California

Biographical Sketch of L. P. Behrens

L. P. Behrens, a prominent figure in San Mateo County, has significantly impacted local finance as the cashier of the First National Bank and president of the San Mateo County Savings Bank. His leadership was recognized when he served as president of the California Bankers Association, a notable achievement for a county with limited representation. Behrens has been instrumental in financing large business ventures and supporting community initiatives, such as the $1,250,000 bond for road improvements. He also contributed to public service through the San Mateo County Development Association and the Sequoia Union high school board.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick Ernest Beer

Frederick Ernest Beer, born on June 20, 1880, in Charlottetown, Canada, relocated to San Mateo in 1907. He co-founded the San Mateo Garage and Machine Works with C. B. Morton, which has become one of the largest businesses on the Peninsula. A trained mechanical engineer, Beer previously worked in mining machinery and steamship engineering. He is also an active community member and serves as Master of the San Mateo Masonic Lodge. Beer lives with his family at 335 Griffith Avenue.

Biographical Sketch of Andrew Skelly Barron

Andrew Skelly Barron, born March 10, 1851, in Ayar, Scotland, emigrated to the United States in pursuit of opportunity. He became a citizen on his arrival and journeyed to San Francisco via the ship Moses Taylor. Initially engaged in agriculture, Barron established a successful dairy business in San Mateo County, managing 135 cows and farming 300 acres. A self-made man, he also supported his family members who immigrated from Scotland and is a member of the Masonic order.

Biographical Sketch of William Henry Barg

William Henry Barg, born on September 17, 1882, in Hollister, California, is recognized for his efficient management of the San Mateo County Recorder’s office. Elected to fill a vacancy in the office, he quickly gained popularity due to his pleasant demeanor and capabilities. Educated in San Francisco and at Sacred Heart College, Barg specialized in accountancy, building a solid career in bookkeeping before taking on his current role. In addition, he is known for his involvement in local baseball and is a member of the Elks and Native Sons.

Biographical Sketch of Dr. Herbert Seth Anderton

Dr. Herbert S. Anderton, a prominent physician and surgeon in Burlingame, established his practice in the area two years ago after recognizing its potential for growth. A Virginia native born on September 29, 1885, he has gained extensive medical training from various prestigious institutions and has served at the Marine Hospital and in emergency surgery in San Francisco. Active in community affairs, he is a director of the Burlingame Commercial Club and has invested in local property, reflecting his commitment to the region’s future.

Biographical Sketch of Horace W. Amphlett

Horace W. Amphlett, born on June 27, 1890, in San Francisco, has made a notable impact in San Mateo County. An accomplished amateur playwright and former assistant postmaster, Amphlett gained recognition for his literary works, with several plays produced locally and attracting interest from eastern producers. He graduated from San Mateo High School in 1908, later rising to assistant postmaster before transitioning to the National Bank of San Mateo. An active community member, he has held leadership roles in the Peninsula Club and the Knights of Columbus.

Biography of John H. Townsend

John H. Townsend was born on March 16, 1843, in Smyrna, Delaware. His family moved to Madison County, Indiana, where he grew up and received his education. In 1861, he relocated to Placerville, California, working as a clerk and successfully investing in mining stock. In 1865, he returned to Missouri, entering the mercantile business with his uncle, and later established a successful dry goods and grocery business in Gallatin. Townsend married Arbetia V. Higgins in 1868 and had two children. He was active in the Presbyterian Church and local Masonic organizations.

Biographical Sketch of John M. Miller

John M. Miller was born on May 31, 1834, in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, and was raised there after his family moved from Virginia. He ventured to California twice in 1859 and 1860 before serving in the Enrolled State Militia during the Civil War. A farmer by trade, he married Elizabeth C. Foster in 1863, with whom he had six children. After her passing in 1877, he married Mary A. Goodbar in 1879, and they had one child together.

Biography of Major Joseph H. McGee

Joseph H. McGee, born on July 6, 1821, in Clermont County, Ohio, came from a lineage of Irish immigrants. After moving to Missouri in 1837, he pursued a tailoring career and transitioned into public service, becoming county clerk for multiple terms. He served as a captain and later major during the Civil War. Post-war, McGee held various political offices, including state register of lands and common pleas judge. A man of strong convictions, he shifted from his early Democratic beliefs to support the Republican Party during the Civil War.

Biography of Nathaniel G. Cruzen

Nathaniel G. Cruzen, born on October 14, 1826, in Jefferson County, Virginia, was the son of Richard R. Cruzen, an inspector at the Harpers Ferry National Armory. Educated at Harpers Ferry, he farmed in Missouri before moving to California for gold mining. During the Civil War, Cruzen served in Company A and faced capture and imprisonment. After the war, he returned to farming before entering merchandising. He married twice, had eight children, and became a respected Democratic citizen in his community.

Biographical Sketch of John W. Clark

John W. Clark was born on September 4, 1853, in Chillicothe, Missouri. He was educated in Livingston County and began his career on the North Missouri Railway before apprenticing as a watchmaker under August Wetteroth in St. Joseph. In 1876, he settled in Jamesport, where his diligent work ethic helped him establish a successful jewelry business. Clark married Lizzie Wilburn in 1877, and they had one child, Ora Ernest, born in 1878. His achievements are attributed to his dedication and commitment to his trade.

Biography of Rev. Henry Harrison Hartwell

Rev. Henry Harrison Hartwell, born on October 18, 1819, in Hillsborough, N.H., has made significant contributions to Allenstown, serving as Superintendent of Schools and holding various town offices. A Methodist pastor for over 40 years, he worked in several New Hampshire towns before retiring due to health issues. After a time in California and Nevada, he engaged in auction and commission business. Married twice, he had five children and earned the respect of his community through his dedicated service and independent political stance.

Hunt, Wendell – Obituary

Wendell Hunt, a 21-year-old from Whittier, California, succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident near Pendleton. He was hospitalized but never regained consciousness and passed away on Monday. His parents arrived from California two days after the incident and took his body back home on the same night.

1861 Directory of Small Towns in Placer County California

The 1861 Directory of Small Towns in Placer County, California, lists various residents by name, occupation, and location, highlighting a diverse community engaged primarily in mining, farming, and related trades. Key occupations include miners, ranchmen, merchants, and laborers, indicating a bustling economy driven by the gold rush. Towns such as Antelope Ravine, Deadwood, and Galt House each showcase local businesses and services. The directory reflects the era’s demographic and economic landscape, providing insights into the daily lives of these early Californian settlers.

1861 Directory of Illinoistown California

The 1861 Directory of Illinoistown, California, lists various occupations of residents, emphasizing the mining profession, with numerous miners recorded. Key figures include Austin Lawrence, Bane Wm. packer, and multiple blacksmiths and laborers. Merchants such as Egbert Robert and Wallace W. H. showcase the town’s commercial aspect, while service providers like Tibbetts J. P. (physician) and Brickell Ed (Illinoistown Hotel proprietor) highlight community services. This directory reflects the diverse workforce essential to the mining town’s economy in the early 1860s.

1861 Directory of Ophir California

The 1861 Directory of Ophir, California, lists a diverse range of residents including miners, farmers, merchants, and professionals. Notable figures include John Arkwell and D. B. Curtis, both miners, and D. B. Bickford, a lawyer. Main Street hosts various businesses such as Choate D. as a merchant and Hathaway W. as a watchmaker. The community is further supported by services from a physician, a preacher, and a hotel keeper. This directory encapsulates the economic and social fabric of Ophir during the gold rush era.

1861 Directory of Yankee Jims California

The 1861 Directory of Yankee Jims, California, lists a variety of individuals primarily engaged in mining, with numerous miners, teamsters, and merchants represented. Notable occupations include blacksmiths, saloon keepers, and ranchmen. This directory reflects the diverse workforce contributing to the burgeoning community during the Gold Rush, highlighting the significant roles of both skilled laborers and tradespeople in the settlement’s development. The names underscore the multicultural makeup of the town, indicating a blend of backgrounds amidst the pursuit of prosperity.

1861 Directory of Todd’s Valley California

Todd's Valley California in 1857

The 1861 Directory of Todd’s Valley, California, lists numerous individuals engaged in various occupations, predominantly mining, which reflects the area’s economic landscape. Mine operators, carpenters, and blacksmiths are prominent, along with merchants, ranchers, and several service providers such as butchers, hotel keepers, and traders. This diverse community showcases the burgeoning development of Todd’s Valley during this period, highlighting both the labor-intensive nature of the mining industry and the essential services supporting the local population.

1861 Directory of Virginia California

The 1861 Directory of Virginia, California, lists a variety of individuals engaged in diverse occupations, reflecting the town’s economic landscape. Among them are hotel keepers, miners, merchants, physicians, and tradesmen, showcasing the essential services and industries of the time. Notable establishments include the Mt. Pleasant House and several businesses on Main Street, where merchants and saloon keepers operate. The presence of miners suggests a community focused on mineral extraction, while farmers contribute to the local agricultural base.

1861 Directory of Rattlesnake California

The 1861 Directory of Rattlesnake, California, lists various residents and their occupations, highlighting a community primarily composed of miners. Additional professions include blacksmiths, merchants, saloon keepers, and a lawyer. Notable figures include Hyram Stephens, a miner, and William Hawks, along with hotel keepers such as S.G. Morris and John Wickson. This directory illustrates the diverse economic activities and social structure in a burgeoning mining settlement during the California Gold Rush era.