ADAMS, JEWETT - EX-GOVERNOR
A man who has had a prominent part in the building of the West is
former Governor of Nevada, Jewett W. Adams. He has seen enacted many
of the history-making incidents of the last half century. When he was
sixteen years of age he finished his course in the district school of
Vermont, in which state he was born, and started for California by way
of Panama. In 1856 and 1857 he acted as clerk for General John C.
Fremont in Mariposa County, Cal. After coming to Nevada Mr. Adams
became active in politics. He was elected Governor on the Democratic
ticket in 1872, and served four years. He held office during stirring
times, among the events of his term being the gold excitement at Gold
Hill.
Retiring to private life, Governor Adams engaged actively in business.
For years he has been a prominent stock man and has at all times been
ready with advice and deeds for the up building of the state. He makes
his home at Carson City, where he is recouping his fortune by
conducting a gypsum quarry and mill at Mound House, a few miles from
Carson. The product of his mill and quarry is much in demand and large
quantities are being shipped to San Francisco to be used in rebuilding
that city.
Former Governor Adam's looks belie his seventy-two years. His white
hair, courtly manner and slight, straight figure are well known to all
residents of the sagebrush state.
Source: Who's who in Nevada By Bessie Beatty 1907, Contributed by
Barbara Z.
Adams, Jewett W., capitalist and statesman of Carson City, Nev., was
born Aug. 6, 1835. in Vermont. He has been superintendent of the
United States mint at Carson City, Nev. In 1882-86 he was governor of
Nevada.
[Herringshaw's American Blue-book of Biography by Thomas William
Herringshaw, 1914 - Submitted by AFOFG] transcribed by Jeanne Kalkwarf
ADAMS, MAXWELL
Adams, Maxwell, educator, chemist and author of Carson City, Nev., was
born Feb. 28, 1869, in St.George, W. Va. Since 1906 he has been
professor of chemistry in the university of Nevada. He is author of
Products of Steam and Destructive Distillation of California Pines.
[Herringshaw's American Blue-book of Biography by Thomas William
Herringshaw, 1914 - Submitted by AFOFG]
HON. H. F. BARTINE. The subject of this sketch has had a most
honorable and distinguished career as a public man. He was born March
21, 1848, in the City of New York; he removed with his parents to New
Jersey when ten years of age. A mere boy, but little past his
fifteenth birthday, he enlisted on July 20, 1863, as a private soldier
in the Eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, for service in the Great
Civil War. The regiment was a seasoned one and was then at the front
as a part of the Army of the Potomac, where it remained until the
close of the war. Mr. Bartine participated in about a dozen battles
and practically the entire siege of Petersburg. At the great struggle
in the Wilderness he was severely wounded, a partially spent ball
striking him almost directly over the heart. He was sent to the
hospital, but returned to his regiment in a little less than three
months, although it was six months later before the wound was entirely
healed.
He came to Nevada in the early spring of 1869, engaging in various
industrial pursuits. His public life may be said to have begun in
1876, when, in the political campaign of that year, he obtained
recognition as one of the most eloquent and forceful platform speakers
in the State. He was admitted to the bar in 1880, and at the ensuing
election was chosen District Attorney of Ormsby County, holding the
office for the period of two years. He at once took a leading place in
his profession, being regarded as especially strong in the discussion
of legal questions, and scarcely less effective as a jury lawyer. In
the fall of 1888 he was elected to Congress and was re-elected in
November, 1890. He served two full terms, the last one expiring on
March 4, 1893. He acquired a national reputation as an advocate of the
complete restoration of silver to monetary use. This reputation was
enhanced and extended by his later work as editor of the "National
Bimetallist," published first in Chicago and afterward in Washington,
D. C. In 1902 he became a candidate upon the Democratic and Silver
Party tickets for the office of Justice of the Supreme Court of the
State, but was overwhelmed by the Roosevelt tidal wave that rolled
over the country in that year. He held the position of State Tax
Examiner from September, 1904, to December 31, 1905. He was appointed
Railroad Commissioner in March, 1907, was reappointed in January,
1909, and appointed for a third term in January, 1912, the last-named
term ending in February, 1915. On March 23, 1911, the Public Service
Commission was created and the Railroad Commission became ex officio
the Public Service Commission as well. Since their creation, Mr.
Bartine has been continuously chairman of both commissions, and the
member who, under the law, must be an attorney well versed in railroad
law. The work of these commissions has been most important and under
the legal guidance of Chief Commissioner Bartine, the commission is
now regarded as having no superior in aggressive force and intelligent
strength west of the Mississippi River, if, indeed it stands second to
any in the country. Mr. Bartine, or "Judge," as he is usually called,
has a wife and three daughters. His home for thirty-eight years has
been in Carson City, the Capital, and he is a Democrat in politics.
SOURCE: History of Nevada, Volume 2, Sam P. Davis, 1913, transcribed
by Sandra Stutzman
HON. HORACE FRANKLIN BARTINE, who has served in the lower house of the
United States Congress from the state of Nevada, has been a resident
of the state since June, 1869. He is a native of New York, having been
born in New York city, March 21, 1848, and coming of French ancestors.
His father, Horace S. Bartine, was born in New York and married
Matilda K. Casterline, a native of New Jersey. Joseph Casterline, her
father, was a Revolutionary soldier and served under Washington at
Valley Forge, Trenton and Princeton. Horace S. Bartine died from the
effects of a severe cold contracted in the sixty-fifth year of his
life, but his wife survived him and lived to be eighty-five years old.
The only child of this worthy couple was Hon. Horace Franklin Bartine.
The education of Mr. Bartine was begun in the public schools of New
York and continued until he was ten years old, when his parents moved
to New Jersey,and he resumed his studies in the public schools of that
state. When he was fifteen years old he was five feet nine inches in
height, and looking much older than his years, he enlisted in Eighth
New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, July 1, 1863, representing that he was
eighteen years old. This regiment had been in service since the
commencement of the war, and new enlistments were taken to fill its
depleted ranks. There were only eighty officers and men present for
duty when he was permitted to enlist, and as it was a veteran regiment
it was then at the front. Mr. Bartine participated in four hard-fought
battles up to and including the battle of the Wilderness, where he
received a gunshot wound in the breast. This kept him from service for
three months, but as soon as possible he returned to his regiment, and
for three months more wore a pad over the large hole in his breast.
Following this he participated with his regiment in all the battles of
the division until the surrender of General Lee. At the taking of
Petersburg his regiment had the honor of capturing a whole regiment of
North Carolina soldiers, and he was also in the battle of Sailor's
Creek, which was the last before the surrender. His regiment took part
in the grand review at Washington, was honorably mustered out July 20,
1865, and he returned home and engaged in farming.
Soon after his return from the war Mr. Bartine married Lydia M.
Cooper, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of David Cooper, of
that state, who was descended from an old English family. In 1869, in
search of better facilities to improve his financial condition, Mr.
Bartine came west and arrived in San Francisco about the middle of
March of that year. He secured work in a quartz mill. In June of that
year he came to Nevada and for some time was engaged in washing
blankets at the Weston Mill. After two years he abandoned that class
of work and took charge of the Dayton & Virginia toll road as toll
collector, spending his spare moments reading history and general
literature. Three years later he was employed in the manufacture of
bluestone at Dayton and in 1874 he removed to Carson City to continue
that business in the employ of the Lyon Mill & Mining Company.
During all this time he had continued his studies.
In the presidential campaign of 1876 he labored long and earnestly for
the Republican success, and his efforts were highly appreciated,
especially those made with Hon. Thomas Wren when they stumped the
state on behalf of the latter's candidacy for congress. This trip
through the state brought Mr. Bartine into notice, and his speeches
were quoted, the young politician receiving much favorable comment.
Impressed with his eloquence and ability, Mr. Wren suggested to Mr.
Bartine that he read law, and presented him with sets of Blackstone
and Kent. This advice Mr. Bartine took. After the close of the
campaign he obtained a position in the United States mint, continuing
to hold it until 1879, all of that time studying very hard. In 1880 he
was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of the state after a
public examination, and in the fall of the same year was elected
district attorney of Ormsby county.
In 1888 the Republican party made him their candidate for Congress,
while the Democratic party put in nomination the Hon. G. W. Cassady, a
very strong man. Mr. Bartine stumped the state and was elected by a
majority of twelve hundred and thirty-two votes, and was re-nominated
and elected to succeed himself. When the great financial question of
that period came before the lower house, Mr. Bartine advocated
bimetalism and delivered very able speeches in defense of his
position. However, this placed him upon unfriendly terms with the
leaders of his party, and in 1896, when the Republican convention
declared for gold standard, he severed his connection with that party
and devoted his talents, time and energy to the support of the silver
cause, firmly convinced that the stand he was taking was for the best
interests of the entire country.
During the campaign of Mr. Bryan, Mr. Bartine was one of the most
effective speakers and workers, and finally became the editor of the
National Bimetalist, published in Chicago and Washington. D. C. In
1898 and 1900 he was the mining editor of the Anaconda Standard, owned
by Marcus Daily. This paper was the leading journal of Montana. In
1901 Mr. Bartine became associate editor of the Washington Times,
published at Washington. D. C., but the following year he returned to
Nevada and participated actively in the Nevada state campaign on
behalf of the fusion ticket, both his writings and speeches being
attended with brilliant results. Nearly all of the state fusion ticket
was elected. He delivered the oration on the Fourth of July
celebration of 1903 at Virginia City. Upon that occasion he surpassed
himself and fired his listeners with patriotic zeal and pride in the
glorious Union. At present he is engaged in newspaper work and his law
practice in Carson City.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartine have three daughters, namely: Laura M., now Mrs.
E. V. Muller; Amy B., unmarried; and Liva C, now Mrs. Thomas McCabe.
Mr. Bartine has always taken an active part in the work of the Grand
Army of the Republic and is one of its prominent officials. He is also
a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
CHARLES E. BRAY, one of the honored early settlers of Carson City,
arrived here in October, 1862. He is a native of Maryland, where he
was born in 1835, coming of Scotch, English and French ancestry. His
parents were Joseph and Mary (Hawkins) Bray. He was only ten years of
age when he lost his mother, and when he was fourteen years old his
father died. As there were eight children in the family and five of
them younger than himself, he was obliged to take care of them. For
three years during the winter months he attended school in the log
shanty, while in summer he worked upon the farm. The work of the first
year netted him one hundred dollars and by the time he was eighteen
years old, in addition to caring for others, he had managed to save
two hundred dollars. Later he became a huckster in the Baltimore
market, buying and selling fruits and vegetables, but after three
years, in 1857, he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, and purchased a farm on
which he resided until 1862.
He then crossed the plains to Carson City, whence he made his way to
Sacramento. After working upon a farm there, he returned to Carson
City and worked first in a livery stable, but soon became engaged in
gardening, and raised vegetables for the miners and sold them in
Virginia City, and was very successful. In 1868 he went to White Pine,
and for two years was engaged in freighting between Francis, Washoe
county, and Hamilton, White Pine county. Still later he was in the
employ of Trydel and Yerington in the mountains, getting wood and
lumber, and he also worked on the construction of the capitol
building. In 1871 he engaged in the transfer and baggage business,
hauling freight and doing a general transfer business, in which he has
been successfully engaged for thirty-two years, the enterprise showing
a steady and healthy increase. Like a number of the business men of
Carson City, he has prospected for gold, and owns several paying
claims within fifty miles of the city, out of each of which he has
taken considerable gold.
Since casting his first vote, he has been a Republican, and has served
as trustee of the city for six years and is one of the county
commissioners, and has always taken an active part in both city and
county affairs, being at all times a conscientious and efficient
public official.
In Iowa, in 1861, Mr. Bray was married to Miss Nancy Highler, a native
of Ohio, born near Cincinnati. Two daughters have been born of this
union, namely: Olive, now Mrs. C. H. Adams, of San Francisco: and
Mary, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Bray have a pleasant home, where their
many friends are made welcome. In religious connections they are
members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Bray is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and is very popular in that organization.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, (Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney)
W. H. CAVELL, D. D. S., the leading dentist of Carson City, Nevada, is
also one of the highly respected native sons of the city. He was born
September 11, 1869, and is of English ancestry. His father, John
Cavell, was born in England and was brought to the United States when
only two years of age. In 1861 he came to Carson City, and for some
years followed the occupation of painter. In politics he is a Democrat
and a man of liberal ideas, and at the present time makes his home in
Modesto, California, aged sixty-seven years. The maiden name of his
wife was Grace Wren, and she was also born in England. Four children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. John Cavell, three of them born in Carson
City and one in California.
William Henry Cavell was educated in the public schools of Modesto.
California, and in the dental department of the State University of
California, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1894.
After his graduation Dr. Cavell returned to the city of his birth and
began the active practice of his profession, meeting with a most
gratifying success. In manner he is genial and courteous, and is an
expert in his profession.
In politics Dr. Cavell is independent, voting for the man and the
principles he deems best for the community at large. Fraternally he is
a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and is a prominent Mason, being both a blue lodge and a
chapter Mason, and has been honored by office in both degrees.
Although yet a young man, Dr. Cavell has proved himself capable,
enterprising and one who can be thoroughly trusted, and his success as
a professional man and social factor is assured.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
ALFRED JEAN CHARTZ, a noted journalist and attorney residing at Carson
City, is also widely and favorably known as one of the pioneers of the
state, having arrived in Nevada in 1863. Since that time he has been
connected with many events which find mention in the annals of the
commonwealth, and has aided in molding public opinion and shaping
public thought and action. He has thus left the impress of his
individuality upon the progress of the state, and his name is
enduringly inscribed on the pages of its history.
Mr. Chartz is a native of Canada, his birth having occurred in la Baye
du Febore, on the 9th of February, 1851. He comes of French ancestry,
although for many generations the representatives of the family have
been residents of America. His father, John Chartz, was born in the
state of New York, in 1818, and became a prominent contractor and
builder. Associated with his father in business, they entered bids for
the construction of a tunnel under the St. Lawrence river at Montreal
and he was accorded the contract for the building of the railroad
across the Victoria bridge to that city. He executed many other
contracts of importance, and was recognized as one of the leaders in
his chosen calling in that section of the country. In 1854 he went to
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He had married Miss Emilie
Hamel, a native of Canada, who was of French extraction and who died
on the 1st day of January, 1860. Two sons and two daughters were born
to them, of whom three are now living. Mrs. S. E. Carlon, who was a
noted writer and died at Berkeley, California, in 1896, was of this
family.
After remaining for some time in California Mr. John Chartz here took
passage on the steamship Golden Gate in order to return to his old
home in Canada for the purpose of bringing his children to the Pacific
coast. This ship, however, was wrecked off the coast of Mancinello,
and three hundred passengers were lost, but Mr. Chartz who was an
expert swimmer, not only managed to reach shore, but also succeeded in
rescuing a child. Later he brought his family out across the plains
and settled in Oakland, California, where he engaged in contracting
and building and in handling real estate. He afterward removed to
Berkeley, and in his sixty-sixth year he became blind. He never
recovered his eyesight, and died in his seventy-second year. He was a
man of excellent business ability, and one whose well-conducted
affairs and honorable methods secured to him the respect and
admiration of all with whom he came in contact. He was a supporter of
Bell and Everett for president and vice-president in 1860, and he
delivered many campaign addresses, speaking on local and national
issues. But later, becoming disgusted with the corruption in public
office and among party leaders, he ceased his activity in political
affairs and even refused to vote.
Alfred J. Chartz attended the public schools in Oakland. California,
and afterward pursued a six months' course in Heald's Business
College. He learned shorthand, and after coming to Nevada acted as
reporter in the courts. Thus becoming interested in law, he read the
various text books on the subject .and was admitted to practice in
October, 1864, since which time he has followed the profession with
good success, being connected at different times with various
important cases. He began his journalistic career on the Oakland News,
entering that office on the day on which President Lincoln was
assassinated. He was advanced consecutively from "devil" to editor on
the Virginia Enterprise, and was thus actively associated with
newspaper business for thirty-five years. He is the author of the
"Quelquefois" letters, on topics of general interest, which are widely
read and awaken deep attention. These are published in the Gardenville
Courier. He has both talent and love for journalism, and has indulged
his taste in this direction, becoming well known as a newspaper writer
in this part of the country.
Mr. Chartz is also interested in mines and mining and is the president
of the Oest Mining Company, the mines of which have produced over six
hundred thousand dollars. He joined in the re-organization of the
Bullion Exchange Bank of Carson City, was one of its directors, and
assisted materially in placing it on a sound financial basis, and,
acting as its attorney in settling up its business, he never lost a
dollar and succeeded in settling its affairs with little recourse to
litigation.
In his political views Mr. Chartz was a Republican until General
Hancock became the Democratic candidate for the presidency, and since
that time he has been a stalwart Democrat. In his younger days he won
fame as an athlete, and was captain of the Eureka baseball team, when
the Hon. Thomas Wren played third base. He could have obtained an
engagement then with any of the best teams in the country. He was also
a very swift runner, and Mr. Wren backed him and became his manager in
a running race against an Indian and eight other noted runners. Mr.
Chartz won the race, and Mr. Wren gained thereby fourteen hundred
dollars. This was at a time when the citizens of Nevada were lovers of
fun and sports, and when money was very plentiful, being easily earned
and quickly spent.
In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. Chartz and Miss Emma Rader, a
native of Germany. They have four children: John McGregor, Carl
Willhelm, Helen Emily and Beatrice Elizabeth, all of whom are now in
school. The family home is one of the finest residences in the city.
Mr. Chartz belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the
family attend the services of the Episcopal church. Perhaps no better
testimonial of the life and character of Mr. Chartz can be given than
by quoting the words of the Hon. W. E. F. Deal, who said of him in
open court: "I have known Mr. Chartz for over twenty years and his
word is as good as his bond." This is certainly a compliment of which
he has reason to be proud, and his life history bears out the
statement of his friend.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. TRENMOR COFFIN, a prominent citizen and leading representative of
the bar of Nevada, came to the state in August, 1871. He was born in
Hendricks county, Indiana, August 22, 1848, and is a son of Addison
Coffin, a native of New Garden, North Carolina, where he was born
January 28, 1822.
Addison Coffin was a farmer and Quaker. He walked from his home in
North Carolina to Hendricks county, Indiana, in 1844. On July 5, 1845,
he was married to Emily Hadley in Hendricks county. She was a native
of North Carolina. It was on account of his opposition to slavery that
Addison Coffin left his native state, and in Indiana he played an
important part in the underground railway, assisting many slaves to
escape. His most excellent wife died when Trenmor was a child, but he
survived until 1897, when he died in his home in Indiana, aged
seventy-five years.
Trenmor Coffin was reared upon his father's farm and attended the
public schools in winter. Later he was sent to the National Normal
School at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he was graduated, and he then
began to teach in Ohio. From that state he moved to Carson City,
Nevada, and resumed his teaching. He worked with pick and shovel when
it was necessary and did any honest work. After teaching in the
grammar school he was placed in charge of the state library, and he
then began his law studies under the direction of Ellis & King,
being admitted to practice in October, 1874. Immediately thereafter he
engaged in the practice of his profession in Carson City and has since
made it his home, becoming one of the most successful men in his
profession.
He is an active Republican, and in 1876 was nominated by his party for
the office of district attorney and elected by a good majority. In
1880, unsolicited by him, his party nominated him for the state
assembly, and after a thorough canvass he was elected. After a very
honorable career in the lower house, he was re-elected to succeed
himself, and he then had the honor of being chairman of the assembly.
He has also served as county treasurer for two years; United States
district attorney of Nevada for four years, receiving the appointment
from President Arthur; served as regent of the State University and
has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, serving as
school trustee for a number of years. He was also a candidate of his
party for supreme judge, but was defeated, and was also chairman of
the Republican state central committee and did effective service for
his party in that capacity. But when the gold platform was adopted, he
resigned and allied himself with the silver party and supported Mr.
Bryan, although he has never joined the Democracy, styling himself a
silver or bimetallist Republican. During his long life in Nevada he
has become greatly interested in irrigation, and is now connected with
a large canal being constructed in Inyo county, California, which when
completed will irrigate twenty thousand acres of land. The canal is
forty-four miles in length and is proving a great success.
On June 4, 1885. Mr. Coffin was married to Marie Tonisa Benoit, a lady
of French extraction. Two children have been born to them, namely:
Trenmor, Jr., and Emily, both bright young people at school. Mr. and
Mrs. Coffin have a pleasant home in Carson City, where their large
circle of friends is always warmly welcomed. Mr. Coffin has passed all
the degrees in the Masonic fraternity and held all the offices from
lowest up, and is now deputy grand master of the state. When the next
grand master of the state is selected he will probably be called upon
to fill that office if his health permits.
He still adheres to the faith of his Quaker ancestry, and is a man
highly respected throughout the state for his many excellent traits of
character.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
SIDNEY BERT COHEN, the leading dry-goods merchant of Carson City,
Nevada, was born in England, October 28, 1865, and was educated in
that country and Australia. He laid the foundations of his present
prosperity after his health failed from overstudy. His original aim
was to become an artist, and he devoted four years to careful
preparation for that life, but after his health broke down he clerked
in Modesto and Fresno, California, for five years, and thoroughly
learned the details of the dry-goods business. After he felt prepared,
he removed to Carson City, Nevada, and he now has a floor space of
forty-four by seventy-five feet, covered with a fine line of drygoods,
and has a large dressmaking establishment in connection. From the
beginning he has made a success of his enterprise, and he has firmly
established himself in the confidence of the entire community, where
he is so prominently identified with its best interests.
In July. 1891, he was married to Miss Bert Cohn, a native of Carson
City and a daughter of the well known M. Cohn of that city and a
pioneer of the state. One daughter, Alice Majorie, has been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Cohen. In politics he is a Republican, but aside from
doing his duty as an American citizen he does not take any part in
local affairs. Enterprising, an excellent manager and good business
man, Mr. Cohen has been unusually successful, and has many friends not
only in the city, but throughout the surrounding country.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
EX-GOVERNOR R. K. COLCORD
There lives a man in Nevada who was elected Governor on the Republican
ticket. This may seem astonishing in these days, but it is true
nevertheless. R. K. Colcord, assayer in charge of the United States
Mint at Carson City, has the honor. In the days before the fusion of
the silver men and the Democrats the Republicans were in control, and
it was during that time that Colcord was elected.
Former Governor Colcord has been a prominent figure in this western
country. He was born in Maine, April 25, 1837. He studied engineering
in his youth and went to California in 1856 to engage in placer mining
and mill and bridge building. He came to Nevada in 1863 and located on
the Comstock in Virginia during the height of the gold excitement. He
remained there for eight years building some of the big mills. He was
manager of the mines and mills at Bodie, just across the line in
California, for seven years and held a similar position for five years
in Aurora, the sister town on the Nevada side of the state line.
Governor Colcord has been a leader in the Republican party in the
state for years. He was elected Governor in 1891 and served until
1895, when he went back to his mining work. He was appointed
superintendent of the mint in 1898 by President McKinley. The mint is
now conducted as a government assay office."
I am a miner," says the former Governor, "and I tell you it is the
most satisfactory and cheerful calling in the world. I will not stop
as long as I have a cent. Legitimate? Why, it is just as legitimate as
raising wheat."
Source: Who's who in Nevada By Bessie Beatty 1907, Contributed by
Barbara Z., Transcribed by Jeanne Kalkwarf
JOHN LYONS CONSIDINE, the warden of the Nevada State Prison at Carson
City, is a native son of the state, his birth having occurred at Gold
Hill on the 25th of September, 1871. He comes of Irish ancestry, his
parents, Joseph and Susan (Lyons) Considine, having been natives of
Ireland. His father came to the United States in 1856, and the mother
arrived in this country in 1861. They were married in Pennsylvania in
1870, and came to Nevada, in which state Mr. Considine had made his
home since 1865. Here he turned his attention to mining, which he
followed for a number of years. They had two children, Mary E. and
John L.
John L. Considine, the elder child, was educated in public and private
schools. He has always had a liking for journalism and possessed
considerable talent in that direction, winning for himself a
creditable record because of his newspaper. He was editor and manager
of the Virginia Report for four years, and was afterwards editor of
the Virginia Chronicle for two years. In his early life he was for
five years engaged in the railway mail service. He was chosen to his
present position of honor and trust in January, 1903. by the board of
prison commissioners, consisting of the governor, the secretary of
state and the attorney general. He is a bright, intelligent and
well-informed young man, of unfailing courtesy and polite address and
is well qualified for the office which he is now filling.
He has shown an enterprising and progressive spirit in his conduct of
the institution, being the first Nevada official to introduce the
Bertillon system into the state. Within the first six months of his
incumbency he inaugurated a number of improvements, such as the
installation of an electrical alarm system and an electrical pumping
plant, and is now engaged in the construction of a state boulevard
from the prison to Carson City. The Nevada State prison has the
reputation of being one of the most humane institutions of the sort in
the United States, but at the same time the strictest discipline is
maintained by Warden Considine.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
WILLIAM D. COTTRELL, blacksmith and carriage-maker in Carson City, has
been identified with the industrial and civic life of Carson City for
over a quarter of a century. He was born in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin,
July 26, 1852, a son of George W. and Laura (Pierson) Cottrell, the
former a native of England and the latter of Scotland. His parents
came to America in childhood, and they passed most of their lives in
the state of New Jersey, where they both now lie buried, in the town
of Wheatland. They both lived to advanced age, his father dying at the
age of eighty-seven and his mother at the age of eighty-three.
William D. Cottrell was educated in the public schools of Wisconsin,
where he also learned his trade of blacksmithing and carriage-making.
He came to Carson City in 1877, and he has had a shop in this city
ever since, at which he does everything in his line, and has the
reputation of being a very reliable and successful man.
Mr. Cottrell was married in New Jersey in 1873 to Miss Lizzie
Chubbuck, a native of Massachusetts and a representative of an old New
England family. They have four children, Flora, Elsie, Carrie and
Charles. Mr. Cottrell has a good home of his own in Carson City, and
he has always been thrifty in the management of his business affairs.
In politics he is a Democrat, and has fraternal affiliations with the
Knights of the Maccabees and the Woodmen of the World. He has served
as a school trustee, and in 1900 was elected one of the trustees of
the city.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. SAMUEL P. DAVIS, controller of Nevada, came to the state some
thirty years ago under engagement to write on the Virginia Chronicle
then owned by Dennis McCarthy. He was born in Branford, Connecticut,
April 4, 1850. He comes of Welsh ancestry, but several generations of
the family have resided in New England. His father, Rev. Geo. R.
Davis, an Episcopal clergyman, was born in New Haven, Connecticut,
where he married Sylvia Nichols, a native of Maine. He came to Nevada
in 1875 and spent a long and useful career in the ministry, but is now
retired and resides in Carson City, a man revered and beloved by all
who have the honor of his acquaintance. Four children were born to
him: Robert, now on the editorial staff of the New York World;
William, a writer on the Stockton Mail; Mrs. H. G. Shaw, of San
Francisco; and the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Davis received his education at Racine College, Wisconsin, and
since that time has devoted himself to journalism, having been
connected with the Chicago Times, Omaha Herald, Marysville Appeal.
Chronicle, Examiner and Argonaut, of San Francisco, Virginia Chronicle
and Salt Lake Tribune. For more than twenty years he has been the
editor and publisher of the Carson Appeal, the oldest paper to be
published continuously in the state, and now one of the leading fusion
organs.
Mr. Davis has been in active politics since young manhood, and for a
number of years was an ardent Republican. In January, 1890, he
startled the politicians of the state by hoisting the flag of revolt
against the party and called upon those who did not believe that
Nevada was benefited by a high tariff and the demonetization of
silver, to join in the formation of a new party. He was derided by his
late political associates and read out of the party, but a few years
later had the satisfaction of seeing, not only his own state but the
whole west, fighting on the same political lines.
In 1889 he was nominated for controller by acclamation by the silver
party and elected. Immediately upon assuming the duties of his office,
he in conjunction with Governor Sadler, made a tour of the state in
the interests of a reorganization of the revenue system, and opened an
aggressive war upon the interests which were escaping a just
proportion of taxation. The result of this agitation was the passage
of what is known as the Pitt revenue bill, and other revenue
legislation tending to raise valuations and lower tax rates. Mr. Davis
has made a thorough study of revenue matters not only in Nevada but
taxation in other states, and is regarded as authority upon all
questions connected with taxation and revenue. During his
administration the system of equal taxation, based upon high
valuations and low rates, has been featured systematically, and as a
result Nevada has added many millions each year to its assessment
roll, and outside capital has flowed in to further distribute and
equalize the burdens of taxation under which Nevada staggered for a
long time. In the administration of his office he has treated the rich
and the poor impartially, the corporation and the cabin-owner being
upon the same footing.
He has always been an advocate of state development, and was the first
to import thoroughbred Holstein cattle to the state. He still
maintains a breeding farm two miles from Carson City. In 1880 he
married Nellie V. Mighels, widow of Harry R. Mighels and sister of
Professor Addison Verrill. of Yale College, one of the leading
zoologists of America. Two lovely daughters have been born to them,
Lucy and Ethel.
For years past Mr. Davis has enjoyed a national reputation as a
writer, and contributed to the leading magazines and periodicals of
the United States. His best story, one which has been translated into
several languages and republished and revamped more than any of his
works, is "The First Piano in Camp."
As a public speaker he is regarded as at his best when called upon
after the wine and walnuts at a public function. He generally sets the
table in a roar, and a contemporaneous writer has said of him that his
oratory is governed by the brand of wine on the menu. A stem-winding
effort from "Sam." as he his affectionately called by his friends,
means the best brand in the market. The best of these efforts and a
piece of word painting which will always live, is his glittering
oratorical tribute to electricity at the banquet given in honor of the
introduction of cheap power on the Comstock.
In political campaigns he delights in being in the thick of the fight,
and his off-hand talks to a political audience are noteworthy for
their entire absence of any attempt at eloquence and the abundance of
hard slugging which characterizes them. He calls a spade a spade, and
his talks are regarded as vote-getters for" the party.
Only when the entire fire of the opposition can be concentrated upon
himself does he consider that he is doing his duty by his associates
upon the ticket.
In 1885 he published a book of "Short Stories and Poems" which met
with a very cordial reception from the critics of the country.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
HENRY ALBERT LEMMON and HERBERT C. DUNN, editors and publishers of the
Carson City News, a daily, six-column, four-page paper, the organ of
the Republican party at the capital, are enterprising newspaper men of
this great state of the west.
Mr. Lemmon is a native of California, having been born in the
Sacramento valley, December 28, 1873, and is descended from an old
American family. He is a son of Benjamin I. and Mary L. (Battelle)
Lemmon, natives respectively of New York and Ohio. The former went to
California in 1849, and has spent his life in mining, although now
retired from active life, being aged seventy-seven years. Mr. Lemmon
was the only child, and he entered a printing office at the age of
sixteen years in San Francisco, working for the Dewery Publishing
Company and learning the printer's trade. Later he established the
Mountain Mirror in Sierra county, but moved his plant to several
places, and is now associated with Mr. Dunn, as before stated.
Herbert C. Dunn was born in Portland, Maine, in 1857, and is of Scotch
ancestry, although several generations have lived in America. Mr. Dunn
was educated in the public schools of his native state, and came to
the Pacific coast in 1872. He has been interested in mining and is now
interested in the Carson City News. In 1880 he was married to Miss Eva
Graham, a native of his own state.
The young men are well spoken of, and their paper is a power among the
Republicans of their locality. They are enterprising and live men, and
they play an important part in state politics.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
JAMES EASTON is filling the position of county commissioner of Ormsby
county and is one of Nevada's well known and respected settlers,
having come to the state in 1864. He is now living retired after many
years of connection with active business affairs, wherein his labor,
intelligence and energy proved an excellent foundation upon which to
rear the superstructure of success.
A native of Scotland, Mr. Easton was born in October, 1838, and in the
land of the hill and heather spent the first sixteen years of his
life. He then started out to make his own way in the world, and,
thinking that he might do better on the western continent, he crossed
the Atlantic to Canada, where he remained for five years. He then left
the queen's domain, and in 1859 made his way to California, where he
engaged in mining at Columbia, Toulumne county. Later he became
connected with the sheep-raising industry in the Sacramento valley,
having as high as two thousand sheep at one time. There he resided
until his removal to Nevada. Coming to this state, he went into the
mountains above Carson City and engaged with the Carson Tahoe Lumber
and Fluming Company as superintendent of the flume for conveying wood
and lumber to the mines in Virginia City. He was thus busied for
twenty-seven years, and then retired. He was fortunate in his choice
of a business, and his energy, keen foresight and perseverance enabled
him to so conduct his affairs that they brought to him a splendid
financial return, enabling him now to rest from further labor and to
enjoy the fruits of his former toil.
In the fall of 1875 Mr. Easton was united in marriage to Miss Bessie
Davidson, who was also a native of Scotland, but was reared in Canada,
becoming a resident of Carson City in August, 1874. To them have been
born two sons, James Davidson and Thomas Hewitt, both born in Carson
City. Their parents have given them good educational privileges, and
they are a credit to their native city. The parents and sons are
valued members of the Presbyterian church, always attending its
services, taking an active part in its work and doing much for its
upbuilding and substantial growth.
In his political views Mr. Easton has been a life-long Democrat, and
has kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has
never sought or desired office. At local elections he has voted quite
independently of party ties, supporting the men whom he thinks best
qualified for office. He is now acting as county commissioner in a
manner which makes his devotion to the general good and his loyalty to
the public welfare above question. In the discharge of his official
duties he is both progressive and economical, and looks beyond the
exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. He has
been a business man of high integrity, and he and his family have the
respect of a wide circle of friends in the state in which they have so
long been worthy citizens.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
MR. P. B. ELLIS has been an active and prominent factor in connection
with the development of the rich mineral interests of Nevada and
California for twenty-one years, and his residence in the former state
dates from 1861. His career has been one of activity, full of
incidents and results. In every sphere of life in which he has been
called upon to move he has made an indelible impression, and by his
excellent public service and upright life has honored the state in
which he has been honored with official preferment. The history of
Nevada's development has been an open book to him since 1861, in which
year he took up his abode in the territory.
Mr. Ellis is a native son of California, his birth having occurred
there on the 13th of October, 1853. He is of English descent, his
ancestors having settled in Virginia in the early days of its
colonization. Robert B. Ellis, his father, was born in Sussex county,
that state, and was a physician and surgeon of marked ability and
broad learning. In 1850 he became a resident of California, and was
the president of the first medical society in that state. He long
maintained a foremost position as a representative of his chosen
calling in the west, his labors proving of the greatest benefit to the
sick and sufferings He also took an active part in the affairs of
California, aiding in molding its public policy and shaping its
history. He was elected to the general assembly, in which he served
for several terms, leaving the impress of his individuality and
undoubted loyalty upon the legislation enacted during that period. He
was also active in the public affars of the state of Nevada after his
removal thither, and his labors were of direct public benefit. He
married Miss Sarah J. Buckner, a native of Illinois and a daughter of
James Buckner, who was also a pioneer settler of California. Their
union was blessed with five children, all born in California, while
four of the number are still living.
Brought to Carson City in his early boyhood, P. B. Ellis obtained his
education in the public schools here. The rich mineral resources of
the west furnish the basis of the prosperity of this section of the
country, and throughout his business career he has been connected with
a line of business bearing upon the development of the mines. For
twenty-seven years he has been engaged in assaying. He has had charge
of the Eureka cyanide plant on the Carson river, and has had charge of
the State Line mill and mine is Esmeralda county. He has been assayer
in the United States mint at Carson City for a number of years, and
was assayer in chief under Presidents Harrison, Cleveland and
McKinley. He is splendidly equipped for his work, thoroughly
understanding the hest methods of assaying ore, and his capability has
been the means of securing to him positions of much responsibility. He
is now secretary of the State Agent and Transfer Syndicate. This
company was formed under the provisions of the general corporation law
of Nevada, approved March 16, 1903, and is empowered to act as the
resident or fiscal agent of any state, municipality, body politic or
corporation. and in such capacity to receive and disburse money, to
transfer and register certificates of stock, bonds or other evidences
of indebtedness, and to act as the agent of any corporation, foreign
or domestic, for any purpose now or hereafter required by the statute
or otherwise. After the discovery of the mines of Tonopah it was noted
that a great many of the corporations of Nevada were going to the
states of Delaware and New Jersey for the purpose of organization, the
corporation laws then in force in Nevada being inadequate to the times
and conditions then existing. A committee was appointed to draft a law
that would allow incorporators the same privileges that were to be
obtained in other states, and at the same time to eliminate such
provisions as were inimical to corporations, the desire being to allow
incorporators the same rights and privileges that indviduals might be
entitled to enjoy, at the same time protecting the state and the
public from unjust discriminations. The present law of Nevada offers
more inducements to corporations, whether operating within its
jurisdiction or transacting its business wholly without the state of
Nevada, than any other commonwealth. The State Agent and Transfer
Syndicate numbers among its clients corporations from Alaska to the
Philippine Islands and from New York to California, and promises to be
one of the important and lasting institutions of the state of Nevada.
Mr. Ellis is connected with the Nye and Ormsby County Bank, one of the
strongest financial institutions of Nevada, and he is one of its board
of directors.
In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ellis and Miss Lou A. Spencer, a
native of Bangor, Maine. They now have a daughter, Annie Louise, born
in Carson City. Theirs is an attractive home, and its hospitality is
greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family. Prominent in
Masonry, Mr. Ellis belongs to Carson Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. He
has since taken all the degrees of the York Rite, becoming a member of
Lewis Chapter No. 1. R. A. M., and DeWitt Clinton Commandery, K. T. He
is likewise a member of Islam Temple of the Mystic Shrine at San
Francisco, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In
politics he is a Republican, and has served as deputy secretary of the
state under John M. Dormer. His activity in mining interests and his
genial manner and cordial disposition win him friends wherever he
goes.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. T. R. HOFER. ex-superintendent of the United Stales mint at
Carson City. Nevada, and one of the most prominent men of the city,
came to the state in 1869 from Washington, D. C. as one of the corps
of clerks to open the mint at Carson City. He served first as a clerk,
later as chief clerk, and then was made superintendent hy President
Harrison. Mr. Hofer is a native of Maryland, having been born in
Baltimore, May 24, 1853, and comes of German ancestry. His father was
a dealer in hardware in Baltimore and became very successful. His
family consisted of three sons, namely: Theodore Robert, Charles A.,
and Albert C.
Theodore R. Hofer was reared and educated in Baltimore, and was only
sixteen when he located in Nevada, where for so many years he has
pursued a successful business career. After twenty years of faithful
service in the mint, Mr. Hofer was for some time cashier of the
Bullion Bank of Carson City, and is now one of the largest insurance
agents as well as one of the substantial mine-owners of the city. His
mining interests are centered at Tonopah, one of the must productive
mining districts in the state. His partner, Mr. Harris, attends to his
interests in San Francisco under the title of Harris & Hofer, and
the firm does a large and constantly increasing business. Since
casting his first vote Mr. Hofer has always been a stanch Republican.
Fraternally he has been a member of the Masonic order, the order of
Elks as well as of the Knights of Pythias for Nevada, of which he is
past supreme representative.
On July 23, 1872. he was married to Florence Evelyn Kingsley, a native
of Eldorado county, California, and a daughter of Henry Kingsley, one
of the prominent pioneers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Hofer have one
son and four daughters, namely: Theodore Robert, Jr., postmaster of
Carson City; Ethelyn Dana, Hazel Adele, Gladys and Claire, all at home
with their parents. Mrs, Hofer and her daughters are members of St.
Paul's Episcopal church, and Mr. Hofer and the entire family are very
important factors in the social life of the community. They have a
beautiful home in Carson City, where all their friends are cordially
welcomed and treated with that hospitality which is a characteristic
of all the Hofer family.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
T. R. HOFER Jr., postmaster of Carson City, was appointed by President
McKinley, in June, 1900, and has proved most capable in the discharge
of his duties, his administration of the affairs of the office giving
general satisfaction. Almost his entire life has been passed in
Nevada. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of
November, 1876, but was only one year old when brought by his parents
to Carson City, where he was reared, acquiring his preliminary
education in the schools of this city. When he had mastered the
branches of learning: here taught, he matriculated in the Leland
Stanford University of California, in which he completed his course.
He then engaged in teaching school, following that profession for a
year in Dayton, Nevada, and for one year at Gardnerville, meeting with
excellent success in his work, because of the clearness of his
explanations and the readiness with which he imparted to others the
knowledge he had acquired. He then had the honor of receiving from
President McKinley the appointment to the position of postmaster at
Carson City, and returned to take charge of the office, of which he
has been the head since June, 1900. Since that time the business of
the office has increased until it is now an office of the second
class. His capable supervision of the business of the department, his
systematic methods of work and his promptness in executing the
business of the position have made him a popular official and a worthy
representative of the government.
On the 8th of January, 1899, Mr. Hofer was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Stewart Fox, daughter of A. W. Fox and a granddaughter of
United States Senator Stewart. They now have a bright little son, to
whom they have given the name of Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Hofer are
members of the Episcopal church, and they have a nice home in Carson
City, and hosts of friends in the city and state. Mr. Hofer belongs to
the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the grand lodge of the order,
and he has always been a Republican in his political views. Active in
the work of the party, his efforts have been discerningly directed
along lines proving of benefit to the organization, while as a citizen
he has labored for the welfare of his state in a manner that at once
indicates his loyalty and his devotion to the general good. He is a
young man, genial, approachable and cordial in manner, and his social
qualities have made him popular.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
PROFESSOR H. H. HOWE. Descended from an illustrious family that has
furnished many notable members to the ranks of educators of the
country-gifted and talented men whose fame has become known throughout
the length and breadth of the land,-Professor Hayward Howard Howe has
for a third of a century honored the name of his distinquished
ancestry by his eminent career in connection with the public school
system of Nevada, having throughout this entire period stood at the
head of the schools of Carson City. His family has long held prominent
rank in various states; its eminence due to true nobility of character
and the chivalrous defense of whatever was believed to be right, as
well as the superiority of mental powers manifest by its
representatives. They have devoted their talents to those callings
demanding the broadest culture of mind and the strongest intellects,
and along the same lines have the labors of Hayward H. Howe been
directed, with the result that he now stands among the most noted
educators of the west.
A native of Ohio, Professor Howe was born in Lancaster on the 3d of
December, 1840, and comes of English ancestry, the family having been
established in New England at an early period in its colonization. Its
representatives were active participants in many of the events which
form the early annals of Massachusetts. The Bancrofts and Hillyers
were of the same relationship, and among the number was United States
District Judge Hillyer, a very noted jurist. The paternal
great-grandfather of Professor Howe was a resident of Granville,
Massachusetts, and the grandfather, Curtis Howe, also made his home in
that state. The latter devoted many years to school teaching, and when
ninety-two years of age went to the Pacific coast, whence he afterward
returned to Kansas, where he died at the very advanced age of
ninety-nine years. Samuel Luke Howe, the father of Professor Howe, was
born in Vermont, in 1808, and following in the professional footsteps
of his father became an educator. In 1840 he removed to Iowa, and in
1842 established the Mount Pleasant Academy. He educated his sons in
that school, and for many years the family has been actively connected
with the development of the public schools system of the country in
different states of the Union. Oscar P. Howe, the elest son, has been
engaged in teaching in New York city since 1846, and for many years
Edward P. Howe has engaged in teaching in Sacramento, California,
where his son is now conducting a business college. Professor Samuel
L. Howe published the first anti-slavery paper in Iowa, and as an
educator furnished to that state many teachers who prepared for their
life work under his able guidance. He edited for his own school the
Philotaxian English Grammer, which was highly commended and was in
general use throughout that part of the country for many years. He was
very enthusiastic and zealous in his work, and his influence and
labors proved of marked benefit to the state in promoting intellectual
development there. He was also a close student of the great questions
affecting the welfare of the country, and became active in the
organization of the Republican party because of his earnest desire to
suppress the extension of slavery in the north. His death occurred at
the age of sixty-seven years, and this closed a life of much
usefulness. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in the cemetery at
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for her death occurred in that city when she had
attained the advanced age of eighty-six years. They were the parents
of eleven children, of whom five sons and a daughter are yet living.
Professor Howe was educated under his father's guidance, and was
graduated from his academy at Mount Pleasant, after which he engaged
in teaching school in Iowa for two years. He then removed to
California and followed teaching in the Sacramento valley for some
time. Later he was identified with the schools in Auburn, California,
and had charge of the Sacramento grammar schools for four and a half
years. At the end of that time he accepted a call from the schools of
Gold Hill, Nevada, where he remained for three years, and then
returned to Sacramento to take charge of the high school of that city.
After a year, however, he resigned on account of failing health and
was succeeded by his brother, E. P. Howe, who still remains there.
Professor H. H. Howe then engaged in the sheep-raising industry,
hoping that the outdoor life would prove beneficial to his health. He
soon tired of that work, however, and, coming to Carson City in 1870,
he has since remained superintendent of the city schools, covering a
period of thirty-three consecutive years. Such a record does not need
further comment or eulogy. His labor is seen in the splendid condition
of the city schools, of which Carson City and her people have every
reason to be proud. His work has ever been carried forward along lines
that are at once practical and progressive. He is continually seeking
out new methods and ideas which will advance the effectiveness of the
school work as a preparation for life's responsible duties. Most of
the enterprising young men of the city whose careers are a credit to
the state, have been graduated under Professor Howe and have then gone
forth well equipped to pursue advanced studies. His own zeal in his
work inspires both teachers and pupils, and there is to-day no more
capable or eminent educator connected with the public schools of
Nevada.
Professor Howe was happily married in 1869 to Miss Ida Geraldine
Spear, a native of Massachusetts, and their union has been blessed
with four children: Edith E., who is a teacher of elocution and for
some time was connected with Mills College of California; Sybil L.,
who is also engaged in teaching; Halbert, who is attending college in
Chicago; and Amelia Melville, at home. The family are all valued
members of the Presbyterian church, of which the Professor has been a
most active worker and one of the elders for many years.
Notwithstanding his constant work in the schoolroom during the week he
has also served as superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years.
He and his family have a hospitable home, which is the center of a
cultured society circle, and upon the social, intellectual and moral
life of Carson City they have left a deep impress for good.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. JOE JOSEPHS, the efficient superintendent of the Nevada State
Orphans' Home, at Carson City, and one of the pioneers of the state,
dates his residence in this portion of the country since 1860. A
native of New York, he was born in the beautiful city of Albany, on
the 2nd of February, 1847. He is pre-eminently a self-made man, having
started out in life on his own account when only eight years of age,
since which time he has been entirely dependent upon his own
resources. He began earning his own living as a bootblack. His
educational privileges were necessarily limited, but he has learned
many valuable lessons in the dear school of experience. He has also
served as his own schoolmaster, getting much information from books
which he has read at night and in his leisure hours. He has improved
his opportunities as the years have gone by, and is to-day a man of
considerable learning, which, added to a kindly nature and broad
humanitarian principles, makes him a man worthy of the highest respect
and regard.
In 1857, when but ten years of age, he went to California, and was but
thirteen years old when he arrived in Virginia City, Nevada. He worked
at any employment which he could obtain that would yield him an honest
living. He waited on table in hotels, acted as pick boy in the mines,
and thus he eventually became interested in mining on his own account.
He followed that pursuit for twenty-one years with the varied success
which always meets those who search for the mineral deposits of the
earth. He has also dealt in stock, sometimes making money and again
proving unfortunate in his speculations. He has labored on
persistently, however, year after year, always energetic and reliable
in whatever relation of life found.
In 1873 Mr. Josephs was appointed and filled the position of
engrossing clerk in the senate, and for two years he was deputy
constable in Virginia City, occupying that position when it required a
great deal of courage, because of the large number of the criminal
class of that locality. His report of fees received for the two years
was twenty-two thousand dollars, and his salary for that time was
eighteen dollars. He was nominated and elected clerk of the supreme
court of the state, and filled that office for four years, being the
last one to occupy the position, which at the end of his term was
merged into the office of secretary of state. Mr. Josephs was also
deputy county clerk of Storey county, and in 1889 was appointed
superintendent of the State Orphans' Home, at Carson City. When he had
served for four years he was reappointed, and is now serving for the
second term, his faithfulness and capability in the office being most
commendable. He has at present sixty-three orphan children in his
charge. As soon as good homes can be found in respectable families the
children are placed therein that they may enjoy the benefits and
privileges of home life. The institution is well kept by Mr. Josephs
and his estimable wife, who acts as matron. She has never had any
children of her own, and all of the mother love of her nature is
lavished upon these motherless little ones, who profit largely by her
care and attention.
Mr. Josephs was married in 1875 to Miss Anna Eliza Klink, a native of
California. She is a lady of innate refinement and makes an excellent
matron, greatly assisting her husband in his work. Each Sunday the
children are taken to the different churches of the city, first to one
and then another, for the home is entirely unsectarian and the
children are not biased in the least in their religious views.
Mr. Josephs is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has passed all the chairs in
both the suljordinate lodge and encampment, and is a past grand. Both
he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the state,
and are held in high regard especially by those interested in
charitable and philanthropic work.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. JAMES R. JUDGE, ex-attorney general and ex-lieutenant governor of
Nevada, is not only one of the representative men of the state, but
also a lawyer of national reputation. He came to Nevada in 1877. He is
a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he was born
September 9, 1849, coming of Irish ancestry. His parents, James and
Mary (Smith) Judge, both were born in Ireland. His father was a farmer
and railroad man, and lived to be seventy-five years of age, while his
mother was seventy-four when she died, the two passing away within a
year of each other. Three sons were born to these parents, James being
the only one to come to Nevada.
General Judge was reared in his native state and educated in St.
Francis College, where he learned civil engineering, and he followed
that calling for a number of years. For a short time after arriving in
Nevada he was engaged in surveying for a railroad, and then entered
upon the study of law in the office of Colonel Ellis and his partner
Mr. King, and was admitted to the bar May 5, 1881, by the supreme
court of the state. Immediately thereafter he entered upon the
practice of his profession. In December, 1896, he was appointed
attorney general of Nevada by Governor Sadler and served in that
office until 1899. In the fall of 1898 he was elected lieutenant
governor, and entered upon the duties of his office January 1, 1899,
and filled the office with credit to himself and to the entire
satisfaction of all concerned until January 1, 1903, when his
successor assumed charge, and General Judge returned to his large
practice. He has been a life-long Democrat and has always taken an
active part in local and state affairs, being a prominent factor in
the organization of the silver party. He has also been identified with
various mining interests, and is to-day a wealthy man, although he has
never forgotten the days when his income depended upon his own
exertions.
In 1893 General Judge was united in marriage with Mrs. D. R. Upton, a
native of Maine, who came to the Pacific coast in 1870 and thereafter
made her home in California. She is a lady of high education and
culture, and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. It is scarcely
necessary to say that General and Mrs. Judge are accorded a very high
position socially, and that they have a host of warm friends to whom
they dispense a very gracious hospitality at their beautiful home in
Carson City.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
S. L. LEE, M. D. One of the distinguished members of the medical
profession in Nevada is Dr. S. L. Lee. of Carson City, whose
pronounced ability and broad experience have gained him prominence
scarcely second to any in the state. Fortunate is the man who has back
of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he if his
lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. In person, talents and
character Dr. Lee is a worthy scion of his race. He comes from a
family that has not only figured prominently in public affairs in this
country, but can also trace his ancestry to the Lees who went with
William the Conqueror to England at the time of the invasion in 1066.
John Lee emigrated from "the merrie isle" to New England in the year
1641, and afterward became a resident of Farmington, Connecticut,
while his cousin, Richard Lee, settled in Virginia and became the
founder of the branch of the family that has furnished so many eminent
men to the Old Dominion. William Lee, a direct ancestor of Dr. Lee,
was a participant in the Revolutionary war, and the love of liberty
and the hatred of oppression has ever been a dominant trait in the
family. William Lee, Dr. Lee's great-grandfather, and his sons, were
all participants in the war of 1812, and one of these sons was Lemuel
Lee, the grandfather of the Doctor. Benjamin F. Lee. Dr. Lee's father,
was born in Onondaga county, New York. on the 15th of September, 1817,
and was but three months old when his parents removed with their
family to Illinois, where he has since lived, having now attained the
eighty-sixth year of his age. He married Miss Charlotte Loraine
Bishop, a descendant of the noted De Aubrey family, her grandfather
being Dr. De Aubrey, who was a surgeon in the continental army during
the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Lee died December 19, 1894, at the age
of seventy-two years. By her marriage she had become the mother of
seven sons. The eldest, James Monroe, was killed in the battle of
Shiloh, while fighting in defense of the starry banner, the symbol of
the Union cause. His regiment was the Thirty-second Illinois Infantry.
When this brother enlisted, Simeon Lemuel Lee, the subject of this
biography, was but a youth of sixteen years, having been born in
Vandalia, Fayette county, Illinois, on the 4th of September, 1844. He
became fired with patriotic zeal, inspired by his brother's example
and his own knowledge of the condition of affairs in the south, and in
1863, he prevailed upon his father to allow him to take the place of
his deceased brother as a defender of the Union. Enlisting as a member
of Company H, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he went to the south
to aid in filling the ranks of that regiment, which had been very much
depleted. The command proceeded immediately to the scene of
hostilities, and he served with General Sherman in General John A.
Logan's division of McPherson's corps, from February, 1864, until
November of that year, when the members of the command reenlisted and
were given a thirty days' furlough. After the return to the front,
this regiment led the assault on Fort Blakely, being connected with
the Nineteenth corps of Granger's army. There were but thirty-five
members of the company when they started on that movement, and fifteen
of these were either killed or wounded in the charge, but they carried
the fort, which was the defense of the city of Mobile, and which then
surrendered. By gallant service and unmistakable loyalty Dr. Lee had
risen to the rank of second lieutenant and was discharged as such in
Springfield, Illinois, on the 16th of May, 1866.
Previous to the war Dr. Lee had been a student in the high school of
Vandalia, and after his discharge he began preparation for his life
work by becoming a student in the Cincinnati Medical College of Ohio,
in which he completed the prescribed course and was graduated with the
degree of M. D., in the class of 1870. Immediately after leaving
college he came to Carson City and entered upon the practice of his
profession, which he has since continued here with marked ability for
thirty-three years, during which time he has been recognized as one of
the most learned and capable members of the medical fraternity in the
state. He became a member of the first board of health of the state,
and for several years has been a member of the state board of medical
examiners and is now surgeon general on the governor's staff, with the
rank of colonel. He educated his youngest brother, Ortey Frederick
Lee. for the medical profession, of which he became a most prominent
and progressive member. He was engaged in the practice of medicine in
Marysville, California, when overwork brought his brilliant career to
an untimely close and caused a severe loss to the ranks of the
fraternity in that state.
Dr. Lee is a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and
commandery, and also to Islam Temple of the Mystic Shrine in San
Francisco. He is thoroughly informed concerning the tenets of the
craft, is in sympathy with its purpose, and in his life exemplifies
its beneficent and helpful spirit.
On the 26th of November, 1868. Dr. Lee was happily married to Miss
Lola Montez Watts, a member of the noted Watts family of Ohio, while
her mother was an own cousin of Hamilton Fisk, United States secretary
of state. They have three sons: Bishop Frank Lee is in southern
California. William L., an electrical engineer, was graduated in a
school fitting him for his chosen profession. Adelbert Watts is a
graduate of the medical department of the University of California and
is now assistant in the chair of anatomy there. He expects soon to go
to Leipsic, Germany, to perfect himself in his profession. He stood at
the head of his class in college, and is a young man of strong
mentality and laudable ambition, and undoubtedly a bright future
awaits him. Both the Doctor and Mrs. Lee are well known in Carson City
and other parts of the state, and occupy an enviable position in
social circles, while their own home is the center of culture,
hospitality and good cheer. Mrs. Lee is a member of the Episcopal
church.
The Doctor has always been a student, reading broadly and thinking
deeply, not only in the line of his profession but over a wide range
of subjects. He has a library of more than two thousand volumes, and
is also the possessor of a choice and valuable collection of minerals,
of chinaware brought from foreign cities and of Indian baskets, some
of which are of very early manufacture and are very costly. He takes
just pride in these, and they prove an interesting feature of his
delightful home.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
HENRY ALBERT LEMMON and HERBERT C. DUNN, editors and publishers of the
Carson City News, a daily, six-column, four-page paper, the organ of
the Republican party at the capital, are enterprising newspaper men of
this great state of the west.
Mr. Lemmon is a native of California, having been born in the
Sacramento valley, December 28, 1873, and is descended from an old
American family. He is a son of Benjamin I. and Mary L. (Battelle)
Lemmon, natives respectively of New York and Ohio. The former went to
California in 1849, and has spent his life in mining, although now
retired from active life, being aged seventy-seven years. Mr. Lemmon
was the only child, and he entered a printing office at the age of
sixteen years in San Francisco, working for the Dewery Publishing
Company and learning the printer's trade. Later he established the
Mountain Mirror in Sierra county, but moved his plant to several
places, and is now associated with Mr. Dunn, as before stated.
Herbert C. Dunn was born in Portland, Maine, in 1857, and is of Scotch
ancestry, although several generations have lived in America. Mr. Dunn
was educated in the public schools of his native state, and came to
the Pacific coast in 1872. He has been interested in mining and is now
interested in the Carson City News. In 1880 he was married to Miss Eva
Graham, a native of his own state.
The young men are well spoken of, and their paper is a power among the
Republicans of their locality. They are enterprising and live men, and
they play an important part in state politics.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
WILL U. MACKEY, deputy state printer of Nevada and mayor of Carson
City, came to the Comstock in 1866. He is a native of Hannibal,
Missouri, where he was born in 1861, and comes of Scotch ancestrv,
although several generations of the family have lived in the United
States. On the paternal side they are related to the noted Sam Houston
of Texas, and on the maternal side to the famous Stowe family. Uriah
Mackey, the father of Mr. Mackey, was a prominent man in Missouri, but
died when the latter was only ten months old. At the time of his death
he was city marshal of Hannibal. Missouri. He married Miss Martha
Thompson, of Illinois, and a daughter of John Thompson, of the same
state. After the death of her husband Mrs. Mackey came to Nevada,
bringing her son, Will, then five years of age, and she now resides in
Carson City, being sixty-nine years of age. Mr. Mackey was reared and
educated in the public schools of Virginia City, also attending the
business college of E. C. Atkinson in Sacramento. California. He
learned the trade of printer in the offices of the Virginia Chronicle
and the old Gold Hill News, also working as foreman of the Austin
Reveille and the Nevada Tribune, and for a short time, in 1883. was
foreman of the Commercial Advertiser in Honolulu. For the past twenty
years he has worked intermittently in the state printing office, and
continuously for the past nine years. He is a thorough printer,
understanding every detail of the business, and his office is a model.
From boyhood he has been a Democrat, and as the present mayor of
Carson City he is proving himself a good business man and upright
statesman, and is giving the people a clean, honorable administration.
He received President Roosevelt on the occasion of the presidential
visit to Carson City in May. 1903.
In 1894 Mr. Mackey was married to Miss Eva L. Chapman, a native of
California, and one daughter, Dorothy, has been born of this union.
Fraternally Mr. Mackey is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons,
and he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star and of the
Rathbone Sisters. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and
the Typographical Union. Mr. Mackay is admitted to be one of the
state's best known and most highly respected citizens, and one whose
future looks very bright, to judge by the past.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. W. A. MASSEY has been connected with hoth the framing and the
interpretation of the laws, having served as a member of the general
assembly of the state, a member of the supreme court, and for a long
period has been accounted one of the eminent practitioners at the bar
of the state. He belongs to the prominent law firm of Cheney, Massey
& Smith, of Reno, vhich has a very large and distinctively
representative clientage, embracing connection with much of the most
important litigation tried in the courts of the state.
Judge Massey was born in Perry county, Ohio, on the 7th of October,
1856. His grandfather, Mathew Massey, was a native of the north of
Ireland, and when a young man came to the United States, locating in
New York, where he was married, thus becoming the progenitor of the
family in this country. He removed to Morgan county. Ohio, where his
son, William Massey, the father of Judge Massey, was born on the 5th
of May, 1826. During the greater part of the Civil war William Massey
was a member of the Union army, serving first in West Virginia, after
which he was transferred to the Western Army. He was present at the
investment of Vicksburg and served under General Sherman in the thirty
days' fighting on the way to Atlanta. He also participated in the
capture of that city as well as of Vicksburg. By profession he was a
physician, but went to the front as a lieutenant, although he was
later made surgeon of the Sixty-eighth Ohio Battery. Following the
cessation of hostilities he established his home in Paris, Illinois,
where he continued in the practice of medicine up to the time of his
death, which occurred in 1882. He had wedded Miss Mary Thorp, who was
born in Perry county, Ohio, and their union was blessed with five
children, of whom two are yet living, the brother of Judge Massey
being J. A. Massey, of Illinois.
Judge William A. Massey was but a small boy when his parents removed
from Ohio to Illinois, where he was reared. His early education,
acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in Asbury
University, at Greencastle, Indiana, and then preparing for the
practice of law he was admitted to the bar in Sullivan, Indiana. In
1885 he removed to San Diego, California, and after spending a year
there came to Nevada. He engaged in mining in Elko county for four
years, but was very unfortunate in his mining ventures, losing all his
money. He then resumed the practice of law, and his ability in the
line of his profession soon won recognition and a liberal clientele.
While residing there, he was, in 1892, elected a member of the state
legislature, and proved a most active worker in the house in the
interests of those measures which he believed would prove of greatest
benefit to the state. In 1896 he was elected a member of the supreme
court of Nevada and removed to Carson, but in 1898 he resigned from
the bench to form his present law partnership and is now actively
engaged in a very successful practice, embracing connection with all
departments of jurisprudence. He is thoroughly well informed
concerning legal principles, and he took to the bench the highest
qualification for that most important office in the gift of the
people. Patience, urbanity and courtesy made him a successful jurist
inasmuch as these qualities supplemented broad legal learning and an
analytical mind, winch is readily receptive and retentive of the
points brought forth in every case. In argument he is strong, forceful
and convincing, and his deductions follow in logical sequence.
In 1879 Judge Massey was united in marriage to Miss Florence Massey,
who was descended from the same ancestry as the Judge, but is not a
near relative. This union has been blessed with two sons: R. R.
Massey, now in college; and W. H. Massey. also a student. The wife and
mother died in 1890, and a few years afterward Judge Massey wedded
Miss Annie Sheehan, a native of New York. They occupy delightful
apartments at the Riverside Hotel, and they enjoy the hospitality of
the best homes of Reno. The Judge belongs to the Masonic fraternity,
having been made a Mason in Elko Lodge No. 15, F. & A. M.
Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation,
he stands as a high type of our American manhood.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
SAMUEL PLATT - In Nevada people have to go ahead to keep from being
run over, according to Samuel Platt, United States attorney for that
district, and Mr. Platt follows the go-ahead doctrine if there is any
man in the state that does. A large majority of the young men who have
been born in Carson or other nearby cities, have grown up and gone
away to seek their fortunes in other fields. A few have stayed and
have been successful in a remarkable degree. Striking among those
successes is Sam Platt. It was on Nov. 17, 1874, that Joseph Platt,
one of the pioneer merchants of Carson City, became the father of a
son whom he was to see within a few years occupying a position such as
few men of his age in America could hold. Sam Platt's boyhood was
spent in Carson City and he was graduated from Stanford University
with the class of '96. The following year he completed his course in
law at Columbia University. He was admitted to the bar at the age of
21 and entered politics soon after his return to Nevada. He was on the
minority side and his fight has been uphill since the beginning.
As the republican candidate for district attorney of Ormsby County he
was defeated, but at the next election was placed in the legislature
and received the republican complimentary vote for speaker. The
democrats were in the majority and they chose the speaker. Mr. Platt
was nominated for attorney general on the republican ticket, but was
defeated by Jim Sweeney, now associate justice of the supreme court.
The lives of these two young men have been strangely interwoven. They
were boys together in Carson City and have been fast friends through
all their political battles. Both were in the legislature representing
opposing parties and during their campaign for the attorney
generalship they went around the state throwing compliments at each
other.
After his defeat for the office of attorney general, Mr. Platt was
again elected to the legislature and this time he was made its
speaker. In January 1906, President Roosevelt appointed him United
States attorney for the district of Nevada.
During these years he also served as assistant secretary of state and
United States referee in bankruptcy, but his private practice
increased so much that it was necessary for him to give up these
duties.
Mr. Platt made the speech which started George S. Nixon's boom for the
United States Senate and he also made the speech nominating James A.
Yerrington for congress on the republican ticket in 1905, after first
declining the nomination himself. He has stumped the state several
times in the interest of the Republican Party and is known as a
fighter for the ideals in which he believes.
In the legal world he has gained a name as well as in the realm of
politics. In his private practice he represents some of the most
prominent men and the largest corporations of the state.
A man of remarkable versatility is this young lawyer politician for he
adds to his other accomplishments knowledge of music and love of it,
which has resulted in bringing much pleasure to his associates. He is
a bachelor and has had little time for cupid's game, but is popular
with men and women alike, wherever he goes.
Source: Who's Who In Nevada, Brief Sketches of Men Who are Making
History in the Sagebrush State, Published by Bessie Beatty,
Home Printing Company, Los Angeles, Cal. 1907, Transcribed by Pat
Houser
RAYCRAFT BROTHERS. Joseph and James Raycraft are prominent, active and
well known business men of Carson City. They are owners of valuable
mining interests in the state and are proprietors of the Silver State
Livery Stable, of the city. Since early pioneer times they have lived
in this locality, and Joseph Raycraft, the senior partner of the firm,
is nowserving as one of the trustees of the city. In 1863 the family
crossed the plains to Nevada, and they have since been residents of
the west, identified with its rapid development and permanent
improvement.
Joseph Raycraft was born in McHenry county, Illinois, on the 16th of
April, 1849, and James was born in Hannibal, Marion county, Missouri,
in 1861 being, therefore, but two years of age at the time of the
emigration to the west. The journey was made in a four-horse wagon
driven by their sister Mary, now Mrs. D. W. Virgin, of Genoa, Nevada.
Their parents were Joseph and Ella (Qumlon) Raycraft, both natives of
Ireland, whence they came with their respective parents to the United
States in childhood. They were reared and married in McHenry county.
Illinois, and at one time Mr. Raycraft was offered a tract of land,
bordering the present Lake street of Chicago, in payment of a small
bill which he held against a man, but he regarded the land as
practically valueless and would not receive it, but to-day it is worth
millions of dollars. In the year 1852 he went to California overland,
and again went to the mines in 1856, taking out about one hundred
thousand dollars, but most of this he afterward lost. He mined on the
Feather river and in other "diggings" in California, and the history
of those early days in California was very familiar to him from
personal experience. In 1863, as before stated, he made his second
trip to the west, bringing his family with him to Nevada. This time he
came to remain, and he located on a farm near Genoa, where he
continued to reside until the 10th of November, 1884, when his death
occurred. He was then seventy-four years of age. His brave pioneer
wife still survives him and is yet living on the old home farm at the
age of seventy-four years, enjoying excellent health for one of her
age. Like her husband she has always been a faithful communicant of
the Catholic church, and the children still adhere to the faith of
their honored parents. To Joseph and Ellen Raycraft were born eight
sons, the collective height of whom is fortv-nine feet and seven
inches. They also had three daughters.
Joseph and James Raycraft were reared upon their father's farm and
received a limited public school education, owing to the new condition
of the country at that time, but they have gained broad practical
knowledge, fitting them for the duties of business life and making
them successful men. They have always engaged in dealing in stock,
handling horses principally, and they have raised many fine horses.
They now have the best equipped livery stable in the state, a large
substantial building filled with horses of high breed, together with a
large line of fine carriages. They have made a success of this
business in which they have been engaged for thirty-three years,
conducting their stable in Carson City for twenty-one years. They own
nice homes in Carson City and in addition to this property they have
several hundred acres of placer mining land, which is rich in gold and
will be very valuable when they get water to it. They have already
taken out considerable gold, yielding eighteen dollars and forty cents
to the ounce. The brothers are partners in their mining interests as
well as in their other business affairs, and have been thus associated
since 1884. They have a large stage route in Churchill county. They
own altogether sixteen hundred and forty acres of land, having paid
twelve thousand dollars for ten acres of what they deemed the richest
portion. The leading mine from which they have taken the most gold is
called the Buckeye. The mining property lies in the Pine mountain
range, and they found there one nugget worth one hundred and
sixty-eight dollars.
Joseph Raycraft was married in 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss
Nellie Jaqua, a native daughter of Nevada, born in Dayton. They have
two sons, Frankie and Georgie. In 1886 James Raycraft was married to
Miss Madge T. Morris, whose birth occurred in Empire, Nevada, and they
have the following children: James Morris, Hubert Hoye, Francis
Joseph, Margaret and Dorothy.
The brothers are Democrats in their political affiliations and are
members of the Catholic church. It was in 1902 that Joseph Raycraft
was elected a trustee of the city in which he has so long been an
active business man and in which he is now proving a capable official.
Both brothers are well known here, and their value to the community in
business circles and as public-spirited citizens is widely
acknowledged by all.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
FRANK J. STEINMETZ, one of the progressive young business men of
Carson City, Nevada, and the oldest druggist in the place, was born in
Sutter Creek, Amador county, California, February 10, 1862. He comes
of German and English ancestry. His father, Jacob Steinmetz, was born
in Germany and came to the United States in the year 1847, when
fifteen years of age. In 1854 he went to California and located in
Amador county. His trade was that of a shoemaker, but he afterwards
became a manufacturer of harness. Later he became a merchant, and now
makes his home in Warm Springs, Alameda county, California. In the
year 1861 he married Miss Helen S. Hubbell, a native of Ohio and of
English ancestry. They are the parents of four children, of whom Frank
J. is the eldest and the only one residing in Nevada.
Mr. Steinmetz received his education in the common schools of
California. At the age of seventeen years he entered the drug business
in Yolo county, California. In the spring of 1882 he went to San
Francisco, where he served as a clerk in a drug store and attended the
College of Pharmacy. He removed to Carson City in June. 1885, where he
has resided almost continuously since. Eight years later he became
proprietor of the store where he is now doing business, and has since
then by his honorable methods built up a valuable trade.
On February 15, 1896, he was married to Miss Lola F. Glidden, of San
Francisco, the second daughter of A. K. P. and Mary H. Glidden. They
have one child, Ruth Lolita. Mr. Steinmetz is cne of the five members
of the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy, and upon its organization was
elected its secretary, which office he still holds. He is a most
worthy and prominent member of the Masonic order, both blue lodge and
chapter, the Eastern Star and the Knights of Pythias. In his political
affiliations he is a Republican.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
HON. JAMES G. SWEENEY, attorney general of Nevada, is a native of the
state, having been born in Carson City, January 22, 1877. He enjoys
the honor of being the youngest man in the entire United States who
ever occupied the office of which he is now incumbent. He is a son of
Edward D. Sweeney, one of the honored early pioneers of Carson Citv.
who located in that locality in the spring of 1857. He was born in
Ireland in 1829, but came to America in 1833, when only four years of
age, so that nearly all of his life has been spent in the land of his
adoption. In 1849 he was attracted to California by the discovery of
gold, and was a placer miner at Hanghtown, now Placerville. Later he
went fb the Frazer river, and experienced many thrilling adventures.
Upon arriving in Nevada he went directly to Eureka, Humboldt county,
built a cabin and conducted a toll road, sometimes taking in as much
as two thousand dollars a day. He delivered water at Carson City in
barrels to the first settlers of that place, and a little later piped
the first water to the city. Among his other holdings was a
ninety-acre ranch above the town on which he built a reservoir and
from it supplied the city with water. He also acquired three thousand
five hundred acres of woodland, on which he built a sawmill and
supplied the town with wood and lumber, and many of the buildings now
standing were put up with his lumber. Later he built the first brick
structure in the city, which was for years occupied by the state land
office and law office.
Edward D. Sweeney has been a life-long Democrat, and for years was
chairman of the district central committee of the state. In 1866 he
was married to Miss Ellen Cavanaugh, a daughter of Peter Cavanaugh, a
pioneer of Nevada and a noted architect and builder. Among the
buildings for which Mr. Cavanaugh had the contracts were the United
States mint building and the capitol building, as well as many others
too numerous to mention. Both Mr. Edward Sweeney and his wife are
living, occupying a very pleasant home in Carson City. They had six
children, of whom four are now living, namely: Nellie, who married
George L. Lemon, of Oakland, California; Margaret, at home with her
parents; Louise, a successful teacher in Carson City; and James G.
Mr. James G. Sweeney was educated in the public schools of Carson
City, graduating from the high schools, after which he went to St.
Mary's College at Oakland, California, from which he was graduated
with the degree of B. A. He then returned to Carson City and studied
law, and when only twenty-one years of age was admitted to the bar.
After that he entered the Columbia Law University at Washington, D. C,
from which he was also graduated with high honors. Once more he
returned to his native city, and soon thereafter the brilliant young
attorney was nominated by the Democratic party as a candidate to the
general assembly. Mr. Sweeney stumped the district and was returned
with a large majority. While so very young, Mr. Sweeney possessed
unusual ability and distinguished himself as a legislator, and
returned home at the close of the session covered with political
honors. The intervening time between his return and 1902 was spent in
carrying on a large and extremely successful practice, but in that
year he was nominated by his party as candidate for the office of
attorney general of the state. In his own behalf and that of the
ticket Mr. Sweeney stumped the entire state, meeting with an
enthusiastic reception everywhere, and so effective was his campaign
that he was elected by a majority of 1,570. Since entering upon his
duties he has faithfully discharged them personally, having no deputy.
On December 14, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Mable
Trembath, the accomplished daughter of Hugh Trembath, of Virginia
City. Mrs. Sweeney was born in Virginia City, Nevada, and is a most
charming and highly educated lady. Although barely twenty-six years of
age, Mr. Sweeney has already accomplished more than many men in a
lifetime, and honors have been heaped upon him. That his future will
be equally brilliant is a certainty to those who have the privilege of
his acquaintance or have followed his remarkable career.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
HON. JAMES D. TORREYSON, ex-attomey general of the state of Nevada,
and one of its ablest and most widely known attorneys, has been a
resident of the state since August, 1863. He is a native of Wellsburg,
state of West Virginia, where he born on the 14th day of February. A.
D. 1854. His father, William Duncan Torreyson, was born in Union,
Loudoun county, state of Virginia on the 5th day of September. A. D.
1821. He married Statira Catherine Brown, who was born near Pittsburg.
Pennsylvania. By trade he was a blacksmith, and in the year 1855 went
via the isthmus to California, settling in Downieville, where for five
years he carried on his business very successfully, and then moved to
Carson City, Nevada, in the winter of 1860. In this place he located,
carried on his business and made it his home until his death in 1894.
Although self-educated, he was a man of strong character and of great
general knowledge, and was sometimes referred to as the "learned
blacksmith." He was one of the most highly respected citizens of the
city as well as of the entire state. A strong Republican, a lover of
liberty and a man who took great interest in the success of his party,
both in national and state politics.
The only son is our subject. He was reared in Carson City, where he
attended the public schools, and later entered Yale College, from
which he graduated in the class of 1879. Returning home he read law
with the Hon. Robert M. Clarke, and also at the Hastings Law School in
San Francisco. California, and was admitted to the bar by the supreme
court of the state of Nevada on the 4th day of January, 1882, and in
November of that year was nominated by the Republican party for the
office of district attorney of Ormsby county and elected. He served
eight years, four consecutive terms, and in 1890 was nominated by the
Republican party for attorney general of the state. He was elected and
faithfully discharged the duties of that important office for four
years, and since his term of office expired has devoted himself to his
large private practice. Mr. Torreyson has associated with him in his
practice Mr. Summcrfieid, the firm being Torreyson & Summerfield,
and they have been together in the practice of their profession for
over ten years, Mr. Summerfield being the United States attorney for
Nevada.
Mr. Torreyson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Order of Elks
and a Knight of Pythias, and is a supreme representative of the
Knights of Pythias. He is a married man with a wife and two children.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. E. D. VANDERLIETH, second assistant cashier of the State Bank and
Trust Company, at Carson City, came to the state of Nevada with his
father in 1872, when a mere boy, so that he has practically grown up
within its confines. He was born in Nevada county, California, August
19, 1861, and is of German and Dutch ancestry. His grandfather was a
participant in the Napoleonic wars, and for distinguished military
services was honored by the title of "Van Der."
Jacob Vanderlieth, Mr. Vanderlieth's father, was born in Germany, near
Hanover, August 10, 1828, and came round the Horn to California in
1849, being mate of the vessel. When they landed in San Francisco the
crew disbanded to go to the gold fields, and as it was impossible to
get another crew, the captain and mate were authorized to sell the
ship at what price it would bring. Jacob Vanderlieth mined on the Yuba
river and in Nevada county and the adjoining country, and thus
continued until 1872, when he removed to Eureka, Nevada, at the time
of the mining excitement there. He continued his mining operations
until April, 1887, when he died at the age of nearly sixty years. He
was a Lutheran in religious faith. He had married Netta Elizabeth
Sommers, a native of Holstein, Germany, and a daughter of Hon. Hans
Sommers, judge of his home borough of Langeloh. They had three
children, two daughters and one son. Mrs. Jacob Vanderlieth still
survives, and resides with her son and daughter. Miss Emma G, in
Carson City. The other daughter is Mrs. A. M. Welles, of Denver, who
is prominent in the club and charitable work of her city.
Edward D. Vanderlieth attended the South Cosmopolitan School of San
Francisco, California, until he arrived in Eureka, where he entered
and graduated from the high school. He then went to Heald's Business
College in San Francisco, and was graduated therefrom with the degree
of Master of Accounts. After completing his course he spent a year in
Europe, and on his return spent two years in Emerson Institute, a
classical school in Washington. D. C., and then for two years studied
law in the law department of the Columbian University, of the same
city, receiving his degree of LL. B. He returned to Nevada and was
deputy county clerk of Eureka county and clerk of the district court
for four years.
His mind being directed to literary affairs, he became editor of the
Eureka Evening Leader, a Republican paper, and conducted it very ably
for two years. He was then deputy district attorney under Judge
Cheney, new of Reno, and in 1889, upon coming to Carson City, he was
assistant chief clerk of the legislature. He was then made Register of
Deposits in the United States mint at Carson City, and filled that
position until Governor Colcord was elected to the governorship of
Nevada, at which time Mr. Vanderlieth became the Governor's private
secretary. During 1891-92-93-94 he most acceptably filled this
important position, and during 1893-94 was also secretary of the State
Board of Equalization. In 1894 he was nominated by the Republican
party for Secretary of State. He made a thorough canvass with other
members on the ticket, but the party was defeated owing to its stand
on the silver question. Mr. Vanderlieth then returned to the practice
of his profession, but was soon appointed, by Judge Thomas P. Hawley
of the United States District Court, Referee in Bankruptcy for Nevada.
He served as such until August, 1900, when he was appointed chief
clerk of the United States mint at Carson City, which office he filled
until called to the more responsible one he now holds.
Like his father, Mr. Vanderlieth has always been a stanch Republican,
and since 1896 has been secretary of the Republican State Central
Committee. Fraternally he is a member of Carson Lodge No. 1. F. &
A. M. On December 6, 1894, he was elected secretary of his lodge, and
is still holding that office. He is a member of Lewis Chapter No. 1,
and is its scribe. In the Grand Chapter of the State he is Master of
Third Vail, and is chairman of the Committee of Correspondence of the
Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter. For many years he has been a member of
the vestry of the Episcopal church, and is a man highly esteemed by
his wide circle of admiring friends.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. FRANK L. WILDES, the deputy state treasurer of Nevada, is a
native son of California, born in Stockton on the 11th of January,
1859. He is of English ancestry, and the first representatives of the
name in America became prominent early settlers of New England. His
paternal grandfather was a chief justice of Massachusetts, and his
maternal grandfather. Otis L. Bridges, was attorney general of the
state of Maine.
Mr. Wildes' parents were J. H. and Alice (Bridges) Wildes, and the
latter went to California with her honored father in the year 1857.
The following year Mr. J. H. Wildes became a resident of that state,
and after their marriage they settled in Stockton, where he was
engaged in business as a civil engineer, being in the employ of the
federal government for forty years. His course was irreproachable and
was characterized by the utmost fidelity to the interests of his
country. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian, and in his
political views was a Republican. Every cause which he espoused
received his earnest endorsement and unfaltering loyalty, and his
upright course was commended by all who knew him. He died at the age
of seventy-six years and his wife departed this life in 1899. They
were the parents of two children, the daughter being now the wife of
William Angus, of Oakland, California.
Frank L. Wildes was educated in private schools and under the
direction of a tutor and, entering upon his business career, was first
employed as a draftsman, while later he was engaged in the insurance
business. Subsequently he became a teller of the Nevada Bank of San
Francisco and from the latter city removed to Virginia City, Nevada,
in 1882, and became the agent and had charge of the bank in that
place. For fourteen years he continuously filled the position in a
most capable and acceptable manner, and for a few years was also
engaged in the mining and milling business in connection with his
father-in-law, J. H. Kinkead. In 1889 Mr. Wildes was appointed deputy
treasurer of the state, and is now filling that office with credit to
himself and to the satisfaction of the commonwealth. He was not
appointed because of any political preference or because of any aid
which he had rendered to his party, but because of his fitness for the
position. He is an excellent accountant and financier and possesses
the highest business integrity, and thus his qualifications well
entitle him to the honor which was conferred upon him by his
appointment. He is a stockholder and director in the Exchange &
Trust Company Bank in Carson City and for the past twenty years has
given his attention to the subject of finance, making it his close and
earnest study.
In 1894 Frank L. Wildes was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Kinkead,
and they now have a beautiful little daughter, Amie Livingston Wildes.
Theirs is an attractive home in Carson City, where they have many
friends, and this circle also extends throughout the state. Mr. Wildes
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Knights of Pythias and
of the Woodmen of the World. He stands today as a representative of
our best type of American manhood and chivalry, and in whatever
relation of life he has been found he has ever been true to the trust
reposed in him. In his present office he is thoroughly familiar with
the work of his department, and is a man whose public career is indeed
creditable. The good of the state he places above partisanship and
before personal aggrandizement. He commands the respect of the men
most prominent in political circles throughout Nevada and at home, in
the city of his residence, where he is best known. He inspires
personal friendship of unusual strength, for all who know him have the
highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904, Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney
HON. WILLIAM WOODBURN, thrice a member of Congress from Nevada, and
now one of the state's most able lawyers, making his home at Carson
City, dates his arrival here in 1863. He was born in Ireland, April
14, 1838, and came to the United States when ten years of age. His
education was secured at St. Charles College in Maryland, and in 1855
he went to California via the isthmus. After arrival in the state he
mined, meeting with the usual success of those days. He had claims
which yielded an ounce per day, and these he sold for two hundred
dollars and went in search of something better. While mining one of
his claims in Sierra county he found a nugget worth over one thousand,
one hundred dollars, but while making money easily he also lost it.
Finally he began to read law in Jacksop, and from there went to
Virginia City, Nevada, and was admitted to practice in 1866. In 1869
he was elected district attorney, and being a very active Republican
he was elected by that party to Congress in 1874. His campaign against
Colonel A. C Ellis was so powerful that it brought the young Irishman
before the public very prominently, and gave him a majority of nine
hundred. At the end of his term he declined a re-nomination, and was
succeeded in Congress by Hon. Thomas Wren. Mr. Woodburn practiced law
in Virginia City until 1886, when he was again nominated by the
Republicans and ran against Hon. George W. Cassady, who had served a
term in Congress and was the most popular Democrat in the state. Mr.
Woodburn again made a very able canvass and received a majority of
eight hundred and fifty, and at the end of his second term was
re-elected to succeed himself. During his life in Congress Mr.
Woodburn did much for his state, and was regarded as one of the most
enterprising and able statesmen from the west.
Once more returning to his law practice, he was again called upon to
serve his people, as he was appointed by Governor Sadler attorney
general of the state. In 1902 he was again the candidate of his party
for Congress, but was defeated by Newlands. He is now the veteran
lawyer of his state. Until 1896 he was a stalwart Republican, but when
that party adopted a gold standard Mr. Woodburn felt constrained to
advocate principles of free silver, and since then has devoted all his
efforts toward the advancement of the new party. He was the nominee
for district attorney of the first judicial district and lost by only
two hundred and fifty majority. His legal career has been marked by
success, and his knowledge of his profession is almost unlimited.
In 1877 he was married to Mary Duffy, a native of Carson City. They
have had two children, namely: William, who served in the
Spanish-American war and is now in Washington, D. C.; Grace, who is
also in the same city. General Woodburn is a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, and very few men stand higher in the
estimation of his fellow citizens.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
JAMES P. WOODBURY, 1838-1920
James P. Woodbury, a member of the Nevada Historical Society, was born
in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, March 21,1838.
Lure of the gold fields brought him to California in 1860, and two
years later, when the rush to the land of Washoe set in, he came to
Virginia City. So that for nearly sixty years he was identified with
the growth and upbuilding of Nevada.
Serving as superintendent of many mill companies, he became, perhaps,
the best informed milling man in the country. Over a long period of
years all processes were first submitted to him for approval before
they were given a trial by the mining companies of the Comstock.
Always, he was an active and interested citizen in the life of the
community in which he lived, and always a prominent member of the
Republican party. For ten years he served as a Commissioner of Ormsby
County, and for eight years he was returned to the State Senate from
that district.
For many years, until his death on January 20, 1920, he had large
interests in mining enterprises at Silver City. One son and three
daughters now survive him. A strong, rugged character of the New
England type, a pioneer in the truest sense, he gave the best he
possessed to the development of the natural resources of this State.
Nevada Historical Society Papers, By Nevada Historical Society,
Published by State Printing Office, 1922, Contributed by Kim Torp
JAMES P. WOODBURY belongs to the group of distinctively representative
business men who have been the pioneers in inaugurating and building
up the chief industries of this section of the country. He is now
connected with extensive and important mining interests, making his
home in Carson City, while his residence in the state of Nevada dates
from 1862.
Mr. Woodbury was born in Massachusetts, his birth occurring in the
city of Fitchburg, on the 21st of March, 1838. He was of English and
Welsh ancestry, and at an early day the family was founded in New
England. William Woodbury, his grandfather, was born in New Hampshire,
and William Woodbury, Jr., his father, was a native of Gardner and
died the eighty-sixth year of his age. His good wife still survives
him, residing at their old home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at the
advanced age of ninety-five years. They were the parents of five
children, three of whom are living and two are residents of Nevada,
namely: James P. and Oscar, the latter a resident of Silver City,
Nevada.
James P. Woodbury was educated in his native town, and in 1860, when
twenty-two years of age, he left the Atlantic coast for California.
After two years spent in the Golden state he came to Nevada in 1862,
settling first at Virginia City. There he was employed as an engineer,
and later was given charge of the Mariposa Mill, while subsequently he
became superintendent of various mills. He acted in that capacity in
connection with the Omega mill in Virginia City when they ran two
hundred tons of tailings per day, this being the largest mill of the
kind in the country. He next superintended the Sacramento mill, and
has also been superintendent of the Morgan mill of forty stamps and
the Eureka mill of sixty stamps. For nearly thirty years he has been a
member of a company of capitalists that has bought all the tailings of
the Comstock Mill & Mining Company. They used the cyanide process
and had four cyanide plants located at Virginia City, Silver City,
Eureka and at the Morgan mill at Empire. They have profitably run
their immense quantities of tailings, and for forty years Mr. Woodbury
has given his attention and untiring energies to mining and milling.
As an experienced milling man he has no superior in this state, and
his efforts have been a strong factor in the development of the rich
mining resources of Nevada and at the same time have brought to him a
splendid financial return for his labor.
While carrying on large business interests with capability, Mr.
Woodbury has also fully performed his duties of citizenship as a
progressive and public-spirited man, taking an active interest in all
that pertains to the development, welfare and substantial upbuilding
of his city and state. He has been a stanch republican since the
organization of the party and has labored earnestly for its success,
yet never consented to accept public office until 1892, when he was
elected county commissioner of Ormsby county. He has effectively
served his county in the office for the past ten years, pursuing a
public-spirited course and keeping constantly in view the idea of
managing the county's affairs with judicious economy. His course has
been creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents, his
labors being of direct benefit to those whom he represents.
He and his family are well known throughout the state where he is
classed among the honored pioneers and prominent business men. To him
there has come the attainment of a distinguished position in
connection with the great material industries of the county, and his
efforts have been so discerningly directed along well defined lines
that he seems to have realized at any one point of progress the full
measure of his possibilities for accomplishment at that point.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904
HENRY MARVIN YERINGTON was born in Colborne, Canada, in 1828. At Port
Stanley, Canada, he married Susan B. Hume, a member of the same family
as the noted historian Hume. In 1863 H. M. Yerington came to Carson
City and became one of its most prosperous business men. Among his
earliest work was the construction of the Merrimac mill for the
rushing of Comstock ore, the first mill in the state of that
description, and stood on the Carson river. Later he became associated
with D. O. Mills, Villiam Sharon and William C. Ralston in the
construction of the Virginia Truckee Railroad, and he had the honor of
driving the first and last spikes, He was made general manager of the
road, which position he holds to this day. Also he was instrumental in
bringing about the construction and had charge of the work of the
Carson & Colorado Railroad which was completed in 1882 and was
sold to the Southern Pacific Company in 1900. He is also heavily
interested in the Into Development Company, which owns big soda works
at Keeler, and is also prominently interested in the Southern
Improvement Company at Hawthorne, where the company owns extensive
timber and water rights. Mr. H. M. Yerington also owns a large amount
of stock in and is president of the Carson water works, and has large
interests in California as well as throughout Nevada, being president
of sixteen different companies. He also constructed the first flume
for sending wood and timber down the mountains; built the Carson yard
for the timber and flume companies and the Eldorado Wood and Flume
Company, through which they delivered a large portion of wood and
timber for the Comstock mining companies, embracing about three
hundred and ten miles of drifts.
He is still a man of extraordinary mentality, although his life has
been a strenuous one, and as he possesses the gift of making and
retaining friends he is personally very popular. Three sons and one
daughter were born to his first marriage, namely: E. B., M. H. and J.
A., all of Carson City and very prominent business men. and Jennie
Avery. Mrs. Yerington died in November, 1873, aged thirty-six years.
She was a very beautiful lady, a leader in all charitable work and one
who was beloved by a very large circle of friends. In 1876/7 Mr.
Yerington married Clara V. Bender, the niece of Judge E. B. and Mrs.
Crocker, and she was reared by them in California. This union resulted
in one son, namely: Herbert, now a promising young college man. The
entire family are valued members of the Episcopal church. Fraternally
Mr. Yerington is a member of the Masonic order, while in politics he
has long been a stanch Republican.
Source: A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People, By
Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company, Published by The Lewis
publishing company, 1904

