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Sacramento County
Biographies
1880
BRIGHTON
TOWNSHIP.
Page
246
ARTZ,
PETER M., son of John C. and Theodora Artz, was born January 26, 1832, near
Dresden, Germany. He arrived in Osage County, Missouri, in March, 1837;
afterwards moved to Cole County. In 1854 he crossed the plains with an ox team.
For four years he engaged alternately in quartz mining and wood chopping in
Amador County. In 1872 he moved to his present home, where he has since
resided. His farm contains three hundred and twenty acres of excellent land,
under a high state of cultivation. On the 20th of May, 1866, Mr. Artz was
married to Elizabeth Toerni, a native of South Switzerland. They have six
children, all living, viz.: Annie E., born April 7, 1867; John H., born January
26, 1869; Geo. W., born August 1, 1870; May Emma, born September 6, 1872; Frank
H. born January 24, 1874; Eda Christina, born July 29, 1876. His farm is
situated seven miles from Sacramento, a mile and a half from Florin, and on the
line of the Central Pacific Railroad. A fine view of the buildings and
improvements may be seen on another page.
BRIGHTON
TOWNSHIP
Page
246
BAILEY, JOSHUA T.; Post Office, Walsh Station, lives eleven miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Kentucky in 1804; removed to Ohio
in 1806, and lived there until 1825, working in a distillery he removed to
Wisconsin in that year, and remained until 1849, engaged in smelting works; he
came to California then, across the plains, and resided in Placerville until
1851, when he went to Yreka; came to this county in 1853, having gone East that
same year, and returned with his family, driving his stock; owns one hundred
and sixty acres, worth, with improvements, about $30,000. He was married in
1833 to Miss Susan Hughs, a native of Ohio, who has borne him eleven children,
eight sons and three daughters; three of the boys are dead.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 246
BAKER,
GEO. B.; Post Office, Brighton; lives eight miles east of Sacramento; was born
in Adrian, Michigan, in 1840, and lived there until 1852; he came to California
in that year, and has lived on his present location ever since, where he is now
engaged in farming; owns one hundred and three acres, worth, with improvements,
about $3500. He was married in 1865 to Miss M. E. Bowles, a native of this
State; they have six children, four boys and two girls.
BRIGHTON
TOWNSHIP
Page
246
BAKER, WM. M. ; Post Office Brighton; lives eight
miles east of Sacramento was born in Adrian, Michigan, in 1836, and lived there
until 1851; in that year he came to California, and settled in this county,
where he has lived ever since; is now engaged in raising fruit; owns one
hundred acres, worth, with improvements, about $10,000: his place is known as
the Baker Orchard and Vineyard. He was married in 1861 to Miss Mary E. Russell,
a native of Illinois; they have three children, two sons and a daughter.
BRIGHTON
TOWNSHIP
Page
246
BECKENDORF, PETER; Post Office, Brighton; lives half a mile from that
town, and five miles east of Sacramento; was born in Prussia in 1836, and lived
there until 1843; emigrated to the United States with his parents in that year,
and lived in Missouri until 1854; he then came to California across the plains,
and engaged in farming in this county until 1859, when he returned to Missouri,
and continued in the business of farming until 1861. In that year he enlisted
in the army, and served three years and two months; was wounded at Fort
Donelson, and was sick six months. He came back to California in 1865; was
married in 1868, to Miss E. M. Taylor, a native of Michigan. Mr. Beckendorff
made a trip East in 1876; he owns one hundred and thirty acres, worth, with
improvements, about $4,000.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 246
BECKLEY, GABRIEL; Post Office, Brighton; lives eight miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Ohio in 1837; removed to Iowa in
1852, and lived there until 1855; he moved to Kansas in that year, and was
farming there until 1857, when he returned to Iowa, and continued farming until
1859; he then went to Pike's Peak, but returned the same year to Iowa. The year
following he went to Oregon, and in 1861 came to California, and followed
teaming until 1866. Since then he has been farming; owns one hundred and sixty
acres of land, worth about $4,000. He was married in 1866 to Miss L. L.
Kilgore, a native of Iowa; they have four children, all sons.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 246
BELL, J. M. ; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives ten miles southeast of
Sacramento; was born in Tennessee in 1827, and lived there until 1836; he
removed to Missouri in that year, and resided there until 1849; he then came to
California, across the Plains, and engaged in mining in Shasta county a few months;
he subsequently removed to Yuba county; settled in this county in 1856, where
he has since been farming; owns three hundred and fifteen acres, worth, with
improvements, about $6,000. He was married in 1854 to Miss E. Gunter, a native
of Ohio, and who has borne him twelve children, five boys and seven girls,
eight of whom are living. A view of Mr. Bell's place may be seen on another
page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 246
BENNETT, JOHN D.; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives ten miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Wisconsin in 1841, amid lived
there until 1856; in that year he came to California, and settled in this
county, where he has since resided; is now engaged in farming; owns two hundred
and seventy-four acres, worth, with improvements, about $7,000. Mr. B. was
married in 1868 to Miss Georgie Atherton, a native of Iowa, who has borne him
five children, two sons and three daughters; one daughter deceased.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 246
BROWN, ROBERT; Post Office, Brighton; lives seven miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Ireland in 1829; emigrated to the
United States in 1839, and lived in New Jersey until 1847; in that year he
moved to New York, and engaged in wagon-making about a year, when he removed to
Illinois, and remained there until 1858; he then went to Iowa. He came to
California in 1859, being six months crossing the Plains, and settled in this
county; followed teaming one year; since then he has been farming: owns
ninety-eight-and-a-half acres, worth, with improvements, about $3,500. He was
married in 1865 to Miss Catherine Corogan, a native of England, who has borne
him five children, two boys and three girls, all of whom are living.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
BRYAN, E. H., was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, on December 20,
1850; when eight years of age his parents removed to California. His first work
was done on a dairy ranch, after which teaming, both with oxen and mules, was
followed. In 1864 he attended the Pacific Methodist College at Vacaville, California.
After college days he returned to Solano county, and engaged in sheep-raising
and wool-growing. Mr. Bryan owns twelve hundred and sixty acres of land, five
hundred acres of which is cultivated; the rest is used as pasture for sheep of
fine grade. August, 1878, he married Miss Jennie Perry. A view of Mr. Bryan's
place may he seen on another page. Post Office, Routier's.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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BRYAN, WILLIAM E.; Post Office, Routier; lives thirteen miles east of
Sacramento, and two miles from Routier; was born in Kentucky, in 1821, and
lived there until 1853; he came to California in that year, across the plains,
and followed teaming, in El Dorado County, until 1860; he then came to this
county, and continued the business of teaming until 1867; since then, he has
been engaged in farming and stock-raising; owns eight hundred and ninety-one
acres, worth, with improvements, about ten thousand dollars. He has made two
trips back to Kentucky, in 1867 and 1878. Mr. Bryan was married, in 1845, to
Miss M. G. Herndon, also a native of Kentucky, who has borne him three sons and
two daughters; one daughter deceased. He was elected to the Legislature, from
this county, in 1873, serving one term. A view of Mr. Bryan's place is given on
another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
BRYAN, WM. FLETCHER, was born, in 1855, in El Dorado
County, California; has followed farming for many years, most of the time in
partnership with his father. During 1873 4, he attended the Pacific Business
College. In 1875, Mr. Bryan purchased the farm of one thousand three hundred
and fifty acres, on which he now resides. This farm is well adapted to
stock-raising and grain growing. The property is near the Sacramento Valley
Railroad; there are four stations within a distance of five miles of Mr.
Bryan's home. Was married to Alice Amelia Comstock, a native of Santa Clara
County, California, in 1879. The property is estimated to be worth twenty
thousand dollars. A view of the buildings may be seen on the same page with the
buildings of William E. Bryan. Post Office, Routier.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
CASEY, T. G. ; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives eleven miles east of
Sacramento; was born in New York, in 1824, and lived there until 1859, engaged in
harness-making; he came to California in that year, and settled in this county;
he is now engaged in farming; he has one hundred and sixty acres of land. Until
1874, when he moved to where he now lives, he lived on the opposite side of
Cosumnes River. He was married, in 1861, to Mrs. Mitchell, a native of New
Hampshire; they have six children five boys and one girl.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
CHAMBERS, B. J.; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives
eight miles from Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Ohio, in 1841;
removed to Iowa, in 1848, and lived there until 1861; in that year he came to
California, across the plains, and settled in this county; is now engaged in
farming; owns two hundred acres of land, worth, with improvements, about three
thousand dollars. Mr. C. was married, in 1871, to Miss M. E. Patton, a native
of Missouri, and who has borne him two sons and three daughters, all of whom
are living.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
CHATFIELD, MRS. AMY; Post Office, Walsh Station; was
born in New York, in 1829; she removed to Michigan in 1834, and lived there
until 1852; she came to California in that year, across the plains, and lived
in Stockton until 1869, when she moved to this county. She was married, in
1843, to H. B. Chatfield, also a native of New York, and by whom she had six
children three sons, and three daughters. Mr. Chatfield died in 1870. She owns
four hundred acres, worth, with improvements, about $10,000.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
CORNELL, JAMES; Post Office, Routier; lives three miles from that place
and fourteen miles from Sacramento; was born in Ireland in 1832; emigrated to
the United States when young, and lived in Massachusetts until 1856, engaged in
the manufacture of cutlery; in that year he came to California, and followed
mining in this county about three years; since then he has been farming; owns
one hundred and seventy-three acres, worth, with improvements, about $13,000.
He was married in 1856 to Miss Susan Cleary, a native of Massachusetts; they
have three sons and three daughters. A view of his place may be seen on another
page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
DAVENPORT, RUFUS; Post Office, Sacramento; lives six
and a half miles south-east of that city; was born in Augusta, Maine, in 1803,
and lived there until 1849; in that year he came to California, to Yuba County,
but being taken sick, he was obliged to return to Maine in 1850; the following
year he came back to this State and engaged in mining at Big Oak Flat until
1853 when he returned again to Maine. In 1855 he came again to this State, and
followed mining a short time; he built three saw mills in Tuolumne County,
living in that county until 1857; he then went back to Maine for the third
time, and remained there about a year and a half. In 1859 he brought his family
out to this State, and has been farming ever since; owns one hundred and sixty
acres, worth, with improvements, about $6000. He was married in 1824 to Miss S.
Butterfield, also a native of Maine; she died the year following; he was
married again in 1826 to Miss Cynthia Davis, a native of Massachusetts; they
have living two sons and a daughter.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
DAVIES, OWEN T.; Post Office, Brighton; lives seven miles south-east of
Sacramento; was born in Wales in 1821; emigrated to the United States in 1850,
and lived in Illinois until 1854, engaged in mining coal; in that year he went
to Utah, and followed farming until 1856; he then came to California, and
settled in this county; camped three months on Bowles Island, and hauled logs
to the Brighton Mill; he has been farming ever since on the place where he now
lives; owns four hundred and fifty acres, worth, with improvements, about
$20,000. Mr. D. was married in 1847 to Miss Ann Morgan, also a native of Wales;
they have three sons and a daughter.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
DAY, JAMES T.; Post Office, Sacramento; lives nine miles from that
city, on the Sacramento Valley Railroad; was born in Tennessee, in 1824;
removed to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1840, and lived there until 1846, engaged in
saddlery and hardware business; in that year he moved to Quincy, Illinois, and
continued in the same business there until 1849; he then came to California
across the plains and engaged in farming in this county. He built the St. Louis
House, on the American River, in 1852, at a cost of $36,000; it was ruined by
the flood of 1862. For the last ten years he has been in the fruit business;
owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth, with improvements, about $18,000. Mr.
D. says, respecting his marriage, “I was disastrously married when about
nineteen years of age.” He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and
Associate Judge. An illustration of his place may be seen elsewhere in this
work.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
DETERDING, WILLIAM; Post Office, Routier; lives
fifteen miles from Sacramento, on the Placerville road, at what is known as the
“Fifteen-Mile House;” was born in Germany, in 1818, and lived there until 1846;
emigrated to the United States in that year, and was engaged in carriage and
wagon-making, in St. Louis,- Missouri, until 1850; he then came to California,
and was in the mercantile business, in Placer County, until 1857, when he moved
to this county; he owns five hundred and eighteen acres, worth, with
improvements, about eighteen thousand dollars. He was married, in 1844, to Miss
Wilhelmina Rosenburg, also a native of Germany, and who has borne him four sons
and five daughters; three sons are deceased. An illustration of his place may
be seen elsewhere in this work.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
ELLIS, WILLIAM H.; Post Office, Routier; lives eleven miles east of
Sacramento; was born in Kentucky, in 1824; removed to Indiana when quite young,
and lived there until 1850; in that year he moved to Iowa, and was engaged in
carpentering there until 1853; he then came to California, driving oxen across
the plains, and was five months on the way; he followed mining in El Dorado
County, about three years, when he settled in this county, on the place where
he now lives, and has since been farming; owns one hundred and sixty acres,
worth, with improvements, about three thousand dollars. Mr. E. was sick for
five years prior to his removal to this State, but he soon fully regained his
health, and has since been a robust man. He was married, in 1858, to Nancy E.
Presley, a native of Tennessee. They have three sons and two daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 247
ENOS, JAMES M., lives seven miles southeast of Sacramento; was born in
Vermont, in 1813; removed to New York, in 1829, and clerked in a dry-goods
store until 1833, when he went to sea, as super-cargo, on ship Washones; he was
thus engaged until 1836; in that year he returned to Vermont, and remained
until 1837; he then moved to Illinois, and was engaged in farming and
merchandising there until 1852; he had a store in Wisconsin at the same time.
He came to California, across the Plains, in 1852, and followed mining and
merchandising, on Indian Creek, for two winters, spending the summers in
Sacramento; he has been engaged in farming for the last twenty years; owns
eighty acres, worth, with improvements, about five thousand dollars. He was
married, in 1840, to Miss E. J. Foote, a native of New York; they have living,
one son and three daughters. Mr. E. held the office of Deputy Assessor, under
Dray.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
EVANS, J. A.; Post Office, Routier; lives two miles from that place and
twelve miles from Sacramento; was born in Tennessee, in 1828; moved to Missouri
in 1833, and lived there until 1854. He came to California in that year, and
settled in this county; has lived on his present location since February, 1857,
and is now engaged in farming. Mr. Evans owns three hundred acres of good land,
worth, with improvements, about $30,000.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
FISHER, H.; Post Office, Brighton; lives nine miles east of Sacramento;
was born in Maryland in 1828; removed when quite small, with his parents, to
Illinois, and lived there until 1846, working at coopering; - in that year he
moved to Missouri, and remained until 1853, engaged in threshing; he then came
across the Plains as far as Salt Lake City, and stopped there until 1855, when
he came to this State, and settled in this county; owns four hundred and twenty
acres, worth, with improvements, about $5,000. He was married in 1852 to Miss
E. F. Clark, a native of New York; she died in 1864. He was married again, in
1866, to Miss Sarah Kingkade, a native of Massachusetts. They have two sons and
two daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
FITCH, F. B.; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives nine miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Ohio, in 1820, and lived there
until 1850, engaged in teaching school. He came to California in that year,
across the Plains, and stopped awhile in El Dorado county; he subsequently
moved to Nevada county; settled in this county December, 1850, and engaged in
farming: owns two hundred and forty-six acres of land, worth, with
improvements, about $4,000. He was married in 1856 to Miss Lucy Fobes, also a
native of Ohio; they raised two children. His wife died December 1, 1877. Mr.
Fitch has always manifested a keen interest in educational matters; held the
office of School Director for about seventeen years. He also held the office of
Justice of Peace for five years.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
FOSTER, SAMUEL G., was born May, 1827, in Massachusetts. After his
school days were over, he followed the sea for four years. In 1849 he left
Boston for San Francisco, where he arrived June 12, 1850, and remained for a
short time. He then went to the mines of Shasta County, engaged in mining amid
running a pack train from Weaverville to Shasta. After about a year he returned
to San Francisco, where the auction business engaged his attention for twelve
months; thence to Sacramento, acting as agent for the Penny Post Express
Company for almost two years; and then, for four years, he was a clerk in the
Post Office. Boarding-house business next engaged his attention till flooded
out in June, 1862, when he went to San Francisco, and there followed the same
business for a year. Again returning to Sacramento, Mr. Foster embarked in the
millinery business for five years, when he sold out and moved to his present
location in Brighton. Here he engaged in farming till 1873. He now has a general
merchandise store; has held the offices of Postmaster and Justice of the Peace,
having just been re-elected to the latter office. In 1860 Mr. Foster was
married to Miss Caroline Emmons. They have a son fourteen years old.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
GILSON, WM.; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives ten miles south-east of
Sacramento; was born in Pennsylvania in 1834, and lived there until 1851; in
that year he moved to Wisconsin, and followed mining there until 1854; he then
crossed the Plains to California, and settled in this county, where he is
engaged in farming: owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth, with improvements,
about $3,500. He was married in 1858 to Miss Jane Moore a native of Illinois,
who died in 1864. He was married again in 1870, to Mrs. Rickets. They have
living three sons and four daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
GREENLOW, J. W.; Post Office, Sacramento; lives six
miles south-east of that city; was born in Maine in 1837, and lived there until
1853. In that year he came to California, and settled in this county; was
engaged in the mercantile business until 1874; since then he has been farming
and in the business of horticulture: owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth,
with improvements, $5,000. Mr. Greenlow was married in 1858 to Miss M. J.
Tibbits, a native of New Brunswick; they have two sons and three daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
HALVERSON, CARL; Post Office, Routier; lives ten
miles from Sacramento, on the Coloma road; was born in Norway in 1834, and made
that his home until 1861, though following the sea. He emigrated to New York in
that year, and made his home there, but was on the sea until 1863. He then came
to California, and settling in this county, engaged in farming. Mr. Halverson
was raised on a farm, but really followed a sailor's life until he came to this
State. He owns one hundred and fifty-six acres, worth, with improvements, about
$7,500.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
HANLON, GEORGE; Post Office, Routier; lives four miles from that place
and fifteen miles from Sacramento; was born in Ohio in 1823, and lived there
until 1851, engaged in farming; in that year he removed to Iowa; but in 1852 he
came to California and to Sacramento County; he subsequently went to El Dorado
County, and engaged in mining and teaming there until 1860; since then he has
lived on his present location; owns eleven hundred and fifty acres, worth, with
improvements, about $15 per acre. Mr. Hanlon was married in 1844 to Miss Mary
Cable, also a native of Ohio; they have one son and three daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
HARLOW, GEORGE W.; Post Office, Brighton; lives one and three-fourths
miles east of that place;. was born in Illinois in 1828; removed to Wisconsin
in 1841, and lived there until 1854; in that year he removed to Iowa, and
remained there until 1863; he then came to California, and engaged in farming
and teaming in Yolo County until 1865, when he settled in this county, and is
now farming; owns one hundred and forty acres, worth, with improvements, about
$100 per acre. He was married January, 1850, to Miss Ann Lee, a native of
Norway, who has borne him four sons and four daughters; one son and two
daughters deceased.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
HARLOW, JOHN M.; Post Office, Brighton; lives about one mile east of
that place, on the Valley road; was born in Wisconsin in 1850; when about three
years of age, removed with his parents to Iowa, and lived there until 1863; he
came to California in that year, and stopped in Bodie one summer, when he moved
to Yolo County, and was there a year; he then returned to Bodie and was engaged
in teaming and mining there a year; he settled in this county in 1865, and has
since been carpentering and farming; owns twenty acres, worth, with
improvements, about $2500. He was married in 1872 to Miss S. Bagnall, a native
of England; they have three daughters and one son.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
HERINGA, JOHN; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives twelve miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Holland in 1819, and lived there
until 1868, engaged on the police force; emigrated to California in that year,
and followed farming and dairying in Yolo County until 1872; he then settled in
this county and engaged in farming; owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth,
with improvements, about $3000. He was married in 1857 to Gertie Joustra, also
a native of Holland, born in 1835; they have four sons and a daughter Peter,
born 1859 ; Joseph, born 1861; John, born 1863; Sister, born 1866; Charlie,
born 1877. Four of the children were born in the old country ; Charlie born in
this State. Mr. H. served nine years in the army before leaving Holland.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
KELLER, N. S. ; Post Office, Brighton; lives six miles east of
Sacramento; was born in Pennsylvania in 1840; removed to Ohio in 1854; was in
the army during the war, as Captain of Co. C, 164th Ohio Volunteers; returned
to Ohio at the close of the war, and lived there until 1870; he then came to
California and settled in this county; was in the mercantile business until 1875;
since then he has been farming; owns one hundred and forty-five acres, worth,
with improvements, about $17,000. He was married in 1874 to Miss Libbie
Bradley, a native of Ohio; they have three children, all boys.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
KILGORE, MATHEW; Post Office, Routier; lives fifteen miles from
Sacramento, on the Placerville road; was born in Ohio, in 1801, and lived there
until 1827; in that year he removed to Indiana, and remained until 1837,
engaged in farming; he then removed to Lee County, Iowa, and continued farming
there until 1850, when he came to California, but stopped only a short time,
returning East in 1852; he came back to this State, across the plains. He
settled in Santa Clara County a year later, and lived there until 1855, when he
moved to this county, and engaged in farming; in 1858, he went to Yolo County,
and followed gardening there until 1864, when he came back to this county, and
has since lived on his present location; owns one hundred and fifty-four acres
of land. He was married, in 1822, to Miss Masa McGuire, also a native of Ohio,
who bore him five sons and three daughters; three sons and two daughters are
deceased; his wife is also dead--died April 8, 1875. Mr. Kilgore held the
office of Supervisor in Iowa three years.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 248
LEA, ISAAC; Post Office, Florin; was born in England, in 1827, and
lived there until 1844; he emigrated to the United States in that year, and
lived in Illinois until 1852; he then came to California, across the plains;
was a hundred days coming from Chicago to Sacramento; moved to his present
location in 1854; owns nine hundred acres, worth, with improvements, about
$17,000. Mr. Lee made a trip to England in 1862, returning to this State in the
same year. He was married, in 1866, to Mary Murgetroyd, also a native of
England; they have one son and three daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 249
LOCKETT, RICHARD S., Post Office, Brighton; lives seven miles
south-east from Sacramento; was born in Kentucky, in 1818, moved to Missouri in
1839, and lived there until 1843, engaged in ship-carpentering; in that year he
removed to Louisiana, and worked at the trade there until 1850; he then came to
California, and settled in this county; was pilot on the river, four years; since
then he has been farming; owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth, with
improvements, about $8,000. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Mary Lockrid, a
native of Ohio.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 249
LOWELL, JOHN, Post Office, Brighton; lives eight miles east of
Sacramento; was born in Fermanagh county, Ireland, 1829, and lived there until
1849; he emigrated to the United States in that year, and stopped in New York
three months; he then went to Cincinnati and remained until 1852, when he came
to California; followed mining in El Dorado county a few months, and then
settled in this county that same year; owns one hundred and seventy-two acres,
worth, with improvements, about $100 per acre. He was married in 1855 to Miss
Mary A. Carroll, also a native of Ireland; she died Nov. 27, 1862. He was
married again Aug. 10, 1868, and was divorced from his second wife, January 21,
1878. He has two sons William, born 1861, and John M., born 1869. Mr. Lowell
held the office of Deputy Sheriff in 1858.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 249
LOWELL, P. S., lives eleven miles from Sacramento City, and six miles
from Brighton, his Post Office. He owns two hundred and twelve acres of land,
valued at $3,000. He was born in Maine, in 1809, and resided there, engaged in
carpentering and farming, until 1864, when he removed to Nevada. He worked at
carpentering a year, and then came to Sacramento County, and pursued farming in
1831, he married Miss Bettler, a native of Maine, who died in 1857. He was
again married, in 1858, to Mrs. A. P. Green, also a native of Maine; they have
had five children--one boy, and four girls; two of the girls are still living.
Previous to coming to the Pacific Coast, Mr. Lowell served in both branches of
the Maine Legislature.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 249
MCMULLEN, GEORGE C., was born in Perry County, Ohio,
January 27, 1838. His parents moved to Missouri, in 1855, where they remained
two years, and then crossed the plains, with ox-teams; first settled in Solano
County, and resided there till 1875, when he purchased the place known as
“Lizzie's Vineyard,” in Sacramento County, his present home. The farm contains
two hundred and forty acres, all arable, eighty-five acres of which is set in
vines, and annually produces a hundred tons of grapes; strawberries are also
grown. His place is only half a mile from Brighton Station, on the Sacramento
Valley Railroad, and immediately on the line of the C. P. Road to Stockton. A
well-stocked fish pond is to be seen on Mr. McMullen's place. He married Miss
Rhoda E. White, September 25, 1859, by whom he has four children, viz.: George
Elmer, Irvine Ben., Lida A., and Winfield E.
Mr. McMullen has been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits. A
view of his residence is presented elsewhere.
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McDOWELL, GEORGE; Post Office, Routier; lives eleven
miles east of Sacramento; was born in Canada in 1829, and lived there until
1862, engaged in farming; he came to California in that year and settled in
this county; followed teaming four years; since then he has been farming. He
was at Pike's Peak during the mining excitement, and also shared in the
excitement at Caribou. He owns one hundred and fifty-one acres, worth, with
improvements, about $6,500. Was married in 1873 to M. Eliza Fisher, a native of
this State; they have two children--girls.
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MENKE, ANDREW; Post Office, Routier; lives eleven miles from
Sacramento, on the Placerville road; was born in Prussia in 1822; emigrated to
the United States in 1843, and lived in New Orleans until 1851, engaged in
merchandising. He was in the Mexican war, being one of the first to enlist. He
came to California across the plains in 1851 and settled in this county; now
engaged in farming one hundred and fourteen acres of rented land. Mr. M. was
married in 1848 to Miss Mary Wobkers, a native of Oldenburg, Prussia, who has
borne him seven sons and four daughters; four sons and three daughters are
deceased. A view of Mr. Menke's place may be seen on another page.
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MILLER, ALBERT DeF.; Post Office, Brighton; lives eight miles from
Sacramento City, and owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, valued, with
improvements, at $8, 000. He was born in the State of New York in 1844. In 1846
his family moved to Wisconsin. There he engaged in farming until 1860, when he
came to California. In this State he was a member of the firm of H. H. Linell
& Co., hardware dealers, in Sacramento City, for one year, and afterwards
turned his attention to farming and raising fruit. In 1868 he married Margaret
J. Lea, a native of Boston, who was born in 1848 and came to this State in
1861. They have one boy and four girls.
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MORTON, E. G.; Post Office, Routier; lives twelve miles from
Sacramento, on the Coloma road; was born in New Hampshire in 1823; moved to
Boston, Massachusetts, in 1839, and lived there until 1852, engaged in
painting; in that year he came to California via Cape Horn in the ship
Staffordshire; he was one hundred and one days on the way; stopped only a short
time in San Francisco, and then went to Sacramento; was there during the flood
of 1852; from there he went to Mariposa County, and followed mining about eight
years; he was Magistrate in that county for six years. He lived in Stockton
during 1861 and then moved back to this county, where he has since lived; owns
three hundred acres, worth, with improvements, about $18,000. Mr. Morton was
married in 1848 to Miss A. D. Hicks, a native of Maine; they have two sons and
five daughters. He was Secretary of the Brighton Settlers' Association for nine
years. He has always taken an active part in all political reforms.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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MORRISON, JOHN D.; Post Office, Dark Canyon,
Humboldt County; was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, in 1821; removed to
Illinois in 1829, and lived there until 1849, engaged in farming; he came to
California in that year across the plains and followed mining at Placerville
until 1850; he then moved to the Forks of the Cosumnes River, and was engaged
in running a saw-mill and farming there until 1859, when he moved to the place
he now owns, nine miles from Sacramento, on the Jackson road, and since then he
has been farming. Mr. Morrison lives in Humboldt County. He owns eight hundred
and five acres, worth, with improvements, about $15,000.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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MURPHY, HIRAM E.; Post Office, Sacramento and Florin lives six miles
southeast of the former; was born in Pennsylvania in 1816; moved to Chicago,
Illinois, in 1836, and lived there until 1840; in that year he moved to South
Bend, Indiana, and remained there until 1852; he started the wagon works there,
now known as the Studebaker Works. He came to California and settled in this
county in 1852 on his present location; has been engaged in farming and teaming
ever since he came to the State; owns one hundred and sixty acres of land. He
was married in 1840 to Miss M. J. Sherman, a native of New York; she died in
1875.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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MURPHY, P. H.; Post Office, Brighton; lives six miles from Sacramento,
on the Jackson road; was born in Missouri, in 1838, and lived there until 1854;
in that year he came to California, across the plains, and settled at Brighton,
where he engaged in farming and selling agricultural implements; he is now
engaged in raising small fruits; has twelve acres set out in strawberries; his
brand or mark is Brighton Vineyard; owns two hundred and forty acres, worth,
with improvements, about $17,000. He made a trip East in 1861, and returned the
year following; he was married that same year (1862) to Miss Mary A. Gibbs, a
native of Ohio; she died in 1874. He was married again in 1876, to Miss Carrie
R. Jackman, a native of New Hampshire; he has living four sons and two
daughters. Mr. Murphy was shot in his cabin, by two negroes, in 1858; they were
afterwards caught and sent to the Penitentiary for fourteen years. He has held
the offices of Constable and Justice of the Peace; came near losing his life
while Constable. In 1878 he took some of his fruit to St. Louis, to the State
Fair.
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NEELY, W. F.; Post Office, Florin; lives one mile west of that place,
and seven miles from Sacramento; was born in Mississippi, in 1821, and lived
there until 1852, engaged in merchandising; he came to California in that year
and settled in this county; followed teaming until 1868; since then he has been
farming; owns eighty acres, worth, with improvements, about $4,000. He was
married, in 1867, to Miss Martha Whitten, a native of Maine. A view of Mr.
Neely's place may be seen on another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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OLSEN, ERICH; Post Office, Routier; lives ten miles from Sacramento, on
the Sacramento Valley Railroad; was born in Norway, in 1822, and lived there until
1846; in that year he emigrated to the United States, and engaged in farming in
Illinois until 1850; he then crossed the plains to Oregon, and the year
following came to California; he worked one year in the redwoods. He came to
the county in 1854, and is now engaged in farming; owns three hundred and fifty
acres, worth, with improvements, about $10,000.
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PATTERSON, A. D.; Post Office, Routier; lives at
that place, ten miles from Sacramento, on the Valley Railroad; was born in
Pennsylvania, in 1804, and lived there until 1849; in that year he came to
California, arriving in this county in November; he located on the American
River, where he has since lived; he built the three-story American Fork House
in that same year. He was married in 1830 to Miss Mary M. Starkweather, a
native of Poughkeepsie, New York; they have one son and four daughters. Mr.
Patterson was a member of the Legislature the year Irwin was elected; he has
held the office of Justice of Peace for the last eighteen years. He was Sheriff
in 1853, and hung the first men who were hung legally in this county, viz.:
Ackerman, Thompson and Stewart, for the murder of “Boot Jack.” Mr. Patterson
now holds the office of Postmaster at Routier.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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PATTON, NATHAN; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives fourteen miles from
Sacramento; was born in Missouri in 1810, and lived there until 1853, engaged
in farming; he came to California in that year, across the plains, and was in
El Dorado County until 1858, when he came to this county; owns one hundred and
sixty acres, worth, with improvements, about $1500. He was married in 1835 to
Miss E. Stephenson, a native of Kentucky; she died 1849; he was married again
in 1850 to Miss A. E. Wilson; they have, living, five sons and three daughters.
Mr. Patton's father was killed in Missouri by the Indians in 1810, the year of
his birth.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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PATTON, JAMES M.; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives nine miles from
Sacramento, on the Jackson road; was born in Grizzly Flat, El Dorado County, in
1855; removed to this county in 1858, and has lived here ever since; was
engaged in farming until 1877; since then he has been blacksmithing. He was
married in 1878 to Miss A. E. Newingham, who has borne him one son.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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PERKINS, T. C.; Post Office, Brighton; lives at that place, and five
miles from Sacramento; was born in Massachusetts in 1830; removed to Illinois
in 1836; he came to California in 1850, and, settling in this county, engaged in
farming; owns two hundred and fifty acres of land, worth, with improvements,
about $7500. He was married in 1854 to Miss Rebecca F. Young, a native of New
York, who has borne him six sons and a daughter; five sons are deceased. Mr. P.
has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, and Constable for a number of
years.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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PUGH, S. H.; Post Office, Brighton; was born in Indiana in 1832;
removed to Missouri in 1839, and lived there till 1855; in that year he moved
to Texas, and remained there until 1859, when he went to Nebraska, and was
there until 1862; he then came to California, across the plains, being about
four months on the way; the winter after his arrival he spent in Sonoma County.
The spring following he moved to Carson City, Nevada, and resided there two
years; then he removed to Churchill County, Nevada, and stopped about two
years, when he came back to this State, and settled in this county; owns eighty
acres, worth about $3000. Mr. P. has followed blacksmithing all his life; has a
shop in Brighton now, and, connected with it, a wagon shop; he also keeps hotel
at Brighton; the hotel is worth about $5000. He was married in 1852 to Miss
Mary A. Greer, a native of Missouri; they have six sons and three daughters.
Mr. Pugh's grand-father came to the Unite4 States with La Fayette, and fought
under him during the entire war; his father served during the war of 1812,
while he (Mr. P.) served eighteen months during the late war. A view of Mr.
Pugh's place is shown on another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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QUIVERS, SARAH, was born in St. Louis in 1849, and went to New Orleans
in 1860. In 1875 she came to California. In 1876 she married Wm. H. Quivers.
She was a slave for a number of years.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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ROBINSON, W. H., Post Office, Florin; lives half a
mile from that place, and nine miles from Sacramento; was born in Ohio in 1832;
removed to Illinois in 1842; the year following he moved to Wisconsin, and
lived there until 1853, engaged in lead mining; he came to California in that
year; was on the police force in Sacramento City in 1854 and '55; was Deputy
Sheriff in 1869 and '70. He owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth, with
improvements, about $6500. He was married in 1860 to Miss L. E. Smith, a native
of Michigan; they have one child, a son.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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RUSSELL, PEYTON; Post Office, Brighton; lives six and a half miles east
of Sacramento; was born in Ohio in 1818; moved to Indiana in 1829, and lived
there until 1839, when he removed to Illinois and remained there until 1844,
engaged in farming; in that year he went to Georgia and stopped there until
1846, engaged in cutting wood and cane; from there he moved to South Carolina,
and was farming there until 1850, when he removed to Florida, and followed
farming until 1852; he then came to Illinois, but shortly afterwards went down
to Louisiana, and from there to Texas, and then to New Orleans; he came to
California and settled in this county in 1853, and has since been engaged
principally in farming; owns two hundred and seventy-four acres, worth, with
improvements, about $11,400. He was married in 1858 to Mrs. Margaret O'Shea, a
native of Ireland; they have one child a daughter.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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RYAN, JAMES; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives twelve miles from
Sacramento; was born in Ireland in 1826, and lived there until 1847; he
emigrated in that year to Canada, and the year following moved to New
Hampshire, where he remained until 1851; came to California in 1855; owns one hundred
and sixty acres of land.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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SCHOLEFIELD, JOSEPH; Post Office, Florin; lives nine
miles southeast from Sacramento; was born in England in 1817, and lived there
until 1863, engaged as master under the Queen; emigrated to the United States,
and settled in this county in 1863, where he is engaged in farming and malting;
owns three hundred and twenty acres, worth, with improvements, about $10,000.
He was married in 1849 to Miss M. H. Lea, also a native of England, and who has
borne him seven sons and four daughters; one son and two daughters are
deceased.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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SHARP, LEONARD B., was born near Taylorsville, Va., where he lived till
1837, and then moved to Knox county, Tennessee. He joined the volunteers to remove
the Cherokees from Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina to the Indian
Territory. In 1843 he again joined a company for the relief of General Sam
Houston, then in Texas. The company disbanded at New Orleans, no transportation
being obtainable. He next went to Missouri for a year; then to New Orleans for
a year, and then again to Missouri. At the breaking out of the Mexican war, Mr.
Sharp again volunteered for a year, and was present at the battles of Brazetos
and Sacramento. Again he returned to Missouri, and remained till the gold
excitement brought him to California. He stopped at Steep Hollow; from there to
Rough and Ready; went East in 1851; remained seven years, and on his return to
California located near Jackson, Amador county. On the 25th of February, 1858,
he married Miss Nancy Gibson of Missouri. With his family he went to Texas in
1872, but remained only sixteen months. On his return he located on his present
home, where he proposes to remain. Seven children, five boys and two girls, are
now living, named William H., John H., Martha A., James W., Eddie B., Sterling
P., Nora F. The three oldest were born in Benton county, Missouri; the others
were all born in Amador county, California. One daughter (Mary Elizabeth) died
September 21, 1851, in Missouri; a son (Martin L.) died August 12, 1872, in
Texas. Mr. Sharp's Post Office is Brighton. A view of his place may be seen on
another page.
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SHARP, ROBERT W.; Post Office, Florin; lives seven miles south-east
from Sacramento; was born in Iowa in 1849. He came to California, across the
Plains, with his parents, in 1850; he spent about seven years steamboating, as
pilot, on the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers; since then he has been engaged
in farming: owns eighty acres of land, worth, with improvements, about $3,500.
He was married in 1878 to Miss Hattie Clark.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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SHAVER, NELSON; Post Office, Walsh Station; lives ten miles from
Sacramento, on the old Jackson road; was born in New York in 1826; moved to
Wisconsin in 1844, and lived there until 1852, engaged in farming. In that year
he drove oxen across the Plains to California, and followed mining at
Placerville until 1853, when he settled in this county, and has since been
farming. He owns six hundred acres, worth, with improvements, about $20 per
acre. He was married in 1858 to Miss A. Gunter, a native of Iowa, who has borne
him two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. A view of Mr. Shaver's
place may be seen on another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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SHIELDS, JOHN, lives thirteen miles from Sacramento city, and two and
one-half from Routier, his Post Office. He was born in Ireland in 1836, and
emigrated to Illinois, where he remained until coming to California in 185$. He
first lived in Alameda county, but in October, 1858, came to Sacramento. He
followed mining two years, and then turned his attention to farming. In 1859 he
married Miss Elizabeth Bow, a native of Ireland, by whom he has had two boys
and five girls. He owns four hundred and forty-six acres of land that are
valued at $40 per acre.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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SIMONS, JOHN A. ; Post Office, Florin; lives eight miles southeast from
Sacramento; was born in Ava, capitol of Burmah, in 1836; emigrated to the United
States via England in 1844, and lived in Massachusetts until 1854; he then
followed the sea for about a year, and came to San Francisco in 1855;
subsequently he moved to Steamboat Slough and engaged in farming for a few
months; he then commenced teaching school, and taught until 1864. He returned
East, to State of New York, in that year, and studied law: after being
admitted, he practiced about five years, when he returned to this State and
resumed teaching, which occupied his attention until 1878; since then he has
been farming: owns one hundred and seventy-five acres, worth, with
improvements, about $6,000. He was married in 1876 to Miss Fannie Prior, a
native of this State; they have one child a daughter.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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STEPHENS, R. D.; Post Office, Sacramento and
Routier; lives nine miles east from the former, on Valley R. R.; was born in
Illinois in 1837, and lived there until 1849; he came to California in that
year, and lived in El Dorado county until 1850, when he removed to this county;
is now engaged in farming: owns one hundred acres, worth, with improvements,
about $18,000. He was a member of the Legislature in 1869 and 1870; has held
the office of Deputy Assessor, and is now clerking in Comptroller's office.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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STUDARUS, JOHN, farmer, eleven miles from
Sacramento; Post Office, Routier; born in Switzerland, in 1824; learned the
bakers' trade in his native land; came to the United States in 1847; lived in
Pennsylvania until 1850, engaged in farming; removed to Virginia, and followed
farming for three years; in 1853, started across the plains for California; was
six months making the trip; mined in El Dorado one year; came to this county in
1854, and went to farming; he owns three hundred and forty-nine acres of land.
Married Miss Mary Rearsh, a native of Switzerland, in 1850; she died in 1875;
married Mrs. Barbara Swab, in 1875; she was born in Missouri. Mr. Studarus has
had, by his first and second wives, fifteen children; four sons and eight
daughters are now living; his place and improvements are valued at $15,000.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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TAYLOR, J. B., farmer and stock-raiser; lives fourteen miles from
Sacramento, and three miles from Routier; Post Office. Routier; born in
Maryland, in 1826; lived there until 1844; then to Ohio; followed carpentry;
came to California, across the plains, with oxen, in 1849; he also made a trip
across the plains, in 1853, with oxen; he was engaged in mining and
merchandizing, in El Dorado County, up to 1853; since 1853 he has resided in
this County; owns four hundred and eighty-eight acres of land; he mined on his
land in 1857, '58, and '59, where he found good gold diggings. He married Miss
M. E. Goetschins, a native of Ohio, in 1853; they have three daughters. Mr.
Taylor was Supervisor in 1857 and '58. His property is valued at forty dollars
per acre. A view of the property may be see on another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 251
THOMAS, JOHN, farmer; lives nine miles from Sacramento, and four miles
from Brighton, on the Valley road; owns one hundred and fifty-three acres of
laud, valued at $15,000; born at sea, Boston Harbor, in 1825; parents moved to
New York, and traveled for some years; went to Nevada in 1844; crossed the
plains; remained there, engaged in farming, until 1850; then came to Sacramento
County, California; he has been engaged in farming on the place where he now
resides since 1853. When Mr. Thomas started from Salt Lake for California, he
had three hundred pounds of flour; on account of the hunger of the women and
children on the way, he gave his flour all away, and for ten days was without
bread. He married Miss M. J. Disbrough, in 1853; she was born in New Jersey;
they have one daughter; Post Office, Routier. A view of Mr. Thomas' place is given
on another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 251
TOOMEY, MORRIS, farmer; lives on Jackson road, nine miles from
Sacramento; born in New York, in 1838; lived there until 1859; then came to
California; located in Shasta County, Butte County, and Amador County, for a
short time, and came to this county in 1860, where he has since been engaged in
farming; owns two hundred and seventy-nine acres of land; property valued at
$8,000. He was united in marriage to Miss Justina C. Nordyke, in 1868; she is a
native of Iowa; they have three sons and three daughters. Mr. Toomey was Deputy
Assessor in 1874 and 1875; Post Office, Walsh Station.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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TOWLE, C., farmer and Postmaster, Florin; born in Massachusetts, in
1829; lived there until 1852; then came to California; for the first six months
after his arrival, resided in Placer County; then followed teaming between
Sacramento and Placer County, until 1855; then went to farming on the place
where he now resides; was one of the early settlers to locate on the plains,
near where Florin now is; married Miss A. M. Ames, in 1874; she was born in
Vermont; owns eighty acres of land, valued at$5,000, with improvements. Mr.
Towle has been Postmaster of Florin for six years. A view of his place may be
seen on another page.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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WELLS, ELI; Post Office, Brighton; lives eight and a-half miles east
from Sacramento; was born in Tennessee in 1833; when about three years of age he
moved with his parents to Alabama, and lived there until 1844. In that year he
removed to Missouri, and remained until 1849; he then came to this State and
settled in this county, where he has been engaged, principally, in farming:
owns one hundred and ten acres, worth, with improvements, about $11,000. Mr.
Wells says: “I have not been out of the county a day at a time since I settled
here in 1849.” He was married in 1873 to Miss Mollie Gore, a native of
Kentucky; they have two sons.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Page 251
WILLIAMS, JEFFERSON, farmer; Post Office,---- ; owns
one hundred and sixty acres of land; born in Kentucky in 1821; went to Missouri
in 1825; lived there until 1851; then came to California. Married Rachel Evans
of Missouri in 1842; she died in 1873, leaving one son and three daughters. Mr.
Williams was a slave for thirty years.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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WILLIAMSON, D. L., farmer; Post Office, Routier;
lives on Coloma road, thirteen miles from Sacramento; owns one hundred and one
acres of land, valued, with improvements, at $8,000. Born in New York State in
1825; lived there and engaged in farming until 1849; then came to this State;
pursued mining for two years; then engaged in the livery business at Sacramento
for five years; since then has followed farming. Married Miss Ellen Emery from
Illinois in 1855; they have two sons and four daughters.
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
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WILSON, GEORGE; Post Office, Florin; owns 320 acres of land, valued at
S7,500; lives eight miles from Sacramento; born in Kentucky in 1815; lived
there until 1831; then went to Illinois; after being there four years went to
Wisconsin, where he engaged in teaming up to 1837; that year he removed to
Iowa, and followed farming. In 1852 he crossed the Plains to California; for
one year stopped in Santa Clara county, balance of time in this county. Married
Miss R. C. Kilgore, of Ohio, in 1838; she died January 1, 1851; married Miss L.
Flinn, of Indiana, December 31, 1851; they have five sons and eight daughters.
Source: History of Sacramento County, California With Illustrations 1880 by Thompson & West.
© 2003 Nancy Pratt Melton.
Sacramento County Biographies