Napa-San Francisco County CA Archives Biographies.....Kettlewell, Joseph R. 1825 - 
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Author: Lewis Publishing Co. (1891)

JOSEPH R. KETTLEWELL.-One of the most prominent merchants and citizens of
northern Napa County, is the gentleman whose name heads this article. During the
seventeen years of his residence in St. Helena he has seen that lively little
town grow from a population of 300 persons to upward of 2,500, while the
sourronnding [sic] country has received a like or even greater accession-a
progress and prosperity towards which he himself has aided not a little by his
energy and public spirit. Mr. Kettlewell was born May 13, 1825, in Washington
County, Pennsylvania, his father being Joseph Kettlewell, a carpenter and
builder as well as a farmer of that section. The family removed to Belmont
County, Ohio, when the subject of this sketch was two years old, and resided
there for six years when in 1833 they went to Wheeling, West Virginia. Here
Joseph received his education and laid the foundations of diligence and economy
that, with his natural good judgment, made him what he is to-day, a man of
property and influence wherever known. When eighteen years of age he started out
in life for himself, carrying with him little but the paternal blessing and a
good upbringing to make the beginning. He had in fact only the sum of "six
bits," in addition to his wardrobe, but he had energy and honesty, which are
worth far more than anything else in making one's way in the world. He went
first to Wheeling, West Virginia and worked at his chosen trade of
black-smithing for one year, when he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and for ten
years carried on a shop. In 1854 Mr. Kettlewell started West, removing to Iowa
City, Iowa, where he carried on a prosperous business until in 1863 he
determined to come to California, setting out for the journey over the plains
with his young family in April of that year. For a year he tarried on the
way,-at Austin, Nevada, engaging in mining as well as his trade. Thence he came
on down to San Francisco, reaching there in July, 1864. For eight years Mr.
Kettlewell carried on a lucrative trade until in 1872, the health of his wife
being much impaired, he rented his shop and came up to St. Helena on a visit.
Mrs. Kettlewell's health being much better here, he determined to settle here,
purchased the block on Main Street, which is still his property, and opened a
shop. Having accumulated a comfortable living and being desirous to extend his
opportunities, Mr. Kettlewell gave up work at his trade ten years ago, although
the shop was not finally closed out until last year (1888). Thirteen years ago
he began a mercantile business on the site of his present fine store in general
hardware, agricultural implements, paints, oils, etc., etc. The present store
was built in 1884, and is a handsome brick sturcture [sic] 39x75 feet in size,
two stories in height. It cost $10,000 to build and, 43,000 bricks were consumed
in its erection. It is by far the best and finest building in St. Helena, well
finished and fitted. Adjoining it is another structure equally as good of the
fine sandstone that is a feature in St. Helena. Mr. Kettlewell owns 85x300 feet
on the corner, fronting three streets, a most valuable property, upon the centre
of which his homestead is situated. In addition he owns much other valuable
property both in the town and in the country adjoining. Mr. Kettlewell was
married April 15, 1847, to Miss Eliza Paul in Cincinnati. Mrs. Kettlewell was
born August 11, 1825, but was left an orphan at an early age, her parents being
carried off by cholera. They have four sons, all of whom are prosperously
following in the footsteps of their father, and are all actively engaged in
business. Joseph A., the eldest, carries on the leading boot and shoe store in
St. Helena; George W., the second, is a well-to-do farmer in Franz Valley,
Sonoma County; James O. has a large carriage and painting business in St.
Helena; and Ben F., the youngest, is an equal partner with his father in the
hardware business. All are happily married, and the heart of Mr. Kettlewell is
gladdened by the sight of promising grandchildren growing up at his knees. The
youngest son, B. F., has been Town Trustee on two several occasions and has held
other public positions. Mr. Paul, his wife's brother, is a prominent editor and
politician of Iowa City, arid has represented his county in the State
Legislature for sixteen years together. While residing in Iowa City, Mr.
Kettlewell also took an active part in politics, but has confined himself
strictly to business since his residence in St. Helena.

  In conclusion it should be stated that Mr. Kettlewell is one of the solid
citizens of Napa County, and is equally respected for his business
qualifications and goodness of heart. He is one of our best examples of a
self-made man, one who has made his way by hard work, good judgment and strict
integrity, and his career is one that can be wisely studied by the rising
generation.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California.

Illustrated, Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast
from the Earliest Period of its Occupancy to the Present Time, together with
Glimpses of its Prospective Future; Full-Page Steel Portraits of its most
Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of many of its Pioneers and also of
Prominent Citizens of To-day.

"A people that takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will
never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote
descendents." – Macauley.

CHICAGO
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
1891.

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