Sacramento County
Biographies
JAMES
S. HUNTRESS
The pine forests of Maine
through which merrily flow the clear streams of the north on their course to
the ocean were familiar to the early experiences of James S. Huntress, who
claimed Maine as his native
commonwealth and the year 1835 as his natal date. The family, although
belonging to the honored aristocracy of New England, possessed little means and
it was not possible for him to enjoy the educational advantages which his
ambitious soul desired. At a very early age he was apprenticed to the
trade of a mason and thenceforward he depended upon his own efforts for a
livelihood. When nine-teen years of age he started out for himself and it was then that he made the long journey to California,
which continued to be his home from that time until his death more than forty
years later. During the long period of his identification with the west
he devoted much attention to mining interests and made his home in Nevada
county, where he died at Grass
Valley June 22, 1907, mourned by the large circle of
acquaintances whose friendship he had won through kindly disposition,
unwavering integrity and large business ability. His high reputation in
the community where he had lived so long furnished abundant proof that he had
lived worthily and exhibited in his character the principles of truth and
honor. As he was true and honor-able in intercourse with others, so
likewise he was loyal and true to his country, ever seeking to give his
influence to movements for the general welfare and especially eager to aid
enterprises for the benefit of his country and commonwealth. A staunch
believer in Republican principles, he took a prominent part in the workings of
that party in Nevada county and was counted a local leader; at the same time
narrow partisanship found no place in his life, but he gave to others the same
freedom of political opinion which he demanded for himself.
The marriage of James S. Huntress took place in 1868 and
united him with Miss Mary S. Huitt, who was born in
Arkansas but in infancy was brought across the plains by ox teams to California
by members of her family and ever since has resided in the state. Subsequent
to the demise of her husband, she removed to Sacramento and now owns a
comfortable home at No. 1421 Twenty-fifth street,
where she dispenses a cheerful hospitality to friends of the capital city, as well
as to the other friends from Nevada
county during their occasional visits to town. In addition to the loss of
her husband she suffered another bereavement in the
death of her only son, William C., but she is fortunate in having four
daughters, all women of education and culture, and their congenial
companionship fills the afternoon of her life with tranquil enjoyment.
The second daughter, Emma M., who is married to Charles Single and makes her
home at Grass Valley,
is the only member of the family not residing in Sacramento.
The eldest daughter, Mrs. Alice Webster, has lived in the capital city ever since
her marriage, and the same statement may be made concerning the two youngest
daughters, namely: Mabel, Mrs. Arthur Rapp; and
Martha, Mrs. Lewis Clauson.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento
County, California, Pages 513-514. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1913.
© 2005 Sally Kaleta.