| Notes |
- As far as the records of the Haskell family are obtainable, it is known that its members were residents of New England for many generations, and that the father off Barnabas Haskell was a seaman engaged in the merchant trade along the coast from Hartford, Conn., to New Orleans, La, throughout the active years of his life. It was in the first mentioned city, Hartford, Conn., that Barnabas Haskell was born, and while a youth there prepared for his future by learning the hatter's trade, and in connection with this, also acquired a. thorough knowledge of the furrier's trade. With this equipment he went to New York City to begin life in earnest on his own account, and for a number of years was in the employ of the leading hatter in the metropolis at that time. In 1847 he removed to Boston, Mass., and was employed at his trade in that city for the following five years,
During his residence in Boston Mr. Haskell became interested in the far west and he determined to come here and see for himself whether or not the opportunities were as real as he was led to believe. He made the journey by way of Galveston. Tex., and from there came to California and settled in Sonoma county. Many of the immigrants of that period were drawn hither on account of the prospects of a sudden fortune in the mines, but while Mr. Haskell had no ambition in this direction, he saw an opportunity to benefit indirectly by the impetus which the mining enterprise had created, and it was with this idea in mind he came to Petaluma in 1856 and opened a dry-goods and. clothing establishment, This was the pioneer establishment of the kind in the country for miles around, and it is needless to say that the undertaking proved a success. He continued actively engaged in business for about twenty-two years, when, in 1878, he disposed of his business interests and lived retired thereafter until his death, which occurred m 1887. His long residence in this community had endeared him to a host of friends and acquaintances, for he possessed a kindly, lovable: disposition, and his death was mourned as a public loss, In his political opinions be was independent, and at the polls supported those men and measures which, in his judgment, were best able to advance the prosperity of the community.
Reference
History of Sonoma County, California with Biographical Sketches
Page 744,745
By Tom Gregory
History Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1911
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1817 - 1887 (69 years)
[2, 4, 5] 
