Richard H. Withington

 

Richard H. Withington, of the Capital Soap Works, Sacramento, is a native of Genoa, Seneca County, New York, born July 21, 1818, his parents being Daniel and Sarah (Hall) Withington, both of whom were natives of Alleghany County, Pennsylvania. When he was a young man he accompanied the family to Monroe, Michigan, where they settled. There he farmed for a time, and then carried on business across the State line, in the northwest county of Ohio. In 1850 he came to California. Going to New Orleans, thence to Matagorda Bay, and from there he accompanied Captain French through El Paso, and thence proceeded to San Diego. There he took passage on a Boston brig for San Francisco, where he arrived after a voyage of twenty-three days, November 12, 1850. He came up to Sacramento on the steamer New World, and from here proceeded to the mines on Bear River. He mined about five miles above McCourtney’s for a year, then went to farming in Ione Valley, where he remained from 1852 to 1862. He then went to Gold Hill, Nevada, and kept public house there for a year and a half. The succeeding year he was so engaged at Meadow Lake. From there he came to Sacramento in 1865, and engaged in the manufacture of soap on J street. In 1866 he took in a partner, and the firm became Withington & Bagley. In 1871 C. F. Williams bought out Mr. Bagley, and the firm became Withington & Williams until October, 1886, when Sparrow Smith came into partnership, since which time the institution has been known as the Capital Soap Works. There has been a constant advancement in the character of machinery and appliances used in the processes of manufacture, and the factory is now equipped to successfully compete for trade in the markets of the world. Their business, constantly increasing and spreading its limits, already extends over a vast scope of territory. Some of their markets are here given: California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and the Eastern States, especially Michigan and Wisconsin. Their soaps have an unsurpassed reputation, and sell readily on their merits where ever introduced. Mr. Withington gives his entire personal attention to the details of manufacture and the management of the plant. Mr. Withington was married in Michigan in 1842, to Miss Hannah Clark, a native of Ireland, who came to this country when a child with her parents. They have two children, viz,: Sarah, wife of Calvin Williams, merchant, Eleventh and J streets, and Millard C., who is one of the firm of the Capital Soap Works. Mr. Withington is a member of the Sacramento Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He formerly belonged at Ione, and was Past Master of the lodge there. He is also a member of the Legion of Honor. Mr. Withington was a Whig in the days of that party, and has been a Republican since the party was organized. His first Presidential vote was for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and his last for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. He was one of the organizers of the Calvary Baptist Church, and has been deacon ever since its organization. Mr.  Withington is a careful, conscientious business man, and well deserves the success that his enterprise has met with.

 

Transcribed by Marla Fitzsimmons.