Thomas
Ashworth, and old an honored citizen of San Francisco, is a native of the
Empire State, born in New York city, September 14, 1825. His early boyhood was spent in his native
city and up the Hudson river at Newburg and Poughkeepsie. During his boyhood he ran away from and went
to sea. He sailed on several voyages to
Europe, China, South America, the West Indies, and all over the world for some
years, then located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained six or
eight years. After the breaking out of
the great gold excitement in California, he sailed on the George Law and came
via Panama, thence on the John L. Stephens, and arrived in San Francisco in
May, 1854. Like all who came here during
the early days, he went to the mines, but returned here and engaged in hauling
for the Pacific Warehouse for a year or two; then went to the mountains and
bought half an interest in a water ditch in Shasta county, and continued
working this and mining for several years.
In 1858 he opened a hotel in Shasta county, and carried it on
successfully until 1869, when it was destroyed by fire and he lost
everything. He returned to San
Francisco and operated in mining stock and real estate until 1875, and after
that gave his attention to real-estate interests.
In
1882 he was elected a member of the Reform Board of Supervisors, on the same
ticket with Mayor Pond, by a majority of over 10,000 votes. In 1884 he was elected to the office of
Superintendent of Streets, and at the expiration of his term was re-elected to
the same position. He has performed the
duties of this exacting position with ability and credit to himself and
satisfaction of the city. His success
in life is owing to his own efforts and good management. He never borrowed a dollar, and never has
wanted for it. He is charitable and
generous.
Mr.
Ashworth married Miss Julia Lineham, of San Francisco.
Transcribed by
Donna L. Becker
Source: "The
Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, pages 628-629, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.
©
2004 Donna L. Becker.