*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. *** ---page 221--- [ad] Demorest Patterns and all kinds of Fashion Books at J. E. Mathews [ad] HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 221 in the horticultural line. Time, means nor labor deter him in his research for improvement. His experimental education, though expensive to himself, has greatly benefitted his fellow men. Mr. Campton is well acquainted with every insect that is likely to be destructive to young or matured fruit. His report as secretary of the commission from this county has been acknowledged the ablest paper upon the subject of horticultural interests of California. The writer paid a visit to the beautiful home of A. P. Campton, situated immediately adjacent to the famous Campton Park, of which he is the owner. Nature has been very partial, and lavished exquisite sweetness upon this resort. We found Mr. Campton an unassuming, self-possessed and agreeable gentleman. He has an extensive and prosperous orchard of many acres, from which he will realize on an average about $300 per acre. Some special fruit, such as the French prune, will net him as high as $500 an acre. He has just erected a fruit dryer at considerable expense, and we were given to understand that in the near future he will erect one of the most complete fruit dryers on the Pacific Coast. Such enterprise and energy merits success. JOHN VANCE Mr. Vance was born in the Province of Nova Scotia, October 1, 1821. His father was a ship-builder in St. Johns, N. B. He received a common school education, and at the age of sixteen began to learn the trade of ship-carpenter. At night he attended the sessions of St. Johns’ Mechanics Institute. At 21 he finished his trade and began life for himself, as a builder and contractor in Roxbury, Mass. In 1849 he joined the tide of fortune huuters for California, on the steamer Ohio. The vessel was detained and confiscated at Havana, Capt. Rogers, of the steamer Georgia, receiving the passengers. After crossing the Isthmus on foot, he re-embarked on the Panama. Mr. Vance arrived in San Francisco on July 6, 1849. Here he engaged at his trade; afterwards he mined on the Yuba, at Foster’s Bar, with considerable success. He came to Humboldt Bay, February 24, 1852. Mrs. Vance has ever since been actively engaged in mill- building, lumbering and railroad construction. Mrs. Vance is tall, well formed, unostentatious, with a singleness of purpose. He is surrounded by everything which can make life pleasureable, and with the prospect of many years of enjoyment. By almost super-human energy, enterprise and sagacity has he amassed wealth; yet freely and voluntarily donates much of his income for worthy objects. Mr. Vance entertains great admiration for a man of grit and bravery, and utterly detests whinery and flattery. He at all times exhibits much pleasure and enthusiasm regarding subjects pertaining to the welfare of the citizens in Humboldt. By devotion to the interests of the community he has materially assisted in securing the prosperity which is now enjoyed. His monument will be enshrined in the hearts of the people. [ad] Gibbard & Lever Maunufacture DOOR AND WINDOW FRAMES, BRACKETS SCROLL WORK, TURNING, ETC. ETC. Factory Second & L Streets [ad] ---end---