Sacramento County
Biographies
JOHN CHARLES ROWE
JOHN CHARLES ROWE.--Ever since the days of the early pioneer, Sacramento has been noted for its expert harness-makers, now worthily represented by John Charles Rowe, of 919 Fourth Street, who continues the old-time tradition of ready service, willingly rendered. He is a native of Cornwall, England, where he was born on July 9, 1871, the son of Samuel and Bessie (Stribley) Rowe, the former a pioneer of such early date that he came out to California when the Argonauts were swarming here, but after a while returned to his native land. Once more, he sought his fortune in the Golden State, in 1880, and in 1884 his wife and children joined him in Jackson, Amador County, and this time they settled here for good. He was twenty years with the Southern Pacific Railroad as a blacksmith, and when he retired, it was to enjoy the company's testimonial in the form of a comfortable pension. Both parents are now dead.
John C. Rowe attended the public schools of Jackson, and then in 1888 came to Sacramento and learned the trade of a harness-maker, under Simon Ross; and in 1892 he established himself in business, continuing for four years. Then, for seventeen years, he was with Frank Gehring, and for two years, he helped Mr. Potter; and he was also associated with Van Voorhies and Company at various times.
On the 23rd of May, 1921, Mr. Rowe bought his present place from Frank Wickwire, the old pioneer harness shop here, and here he is fast building up a desirable trade, doing all kinds of leather work, and by his exceptional skill, and through his valuable experience, affording his patrons fine and dependable service. He keeps abreast of the times, avails himself of any new methods or inventions, and excels in the thoroughness of his workmanship. Like most such busy folks, for hours kept at the bench, Mr.Rowe is fond of outdoor life, and especially of those sports and recreations which one may enjoy to the full in Sacramento, whose interests he is ever glad to forward, as citizen, merchant and artisan.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Page 822. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA.
1923.
© 2007 Jeanne Taylor.