El Dorado County
Biographies
REUBEN KELLY BERRY
Was one of the men who rushed to the gold fields upon the first announcement of its discovery. He was born in Delaware county, New York, August 19th, 1813. When but a young boy his parents removed to Tompkins county, and here he grew to manhood, and for some years was engaged in operating a stage line in the Catskill mountains, and in the manufacture of rubber. On January 26th, 1849, he took passage on the ship Morrison, around Cape Horn, for San Francisco, where he arrived September 21st. After looking around Sacramento and Coloma, he determined to settle at Salmon Falls, then known as Higgins’ point. Here he engaged in the freighting business with ox teams, hauling between Sacramento and the mines at 40 cents per pound at times. In 1850 he returned to New York and brought out his family. They located at Salmon Falls, and he was one of the influential citizens of the place until his death, which occurred March 12th, 1871. He was the first alcalde, an office existing prior to the county and State government, and for almost all the time of his residence at the Falls acted as Justice of the Peace. He was married on December 21st, 1844, to Miss Amanda Phelps, a native of Delphi, Delaware county, New York, and a daughter of Elihu C. and Catherine Phelps, of their family but one is now alive, Theodore E., who is in charge of the farm at Salmon Falls. Mrs. Berry still resides on the old homestead, once a lively and popular resort for the traveling public. Mrs. Berry is one of the pioneer women of the place; when she came only her sister, Mrs. Higgins, and a Mrs. Hanks were there.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 234
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
WILLIAM BUCHAN
Of Centervile, was born in Arbroath, Scotland, Feb. 14, 1823, is a son of Robert and Margaret (Stevens) Buchan. When but 14 years old he went to sea, and continued sailing until he came to California, in 1850.
On the 17th day of April, 1851, he came to Centerville and began mining in Pittsfield mine. In 1856 he was married to Charlotte Lester, of Peterhead, Scotland. She died in 1856. In 1857 he began business in Centerville, where he is now. In connection with merchandise he owns the Pilot Hill ranch, of 97 acres. In 1870 he was appointed Postmaster and still presides over the office.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 234
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler