J. W. KEITH
This gentleman, who was born in Waldo County, on the sea coast of the State of Maine, is now located pleasantly on his ranch two miles above Jacksonville. The principal acts of his life are narrated by himself as follows: Born on the 9th of June, 1824, at the age of eighteen he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, and there learning the trade of machinist, worked at it until 1851, when the desire for travel came upon him, and packing up, he sought the land of gold. His first mining ventures were made at Jacksonville, then an exceedingly lively camp, whose fortunes he followed through thick and thin for ten years. Since that time he has held the office of Tax Collector, about five years; going in 1866 on to his present location. Five years later he sold out, but again in 1877, re-purchased the place, and has resided there since. Married to Miss Jane Gamble, in 1863, he has six children H. W., A. G., Charles P., Hattie J., Ben F., and John E.
“A
History of Tuolumne County, California” B.F. Alley, 1882. Pg. 369.
Submitted
by: Nancy Pratt Melton
PATRICK KELLY
Was born in Ireland, on the 25th day of August, 1849. He came to this State from his native country in 1867, and settled at Columbia, in this county. Here he formed a partnership with his brother, in the livery business. He settled at Sonora in 1871, and in 1874 purchased an interest in the Pioneer Livery Stables, and has been one of its proprietors to the present time.
Mr. Kelly married Miss Mary Riordan.
“A
History of Tuolumne County, California” B.F. Alley, 1882. Pg. 402.
Submitted by: Nancy Pratt Melton
HENRY
KEPHART
Mr.
Kephart began this life in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fifth
of August, 1821. He was brought up to habits of industry and application, being
set to learn the trade of forgeman—a trade which he followed in various parts
of his native state until 1848, when he went to Iowa and from there to Indiana;
there working at his trade until the breaking out of the ‘‘ Gold Fever,” when
in the Spring of ‘50, he started for the Pacific Coast across the Plains,
arriving in Georgetown, El Dorado County.
Travelling through the different mining districts until the fall of ‘51, he
then settled at Shaw’s Flat, there to follow placer digging for three years, at the end of which time
he removed to Campbell’s Flat, and from there to Blanket Creek, and a year
later to Turnback Creek, where he has since remained, pursuing the occupation
of a miner, with the exception of short periods in other localities.
“A History of Tuolumne County, California” Pub’d by
B.F. Alley, 1882. Pg. 336-337.
Submitted
by: Nancy Pratt Melton
JOHN KING
Was born in the Parish of St. Clair, Canada, on June 25, 1831. When thirteen years old be moved to Caledonia County, Vermont. Here he was raised on a farm and continued to reside till he came to this State via Panama, landing at San Francisco on the 14th of November, 1851. He came direct to this county and settled at Poverty Hill, where he was engaged as a miner during the Winter months, and followed teaming in the Summer until 1856, when he came to Columbia and mined at Gold Hill. In the Spring of 1860 he bought and moved on his ranch at Columbia, where he has since continuously resided, except while in the United States service. The products of his farm are fruits. In 1861 Mr. King enlisted in the Second California Cavalry, and was in the service for three years, being honorably discharged in October, 1864. He married Mrs. Sarah Clow, a native of Canada. Lillie Florence is the name of their only child.
“A
History of Tuolumne County, California” B.F. Alley, 1882. Pg. 359-360.
Submitted by: Nancy Pratt Melton