El
Dorado County
Biographies
WILLIAM W. TONG
William
W. Tong, postmaster at Clarksville, is a member of one of the old pioneer
families of El Dorado County—in fact, the town of Clarksville was founded by
this family, of whom Mr. Tong is now the only representative here. He was born in Clarksville, on the 8th
of April, 1876, a son of John H. and Ursula (Blakeley) Tong. The paternal grandparents brought their
family across the plains in 1855 and became the first settlers of what later became
Clarksville. They improved the road and
established a toll gate, and also conducted what was known as the Railroad
House. In the course of time Clarksville
became a very busy settlement, boasting several hundred inhabitants, and became
famous in California history through the fact that there were more hangings
there in proportion to the size of the place than any other spot in California,
thirteen men being strung up there.
Clarksville’s glory is now largely gone, there being but two stores in
the place and the population greatly decreased.
John H. Tong was about four years of age when brought by his parents to
this state and he received his education in the Clarksville schools, after
which he took over the management of the old Railroad House, which he conducted
until it was destroyed by fire.
Thereafter he devoted his attention to mining until his death, in
1928. His wife passed away the same
year. They were the parents of five
children, a son and four daughters.
William
W. Tong was educated in the public schools of Clarksville, after which he
bought a hotel at Lake Tahoe, which he conducted for fourteen years. He was also in the building and contracting
business and he undertakes all kinds of work, such as cutting Christmas trees
and other legitimate employment. He is
filling the office of postmaster in a very satisfactory manner and is regarded
as one of Clarksville’s best citizens.
Mr.
Tong was united in marriage to Miss Maude Russi, who was also born and reared
near Clarksville, and they are the parents of two daughters, Mrs. Evelyn Norman
and Olga, the latter being in school.
Mr. Tong is well liked throughout the community because of his sterling
qualities and friendly disposition.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
Wooldridge, J.W.Major History of Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 468-469. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's El Dorado County Biographies