Tehama County
Biographies
CHARLES HESSE
CHARLES HESSE, one of the substantial and successful farmers of Tehama County, was born in Tisson, Germany, December 23, 1847, a son of William and Louisa (Haska) Hesse. The parents were both natives of Germany, and emigrated to America in 1853, locating near Chicago, Illinois, where they carried on farming until 1858, and then moved to Davis County, Iowa. Here our subject received his education in the public schools, and assisted his father on the farm until 1869, when he began farming on his own account, which enterprise he conducted until 1871, when he came by rail to California, first locating in Indian Valley, Plumas County, where he conducted a farm and dairy business. In 1873 Mr. Hesse sold out and removed to Tehama County, and is not located on his farm of 1,360 acres, situated fourteen miles west of Red bluff, of which 700 acres is under full cultivation, devoted principally to grain and stock growing, the balance being pasture and grazing land, except a small fruit orchard for family use.
Mr. Hesse was joined in marriage at Bloomfield, Iowa, August 6, 1871, with Miss Margaret Fox, whose parents were Germans and emigrated to America in 1852, locating in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Hesse have four children, viz.: William A., Charles N., Maggie L., and Ruby V. Mr. Hesse is a stanch Republican, and takes an active part in politics. He has been School Trustee of Brown’s district for many years. He affiliates with the I. O. O. F., Red Bluff Lodge, No. 76; also the F. & A. M., Vesper Lodge, No. 84. Red Bluff.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Wendy Sandino
WILLIAM H. SMITH
WILLIAM H. SMITH, one of the prominent viticulturists of Tehama County, was born January 16, 1828, in Rensselaer County, New York, where he was reared and completed his education at the Kinderhook College. His father, John M., and mother, Ann Maria (Hendricks) Smith, were both natives of New York State. The original immigration on the maternal side to America came from Holland. Mr. Smith while in his native State held many important offices of trust, among them that of Commissioner of Highways. He was elected to this office in 1865, and retained it until 1874, when he resigned this position and declined the office of Supervisor. He left his native State in 1876, and came by rail to California, locating in the vicinity of Healdsburg, where he engaged in viticultural pursuits until 1879. He moved thence to Oakland, where he now owns residence property and lived retired form business life until August, 1881, when he accepted the superintendency of the entire system known as the Stanford vineyard and ranch property, located at Vina, which he conducted in all branches until 1887. Then the wine industry and other branches of business connected with the ranch reached a point where it became necessary for Mr. Smith to be relieved of a portion of the responsibility. He now has charge of and superintends all the outlying business in connection with the famous ranch. In 1889 Mr. Smith took a vacation of a few weeks and paid his native State and relatives a visit.
Mr. Smith was joined in marriage in Columbia County, New York, in 1840, with an estimable lady of his name, Miss Jane H. Smith, who was also a native of New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Georgiana, now deceased, and Charles H., who has a position in the treasurer’s department of the Central Pacific Railroad since 1874. Mr. Smith is the eldest of six children in his father’s family, four of whom reside in the State of New York, and one brother, Captain N. T. Smith, a resident of California, who has long been connected with the Central Pacific Railroad as assistant treasurer. In politics Mr. Smith affiliates with the Democratic party, but is not active in political matters. He is a member of the Board of School Trustees of the Lassen School district.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Wendy Sandino
HARDEN CRAWFORD CURRY
HARDEN CRAWFORD CURRY, one of the representative and substantial farmers of the Sacramento Valley, and the owner of 400 acres of fine farm land situated in the heart of the valley, two miles northeast of the flourishing town of Corning, is a native on Indiana, dating his birth at Terre Haute, June 17, 1833, the son of William and Clemsy A. Curry. The mother is a native of Kentucky. The father, a farmer by occupation, moved to Lawrence County, Missouri, in 1840. In 1857 the subject of this sketch crossed the plains, via Fort Bridger, to California, first locating at Red Bluff, Tehama County, where he was engaged eight years in teaming across the mountains from Red Bluff to Yreka, Weaverville and other points upon the road to the Humboldt Mines, etc. At this period the Indians were very troublesome, infesting this section of the country, stealing stock and murdering the whites whenever the opportunity offered. Mr. Curry was near the Hot Creek Station when the massacre occurred at that place. The Indians attacked and murdered the whites and then burned the station. He was engaged in the livery business in Red Bluff for several years, and in 1871 he went to Colusa County, where he engaged in farming for three years. He was then in Ventura County two years, residing one year in the city of Los Angles. In 1876 he returned to Tehama County, and in 1880 located on his present farm, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising.
Mr. Curry was married at Red Bluff, June 2, 1867, to Miss Isabelle Davis, a native of Iowa, who crossed the plains in 1861. They have three children living,—Ollie F., William M. and Reta J., Mary B. died August 2, 1860, and Katie C. March 21, 1884.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by: Wendy Sandino