California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

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

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


ROBERT D. HANNAH. Numbered among the respected residents of Merced is Robert D. 
Hannah, who, as proprietor of an up-to-date livery stable, is carrying on a thriving business. 
Possessing an unlimited stock of energy and perseverance, he has labored with untiring diligence 
since beginning life's battle on his own account, and by industry and good management has met 
with marked success in his undertakings. A son of J. M. Hannah, he was born, November 28, 
1853, in Randolph county, Mo. His grandfather, Robert Hannah, was born and reared in Tennes- 
see, but in early life followed the march of civilization westward, becoming a' pioneer settler of 
Randolph county, Mo. He was a man of great honesty and affability, well liked and popular in 
the community, and was familiarly known to both old and young as "Uncle Bobby." 

A native of Tennessee, J. M. Hannah lived there until a boy of thirteen years, and then went 
with his parents to Missouri, where he assisted his father in the pioneer labor incident to clearing 
a farm. On beginning life for himself, he was employed in tilling the soil in Randolph county, 
but subsequently engaged in general farming in Macon county, Mo. In 1870 he migrated with 
his family to California, and the following spring located in Merced county, buying one hundred 
and sixty acres of land on Dry creek. Afterward removing to a farm on Merced river, he was there 
employed in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1886. He married Sarah J. Peeler, the daugh- 
ter of John Peeler, a Missouri farmer, and she is now a resident of Merced. Of the thirteen chil- 
dren born of their union, eight grew to years of maturity, and six are living. 

The third child in order of birth of the parental household, R. D. Hannah was educated in 
the district schools of his native state, and while young became familiarly versed in the various 
branches of agriculture, his father proving an apt instructor. Locating in Merced county in the 
spring of 1871, he followed farming on the home ranch for several years. Taking up his residence 
in Merced in 1889, Mr. Hannah purchased an eight-horse team and four wagons, and for eight 
years was employed in teaming and freighting between that city and Mariposa. Starting in the 
liver)- business in July, 1897, Mr. Hannah was located on Main street for five years, and was 
quite successful in his operations. Removing to the corner of Alameda and Eighteenth streets in 
1902, he took possession of the fine new stable which he had erected, and has here continued the 
business with excellent results. The stable is 80 x8o feet, containing fifty-six stalls, and is well 
furnished and equipped. Mr. Hannah has accumulated a good property, and built an attractive 
residence in the city. 

In Merced, Cal., Mr. Hannah married Fannie D. Daniel, a native of Macon county, Mo., and 
they have four children, namely : Luther Daniel, Elbert Lee, Zella Lou and Homer Reuben. Po- 
litically Mr. Hannah is an adherent of the Democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to Snell- 
ing Lodge No. 121, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand. Mrs. Hannah is a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.