El Dorado County
Biographies
BEN. C. CURRIER
Born in Boston, Mass., Oct. 29, 1822. After graduating at the High School, Newburyport, Mass., worked ten years as a brick and stone mason, came to California, 1849. Leaving the Missouri river May 16th, with a pack-train, arrived on Bear river, near the present site of Colfax, Aug. 13th, commenced mining on Bear river, then North Ford American river. Located on Oregon canyon, near Georgetown, Dec. 1849, worked in Illinois and Oregon canyons, Mameluke and Cement Hills, also at Smith’s Flat, above Placerville. Departed for the “States,” April, 1856, returned June, 1877. Renewed work in Illinois canyon, under the shadow of an old dam, portions of which remain, built by him 1849. While absent spent one year on the west coast of Africa. From ’59 to ’65 steam-boating on the Western rivers. Served in the City Government of Newburyport, in the Mass. Legislature, 1873, ’74 and ’75. Not an active politician, though always interested in local public affairs. An old Whig, but stronger Republican.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 235
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
ALEXANDER CONNELL
Was born at Syracuse, State of New York, Oct. 20, 1829. His early occupation was that of a farmer.
Came to California 1849, by wagon train, overland. After a few months’ work at Ford’s Bar, Middle Fork of the American river, settled in Georgetown. Has since been, with a temporary absence to his Eastern home, engaged in mining in the vicinity, principally on Oregon canyon and Canyon creek, at Mameluke Hill and North canyon divide.
Possessing naturally a strong and robust constitution, strictly temperate in all his habits, he has been enabled to accomplish an amount of work, individually, rarely performed by one person. Is a man of very positive convictions. All his undertakings have been characterized by energy and foresight, which if it does not always bring, deserves success.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 236
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler