learn the trade of ranch, where he now lives, and began improving it for He was educated a permanent home. The place contains about 320 acres of beautiful land well watered and fenced. A view of the place can be seen on another page of this volume. There was once a post office kept at the place but removed in 1869. He was married on the 2d day of May, 1868, to Phillipena Etzel, a daughter of Conrad Etzel. To them has been born one son, on the 9th of March, 1869, called Albert. Mr. Engesser is an upright, honorable man enjoying the good will and esteem of all his acquaintances.

age of 14 years George went to
brush making in h's native town.
both in the public and high scho ls of his native
kingdom. In 1848 he left his home for America and
settled in Philadelphia, Penn., where for three years
he was engaged in brush making. In 1852 he fell in
with the tide of emigration to California and once in
the State he engaged in mining on Michigan Flat,
near what was known as Red Hill and followed it for
fourteen years with success. He is now the leading wine
maker of the vicinity, has about 28,000 vines, handles
from 5 to 6 thousand gallons of wine and from 6 to 8
hundred gallons of brandy per annum. Was married
in 1859 to Mary Bauer, and to them have been born
four children. Amelia L., Mary E., Laura and
Elizabeth.

JACOB EGGER

SOPHARY EUER

Is one of the leading dairymen of El Dorado county. He was born in the Canton of Swytz, Switzerland, in December, 1840. His father was Ludwig Euer, who kept a dairy, and young Sophary spent his childhood's days in acquiring a common school education and Was born in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, Janu- herding cattle upon the Alpine hills of his native land. ary 16th, 1835. He attended school until 17 years He came to America in 1855 and remained at St. old, when he came to the United States and settled Louis, Missouri, until 1857, when he came to Caliat Sandusky, Ohio, where he worked at the carpen-fornia and engaged in cattle raising in Yolo county. ter's trade. From here he went to Sauk county, Wis- The drouth of 1864 drove him over the mountains consin, where he pursued his trade in connection with into the Walker river country, in Nevada, where he farming. In 1859 he started for Pikes Peak, but sold his band, and after one year spent there he rewhen he had reached Fort Laramie, he changed his turned to California, and in 1866 worked on the mind and traveled to California, arriving in Septem- ranch of H. Barton. In 1867, in company with A. ber. He traveled around through the mines considerable, and in 1862 located on Sweet-water. In 1870 he purchased the Rose Spring ranch, of 200 acres. In 1880 erected the present residence. He was married in 1862 to Bridget Connor. They have 5 children, William, Jacob, Frank, Mary and John.

Mr. Egger came to California without any means having to walk a portion of the way in his stocking feet. By hard work and economy he has secured him a good and handsome home of 200 acres, all under good cultivation and well improved.

FREDERICK ENGESSER

Jewell, he bought a dairy of eighty cows. In 1868 he purchased Jewell's interest, and has since conducted it alone. He has about 1,500 acres of land in his foot-hill home where the winters are spent, and over 1,000 acres in his mountain ranch. In the year 1881 Mr. Euer made 17,000 pounds of butter. On the 6th of January, 1871, he was married to Marie Clara Lamblet, of Folsom, and five children have been born to them, viz: Lillian, born October 20th, 1871; William, born June 15th, 1873; Clara, born December 20th, 1874; George, born August 4th, 1877 and Robert Sophary, born June 29th, 1879. WILLIAM J. FOWLER

Was the third child of a family of five who were born to John and Mary Engesser, of Wurtemberg, Was the only child by the marriage of Benjamin and Germany, where Fred was born, on the 22d day of Elizabeth Fowler. He first saw the light of day at October, 1832. He attended school in Germany until Dunstable, Beds'ordshire, England, on the 28th day he was fourteen years old, and after completing his of July, 1827. His boyhood days were numbered in education, for about ten years worked on his father's farm. When he came to the United States he lo cated at Manchunk, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in teaming. In 1855 he came to California and began mining at Bidwell's Bar. In the fall of the same year he moved to Celoma and followed mining till 1863. During this year he bought a twenty-mule team and began hauling freight over the mountains to Nevada. He followed this business with good results until 1868; he then purchased the Green Valley

various pursuits, such as clerking, driving a team and as a sailor on the high seas, which he began while only sixteen years old. In 1831 he came with his parents to Canada. From 1843 or about that time he began a sailor's life, he called America his home; previous to 1848, for some time, he had made Rochester, New York his home. On the 8th of March, 1851, he arrived in California, and in company with Samuel Lawson, in the interest of Gregory Yale and William Thornton prospected for and discovered the

only neglect of social duty has been in living single They have been generous in the expenditure of their means in support of the needy when called on to assist. Their summers are spent in looking after the fruits on the place and winters in mining some. Both men live in the full confidence of all who know them. Their mountain home is frequently a scene of life and gayety, when neighbors both old and young gather in to spend a Sunday afternoon or evening in singing and sipping of their native wine. A view of their cottage and portraits of themselves will be found on other pages in this volume.

first coal mine in the State. After a short time spent in the lighterage business in San Francisco, he went to Coloma where he arrived July 4th, 1851, and dur. ing the latter part of August, of the same year, he located at Dufftown, in Kelsey township. There was about twenty log cabins there at the time, and on each Sunday Messrs. Fowler and Lawson would celebrate their sailor custom of having plum duff for dinner and hence the name of Dufftown. In 1857 he removed to Kelsey, and in 1860 to their present home in St. Albans' Cottage, located on section 13 township II north, range 10 east. Here they began some improvements of a crude kind, however, as they did not intend to remain or make it a home; a few fruit trees were bought and planted, thinking Of Garden Valley, is of English and German descent. they would do some one good if not themselves. In His father was of English parentage and mother of time the brush fence gave away and a board fence was Holland ancestors, she being born in the State of erected and that also decayed and was replaced. Maryland. Daniel W. was born in the town of ManThe original cabin failed to afford the comforts de chester, Hartford county, Connecticut, March 17, sired by Mr. Fowler and his partner, and their present 1825; he learned the paper making business in New structure was built. It is neat and commodious, well England. and tastefully furnished.

SAMUEL LAWSON (LARSEN,)

Mr. Fowler's friend, associate and business partner, was born in Bergen, Norway, May 30th, 1824. He is the second son of a family of three children, born to Larsen Samuelson and Ellen (Bolletto). At the age of thirteen he quit the public school and for three years was an office or errand boy; when sixteen years old he began sailing on the high seas, his first voyage was to Spanish ports. In 1842 he came to South Americ, and during the years 1843-4 shipped from Valparaiso; between Christmas and New Year's days of 1845, he arrived in New York city. In 1850 he decided to visit California and shipped on board the bark Hazzard, from Salem, Massachusetts, under Captain Barstow, via Cape Horn to San Francisco. Before leaving New York harbor he had made the acquaintance of William J. Fowler, and as time passed on the acquaintance ripened into friendship and affection that rarely exists between men. Excepting a short time, consumed by Mr. Lawson in a trip to British Columbia, they have been constant associates, business partners and friends. They share alike in the expenses and profits of all their business transactions. Underneath a cluster of three black and one live oak tree on their farm in the foot hills of the Sierra Nevadas we find St. Alabans' cottage, their mountain home, as neatly kept as though a housewife presided there; and was well provided with books, periodicals and newspapers. When the stranger or friend calls in he meets with a hearty, generous welcome from intelligent men, whose

DANIEL W. FOX

In 1852 he came via the Nicaragua route to California and engaged in mining on Cedar ravine, near Placerville, thence to the Middle Fork of the American river, and from there to Georgetown, where he had a successful run of mining on the Manhattan creek. In March, 1857, he removed to his present home near Garden Valley, on one of the oldest ranches in the county, having been located by Stephen and George Pierce in 1849, and in the room now used as a parlor a store was kept in early days. This has been Mr. Fox's home since 1857, except two years spent in Oakland for the purpose of educating his children, Dwight W., who is a graduate of the State University and now completing a course in Hasting's Law College, and Annie B., his daughter, who were both born on the homestead at Garden Valley.

Mr. and Mrs. Fox were united in marriage at Willamantic, Connecticut, on May 12, 1850, by Rev. Jerry Farnsworth, a Universalist minister-her maiden name was Ann E. Bliven. En route to the Pacific Coast, Mr. Fox was shipwrecked. This misfortune together with assisting his three comrades left him with less than $8,00 when he arrived in El Dorado county. Hence to those who know him and his surroundings, it is quite apparent that he has been successful in his efforts to accumulate property. In company with Mr. Russell he owned the Rosekrans quartz mine, one of the best in the county. He has been a liberal supporter of the public school in Garden Valley. His home is beautifully located and pleasantly surrounded and with sufficient to support themselves and their children and can spend their declining years in full confidence that life has not been in vain with them.

RINALDO FILIPPINI

name

operate in coal oil lands, etc.; before this business could be successfully closed up, the excitement died out. Mr. Fowler closed out his interest and returned.

Is a native of Switzerland, where he was born April 17th, 1849. On the 26th day of September, 1859 he left his native land with eighteen young men. They to his native town, was united in marriage to Miss arrived in New York on the 17th day of October, Jennie McKane in March, 1867. To them was born and on the 20th day of the same month set sail for a daughter, viz: Ida L. Fowler. Mr. Fowler's next San Francisco, where they arrived November 26th venture was the rebuilding of the Courthouse, which 1859, and about the 1st day of December, arrived at had been destroyed by fire during the war. After comGarden Valley. Here he engaged as a clerk in the pleting this he engaged in a contract to cut away the store of his uncle, who, in company with a partner timber and clear a route for a contemplated railroadwas doing business under the firm of for a distance of 24 miles. William Tell. In 1865, he was promoted from Failing health then caused him to remove to Colbar tender, packer, cook, etc., to an interest in the orado, where he engaged in mining. The high altitude. business. In 1875, C. Pedrini sold his interest to and consequent rarity of the atmosphere, did not Clemente Pedrini the old firm of William Tell ceased prove beneficial to his health, and he removed to Cali and a new one was organized under the firm name of fornia in 1877, and has since been engaged in quartz Rinaldo Filippini & Co. The partners being Mas- mining, and is at this writing, an active partner in the sino Pedrini and Clemente Pedrini. They carry on Shirley mines, near Shingle Springs, also the Smuggler, a general merchandising business at Garden Valley and is one third owner in the Ribbon Rock mine near in connection with which they also conduct one of Placerville, located clear to the Pacific Mine and on the largest dairies in the county, milking in the sum- the famous gold belt of Nevada and Amador counties. mer as high as 120 cows. They have a very large mountain range, known as Filippini & Co's ranch. Mr. Filippini was united in marriage to Miss Josephina A. Filippini, on the 15th day of March, 1865. She was born in Airolo, Switzerland, and is the second daughter of Giuseppe and Gioseffa Filippini. On the 1st day of October, 1864, she left her native country, and after a pleasant voyage across the ocean, arrived at New York city October, 1864. She arrived in San Francisco, November 26th, of the same year, and proceeded at once to El Dorado county. Mr. and Mrs. Filippini have two daughters, viz: Addie C. and Amelia. Mr. Filippini is one of the best busimen in El Dorado county, and as such has been prosperous. Is courteous and kind to all who call at his business place.

GUS. H. FOWLER

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Marion, Crittenden county, Kentucky, June 26, 1843, and is a son of Robert Fowler, who was a Virginian and removed to Kentucky in an early day, and engaged in business in Marion until his death, in 1849. After about two years his widow was again married to C. C. Wheeler, a farmer who resided near the town. Here young Gus lived and worked on the farm until 17 years of age; when he engaged in one of the leading dry goods houses of the town as a salesman. After a few years his employer sold out, and he then accepted a position as salesman in a grocery store, with a relative in Union county, Kentucky. After the breaking out of the war his employer sold out, and he entered into a co-partnership with a party in Louisville to

MAURICE GRIFFITH GRIFFITH,

The subject of this sketch, was born on the historic grounds of Paoli, the headquarters of General Anthony Wayne during that epoch of the struggle for Independence, while the British troops were occupying Philadelphia, and the massacre of the American troops conducted by Major General Grey on the night of September 20, 1777, wherein no quarters were shown, had its result in retaliating measures when afterwards General Wayne stormed and carried Stony Point, his answer being "Remember Paoli."

The family of Griffith came from Wales with the first settlers of that colony, the progenitor, Morris Griffith, founding the first Episcopal Church in the great valley near Paoli.

The grandfather, Benjamin, occupied the estate which passed to the father, John Griffith, where he raised a family of eight children, Maurice Griffith being the youngest and the fifth boy. His mother, Maria Barbara Tenny, was of French origin, her great grandfather, Schroddon, having left France for participation. in political complications.

The family's of Griffith and Tenny, espoused and bore their share of the Colonial cause, and the war of 1812 was participated in by John, the mother conduc ting the farming operations, but not neglecting to carry a hamper of eatables to her husband, thirty miles distant, every fortnight.

Raised a farmer, his education was attained during the winter months in the district public schools, the system having been adopted by the State during that time. At the age of 18 years, the winter months were

occupied in teaching, and the summer months at Stopping at the first class hotel, the Hammond
work on the farm. On the acquisition of California House, some two hours were spent in waiting for a
by the United States Government, it was his perma- turn to "dry out." Here was found a thrifty village,
nent desire to come hither, and on the first day of built on either side of the Sacramento road leading to
May, 1849, bade adieu to all those he held dear, leav- Placerville, or Hangtown, as it was called, a half mile
ing Philadelphia to come overland, which was not ac-in extent in the midst of a rich placer field. He en-
complished till the 8th day of August, 1852, passing gaged in mining in Dead-man's Hollow, realizing from
the Sierra's and the north side of Lake Bigler. Hav- ten to twelve dollars per drain. Next engaged in
ing effected most of the distance on foot. The inter- mining in Mathena creek, Gold Hill, Rich Bar on
vening three years were spent in Indiana and Illinois, the Cosumnes river, and Bean Hill. At the same
the time being occupied in teaching and reading of time being an itinerant purchaser of gold dust. On
law in the office of Mark Delahay. The first mining the failure of Adams & Co., the banking house, he
which attracted his attention was in Gold canyon, Ne- moved into the office of Wells, Fargo & Co., and be-
vada, the proprietor offering a one-half interest of gan the business of dust and bullion purchase, checks,
mine and outfit to the invoice, to remain with him. or doing a banking business on a small scale, the pur-
The next mining operations was in Antonio canyon, chases of dust aggregating from $200,000 to $300,000
North Fork of the American river.
annually. After the fire of 1856, wherein the town
Passing down to Yankee Jims, the abandoned was nearly destroyed, a school-house being required,
wagons, the remaining stock and outfit were disposed he accepted the unenviable position of trustee and
of, and in company with a '49-er, he struck for Big
Bar on the Middle Fork of the American river, and
two days labor were performed on the opposite bar
with a rocker, the proceeds, about six dollars worth of
dust, being donated to said '49-er, the partnership
ceased, and employment was sought for and obtained
on Sandy Bar at $6.00 per day, two days work, the
first being assessment work for James W. Shanklin,
the now Surveyor General of California. The last
month of that season was in a claim owned by him-
self at the head of Yankee Slide, obtained from an
"honest❞ Dutchman, Fred Smutzler, who would not
be prevailed upon to accept of a consideration, even
the claim after being made to pay, for as he termed it
was "noting wort." Between the two a strong bond of
friendship after existed until Fred. crossed the river.
The rainy season found him possessor of nearly one
thousand dollars, the result of three months labor.

soon had the satisfaction to see a commodious school
building erected and equipped, which was afterwards
daily attended by from seventy-five to ninety scholars,
the classics and higher branches of mathematics being
part of the instructions, the school being second to
none in the county. Being a warm and zealous
friend of the public school system, he continued to
discharge the duty of trustee till called to the country
seat at Placerville, to discharge the functions of the
office of Sheriff to which he was elected in the Demo-
cratic victory of 1865, after having suffered two de-
feats on the head of the ticket in the year 1861 and
1863, though leading his ticket by many hundred
votes. He was elected as his own successor, being
the first in 1867, holding till March, 1870. During
said terms of office he was most ably assisted in the
arduous discharge thereof by Jas. B. Hume, under-
Sheriff and Jas. D. McMurray and John Cartheche,
The month of December was spent in prospecting Deputies. During said terms two double executors were .
in Placer and Sacramento counties, near Mormon administrated. A strong partisan from principle, he never
Island, and the day of remembrance to all good lost the esteem and friendship of his opponents, and
churchmen, Christmas, with its recollections of savory was reckoned as the single-handed electioneerer of the
dinners of turkey and cranberry sauce, was spent in day. While in the possession of office, private affairs,
wading sloughs between the Island and the old Deer lumbering, mining, and agriculture, received due con-
Creek House in a pelting storm of rain. The next sideration. His nominations were accorded without
day brought the advent to Diamond Springs via Mud opposition. His terminus of office was without a
Springs, through which a safe trip was made from scandal, and he carried the good wishes, not only of
mining down, by holding window sills and the sides his party but of many of the opposition, many of
of houses. 'Twas said the street was packed with whom were his most ardent supporters.
mules, but no ears being discernable its truthfulness
is not vouched for by him. Arriving at Diamond by
the early candle light, he was informed by a sign at a
clubing establishment six by eight feet in the clear,
that the house of Rothschild had an agency there,
James Uhlman, proprietor and agent.

In 1877 he consented to campaign for the State Senate; the district was Republican, and a new sys. tem of electioneering being inaugurated, he was defeated, though supported by many Republicans.

He retired from the lumber business and pursued mining and agriculture.

AYLMER PELTON'S RESIDENCE ON HIS RANCH
WHITEOAK TP ELDORADO CO. CAL.