El Dorado County
Biographies
IRA A. FISK
Was born in the town of Lancaster, Franklin county, Ohio, February 7th, 1814. When about sixteen years of age he began clerking. About 1839 he accompanied his parents to Logansport, Indiana, and from there to Independence, Missouri; from here he returned to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he opened a boot and shoe store.
In 1844 he went to Palestine, Illinois, and began farming. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, returned east in 1852, and again came to California in 1853. In California he followed mining till 1862, when he purchased his present home of 160 acres. He was married December 5th, 1844.
There have been nine children, viz.: Thomas Cullen, Charles Edward, Wilbur Quincy, deceased; Isa William, Mary Anna, Ira Benjamin, Henry, Rosa Grace and Werter.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 225
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
JOHN W. GAINS
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Portsmouth, county of Hampshire, England, October 20th, 1825. After leaving school he went to sea, which occupation he followed till in 1850, when he came to San Francisco. After visiting Coloma he returned to Sacramento and soon opened the hotel known in those days as the Rialto. It was located on L street. This he abandoned on the breaking out of the cholera, and after another hotel venture in San Francisco which proved disastrous he returned to the mines and selected Salmon Falls as his future home; has been a resident ever since. Has been Justice of Peace for over ten years; school trustee for sixteen years; water agent for nine years. On April 1st, 1869, he purchased the business of Mr. Campbell, and has been in the mercantile trade since; has the only store in Salmon Falls. He was the older of two children in his father’s family. His father was an officer in the British Navy.
Mr. Gains was married on the 11th day of November, 1847, to Miss Mary Ann Scurlock, of South Wales. They have had three children, all born in Salmon Falls; Mary Louisa, now Mrs. Minor Miller, Elizabeth B. and Lillie E., deceased.
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 225
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler