Yuba County
Biographies
FRANCIS S. LABADIE
The history of the Labadie family in this State dates back to the early days of the gold excitement, when Peter Labadie, the father of Francis S. Labadie, came to California across the plains with an ox-team train and settled in Yuba County, in 1849. Peter Labadie was born in Ontario, Canada; later he removed to Michigan and was there married to Miss Margaret Melot, a native of Alsace-Lorraine. The trip across the plains to California was made via Beckwith Pass and was a tedious one. Fortunately they had but little trouble with the Indians en route; though two young men of the party murdered an Indian squaw and the party were obliged to turn them over to the Indian warriors, who killed them. When this party reached a valley twenty-nine miles northeast of Marysville, they located there and named it Indiana Ranch; here Peter Labadie built the first house. Peter Labadie served as justice of the peace and also as school trustee for many years; he gave the ground and school building to the district, and was one of the foremost citizens of those pioneer days. He conducted a store and hotel at Maple Springs Ranch and later owned and operated a sawmill at the same place, over a period of twenty-seven years. He spent his declining years at the Twenty-mile House on the Downieville road, where he passed away. He was survived by his widow until 1907, when she passed away at the age of eighty-three years.
Francis S. Labadie was born on the Indiana Ranch, Yuba County, May 9, 1861, and received his education in the public schools of Yuba and Nevada Counties. Later he became a clerk in the general merchandise store at Burchville, Nevada County, where he was employed for two years. He then entered his father’s sawmill at Maple Springs, and was soon made manager. Later he built the cedar sawmill at Oregon Hill, where he conducted a lumber and mill business for twenty-five years, then selling out and locating in Camptonville. Here he purchased the Camptonville Hotel, the best hostelry in the region, remodeled it, and named it Hotel Francis. He is also the owner and manager of the Camptonville Water Works, and of considerable realty in town, which he has steadily improved until it is desirable income property.
November 14, 1890, at Marysville, Mr. Labadie was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Richards, born in the Murray district of Sutter County, a daughter of John Richards, a pioneer farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Labadie are communicants and active members of the Catholic Church, and donate the use of their parlor for its services. They have given a home and care to a number of young people who have come to them from neglected homes, and continue to help any deserving young person who applies to them for assistance.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 712-715
ANDREW G. ARBUCCO
Among the progressive business men of Challenge is Andrew G. Arbucco, who is engaged in the contracting and building business. He is a native son of Yuba County, born in Browns Valley, November 29, 1876, the only son of Antonio Arbucco, who was born on the seacoast of Italy in 1853. While still a young man, Antonio Arbucco left his native country for the New World. He was nine days in crossing the ocean to New York; and on arriving in New York he immediately left for California, where h is brother-in-law, Louis Gardella, had located. Antonio Arbucco began working in the gardens in Browns Valley, and supplied the mines and stores with garden truck. He was married to Miss Mary Bacigalupi, also a native of Italy, and they became the parents of three children: Andrew G.; Emma, the wife of William Beik; and Annie, deceased. Since 1876 the family has resided on the fifteen-acre home place on the La Porte road, where Antonio Arbucco enjoys the comforts and pleasures of a ranch life. He received his United States citizenship papers in Marysville, and has since been a stanch Republican.
Andrew G. Arbucco began his education in the public school in Challenge. Later he entered the University of Nevada, at Reno, where he pursued a course in mechanical arts, specializing in drafting and architecture, and completed the carpenter’s trade; he also learned everything in the mechanical line pertaining to building. He engaged in contracting and building, and having mastered the various trades, can do anything from basement to the completed residence. He has just completed a forest service station for the government, most complete in every detail, and one of the best buildings in the service. He also builds sawmills and quartz mills. His building activities have included residences, store buildings, and bridge constructions; and his work shows a thoroughness and reliability that have made him friends wherever his services have been engaged.
Mr. Arbucco is a deputy sheriff under Chas. J. McCoy, being the only peace officer here. He enjoys out-of-door sports, particularly hunting and fishing; and during the open season he spends some time each year in the high Sierras.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 715