Amador County Biographies
JAMES W.
VIOLETT
Was
born in Logan county, Kentucky, July 1,1828, residing there until
1849. He fell into the California column in 1850, making his way to Sacramento,
where he followed the business of a carpenter until 1853, when he came to lone
valley, which place he has made his home, with some slight interruptions, ever
since, engaged in farming, in some of its branches, in which he has generally
been successful. In 1871 he purchased the famous Pardee
orchard, one of the oldest as well as largest in the county. It contains one
hundred and eight acres of, perhaps, as
productive land as can be found in California. The fruit from this place has always borne a
high character. The writer of this
article has seen bunches of the
Eschol or Palestine grape over two
feet in length, growing on the place. Twenty-one acres are
now planted in choice
fruit trees numbering over two thousand.
Mr. Violett was
married September 7, 1871 to Mrs. Martha Watkinson,
formerly Miss Martha Gregory. They have six children. Mr. Violett
is an honest, industrious, and intelligent man, having the confidence and
respect of his neighbors, and is foremost in every work calculated to improve
schools, churches or other beneficent projects.
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 321-322
Transcribed
by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
JOHN VOGAN
Whose name frequently appears in the body
of our history, was born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1822. He early began
to "go West," his first move being to Memphis, Tennessee. In 1849 he came to California, making his first
halt at San Francisco, where he
remained but a short time, his next destination being Sacramento. Here he engaged
in staging, the business which afterwards developed
into extensive
proportions, having lines to Marysville,
Auburn, Jackson, and Mokelumne Hill. In 1854 he moved to the Q ranch, and in
company with Charles Green still further
extended its lines, one of the longest being a daily from Sacramento to
Sonora, via Jackson and Mokelumne Hill, a distance of one-hundred and twenty
miles. These lines were all well
stocked, the horses and coaches being first-class. The Forest line of stages were well known for com fort, speed and
safety, through the State. Though the
expenses were enormous, so were the profits, the fare from Sonora to Sacramento being twenty
dollars; from Jackson ten dollars. The lines were afterward consolidated with
the California Stage Company, which proved a losing concern. After the staging business had ceased to be
profitable, Vogan commenced the construction of a
graded wagon road from lone to Jackson. An experience often or twelve years in
staging over the rough roads, or rather over no roads at all, enabled him not
only to appreciate the value of good roads, but also to plan the grades and
curves that would make a good road. It was finished about the year 1863, and
was, and still remains, a monument of skill and perseverance, being one of the
best roads considering the circumstances, to be found in California.
He was elected Sheriff in 1876, and
re-elected every term since.
He was married July 19, 1860, to Miss Lucy
Green, at the Q Ranch. They have six
children, five girls and one boy. He
has a beautiful home and twelve hundred acres of land at the well-known Mountain Springs.
Mr. Vogan is
liberal in his sentiments, genial and pleasant in manner, with no disagreeable
angles in his character, and is always reliable for a first-class anecdote of
any and every prominent man of the country, in his business operations he is a
square dealer, above reproach. As an
executive officer he has exceeded the expectations of his friends, making one
of the best detectives in the State, his quiet, undemonstrative manner enabling
him to ferret out many transactions which would be successfully hidden from a
noisy man.
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 322
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
RICHARD WEBB
Is a native of England, born about the year 1841;
was naturalized in San Francisco in 1876, and made his appearance in Amador
county the same year, as editor of a semi-weekly paper published at Sutter
Creek, which was soon consolidated with the Ledger at Jackson, he becoming solo proprietor. Soon after removing to Jackson he married a daughter of Thomas Jones, Esquire, of the
same place, thus completing his identification with American interests. His
career as an editor has been more fully referred to in connection with the
newspapers of Amador County.
It may be added, however, that he has paid particular attention to the
administration of county affairs, and has unearthed many irregularities (a
severer term might be used), and has in many ways assisted in bringing about
the present economical management of financial matters. No crooked official bears any good-will to
Richard Webb.
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 322
Transcribed
by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
CONRAD WELLER
Was born in the
town of Helmstadt, in Germany, December
14, 1832, living there until he was sixteen years old, acquiring a good
business education at the schools for which Germany is so
famous. Following the tide of
emigration, which was then beginning to set heavily towards America, in company with
an elder brother, he landed in New Orleans in 1849, going
directly to St. Louis, where he
completed the trade of tinning and sheet-iron working, which he had partially
learned in Germany. From thence he
went to Belleville, Illinois, where his
brother resided, remaining there until 1853, when he crossed the plains to California. He first located in Sacramento, working at his
trade, but finally came to Jackson October
24, 1855, and three days afterwards opened the store which he has since
occupied, except when interrupted by fires, the great fire of 1862 totally
destroying his goods and store. In
addition to the manufacture of tin and sheet-iron ware, he has always kept on hand
the best stock of stoves and other hardware to be found in the county.
He was married in 1861, to Miss Katie Griesbach, of Volcano; have one child, a son, born Augusta, 1862.
Mrs. Weller was born in Munich, March 3, 1845 of Jacob and
Catherine Griesbach.
Mr. Weller and wife are good
samples of the emigration from Germany, who, by honest,
persistent industry which, satisfied with a fair
prosperity, move straight along without
grumbling to competence and wealth, and who have done
so much to develop the resources of the country,
and establish the habits of life so invaluable to a
nation.
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 322 - 323
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
MATTHEW H. WELLS
Was born May 9, 1809, in Suffolk county,
Long Island, and is, therefore, a New Yorker. He resided on the romantic island until he was seventeen, obtaining a practical business
education while there. His next residence was in New York City, where he was engaged in an extensive grocery store for three years. The desire to see the world being strong, he enlisted in the service, going on the United States ship Boston, where he remained four and a half years. The next thirteen years were spent in New York City in various kinds of business. Upon the breaking out of the gold fever he took passage in the brig Cordelia, leaving New York January 30,1849, reaching San Francisco July 15th, which,
considering the character of the vessel
and ignorance of the winds and currents in those
days, was a remarkably quick trip. He followed
mining for a short time, but soon engaged in
butchering in Sacramento, which he followed for some months. Then
he tried a
boarding-house
for awhile, and then a store, for in those days lawyers sold
peanuts and blacked boots, and ministers occasionally
dealt monte, no one following his own trade, or
indeed any one, long. In 1852 he came to Amador
creek, where he kept a store for eleven years,
falling into the steady habits of the New England life. In 1863 he located
on the ranch where he now lives, about forty miles
east of Sacramento, on the road to Jackson, Plymouth and Oleta. He has large and commodious buildings, making a comfortable residence for both man and beast. His farm contains about seven hundred acres of land.
He was married in 1838 to Miss H. M. Watts, who lived with him, as companion and adviser, for forty-two years, dying in
June, 1880. A married daughter, husband and family reside
with him, sharing the ownership and labors of the
farm.
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 323
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
ISAAC W. WHITACRE
Is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born April 16, 1823, in Lycoming county. At the age of nine years
he removed with his parents to Logan county, Ohio, where he resided until he
was fourteen years of age. In 1837 the family
returned to Pennsylvania, where they remained two years, when they again made a move west, thiB time going to
Washington county, Iowa, where the subject of this
sketch resided until 1863, when he made his way to California with ox-teams, being one hundred
and seventy-five days on the road. They doubtless
wondered if a railway would ever be laid down
over the interminable territory of sage-brush and alkali plains?
He first located in Nevada county,
remaining there one year, engaged in mining; from
there to Fresno county, where he lived five years,
engaged in teaming and freighting. In 1868 he
removed from Fresno to Amador county, locating on his present ranch, about two and one-half miles from Plymouth, on the road to Oleta. The place contains two hundred acres
of land, which is pleasantly situated and convenient
for business. He was married in 1844 to Rachel Sim-
mons, a native of Ohio. The family consists of
Mr. Whitacre, wife and two children, a
son and daughter, the latter being married,
the son residing with the parents.
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 323
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
STEPHEN C. WHEELER
Is a native of Indiana,
having been born November 14 1828, at the town of Seymour, Jackson county, where he resided until 1862, when he migrated to California, traveling across the plains with an ox-team, reaching Amador
county, September 30tb, settling in that portion of it which at that time
formed a part of El Dorado county. He followed
mining some fifteen years with varied success,
making, how-ever, no big strikes. His experience in a gold-bearing lava bed was
more interesting than profitable, interesting to
mineralogists at least, as throwing some light on the method of
the superficial deposit of gold. Most of his mining
was done in Amador county, his family, during the
time, living on the ranch which he is now
cultivating, about two miles west of Plymouth. Since 1867 Mr. Wheeler
has paid more attention to agriculture as more sure, if not so brilliant in its results, than mining.
He is also
interested, with another party, in the introduction of the " Asbestine Sub-irrigation
Pipe," which, it is thought, will
be generally adopted, and work a great revolution in
the method of irrigation, as agriculture, in many
places, depends upon an economical use of water.
He was married February 21, 1860, to Miss Mary E Thompson, a native of Indiana. His family consists of
himself, wife and ten children, five sons and five
daughters, two of the daughters being married.
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 323
Transcribed
by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
F. M. WHITMORE
Flint Monroe Whitmore was
born at Ashburnham, Massachusetts, December
22, 1822. He remained in his native State until
1846, when he moved to Baltimore, which place he made his
home until 1849, when he returned to Massachusetts, making his home in Boston. Following the current of emigration he embarked for California via the Isthmus, and arrived in San Francisco in June, I860, reaching
Volcano in November following, which latter place he
has since made his .home. Mr. Whitmore engaged in both
placer and quartz mining with varied
success, sometimes winning moderately, but not making himself a millionaire. In
1862, he engaged in farming a few miles above Volcano, planting out quite an
extensive orchard; the climate, soil, and elevation, being peculiarly adapted
to the production of fruit. Stock and grain farming also received a share of
his attention.
In 1862, he purchased a saw-mill and a tract of timber
land on Antelope creek, which have since demanded the largest share of his
attention. The region in which he is located is one possessing many attractions
to the lovers of nature. The lofty pines, the magnificent prospect overlooking
the great Sacramento valley, the pure atmosphere, and cool water, form a
combination of pleasing objects which never tires the beholder. Though Mr.
Whitmore has drawn around him many of the comforts and elegancies of life, he
remains a single man, a niece, Mrs. C. E. Heath, doing the honors of his house.
As a citizen, Mr. Whitmore is conscientious, firm, and independent, possessing
the confidence and respect of the community, always maintaining the
self-respect and honor, characteristic of his place of birth. A view of his
mill and surroundings is given in another part of the work. No artist can do
justice to the scenery, which must be seen to be appreciated. His ranch
contains three hundred and twenty acres of land; his timber tract, one hundred
and sixty.
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 323 - 324
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
A. A. VAN SANDT
The
subject of the following sketch is a native of the old "Buckeye"
State, Ohio; was born in Hamilton county,
April
22, 1832. His boyhood days were passed in
that county until, in 1844, when he removed to Caldwell County, Missouri, where, he acted in the
capacity of plow-boy on the farm owned by his parents for some years. His facilities for obtaining an education
were somewhat limited, but being a lad of more than ordinary ability he
succeeded in obtaining a thorough knowledge of the branches taught in a
district school. His next move was to Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he remained until
the year 1852; when he came to the Pacific coast, and entered the mines of California, engaging in mining, which
business in connection with ditching he followed with varied success .until
1868, at which time he settled on his present ranch, where he has since
resided. As a farmer Mr. Van Sandt has proved a success, and is to-day the possessor of
a fine, large ranch, containing six hundred acres, and adapted to the
cultivation of every kind of grain, hay, and fruits. The ranch is situated on the Mokelumne River, and commands a beautiful
view of the surrounding country. He was
married in 1875 to Miss McCloucy, and their union has
been blessed with two children, both boys, aged respectively four and one
years.
In the possession of his interesting
family, and beautiful home, Mr. Van Sandt stands
second to none of the many farmers along the river, and being in the prime of
life bids fair to enjoy the fruits' of his labors for many years to come.
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 321
Transcribed
by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
J. D. STOLCKEN
la a native of Germany, having been born at Hanover, September 7, 1838. He remained in his native country until he
reached the age of about fifteen years, at which time he became interested in
the "briny deep," and left the scenes of his childhood to become a
sailor. His intelligence, and aptness
for his new calling soon manifested themselves, and he was made an officer, and
held the responsible
position of mate on several ships during the fourteen years
succeeding his first venture on the high seas. During that time he visited many
parts of the world, and became familiar with the higher branches of the
principles of navigation. In 1870 he
came to California, desiring a change of occupation, and a more
lucrative field for his labors. His
first year in this State was passed in the mines of El Dorado County. He then came to Amador county, and located
the Soto mine, at Pioneer creek, which he worked for nine years, finally
selling the claim to
an Eastern company.
Desiring a change once more, he, with the
proceeds of the sale of his mine, bought property at
Volcano, and also a large stock of such goods as is
generally to be found in a variety store, in which business
he is at present engaged. His store is well appointed, and conducted on the "square" principle; and his stock is
complete, consisting of fancy goods and notions, also "wet and
dry" groceries.
He is a single man as yet. A view
of the residence of Mr. Stolcken will be found in
this volume.
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 321
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
ROBERT STEWART
Was born December
17, 1826, in Donegall County, Ireland, and emigrated
to the United States, after reaching his
majority, by way of New York. He soon after went to Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois, where he was engaged in
farming operations for eleven years. He
started for California in company with Young and Johnaon, March 19, 1850, and reached Placerville the 4lh of September
following, visiting the city of the saints while on his way. He tried mining at
Placerville [then bearing the ominous name of Hangtown] for two weeks, and removed to Kancheria
creek, but in a few days went to Volcano, which place he has, since October
16, 1850, made his home. He early began
to take part in politics, and, in 1859, was elected to the position of
Supervisor from that district, serving two terms; was then appointed Deputy
County Clerk, under T. M. Pawling, which position he held for two years. In
1873 he was again elected Supervisor, and re-elected again in 1876. When not engaged in his public duties he has
been engaged in mining, placer and quartz, principally the latter, though
during the years 1876-78-79, he connected banking and buying gold dust with his
mining operations. He is still engaged
in quartz mining, owning a mine and mill on north fork of the Mokelumne river.
Ireland never gave birth to a more
genuine, whole-souled man than the subject of this
sketch. Whether in the mines or in the
forum, as an officer administering the affairs of the county, or as a miner
down in the earth hammering out quartz, his genuine Irish humor never left
him. Though his education was rather
limited, his native good sense and wit has always made him a fit companion for
the highest as well as the unassuming.
His solid and substantial qualities were appreciated by others than men,
and July 2, 1876, Miss Celia Cottingham, the acknowledged
belle of Volcano, consented to accompany him on the afternoon journey of his
life, the silver threads contrasting finely with the gold. He has ft well-stocked library of modern
works, with which he employs himself in his leisure hours, and is, in
consequence, in the front ranks of the thinking portion of the world.
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 320-321
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley Graham
N. C.
WILLIAMS
Is a native of the State of Maine, having been born at Embden,
Somerset county, January 20,1834. His life was passed in the town where he first saw
the light, until he reached the ago of sixteen years. He had acquired a good
education during those years, and in 1850 left home and obtained a situation in
the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where he remained about three years as clerk in a ship yard.
As youth
ripened into manhood, he aspired to something different from the old routine to
which he was accustomed, and fired with enthusiam
from the reports of people on the Pacific coast, he determined to ascertain
personally what D-ime Fortune had in store for him in
that region; accordingly with the thought came the action, and in 1855 he bade
fare-well to his eastern friends and sought new ones in California, arriving in
San Francisco in due time, by way of the Isthmus of Panama.
His first
permanent location was in Amador county, where he has
since resided, with the exception of one year, during which he visited his old
home in the States. His occupation for the first ten years of his California life, was in the usual
vocation of mining; but upon his return from the States he engaged in various
kinds of business.
In 1871 he settled on his present ranch, which in located on the
Pine Grove and Antelope toll-road, fourteen miles east of Jackson. He is very
pleasantly situated, and is a gentleman esteemed by all who have the honor of
his acquaintance. He was married May 13,
1874, to Miss Rosella Woriey.
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 324
Transcribed by: Martha A Crosley
Graham
JOSEPH WOOLFORD
Was born at Ramsbure, Wiltshire, in England, February
7, 1832, where he resided until 1858, when he went to Peru, in South
America, by way of Cape Horn, where he resided for four years. After this he came to California and lived at the place then called “Puckerville," about a half mile to the west of the
town of Plymouth.
Mr. Woolford is a blacksmith by trade,
having followed it most of his life, being at present in the employ of the
Pacific Mining Company, though he has at other times been employed by the
Empire Mining Company. He is a first-class mechanic, and has suggested and
perfected many improvements in tools and machinery. Among other things he has
invented a ratchet wrench which works equally well on round
as on square heads, for which he has obtained a patent.
He is a single man, living with his brother,
who occupies his ranch. His experiences in the mines and in South America, make an interesting narrative when he can be induced
to speak of them.
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 324