*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. *** ---page 217--- [ad] Books and Stationery 10,000 Songs and Song Books Curiosities of All Kinds J. E. Mathews [ad] [ad] HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 217 in the Trinity-river mining region. He has resided in Humboldt county since, at or near Rohnerville, excepting a few months in Arcata in 1854 and nine months in Eureka in 1855. He also resided at the latter place from October, 1865, to October, 1867. In 1862 he commenced merchandising at Rohnerville, under the firm name of Rohner & Feigenbaum, continuing until 1865. Since then he has followed farming, and merchandising in Eureka, under the firm name of Rohner & Ellery. Mr. Rohner owns about 350 acres of valuable land near Fortuna and in the vicinity of Rohnerville, a village which derives its name from him. He built the first house in Rohnerville used for merchandising; at that time he was Post-master. He married a Miss Bulkeley, an accomplished American girl, whose able council has proven a valuable factor in his success in life. Their union was blessed with four children, Annie, Henry, Lizzie and Frank. Mr. Rohner has not lost any of his early spirit. His description of adventures in early days are very enjoyable, and his ready wit gives zest to pioneer life. He has retired from active commercial pursuits, giving his care entirely to his vast estate. His home and residence is in Fortuna, a charming village for old age to conclude life. MAJOR ELIAS H HOWARD Major Howard was born near Poughkeepsie, New York, and is now seventy- two years old. He graduated from the University of the City of New York, in the class of 1837. Mr. Howard commenced the study of law with S. S. Baxter, Attorney-General for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Shortly afterward he assumed the editorship of the Richmond Herald, which was afterwards changed to the Richmond Lyceum Journal. In May, 1840, he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court. In the same year he married Miss E. A. Wilburn, daughter of Col. R. Wilburn, of Parisburg, Va., and was elected District Attorney and member of the State Convention for Logan county in 1841. Mr. Howard moved West in 1855, and settled in Wisconsin. President Polk commissioned him Post-master for Sheboyan, Wis., which office he held until 1849, at which time he resigned. In company with Dr. J. M. Ball and Rev. Mr. Stephens, Mr. Howard started for California, via the Santa Fe and Gila route. On this trip a child was born to Mrs. Howard, the first white child born in Arizona. Arriving at San Diego Mr. Howard’s journey to San Francisco was delayed one month, owing to the Panama line only making monthly trips, and the last steamer had just left that port. On the following month (December) he arrived at San Francisco. Mr. Howard at once associated himself with Stephen J. Field, Esq., now Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, and commenced the practice of law. In March, 1850, Mr. Howard and Mr. Ottinger undertook the coast expedition of the Laura Virginia association. It is due to this expedition that a re-discovery was made of what is now known as Humboldt Bay. For his valuable services on the L. V. A. expedition Major Howard was awarded the equivalent of $1500. At a meeting which was held soon after the successful entering of the bay, at which meeting Major Howard was the secretary, the name of Humboldt was given to this bay. [ad] Gibbard & Lever, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Undertaking Parlors 3d & H Sts., Pioneer Bdg., Eureka [ad] ---end---