When A.W. von Schmidt lived in California, from 1849 through 1906, the young state developed a reputation as a society of innovators and energetic problem-solvers. Von Schmidt's life story is at the core of the "anything is possible" legend that became associated with California and its citizens. He was a surveyor and civil engineer, an involved citizen of San Francisco, a father and husband, and a pioneer whose personal triumphs and tragedies enlarged...