California Genealogy and History Archives
Biographies
of
Sacramento County
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JAMES
FRANKLIN ELLIOTT With
the exception of his first fourteen years Mr. Elliott could claim a
lifelong citizenship in California. At the time of his arrival in 1851
the country was filled with gold-seekers. The spirit of development had
seized the newly-admitted state, the youngest child of the great Union,
and he himself became immediately loyal to his chosen home, stanchly
devoted to the welfare of his adopted commonwealth. The surroundings
were radically different from those of his native Pennsylvania, where he
was born in 1837 and where he had gained a knowledge of the three R's in
the country schools of the day. The loneliness caused by such a complete
change of environment was in- creased by the severing of family ties,
for his parents never came to the west and he found himself forced into
the struggle for a livelihood without parental counsel or encouragement.
The fact that he attained a competency before age rendered further
efforts impracticable speaks volumes for his energy and patient
perseverance. In all of his actions he was governed by high ideals. His
was the far-seeing discrimination, the sagacity of judgment and the
honesty of purpose that are conspicuous attributes of our noblest
citizens. Though of eastern birth, in everything else he was a typical
Californian, hospitable and energetic. The spirit of western enterprise
was a prominent ingredient in his nature. While he gained considerable
success as a farmer and business man, he also gained that which he
valued far more, the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens.
During the first period of his residence in the state he had seen much
of hardship and privation, but he had carefully hoarded his wages as a
day laborer, thus becoming able to take up land in Yolo county. When he
sold that tract he purchased land on the river in 1874 and there engaged
in general ranching for eight years, after which selling the property he
removed to Sacramento. There in 1904 he passed away, mourned by his
family and by his large circle of acquaintances of pioneer days, who
realized appreciatively his integrity as a man and his worth as a
citizen. When about thirty years of age Mr. Elliott established a home of his own. February 27, 1867, occurred his marriage to Alameda J. Johnston, a native of Ohio and the daughter of John and Fidelia (Tyler) Johnston, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. While her parents came to the west early in the '50s it was thought wise to leave her behind with relatives and on that account she was separated from the immediate family for some time. For years Mr. Johnston held an honored position ' among the pioneers of Sutter county and his acquaintanceship extended through all that section of the country, where. he was universally honored as a man of fine principles and great industry. When advanced in years he died in that county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott consisted of eight children, of whom the eldest, Frank, passed away in 1906. Another member of the family died in early years. The six now living are named as follows : Minnie W., Mrs. Reece Murphy ; Evelyn Mary, Mrs. Augustus Hall ; Edgar Elmer, of Sacramento ; George E., who is now living in Modoc county ; Bertha L. and Maude^ who reside with their mother at No. 1513 Eighteenth street, Sacramento. |
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Source: Transcribed by Peggy Hooper 2011 |