Napa County Biographies

L. Duckworth

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

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

 
is now the sole proprietor of the St. Helena Foundry and Machine Shops, the only 
establishment of its kind in the vicinity.  The business was begun originally in 
July, 1883, under the firm name of Taylor, Duckworth & Geming, all these 
gentlemen having been previously in the employment of the Government at the Mare 
Island Navy Yard.  In 1886 Mr. W. L. Russell bought out Mr. Taylor�s interest, 
and the firm was then Duckworth, Geming & Co.  At the end of that year Messrs. 
Duckworth & Geming bought out Mr. Russell, and finally in October, 1889, Mr. 
Duckworth bought out his remaining partner, and is conducting the business 
alone.  From the first he had been the moving spirit; and it was largely owing 
to his energy and business tact that it was a success from the very first, and 
has possessed constantly increasing dimensions.  It was begun first as a 
planing-mill, but was soon expanded to include also the general work of a 
foundry and machine shop.  In addition, all kinds of job work is done, the 
making of presses, pumps, etc., etc.  The specialty of the establishment is 
wine-machinery of all kinds, as screw and toggle and hydraulic presses, 
elevators, crushers and stemmers, pomace cars, and in fact everything pertaining 
to wine-machinery.  It is generally conceded that they manufacture the best 
hydraulic wine-press on the coast.  At the Mechanics� Fair, 1888, they carried 
off first premium.  General agricultural work, making and repairing of 
machinery, blacksmithing, etc., are also included, and the setting up of 
boilers, engines, mills, etc.  In the summer of 1889 a disastrous fire occurred, 
involving a loss of $15,000, and leaving nothing but the substantial stone walls 
of the main building standing and a damaged engine and boiler.  This building is 
75 x 45 feet in size and two stories and a half in height, and at time of visit 
preparations were being made for a large addition to contain the dynamo room and 
blacksmith shop, -- for Mr. Duckworth is the Superintendent of the St. Helena 
Electric Light and Power Company, and supplies the power by which the dynamo is 
run.  A new 125-horse-power engine has just been placed in position, to afford 
greater power.  The situation of the works is near the Southern Pacific Railroad 
depot.
            Mr. Duckworth was born in 1850, in Stark County, near Peoria, 
Illinois, where his parents still reside, -- his father being a farmer of the 
section.  Young Duckworth was raised as a farmer, and brought up to the hard 
work and honest endeavor that farmers� sons usually experience.  Failing health 
induced him to come to California in 1878, and for a time worked in the railway 
shops at Sacramento, and later for five years at the Mare Island Navy Yard, in 
the employment of the Government.  In 1883 he came to St. Helena, and has since 
then been identified with the progress of this section.  When he began here he 
had only his hands and a determination to do his best.  He prospered with the 
prosperity of the town, and notwithstanding the severe losses by fire, is now 
well above circumstances and commands the fullest confidence of the community by 
his promptness and integrity, -- as good an example as can be cited of what may 
be accomplished by industry and rectitude in this country, and a splendid 
instance of the self-made man.  He has a family consisting of wife and three 
children, his oldest daughter being married.  He is a member of the Knights of 
Pythias. 
            It should be further stated that he employs from ten to thirty men 
according to the season.
 
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing 
Co., 1891