Conspicuous among the early pioneer residents of Butte County is Thomas English Boucher, of Chico, a veteran agriculturist who by his energy, keen foresight and wise management has accumulated a competency, and is now living retired from active pursuits.
A son of Elisha Boucher, he was born in Campbell County, Tenn. October 15, 1826.
Born and brought up in Virginia, Elisha migrated from his native state of to Tennessee when young, and was there for a number of years employed as a farmer and cattle driver.
In 1827, he again started westward following the march of immigration to Missouri. Settling ion Ray County, he took up land, and was there engaged in tilling the soil for about ten years. He then removed to Grand River, Livingston County, and cleared a farm from the timber, making his home there until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah English, was born in Virginia and died in Missouri. She bore him fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, Thomas English being the ninth child in order of birth.
Reared on a parental homestead in Missouri, Thomas E. Boucher received a limited education in the subscription schools and under his father’s instructions early became familiar with various branches of agriculture as carried on in those days. Joining a party of nine gold seekers in 1849 he came with an ox-team train across the plains to California, and for three or more years spent his time in searching for the precious metal, being first located in the Morris Ravine on the Feather River. Sickness was common in the new country, and he had a severe attack of smallpox in the meantime. Coming to the present site of Chico in 1853, he worked as a laborer for some time, then purchased a squatter’s right, thinking that tilling the soil might prove more profitable than digging with pick and shovel. He subsequently bought land from the Hensley grant, but not getting a clear title, had to re-purchase the tract from the government. This two hundred-acres, lying on Butte Creek, he sold in 1858, and with the money received, bought his present property, adjoining Chico on the east. He at once began the improvement of the one hundred and sixty acres it contained, and for thirty years was successfully engaged in general ranching, making a specialty of raising hogs. The land being most advantageously located, he began selling it off for town lots in 1890, laying our Boucher’s second addition to Chico, and has thus disposed of all but thirty acres, receiving excellent prices for his estate.
In 1886, he bought a large ranch at Fall River, Shasta County, and for a few years carried on an extensive business as a cattle raiser and dealer, but this property he disposed of in 1898. In 1899 he returned to Chico, where he has since lived retired from active business cares. During his early California life, Mr. Boucher had varied experiences, and although many of them were rough and hard, he enjoyed the excitement and freedom, liking the open air, the mining, and nature’s wilds. Nothing daunted him, not even the mountains, which he walked over, sleeping out of doors at night, or wadding or swimming the steams.
September 25th, 1856, in Colusa County, Mr. Boucher married Mandana Partin, who was born in Schulyer County, Missouri, daughter of Thomas Partin.
Mr. and Mrs. Boucher had five children: Frank J. of Chico, Mrs. Cora Shannon of Glenn County, Mrs. Kate Jenken of Chico, Joseph of Chico, and Warren, deceased. Politically, Mr. Boucher was formerly identified with the Democratic party, but he is now independent, voting with the courage of his convictions.
Source: History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sierras, an historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. By: James Miller, 1834-1918. -contributed by Linda Bearse Netto of Idaho.
~~~
Chico Daily Enterprise, Thursday Evening, December 26, 1907: "Pioneer Resident Answered Last Call. Death of Thomas E. Boucher Tuesday. Thomas E. Boucher, aged 81 years and a resident of this section for over fifty years, died Wednesday afternoon at the residence of his son, Frank Boucher in Chapmantown. The cause of death was old age which gradually wore the old man's vitality and he finally passed away. The funeral was held this afternoon from the Mrs. Engle undertaking parlors on Broadway.
"Thomas English Boucher was a native of Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born in 1826. When about 23 years of age he came to this state where gold was the principal attraction. In common with the other sturdy pioneers of California, he suffered the hardships of the times. He mined on the north fork of the Feather river with little success and about 1852 gave up his former occupation to accept that of a farmer and stockraiser in the vicinity of Chico, where he has lived ever since.
"In 1856 he was married to Mandana F. Partin and four children were born. They are Frank J. and Joseph L. Boucher and Mrs. Cora Shannon and Mrs. W. E. Jenkins of Chico. The mother died in the spring of the year."
~~~
Chico Record, Friday Morning, December 27, 1907, pg 5 col 1: Brevities. The funeral of the late Thos. E. Boucher, the Butte pioneer who passed away Tuesday at an advanced age, was held yesterday afternoon from the Engel undertaking parlors. Rev. Martin of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiated.
A son of Elisha Boucher, he was born in Campbell County, Tenn. October 15, 1826.
Born and brought up in Virginia, Elisha migrated from his native state of to Tennessee when young, and was there for a number of years employed as a farmer and cattle driver.
In 1827, he again started westward following the march of immigration to Missouri. Settling ion Ray County, he took up land, and was there engaged in tilling the soil for about ten years. He then removed to Grand River, Livingston County, and cleared a farm from the timber, making his home there until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah English, was born in Virginia and died in Missouri. She bore him fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, Thomas English being the ninth child in order of birth.
Reared on a parental homestead in Missouri, Thomas E. Boucher received a limited education in the subscription schools and under his father’s instructions early became familiar with various branches of agriculture as carried on in those days. Joining a party of nine gold seekers in 1849 he came with an ox-team train across the plains to California, and for three or more years spent his time in searching for the precious metal, being first located in the Morris Ravine on the Feather River. Sickness was common in the new country, and he had a severe attack of smallpox in the meantime. Coming to the present site of Chico in 1853, he worked as a laborer for some time, then purchased a squatter’s right, thinking that tilling the soil might prove more profitable than digging with pick and shovel. He subsequently bought land from the Hensley grant, but not getting a clear title, had to re-purchase the tract from the government. This two hundred-acres, lying on Butte Creek, he sold in 1858, and with the money received, bought his present property, adjoining Chico on the east. He at once began the improvement of the one hundred and sixty acres it contained, and for thirty years was successfully engaged in general ranching, making a specialty of raising hogs. The land being most advantageously located, he began selling it off for town lots in 1890, laying our Boucher’s second addition to Chico, and has thus disposed of all but thirty acres, receiving excellent prices for his estate.
In 1886, he bought a large ranch at Fall River, Shasta County, and for a few years carried on an extensive business as a cattle raiser and dealer, but this property he disposed of in 1898. In 1899 he returned to Chico, where he has since lived retired from active business cares. During his early California life, Mr. Boucher had varied experiences, and although many of them were rough and hard, he enjoyed the excitement and freedom, liking the open air, the mining, and nature’s wilds. Nothing daunted him, not even the mountains, which he walked over, sleeping out of doors at night, or wadding or swimming the steams.
September 25th, 1856, in Colusa County, Mr. Boucher married Mandana Partin, who was born in Schulyer County, Missouri, daughter of Thomas Partin.
Mr. and Mrs. Boucher had five children: Frank J. of Chico, Mrs. Cora Shannon of Glenn County, Mrs. Kate Jenken of Chico, Joseph of Chico, and Warren, deceased. Politically, Mr. Boucher was formerly identified with the Democratic party, but he is now independent, voting with the courage of his convictions.
Source: History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sierras, an historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. By: James Miller, 1834-1918. -contributed by Linda Bearse Netto of Idaho.
~~~
Chico Daily Enterprise, Thursday Evening, December 26, 1907: "Pioneer Resident Answered Last Call. Death of Thomas E. Boucher Tuesday. Thomas E. Boucher, aged 81 years and a resident of this section for over fifty years, died Wednesday afternoon at the residence of his son, Frank Boucher in Chapmantown. The cause of death was old age which gradually wore the old man's vitality and he finally passed away. The funeral was held this afternoon from the Mrs. Engle undertaking parlors on Broadway.
"Thomas English Boucher was a native of Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born in 1826. When about 23 years of age he came to this state where gold was the principal attraction. In common with the other sturdy pioneers of California, he suffered the hardships of the times. He mined on the north fork of the Feather river with little success and about 1852 gave up his former occupation to accept that of a farmer and stockraiser in the vicinity of Chico, where he has lived ever since.
"In 1856 he was married to Mandana F. Partin and four children were born. They are Frank J. and Joseph L. Boucher and Mrs. Cora Shannon and Mrs. W. E. Jenkins of Chico. The mother died in the spring of the year."
~~~
Chico Record, Friday Morning, December 27, 1907, pg 5 col 1: Brevities. The funeral of the late Thos. E. Boucher, the Butte pioneer who passed away Tuesday at an advanced age, was held yesterday afternoon from the Engel undertaking parlors. Rev. Martin of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiated.
Conspicuous among the early pioneer residents of Butte County is Thomas English Boucher, of Chico, a veteran agriculturist who by his energy, keen foresight and wise management has accumulated a competency, and is now living retired from active pursuits.
A son of Elisha Boucher, he was born in Campbell County, Tenn. October 15, 1826.
Born and brought up in Virginia, Elisha migrated from his native state of to Tennessee when young, and was there for a number of years employed as a farmer and cattle driver.
In 1827, he again started westward following the march of immigration to Missouri. Settling ion Ray County, he took up land, and was there engaged in tilling the soil for about ten years. He then removed to Grand River, Livingston County, and cleared a farm from the timber, making his home there until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah English, was born in Virginia and died in Missouri. She bore him fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, Thomas English being the ninth child in order of birth.
Reared on a parental homestead in Missouri, Thomas E. Boucher received a limited education in the subscription schools and under his father’s instructions early became familiar with various branches of agriculture as carried on in those days. Joining a party of nine gold seekers in 1849 he came with an ox-team train across the plains to California, and for three or more years spent his time in searching for the precious metal, being first located in the Morris Ravine on the Feather River. Sickness was common in the new country, and he had a severe attack of smallpox in the meantime. Coming to the present site of Chico in 1853, he worked as a laborer for some time, then purchased a squatter’s right, thinking that tilling the soil might prove more profitable than digging with pick and shovel. He subsequently bought land from the Hensley grant, but not getting a clear title, had to re-purchase the tract from the government. This two hundred-acres, lying on Butte Creek, he sold in 1858, and with the money received, bought his present property, adjoining Chico on the east. He at once began the improvement of the one hundred and sixty acres it contained, and for thirty years was successfully engaged in general ranching, making a specialty of raising hogs. The land being most advantageously located, he began selling it off for town lots in 1890, laying our Boucher’s second addition to Chico, and has thus disposed of all but thirty acres, receiving excellent prices for his estate.
In 1886, he bought a large ranch at Fall River, Shasta County, and for a few years carried on an extensive business as a cattle raiser and dealer, but this property he disposed of in 1898. In 1899 he returned to Chico, where he has since lived retired from active business cares. During his early California life, Mr. Boucher had varied experiences, and although many of them were rough and hard, he enjoyed the excitement and freedom, liking the open air, the mining, and nature’s wilds. Nothing daunted him, not even the mountains, which he walked over, sleeping out of doors at night, or wadding or swimming the steams.
September 25th, 1856, in Colusa County, Mr. Boucher married Mandana Partin, who was born in Schulyer County, Missouri, daughter of Thomas Partin.
Mr. and Mrs. Boucher had five children: Frank J. of Chico, Mrs. Cora Shannon of Glenn County, Mrs. Kate Jenken of Chico, Joseph of Chico, and Warren, deceased. Politically, Mr. Boucher was formerly identified with the Democratic party, but he is now independent, voting with the courage of his convictions.
Source: History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sierras, an historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. By: James Miller, 1834-1918. -contributed by Linda Bearse Netto of Idaho.
~~~
Chico Daily Enterprise, Thursday Evening, December 26, 1907: "Pioneer Resident Answered Last Call. Death of Thomas E. Boucher Tuesday. Thomas E. Boucher, aged 81 years and a resident of this section for over fifty years, died Wednesday afternoon at the residence of his son, Frank Boucher in Chapmantown. The cause of death was old age which gradually wore the old man's vitality and he finally passed away. The funeral was held this afternoon from the Mrs. Engle undertaking parlors on Broadway.
"Thomas English Boucher was a native of Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born in 1826. When about 23 years of age he came to this state where gold was the principal attraction. In common with the other sturdy pioneers of California, he suffered the hardships of the times. He mined on the north fork of the Feather river with little success and about 1852 gave up his former occupation to accept that of a farmer and stockraiser in the vicinity of Chico, where he has lived ever since.
"In 1856 he was married to Mandana F. Partin and four children were born. They are Frank J. and Joseph L. Boucher and Mrs. Cora Shannon and Mrs. W. E. Jenkins of Chico. The mother died in the spring of the year."
~~~
Chico Record, Friday Morning, December 27, 1907, pg 5 col 1: Brevities. The funeral of the late Thos. E. Boucher, the Butte pioneer who passed away Tuesday at an advanced age, was held yesterday afternoon from the Engel undertaking parlors. Rev. Martin of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiated.
A son of Elisha Boucher, he was born in Campbell County, Tenn. October 15, 1826.
Born and brought up in Virginia, Elisha migrated from his native state of to Tennessee when young, and was there for a number of years employed as a farmer and cattle driver.
In 1827, he again started westward following the march of immigration to Missouri. Settling ion Ray County, he took up land, and was there engaged in tilling the soil for about ten years. He then removed to Grand River, Livingston County, and cleared a farm from the timber, making his home there until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah English, was born in Virginia and died in Missouri. She bore him fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, Thomas English being the ninth child in order of birth.
Reared on a parental homestead in Missouri, Thomas E. Boucher received a limited education in the subscription schools and under his father’s instructions early became familiar with various branches of agriculture as carried on in those days. Joining a party of nine gold seekers in 1849 he came with an ox-team train across the plains to California, and for three or more years spent his time in searching for the precious metal, being first located in the Morris Ravine on the Feather River. Sickness was common in the new country, and he had a severe attack of smallpox in the meantime. Coming to the present site of Chico in 1853, he worked as a laborer for some time, then purchased a squatter’s right, thinking that tilling the soil might prove more profitable than digging with pick and shovel. He subsequently bought land from the Hensley grant, but not getting a clear title, had to re-purchase the tract from the government. This two hundred-acres, lying on Butte Creek, he sold in 1858, and with the money received, bought his present property, adjoining Chico on the east. He at once began the improvement of the one hundred and sixty acres it contained, and for thirty years was successfully engaged in general ranching, making a specialty of raising hogs. The land being most advantageously located, he began selling it off for town lots in 1890, laying our Boucher’s second addition to Chico, and has thus disposed of all but thirty acres, receiving excellent prices for his estate.
In 1886, he bought a large ranch at Fall River, Shasta County, and for a few years carried on an extensive business as a cattle raiser and dealer, but this property he disposed of in 1898. In 1899 he returned to Chico, where he has since lived retired from active business cares. During his early California life, Mr. Boucher had varied experiences, and although many of them were rough and hard, he enjoyed the excitement and freedom, liking the open air, the mining, and nature’s wilds. Nothing daunted him, not even the mountains, which he walked over, sleeping out of doors at night, or wadding or swimming the steams.
September 25th, 1856, in Colusa County, Mr. Boucher married Mandana Partin, who was born in Schulyer County, Missouri, daughter of Thomas Partin.
Mr. and Mrs. Boucher had five children: Frank J. of Chico, Mrs. Cora Shannon of Glenn County, Mrs. Kate Jenken of Chico, Joseph of Chico, and Warren, deceased. Politically, Mr. Boucher was formerly identified with the Democratic party, but he is now independent, voting with the courage of his convictions.
Source: History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sierras, an historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. By: James Miller, 1834-1918. -contributed by Linda Bearse Netto of Idaho.
~~~
Chico Daily Enterprise, Thursday Evening, December 26, 1907: "Pioneer Resident Answered Last Call. Death of Thomas E. Boucher Tuesday. Thomas E. Boucher, aged 81 years and a resident of this section for over fifty years, died Wednesday afternoon at the residence of his son, Frank Boucher in Chapmantown. The cause of death was old age which gradually wore the old man's vitality and he finally passed away. The funeral was held this afternoon from the Mrs. Engle undertaking parlors on Broadway.
"Thomas English Boucher was a native of Nashville, Tennessee, where he was born in 1826. When about 23 years of age he came to this state where gold was the principal attraction. In common with the other sturdy pioneers of California, he suffered the hardships of the times. He mined on the north fork of the Feather river with little success and about 1852 gave up his former occupation to accept that of a farmer and stockraiser in the vicinity of Chico, where he has lived ever since.
"In 1856 he was married to Mandana F. Partin and four children were born. They are Frank J. and Joseph L. Boucher and Mrs. Cora Shannon and Mrs. W. E. Jenkins of Chico. The mother died in the spring of the year."
~~~
Chico Record, Friday Morning, December 27, 1907, pg 5 col 1: Brevities. The funeral of the late Thos. E. Boucher, the Butte pioneer who passed away Tuesday at an advanced age, was held yesterday afternoon from the Engel undertaking parlors. Rev. Martin of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiated.
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