Napa-Placer-Sacramento County CA Archives Biographies.....Priest, J. J. 1826 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 4, 2007, 12:47 am

Author: Lewis Publishing Co. (1891)

J. J. PRIEST.—This old pioneer of '49 is one of the best-known and most
deservedly popular citizens of Napa County, who owns one of the finest places in
the county, with magnificent soda springs upon it, not excelled in the world.
Mr. Priest was born in Holmes (now Ashland), County, Ohio in the year 1826. In
1849 he came to California across the plains by mule teams, reaching Sacramento
on the first day of August. He went at once to Mormon Island, where he engaged
in mining, afterward going to the Yuba River, and wintering at Auburn. In 1850
he went to the north fork of the American River, and afterward found his way to
Placer County, where he mined until 1860, when he gave it up, having encountered
the usual ups and downs of the miners' life. In 1860 he went to Cache Slough,
Solano County, and engaged in stock-raising. In 1863 he came up to the Capelle
Valley, and in 1869 to Soda Springs Valley, where he now is. He owns a splendid
ranch of 740 acres, a portion of the old Cataculo Rancho, where he is carrying
on general farming and stock-raising. The springs referred to are a genuine
feature of the country. The overflow colors the rocks a strange whitish tint
over a considerable area, presenting a remarkable appearance. The waters from it
possess some of the best medicinal qualities and are in universal demand, being
shipped over the whole coast and used very generally. The principal spring is a
wonderful one, the water being clear and limpid and having a fine natural
sparkle. There is nothing like it in the country. Not far from the spring Mr.
Priest's cousin, D. Q., has taken up a ranch on Government land. He came to
California in 1850, and engaged in mining. In 1874 he returned East, but in 1884
came back once more to California, and took up his present place. Mr. J. J.
Priest is a man of unpretending but sterling qualities, one who improves on
acquaintance. He and his excellent family are the soul of hospitality. Mr.
Priest is a Republican, and an upholder of the better side of all things, a
great reader and an exceedingly well informed man on questions of the hour.

  He was married in Solano County, to Miss Foster. They have nine sons, all at
home.


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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