Biographies
JAMES FRANKLIN ELLIOTT
With the exception of his first fourteen
years Mr. Elliott could claim a lifelong citizenship in California. At the time
of his arrival in 1851 the country was filled with gold-seekers. The spirit of
development had seized the newly-admitted state, the youngest child of the
great Union, and he himself became immediately loyal to his chosen home, stanchly devoted to the welfare of his adopted
commonwealth. The surroundings were radically different from those of his native
Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1837 and where he had gained a knowledge of the three R's in the country schools of the
day. The lonliness caused by such a complete change
of environment was increased by the severing of family ties, for his
parents never came to the west and he found himself forced into the
struggle for a livelihood without parental counsel or encouragement. The fact
that he attained a competency before age rendered further efforts impracticable
speaks volumes for his energy and patient perseverance. In all of his actions
he was governed by high ideals. His was the far-seeing discrimination, the
sagacity of judgment and the honesty of purpose that are
conspicuous attributes of our noblest citizens. Though of eastern birth, in
everything else he was a typical Californian, hospitable and energetic. The
spirit of western enterprise was a prominent ingredient in his nature. While he
gained considerable success as a farmer and business man, he also gained that
which he valued far more, the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens.
During the first period of his residence in the state he had seen much of
hardship and privation, but he had carefully hoarded his wages as a day
laborer, thus becoming able to take up land in Yolo county.
When he sold that tract he purchased land on the river in 1874 and there
engaged in general ranching for eight years, after which selling the property
he removed to Sacramento. There in 1904 he passed away, mourned by his family
and by his large circle of acquaintances of pioneer days, who realized
appreciatively his integrity as a man and his worth as a citizen.
When about thirty years
of age Mr. Elliott established a home of his own. February 27, 1867, occurred his marriage to Alameda J. Johnston, a native of
Ohio and the daughter of John and Fidelia (Tyler)
Johnston, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. While her parents came to
the west early in the '50s it was thought wise to leave her behind with
relatives and on that account she was separated from the immediate family for
some time. For years Mr. Johnston held an honored position among the pioneers
of Sutter county and his acquaintanceship extended
through all that section of the country, where he was universally honored as a
man of fine principles and great industry. When advanced in years he died in
that county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott
consisted of eight children, of whom the eldest, Frank, passed away in 1906.
Another member of the family died in early years. The six now living are named
as follows: Minnie W., Mrs. Reece Murphy; Evelyn Mary, Mrs. Augustus Hall;
Edgar Elmer, of Sacramento; George E., who is now living in Modoc county; Bertha L. and Maude, who reside with their mother at
No. 1513 Eighteenth street, Sacramento.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 935-936. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.