Mariposa County CA

Biography of Hon. Michael Carey

Hon. Michael Carey, born December 12, 1844, in Ireland, immigrated to the U.S. in 1850 with his family. He worked as a miner in Michigan before moving to California and then Idaho, where he managed and operated several successful mines, becoming a prominent mine-owner. A member of the Idaho state senate elected in 1898 as a Populist, Carey is known for his commitment to public service and effective mining practices. He married Mary Lowery in 1899 and continues to impact Idaho’s mining industry.

Biography of John H. O’Bryant

John H. O’Bryant, born in 1830 in Tennessee, was a significant pioneer in the development of Eastern Oregon. After losing his father at a young age, he worked on family farms before seeking fortune in California, where he engaged in mining and forestry. In 1866, he settled in North Powder, Oregon, where he established a successful 250-acre farm. Married to Elizabeth J. Hand in 1884, they were active members of the Baptist church, embodying the principles of hard work and community service throughout their lives.

Breshears, John H. – Obituary

John H. Breshears, 64, of Hayward, California, and formerly of Elgin, passed away on May 20. A memorial service will be held on June 4 in Hayward, with graveside services in Elgin to be announced. Born on August 1, 1941, in Elgin, he graduated from Elgin High School and served in the Navy. Breshears worked as a sheet-metal worker for 36 years, enjoyed outdoor activities, and was involved in local organizations. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and two sisters.

Goshorn, Annamarie Elisabeth – Obituary

Annamarie Elisabeth Goshorn, aged 82, passed away at her home in La Grande, Oregon, on November 12. Born on June 10, 1924, in Portland to German immigrants, she became an R.N. in 1945. She married Frank Goshorn in 1945 and the couple later moved to La Grande, where she worked in nursing until her retirement. An enthusiastic volunteer and active in community service, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, and music. She is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Biography of Seneca LaRue

Seneca LaRue, born in 1831 in Indiana, moved to California in 1850, initially mining before returning to farming. In 1876, he settled in Riverside, acquiring 40 acres where he focused on horticulture, particularly citrus fruits. His successful orange grove spans 22 acres, yielding significant profits by 1888. LaRue constructed a well-appointed residence and engaged in community development. He married Samantha Leach in 1858, and they had eight children. A respected member of the Universalist Church and a Republican, he is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to Riverside.

Biography of Fenton M. Slaughter

Fenton M. Slaughter, born on January 10, 1826, in Virginia, emerged as a notable figure in San Bernardino County. After training as a mechanical engineer, he served in the Mexican War, where he faced challenges including capture by Navajo forces. A seasoned entrepreneur, he pioneered the thoroughbred sheep industry in Southern California, established the first blacksmith shop in San Gabriel, and built a successful winery. Slaughter was active in local politics, serving as a state assembly member and a county supervisor, and contributed significantly to community development. He married Dolores Alvarado and had nine children.

Biography of George W. Suttonfield

George W. Suttonfield, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on February 14, 1825, faced hardships during his journey to California in 1849. After arriving in San Francisco nearly destitute, he began his career selling pies and mining, ultimately achieving success in various businesses, including stock and livery. His first marriage, recorded in Mariposa County, produced five children. A notable pioneer, he organized the Pioneer Society in San Bernardino in 1866 and is remembered as a respected figure in the community, now residing on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Biography of Joshua S. Beam

Joshua S. Beam, born in 1826 in North Carolina, was the seventh of twelve children. In 1850, he moved to Arkansas and later journeyed to California, working in the mines and quartz-mills. After several years in Mariposa County, he settled in San Bernardino County, where he established a successful farm and shifted from alfalfa raising to dairy farming. Beam married Ellen R. Craw in 1859; they had nine children. Active in education and church affairs, he has contributed significantly to his community.

Biography of Benjamin B. Harris

Benjamin B. Harris, born in Virginia in 1824, was a dedicated attorney and civic leader in San Bernardino. Educated in Tennessee, he ventured to California in 1849 during the gold rush, famously establishing one of the first ferries on the Colorado River. After years in mining and practicing law, he served as City Clerk and held various municipal roles. A Confederate officer during the Civil War, Harris later revived a university in Tennessee before returning to California, where he enjoyed a fruitful career and family life.

Biography of John Hartley Smith

John Hartley Smith, born in 1835 in Virginia, was a prominent banker and business leader in Southern California. After mining for gold in California, he returned to Ohio, where he engaged in steam boating, coal mining, and banking. Health issues led him to California in 1880, where he founded the Santa Ana Commercial Bank and later established the First National Bank of San Bernardino, serving as its president. Smith’s entrepreneurial ventures included significant investments outside banking. He was married to Mrs. Smith and had three sons.

Awani Tribe

The Awani Indians are a subgroup of the Miwok residing in Yosemite Valley, California. The term “Yosemite” is believed to stem from a distorted Miwok term for grizzly bear, though the Awani referred to their primary village, Awani, to encompass the entire valley and its inhabitants. At the time of European contact, the Awani population was around 450, distributed across nine villages. Current population figures are unclear, but it is noted to be small today.

Woods, George “Bud” – Obituary

George “Bud” Woods, 67, passed away on February 8, 2006, due to complications from leukemia treatment. Born on February 9, 1938, in Likely, California, he served in the U.S. Army and had a distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service. Bud was also involved in law enforcement and founding community service programs. After retiring, he and his wife, Anne, volunteered extensively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. His memorial service is scheduled for March 18, 2006, in Portola, California.

Biographical Sketch of Lysander Utt

Lysander Utt, born June 1, 1824, in Virginia, was a prominent figure in Tustin, California, who made his mark during the Gold Rush as a 49er. After moving to Missouri, he journeyed to California, engaging in mining and later transitioning to teaming and farming in Placer County. Utt retired two years ago to enjoy life on his fruit ranch. A successful merchant, he is a devoted Democrat with a warm, Southern charm. In 1864, he married Arvilla E. Platt, and they have one son, Charles E.

Biographical Sketch of R. T. Harris

R. T. Harris, born in Richmond, Virginia, became the first Sheriff of Orange County after moving to California with his father, John Harris, in 1860. Educated in Santa Clara County, he settled in Westminster in 1876, where he ran a mercantile business and served as assistant Postmaster. In the inaugural Orange County election, Harris won the sheriff position by a significant majority. He married Maria Larter in 1888, and they have one daughter, Geraldine, residing in Santa Ana.

Biography of H. Titchenal

H. Titchenal, born on January 2, 1817, in West Virginia, moved with his family to Missouri and later to Arkansas, where he was raised as a stock-raiser. After venturing to California in 1852, he experienced mining and teaming before settling in Santa Ana in 1869. Titchenal became a successful businessman, constructing Santa Ana’s first dwelling and the Titchenal block. He was active in the Methodist church, married Sarah Ann Dickason in 1839, and raised eleven children, five of whom survived him.