* Toombs & Hassler Family Newspaper Articles *
(version February 11, 2019)

 

Index of Individuals by surname

 

ALTENBURG, GWENDOLYN BARBARA (neé Toombs)

Morgan Hill Times, Tuesday, February 26, 2013, online edition.

GWENDOLYN BARBARA ALTENBURG-GILLOTT
April 19, 1919 - February 23, 2013

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for 1:00 P.M., on Friday, March 8th, 2013 at St. Mary's Church in Gilroy, followed by a gathering out at the ranch, per her wishes. Donations may be made to the charity o! f your choice, or to St. Joseph's Family Center in Gilroy. For online condolences go to habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Gwendolyn Barbara (Toombs) Altenburg-Gillott, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Born on April 19, 1919, she lived a full and happy life on the family ranch in Gilroy. She was the third generation to live on the Cunha property settled by her grandparents in the late 1800's.

She was best known as a music teacher in the Gilroy schools for over 30 years. She also worked at St. Mary's Church as minister of music and liturgy following her retirement from the school district. She was a graduate of the St. Mary's Convent School, a 1935 graduate of Gilroy High School and also a graduate of San Jose State University with degrees in Music and Education.

Music was an integral part of her life, and she continued to be involved in local choirs until just a few years before her death. She was a long-time member of the Gavilan adult choir, as well as director of the Side-by-Siders, a local singing group, for over 20 years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Gilroy Grange, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, PEO and the SPRSI.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her son William Altenburg, daughter Jeanne Garcia and husband Pete, her grandchildren Sally Mortensen and husband Tim, all of Gilroy, Nathan Garcia and wife Katie in Honolulu, HI, Peter Garcia and Allison Homewood in Berkeley, CA, and Andrew Garcia and Dionna Mash in Pleasanton, CA. Her great-grandchildren are Poppy and Olive Garcia in Honolulu, HI, and Lily and Naya Mortensen in Gilroy.

She was preceded in death by husbands John William Altenburg and Vernon Gillott, as well as her son James Altenburg and her first cousin Cecelia Berry, who passed away one week before her.

 

CARTY, MARY LOUISE (neé Toombs)

Oakland Tribune, February 15, 1920, p. 12.

ALAMEDA COUPLE WED IN OAKLAND

ALAMEDA. Feb. 14---Miss Louise Toombs and Henry J. Carty of this city were married this morning at eight o'clock, at St. Mary's Church in Oakland, the Rev. Father Dempsey officiating. Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Spence, (Agnes Toombs), were the attendants and about a dozen friends made up the wedding party. Carty is head of the manual training department of the Alameda High School and his bride is the daughter of Mrs. Mary Toombs of 714 Lincoln avenue, of this city.

 


CRUMLEY, FLORENCE (neé Hassler)

Placerville Mountain Democrat, January 4, 1913, p. 1.

Married in Sacramento

Another holiday wedding was added to the list last Monday, Dec. 30th, when Miss Florence, daughter of County Horticultural Commissioner J.E. Hassler, was married to John P. Crumley, formerly of this city. The wedding took place in Sacramento, in the presence of a few near relatives, and after the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Crumley left on the overland train for Billings, Montana, where they will make their home. The groom is an industrious and steady young man, who holds a responsible position with the Reves Co. of Billings as gas inspector and expert. Mrs. Crumley was one of our fairest daughters and deservedly popular in and about Placerville. She will be missed by a wide circle of friends, who join the Democrat in congratulations and best wishes.

 


FINK, CHARLES (Gallus Finck)

from Morrison, Annie L. and Haydon, John H. (1917), History of San Luis Obispo County and Environs California with Biographical Sketches: Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, p. 412-413.

Besides an honored name, Charles Fink left a legacy of a well-directed life to those nearest and dearest to him. He was a pioneer of 1849 in California, having crossed the plains with his step-father, who was a Mr. Miller, his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Wagner, her son John Fink, and her three daughters. There was a large train of ox teams that left the east for the long and dangerous trip over desert, mountain and plain; and in due time they arrived at their destination, stopping for a time in the Placerville section where Charles and his brother John mined and ran a butcher shop for a number of years with good success.

The young man wanted to see his native country, Germany, where he was born in 1835, in Baden; so after he had made some money, he went back for a visit. But he soon returned to California, and in Sacramento he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Holmes, whose parents were pioneers of Eldorado county, they having settled in Pleasant Valley upon their arrival in the state in the days of the early mining excitement. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Fink secured employment with the parties who had the contract to build the telegraph line from Sacramento to Salt Lake City, remaining with them until the work was done.

It was about 1868 or 1869 when he came to San Luis Obispo; and in that city, which was then a small hamlet with a few houses of adobe and wood clustered about the old mission, he started a restaurant, but soon turned it into a hotel that was known as Hotel Fink, one of the first hotels in the place.

In 1876 he went to the Arroyo Grande valley and purchased some land, adding to it until he owned, at one time, two hundred seventy acres. This he improved with buildings, grubbed out the brush and vines, and began farming, continuing until his death in May, 1907. He and his wife left five children: Mrs. Mamie McNeil; Mrs. Maude Haskins; Mrs. Flora Clevenger; Carl; and Mrs. Sadie Pruitt. Mrs. Fink died in March, 1907, aged about fifty-nine years.

 


FINK, JULIA

Federated Church Death Records 1853 to 1917

Fink, Mrs, Julia - Pleasant Valley Cemetery - March 13, 1913

A native of Ireland, 69 years of age. She came to this county soon after arriving in the United States. Her husband died in 1902. She has been a resident of Pleasant Valley for 45 years. She is survived by three children, John Fink of Pleasant Valley, Mr. J. R. Ledbstter of San Diego, Mrs. James Ray of Downieville and 6 grand-children.

 


FRINK, BERNICE (neé Macbeth)

Roseville and Granite Bay Press Tribune, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005, online edition.

FUNERAL NOTICES

Evelyn MacBeth Frink 3/26/1922 - 9/25/2005 Evelyn MacBeth Frink, teacher, lifelong resident of Roseville, and member of an early Roseville farming family, passed away quietly in her sleep on Sunday, September 25, 2005. Evelyn was born in the S.P. Hospital on Church Street, baptized in the First Methodist Church, and grew up in the Maciel Tract, which was named for her grandfather. Evelyn Avenue was named for her and she lived with her parents, Harrison L. and Irene V. MacBeth on the corner of Evelyn and Folsom Road. She attended Roseville High School, participating in gymnastics and crop and saddle club and graduating in 1939. She married in 1942 and gave birth to the first of three daughters the following year. She worked as a clerk-typist at the state and attended CSUS to obtain an elementary teaching credential after her children were born. Evelyn taught kindergarten for 26 years at Cirby and Crestmont elementary schools, always saying she didn't want students taller than she! She was known for her sense of humor and generosity. After retiring, she enjoyed travel, theatre, gardening, bingo and friends. She was a member for over 70 years of the American Legion Auxiliary and more recently of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Evelyn is loved and missed by daughters Bernice Rowe, Nancy Longyear and Nanette Frink-Porta as well as grandchildren Darin Beyer, Kim Beyer Lanford, Ian Rowe, Cherie Reibel, Danielle Reibel, Nikko Porta, Andraea Frink, and Yvette Frink. Her last years were brightened by five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tobin, Samantha, Andrew and Lily. There will be a viewing on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 from 5-8 p.m. at Cochrane's Funeral Home on Lincoln Street in Roseville. Services will be held there on Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 11 a.m. with internment to follow at Roseville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Funds.

 

Roseville and Granite Bay Press Tribune, Friday, Sept 30, 2005, online edition.

FRINK LEAVES BEHIND LEGACY
Evelyn Avenue named after longtime Roseville teacher

Lifelong Roseville resident Evelyn MacBeth Frink passed away Sunday at the age of 83, leaving behind three daughters, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and her very own street. Evelyn Avenue, located in the Maciel Tract area of Roseville, was named after Frink, in the same fashion adjoining roads are named after other members of the Maciel lineage, an early Roseville farming family who owned property in the area. Frink was born March 26, 1922, in Roseville's Southern Pacific Hospital. The only child of Harrison L. and Irene V. MacBeth, Frink lived with her parents on the corner of Evelyn Avenue and Folsom Road. She was baptized in the First Methodist Church. Frink was one of many generations in her family to attend Roseville High School, where she graduated in 1939. "My mother never got over being mad about them tearing down the main building," said Bernice Rowe, one of Frink's three daughters. "She still was yelling about that until the day she died. She was like a dog with a bone with that." Frink married in 1942 and gave birth to the first of three daughters the following year. She worked as a clerk-typist for the state and later the DMV before obtaining her elementary teaching credential from Sacramento State, something she accomplished in her 30s as a busy mother of three. "That was a good example to us to get our education lickety-split," Rowe said. Once Frink found her place in the kindergarten classroom, she didn't leave, teaching 26 years at Cirby and Crestmont elementary schools. "She always taught kindergarten," Rowe said. "She loved doing art. She loved art the most. She used to make us collect toilet paper rolls, and, oh, my favorite - egg shells." Rowe, a counselor at Oakmont High School who has worked with teens for decades, said she and her mother had an ongoing debate about the preferred age of pupils. "She used to say to me, 'How can you stand all those high school kids? They're such smart mouths.' And I would reply with, 'How can you stand all those ankle-biters? They all move at once.' She didn't want anybody taller than her, that was a true thing." "My mom loved children," explained daughter Nanette Frink-Porta. "She was very committed to her family and loved her home life. She was a good mom." A curiosity about adults came just as easily. "She always had a twinkle in her eye," Frink-Porta said. "She was fun loving and made friends easily. She was curious about people and would strike up a conversation with strangers." Frink-Porta said her mother also had a curiosity for learning about nature: birds, entomology, biology and horticulture. "She could name every wildflower," she recalls. Rowe said her mother will be remembered for her generosity - "She would give anyone the shirt off her back," she said - and also for her sense of humor. "She was funny, really funny," explained Rowe, who said her mother was quick with one-liners and would call her daughters "S.A.," which stood for something close to "smart-aleck." "She's the Joan Rivers without surgery," she said. Frink was a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and also belonged to the Native Daughters of the Golden West. After retiring, Frink enjoyed travel, bingo, theater, gardening and time with friends and especially her family. "She really enjoyed her grandkids and especially her great-grandkids," Rowe said. "She could go on and on about them, they brought her joy." Surviving Frink are daughters Bernice Rowe, Nancy Longyear and Nanette Frink-Porta; grandchildren Darin Beyer, Kim Beyer Lanford, Ian Rowe, Cherie Reibel, Danielle Reibel, Nikko Porta, Andraea Frink and Yvette Frink; and five great-grandchildren. Services were held Sept. 29.

By: Loryll Nicolaisen, The Press-Tribune

 


HASSLER, ANTONE

Placerville Mountain Democrat, January 20, 1928, p. 5.

Last Rites for Antone Hassler Held in Oakland

The funeral of Antone Hassler, 72, who died in an Oakland sanitorium last Friday morning, was held in that city under the auspices of the Catholic church Saturday, several people from this vicinity attending.

Deceased is well known here, being the brother of J.E. Hassler of Fruit Ridge. He was for about 25 years superintendant of the California Door Company at Diamond, having resigned that position about one year ago, preparatory to retiring. He had been connected with this business since he was a boy in 1873, and left behind him the record of a long and industrious life. His death was the result of a general breakdown in health.

Anton Hassler left to mourn his death, his widow Theresa Hassler; sons John Frederick, Anton and Thomas of Oakland, and brothers, J.E.Hassler of Fruit Ridge, and Joseph Hassler of Oakland, also one sister, Mary Toombs of Alameda.

 


HASSLER, JOHN

Placerville Mountain Democrat, May 15, 1909, p. 2.

Petition of J.E. Hassler to be appointed Horticultural Commissioner granted.

 

Placerville Mountain Democrat, June 18, 1910, p. 2.

John E. Hassler was appointed Co. Hort. Com. for El Dorado county, with bonds in the sum of $1,000.

 

Placerville Mountain Democrat, May 20, 1932, p. 1.

John Hassler Dead; Rites Held Tuesday

White Rock Canyon Rancher Was Horticultural Agent 13 Years

John E. Hassler, for fifty years a rancher and fruit-grower of the White Rock Canyon section, and the first horticultural commissioner for El Dorado County died Sunday evening at his home. Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon from the El Dorado County Federated church, the Rev. C.W. Null officiating. Burial was in Union cemetery. The services were attended by many from the large circle of friends in El Dorado County which Mr. Hassler had established during his sixty years of residence here, and the many beautiful floral pieces attested a measure of the esteem in which he was held by his neighbors and friends. Mr. Hassler, who was 76 years old, had been feeling pretty well until May 7, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis, following which his condition steadily became more serious until death came. A native of Baden, Germany, he came to America and to California when he was sixteen years of age, locating in El Dorado County. Ten years later, he became a fruit-grower and he followed that occupation during his entire life. In 1906 he was named horticultural commissioner for this county, and he held that office for thirteen years, the first horticultural commissioner for this county. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Florence May Hassler, four daughters, Mrs. Howell B. Murphy, Mrs. Milo Carr, Mrs. John Crumley and Mrs. Gus Winkelman, all of this county; and four sons, Joseph and Bernard Hassler, of this county; Earl Hassler of Portland, Ore., and Millard Hassler of Chico. In addition, there are six grand-children, Mariam and Bernice Crumley, John Hassler, Jr; Bryce Carr, Richard Winkelman and Marilyn Murphy. A sister and a brother, Mrs. Mary Toombs AND JOSEPH HASSLER, BOTH of Alameda, also survive.

 

Unknown El Dorado County Newspaper, May 16, 1932

JOHN HASSLER DIES SUNDAY

Long-Time Resident of County, Aged 76 Yers, Was Native of Germany

John E. Hassler, one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of this county, passed away at his home in Union District at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. About ten days ago he was stricken with paralysis and gradually grew weaker until the end came yesterday.

He was 76 years, 5 months and 16 days old. A native of Baden, Germany, he came to California sixty years ago, settling in Union District where he made one of the finest ranches in the county. He was the first horticultural commissioner of El Dorado county, serving the county faithfully in that capacity from 1906-1919, since which time he had devoted his time to further improving his ranch.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Florence May Hassler, and the following children: Mrs. Howell Murphy, Mrs. John Crumley, Mrs. Milo Carr, Mrs. Gus Winkelman, Joseph and Bernard Hassler, all of Placerville; J.E. Hassler Jr. of Portland, Ore., and Millard H. Hassler of Chico; six grandchildren, Marian and Bernice Crumley, John Hassler Jr., Bryce Carr, Richard Winkelman, and Marilyn Murphy; sister, Mrs. Mary Toombs of Union District, and brother, Joseph Hassler of Alameda.

Funeral services will be held at the Federated Church Tuesday, May 17 at 2 o'clock, and the Rev. C.W. Null will officiate. Interment will be in Union Cemetery.

 


HASSLER, JOSEPH

Placerville Mountain Democrat, February 29, 1896, p. 1.

The candy factory, heretofore conducted by Pinneo, on Main street, opposite Miersons, has changed hands. Joseph Hassler has purchased the business and will heretofore give our cititzens the benefit of his many years in the confectionery business.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, Aug. 29, 1896, p. 5.

Broken candy, 15c, mixed creams, 25c, all pure, home-made, fresh daily. Try them at Hassler's Candy Kitchen in the Opera House.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, Dec. 19, 1896, p. 5.

Kate Delauney is dipping those fine chocolate creams at Hassler's. Meta Gregor dips cream Bonns Bons, don't fail to see Hassler's display of Christmas candies - all home made and absolutely pure. Hassler's, opposite the P.O.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, March 13, 1897 p. 5.

The Candy Kitchen is open again with O.E. Pinneo in charge, where can be found all kinds of fresh chewing and French candies.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, April 3, 1897 p. 1.

April Fooled - A lot of assorted candies presented to us Thursday morning by O.E. Pinneo, of the Candy Kitchen, was too sweet for anything. Even the imitations were pretty good - for an April Fool.

Dr. Oscar Elgin Pinneo (1856-1930) of Indiana founded the Candy Kitchen prior to January of 1896, and he owned it off and on into the 1920s. However, the Candy Kitchen was a side line, and his primary occupation was that of an osteopathic physician. When Joe Hassler ran the Candy Kitchen from Feb. of 1896 to Feb. of 1897, it was probably some sort of partnership between Hassler and Pinneo, as Pinneo again ran the Candy Kitchen after Hassler left.

 


HASSLER, MARY

Placerville Mountain Democrat, October 5, 1977, p. 39.

House tour features old, new favorites

HASSLER RANCH

Gold miner Felix Mulli purchased the ranch in 1865 from C. C. Marple and his brother William. Mulli contracted with Blair Brothers to log spruce, fir and sugar pine in 1875.

Mulli and his bride Ann Mary Hassler lived on the ranch until his death in 1879. His widow sold the ranch in 1888 to John Evangelist Hassler. The original ranch had included the William Pryde ranch which ran all the way to the South Fork of the American River, but even now contains 290 acres of mostly pear and apple orchards. The English style farmhouse was built in 1929. The milk house is one of the original buildings.

 

The Will of Felix Mulli, from a copy in the El Dorado County Museum
(appears to be in the handwriting of William Toombs)

March 24, 1879

Felix Muli's Ranch Johnsons South Canon
I Felix Mulli in the presence of these gentleman as witnesses Sign over to my wife Mary Ann Mulli all the property real and personal belonging to me and She shall be the soul administrator without any necesary bounds

Witness my hand and Seal
XXX

Henry Louis
Wm Toombs

[on back of document]

Filed June 30th 1884
E.W. Witmer
Clerk
Recorded in Book "C"
of Bonds, Letters & Wills
at page 378
August 18, 1886


Placerville Mountain Democrat, July 5, 1884, p. 2.

Notice for Publication of Time Appointed for Proving Will, etc.

In the Superior Court of the County of El Dorado.
In the matter of the estate of Felix Mulli, deceased.
Pursuant to an order of said court, made on the 30th day of June, 1884 notice is hereby given that on Monday, the 21st day of July, 1884 at 10 o'clock A.M. of said day, at the Court Room of said Court, at the Court House in the County of El Dorado, have been appointed as the time and place for proving the will of said Felix Mulli, deceased, and for hearing the application of Mary Ann Mulli for the issuance to her of Letters Testamentary, when and were any person interested may appear and contest the same.
Dated June 30th, 1884

E.W. Witmer, Clerk

 


HASSLER, MILLARD

Placerville Mountain Democrat, November 3, 1917, p. 2.

Millard Hassler, who was one of the first from El Dorado to enlist, writes from Texas that the Aero squadron of which he is a member is to be sent to Mineola, New York. preparatory to going to the front. The young aviator is a son of County Horticultural Commissioner J.E.Hassler.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, April 20, 1918, p. 1.

Millard Hassler of the 104th Aero Suadron is now located in England, about six miles from London, engaged in mechanics that will asist the "Swat the Hun" movement. He writes that he has not seen any of the boys from home since Howell [Murphy?] left just before Christmas; that they are all somewhere in France and probably as busy as he is, which means that time flies so fast is is impossible to realize how many months have gone by since he crossed the ocean. He would like the address of some of the boys.

Earle Hassler writes that he arrived in England safely after an interesting trip across, but had not seen much of the country, having been located such such a short time; that what he had seen was well kept, very pretty and so thickly settled that it looked crowded, with no vacant or waste land as in the United States. Both Millard and Earle are sons of County Horticultural Commissioner Hassler.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, May 10, 1919, p. 5.

Millard Hassler, who has been in England and France since early in the war, sends word to relatives of his arrival at Camp Mills, New York


Placerville Mountain Democrat, June 11, 1921, p. 13.

Millard Hassler and Miss Maude Marsh were married at Sacramento Saturday, June 4th by Rev. C.M. Warner, leaving for the north immediately after the ceremony. They will reside in Chico where Mr. Hassler is engaged in business.

 


MURPHY, ALMA (neé Hassler)

Placerville Mountain Democrat, July 9, 1921, p. 4.

Mrs. Alma Hassler Weds

Mrs. Alma Hassler, former bookkeeper for the Earl Fruit company, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Hassler was united in marriage to Howell B. Murphy of Vallejo at a quiet ceremony solemnized by Rev. Peterson at the M.E. [Methodist Episopal] church on July 4th. The bride's sister, Miss Claire Hassler, attended her while the groom's brother, Clifford Murphy, performed a like service for him. After the ceremony, which was witnessed by the family and intimate friends of the couple, they left on a wedding trip and will reside in Vallejo. The Democrat joins in the general chorus of good wishes.

 


SEXTON, HERBERT L.

Roseville Register, Friday, Sept. 3, 1915

H. L. Sexton Passes Away

H. L. Sexton, proprietor of the Puritan Candy Store, passed away at the home of his mother in Placerville on Saturday following a long illness. He had been suffering from asthma and malaria, and this was the final cause of his summons. He had gone to Placerville to visit his mother and in the hopes that a change of climate would benefit his health. On August 18, Mrs. Sexton was summoned to the bedside of her husband, and she remained there until the end came. Mr. Sexton was a respected and well-liked businessman and had a great number of friends here who will be grieved over his death. He was a member of El Dorado Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and the funeral services were conducted by his lodge. H. L. Sexton was born at Rock Canyon, El Dorado County, on June 12th, 1875, and received his education in the schools of that county. On November 29th, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Peyton of Plymouth, and shortly after that they came to Roseville to make their home. Besides his estimable wife, he leaves to mourn his death, his good mother, Mrs. Sarah Sexton; a sister, Mrs. Nellie McBeth; and a brother, Wm. Sexton. Mr. Sexton was a fine citizen and in his business dealings was a man who never took advantage of anyone, and thus he had obtained a reputation which was the envy of all. The Register joins with his many friends in extending to the bereaved their sincere sympathy.

 


SEXTON, WILLIAM T.

Placerville Mountain Democrat, April 28, 1883, p. 3.

PERSONALS

A nine-year-old son of Wm. Toombs, of White Rock, chaperoned by P. D. Smith, the enthusiastic teacher of Union School, electrified the Teacher Institute last Wednesday by an exhibition of wonderful precocity in mathmatics. Figures and their combinations---including vulgar and decimal fractions, cube and square roots and proportions---are as familiar to this little fellow as are methods of making mischief to most boys of his age. He is a wonder. [Almost certainly the little boy referred to in this article is actually William Toombs' grandson William T. Sexton.]

 


SPENCE, GRACE

Placerville Mountain Democrat, August 10, 1928, p. 3.

Grand-daughter Dies

William Toombs, of White Rock canyon, was called to Danville, Contra Costa county, on July 27 by the death of a grand-daughter, Miss Grace Spence. He was accompanied to Danville by his son Frank Toombs and wife, and John Hassler and wife, relatives of the young girl., who passed away with acute appendicitis on July 26. She was about 16 years old, a loving sweet girl, always doing good to those around here, and leaves to mourn her passing, her grand-parents, Mr. and Mrs. Toombs, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Spence, two sisters and other relatives, in addition to a host of friends.

 


SWANSBOROUGH, Mr. and MRS. THOMAS

Placerville Mountain Democrat, January 1, 1881, p. 3

Myman's Doings

Following is a list of persons married in El Dorado County during the year 1880, as evidence by the records in the office of the County Clerk.

July 4---Thomas Swansborough to Mary L. Toombs.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, February 27, 1892, p. 1.

White Rock. Feb. 26, 1892.

The McCuen and Swansborough brothers are now engaged in mining. They are running tunnels and have indications of a bright, golden future.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, July 11, 1930, p. 1.

GOLDEN WEDDING DAY CELEBRATED

Nephews in Roseville Give Anniversary Dinner for Swansboroughs

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Swansborough, who were married July 4, 1880, in White Rock Canyon, were honored guests last Friday at a golden wedding anniversary at the home of their nephews in Roseville.

The nephews, Lawrence and Roy McBeth, are the sons of Harrison McBeth, of Placerville, and the dinner was prepared by their wives.

Mr. Swansborough is 78 and Mrs. Swansborough three years his junior. He was born in Ohio and came to El Dorado County in '55. Mrs. Swansborough is a native of this county.

Several of those who witnessed the ceremony [in 1880], performed by the Rev. C. C. Pierce are alive today, among them Charles Toombs of White Rock Canyon, and Mrs. Jane Reese, now of Weed, Siskiyou County.

Mr. and Mrs. Swansborough left here on June 27 for Weed to visit Mrs. Reese and her daughters, Mrs. William Dusmukes and Mrs. G. Goodstorf and while they were there they were taked as far north as Medford, Ore. En route home they went to Carson City to visit a niece of Mrs. Swansborough and also to call on old friends at Genoa. They returned home on July 1 and then continued to Roseville.

Gold coins were presented in honor of the occasion and there was a huge wedding cake for Mrs. Swansborough to cut. The couple expressed the deepest appreciation for the kindness shown them by their firends and relatives.


Unknown California Newspaper (possibly from Roseville), July 8, 1932

El Doradans Wedded 52 Years

PLACERVILLE (El Dorado Co.), July 8 --- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Swansborough of Placerville celebrated their fifty-second wedding anniversary at the home of their niece, Mrs. H. MacBeth, with the immediate members of the family present.

Mr. and Mrs. Swansbourough were married on July 4, 1880, at White Rock Canyon, El Dorado County. Swansborough was born in Ohio in 1852 and came to Placerville in 1858 and has lived in the county since. Mrs. Swansborough was born at Texas Hill, El Dorado County, in 1855. Swansborough has followed mining most of his life except for a short time when he conducted a confectionary store and bakery shop in Placerville.

Both are still active in lodge and church circles. Swansborough still takes a keen delight in driving his own automobile.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, May 14, 1936, p. 4.

COUNTY PIONEER DIED ON MONDAY

Thomas Swansborough Rites Held On Wednesday From Church

Thomas Swansborough, 84, who came to America and to El Dorado County at the age of four years and had made his home continuously in this county since that time, died on Monday afternoon at the family home at White Rock Canyon. He had been ill about ten days although for some time past his health had been failing.

The funeral services were on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Federated Church. Rev. C. W, Null was in charge. Burial was in the family plot in Upper Placerville cemetery under the auspices of Court Confidence No 117, Foresters of America, of which Mr. Swansborough was a member.

Born in England, Mr. Swansborough was the son of Thomas Swansborough, of Cornwall, of Wales, who came to this county with their family in the early 1850's.

Upon reaching manhood Mr. Swansborough turned his attention to mining and became an expert in his chosen field. It is said that he was, during his active life, the best gravel miner in the county.

It was his knowledge of hydaulicking that sent him to Ecuador in 1900 to install equipment for mining there and later sent to Washington on a similar mission.

About 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Swansborough purchased the Candy Kitchen which they operated for some four or five years and they sold their business and purchased the Arcade Bakery, which they operated until about 1925.

In 1925 Mr. Swansborough was employed by the Western States Gas & Electric Company and continued in their service until recent years.

Mr. Swansborough was held in high esteem by a large number of life-long friends and was greatly admired for his generous and courageous nature, and for being an able workman in his chosen field, a good citizen and neighbor and a devoted husband.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Swansborough, by two sisters, Mrs. Jane Reese, of Weed; and Mrs. Phoebe Oldfield, of Sacramento; one brother, George Swansborough, of Mosquito; two nieces, Mrs. Lyda Stamm, of Sacramento, and Mrs. Will Dismukes; and one nephew, Leo Swansborough, of Placerville, in addition to more distanct relatives.

 


TOOMBS, ALBERT

Placerville Mountain Democrat, November 12, 1972, p. ?.

Local couple celebrates 50th anniversary

A 50th wedding ceremony and reception honoring Sue and Albert Toombs of Placerville was held Sunday, Oct. 8 at their home. A ceremony to remarry the couple was held at 3 p.m. with pastor Clarence Brooks presiding.

Charlie and Wanda Jacquier witnessed the ceremony. Also attending were many relatives and friends of the couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Toombs were married Oct. 10, 1922 in Placerville. Mrs. Toombs was born in Colorado but moved to Placerville while only a baby.

She was employed by the Placerville fruit growers association for many years where she was a packing teacher.

Toombs was born in Placerville and has resided here for 80 years. He served in the US Army during World War I and was employed as a cook by the state for many years before retirement.

The couple have five children, 12 grandchildren, and four great grand children.

During the reception a toast in honor of their anniversary was given by Lynn Talbott, son-in-law from Sacramento. A buffet was prepared and served by their daughters, Doris Zimmerman of Placerville, Alice Talbott of Sacramento, Lois Lawson of Diamond Springs, and Gladys McClusky of Carmichael.

The wedding cake was made by Mrs. McClusky. Others assisting were Linda Lawson, guest book; Diana Lawson, pictures; and Candice Talbott, money tree, all granddaughters of the couple.

 


TOOMBS, ALBERT CHARLES

Published in Las Cruces Sun-News, June 15, 2014, online edition.

ALBERT TOOMBS OBITUARY

Albert Charles Toombs, 89, passed away on June 6 at home, with his family by his side. Albert was born in Placerville, California, on Feb. 9, 1925, to Albert and Suzanne Toombs. He was a part of the Greatest Generation that lived through the Great Depression and went on to fight in World War II. He was a corporal in the Army and a veteran of World War II, where he saw combat in Europe. He was shot twice before being captured and held as a POW for almost 10 months until the war ended in 1945. Albert received several medals for his service during World War II, which included a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He loved watching football on Sunday afternoons (especially his San Francisco 49ers) as well as gardening in the yard with his wife, Eva, fishing, and spending time with his family. Albert was a small-business owner in Carlsbad and Las Cruces, where he supplied bread and bakery goods to stores and restaurants for most of 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. He was known in Carlsbad and Las Cruces to many customers as the "Bread Man." He and his wife Eva were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses in 1980, and served Jehovah faithfully to the end. Albert is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Eva Toombs, and his children, Benny, Darcy and his wife, Jackie, Bruce and his wife, Christina, Ricky, Falisha and her husband, Eric, and Tisha and Amanda. He also is survived by his two grandchildren, T.J. whom he called his "lil buddy" and his granddaughter, Alyssa. He also has one great-granddaughter, Zeniah. He will be dearly missed by his family and will forever be in our hearts. His funeral will be Monday, June 16, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery and will be attended by immediate family only.

 


TOOMBS, CHARLES GILBERT

Placerville Mountain Democrat, December 13, 1934, p. 34.

Charles G. Toombs Answers Last Call

Native of County, Born in 1861, Laid At Rest On Monday

Funeral services for Charles G. Toombs 73, who died on Saturday last at his residence in Upper Placerville, were held on Monday afternoon from El Dorado County Federated Church.

The services were conducted by the Rev. C.W. Null. Interment was at Union Cemetery.

The son of the late William and Maria Toombs, pioneer settlers in this county, Charles G. Toombs was born in 1871 [he was actually born 1861]. His father was identified with hydraulic mining in the county in the early days and Mr. Toombs grew into the mining industry.

In later years he turned his attention to ranching.

In additon to the widow, Mrs. Carolina Josephine Toombs, he is survived by a son, Albert Toombs, of this city; a brother William Toombs; and two sisters, Mrs. Tom Swansborough and Mrs. Sarah Sexton.

 


TOOMBS, CHARLES FRANCIS

Unknown newspaper article (on record at El Dorado County Musuem), April 17, 1969.

Charles F. Toombs

Funeral services for Chrles Francis Toombs of Placerville followed by intombment at East Lawn in Sacramento, were held yesterday at Memory Chapel. Mr. Toombs died at the age of 88 on Monday in a local hospital.

A native of El Dorado county, Mr. Toombs operated a pear orchard on Fruit Ridge and was a charter member and director of the Placerville Fruit Growers Association for many years.

On his retirement in 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Toombs moved to Carmel where they stayed for ten years before returning to Placerville in 1964 and making their home on Country Club drive.

Mr. Toombs leaves his wife Maybelle, a sister Mary Musante of Hollywood, a brother Ned Toombs of Gilroy and several nieces and nephews.

 


TOOMBS, MABEL (neé Larsen)

Unknown newspaper article (on record at El Dorado County Musuem), Nov. 16, 1972.

Mabel Toombs

Private funeral services for Mabel Marian Toombs, 85, of Placerville, will be held Friday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. at Memory CHapel. Privatge interment will be at East Lawn, Sacramento.

Mrs. Toombs died Wednesday, Nov. 15 at a local hospital. She was born in El Dorado county and lived 73 years here.

She was a housewife.
Mrs. Toombs, widow of the late Charles F. Toombs, was a member of the Carmel Art Association.

She is survived by a sister Mrs. Rose Corbell of Camino, brothers William H. Larsen and Clarence S. Larsen, both of Camino, and several nieces and nephews.

 

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT (recorded at the El Dorado County Museum)

In Loving Memory

MABEL MARIAN TOOMBS

Native of El Dorado Co., California

August 25, 1887 - November 15, 1972

Services at Memory Chapel

Friday, november 17, 1972 at 1:00 P.M.

Dr. Harvey A. Hood
Officating

Mrs. Beatrice Broocks
Organist

Entombment
East Lawn Mausoleum
Sacramento, California

 


TOOMBS, MARY (neé Hassler)

Oakland Tribune, August 11, 1933, p. 1.

Mrs. Mary Toombs, 74,
Summoned to Reward

Last Rites Held August 2
At Oakland, Followed
By Cremation

Mrs. Mary Toombs, 74, died July 31 at her home in Alameda and last rites were held on August 2 at that place, followed by cremation.

Mrs. Toombs was a former resident of this county and was beloved by a large circle of friends, who share with the family the sorrow of her passing.

She Was a sister of the late John Hassler, and spent her girlhood on the Hassler Ranch and was married to William Toombs, Jr.

Mrs. Toombs made her home in the county for many years. When her six children had grown to manhood and woman-hood, and most of them settled in the Bay District, Mrs. Toombs moved to Alameda to make her home.

She was known as a devoted mother and a good neighbor and was loved and respected by her friends for her stirling worth and loving kindness.

Mrs. Toombs is survived by her husband, William Toombs, of this county, a son, Frank Toombs, of White Rock Canyon section, and two other sons and three daughters, all residents of the Bay District. They are Edward and Thomas Toombs, and Mrs. Agnes Spence, Mrs. Ruby Critchlow and Mrs. Minnie Carty.

 


TOOMBS, SUZANNE (neé Revaz)

Placerville Mountain Democrat, August 7, 1985, p. 5.

Obituaries

Suzanne Toombs [wife of Albert Toombs]

Funeral services for long-time El Dorado County resident Suzanne Mary Toombs, 83, of Placerville will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, at Chapel of the Pines. The Rev. Don Herman will officiate. Private interment will be at the Placerville Union Cemetery.

Mrs. Toombs died Aug. 4 in a Sacramento hospital. Born in Colorado, she had been a resident of California for 82 years, the past 80 years in El Dorado County.

She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Toombs is survived by daughters Doris M. Zimmerman of Placerville. Lois A. Lawson of Diamond Springs and Alice Talbott of Sacramento; son Albert C. Toombs of New Mexico; brother Alex Revaz and sister Mary Van Vleck, both of Placerville. 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grand-children.

Visitation is from 8 a.m. today at the chapel.

 


TOOMBS, WILLIAM

Placerville Mountain Democrat, April 16, 1892, p. 4.

In Memorium

On Monday, April 11th, the citizens of White Rock and vicinity were called upon to follow to their last resting place, the remains of two of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, Wm. Toombs and wife , Frances M. Toombs. They were both taken sick on Sunday evening, April 3rd. Mr. Toombs died on Friday afternoon, April 8th. Mrs. Toombs lingered until Sunday night, when death came to her relief. All that willing hands and loving hearts could do was to relieve them of their suffering, and if possible, to restore them to health, but it was manifest that their disease was to prove fatal. It is so unusual for father and mother both to be buried on the same day, and the old couple were held in such high esteem by all their acquaintances, that their death is felt by the entire community and general sorrow prevails. Wm. Toombs was born in Buckingham County, England, January 31, 1824, and his parents landed in New York when but four years old. A few years later he removed to near Racine, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1849. Mrs. Toombs, nee Frances M. Smith, was born in the state of New York, Sept. 24, 1825. When quite young, her parents removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where she and Mr. Toombs were married on August 24, 1847. In the fall of 1849, Mr. Toombs started for California, by the overland route, and arrived here in the the early spring of 1850. Mrs. Toombs came around by water and joined her husband in 1851, at what was called "Hangtown." They have resided in El Dorado county ever since. Mr. Toombs followed mining at Texas Hill, Coon Hollow and White Rock with both good and bad success. They, like all early pioneers, had their ups and downs, but were always cheerful and brave under trying difficulties.

An old miner informs the writer that at Texas Hill, Mr. Toombs was called "Honest Billy," and we can truly say that he was entitled to the name to the end. When the Texas Hill miners had their buck-skin sacks well filled with gold dust, Mrs. Toombs was considered the proper person to take care of their wealth, as they considered it safer in her hands than in their own.

The home of Mr. Toombs was always open to the sick and unfortunate miner of those trying days. They had nine children, four of whom died when small. Ellen, wife of James Forbes, died a few years ago, at Sacramento, leaving two children to the care of the grand-daughters, and to these children comes the great loss. The four living are Sarah F. Sexton, Mary L. Swansborough, Wm. L. and Charles G. Toombs. They also leave ten grand-children.

Mrs. Toombs joined the Presbyterian church in her youth, but when she came here there was no organization of that denomination and she joined the M.E. church. Mr. Toombs, while a believer, was not a member of the church, and was more in favor of practicing than in professing religion, and those who were acquainted with him will say that he practiced Christianity.

The funeral services were held on Monday last, under the auspices of the I.O.O.F., of which order Mr. Toombs was a member. The religious exercises were conducted by Rev. C.C. Pierce and Rev. Jas. Young. The acquaintances of the deceased couple turned out in large numbers to show their respect to the memory of the old people. The neighbors hereby extend their sympathies to the bereved family.

A. FRIEND
White Rock, April 12, 1892


Oakland Tribune, Aug. 17, 1947.

Placerville War

An Indian War of burlesque description took place in the region above Placerville in the early 50's of the last century. Some letters from John W. Winkley's* friend, Mrs. Ivy Miller of East Oakland, who was born and raised near Placerville, brought this ancient story to his mind. "In May, 1851," says Winkley, "a group of miners---Davidson, Morris, [William] Toombs, Esterbrook, Kerkuf and Wade---went on a prospecting trip from Wisconsin Bar on the Consumnes River to the Middle Fork of that river and halted for the night. Here in the darkness they were attacked by a band of Indians and Wade was killed. The other men fled, and got across the river on some fallen logs, where they hid in the brush till morning and then escaped across country to Johnson's Ranch, near Pleasant Valley. The news of the attack quickly spread and the authorities proceeded to raise an army of about 200 men who played around in the mountains for sometime, chasing a few Indians through the wilderness. They had a good time, but it cost the national government a lot of money."

*Rev. John W. Winkler (1882-1970) was a pastor of the Hayward Methodist Church in Alameda County, historian with the Contra Costa Histrical Society (CCHS), and an author of several historical newspaper columns from the Oakland Tribune. He is probably most remembered as the author of Methodist Pioneers of California (1947), but he also assembled a large collection for the CCHS of letters, reminicenses and interviews of people he met and corresponded with, whose parents and grandparents took part in the California Gold Rush.
.
Placerville Mountain Democrat, October 5, 1977, p. 39.

House tour features old, new favorites

TOOMBS RANCH HOUSE

Crossing the plains at any time of the year was difficult, but Englishman William Toombs did it in the Fall and Winter of 1849 arriving in the spring of 1850. Toombs bought the former Wooster ranch from Alfred Briggs in 1866, later adding his own land. One of his mines was the Thistle PM [Placer Mine] located on a tributary of the Tertiary channel called Blue Lead.

The couple had nine children, four of whom were still living when death came to the parents within days of each other.


TOOMBS SPANISH HOUSE

There is only one Spanish house in western El Dorado county and it was built in 1929 by William S. Toombs [actually, it was built by Frank Toombs, son of William L. Toombs]. The light fixtures and hand hewn beams, wood doors and wrought iron were imported from Spain. Clay tiles on the roof were handmade and house features custom built cabinets.

The house is in the southern portion of William Toombs original ranch of 187 acres. Toombs also owned 200 adjacent acres of mineral ground which later mostly farmed.

 


TOOMBS, WILLIAM LOUIS

Placerville Mountain Democrat, April 1, 1911, p. 2.

Documents Placed on Record
Chas. E. Marsh, Recorder

Deeds

W.L. Toombs to Mary A. Toombs, 1/4 interest in mining rights in land in sec 34, rp 11, r 11.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, August 5, 1937, p. 12.

DELINQUENT TAX LIST
in and for the
EL DORADO IRRIGATION DISTRICT
County of El Dorado, Sate of California for El Dorado
Irrigation District Taxes Levied in the Year 1937

DEFAULT HAVING BEEN MADE in the payment of taxes and/or water bills levied in the year 1936 for El Dorado Irrigation District for the year ending December 31, 1936, upon the real property described in the DELINQUENT LIST hereto appended.

NOW HERETOFORE, I, FLORENCE A. DONNELL, Tax Collector in and for the El DOrado Irrigation District, by virtue in me vested, hereby give public notice that unless the taxes delinquent, as appears in said list, together with the penalities and costs, are paid on or before the sale date given below, the real estate upon which said taxes are a lien, will be sold to the El Dorado Irrigation District on Wednesday, August 25th, 1937 at the hour of 10 o'clocl a.m.

DIVISION 2

W. Toombs Est. c/o Thos. Swansborough, Placerville, California. Fractional SE1/4 (less Por.) of Sec. 32, T 11 N, R 11 E, 27 acres, Assessed Valuation $390. Tax $3.12. Pen. 24c, Pub. Chg. 50c. Total $3.86.

[several parcels of his niece's husband A.C. Winkelman are listed also]


Placerville Mountain Democrat, January 13, 1938, p. 7.

Minutes of Board of Supervisors.

Tuesday, January 4th, 1938.

The Superintendent of the County Hospital Fund paid into the Hospital Fund, the sum of $10.00 for maintainance of inmate W. L. Toombs.


Placerville Mountain Democrat, March 17, 1938, p. 6.

Minutes of Board of Supervisors.

Tueday, March 8, 1938.

The Superintendent of the County Hospital Fund paid into the Hospital Fund, the sum of $20.00, maintainance of W. L. Toombs for the month of March.

Unknown newspaper article (on record at El Dorado County Museum), May 4, 1938.

Wm.L. Toombs Is Called

Pioneer Native of County,
Retired Rancher, Passes
On Monday Afternoon

The funeral services for Wiliam L. Toombs, who passed away Monday afternoon at a hospital in Placerville, were held at 10:30 o'clock from Memory Chapel. Rev. Harold Morehouse in charge.

Interment was at the Native Sons' plot at Union Cemetery under the auspices of Placerville Parlor No. 9, N.S.G.W., of which Mr. Toombs was a member.

William Louis Toombs was born on January 19, 1857, in the Texas Hill district of the county. He was engaged in ranching and fruit raising and retired about twenty years ago, after developing a large acreage in the Fruit Ridge district.

In failing health for about a year, Mr. Toombs had been a hospital patient for several months.

He is survived by the following children, Frank Toombs, of Fruit Ridge; Mrs. H. Carty of Hollywood; Mrs. L. Critchlow, of Monterey; Edgar Toombs, of Monterey; and Mrs. J.H. Spence, of Danville, this state. Mrs. Toombs passed on several years ago.

In addition, Mr. Toombs is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Mary Swansborough and Mrs. Sarah Sexton, and by several grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

 


INDEX to individuals listed in Toombs & Hassler Family Newspaper Articles

 

 

 



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