Nevada
County
Biographies
CHARLES W. LONG
Charles W. Long is occupying the
position of constable, and is one of the reliable and popular officers of
Nevada County. He is of German lineage,
but for many generations the family has been a resident in America, the advent
of his ancestors in the new world antedating the war of the Revolution.
Mr. Long is a native of the Hawkeye
state, his birth having occurred near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the 14th
of December, 1849. His father, Winthrop
S. Long, was a native of New Hampshire, whence he removed to the west in
1845. For a number of years he occupied
the position of purser on a line of steamboats on the Mississippi River, plying
between St. Louis and New Orleans.
Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he resumed his
westward journey and made his way to the mines of Placerville, where for some
years he devoted his energies to the search for the precious metal. Some years later he became a resident of
Nevada County, and his fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability called
him to public office in 1877, by electing him assessor of Nevada City. He filled that position until 1882, when his
life’s labors were ended in death. His
wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Jane Neice, was born
in Pennsylvania in 1819, and belonged to one of the early and prominent
families of that state. She was related
to the well known Cary family, among whose members was
a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Mr. Long now has in his possession some of the teaspoons which
originally belonged to Rachel Cary, of Philadelphia, one of the early members
of the family in America. Mrs. and Mrs.
Long became the parents of three children, only one of whom, C. W. Long, is
living.
The subject of this review, the
second of the family, was reared and educated in Nevada County, for it was
during his early infancy that the family came to California. He completed his education in 1864, and
afterward entered upon his business career, working in the mines and in a
mill. Four years were thus passed,
during which time he became an expert in his capacity as a batteryman. In 1868 he took up his abode in Truckee, and
in 1873 was appointed deputy constable under J. F. Cross. In 1891 he was elected constable and is now
serving his fourth term in the position, his incumbency continuing until
1903. He discharges the arduous duties
which devolve upon him in a most creditable manner, and no higher testimonial
of his service could be given than the fact that he has been continued in the
office for so many years.
In July, 1876, Mr. Long was united
in marriage to Miss Linnie D. Erratt,
a native of Maine and a daughter of Stephen G. Erratt,
a native of London, England, who is numbered among the California pioneers of
1849. Socially Mr. Long affiliates with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with the Knights of Pythias of Truckee,
and has filled all the offices in both organizations. He was at one time identified with the Order
of Red Men and the Foresters.
Politically he is allied with the progressive wing of the Democratic
Party, and he takes a deep and active interest in political affairs, keeping
well informed on the issues of the day.
He belongs to that class of progressive and public-spirited citizens who
give a substantial support to the measures which they believe will prove a
public good. One of the honored pioneers
of the state, he has watched the wonderful growth and progress which have
transformed California in the past few centuries and from a trackless wild into
one of the leading states of the Union.
At the time of his arrival the mountain fastnesses were the haunts of
wild beasts and savage men, for the Indian tribes roamed through the forests at
will. Little mining settlements
indicated the beginning of civilization, and with the passing years the work of
progress was carried forward. In the community
in which he has made his home Mr. Long aided in the work of advancement and
upbuilding, and well does he deserve mention among the honored early settlers
and reliable citizens of northern California.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
“A Volume of Memoirs and Genealogy of Representative Citizens of Northern
California”, Pages 293 -294. Chicago Standard Genealogical Publishing Co. 1901.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Nevada County Biographies