Yuba County CA

Biography of Archibald W. Turner

Archibald W. Turner, born on February 1, 1827, in Boone County, Missouri, became one of Malheur County’s prominent property owners, amassing 1,160 acres known for hay production. Educated in a log schoolhouse, he married Nancy March in 1848. After a challenging journey to California, he farmed and mined before homesteading near his current estate in 1869, where he raised sheep and cattle. A respected Democrat, Turner faced personal tragedy with the loss of his wife and daughter in 1863 but found solace in his large estate and community esteem.

Biographical Sketch of George M. Stanclift

George M. Stanclift, born April 25, 1837, in Erie County, New York, navigated numerous challenges as a pioneer, ultimately becoming a respected citizen of Harney, Oregon. After experiencing the hardships of mining in California and the loss of his partner to Indian hostilities, Stanclift moved to Douglas County in 1871, focusing on stock raising. He settled in Harney Valley in 1876, enduring extreme conditions with few settlers. His family, including three children, lived through these trials, marking him as a dedicated and resilient figure in the region’s history.

Biographical Sketch of Martin V. Smith

Martin V. Smith, born in Maine in 1833, was a quintessential pioneer who journeyed to the Pacific coast in the early 1850s. After initial ventures in gold mining, he transitioned to farming and stock raising across various counties in California. His resilience was evident as he faced hardships, including the loss of livestock during harsh winters. A devoted family man, he married twice and had four children. Smith was active in his community, notably as a Union supporter during the Civil War, and was appointed a census enumerator in 1900, earning respect for his integrity and contributions.

Biography of R. W. Berry

R. W. Berry, born March 25, 1842, in Augusta, Maine, is a prominent businessman in Hailey, Idaho. After various ventures in prospecting, farming, and retail, he became involved in the hardware trade, co-founding Coffin Company, which he later solely owned after a devastating fire in 1888. Notable for his business acumen and community involvement, Berry has earned a strong reputation and loyal patronage. He has been politically active, supporting the Republican party, and is a Mason. He is married with two daughters, both successful in their careers.

Biography of W. C. McLain

W. C. McLain, born January 12, 1829, in Ashmore Township, was one of Coles County’s earliest settlers. His family emigrated from Indiana in 1828. After the death of his parents in Wisconsin, McLain returned to Coles County and began farming. He journeyed to California in 1852, where he mined and operated the notable Galena Hill mine. After returning to Illinois, he farmed consistently, marrying twice and raising four children. McLain’s life reflects the perseverance of early settlers in the region.

Biography of Joseph K. Shields

Joseph K. Shields, born in 1853 in Cook County, Illinois, moved to California with his family in 1855. After pursuing various occupations, including running a meat market and working for the Central Pacific Railroad, he established himself in Riverside by 1885. Shields became the editor of the Riverside Enterprise in 1888, showcasing his rise through hard work and ambition. A Republican and active in local organizations, he married Josie Labadie in 1879 and has three children. He exemplifies the self-made man of his era.

Biographical Sketch of Lewis Deck

Lewis Deck, a native of Pennsylvania, is the eldest son of Henry Deck, a Waukeha County pioneer. Leaving home at fifteen, he journeyed to California via Panama in 1857, facing hardships, including illness and poverty. Initially working in gardens, he spent over two decades mining for gold along the West Coast, primarily in Nevada and Mexico. After numerous successes and failures in mining, Deck transitioned to horticulture in 1883, embodying the spirit and resilience of a true pioneer with a wealth of experience in early mining history.

Biography of Theron H. Palmer

Theron H. Palmer, born on February 14, 1849, in Joliet, Illinois, became a notable architect and builder in Southern California. After serving in the Nineteenth Illinois Infantry during the Civil War, Palmer pursued mining in Montana before settling in California in 1867. He established himself as a pioneering architect in San Bernardino, designing prominent buildings such as the Occidental block and the ornate new hall of records. Married to Mabel E. Smith in 1886, Palmer also invested in local infrastructure and land development.

Biography of Eli K. Anderson

Eli K. Anderson, born in Indiana in 1826, was a significant figure in the development of Southern Oregon’s fruit industry and a dedicated temperance advocate. A miner, Indian fighter, and horse thief pursuer, he journeyed to California in 1849. Anderson discovered gold at Scott bar and later pursued horse thieves through challenging terrains. In 1852, he settled in Rogue River Valley, engaging in agriculture and holding various local offices. He owned extensive land and mills, and was devoted to his family and community.

Biography of Capt. John Harford

Captain John Harford, born on February 14, 1828, in Westchester County, New York, became a prominent figure in Pataha City, Washington. After moving westward in 1850, he engaged in various businesses, including ranching, butchering, and lumber dealing. Notably, he established the first wharf in Port Harford and helped construct a railroad to San Luis Obispo. Although he held public office, he preferred private enterprise, accumulating wealth through banking and milling. A devoted family man, Harford is remembered for his integrity and his contributions to the community.

Biography of Samuel M. McCurdy, M.D.

Samuel M. McCurdy, M.D., born in 1805 in Ireland, was a prominent figure in the medical and civic landscape of the Lower Sound. He earned his medical degree from Trinity College, Dublin, before migrating to North America, where he practiced medicine in New Brunswick and California. In 1854, he settled in Washington, becoming a pioneer in the region and contributing significantly to its development. He served as a surgeon during the Indian war, co-founded the Port Townsend Register, and helped establish St. Paul’s Church and public schools. McCurdy passed away in 1865, leaving behind his widow and five children.

Biography of Tyler Woodward

Tyler Woodward, born in 1835 in Vermont, descended from a military family, pursued education in New England before embarking on a diverse career. He settled in California before moving to Washoe County amid the gold rush, later running a successful business in Montana. After relocating to Portland, he became a prominent real estate investor and participated in various business ventures, including the Trans-Continental Street Railway. A dedicated Republican, Woodward served in local government but was not politically ambitious. He married Mary J. Ross in 1872, and they had one daughter.