Colusa County
Biographies
STEPHEN ADDINGTON
This gentleman, who was intimately associated with journalism in its early days in the county, was born at Orange, New Jersey, November 23, 1828. He spent his boyhood in Fishkill, New York, where he learned the trade of printer in the office of his father, who for half a century had been one of the leading publishers of that State. Stephen Addington worked here till 1855, when he started for California via the Nicaragua route. He almost at once took his place in journalism, buying out the “California Express,” published at Marysville, which he conducted for fourteen years. In 1870 he went to Colusa and became associated with W. S. Green and his brother, John C. Addington, in the publication of the Colusa “Sun.” He always took an active part in politics, was a firm Democrat and served on the Democratic Central Committee of the county. He continued in his newspaper work at Colusa till the summer of 1886, going to San Francisco, where he now resides. Mr. Addington was married, November 24, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Hart, of Colusa.
“Colusa County” – by Justus H. Rogers – Orland, CA – 1891 – pp 450-451
JACOB BIELER
This pleasant and well-to-do farmer of Antelope Valley is a native of Switzerland. He came to the United States in 1855, locating at Superior, Michigan, where he remained until 1857. He next came to San Francisco and shortly afterwards set out for Stockton, where he found employment on a ranch, fifteen miles from that place. After remaining here in this employment for one year, he essayed mining in Tuolumne County but with indifferent success. Mr. Bieler was married, in 1860, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Bernard Schmidt, of Cherokee, Nevada, and is the father of six children: Mary, Sophia, Julia, Jacob, Josephine and Frank B.
Mr. Bieler came to Colusa County in 1869 and located on his ranch, of two hundred and forty acres, in the vicinity of Sites. This land is in a perfect state of cultivation. He also works three hundred acres of leased land, planted to grain, besides being engaged somewhat in stock-raising.
“Colusa County” – by Justus H. Rogers – Orland, CA – 1891 – pp 451
FRANCIS J. LUHRMAN
This gentleman was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, February 17, 1833. He enjoyed the opportunities for acquiring the rudiments of an education, and before reaching his manhood had learned the trade of blacksmithing. He left Germany in 1853 and arrived at New Orleans. After drifting about for some time in various shops, learning the language and studying the American methods used in his trade, he located, in 1855, in Fort Madison, Iowa. In 1859 the Pike’s Peak excitement created an enthusiasm for finding sudden wealth only exceeded by that of the early explorations for gold in California, and Luhrman being seized with the gold fever set out for Colorado. On the way there he changed his mind and came to California. On arriving, he went to the mines at Dutch Flat and worked there five months. Tiring of this pursuit, he came to Marysville, opened a blacksmith shop and worked there five years. In 1865 he came to the town of Colusa and worked at his trade one year. He next purchased three hundred and twenty acres on Freshwater, five miles west of Williams, selling it out a year afterwards and returning to his forge at Colusa, where he made his home from 1869 to 1875. In the latter year he moved on his present place of residence, having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. Besides raising grain and hay, Mr. Luhrman is an enthusiastic fruit cultivator, and his large orchard is noted in the county for the excellence of its variety of fruits.
Mr. Luhrman was married, May 1, 1866, to Mrs. Wilhelmina Wallschmidt, by whom he has two children, who have reached their majority.
“Colusa County” – by Justus H. Rogers – Orland, CA – 1891 – pp 451-452
TILDEN JONES
Is a native of Chickasaw County, Iowa, and born there December 19, 1856. He received an education in the public schools of his county and was employed on a farm till he reached this State. He came to Williams in 1876. For a time he worked on a ranch, familiarizing himself with California ways, and then entered the saddlery and harness business, conducting it successfully for two years. In 1885, Mr. Jones saw a good opening in the livery stable business in the same town of Williams, and embarked therein, carrying it on with profit to the present time. Associated with him is A. J. Smith. They conduct the largest business in their line in this part of the county. They also own the tri-weekly line of stages from Williams to Wilbur Springs.
“Colusa County” – by Justus H. Rogers – Orland, CA – 1891 – pp 452