Yolo County Biographies

HON. JOSEPH CRAIG

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
The Old Dominion has probably done more than any other State in the Union toward 
building and assuring the status of her young sisters in the roll of statehood, 
giving freely of her best sons and representatives of her oldest families to 
help them form a solid basis for the future.  In this regard, at any rate, 
California has certainly fared well, for wherever we go in this �Golden State� 
are found prominent and efficient men who owe their lineage to Virginia, and 
whose names recall circumstances that stand out brightly in the early annals of 
our country.  One such name is that of Hon. Joseph Craig, of Woodland, who, 
though born in Missouri, and his parents both natives of Kentucky, -- that State 
with the most stirring and romantic early history of all, -- yet is descended 
directly on his father�s side from the celebrated Craig family of Virginia.  His 
mother, too, who is still living, at a good old age, and now a resident of San 
Francisco, is a granddaughter of Captain Jack Ashby, the great scout and Indian 
fighter of Kentucky, and is therefore of the well-known Ashby family.  Mr. Craig 
was born August 14, 1849, in Clinton County, Missouri, and is the son of 
Randolph R. and Minerva R. (Darneal) Craig.  The parents were both born in 
Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky, but removed to Missouri about the year 
1837, settling in Clinton County.  Later they went to Liberty, Clay County, 
where they remained until they came to California.  The father came in 1849, 
attracted hither by gold discoveries.  He mined with success until 1852, when he 
returned to Missouri, and in August of that year brought out his family.  Mr. 
Craig was interested in mines all his life, and was long one of the most 
prominent men in the Sierras and foothills.  He located in Nevada City, and 
lived there for many years.  In later years he made his home in San Francisco, 
looking after his mining interests from that city.  He died at Auburn, Placer 
County, in March, 1866.  He left seven children, five sons and two daughters, 
all now living in California.
            The subject of this biographical sketch is the youngest of these.  
His early life was spent chiefly in Nevada County, where he attended school, and 
at the same time laid the foundation of a practical knowledge of mining, which 
has shown its results, among other ways, in the invention and patenting, in 
1869, when he was twenty years of age, of the hydraulic monitor, which has since 
then been almost exclusively used in hydraulic mining, and almost revolutionized 
the whole business.  For about two years Mr. Craig lived in Marysville, running 
a foundry and machine-shop, during that time largely devoted to the manufacture 
of the monitors.  In the winter of 1872 he went to San Francisco and engaged 
extensively in the same manufacture.  In 1875 he was elected to the State Senate 
from the Tenth district of San Francisco, and is probably the only Democrat ever 
elected from that Republican stronghold, a sure test of Mr. Craig�s popularity.  
He filled the seat for two sessions, and  has had the good record of being one 
of the five Senators who voted against the new constitutional convention.  Mr. 
Craig began his legal studies in Nevada County, and continued them for some five 
or six years, before applying for admission to practice.  He was first admitted 
to practice by the district court in San Francisco, and three years later was 
admitted to practice before the Supreme Court.  While in San Francisco he was a 
member of the law firm of Marshall, Smoot & Craig, at that time one of the 
leading firms in that city.  In 1878 Mr. Craig removed to Yolo County, taking up 
his residence in Woodland, and immediately beginning the practice of law.  In 
1882 he was elected District Attorney of Yolo County and served one term.  He 
declined to be a candidate a second time, preferring to devote his attention to 
his extensive private practice.  On January 17, 1889, he was appointed a member 
of the Board of State Prison Directors, in which board he is now serving.  The 
legal firm of which he is the head, is Craig & Hawkins, well known throughout 
the State.  It goes without saying, of course, that Mr. Craig is an active 
Democrat, and has been all his life.
            He was married May 1, 1874, to Miss Kate Stephens, daughter of John 
D. Stephens, of Woodland.  They have had four children, -- two sons and two 
daughters, -- of whom, one son, John S., and one daughter, Mary A., are living.  
Those that died were Tilden J. and Josephine Marshall.
            Mr. Craig is of an inventive turn of mind, and besides the mining 
monitor previously mentioned has conceived other valuable mechanical devices.  
The principal one is what might be termed a combined plow, as it not only 
loosens the ground to the desired depth but also leaves it in such a condition 
that no harrowing is needed.  The plow is constructed under a new principle, one 
never before advanced in connection with the subject of farming, and is capable 
of doing much more work with a great deal less power than any plow ever 
constructed on the old system.  If it proves the success that is now promised 
this invention will revolutionize farming, or at any rate that portion of it 
which consists of preparing land for crops.  Mr. Craig was the first one in Yolo 
County to take measures for the propagation of the German carp, which are now to 
be found in the greatest abundance in a natural fish-pond on his ranch.  To give 
an idea of the matter to those who may be interested, the following is taken 
from a letter written by Mr. Craig in answer to inquiries from a gentleman in 
another country:
            �In 1882 I purchased from a gentleman at Lakeside, in Sonoma County, 
forty German carp, -- twenty brood and twenty small, -- and placed them in a 
natural pond about two acres in size.  They multiplied very rapidly, and grew to 
large size, some weighing from six to ten pounds.  The high water of the 
following season carried a number of them into a stream called Cache Creek, 
where they did well and increased with wonderful rapidity, until now both the 
pond and creek are alive with them.  It would be impossible to estimate the 
number taken, as the public have had free access to both pond and creek, and the 
number now remaining is without limit.
            �When first put in, the pond contained bullhead in large numbers, 
but the carp have either destroyed them or driven them away, until they are 
almost extinct.  From my experience, I am prepared to say that they are a fine 
food fish, and easily propagated.  Persons having water facilities can, with 
little or not difficulty, raise the carp for food.�
            Mr. Craig, while one of the hardest and closest workers in business 
and professional matters, is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and enjoys a State 
reputation of being one of the best civil and criminal lawyers in Central and 
Northern California.
 
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing 
Co., 1891

 
          Hon. Joseph Craig. If Pope's statement be true that "The proper
study of mankind is man," then it will be further conceded that no study is
more inspiring and helpful than the career of a man who has been a leader in
his community and who possesses the prestige of intellectual greatness
supplemented by financial success. A student of the history of Yolo county
would find few if any names more prominent than that of Joseph Craig, who
during the long period of his identification with the growth of Woodland,
has been a constant contributor to its material, commercial and social
progress. In his temperament he is typically a western man, with the energy,
enthusiasm, and progress-iveness characteristic of those who have
established homes near the sunset sea. Yet by birth he is a Missourian, born
in Clinton, that state, August 14, 1849, during the year made memorable
through the rush of emigration across the mountains and the plains to the
gold fields of California. Among the Argonauts who sought a fortune in the
then unknown west was his father, Randolph R. Craig, at the time in life's
prime, and possessing the true pioneer instinct toward untried conditions.
         The previous years of the father's life had not been eventful. He
was born at Versailles, Woodford county, Ky., and there married Miss Minerva
R. Darneal, a native of the same town. Their marriage occurred in 1837 and
soon afterward they became pioneers of Clinton county, Mo., but later
removed to Clay county, same state, whence he started westward. While he had
no know-ledge of mining, yet through his wise judgment and indefatigable
efforts he met with more than the usual luck in his mining ventures in
Nevada county. With the encouragement offered by success, he determined to
locate permanently in his new headquarters. With this object in view, in
1852, he returned to Missouri via the Isthmus of Panama, disposed of his
property there and brought his family to California, establishing their home
in Nevada City, while he continued in the active labor of mining at the
foothills of the Sierras. In the fall of 1869 he established a residence in
Oakland and in 1878 removed to San Francisco, but he still continued to
spend a large part of his time at his mines and his death occurred in 1883
at Auburn, Placer county. At that time he was sixty-six years of age. His
wife survived him and attained the age of eighty-four. Of their twelve
children seven attained mature years, viz: Edward L., Walter R., Lee D.,
William C., Joseph, Mrs. Phoebe C. McKinzie, and Mrs. Elizabeth M. Doud.
          Since his early boyhood Joseph Craig has been familiar with every
detail connected with mining. At an early age he displayed the possession of
an inventive mind. This characteristic has been evidenced by his various
patents, included among which is a combination plow. The most important of
his inventions, a hydraulic monitor, covered by a patent secured in 1869,
has revolutionized the entire system of hydraulic mining and proved of
inestimable value to those engaged in the occupation. To establish a factory
for this patent he built a foundry and machine shop at Marysville, where the
Globe and Little Giant nozzle were manufactured for years. Subsequently the
plant was removed to San Francisco and some years later he disposed of his
interest in the same. 
          While residing in Nevada City, Mr. Craig took up the study of law
and in 1876, after having completed his reading with M. A. Wheaton, of San
Francisco, he was admitted to practice before the supreme court of
California, his admission occurring at San Francisco, where he had
established his home in 1872. As the nominee of the Democratic party, in
1875 he was elected to represent the tenth district of San Francisco in the
state senate, and his popularity is proved by the fact that he was the only
Democrat ever elected to the senate in that strong Republican district.
After having filled the position for one term of four years he retired from
office and became a member of the firm of Marshall, Smoot & Craig, leading
attorneys of San Francisco. In 1878 he established a law office at Woodland,
Yolo county, where for a time he engaged in practice with N. A. Hawkins,
meanwhile in civil and criminal cases gaining a record second to none in the
county.
          Elected in 1883 district attorney of Yolo county, Mr. Craig served
for one term, but refused to continue longer in the office, as he preferred
to devote his entire attention to his private practice, and until his
retirement in 1892 he held rank among the leading attorneys of this part of
the state. January 17, 1889, he was appointed a member of the board of state
prison directors and served for one term in that capacity. Through all the
years of his law practice and subsequent thereto he has been largely
interested in farming and mining, and, in addition to his own lands, has
superintended the large estate bequeathed his wife by her father, the late
John D. Stephens. Much of his time for nine years was devoted to the
remodeling and rebuilding of Highland Springs, Lake county, where he built a
commodious and modern hotel and established a large patronage. On the
ranches owned by himself and wife he has placed a large drove of cattle, his
specialty being the thoroughbred Durhams. Experience proving what could be
accomplished with alfalfa by irrigation, he consolidated the ditches into
one general irrigating system, and in 1902, with his associates, purchased
and consolidated the Adams, Moore and Capay water rights on Cache creek.
Since then they have developed the same, purchased adjacent land, and at
Clear Lake acquiring the right to build a dam covering eighty-four square
miles of water, of an average depth of five feet. At this writing they have
more than ninety-six miles of canal built, which is twenty feet wide at the
bottom, with four feet of water. The canal supplies all of the county as far
as Blacks Station on the north and extending south and west to Davisville
and Winters, whence it is now being extended to Dixon, Solano County.
        The marriage of Mr. Craig was solemnized May 1, 1874, and united him
with Miss Kate S. Stephens, whose family history appears in the sketch of
her father, John D. Stephens. Of their union five children were born, but
Tilden J. and Josephine M. are deceased. The only surviving son, John S.,
who is cashier of the Bank of Woodland, married Mary Allen, and has a son,
Joseph Allan Craig. The two daughters, Mary A. and Carrie B., are students
in local schools. The fraternal relationships of Mr. Craig include
membership in the Eastern Star Chapter, of which he is past patron, and of
which Mrs. Craig is a leading member and past matron, and past grand
treasurer of the order. He is past grand representative of Maryland and is
(1905) grand representative of Kentucky for the state of California. He is
also identified with the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Knights Templar
Commendery, and Scottish Rite in Masonry; and the lodge, encampment and
Rebekahs of the Odd Fellows.

"History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento 
Valley, California," J. M. Guinn, The Chapman Publishing Co.,Chicago, 1906,
Pages 331-332.

Transcribed and submitted by Sally Kaleta, March 2009
 
As identification with the new world dating back to the colonial era indicates 
that the pioneer instinct was strong in the early American representatives of 
the Craig family.  Unknown regions beyond the confines of civilization 
constantly lured them from the peaceful abodes of progress.  Theirs the undimmed 
vision of the frontiersman in nature�s primeval wild; theirs the love of stream 
and forest with the gifts they brought of fish and game; and theirs the solitary 
way through life far from the crowded haunts of men.  When later generations of 
the name found no outlet for their frontier predilections they expressed their 
innate tastes in a love for the open and in the adoption of occupations 
necessitating outdoor work.  An apparent exception to this rule appears in the 
forceful activities of Hon. Joseph Craig, who entered upon the profession of the 
law and also developed patents that necessitated the erection and management of 
a foundry.  However, those who for years have enjoyed glimpses into the 
attractive characteristics of Mr. Craig have discovered that his happiest hours 
are those spent on his ranches, in superintending the purchase or care of his 
thoroughbred Durham cattle, in planning for suitable irrigation facilities, in 
experimenting with alfalfa and other desired crops and in enjoying all the 
amenities incident to pleasant tasks in God�s great out-of-doors.
 
An early expansion of the interests of Virginia caused many of her most 
forceful, aggressive citizens to cross the mountains and establish farms in the 
then wilds of Kentucky.  Thus the Craig family became established in the blue 
grass country.  Randolph R. Craig was born at Versailles, Woodford county, Ky., 
and in 1837 married Miss Minerva R. Darneal, a native of the same village.  Soon 
afterward they sought the government lands of Missouri for the purpose of 
undertaking farm work and they were numbered among the pioneers of Clinton 
county, later removing to the rich agricultural regions of Clay county, in the 
same state, not far from the now flourishing metropolis of Kansas City, a place 
at that time as yet unplatted and unnamed.
 
When news came of the discovery of gold Randolph R. Craig made immediate 
preparations for a trip to California and joined a party bound for the gold 
mines in 1849.  A safe ending to a perilous journey was followed by an 
adventurous career in the mines of Nevada county, where he met with some success 
as a miner.  With the encouragement suggested by the run of good luck he 
determined to locate permanently in California and therefore in 1852 returned to 
Missouri via the Isthmus of Panama, disposed of his property there and returned 
to the coast accompanied by his family, whose youngest member was a son, Joseph, 
born in Clinton, Mo., August 14 1849.  The first home in California was a Nevada 
City, whence the father made mining expeditions to the foothills of the Sierras. 
 In the fall of 1869 he established a residence in Oakland and in 1878 removed 
to San Francisco, where he had a comfortable home and a large circle of friends. 
 Always, however, he continued to spend much of his time at the mines and his 
death occurred in 1883 at Auburn, Placer county, when he was sixty-six years of 
age.  Mrs. Craig attained the age of eighty-four years.  They were the parents 
of twelve children, seven of whom lived to maturity, namely:  Edward L., Walter 
R., Lee D., William C., Joseph, Mrs. Phoebe C. McKinzie, and Mrs. Elizabeth M. 
Doud.
 
By reason of his residence as a boy in communities interested in mining Joseph 
Craig has been familiar with that occupation from his earliest recollections and 
his inventive mind found expression in a patent, secured in 1869, on a hydraulic 
monitor, which revolutionized the entire system of hydraulic mining and proved 
of inestimable value to men engaged in the occupation.  To establish a factory 
for the manufacture of this patent he built a foundry and machine shop at 
Marysville, where the Glove and Little Giant nozzle were manufactured for years. 
 Eventually the plant was removed to San Francisco and somewhat later he 
disposed of his interest in the same.  Some inventions of lesser importance were 
also covered by patents, among which was a combination plow.
 
Establishing his residence in San Francisco during 1872, Mr. Craig there 
continued the study of law which he had commenced in Nevada City.  After he had 
completed the regular course of reading with M. A. Wheaton of San Francisco, he 
was admitted in 1876 to practice before the supreme court of California.  The 
previous years, as the nominee of the Democratic party, he had been elected to 
represent the tenth district of San Francisco in the state senate.  The election 
was noteworthy because he was the only Democrat ever chosen for the senate from 
that strong Republican district.  During this time he was a member of the firm 
of Marshall, Smoot & Craig, attorneys, of San Francisco.  During 1878 with 
Hudson Grant he established a law office at Woodland, Yolo county, where in 1883 
he was elected district attorney.  Later on he was associated with N. A. Hawkins 
in the practice of law.  Until his retirement in 1892 Mr. Craig held high rank 
among the leading attorneys of this part of California.  For one term, dating 
from January 17, 1889, he served as a member of the board of state prison 
directors.
 
May 1, 1874, in Woodland, Mr. Craig was united in marriage with Miss Kate 
Stephens, born on the old Stephens ranch near Madison, Yolo county, the only 
child of the late John D. Stephens.  Five children blessed their union, namely:  
Tilden J. and Josephine M., both deceased; John S., cashier of the Bank of 
Woodland; Mary A., Mrs. George Gray, of Madison, and Cassie B.  In addition to 
managing his own landed estate Mr. Craig has superintended the large estate 
inherited by his wife from her father.  At Highland Springs, in Lake county, he 
built a modern hotel and made other improvements, which resulted in the 
establishment of a large patronage for the resort.  During 1902, associated with 
other capitalists, he purchased and consolidated the Adams, Moore and Capay 
irrigation canal systems and water rights on Cache creek and incorporated the 
Yolo County Consolidated Water Company, of which he has been president since is 
organization.  The new owners purchased adjacent land and developed the entire 
property.  At Clear lake they acquired the right to build a dam covering 
sixty-five square miles of water, having an average depth of five feet.  The 
canals are twenty feet wide at the bottom, with four feet of water, and will 
supply all of the county as far as Black�s Station on the north, and extending 
south of Davis and Winters, thence into Solano county as far as Dixon.  The 
general irrigation system has been most advantageous to the alfalfa raisers of 
the lands appertaining thereto and also has been helpful to all property owners.
 
For years a number of the most prominent fraternities have received the support 
and influence of Mr. Craig, his interest being peculiarly strong in the Masons 
and the Odd Fellows.  Besides being one of the active members of the lodge of 
Odd Fellows, he has identified himself with the encampment and has been an 
honorary member of the Rebekahs.  In Masonry he has risen from the blue lodge 
through the chapter and commandery to the Scottish Rite.  In the local chapter 
of the Eastern Star he is past patron, while his wife has been honored with the 
office of worthy matron and is past grand treasurer of the Grand Chapter, 
California O. E. S.  Representing the state of California she has served as 
grand representative of Maryland and also as grand representative of Kentucky.  
She is also a member of Rebekahs, in which she is past noble grand, and is an 
active member of the Christian Church.  Mr. Craig�s devotion to the west has 
known no diminution throughout his life of intense activity.  In all ways he is 
a typical western man, displaying the enthusiasm and progressive spirit so 
noticeable in those whose lives have been given to the upbuilding of the great 
region of the Pacific coast.
 
Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source:  �History of Yolo County, California� by Tom Gregory.  Published by the 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 372 - 377.