*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. ---page 215--- [ad] J. E. MATHEWS, Agent for Daily, Weekly and Sunday EXAMINER [ad] HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 215 Several firms are engaged in the general merchandise business in Ferndale, but in point of magnitude there is but one engrossed in this important avocation in this growing town. Russ, Early & Williams have long ago established the name of leaders in this line. They do an extensive business, and handle every article common to the general merchandise business. They are popular, liberal and enterprising gentlemen, at all times awake to the interests and requirements of their growing city, and men whose presence in any locality is synonymous with its success and prosperity. THOMAS CUTLER In giving space to mention those industries which in their particular line are leading and representative institutions of Humboldt county, we must not omit to mention the well known and popular dealer in General Merchandise and Agricultural Implements. This establishment has done and is doing a large and liberal business, and to-day it stands foremost among the houses doing business in the grocery, produce and general commission trade in Humboldt county. Mr. Cutler handles all kinds of provisions, including hams, bacon, lard, dairy produce, fresh orchard productions, fruits of all kinds, canned goods, staple and fancy groceries, condiments, feed, flour and in fact every conceivable article to be found in a first-class grocery establishment, hardware specialties and a large supply of agricultural implements. Mr. Cutler is also Collector of Customs for this port. He is a gentleman of reliability and integrity, and one whose strict business methods have won for him and his house a trade that is truly enviable. HENRY ROHNER Henry Rohner, whose history we give in brief, was born in Switzerland, in the year 1829. He was raised on a farm, and at a suitable age learned the printer’s trade, and in 1847, at the age of eighteen, he emigrated to the United States, landing at New Orleans, where he followed his trade for two years. In 1849 he went to Louisville, Ky., from whence he went to Sacramento, and in 1851 came to Humboldt county, where he has since resided, making for himself an honorable name and fortune, and rising from obscurity to a position of prominence and trust. At St. Joseph, Missouri, with four others, they purchased a yoke of oxen, wagon and outfit to journey overland, their route being across the plains, by Fort Hall and Truckee river to Sacramento, arriving on the 18th of September, 1849, just four months from time of starting. He walked the whole distance, except half a day when he was sick, traveling mostly from 2 A. M. until noon. Five men composed the party and owned jointly the team and outfit. At the end of the trip they had left of their store two pounds of bacon, five pounds of flour and a little coffee. Mr. Rohner mined on the Yuba, Feather and Trinity rivers with moderate success. In the fall of 1852 he located a place on Eel river, and operated [ad] Gibbard & Lever make a Specialty of Bedroom and Parlor Suits PIONEER B’DG. Cor. 3d and H Sts. [ad] ---end---