The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-13
HIS LIFE LESSON.
Indomitable Spirit of the
Late j. c. Fall.
Remarkable Career of a Typical Pio-
neer Who Died on Tuesday.
Thrice Ruined.

The death OF John C. Fall. which took place
on Tuesday at his residence in this city, closes
the career OF a man who has been conspicuous
In mercantile and mining circles in this STATE
for the last forty-fve years. Throughout Call
fornia Nevada and Arizona the name of Mr.
Fall has been prOyerblal for industry, energy
and int gritty. His death, at the age of "a,
has long been expected. He died peacefully,
worn out by the weight OF years.
John G. Fall was born about seven miles from
StluntOD. the county seat of the county of Au.
gusta, In the valley of Virginia, In the year
1910. He was of German parentage a large
number OF the settlers of the valley OF Virginia
being Of German origin. Among the number
may be mentioned the CARRIERS. the ancestors
of John CARRIER. Tor many years one OF the lead
ers of the bar of Nevada and California.
AT the age OF years the family of Mr.. Fall
emigrated to Ohio. AT that childish age he
made the journey from Stanton to Southern
Ohio on horseback. At an early age lie began
life as a clerk In store where he soon deVel-
oped great talent for commerce, so much so
that before he had reached his MAORI he was
partner In the largest mercantile house in The
county of Lancaster. While living in that
county he formed acquaintance and friendship
with its most prominent residents s, among them
The Ewngs. the Shermans and the Hunters, all
of whom have furnished distinguished members
TO the service OF their country. At that lime
Mr. Fall was a prominent aud devoted sup
porter of the WING party and went TO Wash
the Inauguration OF " ilam Henry Harrison as
President OF the United States.
In the panic of 1S4S. Mr.. FALL with many
others, was reduced o poverty, owing to large
amount of Indebtedness The discovery OF gold
In California attracted him to the Pacific Coast.
He first went into business 10 small way at
Sacramento. but before many years established
himself permanently In Marysvtle. The house
of John C. Fail g. Co., from l849 TO 1852, was
the largest and most prominent mercantile con-
Germ in that section of the country. After sew
eral years OF uneXampled prosperity he returned
to Ohio on visit and paid his deDts In full with
interest. amounting to sum OF more than $780,
600. He returned to California and fortune
seemed 10 smile upon him for many years, until
he was again ruined by the great flood of 1851
which nearly destroyed the town OF Marysville
as a business center. At that time he was one
of the largesI property-OwDers In he country,
owning real estate producing an average
monthly income OF $4,000 and bridge which
produced daily income of 500. All this
property was swept out OF existence in a single
night and he was forced into insolvency
He determined 10 begin the world again in
Nevada, and settled himself at UniOnviIle, In
the county OF Humboldt. He there began
mercantile business in a small way, which led
to investing In mines, one OF which, called the
Arizona subsequently became quite celebrated,
and produced between 1864 and 1884 between
four aud Eve millions OF dollars.
AT one Time Mr. Fall had accumulated quite
large fortune, but tho decline of mining and
the depreciation OF the value of silver, amount
ing TO nearly 40 per cent OF the gross product of
his mine, again caused his ruin.
at the age OF rs he once more started with
indomltaDle energy TO accumulat another for
tune. He established himself at Wilcox, in the
Territory of Arizona, where b. met wi b mode
rate success. Up TO the last year of his life he
was the first man o rise and reacn bis place OF
business. His enPrgy and industry were un-
equaed. His ambition was purely commercial.
To be successful merchant seemed TO him to
be the highest of all human pursuits.
Mr. Fail was married three times, his last
wife being sister OF Colonel II. /. Thornton of
this city, He leaves but one surviving child,
the wife of John II. Kinkead. ex- Governor of
Nevada Territory
He was member OF the Society of Pioneers
In good standing.
A prominent trait In MIR. Falps character was
bis kindness and generosity 10 Young men. He
did much to advance their interest and pros
perity. All OF his employees in every degree
were devoted TO him. He leaves behind the
kindesI wishes and good feeling of many whom
his generosity has assiSt.d in their day of need