El Dorado County
Biographies
CHARLES McDONALD
Of Mud Spring township, was born in Rockrun township, Stephenson county, Illinois, on the 22d day of August, 1844. His parents were farmers in that county, and young Charles lived with them until 1852, when Mr. McDonald, who had come to California in 1850, returned and brought them out across the plains. His father was George, and mother was Margaret McDonald. His father died on Buckeye Flat, in 1880.
Charles was thrown on his own resources when but 16 years old, and followed whatever occupation promised the best returns for his efforts.
In 1872, on the 5th day of May, he was married to Miss Mary Fisher, a daughter of Frank and Lena Fisher. His wife is a native of California, and born on the farm, on which they now live, in 1852. To them have been born three sons, viz.: Orrin Archie, born February 12, 1873, Charles Darwin, born March 24, 1874, and Frank Byron, born March 23, 1876. Mr. McDonald has 210 acres of land, located on the Folsom and Placerville road. It was taken up and improved by Frank X. Fisher, 1854 or’55; he once kept a store on same place. The farm is under a good state of cultivation, and buildings are good and commodious. The location is on Indian creek, five miles from Placerville.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p – 238-239
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
REUBEN T. DEMUTH
Was born in Nazareth, Northampton county, Pennsylvania, October 29, 1825. He was reared on a farm until about 21 years old, when he went to learn the miller’s trade. He worked in a flouring mill until he started to California in 1852. From the time he was 8 years old until coming to California, he had resided at Clinton, Lenawee county, Michigan.
His first venture in El Dorado county was at mining on American Flat, he afterwards opened a store in company with L. Bingham, in 1854 he quit selling goods and purchased an interest in Thomas Shane’s saw mills, on Bear Creek, and one year later bought the other interest and run the mill until the discover of the Comstock mines in Nevada. The stones or burrs used in this mill were the first ever brought on to the Georgetown divide. The first flour made in the mill was on Sunday, and himself and wife bolted it by hand. His present home was located by John Minters, the pioneer, in 1853, and purchased from him in 1855 or ’56.
He was married May 31, 1858, to Margaret Griffin, of Michigan. They have five children, Edwin, Eva, Oliver, Bingham and Ernest. His ancestors for four generations back are Pennsylvanians, of the old Moravian stock. Is an industrious hard working man and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 239
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler