Yuba County
Biographies
THOMAS SIERRA NEVADA GOOLSBY
A life of unabating industry and intelligently directed activity has gained for Thomas Sierra Nevada Goolsby well-merited success and the respect and esteem of his fellow men. For a quarter of a century he has been a resident of Dobbins, and his work as a mining expert has been an important factor in the exploitation and development of California’s rich mineral resources as well as a source of individual prosperity. He has always resided in the Golden State, and was born near Loomis, in Placer County, December 16, 1853, the eldest of the four sons of Joseph L. and Susan (Avant) Goolsby, both of whom were natives of Mississippi. The father first came to California in the spring of 1850, via the Isthmus of Panama, and about two years later returned to Mississippi, where he married Miss Avant, bringing his bride to the Pacific Coast in 1852 over the route which he had previously traversed. They lived for a time near Auburn, Placer County, the father being interested in mines in that locality; and later they established their home on a ranch near Loomis. Mr. Goolsby was called to public office, serving as road commissioner of his district. Fraternally, he was identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Eureka Lodge, No. 16, F. & A.M. He was a man of substantial worth; and a life of usefulness was terminated when death claimed him in March, 1873, at the comparatively early age of forty-eight years. The mother afterward removed to Pacific Grove, Monterey County, and there passed away in 1906. She was survived by four children: Thomas Sierra Nevada; Mary Ella, the wife of George Knowles, of Stockton; Susan, who married A. W. Pott, of Dobbins; and Joseph F., who lives at Miama, Ariz.
Reared in his native county, Mr. Goolsby there attended the public schools, and later pursued a course in a night school in San Francisco, receiving instruction from Professor Ireland, a teacher of mineralogy. As a boy he became deeply interested in this subject, of which he has gained a highly specialized knowledge, and is now numbered among the best-known mineralogists of the State. In 1870 he went to the mines of White Pine County, Nev., going by way of Hamilton and Palisade; and two years later he returned to Placer County. Subsequently he was identified with mining activities in that county and also in Plumas, Sierra and Yuba Counties. About 1898 he located at Dobbins, near Oregon House. Since then he has been connected with prospecting and mining ventures in this locality, his business associate being J. C. Merriam. Their operations are conducted along modern scientific lines and have been rewarded by a gratifying measure of success. Broad practical experience and close study have given Mr. Goolsby a thorough understanding of the gold-mining industry, in which he has found a congenial field of labor; and he also has mercantile interests in Dobbins.
In his political views, Mr. Goolsby is a Democrat; and while residing in Placer County he was appointed deputy sheriff, serving under Sheriff Cononroy. He is the oldest living native son of Placer County of the white race, and was accorded this honor three years ago at Auburn. A man of broad views and progressive spirit, he unites in his character the best qualities of modern citizenship, and his efforts have been constructive and beneficial.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p 509-510
HARVEY D. EICH
Yuba County takes justifiable pride in its public officials, who without exception are men of proven ability and integrity, well fitted for the work intrusted to their charge. To this class of citizens belongs Harvey D. Eich, who for the past nine years has capably and conscientiously discharged the responsible duties of county treasurer, and whose record is one which will bear the light of close investigation and scrutiny. He was born at Oregon House, in Yuba County, October 26, 1887, and has spent his entire life in the Golden State. His parents were John H. and Kate (Dixon) Eich, both natives of California. The father devoted his attention to the cultivation of the soil, and was called to his final rest in 1901; but the mother is yet living. Grandfather John Eich came from Pennsylvania to California in 1851 by way of Cape Horn for the purpose of seeking his fortune in the gold mines, and the remainder of his life was given over to mining. The maternal grandfather, Alfred Dixon, came from England on a trading vessel by way of Australia to San Francisco in 1852.
After his graduation from high school, Harvey D. Eich took up the profession of teaching, which he successfully followed for ten years. He was then called to public office, being elected county treasurer of Yuba County in 1914, and is now filling that office for the third term. He is prompt, systematic and efficient in the performance of his work, proving a faithful custodian of public funds. Mr. Eich supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, of which his father was also a stanch adherent. The latter took an active part in political and public affairs, being for years a member of the Democratic central committee, and at the time of his death was serving as constable of his township.
Mr. Eich is an enthusiastic baseball fan, and has done all in his power to promote the success of the local team, which was taken by airplane from Marysville to Woodland, being the first to use that method of transportation. He is fond of hunting and fishing and belongs to the Yuba-Sutter Fish & Game Association and to the Marysville Rifle & Pistol Club, of which he was one of the organizers. He is a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, and has served as vice-president and as a director of that organization. He was made a Mason in Gravel Range Lodge, No. 39, F. & A.M., Camptonville, and later affiliated with Corinthian Lodge, No. 9, F & A.M., Marysville, in which he is a Past Master and Past Inspector of this district. He is a member of Sacramento Consistory of the Scottish Rite, and with his wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of Marysville Lodge, No. 783, B.P.O.E., and the Woodmen of the World.
Harvey D. Eich was united in marriage with Miss Edith Binninger, and they have become the parents of three children: Ivadel, Wilton and Donald. Mr. Eich has always been found thoroughly reliable in every relation of life, and enjoys in the fullest measure the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p 510-513