El Dorado County Biographies


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


 
 
JOHN GE YOUGH
 
            The Chinese shoe-maker of Garden Valley, was born in the province of 
Canton, China, Aug. 10, 1846, and is a son of Ge Ya-Ho.  In 1862 he was 
possessed of a desire to visit the United States, and contrary to the wishes of 
his parents he joined in with a company of about thirty and started on what he 
expected would be a pleasure trip, as he fully intended to return to China.  
After arriving on this coast he heard all his countrymen and friends say they 
were going to the mountains to go dig gold, so he joined in and with the 
assistance of friends purchased a claim at Johntown.  He could not make mining 
pay, however, and abandoned it to take a place in the home of Mr. Borland, a 
shoe maker in the village.  He began driving nails and pegs to assist Mr. 
Borland, and in a short time became master of the trade.  Mr. Borland and his 
good wife were kind to him and taught him the English language, which he can 
read, write and speak quite well.  In 1871 he purchased the residence and 
business of Mr. Borland and has since conducted a lucrative business, he has the 
confidence, good will and co-operation of all the best American citizens in the 
vicinity.  He embraced the Christian religion soon after coming to our shores, 
is temperate and steady in all things, and no man in the community contributes 
more liberally to the support of church, school or charitable purposes than does 
John Ge Yough. He has adopted the American style of dress throughout.  Is a 
believer in the golden rule, and would that there were more such, both among his 
and our own countrymen.
 
Historical Souvenir of El Dorado County, California with Illustrations & 
Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men & Pioneers - Oakland, Cal. - Paolo 
Sioli, Publisher, 1883. p - 271
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler