Asa Hartshorn was an energetic entrepreneur, also a risk taker, in addition to joining the Gold Rush. An indefatigable and capable man.
In the menu list under Entrepreneur, you will find his three types of enterprises:
Drilling Oil, a joint venture with others from his home town of Lebanon NY, shortly after the discovery of oil in Titusville PA which occurred on August 27, 1859, made possible by a firm a few miles away in Eaton NY which made stationary steam engines, perfect for propelling oil pumps.
Iowa Land, a joint venture with his brother Amos, near Dyersville, IA and not far from Dubuque IA, alongside the future US Rt 20 highway. This actually preceded his voyage to California, and demonstrated a willingness to take financial risks.
Farm Investment, he bought a dairy farm with land and buildings in 1864 in Lebanon Center, in the Township of Lebanon, less than 2 miles from the village of Lebanon, in Madison County NY, expanded it with additional purchases of adjacent land, and eventually sold it to one of his sons, who was named Ryal after his father. While the owner, he expanded the income of the farm with cheese making, crop sales, joint efforts with other farmers, and remodeling and construction of the facilities.
