El Dorado County
Biographies
ROBERT CHALMERS
Was the eldest of fourteen children vouchsafed as blessings to the union of William and Elizabeth (nee Templeton) Chalmers, who were natives of Scotland, and united in the bonds of matrimony in Kilmarnock. Robert was born May 24, 1820, and removed with his parents to Haldeman county, Canada in 1834. Boyhood’s days were spent on his father’s farm, and when but 19 years old he was married to Miss Katie Ferrier, who was also a native of Scotland. For a short time he engaged himself at rope making and as a fireman on a steamer, on Lake Erie, after which he purchased a farm in the forests of Haldeman county, and with an ox team and axe began the tedious task of clearing up a home. The same spirit of progress that characterized his entire life was then in its full vigor, and it was not long ere he had a goodly portion of the heavily timbered land under cultivation. He purchased and took into the county the first threshing machine ever used there, and while operating the same the forefinger of his right hand caught in the machinery and was crushed so as to render amputation necessary, but in less than 24 hours he was on duty with his machine again. When the news of the discovery of gold in California reached Canada he was one of the first to catch the inspiration, and at once disposed of his farm, settled his family near the old home, and in May, 1850, started for California. The steamer on which he took passage up the Missouri river was burned, and he with others of his party lost all their effects save what was on their backs. He was not deterred, however, by his misfortune, having set his face thither he turned not back for trifles, but continued across the plains and arrived at Coloma in the autumn of the same year. For a while he mined in various claims about Coloma, and eventually began work for a Mr. M. Holmes in his bakery and store. While in this position he saved about twenty-five hundred dollars, and in January, 1852, returned to the East, but after a short time he longed for the climate and activity of California life and again crossed the plains to arrive at Coloma in September of 1852.
In a short time he purchased the Sierra Nevada Hotel, enlarged and improved it and continued as its proprietor until 1865.
For a number of years he was collector of foreign miners’ taxes, and after that was abolished he was elected Treasurer of El Dorado county in 1867. In 1876 he was chosen to represent his county in the Legislature. He was a zealous worker in whatever duty he undertook to perform, and as the custodian of the people’s money and assistant in making their laws, he gave universal satisfaction to his constituents. He soon abandoned politics and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he always took an active interest, and at the time of his death (June 2, 1881) had one of the finest vineyards and wine cellars in El Dorado county, known as the “Coloma Vineyard.” On the property he erected a large 3-story building used as a residence and hotel. The location is a beautiful one, on an eminence overlooking the town of Coloma, and the valley for a long distance. In the construction of the residence, wine cellars and surroundings, not labor or money was spared to make them as they should be. He was a man without the advantages of an education save as acquired by observation and reading in later years, as he never attended school after 12 years of age, but being very fond of reading he had provided himself with one of the finest libraries in the county and was well informed on all topics of interest.
For a number of years he was an active member of the Coloma band, and tried to cultivate the tastes of the young by teaching music in the village.
In short he was the life of Coloma, being possessed of an indomitable will, a spirit of enterprise and never idle a moment, his life was one of continual activity, and being possessed of a spirit of adventure and courageous temperament, he was impelled to rapid achievements in a multiplicity of enterprises. Being sympathetic and kind in his nature he was ever a welcome friend to the society of his associates. He displayed an active interest in every work that promised the elevation and welfare of mankind and through his generous nature was helpful in every society of which he became a member. He was an obliging friend, and as such prized while living and mourned since gone. He was a member of the A.O.U.W., of the I.O.O.F., and of the Masonic fraternity, of which he had taken every degree from 1st to 32d inclusive.
He was married three times, the last wife survives him and resides at Coloma, and of his children but three are living, viz.: Abraham, now in Utah, Hugh now in San Francisco, and Louisa, the youngest child now with her mother at Coloma.
It is not claimed that Robert Chalmers was without his faults. But while it is “Human to err,” it is “Divine to do good.”
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 222
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler