Placerville California

Biographical Sketch of Horace H. Walling

Horace H. Walling, born on December 5, 1869, in Kirkville, Iowa, moved to California in 1882. He began his career in journalism with the Woodland Mail and later founded a newspaper in Placerville. In 1901, he transitioned to the printing industry, becoming Vice-President and Manager of the Keystone Type Foundary in San Francisco. Walling married Elisa Stevenson in 1891, and they have two children. Actively involved in community and fraternal organizations, the Walling family resides in San Mateo.

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.

Biography of Jacob Frazier

Jacob Frazier, born in Ohio in 1820, became a significant figure in Eastern Oregon’s wool industry. After a challenging journey across the plains to California in 1850, he transitioned from gold mining to ranching, where he amassed a large sheep herd. Frazier also faced multiple life-threatening incidents but persevered, leading to his successful ranching ventures. By 1880, he shifted focus to real estate in Pendleton, constructing notable buildings and engaging in various business enterprises. He married fellow pioneer Mary Kizer and had a son, Nickolas K.

Biography of Hon. Ransom Beers

Hon. Ransom Beers, born in Ohio in 1831, is a prominent pioneer noted for his integrity and enterprise. After experiencing early hardship, he ventured to California in pursuit of gold, achieving notable success in mining. He later moved to Oregon, where he developed his farmland and became a respected figure in agriculture. A dedicated community member, Beers served in the state legislature and remains active in fraternal organizations. He leads a contented life, valuing his independence and the accomplishments he has diligently built.

Biography of Frank Harris

Frank Harris, born on June 20, 1854, in Placerville, California, is a prominent lawyer and Idaho state senator. Educated in California, he began his legal career under notable attorneys before moving to Weiser in 1880. Harris has made significant contributions to law and politics, serving in the 1889 Idaho constitutional convention and as a state senator starting in 1896. He is involved with the Knights of Pythias and has interests in mining. Harris is esteemed for his thorough legal preparation and persuasive arguments, maintaining a successful law practice.

Biography of John H. Nelson

John H. Nelson, born in Placerville, California, in 1856, emerged as a prominent figure in Bennington, Kansas, serving as both president of the Bennington State Bank and thrice-elected mayor. A descendant of sturdy pioneer stock, he succeeded his father as bank president and played a critical role in the town’s development, including its water system and electric light plant. Married to Mary E. Miller, he fathered six children and remained active in local politics and community organizations, representing integrity in business and public service.

Biography of Jacob Zuber

Jacob Zuber, born in 1822 in Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1844. After settling in Ohio, he ventured to California for mining before moving to Idaho and then the Grande Ronde Valley, where he engaged in the stock business. Zuber later established a brewery in Union and transitioned into merchandise. Married in 1887 to Susan C. Reeves, they had one daughter. Zuber is recognized as a prosperous and respected figure in Union County, enjoying a comfortable life amidst his contributions to the community.

Biography of Abner E. Callaway

Abner Early Callaway, born in Missouri in 1823, was a significant figure in Idaho’s pioneer history. He arrived in Idaho in 1861, engaging in mining and later defending settlers against hostile Native American tribes. Callaway was instrumental in developing agriculture and infrastructure, cultivating land in what is now Canyon County. A politician, he served multiple terms in the territorial legislature, advocating for the needs of his community. Married with five children, he remains an esteemed figure in Idaho’s history, embodying the spirit of the pioneering era.

Burwell, Walter J. – Obituary

W. J. C. Burwell passed away at his home in South Union, Oregon, on October 9, 1926, at the age of 72. Born on June 30, 1854, in Placerville, California, he worked in governmental roles across Alaska, Canada, and South America before settling in Oregon and later San Francisco. His funeral was held at the Episcopalian church, led by Rev. Bradner. He is survived by his widow and a nephew in Eugene, Oregon. Burwell had been ill for several months prior to his death.

Hall, John – Obituary

John Hall, a longtime resident of Placerville, California, and father of the Hall brothers of Union, passed away on September 20, 1888, at the age of 64 after a prolonged illness due to heart disease. Born in St. Louis in 1824, Hall was a veteran of the Mexican War and had been engaged in mining since arriving in California in 1850. His funeral was attended by many friends, and he was interred in City Cemetery, alongside his deceased children, leaving a legacy of kindness and community support.

Biography of Samuel K. Klinefelter

Samuel K. Klinefelter, born June 10, 1845, in Ohio, was the youngest partner at Hayt Klinefelter, a prominent Riverside livery stable. After moving to Kansas, he enlisted in the Seventh Regiment of Kansas Cavalry during the Civil War, participating in significant battles before returning to farming. He later ventured to California, engaging in various businesses including dairy, hotel management, and meat markets. By 1887, he established a successful livery operation in Riverside, becoming a well-respected community figure and a dedicated Republican.

Biography of William Francis Holcomb

William Francis Holcomb, born in Indiana in 1831, became a notable figure in California history as the discoverer of gold in a valley named after him. After enduring a grueling journey to California in 1850, he spent a decade mining with limited success before uncovering a significant gold deposit near San Bernardino in 1860. Holcomb later served as County Assessor and County Clerk, contributing to local governance. A devoted family man and renowned hunter, he remains a respected member of the Society of California Pioneers.

Biography of Henry Babel

Henry Babel, born in Germany in 1826, emigrated to America in 1845 and eventually settled in California after a challenging journey. He established Babel Springs, a renowned health resort, alongside his wife, Elizabeth. Throughout his life, Babel engaged in various ventures, including mining and livestock, ultimately amassing wealth through farming and hospitality. He was known for his integrity and generosity. After his death in 1885, his widow continued to manage Babel Springs, enhancing its facilities to promote its potential as a health destination.

White, George Martin – Obituary

George Martin White, 77, passed away on January 30, 2003, in Oasis, Nevada. Born on May 30, 1925, in Salt Creek, Wyoming, he served in the Navy during World War II. Following his discharge, he became a private pilot and later had a diverse career involving various adventurous pursuits. He settled in Placerville in 1959, working on local construction projects and retiring as a carpenter. He is survived by his wife, three children, a brother, a sister, and five grandchildren.

Biography of Green Arnold

Green Arnold, born in 1819 in New York, was a significant pioneer of the region east of the Cascade Mountains. He moved to Michigan before embarking to California in 1850 during the gold rush, later establishing a trading post in Oregon. Arnold’s efforts in trading with local tribes and facilitating peace during tense confrontations were notable. He contributed to the development of the Grande Ronde valley by farming, raising livestock, and building the first sawmill and hotel. Arnold’s legacy is marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and role in early local history.

Biography of Robert Bruce

Robert Bruce was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1828, and moved to Canada in 1845 before traveling to California in 1849 for gold mining. He worked in various mining camps until enlisting in the First Oregon Cavalry during the Civil War, serving until 1866. Afterward, he worked at the Salem penitentiary and eventually settled in Pendleton. Despite his challenging frontier life and its toll on him, Bruce remained grateful for his life in America, reflecting on the contributions of pioneers like himself.

Biography of James S. Dysart

James S. Dysart was born on March 22, 1838, in Delaware County, New York. He journeyed to California in 1855, initially settling in Placerville to work in lumbering. His career spanned various ventures, including hotel management in Nevada and farming in Mendocino County. In 1871, he claimed land near Ellensburgh, Washington, where he later co-founded the second sawmill in Kittitass Valley. Elected as a county commissioner in 1884, Dysart remains unmarried and continues to be active in his community.

Biography of Jacob Frazer

Jacob Frazer, born in Ohio in 1820, was a pivotal figure in the wool industry of Eastern Oregon. After moving through Indiana and Iowa, he journeyed to California in 1850, where he faced numerous mining challenges before shifting to ranching. By 1866, he had established a significant sheep ranch, shearing over 104,000 pounds of wool in one year. Frazer later contributed to Pendleton’s development through constructing key buildings and serving in various business roles. He was married to fellow pioneer Mary Kizer and had a son, Nickolas.

Biographical Sketch of McDonough B. Rees

McDonough B. Rees, born in Ohio in 1831, moved to Oregon in 1854. Renowned for his enterprise, he initially engaged in prospecting and mining, facing significant dangers, including encounters with Native Americans. Rees worked in various mining locations before transitioning to farming and stock-raising in The Cove, Oregon, where he owns extensive land and livestock. He married America Fe Hall in 1856, and they have five children. He is the brother of prominent pioneer W.H. Rees.

Allensworth, George Verne, Jr. – Obituary

George Verne Allensworth Jr., 76, passed away on April 4, 2006, in Richland, Oregon. A memorial service was held at the Richland Christian Church, followed by inurnment at Eagle Valley Cemetery. Born on December 10, 1929, in Galesburg, Illinois, he graduated high school there and served in the Navy. He worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and later became Richland’s justice of the peace. He is survived by his wife Retha, three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.