Collection: Books and Periodicals

About This Item:

Title: A Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California (1891) Collection Type: Books and Periodicals Publisher: Lewis Publishing Company Published: 1891 Copyright: In the public domain or published before 1925 Source(s): Google Books # of Pages: 713 Download PDF: User Login Required Download OCR Text: User Login Required

Date Scanned: 2024-07-22 00:25:09 Item Sourced From: PDF First Created: 2025-03-17 03:11:29 Last Updated: 2025-03-17 06:30:36

Original Held At: Searls Historical Library Location: 161 Nevada City Hwy, Nevada City, CA 95959

Page: of 713  

HISTORY OF NORTHERN OALIFORNIA. , 567 proprietor of this mill, which is equipped with full roller process, and having a daily capacity of 100 barrels. Not only is the local trade supplied from the product of Butte County’s wheat, but a ready market is found in Plumas and Sierra counties. Mr. Smith still retains his interest in the water-works, the supply being taken from the west branch of Feather River, and at Oroville the water pressure is 150 feet. In other directions also his public spirit and enterprise are apparent. His efforts in developing the county’s horticultural interests have met with remarkable success, thousands of acres of land having been reclaimed and “ made to blossom as the rose.” Indeed, in every worthy enterprise he has taken a commendable part, aiding by counsel and means in the promotion of such objects as tends to the good of the community. In 1851 Miss Sarah Hoover, a native of Pennsylvania, became Mr. Smith’s wife, their union resulting in the birth of one daughter, Cecelia, born in Missonri, and now the wife of Mr. Williams, a resident of Oregon. Mrs. Smith having died in 1856, Mr. Smith was again married in 1863 to Mra. Woodward, of Pennsylvania, and they have four children, all born in Oroville: John Sherman, Alfred T., Charles S. and Lillie. Mr. Smith was a representative Demo-erat until 1860, when he espoused the cause of Republicanism, and has since co-operated with that party. He has interested himself in the public school system of the day, and for twelve years held the position of trustee. It is well to note at this point that his election to hia present position was in a district largely Democratic. He is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the Encampment, and has passed all the chairs. Mr.Smith has great faith in the future of this portion of the State. ie deceased, eminent in the legal affairs of Butte County for years, and closely identified with its various interests from the time of J. DGE WARREN THOMPSON SEXTON, organization until his death, became a resident of California in 1849. Unfortunately but little is known of his ancestry or early life. His father, Jacob Sexton, was a native of the State of New Jersey, and by occupation was a prominent railroad builder and contractor. Warren T. was born in Warren County, New Jereey, in 1823, but while still a child accompanied the family to Michigan, where he was educated, completing a good common-school instraction in the University at Ann Arbor. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California in company with the Wolverine Rangers, and in October of’ that year first set foot in Butte County, locating at Long’s Bar, where he engaged in mining. In 1850, at the first election held in the county, he was chosen Clerk, and during his service as such he continued the study of law, to which he had previously given some attention. His official duties were thoroughly discharged until 1853, when he was elected District Attorney, residing at Hamilton while the county seat was there, and removiug with it later to Ridwell’s Bar. When Oroville became the seat of justice, this place was made his permanent home. The early court records are all his own handwriting, and evince the care and neatness which he bestowed upon them. While at Bidwell’s Bar he entered into a law partnership with C. I’. Lott, a relation which proved a strong one, Mr. Sexton preparing the cases with unusual legal ability, and Mr. Lott with equal torce presenting them in court. In 1857 he was elected District Judge, was re-elected in 1863 and again in 1875, being the incumbent of this position at the time of his death, which occurred April 11, 1878. Empty words of comment cannot strengthen the record which his honorable life made. Capable as an official, sound and learned as a jurist, and of strict integrity, a credit to the legal profession, it is not surprising that his loss was keenly felt. On the 14th of November, 1855, Judge Sexton was united in marriage to Miss Sobida Stevens, a native of Michigan, whose father, Rufus Stevens, was a pioneer of that State.