Tehama County
Biographies
ANDREW B. AITKEN
Among the many prominent and progressive business men of Tehama County, none, perhaps, are more worthy of mention than the above named gentleman. His residence in California dates back to 1858, and since that period he has been prominently identified with the mercantile business men of this and other sections of the State. Having been reared to a business life from boyhood, he has indeed been a close observer of the ups and downs that naturally follow those pursuits, and he has witnessed the rise and fall of many prominent business operations. He himself has shared the fate of others before him, not so much perhaps through his own indiscretion or oversight as by the stumbling-blocks placed in his way by lukewarm friends in whom he had confided and confidentially trusted. As is natural in business life, our subject found himself worshiping at the shrine and zealously courting Dame Fortune; and just at the time when he believed that she was fairly won – she evaded his grasp, and substituted her ungovernable daughter, Mis-Fortune, and left them to settle the question as best they might. The old adage that “business life seldom runs smooth” meets many cases. However, our predictions are that progressive men will surely rise to the surface in spite of the impediments thrown in their way.
Mr. Aitken is a native of the old Keystone State, born in Luzerne County, June 13, 1853, and at an early age he came with his parents via Panama to California, locating in Tehama County. Our subject attended the public schools of Tehama and Yolo counties, and later attended the grammar schools of Sacramento, completing his education at Marysville. Here he was the recipient of a handsome prize given for best scholarship, by Mayor C. M. Gorham, now of San Francisco. Immediately following his school days, he became the clerk of Charles Heintzen, a banker, merchant and mine operator of Forest City, Sierra County, remaining in his employ until 1872, and was then employed by the firm of Cooley & Cady. After severing his connection with this firm he became the salesman of Harvey Simpson & Co., of Tehama, remaining in their employ and handling the business of Wells, Fargo & Co.’s Express until 1878. He then came to Riceville, where, June 13, 1878, he opened a general merchandise store, operating it under the firm name of A. B. Aitken & Co., continuing until the rail road was built, November, 1883, when his store and the town was moved near the road, and the town of Corning succeeded that of Riceville. The following notice appeared in the Corning Observer, September 21, 1889: -- “The firm of A. B. Aitken has closed its doors. Mr. Aitken is the successor to the firm of Simpson & Aitken, which started business twelve years ago at Riceville and entered on the road to prosperity. Two years ago Mr. Simpson retired from the firm, to the surprise of all, and from what we can learn the good feeling that before existed did not continue. Poor crops and long credit, with a very low price for wheat and 35,000 sacks on hand was perhaps the cause. The only wish is that the suspension may be only temporary, and that Mr. Aitken will be on is feet again soon, as it would be a sad blow to Corning should this gentleman be compelled to retire from business. He has been its main stay for many years, and it was through his enterprise that Corning is what it is. With Mr. Aitken’s retirement from active life, many things that were about to be purchased for the advancement of Corning will stand still in their present condition, unless we are blessed with another enterprising citizen like him.”
Mr. Aitken was joined in marriage in Tehama Township, March 17, 1877, to Miss Ella I. Miller, a native of Iowa, and they have three children: Jennie Irene, Liston E. and Irma J. Mr. Aitken affiliates with the order of F. & A.M., Moline Lodge, No. 150, of Tehama, also the Corning Council, No. 160, O.C.F. of Corning. Politically he is a Republican and takes an active part in local politics, and is at the present time Notary Public of Corning.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
pp 493-494
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
CHARLES HENRY DELVECCHIO
is a native of the city of New York, born May 18, 1829. His parents, Aurelius and Amelia (Willson) Delvecchio, were also natives of New York, the ancestors of the former being Italians. Mr. Delvecchio received his education at Cherry Valley and at Utica, New York. He is the only survivor of a family of three children. After the death of his parents he was taken to be reared by Mr. Isaac Seeley, a lawyer of Cherry Valley, and remained with him five years, until he became large enough to work for a living. At that time, evincing a desire to learn the barber’s trade, David H. Little, a son-in-law of Mr. Seeley’s, took him to Utica and located him with George L. Brown, a prominent barber of that city. He was to be taught the trade and sent to school in the winter. The last part of the bargain was not fulfilled, and he consequently “took up his bed and walked.” He went to Buffalo and was employed in several shops, and afterward sailed on the lakes as barber. Early in life he displayed a fine talent for music, and became so proficient as a violinist that he received the admiration and respect of the best people. He subsequently became a music teacher, and also taught dancing. Before leaving Buffalo he married Martha, daughter of Anthony Barrett, of Columbus, Ohio, and they had children, one a beautiful daughter, whom he lost at the age of fourteen years, together with the mother and all the rest of the family.
In 1857 Mr. Delvecchio came to California and spent a winter at Sacramento, teaching music and playing for parties. The following year he came to Red Bluff, opened a barber shop, furnished music for parties and conducted a string band for many years. He gave his personal attention to his barber shop, sometimes employing an assistant and a part of the time doing the work himself. Among the many old-timers he used to barber he names Captain J. S. Johnson and Messrs. Miner, James, J. S. Cone, T. Boanman, Thomas Brown, Martin Corrigan, Dr. Bradway and others.
Great and many are the changes which have come over Red Bluff since those days. Mr. Delvecchio saved his earnings, and in 1862 purchased twelve lots, half a block on Washington street, bounded on the north and south by Walnut and Hickory streets. Here he built his residence, and from time to time as he had means he built other dwellings, until now (1890), he has eleven houses, which he is leasing to parties for good rents. He has retired from the barber business and is quietly and respectably living on his rents and the interest of his money. He is one of the early settlers who have stood by the town, has helped to build it and is deeply interested in its continued prosperity.
He is not without a companion to share in his prosperity and to be a comfort to him in the declining years of life. In 1870 he wedded Miss Henrietta G. Crazor, a native of Buffalo, New York, and a daughter of Randell and Harriet A. Crazor. Both Mr. Delvecchio and his wife, as also Mrs. Crazor, are members of the First Baptist Church, and he has served as one of the trustees of that organization. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and all his life has been a strong Republican.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
pp 528-529
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler