss Mary McGhee. They have seven children, two boys and five girls.

M. J. LITTLE
Was born in Bristol, Lincoln county, Maine, January 14, 1821, where ho resided until he was fifteen years of age, getting such education as the town afforded. Like most young men in a maritime town he had to try his fortunes on the sea, going abroad on his first voyage at the age of sixteen. Being faithful and efficient, he was promoted from one position to another. In 1844, we find him second mate; in 1846, first mate, and two years later in charge of the vessel John F. Strout. As might have been expected of one so ambitious and energetic, the gold excitement swept him off his feet, and a few months later found him on his way around the Horn on the brig Hangarian, arriving in San Francisco April 27, 1850. lie remained in that Babel of nationalities but one month; then purchasing a small row-boat, made his way up the Sacramento and Feather rivers to Marysville, and from thence to the Butte creek mines. From here he soon returned to San Francisco, and made another start to the mines, this time to Stephens Bar, on the Tuolumne river, in Tuolumne county, where he engaged in mining, also in trading in general merchandise until 1853, when he sold out and traveled around the mines, visiting Mariposa and other places, finally settling down in Jackson in 1854, which place he has since made his home. He followed mining until 1863, when the unsurpassed fruit and other California productions led him to adopt agriculture as a calling, which he has followed since, lie located at that time the farm of one hundred and twenty-eight acres of land adjoining the town of Jackson. It is pleasantly situated, has a fine orchard and vineyard, with good buildings, and has in itself enough- charms to satisfy a reasonable mind, and induce one to forego voyages and explorations and live contentedly under his own vine and fig tree. He was married, March 18,1861, to Miss Mary D. Pope, of Sherburne, Chenango County, New York. Mr. Little has the same straightforward, honest ways which induced the owners of vessels to entrust thousands of dollars worth of property to his care when he was young, and enjoys the fullest confidence of the community.

ROBERT LUDGATE
Was born in the city of Watcrford, Waterford county, Ireland, September 22, 1833. lie came to New Orleans while still a boy and from thence to California
in 1850, settling a year later in lone valley, which place be made 1m permanent residence. He was engaged most of the time in stock-raising and farm-
ing until 1863, when he became associated with J. W. Surface in the livery business, in which he continued until his death. In 1877 he was elected to
represent the people of Amador county in the Legislature of California. He had been in feeble health for some years, and was fully qualified to perform the
arduous duties of a Legislator, but with the conscientiousness and fidelity characteristic of his whole life, he gave his unremitting attention to the business until nature, overtasked, gave way, and he breathed his last February 15,1878, at ten o'clock, having been present in his seat the same day. The next morning, after the calling of the Assembly to order, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Dunlap, his associate member from the county, and unanimously adopted by a rising vote :—
Resolved, By the Assembly, the Senate concurring, that a committee of five members of the Assembly be appointed by the Speaker, and five Senators be appointed by the President of the Senate to attend the obsequies of the Honorable Robert Ludgate, on Sunday, the 17lh, at 3 o'clock, P M at the town
of lone City, in Amador county, and further that the Assembly attend the funeral in a body.

Upon this resolution being received in the Senate Chamber it was also adopted, the President appointing Brown of Amador, Craig of San Francisco, Rogers of San Francisco, Brown of El Dorado, and Nunan San Francisco a committee to escort the remains to the late member's home. The committee
from the Assembly was Dunlap of Amador, Wheat of Calaveras, Meyers of San Joaquin, Miller of El Dorado and Ames of San Mateo. A resolution was also
passed to wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and as a mark of respect both houses adjourned until the following Monday. In Sacramento, the Odd Fellows, of which body he was a distinguished member, assembled at their lodges and encampments and made arrangements to escort the remains of their late brother to the train which was to take them to the Amador branch of the road. On Sunday an immense cortege, consisting of the various branches of the Odd Fellows in regalia, members of the Legislature, delegation of citizens from lone, and private citizens, accompanied the remains from the hotel to the depot. At Gait the escort was met by the members of the lone Lodge No. 51 and the remains transferred to the cars running to lone, where the cortege was received by the citizens of the county generally and accompanied to the home of the late member. The funeral services were observed the following day according to the established form of the society of Odd Fellows, the Rev. J. T. White acting as clergyman, assisted by the Rev. E. Jacka and J. W. Huston, N. G.
As a man Mr. Ludgate was upright in his character, warm in his feelings, strong in his convictions and outspoken in his opinions ; a devoted husband and father, and a firm, unwavering friend. In business transactions his word was a bond, as sacred as though God were called to witness. He leaves a widow and three children, one boy and two girls, to sorrow for his untimely end, and inherit the honor of his untarnished name. Her maiden name was
Mary O'Brien, and they were married November 8, 1869.

                                                                                             0. E. MARTIN
Was born in the town of Guilford, Maine, May 28, 1848. Mr. Martin had the misfortune to lose his parents at an early age, and has no recollection of
the tender love and care of a mother. His grandparents made the loss less to him by watching over his young life, he living with them until he was
eighteen years of age, at the town of Montville. From there he went to Boston, where be spent two years in the drug business. During the next four
years he lived in Kansas, Missouri, and Maine, or at least such portions of the time as he was not traveling, for the desire to see the world was as strong
in him as in most young men, and must be gratified where the future business man can settle down to the work of life. In January, 1873, he left his native
State for California, arriving in Sacramento in time, and immediately located in the county of Amador, at Sutter Creek, where he was engaged in the
milk business for two or three years. In 1877 he was confidential clerk in the lumber establishment of Tarr & Co., which resulted in the purchase of the
business with J. 0. Bartlett of Sutter Creek.
    At the present time the firm name is 0. E. Martin & Co., being the only extensive dealers in lumber in the town of Amador. The lumber is brought from
Tarr's mill, which is in the mountains twenty-one miles distant.
    Mr. Martin was married November 16, 1880, to Mrs. Sarah E. Price, a native of Illinois.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 312 - 313
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
L. Mc LAINE
Was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward's Island, March 22, 1830, whore he remained until he reached manhood's estate. Ho received a liberal education,
and in May, 1850, bade farewell to his early associations to seek hi8 fortune in the much-talked-of California. In October of the same year ho located in
Volcano, Amador county, and for ten years followed the usual occupation of those days. Ho also served six years as Supervisor for District No. 2. In
1869 he commenced business as a banker and broker, which he has followed to the present time, his purchases of gold-dust and bullion often amounting to
twenty thousand dollars per month. He has an assaying department connected with his establishment. He is at present also superintendent of the
Consolidated Amador Hydraulic Gold Mining and Land Company.
He was married in 1872, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Dr. Wm. Ives, of Volcano. Mrs. Mc Laine is a native of Moorefield, Hardy County, West Virginia, and was born in 1849. Their union has been blessed with five children.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 313
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
                                                                                                       JAMES MEEHAN
Is a native of county Monohan, Ireland, where he was born November 1, 1833. Coming to America at the age of thirteen and encaging in business, his
education was somewhat limited, but by study and application during leisure hours he succeeded in fully remedying the want, and is remarkably well in-
formed on all general topics. He came to Now Orleans on the Bailing vessel George Washington, arriving in July, 1847, in company with a brother,
where he remained until 1849. On the breaking out of the gold excitement he embarked on the old sailing vessel Ontario, which carried him safely to California, though the vessel was nine months on the way, reaching San Francisco in 1850. After taking a look at the chaos of people of all nations and colors, he left for th3 mines, making his first efforts at mining in Chinese Camp, in Tuolumne county. The following two or three years ho alternated from Downieville to the American river, and thence to Tuolumne again, finally reaching Volcano, where his wandering propensities were cured by meeting Miss Mary A. Rawle, who, in 1856, became his wife, since which time he has had a residence in Amador County.
    During the year 1852 he made a flying visit to New Orleans, but he had seen too many of the advantages of California to remain in the older States, and soon returned to the State to make it a permanent home. At Volcano he engaged in mining, with varied success, until 1867, when he was elected to the position of County Treasurer, which place he held for four years, having been re-elected at the end of his first term. He then engaged in quartz mining for four years, when he was again elected to the position of Treasurer, which he holds to the present time. He has executed the duties of the office with marked ability. He was the author of the proposition to devote a portion of the county funds to the extinguishment of the county debt, which, under the
operation of the law, has gradually been liquidated, and bids fair to soon take its place among the events of the past. He has operated quite extensively in
quartz mining, having been a stockholder in the Kennedy, Monterichard, and other valuable mines; also owns a large tract of gravel-mining ground near
Kennedy flat, and also a quartz vein called the Volunteer mine, east of the Kennedy.
    He has had nine children, six of whom, four boys and two girls, are living.
History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 313
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
                                                                                                        HIRAM C. MEEK
Is the patriarch of Amador county, dating his birth as far back as 1792. He is a native of Virginia, a countryman and neighbor of Washington, whom
ho saw frequently, and remembers well. Since that time and this, eighty years apart, what a change. Then, Jefferson and Adams, Burr and Hamilton,
were engaged in the political strife, which led to the death of one of the men, the political and social ruin of another, the destruction of the old Federal party, and the creation of a Democratic party, which, through a nearly unbroken line of sixty years, shaped the political character of the United States. Well may one say with Everett, " Venerable man, you have come down to us down from a former generation." The last of the Revolutionary soldiers de-
parted long since. Soon the last of that century, the last of those who were contemporaneous with the great men of that age, will have vanished; and
the time is not far distant when to have seen a man who had soon Washington will be a matter of pride. Major Mock is perhaps the only man in California
who has seen the father of his country; the only connecting link between this and the century just passed. The Major is a brother of the famous trap-
per, whose book has boon read with such eagerness by all the youth of America, and accompanied him in nearly all his travels. Ho is now settled down
in comfortable quarters, surrounded by members of his family, enjoying a serene old age. His portrait, an excellent likeness, indicates an amount of vitality that justifies the expectation of his reaching the beginning of his second century.

GEORGE MOORE
Judge of .the Superior Court of the county of Amador, was born in Danville, Boyle county, Kentucky, February 14, 1850, and is, therefore, at this time
thirty-one years of age. His parents were W. I. and Elizabeth C. Moore, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, the latter a native of Kentucky.
Judge Moore was educated for the profession of law, having graduated from Centre College, Kentucky, in the year 1870, whereupon, after pursuing his studios for two years in the law office of Durham & Jacobs, at Danville, he attended the law lectures at Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts. When but twenty-five years old he was appointed one of the Tilden and Hendricks electors for the Eighth district of Kentucky. In the Winter of 1877 he emigrated
to the State of California, and commenced the practice of law in Amador county soon afterwards. After the adoption of the New Constitution in 1879,
which brought about such important and extreme changes in our judicial system, Judge Moore was nominated and elected as the presiding officer of
the new Superior Court for the county of Amador, being at the time of his elevation to the bench one of the youngest judges of that court in the State. Judge Moore is of a turn of mind peculiarly adapting him to the position which he occupies; logic, and its natural sequence, law, being with him almost spontaneous growths. The writer recently had an opportunity of witnessing his ability in the great mining case involving the Empire and Pacific mines of Plymouth. Some of the most celebrated lawyers in the State, among whom were Belcher, Estee, and Boalt, well known in San Francisco, were present. His rulings and decisions won the respect of the entire Bar. It is hardly probable that Judge Moore will remain in the mountains when the cities offer such brilliant rewards for men of his ability. He is pleasantly situated, as the sketch of his house in another part of the book will show.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 314
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
MATTHEW MURRAY
The subject of the following sketch, is a native of Ireland, born in County Cavan, September 15, 1834, where he remained until, at the age of fourteen
years, he emigrated with his parents to the United States, and settled in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, where for seven years ho was engaged in the grocery business and in the cultivation of his mind, devoting his leisure moments to the study of such branches as are required in the interests of merchandising. Desiring a richer and more extensive field for the cultivation of his business talent, he deeded upon California as the proper place, and landed in San Francisco on the second day of July, 1855. He soon after, located near Michigan Bar, in Sacramento county, and was engaged in selling goods during the succeeding three years. His aspirations did not lead him into the mines in search of an immediate fortune, but his ambitions were centered in the business he adopted when he first arrived in America. In 1858 Mr. Murray removed to Lancba Plana, Amador County, and still continued the mercantile business until 1863, since which time ho has been interested as owner and superintendent of water ditches used in working the mines. By strict application to business he has been successful in nearly all of his business ventures. He is well known throughout the county, and has held the position of Supervisor of
the First district for several years, and still remains in that office, performing the duties acceptably to his fellow-men and creditably to himself.
Mr. Murray was married November 6, 1861, to Miss Celia E. Murray, and their union has proved fruitful, as the ten beautiful children, seven girls and
three boys now living, can testify.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 314
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
                                                                                                    JOHN NORTHUP
Was born in the town of Hamburg, Erie county, New York, October 5, 1822, and remained there until he reached the age of fifteen years. During that time
he attended school, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the common branches taught in the schools to which he had access. His next location was in
Cass county, Michigan, where for fifteen years he was a tiller of the soil. The knowledge acquired during that time was of great advantage to him in
the succeeding years of his life. In 1852 Mr. Northup came to California, and engaged in the usual occupation of those days, that of mining, in
Amador county, and for about nine years followed that pursuit, experiencing the ups and downs of fortune peculiar to the early searchers for the golden
nuggets. At length, after his long experience in that direction, he turned his attention to other pursuits, and engaged in farming, and for the past four years has been the "champion melon man " of the Pacific coast, often planting as high as one hundred to one hundred and fifty acres to that kind of fruit, and shipping the melons to San Francisco and Oakland, his sales sometimes running as high as two thousand melons per week. His " melon patch " is in
San Joaquin county, and he was the first to ship fruit direct to the city from his locality for the wholesale trade, in which he has been successful.
His home place is almost a paradise, he having an abundance of fruit trees and vines, which are carefully cared for and " show their keeping." His house
is beautifully situated near the Mokelumne river, and is one of the prettiest places in the county.
    He was married in 1856, to Miss Ann M. Harmon, and they have six children, two girls and four boys.
    Mr. Northup has the reputation of being fair and square in his dealings, and thoroughly wide awake
when any business is on band, not often being over-reached.

R. W. PALMER
Is a native of Massachusetts; came around the Horn, or rather through the Straits of Magellan, in 1849, being among the first, and perhaps last of the Argonauts to make that interesting but perilous passage. The adventures of the passengers among the savages, as related by him, are among the marvelous things of a marvelous age. He was engaged in trade for many years at Sacramento, but in 1856 moved to Lancha Plana, engaging in merchandising in company with the Hon. J. W. D. Palmer, with whom he remained until the partial failure of that camp as a mining region. The amount of goods sold and exchanged for dust would astonish a merchant of the present day. At that time the river, bluffs, and hills, were all giving up their treasures, and thou- sands of dollars then were but as tens now; but all things must have an end. Lancha Plana followed the ordinary custom, and failed to pay. Upon removing to Jackson, about 1865, he engaged in the livery business, and still keeps first-class turn-outs for those who wish to explore the country on business, or pleasure. He is married, and has an interesting family; is pleasantly situated, and if not acquiring riches, is in comfortable circumstances. He is a public spirited man, ready to leave his own business to benefit his neighbors; is generous and hospitable, ready to entertain his friends with the best in the house, or with the best of stories, of which he keeps an inexhaustible supply always on hand.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 315
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham

                                                                                                    JAMES P. PARKS
Was born in Hooper county, Missouri, on the ninth of September, 1835, where he remained until he was six years of age, at which time he removed with his parents, to Benton county. His early life was passed in his native State, but as youth ripened into manhood, he was not content to remain quietly at home while other young men were exploring the much-talked-of gold fields of the Pacific, and he accordingly bade adieu to those he loved and started out to seek his fortune with the countless thousands that were flocking to the Golden State of California.
In 1855 he reached his objective point, and at once repaired to Kern river, during the great excitement upon the discovery of those "diggins." He did not find what he sought in that locality, and soon after engaged in mining in Mariposa county, and afterwards in Nevada county. In 1861 he crossed the Sierras to the Territory of Nevada, and for the succeeding eight years was engaged in mining at Virginia City. In 1869 he went to White Pine District, and from there to Plumas county, California, where he was appointed foreman of the Indian Valley mine. On the first day of April, 1873, he came to Amador county, to accept the responsible position of foreman of the Keystone mine, where he has since been employed. As a foreman he stands second to none in the State, always the game affable gentleman, much esteemed by his employers and the people generally.
    His years of experience among the great mines of Nevada, place him in the front rank as a practical mining man, and, to add to his other accomplish-
ments, he is a thorough practical surveyor and civil engineer, and does all the work in that line for his
company.
    Mr. Parks was married October 8, 1871, to Miss Mary Phebey, of Sacramento, and they have four children.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 315
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
                                                                                                PALMER N. PECK
The subject of the following sketch, is a native of New York State, having been born in Yates, Orleans County, December 23, 1831. During his youth he
removed with his parents to the State of Michigan, where he remained until nineteen years of age. He had during these years acquired a good education,
and after leaving school entered a plow factory at Peru, Illinois, where he was employed about one year. The western fever fastened itself upon him
and like thousands of others he took up a line of march toward the setting sun, crossing the plains in 1852, and spending that Winter in Salt Lake City,
Utah. The following Spring he continued his journey to California, arriving by the southern route in San Bernardino on the 15th of May, 1853.
    After a stay of about three months in that town he removed to Stockton, San Joaquin county, where he had a step-brother. For the next three years he
was engaged in business in that place, generally merchandising. He then became a trader in the southern mines, and for two years did an extensive business. Giving up this last enterprise he went to Tuolumne county and engaged in mining operations, which proved very unprofitable for him.
    His next move was to Volcano, Amador county, where he has since resided, and generally engaged in mining, owning at the present time some thirty-
one acres of "mining ground," from which he will undoubtedly realize a handsome fortune, as he fully understands manipulating such enterprises. He is
also interested in flumes and mines in other places. Mr. Peck is well and favorably known throughout the mines of California as a man of experience and
worth, and is universally respected. He is still a single man and his elegant home is without a mistress.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 315
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
                                                                                                       A. PETTY
Was born at Circleville,. Pickaway County, Ohio, August 6, 1820. At the age of eight years he, with his parents, emigrated to Missouri. In 1842 he
removed to the State of Wisconsin, and worked in the lead mines of that State during the Winter and
followed his trade, that of plasterer, during the Summer, for about seven years, In 1849 he located in the town of McGregor, Iowa, where he resided
until December 28,. 1852, at which time he started for California with ox-teams, accompanied by his wife and two children. They crossed the State of
Iowa in winter, and arrived at Council Bluffs, March 14, 1853, where they encountered a terrible snow-storm. May 5th they crossed the Missouri
river, and were fairly on their long and tedious journey, the incidents connected with which would fill a large volume. The Indians were very trouble-
some, and they had many thrilling adventures with members of "Mr. Lo's " band. Finally they reached California and settled at Volcano, Amador county,
September 15, 1853, having, while en route, remained twenty-one days with the saints at Salt Lake, Utah.
    Mr. Petty turned his attention to mining as soon as his affairs could be arranged, and for the succeeding sixteen months prospected the country without
finding his expected bonanza. He then gave up the search for gold in the earth and looked in other channels for his supply, opening a hotel which he con-
ducted but a short time. Ho then, in connection with Captain Richards, John James, and others, formed a company for the purpose of opening a bed-
rock flume, or open cut, through the canon below the town. They prosecuted this enterprise for about two years, expending some sixty-five thousand dol-
lars, which was a dead loss. Mr. Petty has occasionally followed mining since that time, and also his trade, as circumstances required.
    In January, 1880, he bought the St. George hotel at Volcano, and has since been the. proprietor thereof. He fully understands catering to the wants of the traveling public, and is one of the few men who know how to keep a hotel. In 1879 Mr. Petty was elected County Assessor of Amador county, which
position he fills at the present time.
    He was married "in 1841 to Miss Ophelia Cooper, and they have three children.

J. E. PETTITT
Was born in Licking County, Ohio, November 16,1828, which place was his home until 1853; engaged mostly in farming and raising stock. In 1853 he came to California via Panama, and immediately located on Indian creek, in the northern part of the present county, or in what then was El Dorado county,
making this county his home since that 'time. He followed mining for several years, but in 1869 turned to farming, locating on the place he now occupies. Though making farming his principal business, he has combined with it stock-raising and freighting, the immense amounts of lumber used making that
business profitable.
He was married December 25, 1855, to Miss Christina Cox, a native of Indiana, and his family consists of himself, wife, three girls and two boys.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 316
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham

E. S. POTTER
Is a native of the famous Wooden Nutmeg State, which has sent such a vast number of keen business men into the commercial channels of the nation. He
was born in the town of Litchfield, Connecticut, November 23, 1828, from which place he moved to Platteville, Wisconsin, in 1847, coming overland to
Volcano, California, in 1852. After mining in that vicinity for about a year, he moved to Drytown, and spent about one year in mining on Poor Man's creek;
thence to Arkansas diggings, near Michigan Bar, where he kept hotel in company with Geo. W. Harris. In 1860 he removed to Buckeye valley, where he
raised stock until 1863, when he went to Pokerville, in the vicinity of Plymouth. When the mines failed at Pokerville he moved to Plymouth, then
beginning to attract attention as a quartz mining region, whore be has since remained engaged in various kinds of business, mostly teaming and lum-
bering. In 1873 he opened a lumber yard to supply the demand consequent upon the rapid building of the town. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Har-
riet Louisa Howard, of Forest Home. They have had fourteen children, six of whom are living.

History of Amador County, California: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers.
By Jesse D Mason
Thompson & West, Oakland, California – 1881
Pp 316
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
                                                                                                  HON. W. H. PROUTY
The subject of this sketch is a native of the Buckeye State, He was born March 27, 1837, in Knox County, Ohio, his early years being spent on a
farm. In. 1846, in obedience to the general impulse to go west, the family removed to Jasper county, Iowa, being among the pioneers of that region. In
1852 they fell into the column of the California emigration and started across the plains. The emigration of that year was perhaps the largest that ever
wended its way to the Golden State; and its march resembled the retreat of an army more than a triumphal march of settlers to a promised land. The
grass was eaten off for miles away from the road, making long detours necessary to keep the stock in condition to travel. To add to these difficulties the
father of the family sickened and died near the Devil's Gate. Bat the mother, picking up the reins of authority, with the aid of her elder sons, succeeded
in reaching California, entering Volcano August 24th the same year, which, considering the circumstances, was a remarkably successful trip. After resting a few days, and watching the operation of extracting gold, the love for rural life asserted itself and the family continued their journey, settling in the beautiful valley which has since been their home. The younger child, W. H. Prouty, was early thrown on his own resources, and divided his time between farming and attending such schools as the county then afforded, spending considerable time in attending school at Volcano. By the time he was twenty-one
he had mastered the common English branches and accumulated a small capital of two thousand six hundred dollars. It will be seen from this that he
firmly set his face against the prevailing dissipations of those early days which swept so many young, and even middle-aged men into the vortex of destruction.
    Having arrived at man's estate the desire to see more of the world before he settled down induced him to visit the home of his childhood, and other
places in the West, or valley of the Mississippi, where he remained about five years, engaged in various kinds of business, mostly farming, however. While here he became acquainted with his future wife and companion, Miss Helen Charlesworth, whom he married July 26, 1859, by whom he has had seven children, six of whom are now living.
    In 1863 the memory of the Golden State asserted itself and he turned his steps to California, making his way to the valley which had seen him while a
boy assume the duties and labors of manhood. Four years later he purchased his present home, and set about improving it with the design of spending his
remaining years here. His herds and flocks and well-filled granaries attest his judgment and devotion to his business. Like most successful business men
he has little time or disposition to dabble in politics, but when 'a delegate to the Constitutional Convention who understood the wants of the farming com-
munity was wanted, the people instinctively turned to him as one whose judgment and integrity could be relied upon. His actions in the convention fully justified the opinions of his neighbors, and he returned to his home with unblemished honor. His farm and home is one of the pleasantest as well as most valuable places in the county, as will be seen by the view published in this work.