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11427
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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3 1833 01148 2798
HISTORY
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
SANTA CRUZ, SAN BENITO, MONTEREY AND SAN-
LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES
An Historical Story of the State's Marvelous Growth from its
Earliest Settlement to the Present Time
BY
PROF. J. M. GUINN, A. M.,
Author of A History of Los Angeles and Vicinity, History of Southern California, Secretary and
Curator of the Historical Society of Southern California, Member of the Amer-
ican Historical Association, Washington, D. C.
Containing; Biographies of Well-known Citizens of
the Past and Present
THE CHAPMAN PUBLISHING CO.
CHICAGO
1003
Copyright, 1902,
CHAPMAN PUBLISHING CO.
1142742
PREFACE
HISTORICAL
THERE are very few states in the Union that have a more varied and a more interesting his-
tory than California ; and there are few if any whose history is so vaguely and so indefinitely
known. This is largely due to the fact that its colonization was effected by one race and its
evolution as a state by another.
In the rapid development of the state by the conquering race, the trials and struggles of the first
colonists have been forgotten. No forefathers' day keeps their memory green, and no observance
celebrates the anniversary of their landing. To many of its people, the history of California begins
with the discovery of gold, and all behind that is regarded of little importance. The race character-
istics of the two peoples who have dominated California differ widely ; and from this divergence
arises the lack of sympathetic unison. Perhaps no better expression for this difference can be given
than is found in popular bywords of each. The 'Toco tiempo" (by and by) of the Spaniard is sig-
nificant of a people who are willing to wait-who would rather defer till man a n*-tomorrow-
than hurry to-day. The "go ahead" of the American is indicative of haste, of rush, of a strenuous
struggle to overcome obstacles, whatever they may be, in the present.
In narrating the story of California, I have endeavored to deal justly with the different eras and
episodes of its history; to state facts ; to tell the truth without favoritism or prejudice; to g.ve
credit where credit is due and blame where it is deserved. In the preparation of this history I have
tried to make it readable. I have avoided dull details and have omitted cumbrous statistics.
The subject has been presented by topic, observing so far as possible the chronological order of
the events In collecting material for this work, I have visited all the large libraries of the state, have
consulted state and county archives, and have scanned thousands of pages of newspapers and maga-
zines Where extracts have been made, due credit has been given in the body of the work. I have
received valuable assistance from librarians, from pioneers of the state, from editors, and others. To
all who have assisted me, I return my sincere thanks. J- ■
Los Angeles, January i, 1903.
II
PREFACE
BIOGRAPHICAL
THE high standing of these counties is due not alone to ideal climate and rare beauty of
scenery. Other regions boasting an environment as attractive, have nevertheless re-
mained unknown to the great world of commerce and of thought. When we study the
progress made in this section of our country, especially during the past two decades of the nine-
teenth century and the opening years of the twentieth century, we are led to the conclusion that
the present gratifying condition is due to the enterprise of public-spirited citizens. They have
not only developed commercial possibilities and horticultural resources, but they have also main-
tained a commendable interest in public affairs, and have given to their commonwealth some of
its ablest statesmen. The prosperity of the past has been gratifying; and, with the building of
the canal to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific, with the increasing of railroad facilities, with the
further development of local resources, there is every reason to believe that the twentieth century
will witness the most marvelous growth this region has ever made.
In the compilation of this work and the securing of necessary data, a number of writers have
been engaged for months. They have visited leading citizens and used every endeavor to produce
a work accurate and trustworthy in every detail. ( hving to the great care exercised, and to the
fact that every opportunity was given to those represented to secure accuracy in their biographies,
the publishers believe they are giving to their readers a volume containing few errors of conse-
quence. The biographies of a number of representative citizens will be missed from the work.
In some instances this was caused by their absence from home when our writers called, and in
some instances was caused by a failure on the part of the men themselves to understand the
scope of the work. The publishers, however, have done all within their power to make this
work a representative one.
The value of the data herein presented will grow with the passing years. Posterity will pre-
serve the volume with care, from the fact that it perpetuates biographical history that otherwise
would be wholly lost. In those now far-distant days will be realized, to a greater extent than at
the present time, the truth of Macaulay's statement. "The history oi a country is best told in the
lives of its people." CHAPMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY.
Chicago.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
Spanish Explorations and Discoveries 33
Romance and Reality — The Seven Cities of Cibola — The Myth of Quivera — El Dorado —
Sandoval's Isle of the Amazons — Mutineers Discover the Peninsula of Lower California
— Origin of the Name California — Cortes's Attempts at Colonization — Discovery of the
Rio Colorado — Coronado's Explorations — Ulloa's Voyage.
,-t Jt ,*
CHAPTER II.
Alta or Nueva California 37
Voyage of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo — Enters the Bay of San Diego in Alta California-
Discovers the Islands of San Salvador and Vitoria — The Bay of Smokes and Fires — The
Santa Barbara Islands — Reaches Cape Mendocino — His Death and Burial on the Island of
San Miguel — Ferrolo Continues the Voyage — Drake, the Sea King of Devon — His Hatred
of the Spaniard — Sails into the South Sea — Plunders the Spanish Settlements of the South
Pacific — Vain Search for the Straits of Anian — Refits His Ships in a California Harbor —
Takes Possession of the Country for the English Queen — Sails Across the Pacific Ocean
to Escape the Vengeance of the Spaniards — Sebastian Rodriguez Cermeni i Attempts a
Survey of the California Coast — Loss of the San Agustin — Sufferings of the Shipwrecked
Mariners — Sebastian Viscaino's Explorations — Makes No New Discoveries — Changes the
Names Given by Cabrillo to the Bays and Islands — Some Boom Literature — Failure of
His Colonization Scheme — His Death.
Jt .Jt ,*
CHAPTER III.
Colonization of Alta California 43
Jesuit Missions of Lower California — Father Kino or Kuhn's Explorations — Expulsion of
the Jesuits — Spain's Decadence — Her Northwestern Possessions Threatened by the Rus-
sians and English — The Franciscans to Christianize and Colonize Alta California — Galvez
Fits Out Two Expeditions— Their Safe Arrival at San Diego— First Mission Founded—
Portola's Explorations— Fails to Find Monterey Bay— Discovers the Bay of San Fran-
cisco— Return of the Explorers — Portola's Second Expedition — Founding of San Carlos
Mission and the Presidio of Monterey.
•J* £ Jt
CHAPTER IV.
Aborigines of California.
Inferiority of the California Indian— No Great Tribes— Indians of the San Gabriel Valley-
Hugo Reid's Description of Their Government— Religion and Customs— Indians of the
Santa Barbara Channel— Their God Chupu— Northern Indians— Indian Myths and Tra-
ditions.
20 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
PAGE
Franciscan Missions of Alta California 56
Founding of San Diego de Alcala — San Carlos Barromeo — San Antonio de Padua — San
Gabriel Arcangel — San Luis Obispo — San Francisco de Asis — San Juan Capistrano — Santa
Clara — San Buenaventura — Santa Barbara — La Purisima Concepcion — Santa Cruz — La
Soledad — San Jose — San Juan Bautista — San Miguel — San Fernando del Rey, San Luis
Rey, Santa Ynez — San Rafael — San Francisco Solano — Architecture — General Plan of the
Missionary Establishments — Houses of the Neophytes — Their Uncleanliness.
J* J* jt
CHAPTER VI.
Presidios of California 66
Presidio in Colonization— Founding of San Diego— General Plan of the Presidio— Found-
ing of Monterey— Rejoicing over the Event— Hard Times at the Presidio— Bear Meat Diet
— Two Hundred Immigrants for the Presidio — Founding of the Presidio of San Francisco
— Anza's Overland Route from Sonora — Quarrel with Rivera — Anza's Return to Sonora
Founding of Santa Barbara— Disappointment of Father Serra— Quarrel of the Captain with
the Missionaries over Indian Laborers — Soldiers' Dreary Life at the Presidios.
Jt ^t <£
CHAPTER VII.
Pueblos
Pueblo Plan of Colonization— Necessity for Agricultural Colonies— Governor Filipe de
Neve Selects Pueblo Sites— San Jose Founded— Named for the Patron Saint of California
—Area of the Spanish Pueblo— Government Supplies to Colonists— Founding of the
Pueblo of Los Angeles— Names of the Founders— Probable Origin of the Name— Sub-
divisions of Pueblo Lands— Lands Assigned to Colonists— Founding of Branciforte, the
last Spanish Pueblo.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Passing of Spain's Domination
rlusiveness— The First Foreign Ship in Monterey Bay— Vancouver's Visit—
Government Monopoly of the Fur Trade— American Smugglers— The Memorias— Russian
Aggression— Famine at Sitka— Rezanoff's Visit— A Love Affair and Its Tragic Ending—
' Failure of the Russian Colony Scheme— The War of Mexican Independence-
Governor— California Loyalists— The Year of Earthquakes— Bouchard
ns Monterey— The Lima Tallow Ships— Hard Times— No Money and
I Ik- Friars Supreme.
CHAPTER IX.
78
Him if the Revolutionists— Plan of Iguala—
ntces Hi, I mpire- Downfall of Agustin I.— Rise of the Republic—
101 Sola ...1,1 the Friars— Disloyalty of the Mission
giance— Arguella, Governor— Advent of Foreign-
ers—Coming of the Hide Droghers— Indian Outbreak.
82
CONTENTS. 21
CHAPTER X.
PAGE
First Decade of Mexican Rule g^
Echeandia Governor— Make San Diego His Capital— Padres of the Four Southern Mis-
sions Take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic— Friars of the Northern Missions
Contumacious— Arrest of Padre Sarria— Fxpulsion of the Spaniards— Clandestine De-
parture of Padres Ripoll and Altimira— Exile of Padre Martinez— The Diputacion—
Queer Legislation— The Mexican Congress Attempts to Make California a Penal Colony-
Liberal Colonization Laws— Captain Jedediah S. Smith, the Pioneer of Overland Travel,
Arrives— Is Arrested— First White Man to Cross the Sierra Nevadas— Coming of the
Fur Trappers— The Pattie Party— Imprisoned by Echeandia— Death of the Elder Pattie—
John Ohio Pattie's Bluster— Peg Leg Smith — Ewing Young— The Solis Revolution— A
Bloodless Battle — Echeandia's Mission Secularization Decree— He Is Hated by the Friars
— Dios y Libertad — The Fitch Romance.
CHAPTER XI.
Revolutions — The Hijar Colonists 93
Victoria, Governor — His Unpopularity — Defeated by the Southern Revolutionists — Abdi-
cates and is Shipped out of the Country — Pio Pico. Governor — Echeandia, Governor of
Abajenos (Lowers) — Zamarano of the Arribanos (Uppers) — Dual Governors and a No
Man's Land — War Clouds — Los Angeles the Political Storm Center — Figueroa Appointed
Gefe Politico — The Dual Governors Surrender — Figueroa the Right Man in the Place —
Hijar's Colonization Scheme — Padres, the Promoter — Hijar to be Gefe Politico — A Fa-
mous Ride — A Cobbler Heads a Revolution — Hijar and Padres Arrested and Deported —
Disastrous End of the Compania Cosmopolitana — Death of Figueroa.
CHAPTER XII.
The Decline and Fall of the Missions 96
Sentiment vs. History — The Friars' Right to the Mission Lands Only That of Occupa-
tion— Governor .Borica's Opinion of the Mission System — Title to the Mission Domains —
Viceroy Bucarili's Instructions — Secularization — Decree of the Spanish Cortes in 1813 —
Mission Land Monopoly — No Land for Settlers — Secularization Plans, Decrees and Regla-
mentos — No Attempt to Educate the Neophytes — Destruction of Mission Property,
Ruthless Slaughter of Cattle — Emancipation in Theory and in Practice — Depravity of the
Neophytes — What Did Six Decades of Mission Rule Accomplish? — What Became of the
Mission Estates — The Passing of the Neophytes.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Free and Sovereign State of Alta California .
Castro, Gefe Politico— Nicolas Gutierrez. Comandante and Political Chief— Chico. "Gober-
nador Propritario" — Makes Himself Unpopular — His Hatred of Foreigners — Makes
Trouble Wherever He Goes— Shipped Back to Mexico— Gutierrez Again Political Chief-
Centralism His Nemesis— Revolt of Castro and Alvarado— Gutierrez Besieged— Surrenders
and Leaves the Country— Declaration of California's Independence— El Estado Libre y
Soberano de La Alta California— Alvarado Declared Governor— The Ship of State
CONTENTS.
Launched— Encounters a Storm— The South Opposes California's Independence— Los An-
geles Made a City and the Capital of the Territory by the Mexican Congress— The Capital
Question the Cause of Opposition — War Between the North and South — Battle of San
Buenaventura — Los Angeles Captured — Peace in the Free State — Carlos Carrillo, Gov-
ernor of the South — War Again — Defeat of Carrillo at Las Flores — Peace — Alvarado
Appointed Governor by the Supreme Government— Release of Alvarado's Prisoners of
State— Exit the Free State.
CHAPTER XIV.
Decline and Fall of Mexican Domination
Hijos del Pais in Power — The Capital Question — The Foreigners Becoming a Menace —
Graham Affair — Micheltorena Appointed Governor — His Cholo Army — Commodore Jones
Captures Monterey — The Governor and the Commodore Meet at Los Angeles — Extrava-
gant Demands of Micheltorena — Revolt Against Micheltorena and His Army of Chicken
Thieves — Sutter and Graham Join Forces with Micheltorena — The Picos Unite with
Alvarado Mid Castro — Battle of Cahuenga — Micheltorena and His Cholos Deported — Pico,
Governor — Castro Rebellious — The Old Feud Between the North and the South — Los
Angeles the Capital — Plots and Counter-Plots — Pico Made Governor by President Herrera
— Immigration from the United States.
CHAPTER XV.
Municipal Government — Homes and Home Life of the Californians 114
I he ".Mm [lustre ^.yuntamiento," or Municipal Council — Its Unlimited Power, Queer Cus-
toms and Quaint Usages— Blue Laws— How Office Sought the Man and Caught Him—
Architecture of the Mission Age Not Aesthetic— Dress of the Better Class— Undress of
the Neophyte and the Peon— Fashions That Changed but Once in Fifty Years— FiliaJ
Ri pect -Honor Thy Father and Mother— Economy in Government — When Men's Pleas-
ures and Vices Paid the Cost of Governing— No Fire Department— No Paid Police— No
CHAPTER XVI.
rial Expansion b\ Co q i 119
!ii Wi in Wai Wore Slave Territory Needed— Hostilities Begun in Texas— Trouble
1 alifornia — Fremont at Monterey— Fremont and Castro Quarrel— Fremont'
Men Depart Arrival oi Lieutenant Gillespie— Follows Fremont— Fremont's Re-
Revoll Seizure of Sonoma— A Short-Lived Republic— Commodore
m\ Retreats S. uthward— Meets Pico's Advancing
North' 1 os Angeles Stockton and Fremont Invade the South— Pico and
Vainly Attempl People— Pico's Humane Proclamation— Flight of
1 ■ ;■ ■ Lo \ngeles— Issues a Proclamation— Some His-
Pul I bed in California.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVII.
Revolt of the Californians I25
Stockton Returns to His Ship and Fremont Leaves for the North— Captain Gillespie,
Comandante, in the South— Attempts Reforms— Californians Rebei— The Americans Be-
siege'd on Fort Hill— Juan Flaca's Famous Ride— Battle of Chino— Wilson's Company
Prisoners— Americans Agree to Evacute Los Angeles — Retreat to San Pedro— Cannon
Thrown into the Bay — Flores in Command of the Californians.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Defeat and Retreat of Mervine's AIex 129
Mervine, in Command of the Savannah, Arrives at San Pedro — Landing of the Troops —
Mervine and Gillespie Unite Their Forces— On to Los Angeles— Duvall's Log Book— An
Authentic Account of the March, Battle and Retreat— Names of the Killed and Wounded—
Burial of the Dead on Dead Man's Island— Names of the Commanding Officers— Flores
the Last Gefe Politico and Comandante-General — Jealousy of the Hijos del Pais — Hard
Times in the Old Pueblo.
CHAPTER XIX.
Final Conquest of California
Affairs in the North— Fremont's Battalion— Battle of Natividad— Bloodless Battle of Santa
Clara— End of the War in the North— Stockton at San Pedro— Carrillo's Strategy— A Re-
markable Battle — Stockton Arrives at San Diego — Building of a Fort — Raid on the
Ranchos — The Flag Episode — General Kearny Arrives at Warner's Pass — Battle of San
Pasqual — Defeat of Kearny — Heavy Loss — Relief Sent Him from San Diego — Ereparing
tor the Capture of Los Angeles— The March— Battle of Paso de Bartolo— Battle of La
Mesa — Small Losses— American Names of These Battles Misnomers.
CHAPTER XX.
Capture and Occupation of the Capital 141
Surrender of Los Angeles — March of the Victors — The Last Volley — A Chilly Recep-
tion— A Famous Scold — On the Plaza — Stockton's Headquarters — Emory's Fort — Fre-
mont's Battalion at San Fernando — The Flight of Flores — Negotiations with General Pico — .
Treaty of Cahuenga — Its Importance — Fremont's Battalion Enters the City — Fremont.
Governor — Quarrel Between Kearny and Stockton — Kiarny Departs for San Diego and
Stockton's Men for San Pedro.
CHAPTER XXI.
Transition and Transformation 144
Colonel Fremont in Command at Los Angeles — The Mormon Battalion — Its Arrival at
San Luis Rey, Sent to Los Angeles — General Kearny Governor at Monterey — Rival
Governors — Col. R. B. Mason, Inspector'of the Troops in California — He Quarrels with
Fremont— Fremont Challenges Him— Colonel Cooke Made Commander of the Military
24 CONTENTS.
PACE
District of the Smith— Fremont's Battalion Mustered Out— Fremont Ordered to Report
Returns to the States with Kearny— Placed Under Arrest— Court-Martialed
—Found Guilty— Pardoned by the President— Rumors ol a Mexican Invasion— Building
of a Fort— Col. J. B. Stevenson Commands in the Southern District— A Fourth of July
ration— The Fort Dedicated and Named Fort Moore— The New York Volunteers-
Company F, Third U. S. Artillery. Arrives— The Mormon Battalion Mustered Out-
Commodore Shubrick and General Kearny Jointly Issue a Proclamation to the People-
Col. R. B. Mason. Military Governor of California— A Policy of Conciliation— Varela.
Agitator and Revolutionist, Makes Trouble— Overland Immigration Under Mexican Rule—
The First Train— Dr. Marsh'? Meanness— The Fate of the Donner Party.
^ J* Jt
CHAPTER XXII.
Mexican Laws and American Officials 150
Richard A. Mason. Commander of the Military Forces and Civil Governor of California —
Civil and Military Laws — The First Trial by Jury — Americanizing the People — Perverse
Electors and Contumacious Councilmen — Absolute Alcaldes — Nash at Sonoma and Bill
Blackburn at Santa Cruz — Queer Decisions — El Canon Perdidc of Santa Barbara — Ex-
ernor Pio Pico Returns — Treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo — Peace Proclaimed — The
News Reaches California — Country Acquired by the Treaty — The Volunteers Mustered
Out.
J* ■*« J
CHAPTER XXIII.
Gold! Gold! Gold! 155
Traditii ns of Early Gold Discoveries in California — The First Authenticated Discovery —
Marshall's Discovery at Colomas— Disputed Dates and Conflicting Stories About the
Discovi r: Sutter's Account— James W. Marshall— His Story— The News Travels Slowly—
-lit— The Rush Begins— San Francisco Deserted— The Star and the
.111 Suspend Publication— The News Spreads— Sonorian Migration— Oregonians
the States— A Tea Caddy Full of Gold at the War Office,
Washington— Seeing Is Believing— Gold Hunters Come by Land and Sea— The Pacific
Mail Steamship Company— Magical Growth of San Francisco— The Dry Diggings— Some
Remarkable Yields— Forty Dollars for a Butcher Knife— Extent of the Gold Fields.
CHAPTER XXIV.
a State 162
Bennett Riley, Governor— Unsatisfactory Form of Government— Semi-Civil and Semi-Mil-
Does X< 'thing— The Slave-Holding Faction Prevents Action— Growing
" ' Co ini-11 Constitution Making— The .Great Seal— Election of
11 BuTnett, Governor— Inauguration of a State Government— The
tituted Stati The Pro-Slavery Faction in Congress— Op-
pose thi 1 Defeat 1 the Obstructionists— California Admitted into
;ne Unil ficenl Procession— California Full Grown at Birth—
The Capital Qu< 1 Losi th< Capital— Vallejo Wins— Goes to' Sacramento-
Question in the Courts— Sacramento Wins— Capitol Building
Begun in i860— Completed in 1869.
CONTENTS. 25
CHAPTER XXV.
PAGE
The Argonauts 169
Who First Called Them Argonauts — How They Came and From Where They Came —
Extent of the Gold Fields — Mining Appliances — Bateas, Gold Pans, Rockers, Long Toms,
Sluices — Useless Machines and Worthless Inventions — Some Famous Gold Rushes — Gold
Lake — Gold Bluffs — Kern River — Frazer River — Washoe — Ho for Idaho! — Social Level-
ing— Capacity for Physical Labor the Standard — Independency and Honesty of the Argo-
nauts.
CHAPTER XXVI.
San Francisco 175
The First House — A Famous Fourth of July Celebration — The Enterprise of Jacob P. Leese
— General Kearny's Decree for the Sale of Water Lots — Alcalde Bartlett Changes the
Name of the Town from Yerba Buena to San Francisco — Hostility of the Star to the
Change — Great Sale of Lots in the City of Francisca, now Benicia — Its Boom Bursts —
Population of San Francisco September 4, 1847 — Vocations of Its Inhabitants — Population
March, 1848 — Vioget's Survey — O'Farrell's Survey — Wharves — The First School House—
The Gold Discovery Depopulates the City— Reaction— Rapid Growth— Description of the
City in April, 1850 — Great Increase in Population — How the People Lived and Labored —
Enormous Rents — High Priced Real Estate — Awful Streets — Flour Sacks, Cooking Stove
and Tobacco' Box Sidewalk — Ships for Houses — The Six Great Fires — The Boom of 1853 —
The Burst of 1855— Harry Meigs— Steady Growth of the City.
J* jt Jjt
CHAPTER XXVII.
Crime, Criminals and Vigilance Committees 182
But Little Crime in California Under Spanish and Mexican Rule— The First Vigilance
Committee of California— The United Defenders of Public Safety— Execution of Alispaz
and Maria del Rosario Villa — Advent of the Criminal Element — Criminal Element in the
Ascendency— Incendiarism, Theft and Murder— The San Francisco Vigilance Committee
of 1851 — Hanging of Jenkins — A Case of Mistaken Identity — Burdue for Stuart — Arrest,
Trial and Hanging of Stuart— Hanging" of Whittaker and McKenzie— The Committee
Adjourns but Does Not Disband — Its Work Approved — Corrupt Officials — James King
of William Attacks Political Corruption in the Bulletin — Richardson killed by Cora —
Scathing Editorials— Murders and Thefts— Attempts to Silence King— King Exposes
James P. Casey's State's Prison Record— Cowardly Assassination of King by Casey—
Organization of the Vigilance Committee of 1856— Fatal Mistake of the Herald— Casey
and Cora in the Hands of the Committee— Death of King— Hanging of Casey and Cora-
Other Executions— Law and Order Party— Terry and His Chivalrous Friends— They Are
Glad to Subside — Black List and Deportations — The Augean Stable Cleaned — The Com-
mittee's Grand Parade — Vigilance Committees in Los Angeles — Joaquin Murrieta and His
Banditti— Tiburcio Vasquez and His Gang.
J* J* J*
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Filibusters and Filibustering.
The Origin of Filibustering in California— Raousset-Boulbon's Futile Schemes
ecution— William Walker— His Career as a Doctor, Lawyer and Journalist— Recruits Fili-
busters—Lands at La Paz— His Infamous Conduct in Lower California— Failure of His
CONTENTS.
Schemi \ Farcical Trial — Lionized in San Francisco — His Operations in Nicaragua-
Battles — Decree- Slavery in Nicaragua — Driven Out of Nicaragua — Tries Again — Is Cap-
tured and Shot — Crabb and His Unfortunate Expedition — Massacre of the Misguided
Adventurers — Filibustering Ends When Secession Begins.
CHAPTER XXIX.
From Gold to Grain and Fruits 199
Mexican Farming — But Little Fruit and Few Vegetables — Crude Farming Implements —
The Agricultural Capabilities of California Underestimated — Wheat the Staple in Central
California — Cattle in the South — Gold in the North — Big Profits in Grapes — Orange Culture
Begun in the South — Apples, Peaches, Pears and Plums — The Sheep Industry — The Famine
Years of 1863 and 1864 Bring Disaster to the Cattle Kings of the South — The Doom of
Their Dynasty — Improvement of Domestic Animals — Exit the Mustang — Agricultural Col-
CHAPTER XXX.
Civil War — Loyalty and Disloyalty
State Division and What Became of It — Broderick's Early Life — Arrival in California-
Enters the Political Arena — Gwin and Broderick — Duel Between Terry and Broderick-
Death of Broderick — Gwin-Latham Combination — Firing on Fort Sumter — State Loyal-
Treasonable Utterance — A Pacific Republic — Disloyalty Rampant in Southern California-
l in. hi Sentiments Triumphant — Confederate Sympathizers Silenced.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Trade, Travel and Transportation
Spanish Trade— Fixed Prices— No Cornering the Market— Mexico's Methods of Trade—
II., MM, Droghers— Trade— Ocean Commerce and Travel— Overland Routes— Overland
Stage Routes— Inland Commerce— The Pony Express— Stage Lines— Pack Trains— Camel
Caravans— The Telegraph and the Railroad— Express Companies.
Railroads 2Ig
R Iroad Scheme— The Pacific Railroad in Politics— Northern
Routes and Southern Rout in 1 Railroad in California— Pacific Railroad Rills in Con-
V Decade -1 Vgitation and No Road The Central and Union Pacific Railroads-
Ac' '" |S|'-' Subsidies The Southern Pacific Railroad System— Its Incorporation and
Charlei It- Growth and Development -The Santa Fe System— Other Railroads.
CONTENTS. 27
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The Indian Question.
The Spaniards and Mexicans Not Town Builders — Francisca. on the Straits of Carquinez,
the First American City — Its Brilliant Prospects and Dismal Failure — San Francisco — Its
Population and Expansion — Los Angeles, the Only City in California Before the Conquest
— Population and Development — Oakland, an American City — Population — Sacramento.
the Metropolis of the Mines — San Jose, the Garden City — Stockton, the Entrepot of the
Southern Alines — San Diego, the Oldest City — Fresno — Vallejo — Nevada City — Grass Val-
ley— Eureka — Marysville — Redding — Pasadena— Pomona — San Bernardino — Riverside.
229
Treatment of the Indians by Spain and Mexico— A Conquista— Unsanitary Condition of the
Mission Villages— The Mission Neophyte and What Became of Him— Wanton Outrages on
the Savages— Some So-Called Indian Wars— Extermination of the Aborigines— Indian
Island Massacre— The Mountaineer Battalion— The Two Years' War— The Modoc War.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Some Political History
Advent of the Chinese— Kindly Received at First— Given a Public Reception— The "China
Boys" Become Too Many— Agitation and Legislation Against Them— Dennis Kearney
and the Sand Lot Agitation— Kearney's Slogan, "The Chinese Must Go"— How Kearney
Went— The New Constitution— A Mixed Convention— Opposition to the Constitution—
The Constitution Adopted — Defeat of the Workingmen's Party — A New Treaty with
China— Governors of California, Spanish, Mexican and American.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Education and Educational Institution 235
Public Schools in the Spanish Era — Schools of the Mexican Period — No Schools for the
Neophytes— Early American Schools— First School House in San Francisco— The First
American Teacher — The First School Law — A Grand School System — University of the
Pacific— College of California— University of California— Stanford University— Normal
Schools.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Cities of California — Their Origin and Growth
NDEX.
A.
PAGE
Abbott, C. S 573
Adcock, J. A. G 670
Albright, Joseph 546
Alexander, Elmer P 589
Alexander, Hon. J. K 381
Allen, Thomas F 728
Alzina, Enoch 673
Anderson, C. L., M. D 502
Anderson, Capt. Gilbert L 508
Anderson, J. L 595
Andresen, J 3l9
Andrews, Perry M 54S
Andrews, Truman 299
Angell, F. A 502
Anthony, Hon. Elihu 667
Arentz, Rev. Theodore 646
Arguello, Luis L 727
Atteridge, Arthur 633
Austin, F. Sands 547
B.
Baker, William A 564
Baldwin, Alfred 271
Baldwin, Levi K 679
Barbree, J. M 288
Barbree, W. R 288
Bardin, Charles 642
Bardin, Henry 647
Barneberg, J. # W 648
Barnhardt, J. P 727
Barrett, Thomas 586
Bartholomew, Lewis L 557
Bedell, Alexander 498
Beebee, William D 347
Beebee, William L 347
Beilby, Joseph W 652
Bennett, W. C 558
Bentley, William H 653
Besse, John N 648
Besse, Milton 674
Bias, William H 512
Bierer, Benjamin B 597
Bixby, A. William, M. D 556
Black, W. W 670
Blackburn, Jacob A 297
Blackburn, Judge William 639
PAGE
Blessing Brothers 722
Bliss, Moses B 698
Bloom, Irvin T 734
Booth, A. R 306
Bosse, Henry 556
Boston, Joseph 497
Boysen, John J 558
Bradbury, Frank R 554
Brassell, Hans P 552
Bray, John H 563
Breen, John 596
Brendlin, August 654
Brewer, Lyman 548
Bridgewater, Cyrus W 553
Briggs, Hon. H. W 283
Brooks, Benjamin 554
Brooks, M. -H 562
Brooks, Truman 369
Brown, James A 492
Buffington, J. Q 562
Burke, Mrs. Mary 653
Burnett, J. K 654
Burnett, M. D 401
Butler, George 492
Butler, George R 552
C.
Call, Silas B 298
Callihan, William 568
Carr, E. M 534
Carr, Hon. Jesse D 265
Casey, William 561
Cass, James 321
Chamberlain, Charles G 277
Chaney, William 726
Chappell, Dr. J. A 530
Chappell, Thomas 605
Chope, Mrs. Nellie M 526
Clark, David C 681
Clark, George D 531
Clark, H. H., M. D 675
Clark, William W 491
Clough, David M 533
Cochran, J. D 532
Congdon, Willis R„ M. D.... 661
Cook. William A 532
Cooley, William R 545
29
PAGE
Cooper, William B 530
Corey, Hiram 465
Corey, Josiah P 282
Costello, Abraham 564
Cowles. Horace H 682
Cowles, Timothy 355
Cox, Abraham P 455
Cox, Peter 685
D.
Daugherty, G A 709
Davis, Mrs. E 456
Davis, George L 459
Davis, Hiram L 621
DeHart, William 282
Demartini, Paul B 456
Dodge, William R 433
Donati, Samuel 726
Dool, William H 721
Dooling, Hon. M. T 569
Doud, Francis 461
Driscoll, Bartholomew L 646
Eardley, B. A 593
Eaton, E. A 462
Eaton, Robert W 568
Edgar, Joseph 467
Egan, Judge Martin 467
Ehnert, August 721
Elberg, Mark 315
Elliott, William T 700
Ellis, Ozro M 400
Ely, William H 488
Enright, Joseph D 490
Estabrook, C. R 7-'o
Estudillo, Jose V 466
Esty, J. D 488
Evans, W. H 461
Fagen, Mrs. Mary E..
509
Feliz, Hon. F. P
275
Felts, J. M
468
Fiedler, John F
468
Field, Thomas J
36l
INDEX.
PAGE
Filipponi. Dennis 359
Fletcher, H. S 278
Flint. R. G 356
Flint, Thomas, Jr 719
Foreman, Solomon W 337
Foster. Jacob 720
Foster, Stephen T 44°
Fowler, James D 363
Fredson, A. H 598
Freeman, Frank W 361
Fuller, James H 676
G.
Gagnon, Michael 5-9
Galbraith, Archibald M., M. D. 274
Galligan, Peter C 73°
Garcia, A. C 7i&
Gardner. W. M 378
Cause, Frank E 377
Geil, Samuel F 551
Gibson, Alexander C 372
Gilkey, William T 37'J
Gingg, G. C 37i
Gonzales, Miss B 370
Gonzales, M. E., M. D 370
Gordon, S. B., M. D 366
Grant, Miss E. May 600
Graves, Thomas 365
Graves, Hon. William 718
Greene, Harry A 272
Greene, William E 717
Gregg, Joseph W 364
Griswold, William 309
Guthrie, Samuel 362
H.
Haight, N. H., M. D 393
Hall, Hon. James A 276
Hall. Richard F 275
Hamilton, Robert E 508
Handley, J. J 393
Hanson, S. H 655
Hardie, Angus M 384
Harloe, Capt. Marcus 289
Hartman. Isaiah 645
Hassett, Rev. P 318
Hatton. William 603
Hawkins, Thomas S 577
Hazard, Robert J 411
Hebert, Cheri 7. 523
Hebert, Zephrin 523
Helgesen, S., M. D 382
Hersom, John A 383
Higby, Hon. William 717
Hihn, Frederick A 259
Hildebrant, Noah 37«
Hill, Prof. Charles C 277
PAGE
Hill, Hon. W. J 736
Hitchcock, Benjamin 294
Hoffmann, Christian 669
Hollingsworth. Thomp-~.ui L - 208
Hollister, Hon. John H 317
Hollister, j. Hubbard 311
Holohan. Richard 384
Houghton, F. K 392
Hoyt, Hazen 388
Hudner, John L 576
Hudson, Mark A 386
Hudson, Hon. W. G 387
Hughes, Alfred 570
Hughes, M 386
Hunter, John 385
Hushbeck, Lewis 57°
Hutson, N 711
I.
Iverson, E. P 331
I verson, John 580
Iverson, J. B 331
Ivins, E. C 673
J.
Jack, R. E 304
James, William W 397
Jeff ery, James 735
Jenkins. Miss Isabelle M 396
Jessen & Petersen 396
Johnson, Hon. Charles H 295
Johnson, R. F 712
Johnson, W. G 395
Jordan, John 394
Jordan, Patrick 394
Joy, John G 267
Judd. A. N 578
K.
Kaetzel, Philip 39S
Kalar, J. D 401
Kane, John 510
Karner, Zadock 705
Km. M. R 710
Kellogg, Frank F." 316
Kellogg, Giles P 316
Kelly, Edward 513
Kennaugh, John 513
Kent, John T 300
Kerns, Mr-. Mary 511
King, James 1 485
King, Thomas A 685
K.rk, Edward W 402
Knight, Benjamin K 514
Kuhlitz, Charles 733
Kunitz, Johan E 651
Lacy. C. F 702
Lambert, Capt. T. G 402
Lamborn, Josiah W 403
Landrum, Mark L 404
Lathrop. R. P 656
Lee, Hon. Julius 405
Lee, Tom 406
Leese, David 507
Leese, Jacob P 503
Leonard, J. J. C 518
Lewis, J. J 406
Lincoln, Orlando J 517
Lindsay, Carl E 707
Linscott, John W 687
Littlefield, Edward E 407
Loeber, Henry F 536
Long, Samuel B 445
Lorenzen, Lawrence 519
Lucas, Frederick W 686
Lull, George W 417
Lynch, Sedgwick J 708
Lynskey, Walter 688
M.
-McCarthy. Charles P 706
McCollum, Joseph 6S9
McCurry, Dr. J. M 353
McDougall, James H 284
McFadden, Charles 615
McGowan, William J 447
McGuire, John A., M. D 688
McKinnon, Duncan 539
McLean, Allan 587
McManus, L. M 448
Mann, Christopher 454
Mann, Ezekiel J 710
Mann, Jackson 701
Mansfield, C. H 453
Manuel. A. A 583
Margetts, Charles U 447
Martin, Charles M 449
Martin, Hon. Edward 604
Martinelli, Louis 450
Mason, S. J., Sr 610
Mattison, Frank 524
Meadowcroft, William H 450
Meder, Moses A 698
Menke, J. H 354
Merritt, Hon. Josiah 289
Merritt, Manuel R 310
Miller, Capt. Charles F 599
Monteith, A 460
Moreland, Samuel 391
Moretti, Louis 600
Morgan. John W 606
Morcy, James 610
INDEX.
31
PAGE
Muma, B. Frank 455
Murphy, John D 702
Muscio, Abram 662
N.
Nelson, Albert 728
Nelson, Herbert 412
Nelson, Henry 408
Newsom, Davis F 443
Nichols, Urial S 611
Norris, B. F 407
o.
O'Brien, William 414
Oliver, Joseph K 413
Orcutt, Jacob H 342
Ord, George M 611
P.
Palmer, Charles A 734
Palmer, George F 570
Palmtag, Christian 430
Palmtag, William 584
Pardee, Hon. George 343
Parker, W. E 429
Parsons, George W 428
Parsons, Henry F 616
Parsons, Worthington 627
Paterson, Alexander 42S
Patten, J. A 414
Patterson, Benjamin F 731
Patton, John W 418
Payne, Ernest M 419
Peery, Joseph W 690
Pell, James A 427
Pence, Wallace M 567
Perry, Elliott D 617
Peterson, Peter 691
Pfister, Albert 312
Phillips, Thomas E 426
Phillips, W. C 426
Pickles, Shelley 424
Pierce, B. B 680
Pinho, A. G 425
Pope, Horace W 615
Porter, B. F 612
Porter, Robert 423
Porter, Warren R 696
Potter, David W 424
Prinz, Herman J. 0 420
Putnam, R. W 419
Q.
Quick, M. W 618
Quirk, Michael 535
R.
PAGE
Radcliff, Hon. George G 349
Rambo, Samuel H 658
Rankin, J. E„ M. D 706
Redman, James 622
Redman, K. F 309
Reed, Charles C 354
Reed, Charles H 430
Renison, Hon. Thomas. ....'.. 344
Rianda, Stephen 618
Ring, Joseph H 735
Riordan, Thomas J 732
Rist, Henry M 732
Robertson, Robert 658
Rodgers, James M 487
Rodrick, David 542
Rogers, Robert J 536
Rogge, Henry T 579
Romie, Charles T 689
Roselip, Albert 305
Ross, Hugh, M. D 545
Rowe, George W 586
Rowe, James H 525
Rowe, Marion T 520
Ryan, John M 583
S.
Sally, Abraham 739
Sanborn, Lucian 334
Sanborn, L. W 334
Sanborn, William A 340
Sargent, Bradley V 725
Sargent, J. P 595
Sawyer, E. A 697
Scaroni, Pio 624
Scott, J. B 590
Scott, William T 589
Sebastian, R M 697
Shackelford, R. M 588
Shelby, Granville C 622
Shipsey, William 334
Short, Cyrus 662
Simmler, Hon. J. J 281
Smith, A. W 663
Smith. Leonard J 628
Smyth, Rev. B 736
Spence, Rudolph B 664
Spencer, W. H 341
Spurrier, George F 668
Steele, Edgar W 7-'9
Steele, Hon. George 338
Stewart, Neil 585
Stocking, Joseph C 486
Stoesser, Otto 359
Stoffers, Henry 624
Storm, Christian F 738
Storm, Peter 475
PAGE
Stoters, Rev. Peter 485
Sullivan, William 482
Swanton, A. P 623
Swanton, Fred W 741
Swenson, Christian S 482
T.
Tarleton, Thomas S 629
Telleen, Charles A 481
Tennant, John 730
Therwachter, Fred 470
Thompson, Christopher 730
Thompson, Edward D 629
Thompson, Joseph A 73S
Thompson, John H 480
Thompson, Richard 627
Thompson, Uriah W 633
Tidball, Capt. Thomas T 375
Titamore, Herbert E 479
Tognazzini, A 477
Tognazzini, Peter 478
Tollett, Henry C 517
Tompkins, Heman 475
Trafton, John E 423
Trafton, William A 287
Trescony, Julius A 501
Tuttle, Daniel 472
Turtle, Iowa H 476
Turtle, Morris B 628
Tuttle, Owen 593
Tuttle, Owen S 4;-'
Tynan, Michael 471
U.
Underwood, A. R 471
Underwood, Charles 470
V.
Vanderhurst, William 293
Van Gordon, Gilbert 319
Van Gordon, Ira 318
M.-l >owell R }.^2
Villegas, Y. P 469
Vorbeck, Fritz 469
W.
Wagner. John 641
Wahrlich, William 333
Waite, H. U 436
Warden, I lor. km M 325
Warden. William II 699
Waters, James. . - 49s
Watkins, E. C
Walters. P. K.. M. D 434
David 446
1 homas J 695
INDEX.
PAGE
Weferling, Frederick E 440
Welch. Richard R 439
Werner, Charles 439
Wessel, H 43§
Whicher, John 35°
White. Almon 635
White, Edward 326
White, William A 641
Wideman, Alfred 74°
Wilder, Deloss D 630
PAGE
Wiley, Henry 3°5
Wilkins. Peter V 634
Willey, R. H 322
Williams. E. L 640
Willits, L. V 437
Wilson, Singleton W 320
Winkle, Henry 635
Wood, Hiram J 437
Wood, William F 636
Woods, Victor H 740
PAGE
Work, T. A 600
Wright, S. V 435
Y.
York, Andrew 328
Younger, Charles B 715
Younglove, C. A 446
Z.
Zabala. Pedro 303
, ■yk^t^^^v7
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
CHAPTER 1.
SPANISH EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES.
FOR centuries there had been a vague tra-
dition of a land lying somewhere in the
seemingly limitless expanse of ocean
stretching westward from the shores of Europe.
The poetical fancy of the Greeks had located in
it the Garden of Hesperides. where grew the
Golden Apples. The myths and superstitions of
the middle ages had peopled it with gorgons
and demons and made it the abode of lost souls.
When Columbus proved the existence of a
new world beyond the Atlantic, his discovery
did not altogether dispel the mysteries and su-
perstitions that for ages had enshrouded the
fabled Atlantis, the lost continent of the Hesperi-
des. Romance and credulity had much to do
with hastening the exploration of the newly dis-
covered western world. Its interior might hold
wonderful possibilities for wealth, fame and con-
quest to the adventurers who should penetrate
its dark unknown. The dimly told traditions of
the natives were translated to fit the cupidity or
the credulity of adventurers, and sometimes
served to promote enterprises that produced re-
sults far different from those originally intended.
The fabled fountain of youth lured Ponce
de Leon over many a league in the wilds of
Florida; and although he found no spring spout-
ing forth the elixir of life, he explored a rich
and fertile country, in which the Spaniards
planted the first settlement ever made within the
territory now held by the United States. The
legend of El Dorado, the gilded man of the
golden lake, stimulated adventurers to brave tin-
horrors of the miasmatic forests of the Amazon
and the Orinoco; and the search for that gold-
covered hombre hastened, perhaps, by a hun-
dred years, the exploration of the tropical re-
gions of South America. Although the myth of
Ouivira that sent Coronado wandering over des-
ert, mountain and plain, far into the interior of
North America, and his quest for the seven cities
of Cibola, that a romancing monk, Marcos de
Niza, "led by the Holy Ghost," imagined he
saw in the wilds of 1'imeria, brought neither
wealth nor pride of conquest to that adventur-
ous explorer, yet these myths were the indirect
cause of giving to the world an early km >u
of the vast regions to the .north of Mexico.
When Cortes' lieutenant, Gonzalo de Sando-
val, gave his superior officer an account of a
wonderful island ten days westward from the
Pacific coast of Mexico, inhabited by women
only, and exceedingly rich in pearls and gold,
although he no doubt derived his story from
Montalvo's romance, "The Sergias of Esplan-
dian," a popular novel of that day. yet Cortes
seems to have given credence to his subordi-
nate's tale, and kept in view the conquest of the
island.
To the energy, the enterprise ami the genius
of llernan Cortes i- due the early exploration
of the northwest coast of North America. In
[522, eighty-five years before the English
planted their first colony in America, and nearly
a century before the landing i f the Pilgrims on
Plymouth rock, Cortes had established a ship-
yard at Zacatula, the most northern port on the
Pacific • country that he had just
red. I lere he intended to build si
explore the upper coast of the South S
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Pacific Ocean was then called), but his good
fortune, that had hitherto given success to his
undertakings, seemed to have deserted him. and
disaster followed disaster. His warehouse,
filled with material for shipbuilding, that with
great labor and expense had been packed on
muleback from Vera Cruz, took fire and all was
destroyed. It required years to accumulate an-
other supply. He finally, in 1527, succeeded in
launching four ships. Three of these were taken
possession of by the king's orders for service in
the East Indies. The fourth and the smallest
made a short voyage up the coast. The com-
mander. Maldonado, returned with glowing re-
ports of a rich country he had discovered. 1 le
imagined he had seen evidence of the existence
of gold and silver, but he brought none with
him.
In 1528 Cortes was unjustly deprived of the
government of the country he had conquered.
His successor, Nuno de Guzman, president of
the royal audiencia, as the new form of gov-
ernment for New Spain (Mexico) was called, had
pursued him fur years with the malignity of a
demon. Cortes returned to Spain to defend
himself against the rancorous and malignant
charges of his enemies. He was received at
court with a show of high honors, but which in
reality were hollow professions of friendship
and insincere expressions of esteem. He was
rewarded by the bestowal of an empty title. He
was empowered to conquer and colonize coun-
tries at his own expense, for which he was to
receive the twelfth part of the revenue. Cortes
returned to Mexico ami in 1532 he had two ships
fitted out. which sailed from Acapulco, in June
of that year, up the coast of Jalisco. Portions
of the crews of each vessel mutinied. The mu-
tineers were put aboard of the vessel com-
manded by Mazuela and the other vessels, com-
manded by Hurtardo, continued the voyage as
far as the Yaqui country. Here, having landed
in search of provisions, tin- natives massacred
the commander and all the crew. The crew of
the other vessel shared the same fate lower
down the coast. The stranded vessel was after-
wards plundered and dismantled by Nuno de
(in/man, who was about as much of a savage
the predatorj and murderous natives.
In 1533 Cortes, undismayed by his disasters,
fitted out two more ship.s for the exploration
of the northern coast of Mexico. On board one
of these ships, commanded by Bercerra de Men-
doza, the crew, headed by the chief pilot, Jim-
inez, mutinied. Mendoza was killed and all
who would not join the mutineers were forced
to go ashore on the coast of Jalisco. The muti-
neers, to escape punishment by the authorities,
under the command of the pilot. Fortuno Jim-
inez, sailed westerly away from the coast of
tlie main land. After several days' sailing out
of sight of land, they discovered what they sup-
posed to be an island. They landed at a place-
now known as La Paz, Lower California. Here
Jiminez and twenty of his confederates were
killed by the Indians, or their fellow mutineers,
it is uncertain which. The survivors of the ill-
fated expedition managed to navigate the vessel
back to Jalisco, where they reported the dis-
ci lyery of an island rich in gold and pearls. This
fabrication doubtlessly saved their necks. There
is no record of their punishment for mutiny.
Cortes' other ship accomplished even less than
the one captured by the mutineers. Grixalvo,
the commander of this vessel, discovered a des-
olate island, forty leagues south of Cape San
Lucas, which he named Santo Tomas. But the
discovery that should immortalize Grixalvo, and
place him in the category with the romancing
Monk, de Xiza and Sandoval of the Amazonian
isle, was the seeing of a merman. It swam about
about the ship for a long time, playing antics
like a monkey for the amusement of the sailors,
washing its face with its hands, combing its hair
with its fingers: at last, frightened by a sea
bird, it disappeared.
Cortes, having heard of Jiminez's discovery,
and possibly believing it to be Sandoval's isle
of tin- Amazons, rich with gold ami pearls, set
about building more ships for exploration and
for the colonization of the island. He ordered
the building of three ships at Tehauntepec. The
royal audencia having failed to give him any
redress or protection against his enemy. Nuno
de Guzman, he determined to punish him him-
self. Collecting a considerable force of cava-
liers and soldiers, he marched to Chiametla.
There he found his vessel. La Concepcion, lying
1142742
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
on her beam ends, a wreck, ami plundered of
everything of value. He failed to find Guzman.
that worthy having taken a hasty departure be-
fore his arrival. His ships having conic up
from Tehauntepec, he embarked as many sol-
diers and settlers as his vessels would carry, and
sailed away for Jiminez's island. May 3, 1535,
he landed at the port where Jiminez and his fel-
low mutineers were killed, which he named
Santa Cruz. The colonists were landed on the
supposed island and the ships were sent back
to Chiametla for the remainder of the settlers.
His usual ill luck followed him. The vessels
became separated on the gulf in a storm and
the smaller of the three returned to Santa Cruz.
Embarking in it, Cortes set sail to find his miss-
ing ships. He found them at the port of Guaya-
bal, one loaded with provisions, the other dis-
mantled and run ashore. Its sailors had de-
serted and those of the other ship were aboul
to follow. Cortes stopped this, took command
of the vessels and had them repaired. When the
repairs were completed he set sail for his colony.
But misfortune followed him. His chief pile it
was killed by the falling of a spar when scarce
out of sight of land. Cortes took command of
the vessels himself. Then the ships encountered
a terrific storm that threatened their destruc-
tion. Finally they reached their destination,
Santa Cruz. There again misfortune awaited
him. The colonists could obtain no sustenance
from the barren soil of the desolate island.
Their provisions exhausted, some of them died
of starvation and the others killed themselves
by over-eating when relief came.
Cortes, finding the interior of the supposed
island as desolate and forbidding as the coast,
and the native inhabitants degraded and brutal
savages, without houses or clothing, living on
vermin, insects and the scant products of the
sterile land, determined to abandon his coloniza-
tion scheme. Gathering together the wretched
survivors of his colony, he embarked them on
his ships and in the early part of 1537 landed
them in the port of Acapulco.
At some time between 1535 and 1537 the
name California was applied to the supposed
island, but whether applied by Cortes to en-
courage his disappointed colonists, or whether
given by them in derision, is an unsettled ques-
tion. 1 he name itself is derived from a Spanish
romance, the "Sergas de Esplandian," written
by Ordonez de Montalvo and published in Se-
ville, Spain, about the year 1510, The pa ag
in which the name California occurs is as fol-
lows: "Know thai on the right hand of the In-
dies there is an island called California, very near
the terrestrial paradise, which was people 1 with
black women, without an) men among them,
because they were accustomed to live after the
fashion of Amazons. The) were of strong and
hardened bodies, of ardent courage and great
force. The island was the strongest in the
world from its steep rocks and great cliffs.
Their arms were all of gold and so were the
caparison of the wild beasts which they rode,
after having trained them, for in all the island
there is no other metal." The "steep rocks and
great cliffs" of Jiminez's island may have sug-
gested to Cortes or to his colonists some fan-
cied resemblance to tin California of Montalvo's
romance, but there was no other similarity.
For years Cortes had been fitting out ex-
peditions by land and sea to explore the un
known regions northward of that portion of
Mexico which he had conquered, but disaster
after disaster had wrecked his hopes and im-
poverished his purse. The last expedition sent
out by him was one commanded by Francisco
Ulloa', who. in 1539. with two ships, sailed up
the Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortes,
Sonora side, to its head. Thence he proceeded
down the inner coast of Lower California to
the cape at its southern extremity, which he
doubled, and then sailed up the outer coast to
Cabo del Engano, the "Cape of Deceit." Fail-
ing to make any progress against the head
winds, April 5. 1510. the two ships parted com-
pany in a storm. The smaller one. the Santa
Agueda. returned safely to Santiago. 'I In-
larger, La Trinidad, after vainly endeavoring to
continue the voyage, turned back. The fate of
Ulloa and of the vessel too. is uncertain. One
authority says he was assassinated alter n
ing the coast ' liers,
who. for some trivial can
death ; anothi r accounl saj - that
known of his fate, nor is it certain!'
;:i;
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
whether his vessel ever returned. The only
thing accomplished by this voyage was to dem-
onstrate that Lower California was a peninsula.
Even this fact, although proved by Ulloa's voy-
age, was not fully admitted by geographers until
two centuries later.
In 1540 Cortes returned to Spain to obtain, if
possible, some recognition and recompense from
the king for his valuable services. His declin-
ing years had been tilled with bitter disappoint-
ments. Shipwreck and mutiny at sea; disaster
and defeat to his forces on land; the treachery
of his subordinates and the jealousy of royal of-
ficials continually thwarted his plans and wasted
his substance. After expending nearly a million
dollars in explorations, conquests and attempts
at colonization, fretted and worried by the in-
difference and the ingratitude of a monarch foi
whom he had sacrified so much, disappointed,
disheartened, impoverished, he died at an ob-
scure hamlet near Seville, Spain, in December,
1547-
The next exploration that had something to
do with the discovery of California was that of
Hernando de Alarcon. With two ships he sailed
from Acapulco, May 9. 1540, up the Gulf of Cal-
ifornia. His object was to co-operate with the
expedition of Coronado. Coronado, with an
army of four hundred men, had marched from
Culiacan. April 22, 1540. to conquer the seven
cities of Cibola. In the early part of 1537 Al-
varo Nunez Cabaza de Vaca and three compan-
ions 1 the only survivors of six hundred men that
Panfilo de Narvaes, ten years before, had landed
in Florida for the conquest of that province)
after almost incredible sufferings and hardships
arrived in Culiacan on the Pacific coast. On
their long journey passing from one Indian tribe
to another they had seen many wondrous things
and had heard of many more. Among others
they had been told of seven great cities in a
country called Cibola that were rich in gold and
silver and precious stones.
\ Franciscan friar, Marcos de Niza, having
heard their wonderful stories determined to find
the seven cities. Securing the service of
Estevanico, a negro slave, who was one of Ca-
beza de Vaca's party, he sel out in quest of the
cities. With a number of Indian porters and
Estevanico as a guide, he traveled northward
a hundred leagues when he came to a desert
that took four days to cross. Beyond this he
found natives who told him of people four days
further away who had gold in abundance. He
sent the negro to investigate and that individual
sent back word that Cibola was yet thirty days'
journey to the northward. Following the trail
of his guide, Xiza travelled for two weeks cross-
ing several deserts. The stories of the magnifi-
cence of the seven cities increased with every
tribe of Indians through whose country he
passed. At length, when almost to the prom-
ised land, a messenger brought the sad tidings
that Estevanico had been put to death with all
of his companions but two by the inhabitants of
Cibola. To go forward meant death to the
monk and all his party, but before turning back
he climbed a high mountain and looked down
upon the seven cities with their high houses and
teeming populations thronging their streets.
Then he returned to Culiacan to tell his wonder-
ful stories. His tales fired the ambition and
stimulated the avarice of a horde of adventurers.
At the head of four hundred of these Coronado
penetrated the wilds of Pimeria (now Arizona).
He found seven Indian towns but no lofty
houses, no great cities, no gold or silver. Cibola
was a myth. Hearing of a country called Ouivira
far to the north, richer than Cibola, with part of
his force he set out to find it. In his search he
penetrated inland as far as the plains of Kansas,
but Ouivira proved to be as poor as Cibola, and
Coronado returned disgusted. The Friar tie
Niza had evidently drawn on his imagination
which seemed to lie quite rich in cities.
Alarcon reached the head of the Gulf of Cal-
ifornia. Seeing wdiat he supposed to be an in-
let, but the water proving too shallow for his
>hips to enter it. he manned two boats and
found his supposed inlet to be the mouth of a
great river. He named it Buena Guia (Good
Guide) now the Colorado. He sailed up it some
distance and was probably the first white man to
1 Fool upon the soil of Upper California. He
heard of Coronado in the interior but was unable
to establish communication with him. He de-
scended the river in his boats, embarked on his
vessels and returned to Mexico. The Yicerov
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mendoza, who had fitted out the expedition of
Alarcon, was bitterly disappointed on the re-
turn of that explorer. He had hoped to find the
ships loaded with the spoils of the seven cities.
The report of the discovery of a great river did
not interest his sordid soul. Alarcon found him-
self a disgraced man. He retired to private life
and not long after died a broken hearted man.
CHAPTER II.
ALTA OR NUEVA CALIFORNIA,
WHILE Coronado was still wandering
in the interior of the continent search-
ing for Quivira and its king, Tatar-
rax, who wore a long beard, adored a gol-
den cross and worshipped an image of the
queen of heaven, Pedro de Alvarado, one of
Cortes' former lieutenants, arrived from Guate-
mala, of which country he was governor, with a
fleet of twelve ships. These were anchored in
the harbor of Navidad. Mendoza, the viceroy,
had been intriguing with Alvarado against
Cortes; obtaining an interest in the fleet, he
and Alvarado began preparations for an ex-
tensive scheme of exploration and conquest. Be-
fore they had perfected their plans an insurrec-
tion broke out among the Indians of Jalisco, and
Pedro de Alvarado in attempting" to quell it
was killed. Mendoza fell heir to the fleet. The
return of Coronado about this time dispelled the
popular beliefs in Cibola and Quivira and put
an end to further explorations of the inland re-
gions of the northwest.
It became necessary for Mendoza to find
something for his fleet to do. The Islas de
Poiniente, or Isles of the Setting Sun (now the
Philippines), had been discovered by Magellan.
To these Mendoza dispatched five ships of the
fleet under command of Lopez de Yillalobos to
establish trade with the natives. Two ships of
the fleet, the San Salvador and the Yitoria, were
placed under the command of Juan Rodriguez
Cabrillo, reputed to be a Portuguese by birth and
dispatched to explore the northwest coasl of
the Pacific. Cabrillo sailed from Navidad, June
27, 1542. Rounding the southern extremity of
the peninsula of Lower California, he sailed up
its outer coast. August 20 he reached Cabo d< I
Engano, the most northerly point of CJlloa's ex
proration. On the 28th df September, 1542. he
entered a bay which he named San Miguel (now
San Diego), where he found "a land locked and
very good harbor." lie remained in this harbor
until October 3. Continuing his voyage he sailed
.along the coast eighteen leagues, discovering
two islands about seven leagues from the main
land. These he named San Salvador and Yitoria
after his ships (now Santa Catalina and San
Clemente). On the 8th of October he crossed
the channel between the islands and main land
and anchored in a bay which he named Bahia
de los Fumos y Fuegos, the Bay of Smokes and
Fires (now known as the Bay of San Pedro).
Heavy clouds of smoke hung over the head-
lands of the coast; and inland, fierce fires were
raging. The Indians either through accident
or design had set fire to the long dry grass that
covered the plains at this season of the year.
After sailing six leagues further up the coast
he anchored in a large ensenada or bight, now
the Bay of Santa Monica. It i- uncertain
whether he landed at either place. The next
day he sailed eight leagues to an Indian town
which he named the Pueblo de las Canoa
town of Canoes). This town was located on or
near the present site of San Buenaventura.
Sailing northwestward he passed through the
Santa Barbara' Channel, discoverin
of Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San s
Continuing up the coast lie passed a long nar-
row point of land extending into the sea, which
from its resemblance to a galley beat lie named
Cabo de la Galera, the Cape of ili'- Gallei
called Point < Baffled by head
winds, the explorers slowl) beat their way up
the coast. On the 17th of November, tin
. which the)
J, i,. I'm.. , tl Bay of Pirn 1 th Ba
Finding it impos ibl< to laud on
:;s
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
account of the heavj sea Cabrillo continued hi--
northward. Alter reaching a point on
the coast in 40 degrees north latitude, accord-
ing to his reckoning, the increasing cold and
the storms becoming more frequent, he turned
back and ran down the coast to the island of
San Miguel, which he reached November 23.
Here he decided to winter.
While on the island in October, he had broken
his arm by a fall. Suffering from his broken
arm he had continued in command. Exposure
and unskilful -urger\ caused his death. He
died January 3. 1543, ami was buried on the
island. His last resting place is supposed to
be on the shore of Curler's harbor, on the»
island of San Miguel. Xo trace of his grave
has ever been found. His companions named
the island Juan Rodriguez, but he has been
rubbed of even this slight tribute to his mem-
ory. It would be a slight token of regard if
the state would name the island Cabrillo. Saint
Miguel has been well remembered in California
and could spare an island.
I abrillo on his death bed urged Iris successor
in command, the pilot Bartolome Ferrolo, to
continue the exploration. Ferrolo prosecuted
the voyage of discovery with a courage and dar-
ing equal to that of Cabrillo. About the middle
of February he left the harbor where he had
spent most of the winter and after having made
a short voyage in search of more islands he
-ailed up the coast. February 28, he discover d
a cape which lie named Mendocino in honor of
the viceroy, a name it -till bears. Passing the
cape he encountered a fierce storm which drove
him violently to the northeast, greatl) endanger-
ing his ships. On March ist, the fog partially
lifting, he discovered a cape which he named
Blanco, in the southern part of what i- now the
-tat' of < iregon. The weather continuing stormj
and the he sailed northward,
1 .-nolo reluctantly turned back. Running
down thi reached the island of San
nte. There in a storm the ships parted
company and Ferrolo, after a search, gave up
the \ 'itoria as lost. The ships, however, came
.md from there, in
for provisions, the explorers
: Xavidad April IS, 1543. Oil the discov-
eries made by Cabrillo and Ferrolo the Span-
iards claimed the territory on the Pacific coast
of North America up to the forty-second degree
of north latitude, a claim that they maintained
for three hundred years.
The next navigator who visited California was
Francis Drake, an Englishman. He was not
seeking new lands, but a way to escape the
\engeance of the Spaniard.-. Francis Drake,
the "Sea King of Devon," was one of the brav-
est men that ever lived. Early in his maritime
life he had suffered from the cruelty and injus-
tice of the Spaniards. Throughout his subse-
quent career, which reads more like romance
than reality, he let no opportunity slip to pun-
ish his old-time enemies. It mattered little to
Drake whether his country was at peace or war
with Spain; he considered a Spanish ship or a
Spanish town his legitimate prey. On one of
his predatory expeditions he captured a Spanish
town on the isthmus of Panama named El Xom-
bre de Dios, The Name of God. Its holy name
did not protect it from Drake's rapacity. While
on the isthmus he obtained information of the
Spanish settlement.- of the South Pacific and
from a high point of land saw the South sea, as
the Pacific ocean was then called. On his re-
turn to England he announced his intention of
fitting out a privateering expedition against the
Spaniards of the South Pacific. Although Spain
and England were at peace, he received encour-
agement from the nobility, even Queen Eliza-
beth herself secretly contributing a thousand
crown towards the venture.
Drake sailed out of Plymouth harbor, Eng-
land, December 13, 1577. in command of a licet
of live small vessels, bound for the Pacific coasl
of South America. Some of his' vessel- were
lost at sea and others turned back, until when
fn emerged from the Strait- of .Magellan he had
but one left, the Pelican, lie changed its name
to the Golden Hind. It was a ship of only one
hundred ton.-' burden. Sailing up the South
Pacific coast, he spread terror and devastation
the Spanish settlements, robbing towns
and capturing ships until, in the quainl language
of a chronicler of the expedition, he "had loaded
hi- \es-el with a fabulous amount of title wares
ol Asia, precious stones, church ornaments,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39
gold plate and so mooch silver as did ballas the
Goulden Hinde."
From one treasure ship, the Caca Fuego, he
obtained thirteen chests of silver, eighty pounds
weight of gold, twenty-six tons of uncoined sil-
ver, two silver drinking vessels, precious stones
and a quantity of jewels; the total value of his
prize amounted to three hundred ami sixty
thousand pesos (dollars). Having spoiled the
Spaniards of treasure amounting to "eight hun-
dred si.xty-six thousand pesos of silver *
a hundred thousand pesos of gold * * *
and other things of great worth, he thought it
not good to return by the streight (Magellan)
* * * least the Spaniards should there waite
and attend for him in great numbers and
strength, whose hands, he being left but one
ship, he could not possibly escape."
Surfeited with spoils and his ship loaded with
plunder, it became necessary for him to find the
shortest and safest route home. To return by
the way he came was to invite certain destruc-
tion to his ship and death to all on board. At
an island off the coast of Nicaragua he over-
hauled and refitted his ship. He determined to
seek the Straits of Anian that were believed to
connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Strik-
ing boldly out on an unknown sea, he sailed
more than a thousand leagues northward. En-
countering contrary winds and the cold in-
creasing as he advanced, he gave up his search
for the mythical straits, and, turning, he ran
down the northwest coast of North America to
latitude 38°, where "hce found a harborrow for
his ship." He anchored in it June 17, 1579.
This "convenient and fit harborrow" is under
the lee of Point Reyes and is now known as
Sir Francis Drake's Bay.
Fletcher, the chronicler of Drake's voyage, in
his narrative, "The World Encompassed," says:
"The 3rd day following, viz., the 21st, our ship
having received a leake at sea was brought to
anchor neerer the shoare that her goods being
landed she might be repaired; but for that we
were to prevent any danger that might chance
against our safety our Generall first of all
landed his men with necessary provision to build
tents and make a fort for defense of ourselves
and goods; and that we might under the shel-
ter of it with more safety (whatsoever should
befall) end our business."
The ship was drawn upon the beach, careened
on its .side, caulked and refitted. While the
crew were repairing the ship the natives visited
them in great numbers. From some of their ac-
tions Drake inferred that they regarded himself
and his men as gods. To disabuse them of this
idea, Drake ordered his chaplain, Fletcher, to
perform divine service according to the English
Church Ritual and preach a sermon. The In-
dians were greatly delighted with the psalm
singing, but their opinion of Fletcher's sermon
is not known.
From certain ceremonial performance Drake
imagined that the Indians were offering him the
sovereignty of their land and themselves as sub-
jects of the English crown. Drake gladly ac-
cepted their proffered allegiance and formally
took possession of the country in the name of
the English sovereign, Queen Elizabeth. He
named it Xew Albion, "for two causes: the one
in respect of the while bankes and cliffes which
ly towardes the sea: and the other because it
might have some affinitie with our own country
in name which sometimes was so called."
Having completed the repairs to his ship.
Drake made ready to depart, but before leav-
ing "Our Generall with his company made a
journey up into the land. The inland we found
to be farre different from the shoare; a goodly
country and fruitful soyle, stored with many
blessings fit for the use of man; infinite was the
company of very large and fat deere which
there we saw by thousands as we supposed in a
heard."* They saw great numbers of small bur-
rowing animals, which they called conies, but
which were probably ground squirrels. Before
departing. Drake set up a monument to shov
thathe had taken possession of the country. To a
large post firml) sel in the ground he nailed a
brass plate on which was engraved the nai
the English Queen, the date of his arrival and the
statement thai the king and p< 1 iple 1 if thi
try had voluntarily b& of the Eng-
lish crown; a new sixpence was fastened to the
plate ti 1 shi -.', thi < )u en's likeness.
World i
10
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
After a sta\ oi thirty-six days, Drake took
his departure, much to the regret of the Indians.
He stopped at the Farallones islands for a short
time to lay in a supply of seal meat; then he
sailed for England by the v.a\ of the Cape of
Good Hope. After encountering many perils,
he arrived safely at Plymouth, the port from
which he sailed nearly three years before, hav-
ing "encompassed" or circumnavigated the
globe. His exploits and the booty he brought
back made him the most famous naval hero of
his time. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth
and accorded extraordinary honors by the na-
tion. He believed himself to be the first dis-
coverer of the country he called New Albion.
"The Spaniards never had any dealings or so
much as set foote in this country; tire utmost
of their discoveries reaching only to many de-
grees southward of this place."* The English
founded no claim on Drake's discoveries. The
land hunger that characterizes that nation now
had not then been developed.
Fifty years passed after Cabrillo's visit to Cal-
ifornia before another attempt was made by the
Spaniards to explore her coast. Through all
these years on their return voyage far out be-
yond the islands the Manila galleons, freighted
with the wealth of "Ormus and Ind," sailed
down the coast of Las Californias from Cape
Mendocino to Acapulco. Often storm-tossed
mil always scourged with that dread malady of
the sea, the scurvy, there was no harbor of ref-
uge lor them to put into because his most Cath-
olic Majesty, the King of Spain, had no money
to spend in exploring an unknown coast where
there was no return to be expected except per-
haps the saving of a few sailors' lives.
In 1593, the question of a survey of the < 'ali
fornia coast for harbors to accommodate the in-
creasing Philippine trade was agitated and Don
Luis de Vela mo, yiceroj oi New Spain, in a let-
ter dati d at Mexico, April 8, [593, thus «r tes to
hi- majest) : "In order to make the exploration
or demarcation of the harbors of this m
far as the Philippine islands, as your majesty
■ rdei , money is lacking, and if it be not taken
from the royal strong box it cannot be supplied,
A 1 irld Kncompassed.
as for some time past a great deal of money has
been owing to the royal treasury on account
oi fines forfeited to it, legal cost and the like."
Don Luis fortunately discovers a way to save
the contents of the royal strong box and hastens
10 acquaint his majesty with his plan. In a let-
ter written to the king from the City of Mexico,
April 6, 1594, he says: "I ordered the navigator
who at present sails in the flag ship, who is
named Sebastian Rodriguez Cermeno, and who
is a man of experience in his calling, one who
can be depended upon and who has means of
his own, although he is a Portuguese, there
being no Spaniards of his profession whose serv-
ices are available, that he should make the ex-
ploration and demarcation, and I offered, if he
would do this, to give him his remuneration in
the way of taking on board merchandise; and
I wrote to the governor (of the Philippines)
that he should allow him to put on board the
ship some tons of cloth that he might have the
benefit of the freight-money." The result of
Don Luis's economy and the outcome of at-
tempting to explore an unknown coast in a
hcavil) iaden merchant ship are given in a para-
graph taken from a letter written by a royal offi-
cer from Acapulco, February 1, 1596, to the
viceroy Conde de Monterey, the successor of
Yelasco: "On Wednesday, the 31st of January
of this year, there entered this harbor a vessel
of the kind called in the Philippines a viroco,
having on board Juan de Morgana, navigating
officer, four Spanish sailors, five Indians and a
negro, who brought tidings that the ship San
Agustin, of the exploring expedition, had been
lost on a coast where she struck and went to
pieces, ami that a barefooted friar and another
person of those on board had been drowned and
that the seventy men or more who embarked in
this small vessel only these came in her, be-
cause tlte captain of said ship, Sebastian Rodri-
guez Cermeno, and the others went ashore at
the port of Xavidad, and, as they understand,
have already arrived 111 that city (Mexico). An
accounl oi the voyage and of the loss of the
ship, together with the statement made under
oath by said navigating officer, Juan de Mor-
gana, accompany this. We visited officially the
vessel, finding 110 kind of merchandise on hoard.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
II
and that the men were almost naked. The ves-
sel being so small it seems miraculous that she
should have reached this country with so many
people on board." A viroco was a small vessel
without a deck, having one or two square sails,
and propelled by sweeps. Its hull was formed
from a single tree, hollowed out and having the
sides built up with planks. The San Agustin
was wrecked in what is now called Francis
Drake's Bay, about thirty miles north of San
Francisco. To make a voyage from there to
Acapulco in such a vessel, with seventy men on
board, and live to tell the tale, was an exploit
that exceeded the most hazardous undertakings
of the Argonauts of '49.
The viceroy, Conde de Monte Rey, in a let-
ter dated at Mexico, April 19, 1596, gives the
king tidings of the loss of the San Agustin. He
writes: ''Touching the loss of the ship, San
Agustin, which was on its way from the islands
of the west (the Philippines) for the purpose of
making the exploration of the coast of the South
Sea, in accordance with your Majesty's orders
to Viceroy, Don Luis de Yelasco, I wrote to
Your Majesty by the second packet (mailship)
what I send as duplicate with this." He then
goes on to tell how he had examined the offi-
cers in regard to the loss of the vessel and that
they tried to inculpate one another. The navi-
gating officer even in the viroco tried to ex-
plore the principal bays which they crossed, but
on account of the hunger and illness they expe-
rienced he was compelled to hasten the voyage.
The viceroy concludes: "Thus I take it, as to
this exploration the intention of Your Majesty
has not been carried into effect. It is the gen-
eral opinion that this enterprise should not be
attempted on the return voyage from the islands
and with a laden ship, but from this coast and
by constantly following along it." The above
account of the loss of the San Agustin is taken
from Volume II, Publications of the Historical
Society of Southern California, ami is the only
correct account published. In September, 1595,
just before the viceroy. Don Luis de Velasco,
was superseded by Conde de Monte Rey, he
entered into a contract with certain parties of
whom Sebastian Viscaino, a ship captain, was
the principal, to make an expedition up the Gulf
of California "for the purpose of fishing for
pearls." There was also a provision in the con-
tract empowering Viscaino to make explorations
and take possession of his discoveries for the
crown of Spain. The Conde de Monte Rey
seems, from a letter written to the King, to have
seriously doubted whether Viscaino was the
right man for so important an expedition, but
finally allowed him to depart. In September,
1596, Viscaino sailed up the gulf with a fleet of
three vessels, the flag ship San Francisco, the
San Jose and a Lancha. The flag ship was dis-
abled and left at La Paz. With the other two
vessels he sailed up the gulf to latitude 29°. He
encountered severe storms. At some island he
had trouble with the Indians and killed several.
As the long boat was departing an Indian
wounded one of the rowers with an arrow. The
sailor dropped his oar, the boat careened and
upset, drowning twenty of the twenty-six sol-
diers and sailors in it.
Viscaino returned without having procured
any pearls or made any important discoveries.
He proposed to continue his explorations of the
Californias, but on account of his misfortunes
his request was held in abeyance. He wrote a
letter to the king in 1 597, setting forth what
supplies he required for the voyage. His in-
ventory of the items needed is interesting, but
altogether too long for insertion here. Among
the items were "$35,000 in money"; "eighty ar-
robas of powder": "twenty quintals of lead";
"four pipes of wine for mass and' sick friars";
"vestments for the clergy and $2,000 to be in-
vested in trifles for the Indians for the purpose
of attracting them peaceably to receive the holy
gospel." Viscaino's request was not granted at
that time. The viceroy and the royal audiencia
at one time ordered his commission revoked.
Philip II died in 1598 and was succeeded by
Philip III. After five years' waiting, Yiscaino
was allowed to proceed with his explorations.
From Acapulco on the 5th of May. 1602, he
writes to the king that he is ready to sail with
his ships "for the discovery of harbors and bays
of the coast of the South Sea as far as Cape
Mendocino." "I report," lie says, "merely that
the said VicerO) (Conde de Monterey) has en-
trusted to me the accomplishment of the same
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in two ships, a lancha and a barcoluengo,
manned with sailors and soldiers and provi-
sioned for eleven months. To-day being Sun-
day, the 5th of May, I sail at five o'clock m the
nanus of God and his blessed mother and your
majesty."
\ iscaino followed the same course marked
out by Cabrillo sixty years before. November
10, 1602, he anchored in Cabrillo's Bay of San
Miguel. Whether the faulty reckoning of Ca-
brillo left him in doubt of the points named by
the first discoverer, or whether it was that he
might receive the credit of their discovery, Vis-
caino changed the names given by Cabrillo to
the islands, bays and headlands along the Cali-
fornia coast. Cabrillo's Bahia San Miguel be-
came the Bay of San Diego; San Salvador and
Yitoria were changed to Santa Catalina and
San Clemente, and Cabrillo's Bahia de los
Fumos y Fuegos appears on Yiscaino's map as
the Ensenada de San Andres, but in a descrip-
tion of the voyage compiled by the cosmog-
rapher, Cabrero Bueno, it is named San Pedro.
It is not named for the Apostle St. Peter, but
for St. reter, Bishop of Alexandria, whose day
in the Catholic calendar i.s November 26, the
day (jf the month Viscaino anchored in the Bay
of San Pedro.
Sailing up the coast, Viscaino passed through
the Santa Barbara channel, which was so named
by Antonio de la Ascencion, a Carmelite friar,
who was chaplain of one of the ships. The ex-
pedition entered the channel December 4, which
is the day in the Catholic calendar dedicated to
Santa Barbara. lie visited the mainland near
Point Concepcion where the Indian chief of a
populous rancheria offered each Spaniard who
would become .1 resident of his town ten wives.
This generous offer was rejected. December
15, 1602, In reached Point Pinos, so named 1,\
Cabrillo, and cast anchor in the ba\ formed by
its projection. This bay he named Monterey,
in honoi eroy, Conde de Monte Rev.
Many if his men were sick with the scurw and
his provisions were becoming exhausted; so,
placing the sick and disabled on the San Tomas,
he sent them b ilco; but few .if them
1 a< hed th< ii di itination. On the 3d of
January, 1603, with two ships, he proceeded on
his search for Cape Mendocino, the northern
limit of his survey. The Manila galleons on
their return voyage from the Philippines sailed
up the Asiatic coast to the latitude of Japan,
when, taking advantage of the westerly winds
and the Japan current, they crossed the Pacific,
striking the North American coast in about the
latitude of Cape Mendocino, and from there
they ran down the coast of Las Californias and
across the gulf to Acapulco. After leaving
Point Reyes a storm separated his ships and
drove him as far north as Cape Blanco. The
smaller vessel, commanded by Martin de Agui-
lar, was driven north by the storm to latitude
430, where he discovered what seemed to be
the mouth of a great river; attempting to enter
it, he wras driven back by the swift current.
Aguilar. believing he had discovered the western
entrance of the Straits of Anian, sailed for
New Spain to report his discovery. He, his
chief pilot and most of his crew died of scurvy
before the vessel reached Navidad. Viscaino,
after sighting Cape Blanco, turned and sailed
down the coast of California, reaching Acapulco
March 21, 1603.
Viscaino, in a letter to the King of Spain,
dated at the City of Mexico, May 23, 1603,
grows enthusiastic over California climate and
productions. It is the earliest known specimen
of California boom literature. After depicting
the commodiousness of Monterey Bay as a port
of safety for the Philippine ships, he says: "This
port is sheltered from all winds, while on the im-
mediate shores there arc pines. from which masts
of any desired size can 1 e obtained, as well as
live oaks and white oaks, rosemary, the vine, the
rose of Alexandria, a great variety of game, such
as rabbits, hare, partridges and other sorts and
species found in Spain. This land has a genial
climate, its waters are good and it is fertile,
judging from the varied and luxuriant growth
■ if trees and plants; and it is thickly settled with
people whom I found to be of gentle disposition,
peaceable and docile. * * * Their food con-
sists of seeds which they have in great abun-
dance and variety, and of the flesh of game such
as deer, which arc larger than cows, and hear,
ind of neal cattle and bisons ami many other
animals. The Indians are of good stature and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
13
fair complexion, the women being somewhat
less in size than the men, and of pleasing counte-
nance. The clothing of the people of the coast
lands consists of the skins of the sea wolves
(otter) abounding there, which they tan and
dress better than is done in Castile; they pos-
sess also in great quantity flax like that of Cas-
tile, hemp and cotton, from which they make
fishing lines and nets for rabbits and hares.
They have vessels of pine wood, very well made,
in which they go to sea with fourteen paddle-
men of a side, with great dexterity in very
stormy weather. * :; ; They are well ac-
quainted with gold and silver and said that
these were found in the interior."
The object of Viscaino's boom literature of
three hundred years ago was the promotion of a
colony scheme for the founding of a settlement
on Monterey Bay. He visited Spain to obtain the
consent of the king and assistance in planting
a colony. After many delays, Philip III, in
1606, ordered the viceroy of New Spain to fit
out immediately an expedition to be com-
manded by Viscaino for the occupation and set-
tlement of the port of Monterey. Before the ex-
pedition could be gotten ready Viscaino died and
his colonization scheme died with him. Had he
lived to carry out his scheme, the settlement of
California would have antedated that of James-
town, Ya., bv one year.
CHAPTER III.
COLONIZATION OF ALTA CALIFORNIA.
A HUNDRED and sixty years passed after
the abandonment of Viscaino's coloniza-
tion scheme before the Spanish crown
made another attempt to utilize its vast posses-
sions in Alta California. The Manila galleons
sailed down the coast year after year for more
than a century and a half, yet in all this long
space of time none of them so far as we know
ever entered a harbor or bay on the upper Cali-
fornia coast. Spain still held her vast colonial
possessions in America, but with a loosening
grasp. As the years went by she had fallen
from her high estate. Her power on sea and
land had weakened. Those brave old sea kings,
Drake, Hawkins and Frobisher, had destroyed
her invincible Armada and burned her ships in
her very harbors. The English and Dutch pri-
vateers had preyed upon her commerce on the
high seas and the buccaneers had robbed her
treasure ships and devastated her settlements on
the islands and the Spanish main, while the free-
booters of many nations had time and again
captured her galleons and ravished her colonies
on the Pacific coast. The energy and enterprise
that had been a marked characteristic of her
people in the days of Cortes and Pizarro were
ebbing away. The cruelty and religious intol-
erance of her kings, her nobles and her clergy,
had sapped the bravery of her people. The fear
hi her Holy Inquisition palsied effort and sub-
stituted in her people cringing for courage. For
three centuries the rack and the thumb-screw
of her Holy Office had never been allowed to
rust from disuse nor its fires to burn out for
want of victims. In trying to kill heresy her
rulers were slowly but surely killing Spain.
Proscriptive laws and the fear of the inquisition
had driven into exile the most enterprising and
the most intelligent classes of her people. Spain
was decaying with the dry rot of bigotry. ( )ther
nations stood ready to take advantage of her
decadence. Her old-time enemy, England, which
had gained in power as Spain had lost, was ever
on the alert to take advantage of her weakness;
and another power, Russia, almost unknown
among the powers of Europe when Spain was
in her prime, was threatening her possessions in
Alta California. To hold this vast country it
must be colonized, but her restrictions on com-
merce and her proscriptive laws against foreign
immigrants had shut the door to her colonial
possessions againsl colonists from all other na-
tion Her sparse settlements in Mexico could
spare no colonists. The indigenous inhabitants
II
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of California must be converted to Christianity
and made into citizens. Poor material indeed
were these degraded savages, but Spain's needs
were pressing and missionary zeal was powerful.
Indeed, the pristine courage and daring of the
Spanish soldier seemed to have passed to her
missionary priest.
The Jesuits had begun missionary work in
160.7 among the degraded inhabitants of Lower
California. With a perseverance that was highly
commendable and a bravery that was heroic,
under their devoted leaders, Salvatierra, Kino,
I '-arte. Piccolo and their successors, they
founded sixteen missions on the peninsula.
Father Kino (or Kuhn), a German Jesuit, be-
sides his missionary work, between 1694 and
1702. iiad made explorations around the head
of the Gulf of California and up the Rio Colo-
rado to the mouth of the Gila, which had clearly
demonstrated that Lower California was a pen-
insula and not an island. Although Ulloa had
sailed down the inner oast and up the outer
coasl of Lower California and Domingo del
Castillo, a Spanish pilot, had made a correct
map showing it to be a peninsula, so strong was
the belief in the existence of the Straits of
Anian that one hundred and sixty year- after
Ulloa's voyage Las Californias were still be-
lieved to be islands and were sometimes called
Lslas Carolinas, or the islands of Charles, named
so for Charles II. of Spain. Father Kino had
formed the design of establishing a chain of mis-
sions from Sonora around the head of the gulf
and down the inner coast of Lower California to
ban Lucas, lie did not live to complete
his ambitious project. The Jesuit missions of
Baja California never grew rich in Hocks and
herds. The country was sterile and the few
small valleys of fertile land around the missions
gave the padres and the neophytes al best but a
frugal return for their labors.
For years there had hem, in the Catholic
countries of Europe, a -rowing fear and dis-
trust of the Jesuits. Portugal had declared them
rnment and had banished
them in [759 from her dominions. France had
suppn ' 1 in her domains in 1764.
In [767, King (.ulos in.. |,x a pragmatic sanc-
1 red their expulsion from
Spain and all her American colonies. So great
and powerful was the influence of the order that
the decree for their expulsion was kept secret
until the moment of its execution. Throughout
all parts of the kingdom, at a certain hour of
the night, a summons came to every college,
monastery or other establishment where mem-
bers of the order dwelt, to assemble by com-
mand of the king in the chapel or refectory
immediately. The decree of perpetual banish-
ment was then read to them. They were hastily
bundled into vehicles that were awaiting them
outside and hurried to the nearest seaport,
where they were shipped to Rome. During
their journey to the sea-coast they were not al-
lowed to communicate with their friends nor
permitted to speak to persons they met on the
way. By order of the king, any subject who
should undertake to vindicate the Jesuits in writ-
ing should be deemed guilty of treason and con-
demned to death.
The Lower California missions were too dis-
tant and too isolated to enforce the king's de-
cree with the same haste and secrecy that was
observed in Spain and Mexico. To Governor
( iaspar de Portola was entrusted the enforce-
ment of their banishment. These missions were
transferred to the Franciscans, but it took time
to make the substitution. He proceeded with
great caution and care lest the Indians should
become rebellious and demoralized. It was not
until February, 1768, that all the Jesuit mis-
sionaries were assembled at La Paz; from there
they were sent to Mexico and on the 13th of
April, at Vera Cruz, they bade farewell to the
western continent.
At the head of the Franciscan contingent that
came to Bahia, Cal., to lake charge of the aban-
doned missions, was Father Junipero Scrra, a
man of indomitable will and great missionary
zeal. Miguel Jose Serra was horn on the island of
Majoriea in the year 1713. After completing his
studies in the I.ullian University, at the age of
eighteen he became a monk and was admitted
into the order of Franciscans, (hi taking or-
ders he assumed the name of Junipero (Juniper).
\.mong the disciples of St. Francis was a very
zealous and devoted monk who bore the name
of Junipero, of whom St. Francis once said,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"Would to God, my brothers, that I had a whole
forest of such Junipers." Serra's favorite study
was the "Lives of the Saints," and no doubt the
study of the life of the original Junipero influ-
enced him to take that saint's naijie. Serra's
ambition was to become a missionary, but it was
not until he was nearly forty years of age that
his desire was gratified. In 1740. he came to
Mexico and January 1, 1750, entered the College
of San Fernando. A few months later he was
given charge of an Indian mission in the Sierra
Gorda mountains, where, with his assistant and
lifelong friend, Father Palou, he remained nine
years. Under his instructions the Indians were
taught agriculture and the mission became a
model establishment of its kind. From this
mountain mission Serra returned to the city of
Mexico. He spent seven years in doing mis-
sionary work among the Spanish population of
the capital and surrounding country. His suc-
cess as a preacher and his great missionary zeal
led to his selection as president of the missions
of California, from which the Jesuits had been
removed. April 2, 1768, he arrived in the port of
Loreto with fifteen associates from the College
of San Fernando. These were sent to the dif-
ferent missions of the peninsula. These mis-
sions extended over a territory seven hundred
miles in length and it required several months
to locate all the missionaries. The scheme for
the occupation and colonization of Alta Cali-
fornia was to be jointly the work of church and
state. The representative of the state was Jose
de Galvez, visitador-general of Xew Spain, a
man of untiring energy, great executive ability,
sound business sense and, as such men are and
ought to be, somewhat arbitrary. Galvez
reached La Paz in July, 1768. lie immediately
set about investigating the condition of the
peninsula missions and supplying their needs.
This done, he turned his attention to the north-
ern colonization. He established his headquar-
ters at Santa Ana near La Faz. Here he sum-
moned Father Junipero for consultation in
regard to the founding of missions in Alta Cali-
fornia. It was decided to proceed to the initial
points San Diego and Monterey by land and sea.
Three ships were to be dispatched carrying tin-
heavier articles, such as agricultural imple-
ments, church ornaments, and a supply of provi-
sions for the support of the soldiers and priest
after their arrival in California. The expedi-
tion by land was to take along cattle and
horses to stock the country. This expedition
was divided into two detachments, the advance
one under the command of Rivera y Moncada,
who had been a long time in the country, and
the second division under Governor Caspar de
Portola, who was a newcomer. Captain Rivera
was sent northward to collect from the missions
ail the live stock and supplies that could be
spared and take them to Santa Maria, the most
northern mission of the peninsula. Stores of
all kinds were collected at La Faz. Father
Serra made a tour of the missions and secured
such church furniture, ornaments and vestments
as could be spared.
The first vessel fitted out for the expedition
by sea was the San Cailos, a ship of about
two hundred tons burden, leaky and badly con-
structed. She sailed from La Faz January <).
176(1, under the command of Vicente Vila. In
addition to the crew there were twenty-five Cat-
aionian soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant
Fages, Pedro Prat, the surgeon, a Franciscan
friar, two blacksmiths, a baker, a cook and two
tortilla makers. Galvez in a small vessel acc< im-
panied the San Carlos to Cape San Lucas, where
he landed and set to work to fit out the San
Antonio. On the 15th of February this vessel
sailed from San Jose del Cabo (San Jose of the
Cape), under the command of Juan Perez, an
expert pilot, who had been engaged in the Phil-
ippine trade. On this vessel went two Franciscan
friars, Juan Yiscaino and Francisco Gomez
Captain Rivera y Moncada, who was to pioneer
the way. had collected supplies and cattle at Yel-
icata on the northern frontier. From here, with
a small force of soldiers, a gang of neophytes
and three muleteers, and accompanied l>\ Padre
Crespi, he began his march to San Diego on the
_'4th of March, [769.
The second land expedition, commanded In
Governor Caspar de Portola in person, began
its march from Loreto, March 9, 1701,. Father
Sciia, who was to have accompanied it. was de-
tained at Loreto b) a sore leg. He joined the
expedition at Santa Maria. May 5. where it had
H;
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been waiting for him sonic time. It then pro-
ceeded to Rivera's camp at Velicata, sixty miles
further north, where Serra founded a mission,
naming it San Fernando. Campa Coy, a friar
who had accompanied the expedition tints far,
was left in charge. This mission was intended
as a frontier post in the travel between the pen-
insula missions and the Alta California settle-
ments. On the 15th of May Portola began his
northern march, following the trail of Rivera.
Galvez had named, by proclamation, St. Joseph
as the patron saint of the California expeditions.
Santa Maria w^ designated as the patroness of
conversions.
The San Antonia, the last vessel to sail, was
the first to arrive at San Diego. It anchored in
the bay April 11, 1769; after a prosperous voy-
age of twenty-four days. There she remained
at anchor, awaiting the arrival of the San Car-
los, the ilag ship of the expedition, which had
sailed more than a month before her. On the
29th of April the San Carlo,, after a disastrous
1 of one hundred and ten days, drifted
into the Hay of San Diego, her crew prostrated
with the scurvy, not enough able-bodied men
being left to man a boat. Canvas tents were
pitched and the afflicted men taken ashore.
When the disease had run its course nearly all
of the crew of the San Carlos, half of the sol-
dier- who had come on her, and nine of the
sailors of the San Antonio, were dead.
On the 14th of .May Captain Rivera y Mon-
cada's detachment arrived. The expedition had
made the journey from Velicata in fifn one
days. On the first of July the second division.
commanded bj Portola, arrived. The journej
had been uneventful. The four divisions of the
grand expedition were now united, but its num-
bers had been greatly reduced. ( >ut of two
hundred and nineteen who had set out by land
and sea onl) one hundred and twenty-six re-
mained; death from scurv} and the desertion of
the neophytes had reduced the numbers nearly
one-half. Thi the scurv) had de-
the en w of one of the vessels and
greatly crippled that of ibe other, so it was im-
possible to pri ' to Monterey, the
tive point of the expedition. A
council of the officers was held and it was de-
cided to send the San Antonia back to San Bias
for supplies and sailors to man the San Carlos.
The San Antonia sailed on the 9th of July and
after a voyage of twenty days reached her des-
tination; but short as the voyage was, half of
the crew died of the scurvy on the passage. In
early American navigation the scurvy was the
most dreaded scourge of the sea, more to be
feared than storm and shipwreck. These might
happen occasionally, but the scurvy always made
its appearance on long voyages, and sometimes
destroyed the whole ship's crew. Its appearance
and ravages were largely due to the neglect of
sanitary precautions and to the utter indiffer-
c-nce of those in authority to provide for the
comfort and health of the sailors. The interces-
sion of the saints, novenas, fasts and penance
were relied upon to protect and save the vessel
and her crew, while the simplest sanitary meas-
ures were utterly disregarded. A blind, unrea-
soning faith that was always seeking interposi-
tion from some power without to preserve and
ignoring the power within, was the bane and
curse of that age of superstition.
If the mandates of King Carlos III. and the
instructions of the visitador-general, Jose de
Galvez, were to be carried out, the expedition
for the settlement of the second point designated
(Monterey) must be made by land: accordingly
Governor Fortola set about organizing his
forces for the overland journey. On the 14th
of July the expedition began its march. It con-
sisted of Governor Tortola. Padres Crespi and
Gomez, Captain Rivera y Moncada, Lieutenant
Pedro 1 ages. Engineer Miguel Constanso. sol-
diers, muleteers and Indian servants, number-
ing in all sixty-two pers. ins.
On the 16th of Jul}", two days after th< de-
parture of Governor Portola, Father Junipero,
assisted by Padres \ iscaino and Parron, founded
the mission of San Diego. The site selected
was in what is now ( lid Town, near the tempo-
rary presidio, which had been hastily con-
structed before the departure of Governor Tor-
tola. A hut of boughs had been constructed
and in this the ceremonies of founding were
held. The Indians, while interested in what was
going on, manifested no desire to be converted.
They were willing to receive gifts, particularly
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
47
of cloth, but would not taste the food of the
Spaniards, fearing that it contained poison and
attributing the many deaths among the soldiers
and sailors to the food. The Indians had a great
liking for pieces of cloth, and their desire to
obtain this led to an attack upon the people of
the mission. On the 14th of August, taking
advantage of the absence of Padre Parron and
two soldiers, they broke into the mission and
began robbing it and the beds of the sick. The
four soldiers, a carpenter and a blacksmith ral-
lied to the defense, and after several of their
numbers had fallen by the guns of the soldiers,
the Indians fled. A boy servant of the padres
was killed and Father Yiscaino wounded in the
hand. After this the Indians were more cau-
tious.
We now return to the march of Portola's ex-
pedition. As the first exploration of the main
land of California was made by it, I give con-
siderable space to the incidents of the journey.
Crespi, Constanso and Fages kept journals of
the march. I quote from those of Constanso
and Crespi. Lieutenant Constanso thus de-
scribes the order of the march. "The setting-
forth was on the 14th day of June* of the cited
year of '69. The two divisions of the expedition
by land marched in one, the commander so ar-
ranging because the number of horse-herd and
packs was much, since of provisions and victuals
alone they carried one hundred packs, which he
estimated to be necessary t'o ration all the folk
during six months; thus providing against a
delay of the packets, altho' it was held to be
impossible that in this interval some one of
them should fail to arrive at Monterey. On
the marches the following order was observed:
At the head went the commandant with the offi-
cers, the six men of the Catalonia volunteers,
who added themselves at San Diego, and some
friendly Indians, with spades, mattocks, crow-
bars, axes and other implements of pioneers, to
chop and open a passage whenever necessary.
After them followed the pack-train, divided into
four bands with the muleteers and a competent
number of garrison soldiers for their escort with
each band. In the rear guard with the rest of
♦Evidently an error; it should be July 14th.
the troops and friendly Indians came the cap-
tain, Don Fernando Rivera, convoying the
horse-herd and the- mule herd for relays."
* * *
"It must be well considered that the marches
of these troops with such a train and with such
embarrassments thro' unknown lands and un-
used paths could not be long ones ; leaving aside
the other causes which obliged them to halt
and camp early in the afternoon, that is to say,
the necessity of exploring the land one day for
the next, so as to regulate them (the marches)
according to the distance of the watering-places
and to take in consequence the proper precau-
tions; setting forth again on special occasions
in the evening, after having given water to the
1, easts in that same hour upon the sure informa-
tion that in the following stretch there was no
water or that the watering place was low, or the
pasture scarce. The restings were measured by
the necessity, every four days, more or less,
according to the extraordinary fatigue occa-
sioned by the greater roughness of the road,
tlie toil of the pioneers, or the wandering off of
the beasts which were missing from the horse
herd and which it was necessary to seek by their
tracks. At other times, by the necessity of
humoring the sick, when there were any, and
with time there were many who yielded up their
strength to the continued fatigue, the excessive
heat and cruel cold. In the form and according
to the method related the Spaniard- executed
their marches; traversing immense lands more
fertile and more pleasing in proportion as they
penetrated more to the north. Al! in general are-
peopled with a multitude of Indians, who came
out to meet them and in some parts accompa-
nied them from one sta^c of the journey to the
next; a folk very docile and tractable chiefly
from San Diego onward."
Constanso's description of the Indians of
Santa Barbara will be found in the chapter on the
"Aborigines of California." "From the chan-
nel of Santa Barbara onward the lands arc not
so populous nor the Indian- so industrious, but
they are equally affable and tractable. The
Spaniards pursued their voyage without opposi
tion up to the Sierra ol Santa Lucia, which they
contrived to cross with much hardship. At the
■IS
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
loot of said Sierra on the north side is to be
found the port of .Monterey, according to an-
cient reports, between the Point of Pines and
that of Aiio Nuevo (New Year). The Spaniards
caught sight of said points on the ist of October
of the year '69, and, believing they had arrived
al the end of their voyage, the commandant sent
the scouts forward to reconnoitre the Point of
Pines; in whose near vicinity lies said Port in
36 degrees and 40 minutes North Latitude. But
the scant tokens and equivocal ones which are
given of it by the Pilot Cabrera Bueno, the only
clue of this voyage, and the character of this
Port, which rather merits the name of Bay,
being spacious (in likeness to that of Cadiz),
not corresponding with ideas which it is natural
to form in reading the log of the aforemen-
tioned Cabrera Bueno, nor with the latitude of
37 degrees in which he located it, the scouts were
persuaded that the Port must be farther to the
north and they returned to the camp which our
people occupied with the report that what they
sought was not to be seen in those parts."
They decided that the Port was still further
north and resumed their march. Seventeen of
their number were sick with the scurvy, some of
whom, Constanso says, seemed to be in their
last extremity; these had to be carried in lit-
ters. To add to their miseries, the rains began
in the latter part of October, and with them
came an epidemic of diarrhea, "which spread to
all without exception; and it came to be feared
that this sickness which prostrated their powers
and left the persons spiritless, would finish with
the expedition altogether. Put it turned out
quite to the contrary." Those afflicted with the
scurvy began to mend and in a short time they
were rest iredto health, Constanso thus describes
the discovery of the Bay of San Francisco:
"The lasl 1 of ictoberthe Expedition by land
came in sight of Punta de Los Reyes and the
Farallones of the Port of San Francisco, whose
landmarks, compared with those related by
! 'ill 1 l 1I1: era Bueno, were found
Thereupon it became of evident knowl-
hai thi Porl of Mi mterej had been left
behind; there being few who stuck to the
-> opinion. Nevertheless the comman
ilant resolved to send to reconnoitre the
land as far as Point de los Reyes. The scouts
who were commissioned for this purpose found
themselves obstructed by immense estuaries,
which run extraordinarily far back into the land
and were obliged to make great detours to get
around the heads of these. * * Having
arrived at the end of the first estuary and recon-
noitered the laud that would have to be followed
to arrive at the Point de Los Reyes, interrupted
with new estuaries, scant pasturage and fire-
wood and having recognized, besides this, the
uncertainty of the news and the misapprehen-
sion the scouts had labored under, the com-
mandant, with the advice of his officers, resolved
upon a retreat to the Point of Pines in hopes of
finding the Port of Monterey and encountering
in it the Packet San Jose or the San Antonia,
whose succor already was necessary; since of
the provisions which had been taken in San
Diego no more remained than some few sacks of
Hour of which a short ration was issued to each
individual daily."
"< In the eleventh day of November was put
into execution the retreat in search of Mon-
terey. The Spaniards reached said port and
the Point of Pines on the 28th of Novem-
ber. They maintained themselves in this place
until the 10th of December without any ves-
sel having appeared in this time. For which
reason and noting also a lack of victuals, and
that the sierra of Santa Lucia was covering
itself with snow, the commandant, Don Caspar
de Portola, saw himself obliged to decide to
continue the retreat unto San Diego, leaving
it until a better occasion to return to the enter-
prise. On this retreat the Spaniards experi-
enced some hardships and necessities, because
they entirely lacked provisions, and because the
long marches, which necessity obliged to make
to reach San Diego, gave no time for seeking
sustenance by the chase, nor did game abound
equallj everywhere. At this juncture they killed
twelve mules of the pack-train on whose meat
the folk nourished themselves unto San Diego,
at which new establishment they arrived, all in
health, on the 24th of January, 1770."
The San Jose, the third ship fitted out by
Visitador-General Galvez, and which Governor
Portola expected to find in the Bay of Monte-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in
rey, sailed from San Jose del Cabo in May,
1770, with supplies and a double crew to sup-
ply the loss of sailors on the other vessels, but
nothing was ever heard of her afterwards. Pro-
visions were running low at San Diego, no ship
had arrived, and Governor Portola had decided
to abandon the place and return to Loreto.
Father Junipero was averse to this and prayed
unceasingly for the intercession of Saint Joseph,
the patron of the expedition. A novena or nine
days' public prayer was instituted to terminate
with a grand ceremonial on March 19th, which
was the saint's own day. But on the 23rd of
March, when all were ready to depart, the
packet San Antonia arrived. She had sailed
from San Bias the 20th of December. She en-
countered a storm which drove her four hun-
dred leagues from the coast; then she made
iand in 35 degrees north latitude. Turning her
prow southward, she ran down to Point Concep-
cion, where at an anchorage in the Santa Bar-
bara channel the captain, Perez, took on water
and learned from the Indians of the return of
Portola's expedition. The vessel then ran down
to San Diego, where its opportune arrival
prevented the abandonment of that settle-
ment.
With an abundant supply of provisions and a
vessel to carry the heavier articles needed in
forming a settlement at Monterey, Portola or-
ganized a second expedition. This time he took
with him only twenty soldiers and one officer,
Lieutenant Pedro Fages. He set out from San
Diego on the 17th of April and followed his trail
made the previous year. Father Serra and the
engineer, Constanso, sailed on the San Antonia,
which left the port of San Diego on the 16th of
April. The land expedition reached Monterey
on the 23d of May and the San Antonia on the
31st of the same month. On the 3d of June,
1770, the mission of San Carlos Borromeo de
Monterey was formally founded with solemn
church ceremonies, accompanied by the ringing
of bells, the crack of musketry and the roar of
cannon. Father Serra conducted the church
services. Governor Portola took possession of
the land in the name of King Carlos III. A
presidio or fort of palisades was built and a few
huts erected. Portola, having formed the nu-
cleus of a settlement, turned over the command
of the territory to Lieutenant Fages. On the
9th of July, 1770, he sailed on the San Antonia
for San Bias. He never returned to Alta Cali-
fornia.
CHAPTER IV.
ABORIGINES OF CALIFORNIA.
WHETHER the primitive California In-
dian was the low and degraded being
that some modern writers represent
him to have been, admits of doubt. A mis-
sion training continued through three gen-
erations did not elevate him in morals at least.
When freed from mission restraint and brought
in contact with the white race he lapsed into a
condition more degraded and more debased than
that in which the missionaries found him.
Whether it was the inherent fault of the Indian
or the fault of his training is a question that is
useless to discuss now. If we are to believe the
accounts of the California Indian given by Vis-
caino and Constanso, who saw him before he
had come in contact with civilization he was not
inferior in intelligence to the nomad aborigines
of the country east of the Rocky mountains.
Sebastian Viscafno thus describes the In-
dians he found on the shores of Monterey Bay
three hundred years ago:
"The Indians are of good stature and fair
complexion, the women being somewhat less in
size than the men and of pleasing countenance.
The clothing of the people of the coast lands
consists of the skins of the sea-wolves (otter)
abounding there, which they tan and dress bet-
ter than is done in Castile; they possess also,
in great quantity, flax like thai of Castile, hemp
and cotton, from which they make fishing-lines
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL Rll'URU.
- for rabbits and hares. They have ves-
pine wood very well made, in which they
go to sea with fourteen paddle men on a side
with great dexterity, even in stormy weather."
Indians who could construct boats of pine
boards that took twenty-eight paddle men to
row were certainly superior in maritime craft
to the birch bark canoe savages of the east.
We might accuse Yiscaino, who was trying to
induce King Philip III. to found a colony on
Monterey Bay, of exaggeration in regard to
the Indian boats were not his statements con-
firmed by the engineer, Miguel Constansc'>, who
accompanied Portola's expedition one hundred
and sixty-seven years after Yiscaino visited the
coast. Constanso, writing of the Indians of the
Santa Barbara Channel, says, "The dexterity
and skill of these Indians is surpassing in the
construction of their launches made of pine
planking. They are from eight to ten varas
(twenty-three to twenty-eight feet) in length,
including their rake and a vara and a half (four
feet three inches) beam. Into their fabric enters
no iron whatever, of the use of which they know
little. But the) fasten the boards with firmness,
one to another, working their drills just so far
apart and at a distance of an inch from the edge,
the holes in the upper boards corresponding
with those in the lower, and through these holes
they pass strong lashings of deer sinews. They
pitch and calk the seams, and paint the whole
in sightly colors. They handle the boats with
equal cleverness, and three or four men go out
to sea to fish in them, though they have capacity
to carry eight or ten. They use long oars with
two blade- and row with unspeakable lightness
and velocity. The) know all the arts of fishing,
and fish abound along their coasts as has bet n
["he; have communication
and commerce with the native- of the islands,
whence they gel tin '■• ol coral which are
current in pla through these lands,
although they hold in more esteem the glass
which the Spaniards gave them, and of-
fered in exchange for these whatever the) had
like trays, otter skins, baskets and wooden
* *
"They are likewise great hunters. To kill
dee: and antelope they avail themselves of an
admirable ingenuity. They preserve the hide
of the head and part of the neck of some one
of these animals, skinned with care and leaving
the horns attached to the same hide, which they
stuff with grass or straw to keep its shape.
They put this said shell like a cap upon the head
and go forth to the woods with this rare equip-
age. On sighting the deer or antelope they go
dragging themselves along the ground little by
little with the left hand. In the right they carry
the bow and four arrows. They lower and raise
the head, moving it to one side and the other,
and making other demonstration:, so like these
animals that they attract them without difficulty
to the snare; and having them within a short
distance, they discharge their arrows at them
with certainty of hitting."
In the two chief occupations of the savage,
hunting and fishing, the Indians of the Santa
Barbara Channel seem to have been the equals
if not the superiors of their eastern brethren.
In the art of war they were inferior. Their
easy conquest by the Spaniards and their tame
subjection to mission rule no doubt had much
to do with giving them a reputation for infe-
riority.
The Indians of the interior valleys and those
of the coast belonged to the same general fam-
ily. There were no great tribal divisions like
those that existed among the Indians east of the
Rocky mountains. Each rancheria was to a
certain extent independent of all others, al-
though at times they were known to combine
for war or plunder. Although not warlike, they
sometimes resisted the whites in battle with
great bravery. Each village had its own terri-
tory in which to hunt and fish and its own sec-
tion in which to gather nuts, seeds and herbs.
While their mode of living was somewhat no-
madic the) seem to have had a fixed location for
their rancherias.
The early Spanish settlers of California and
the mission padres have left but very meager
accounts of the manners, customs, traditions,
government and religion of the aborigines. The
pa Ires were too intent upon driving out the old
religious beliefs of the Indian and instilling new
lines to care much what the aborigine had for-
merly believed or what traditions or myths he
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r,l
had inherited from his ancestors. They ruth-
lessly destroyed his fetiches and his altars
wherever they found them, regarding them as
inventions of the devil.
The best account that has come down to us
of the primitive life of the Southern California
aborigines is found in a series of letters written
by Hugo Rcid and published in the Los An-
geles Star in 1851-52. Reid was an educated
Scotchman, who came to Los Angeles in 1834.
He married an Indian woman. Dona Victoria, a
neophyte of the San Gabriel mission. She was
the daughter of an Indian chief. It is said that
Reid had been crossed in love by some high
toned Spanish seriorita and married the Indian
woman because she had the same name as his
lost love. It is generally believed that Reid was
the putative father of Helen Hunt Jackson's
heroine, Ramona.
From these letters, now in the possession of
the Historical Society of Southern California,
I briefly collate some of the leading character-
istics of the Southern Indians:
GOVERNMENT.
"Before the Indians belonging to the greater
part of this country were known to the whiles
they comprised, as it were, one great family
under distinct chiefs; they spoke nearly the same
language, with the exception of a few words,
and were more to be distinguished by a local
intonation of the voice than anything else. Be-
ing related by blood and marriage war was
never carried on between them. When war was
consequently waged against neighboring tribes
of no affinity it was a common cause.*'
"Die government of the people was invested
in the hands of their chiefs, each captain com-
manding his own lodge. The command was
hereditary in a family. If the right line of de-
scent ran out they elected one of the same kin
nearest in blood. Laws in general were made
as required, with some few standing ones. Rob-
bery was never known among them. Murder
was of rare occurrence and punished with death.
Incest was likewise punished with death, being
held in such abhorrence that marriages between
kinsfolk were not allowed. The manner of put-
ting to death was by shooting the delinquent
with arrows. If a quarrel ensued between two
parties the chief of the lodge took cognizance
111 the case and decided according to the testi-
mony produced. But if a quarrel occurred
between parties of distinct lodges, each chief
heard the witnesses produced by his own people,
and then, associated with the chief of the oppo-
site side, they passed sentence. In case the)
could not agree an impartial chief was called in,
who heard the statements made by both ami lie
alone decided. There was no appeal from his de-
cision. Whipping was never resorted to as a
punishment. All fines and sentences consisted in
delivering shells, money, food and skins."
"They believed in one God, the Maker and
Creator of all things, whose name was and is
held so sacred among them as hardly ever to be
used, and when used only in a low voice. That
name is Oua-o-ar. When they have to use the
name of the supreme being on an ordinary oc-
casion they substitute in its stead the word
V-yo-ha-rory-nain or the Giver of Life. They
have only one word in designate life and
si ml."
"The world was at one time in a state of chaos,
until God gave it its present formation, fixing
it on the shoulders of seven giants, made ex-
pressly for this end. They have their names,
and when they move themselves an earthquake
is the consequence. Animals were then formed,
and lastly man and woman were formed, separ-
ately from earth and ordered to live together.
The man's name was Tobahar and the woman's
Probavit. God ascended to Heaven immediately
afterward, where he receives the souls of all who
die. They had no bad spirits connected with
their creed, and never heard of a 'devil' or a
'hell' until the coming of the Spaniards. They
believed in 110 resurrection whatever"
"Chiefs had one. two or three wives, as their
inclination dictated, the subjects onl) one. When
a person wished to marry and had -el
suitable partner, lie advertised the same to all
his relatives, even to the nineteenth cousin ' m
a day appointed the male portion of the lodge
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
brought in a collection of money heads. All the
relations having come in with their share,
the) (the males) proceeded in a body to the resi-
dence of the bride, to whom timely notice had
been given. All of the bride's female relations
had been assembled and the money was equally
divided among them, the bride receiving noth-
ing, as it was a sort of purchase. After a few
davs the bride's female relations returned the
compliment by taking to the bridegroom's
dwelling baskets of meal made of chia, which
was distributed among the male relatives. These
preliminaries over, a day was fixed for the cere-
mony, which consisted in decking out the bride
in innumerable strings of beads, paint, feathers
and skins. ( )n being ready she was taken up
in the arms of one of her strongest male rela-
tives Alio carried her. dancing, towards her
lover's habitation. All of her family, friends and
neighbors accompanied, dancing around, throw-
ing food and edible seeds at her feet at every
step. These were collected in a scramble by the
spectators as best they could. The relations
of the bridegroom met them half way. and, tak-
ing the bride, carried her themselves, joining in
the ceremonious walking dance. ( )n arriving at
the bridegroom's (who was sitting within his
hut) she was inducted into her new residence by
being placed alongside of her husband, while
baskets of seeds were liberally emptied on their
heads to denote blessings and plenty. This was
likewise scrambled for by the spectators, who,
on gathering up all the bride's seed cake, de-
parted, leaving them to enjoy their honeymoon
according to usage. A -rand dance was given
on the occasion, the warriors doing the danc-
ing, the young women doing the singing. The
wife never visited her relatives from that day
forth, although they were at liberty to visit her."
"When a person died all the kin collected to
mourn his or her loss. Each one had his own
peculiar mode of crying or howling, as easil) dis
tinguished the one from the other as one song
is from another. After lamenting awhile a
mourning dirge was sung in a low whining tone.
panied by a shrill whistle produced by
blowing into the tube of a deer's leg hone.
Dancing can hardly be said to have formed a
part of the rites, as it was merely a monotonous
action of the foot on the ground. This was con-
tinued alternately until the body showed signs
of decay, when it was wrapped in the covering
used in life. The hands were crossed upon the
breast and the body tied from head to foot. A
grave having been dug in their burial ground,
the body was deposited with seeds, etc., accord-
ing to the means of the family. If the deceased
were the head of the family or a favorite son,
the hut in which he lived was burned up, as
likewise were all his personal effects."
FEUDS THE SONG FIGHTS.
"Animosity between persons or families was
of long duration, particularly between those of
different tribes. These feuds descended from
father to son until it was impossible to tell of
how many generations. They were, however,
harmless in themselves, living merely a war of
songs, composed and sung against the conflict-
ing party, and they were all of the most obscene
and indecent language imaginable. There are
two families at this day (1851) whose feud com-
menced before the Spaniards were ever dreamed
of and they still continue singing and dancing
against each other. The one resides at the mis-
sion of San Gabriel and the other at San Juan
Capistrano; they both lived at San Bernardino
when the quarrel commenced. During the sing-
ing they continue stamping on the ground to
express the pleasure they would derive from
tramping on the graves of their foes. Eight days
was the duration of the song fight."
UTENSILS.
"From the bark of nettles was manufactured
thread for nets, fishing lines, etc. Needles, fish-
hooks, awls and many other articles were made
of either hone or shell; for cutting up meat a
knife of cane was invariably used. Mortars and
pestles were made of granite. Sharp stones and
perseverance were the only things used in their
manufacture, and so skillfully did they combine
the two that their work was always remarkably
uniform. Their pots 1,, cook in were made of
soapstone of about an inch in thickness and
procured from the Indians of Santa Catalina.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Their baskets, made out of a certain species of
rush, were used only for dry purposes, although
they were water proof. The vessels in use for
liquids were roughly made of rushes and plas-
tered outside and in with bitumen or pitch."
INDIANS OF THE SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL.
Miguel Constanso, the engineer who accom-
panied Portola's expedition in 1769, gives us the
best description of the Santa Barbara Indians
extant.
"The Indians in whom was recognized more
vivacity and industry are those that inhabit the
islands and the coast of the Santa Barbara
channel. They live in pueblos (villages) whose
houses are of spherical form in the fashion of a
half orange covered with rushes. They are up
to twenty varas (fifty-five feet) in diameter. Each
house contains three or four families. The
hearth is in the middle and in the top of the
house they leave a vent or chimney to give exit
for the smoke. In nothing did these gentiles
give the lie to the affability and good treatment
which were experienced at their hands in other
times (1602) by the Spaniards who landed upon
those coasts with General Sebastian Vizcayno.
They are men and women of good figure and as-
pect, very much given to painting and staining
their faces and bodies with red ochre.
"They use great head dresses of feathers and
some panderellas (small darts) which they bind
up amid their hair with various trinkets and
beads of coral of various colors. The men go
entirely naked, but in time of cold they sport
some long capes of tanned skins of nutrias (ot-
ters) and some mantles made of the same skins
cut in long strips, which they twist in such a
manner that all the fur remains outside: then
they weave these strands one with another,
forming a weft, and give it the pattern referred
to.
"The women go with more decency, girt
about the waist with tanned skins of deer which
cover them in front and behind more than half
down the leg, and with a mantelet of nutria over
the body. There are some of them with good
features. These are the Indian women win.
make the trays and vases of rushes, to which
they give a thousand different forms and grace-
ful patterns, according to the uses to which they
are destined, whether it be for eating, drinking,
guarding their seeds, or for other purposes; for
these peoples do not know the use of earthen
ware as those of San Diego use it.
"The men work handsome trays of wood, with
finer inlays of coral or of bone: and some vases
of much capacity, closing at the mouth, which
appear to be made with a lathe — and with this
machine they would not come out better hol-
lowed nor of more perfect form. They give, the
whole a luster which appears the finished handi-
work of a skilled artisan. The large vessels
which hold water are of a very strong weave of
rushes pitched within: and they give them the
same form as our water jars.
"To eat the seeds which they use in place of
bread they toast them first in great trays, put-
ting among the seeds some pebbles or small
stones heated until red: then they move and
shake the tray so it may not burn ; and getting
the seed sufficiently toasted they grind it in mor-
tars or almireses of stone. Some of these mor-
tars were of extraordinary size, as well wrought
as if they had had for the purpose the best steel
tools. The constancy, attention to trifles, and
labor which they employ in finishing these pieces
are well worth}- of admiration. The mortars are
so appreciated among themselves that for those
who, dying, leave behind such handiworks, they
are wont to place them over the spot where they
are buried, that the memory of their skill and
application may not be lost.
"They inter their dead. They have their cem-
eteries within the very pueblo. The funerals of
their captains they make with great pump, and
set up over their bodies some rods or poles, ex-
tremely tall, from which they hang a variety of
utensils and chattels which were used by them.
They likewise put in the same place some great
planks of pine, with various paintings and fig-
ures in which without doubt they explain the
exploits and prowesses of the personage.
"Plurality of wives is not lawful among these
peoples. Only the captains have a right t"
marry two. In all their pueblos the attention
was taken by a species of men who lived like the
women, kept company with them, dressed in the
same garb, adonted themselves with bead-, pen-
.-,1
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dants, necklaces and other womanish adorn-
ments, and enjoyed great consideration among
the people. The lack ot an interpreter did not
permit us to find out what class of men they
were, or to what ministry they were destined,
though all suspect a defect in sex, or some
abuse among those gentiles.
"In their houses the married couples have
their separate beds on platforms elevated from
the ground. Their mattresses arc some simple
petates (mats) of rushes and their pillows are
of the same petates roiled up at the head of the
bed. Ail these beds are hung about with like
mats, which serve for decency and protect from
the cold."
From the descriptions given by Yiscaino and
Constanso of the coast Indians they do not ap-
pear to have been the degraded creatures that
some modern writers have pictured them. In
mechanical ingenuity they were superior to the
Indians of the Atlantic seaboard or those of the
Mississippi valley. Much of the credit that has
been given to the mission padres for the patient
training they gave the Indians in mechanical
arts should be given to the Indian himself. He
was no mean mechanic when the padre- took
him in hand.
Bancroft says "the Northern California In-
dians were in every way superior to the central
and southern tribes." The difference was more
in climate than in race. Those of Northern Cal-
ifornia living in an invigorating climate were
more active and more warlike than their
sluggish brethren of the south. They gained
their living by hunting larger game than
tlio-c i if the south whose subsistence was derived
from acorns, seeds, small game and fish.
Those of the interior valleys of the north were
of ligln< r ' i mple ii in and had better forms and
features than their southern kinsmen. They
divided into numerous small tribes or
clans, like those of central and Southern Cali-
i irnia. Tin Spaniards never penetrated very
far into the Indian country of the north and
quently know little or nothing about the
and customs of the aborigines there.
the discover) of gold the miner- invaded
their country in search of the precious metal.
The Indians at first were not hostile, but ill
treatment soon made them so. When they re-
taliated on the whites a war of extermination
was waged against them. Like the mission In-
dians of the south they are almost extinct.
All of the coast Indians seem to have had
some idea of a supreme being. The name dif-
fered with the different tribes. According to
Hugo Reid the god of the San Gabriel Indian
was named Ouaoar. Father Boscana, who
wrote "A Historical Account of the Origin,
Customs and Traditions of the Indians" at the
missionary establishment of San Juan Capis-
trano, published in Alfred Robinson's "Life in
California," gives a lengthy account of the relig-
ion of those Indians before their conversion to
Christianity. Their god was Chinigchinich. Evi-
dently the three old men from whom Boscana
derived his information mixed some of the
religious teachings of the padres with their
own primitive beliefs, and made up for the father
a nondescript religion half heathen and half
Christian. Boscana was greatly pleased to find
so many allusions to Scriptural truths, evidently
never suspecting that the Indians were imposing
upon him.
The religious belief of the Santa Barbara
Channel Indians appears to have been the most
rational of any of the beliefs held by the Cali-
fornia aborigines. Their god, Chupu, was the
deification of good; and Nunaxus, their Satan,
the personification of evil. Chuputhe all-powerful
created Nunaxus, who rebelled against his cre-
ator and tried to overthrow him; but Chupu, the
almighty, punished him by creating man who, by
devouring the animal and vegetable products of
the earth, checked the physical growth of
Nunaxus, who had hoped by liberal feeding to
become like unto a mountain. Foiled in his am-
bition, Nunaxus ever afterwards sought to in-
jure mankind. To secure Chupu's protection,
offerings were made to him and dances were
instituted in his honor. Mutes and other in-
struments were played to attract his attention.
When Nunaxus brought calamity upon the In-
dians in the shape of dry years, which caused a
dearth of animal and vegetable products, or sent
- to afllicl them, their old men interceded
with Chupu to protect them: and to exorcise
their Satan they shot arrows and threw
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stones in the direction in which he was sup-
posed to be.
Of the Indian myths and traditions Hugo
Reid says: "They were of incredible length
and contained more metamorphoses than Ovid
could have engendered in his brain had he lived
a thousand years."
The Cahuilla tribes who formerly inhabited
the mountain districts of the southeastern part
of the state had a tradition of their creation. Ac-
cording to this tradition the primeval Adam and
Eve were created by the Supreme Being in the
waters of a northern sea. They came up out
of the water upon the land, which they found to
be soft and miry. They traveled southward for
many moons in search of land suitable for their
residence and where they could obtain susten-
ance from the earth. This they found at last on
the mountain sides in Southern California.
Some of the Indian myths when divested of
their crudities and ideas clothed in fitting
language are as poetical as those of Greece or
Scandinavia. The following one which Hugo
Reid found among the San Gabriel Indians
bears a striking resemblance to the Grecian
myths of Orpheus and Eurydice but it is not at
all probable that the Indians ever heard the
Grecian fable. Ages ago, so runs this Indian
myth, a powerful people dwelt on the banks of
the Arroyo Seco and hunted over the hills and
plains of what are now our modern Pasadena
and the valley of San Fernando. They com-
mitted a grievous crime against the Great Spirit.
A pestilence destroyed them all save a boy and
girl who were saved by a foster mother pos-
sessed of supernatural powers. They grew to
manhood and womanhood and became husband
and wife. Their devotion to each other angered
the foster mother, who fancied herself neglected.
She plotted to destroy the wife. The young
woman, divining her fate, told her husband that
should he at any time feel a tear drop on his
shoulder, he might know that she was dead.
While he was away hunting the dread signal
came. He hastened back to destroy the hag who
had brought death to his wife, but the sorceress
had escaped. Disconsolate he threw himself on
the grave of his wife. For three days he neither
ate nor drank. On the third day a whirlwind
arose from the grave and moved toward the
south. Perceiving in it the form of his wife, he
hastened on until he overtook it. Then a voice
came out of the cloud saying: "Whither I go,
thou canst not come. Thou art of earth but I
am dead to the world. Return, my husband,
return!" He plead piteously to be taken with
her. She consenting, he was wrapt in the cloud
with her and borne across the illimitable sea that
separates the abode of the living from that of
the dead. When they reached the realms of
ghosts a spirit voice said: "Sister, thou comest
to us with an odor of earth; what dost thou
bring?" Then she confessed that she had
brought her living husband. "Take him away!"
said a voice stern and commanding. She plead
that he might remain and recounted his many
virtues. To test his virtues, the spirits gave him
four labors. First to bring a feather from the
top of a pole so high that its summit was in-
visible. Xext to split a hair of great length and
exceeding fineness ; third to make on the ground
a map of the constellation of the lesser bear and
locate the north star and last to slay the celestial
deer that had the form of black beetles and were
exceedingly swift. With the aid of his wife he
accomplished all the tasks.
But ne) mortal was allowed to dwell in the
abodes of death. "Take thou thy wife and re-
turn with her to the earth." said the spirit. "Vet
remember, thou shalt not -peak to her: thou
shah not touch her until three suns have |
A penalty awaits thy disobedience." He prom
ised. They pass from the spirit land and travel
to the confines of matter. By day she is invis-
ible but by the flickering light of his camp-fire
lie sees tlie dim outline .if her form. Three days
pa--. As the sun sinks behind the western hills
he builds his camp-fire. She appears '
him in all the beauty of life, lie stretches forth
his anus to embrace her. She is snatched from
his grasp. Although invisible to him yet the
upper rim of the great orb of day hung above
the western \ erge. 1 le hid bn iken hi
ise. Like Orpheus, disconsolate, he wai
over the earth until, relenting, the spirit- senl
their servant Heath to bring him to Tecupar
i I leaven).
Idie following myth of the mountain lndian<
56
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the north bears a strong resemblance to the
Norse fable of Gyoll the River of Death and its
glittering bridge, over which the spirits of the
dead pass to Hel, the land of spirits. The In-
dian, however, had no idea of any kind of a
bridge except a foot log across a stream. The
myth in a crude form was narrated to me many
years ago by an old pioneer.
According to this myth when an Indian died
his spirit form was conducted by an unseen
guide over a mountain trail unknown and inac-
cessible to mortals, to the rapidly flowing river
which separated the abode of the living from
that of the dead. As the trail descended to the
river it branched to the right and left. The right
hand path led to a foot bridge made of the mas-
sive trunk of a rough barked pine which spanned
the Indian styx; the left led to a slender, fresh
peeled birch pole that hung high above the roar-
ing torrent. At the parting of the trail an in-
exorable fate forced the bad to the left, while
the spirit form of the good passed on to the
right and over the rough barked pine to the
happy hunting grounds, the Indian heaven. The
bad reaching the river's brink and gazing long-
ingly upon the delights beyond, essayed to cross
the slippery pole — a slip, a slide, a clutch at
empty space, and the ghostly spirit form was
hurled into the mad torrent below, and was
borne by the rushing waters into a vast lethean
lake where it sunk beneath the waves and was
blotted from existence forever.
CHAPTER V.
FRANCISCAN MISSIONS OF ALTA CALIFORNIA.
Sax Diego de Alcala'.
THE two objective points chosen by Vis-
itador General Galvez and President
Junipero Serra to begin the spiritual
conquest and civilization of the savages of Alia
California, were San Diego and .Monterey. The
expeditions sent by land and sea were all united
at San Diego July i, 1769. Father Serra lost no
time in beginning the founding of mi sions.
< Mi i he [6th <>f Jul\', 1769, he founded the mis-
sion of San Diego de Alcala. It was the first
link in the chain of missionary establishments
that eventually stretched northward from San
Diego tn Solano, a distance "i seven hundred
miles, a chain that was fifty-five years in forging.
The first site of tin- San Diego mission was at
a place called by the Indian- "I osoy." It was
located near the presidio established by Gov-
ernor Portola before lie sel mi: in search of
Monterey. The locality is now known as Old
Town.
Temporary buildings were erected hen but
proved unsuitable and in August,
1771. tin- mission was removed about two
up the San I )iegi 1 river to a place called
by the natives "Nipaguay." Here a dwelling for
the padres, a store house, a smithy and a
•" Ii 11 church 18x57 tl-'et were erected.
The mission buildings at Cosoy were given
up to the presidio except two rooms, one for
the visiting priests and the other for a temporary
store room for mission supplies coming by sea.
The missionaries had been fairly successful in
the conversions of the natives and some prog-
ress had been made in teaching them to labor.
( In the night of November 4. 1775. without any
previous warning, the gentiles or unconverted
Indians in great numbers attacked the mission.
( tne of the friars, I-"ra\ Funster, escaped to the
soldiers' quarters; the other. Father Jaume, was
killed by the savages. The blacksmith also was
killed; the carpenter succeeded in reaching the
soldiers. The Indians set fire to the buildings
which were nearly all of wood. The soldiers, the
priest and carpenter were driven into a small
adobe building that had been used as a kitchen.
Two nf the soldiers were wounded. The cor-
poral, one soldier ami the carpenter were all
that were left to hold at bay a thousand howl-
ing fiends. The corporal, who was a sharp
shooter, did deadly execution on the savatjes.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
57
Father Funster saved the defenders from being
blown to pieces by the explosion of a fifty pound
sack of gunpowder. He spread his cloak over
the sack and sat on it, thus preventing the pow-
der from being ignited by the sparks of the
burning building. The fight lasted till daylight,
when the hostiles fled. The Christian Indians
who professed to have been coerced by the sav-
ages then appeared and made many protesta-
tions of sorrow at what had happened. The mili-
tary commander was not satisfied that they were
innocent but the padres believed them. New
buildings were erected at the same place, the
soldiers of the presidio for a time assisting the
Indians in their erection.
The mission was fairly prosperous. In 1800
the cattle numbered 6,960 and the agricultural
products amounted to 2,600 bushels. From
1769 to 1834 there were 6,638 persons baptized
and 4,428 buried. The largest number of cat-
tle possessed by the mission at one time was
9,245 head in 1822. The old building now stand-
ing on the mission site at the head of the valley
is the third church erected there. The first,
built of wood and roofed with tiles, was erected
in 1774; the second, built of adobe, was com-
pleted in 1780 (the walls of this were badly
cracked by an earthquake in 1803); the third was
begun in 1808 and dedicated November 12,
1813. The mission was secularized in 1834.
SAN CARLOS DE BORROMEO.
As narrated in a former chapter, Governor
Portola, who with a small force had set out from
San Diego to find Monterey Bay, reached that
port May 24, 1770. Father Serra, who came
up by sea on the San Antonia, arrived at the
same place May 31. All things being in readi-
ness the Presidio of Monterey and the mission
of San Carlos de Borromeo were founded on
the same day — June 3, 1770. The boom of ar-
tillery and the roar of musketry accompani-
ments to the service of the double founding
frightened the Indians away from the mission
and it was some time before the savages could
muster courage to return. In June, 1771 , the
site of the mission was moved to the Carmelo
river. This was done by Father Serra to re-
move the neophytes from the contaminating in-
fluence of the soldiers at the presidio. The erec-
tion of the stone church still standing was be-
gun in 1793. It was completed and dedicated
in 1797. The largest neophyte population at
San Carlos was reached in 1794, when it num-
bered nine hundred and seventy-one. Between
1800 and 1810 it declined to seven hundred and
forty-seven. In 1820 the population had de-
creased to three hundred and eighty-one and
at the end of the next decade it had fallen to
two hundred and nine. In 1834, when the de-
cree of secularization was put in force, there were
about one hundred and fifty neophytes at the
mission. At the rate of decrease under mission
rule, a few more years would have pro-
duced the same result that secularization did,
namely, the extinction of the mission Indian.
SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA.
The third mission founded in California was
San Antonio de Padua. It was located about
twenty-five leagues from Monterey. Here, on
the 14th of June, 1771, in La Canada de los
Robles, the canon of oaks beneath a shelter of
(■ranches, Father Serra performed the services
of founding. The Indians seem to have been
more tractable than those of San Diego or Mon-
terey. The first convert was baptized one
month after the establishment of the mission.
San Antonio attained the highest limit of its
neophyte population in 1805, when it had
twelve hundred and ninety-six souls within its
fold. In 183 1 there were six hundred and sixty-
one Indians at or near the mission. In 1834, the
date of secularization, there were five hundred
and sixty-seven. After its disestablishment the
property of the mission was quickly squandered
through inefficient administrators. The build-
ings are in ruins.
SAN GABRIEL ARCANGEL.
San Gabriel Arcangel was the fourth mission
founded in California. Father Junipero Serra.
as previously narrated, had gone north in 1770
and founded the mission of San Carlos Bor-
romeo on Monterey Pay and the following year
he established the mi n Vntonio de
Padua on the Salinas river about twenty-five
leagues south of Monterey.
5S
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
( >n the 6th of August, 1771, a cavalcade of
soldiers and musketeers escorting Padres
Somero and Cambon set out from San Diego
over the trail made by Portola's expedition in
1769 (when it went north in search of Monterey
Bay) to found a new mission on the River Jesus
de los Temblores or to give it its full name, El
Rio del Dulcisimo Nombre de Jesus de los
Temblores, the river of the sweetest name of
Jesus of the Earthquakes. Not finding a suit-
able location on that river (now the Santa Ana)
they pushed on to the Rio San Miguel, also
known as the Rio de los Temblores. Here
they selected a site where wood and water were
abundant. A stockade of poles was built inclos-
ing a square within which a church was erected,
covered with boughs.
September 8, 1 771 , the mission was formally
founded and dedicated to the archangel Gabriel.
The Indians who at the coming of the Spaniards
were docile and friendly, a few days after the
founding of the mission suddenly attacked two
soldiers who were guarding the horses. One of
these soldiers had outraged the wife of the chief
who led the attack. The soldier who committed
the crime killed the chieftain with a musket ball
and the other Indians fled. The soldiers then
cut off the chief's head and fastened it to a pole
at the presidio gate. From all accounts the sol-
diers at this mission were more brutal and bar-
barous than the Indians and more in need of
missionaries to convert them than the Indians.
The progress of the mission was slow. At the
end of the second year only seventy-three chil-
dren and adults had been baptized. Father Serra
attributed the lack of conversions to the bad
(.induct nf the soldiers.
The first buildings at the mission Yicja were
all of wood. The church was 45x18 feet, built of
logs and covered with tule thatch. The church
and other wooden buildings used by the padres
stood within a square inclosed by pointed stakes.
In 1776. five years after its founding, the mis-
sion was moved from its first location to a new
site about a league distant from the old one.
'Idle old site was subject to overllow by the
river. The adobe ruins pointed out to tourists
as thr foundations of the old mission are the
debris of a building erected for a ranch house
about sixty years ago. The buildings at the
mission Yieja were all of wood and no trace of
them remains. A chapel was first built at the
new site. It was replaced by a church built of
adobes one hundred and eight feet long by
twenty-one feet wide. The present stone church,
begun about 1794, and completed about 1806,
is the fourth church erected.
The mission attained the acme of its impor-
tance in 1817. when there were seventeen hun-
dred and one neophytes in the mission fold.
The largest grain crop raised at any mission
was that harvested at San Gabriel in 1821, which
amounted to 29,400 bushels. The number of cat-
tle belonging to the mission in 1830 was 25,725.
During the whole period of the mission's exist-
ence, i. e., from 1771 to 1834, according to sta-
tistics compiled by Bancroft from mission rec-
ords, the total number of baptisms was 7,854,
of which 4,355 were Indian adults and 2,459
were Indian children and the remainder gente de
razon or people of reason. The deaths were
5.656, of which 2,916 were Indian adults and
2,363 Indian children. If all the Indian children
born were baptized it would seem (if the sta-
tistics are correct) that but very few ever grew
up to manhood and womanhood. In 1834, the
year of its secularization, its neophyte popula-
tion was 1,320.
The missionaries of San Gabriel established
a station at old San Bernardino about 1820. It
was not an asistencia like pala, but merely an
agricultural station or ranch headquarters. The
buildings were destroyed by the Indians in 1834.
SAX LUIS OBISPO DE TOLOSA.
On his journey southward in 1782, President
Serra and Padre Cavalier, with a small escort of
soldiers and a few Lower California Indians, on
September 1, 1772, founded the mission of San
Luis Obispo de Tolosa (St. Louis, Bishop of
Tolouse). The site selected was on a creek
twenty-five leagues southerly from San An-
tonio. The soldiers and Indians were set at
work to erect buildings. Padre Cavalier was left
in charge of the mission, Father Serra continu-
ing his journey southward. This mission was
never a very important one. Its greatest popu-
lation was in 1803. when there were eight
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
59
hundred and fifty-two neophytes within its juris-
diction. From that time to 1834 their number
declined to two hundred and sixty-four. The
average death rate was 7.30 per cent of the pop-
ulation— a lower rate than at some of the more
populous missions. The adobe church built in
1793 is still in use, but has been so remodeled
that it bears but little resemblance to the church
of mission days.
SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS.
The expedition under command of Portola
in 1769 failed to find Monterey Bay but it passed
on and discovered the great bay of San Fran-
cisco. So far no attempt had been made to
plant a mission or presidio on its shores. Larly
in 1775, Lieutenant Ayala was ordered to ex-
plore the bay with a view to forming a settle-
ment near it. Rivera had previously explored
the land bordering on the bay where the city
now stands. Captain Anza, the discoverer of the
overland route from Mexico to California via
the Colorado river, had recruited an expedition
of two hundred persons in Sonora for the pur-
pose of forming a settlement at San Francisco,
He set out in 1775 and reached Monterey March
10, 1776. A quarrel between him and Rivera,
who was in command at Monterey, defeated for
a time the purpose for which the settlers had
been brought, and Anza, disgusted with the
treatment he had received from Rivera, aban-
doned the enterprise. Anza had selected a site
for a presidio at San Francisco. After his de-
parture Rivera changed his policy of delay that
had frustrated all of Anza's plans and decided at
once to proceed to the establishment of a pre-
sidio. The presidio was formally founded Sep-
tember 17, 1776, at wdiat is now known as Fort
Point. The ship San Carlos had brought a num-
ber of persons; these with the settlers who had
come up from Monterey made an assemblage of
more than one hundred and fifty persons.
After the founding of the presidio Lieutenant
Moraga in command of the military and Captain
Quiros el' the San Carlos, set vigorousl) at work
to build a church for the mission. A wooden
building having been constructed on the oth of
October, 1776, the mission was dedicated.
Father Palou conducting the service, assisted by
Fathers Cambon, Nocedal and Peha. The site
selected for the mission was on the Laguna de
los Dolores. The lands at the mission were not
very productive. The mission, however, was
fairly prosperous. In 1820 it owned 11,240 cat-
tle and the total product of wheat was 114.480
bushels. In 1820 there were 1,252 neophytes
attached to it. The death rate was very heavy —
the average rate being 12.4 per cent of the pop-
ulation. In 1832 the population had decreased
to two hundred and four and at the time of
secularization it had declined to one hundred
and fifty. A number of neophytes had been
taken to the new mission of San Francisco So-
lano.
SAX JUAN CAPISTRANO.
The revolt of the Indians at San Diego de-
layed the founding of San Juan Capistrano a
year. October 30. 1775, the initiatory services
of the founding had been held when a messenger
came with the news of the uprising of the sav-
ages and the massacre of Father Jaume and
others. The bells which had been hung on a
tree were taken down and buried. The soldiers
and the padres hastened to San Diego. Novem-
ber 1, 177''. Fathers Serra, Mugartegui and
Amurrio, with an escort of soldiers, arrived at
the site formerly selected. The bells were dug up
and hung on a tree, an enramada of boughs was
constructed and Father Serra said mass. The
first location of the mission was several miles
northeasterly from the present site at the foot
of the mountain. The abandoned site is still
known a la Mision Vieja (the Old Mission).
Just when the change of location was made is
not known.
The erection of a stone church was begun in
February, 1797. and completed in [806 \
master builder had been brought from Mexico
and under his superintendence the neophytes
did the mechanical labor. It was the largi
handsomest church in California and was the
pride of mission architecture. The year 1S12
was known in California as el ano de los tem-
earthquakes. For months
the seismic disturbance was almost continuous.
( )u Sunday, December 8, [812, a severe shock
threw down the lofty church tower, which
crashed through the vaulted roof on the congre-
i;o
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gation below. The padre who was celebrating
mass escaped through the sacristy. Of the fifty
persons present only live or six escaped. The
church was never rebuilt. "There is not much
doubt," says Bancroft, "that the disaster was
due rather to faulty construction than to the
violence of the temblor." The edifice was of the
usual cruciform shape, about 90x180 feet on
the ground, with very thick walls and arched
dome-like roof all constructed of stones imbed-
ded in mortar or cement. The stones were not
hewn, but of irregular size and shape, a kind of
structure evidently requiring great skill to en-
sure solidity. The mission reached its maxi-
mum in 1819; from that on till the date of its
secularization there was a rapid decline in the
numbers of its live stock and of its neophytes.
This was one of the missions in which Gov-
ernor Figueroa tried his experiment of forming
Indian pueblos of the neophytes. For a time
the experiment was a partial success, but even-
tually it went the way of all the other missions.
Its lands were granted to private individuals
and the neophytes scattered. Its picturesque
ruins are a great attraction to tourists.
SANTA CLARA.
The mission of Santa Clara was founded Jan-
uary i_\ 1777. The site had been selected some
time before and two missionaries designated for
service at it, but the comandante of the terri-
tory. Rivera y Moncada, who was an exceed-
ingly obstinate per,-, in, had opposed the found-
ing on various pretexts, but posititve orders
coming from the viceroy Rivera did not longer
delay, so on the 6th of January, 1777, a detach-
ment of soldiers under Lieutenant Moraga, ac-
companied by Father Pefia, was sent from San
Francisco to the site selected which was about
sixteen leagues south of San Francisco. Here
under an enramada the services of dedication
were held. The Indians were not averse to re-
ceiving a new religion and at the close of the
year sixty-seven had been baptized.
The mission was quite prosperous and be-
came one of the most important in the territory.
Il was located in the heart of a rich agricul-
tural district. The total product of wheat was
175,800 bushels. In [828 the mission docks and
herds numbered over 30,000 animals. The
neophyte population in 1S27 was 1,464. The
death rate was high, averaging 12.63 Per cent
of the population. The total number of bap-
tisms was 8,640; number of deaths 6,950. In
1834 the population had declined to 800.
Secularization was effected in 1837.
SAN BUENAVENTURA.
The founding of San Buenaventura had been
long delayed. It was to have been among the
first missions founded by Father Serra; it proved
to be his last. On the 26th of March, 1782,
Governor de Neve, accompanied by Father
Serra (who had come down afoot from San
Carlos), and Father Cambon, with a convoy of
soldiers and a number of neophytes, set out
from San Gabriel to found the mission. At the
first camping place Governor de Neve was re-
called to San Gabriel by a message from Col.
Pedro Fazes, informing him of the orders of the
council of war to proceed against the Yumas
who had the previous year destroyed the two
missions on the Colorado river and massacred
the missionaries.
On the 29th, the remainder of the company
reached a place on the coast named by Portola
in 1769, Asuncion de Nuestra Sehora, which
had for some time been selected for a mission
site. Near it was a large Indian rancheria. On
Easter Sunday, .March 31st, the mission was for-
mally founded with the usual ceremonies and
dedicated to San Buenaventura (Giovanni de
Fidanza of Tuscany), a follower of St. Francis,
the founder of the Franciscans.
The progress of the mission was slow at first,
only two adults were baptized in 1782, the
yeai of its founding. The first buildings built
oi wood were destroyed by fire. The church
still used for service, built of brick and adobe,
was completed and dedicated. September 9, 1809.
The earthquake of December 8, 1812, damaged
the church to such an extent that the tower
and part of the facade had to be rebuilt. After
the earthquake the whole site of the mission
for a time seemed to be sinking. The inhabi-
tants, fearful of being engulfed by the sea, re-
moved to San Joaquin \ Santa Ana, where they
remained several months. The mission at-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
61
tained its greatest prosperity in 1816, when its
neophyte population numbered 1.330 and it
owned 23.400 cattle.
SAXTA BARBARA.
Governor Felipe de Neve founded the presidio
of Santa Barbara April 21, 1782. Father Sena
had hoped to found the mission at the same time,
but in ihis he was disappointed. His death in
1784 still further delayed the founding and it
was not until the latter part of 1786 that every-
thing was in readiness for the establishing of
the new mission. On the 22d of November
Father Lasuen, who had succeeded Father
Serra as president of the missions, arrived at
Santa Barbara, accompanied by two missiona-
ries recently from Mexico. He selected a site
about a mile distant from the presidio. The
place was called Taynagan (Rocky Hill) by the
Indians. There was a plentiful supply of stone
on the site for building and an abundance of
water for irrigation.
On the 15th of December, 1786, Father
Lasuen. in a hut of boughs, celebrated the first
mass; but December 4, the day that the fiesta of
Santa Barbara is commemorated, is considered
the date of its founding. Fart of the services
were held on that day. A chapel built of adobes
and roofed with thatch was erected in 1787. Sev-
eral other buildings of adobe were erected the
same year. In 1788, tile took the place of
thatch. In 1789, a second church, much larger
than the first, was built. A third church of adobe
was commenced in 1793 and finished in 1794.
A brick portico was added in 1795 and the walls
plastered.
The great earthquake of December, 1812, de-
molished the mission church and destroyed
nearly all the buildings. The years 1813 and
1814 were spent in removing the debris of the
ruined buildings and in preparing for the erec-
tion of new ones. The erection of the presenl
mission church was begun in 181 5. It was com-
pleted and dedicated September 10, 1820.
Father Caballeria, in his History of Santa
Barbara, gives the dimensions of the church as.
follows: "Length (includintj walls), sixty varas;
width, fourteen varas; height, ten varas (a vara
is thirty-four inches)." The walls arc of stone
and rest on a foundation of rock and cement.
They are six feet thick and are further strength-
ened by buttresses. Notwithstanding the build-
ing has withstood the storms of four score years,
it is still in an excellent state of preservation.
Its exterior has not been disfigured by attempts
at modernizing.
The highest neophyte population was reached
at Santa Barbara in 1803, when it numbered
1,792. The largest number of cattle was 5,200 in
1809. In 1834, the year of secularization, the
neophytes numbered 556, which was a decrease
of 155 from the number in 1830. At such a rate
of decrease it would not, even if mission rule
had continued, have taken more than a dozen
years to depopulate the mission.
LA PURISIMA CONCEPCIOX.
Two missions, San Buenaventura and Santa
Barbara, had been founded on the Santa Bar-
bara channel in accordance with Neve's report of
1777, in which he recommended the founding of
three missions and a presidio in that district.
It was the intention of General La Croix to con-
duct these on a different plan from that prevail-
ing in the older missions. The natives were not
to be gathered into a missionary establishment,
but were to remain in their rancherias, which
were to be converted into mission pueblos. The
Indians were to receive instruction in religion,
industrial arts and self-government while com-
paratively free from restraint. The plan which
no doubt originated with Governor de Neve,
was a good one theoretically, and possibly might
have been practically. The missionaries were
bitterly opposed to it. Unfortunately it was
tried first in the Colorado river missions among
the fierce and treacherous Vumas. The mas-
sacre of the padres and soldiers of these mis-
sions was attributed to this innovation.
In establishing the channel missions the mis-
sionaries opposed tlu inauguration of this plan
and by their persistence succeeded in setting it
aside; and the old system was adopted. La
Purisima Concepcion. or the Immaculate Con-
ception of the Blessed Virgin, the third of the
channel mission-, was founded December 8,
17S7. by Father Lasuen at a place called by the
natives Algsacupi. Its location i- about twelve
62
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
miles from the ocean on the Santa Ynez river.
Three years after its founding three hundred
converts had been baptized but not all of them
lived at the mission. The first church was a
temporary structure. The second church, built
of adobe and roofed with tile, was completed in
1802. December 21, 1812. an earthquake de-
molished the church and also about one hundred
adobe houses of the neophytes. A site across
the river and about four miles distant from the
former one, was selected for new buildings. A
temporary building for a church was erected
there. A new church, built of adobe and roofed
with tile, was completed and dedicated in t8i8.
The Indians revolted in 1824 and damage 1
the building. They took possession of it and a
battle lasting four hours was fought between one
hundred and thirty soldiers and four hundred
Indians. The neophytes cut loop holes in the
church and used two old rusty cannon and a
few guns they possessed; but, unused to lire
anus, they were routed with the loss of several
killed. During the revolt which lasted several
months four white men and fifteen or twenty In-
dians were killed. The hostiles, most of whom
lied to the Tulares, were finally subdued. The
leaders were punished with imprisonment and
the others returned in their missions.
This mission's population was largest in 1804,
• when it numbered 1,520. In 1834 there were but
407 neophytes connected with it. It was secular-
ized in February, 1835. During mission rule
from 1787 to 1834, the total number of Indian
children baptized was 1 .402 : died 902, which was
a lower death rale than at most of the southern
Santa Cruz, one o) I t of the twenty-
one missions of California, was founded Septem-
ber 2},, [790. The mission was never very pros-
perous. In [798 many of the neophyt< di
and the same year a flood covered the
fields and damaged the church. In 1812
the neophytes murdered the missionary in
charge, Padre Andres Quintana. They claimed
that he had treated them with great cruelly.
Five of those implicated in the murder received
two hundred lashes each and were sentenced to
work in chains from two to ten years. Only
one survived the punishment. The maximum
of its population was reached in 1798, when
there were six hundred and forty-four Indians
in the mission fold. The total number bap-
tized from the date of its founding to 1834 was
2,466; the total number of deaths was 2,034. The
average death rate was 10.93 Per cent °f tlle
population. At the time of its secularization in
[834 there were only two hundred and fifty In-
dians belonging to the mission.
LA SOLEDAD.
The mission of our Lady of Solitude was
founded September 29, 1791. The site selected
had borne the name Soledad (solitude) ever
since the first exploration of the country. The
location was thirty miles northeast of San Car-
los de Monterey. La Soledad, by which name
it was generally known, was unfortunate in its
early missionaries. One of them, Padre Gracia,
was supposed to be insane and the other, Padre
Rubi, was very immoral. Rubi was later on ex-
pelled from his college for licentiousness. At
the close of the century the mission had become
fairly prosperous, but in 1802 an epidemic broke
out and five or six deaths occurred daily. The
Indians in alarm fled from the mission. The
largest population of the mission was seven
hundred and twenty-five in 1805. At the time
of secularization its population had decreased to
three hundred. The total number of baptisms
during its existence was 2,222; number of deaths
1.803.
SAX JOSE.
St. Joseph had been designated by the visita-
dor General Galvez and Father Junipero Serra
as the patron saint of the mission colonization of
California. Thirteen missions had been founded
and yet none had been dedicated to San Jose.
( )rders came from Mexico that one be estab-
lished and named for him. Accordingly a de-
tail of a corporal and five men, accompanied by
Father Lasuen, president of the missions, pro-
ceeded to the site selected, which was about
twelve miles northerly from the pueblo of San
Jose. There, on June 11, 1707. the mission was
founded. The mission was well located agricul-
turally and became one of the most prosperous
in California. In 1820 it had a population of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1,754, the highest of any mission except San
Luis Rey. The total number of baptisms from
its founding to 1834 was 6,737; deaths 5,109.
Secularization was effected in 1836-37. The to-
tal valuation of the mission property, not in-
cluding lands or the church, was $155,000.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA.
In May, 1797, Governor Borica ordered the
comandante at Monterey to detail a corporal
and five soldiers to proceed to a site that had
been previously chosen for a mission which was
about ten leagues northeast from Monterey.
Here the soldiers erected of wood a church,
priest's house, granary and guard house. June
24, 1797, President Lasuen, assisted by Fathers
Catala and Martiari, founded the mission of
San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist). At
the close of the year, eighty-five converts had
been baptized. The neighboring Indian tribes
were hostile and some of them had to be killed
before others learned to behave themselves. A
new church, measuring 60x160 feet, was com-
pleted and dedicated in 1812. San Juan was the
only mission whose population increased between
1820 and 1830. This was due to the fact that its
numbers were recruited from the eastern tribes,
its location being favorable for obtaining new-
recruits from the gentiles. The largest popula-
tion it ever reached was 1,248 in 1823. In 1834
there were but 850 neophytes at the mission.
SAN MIGUEL.
Midway between the old missions of San An-
tonio and San Luis Obispo, on the 25th of July,
1797, was founded the mission of San Miguel
Arcangel. The two old missions contributed
horses, cattle and sheep to start the new one.
The mission had a propitious beginning; fifteen
children were baptized on the day the mission
was founded. At the close of the century the
number of converts reached three hundred and
eighty-five, of whom fifty-three had died. The
mission population numbered 1,076 in 1X14:
after that it steadily declined until, in 1834, there
were only 599 attached to the establishment.
Total number of baptisms was 2,588: deaths
2,038. The average death rate was 6.91 per
cent of the population, the lowest rate in any
of the missions. The mission was secularized
in 1836.
SAN FERNANDO REY DE ESPANA.
In the closing years of the century explora-
tions were made for new mission sites in Cali-
fornia. These were to be located between mis-
sions already founded. Among those selected
at that time was the site of the mission San Fer-
nando on the Encino Rancho, then occupied by
Francisco Reyes. Reyes surrendered whatever
right he had to the land and the padres occupied
his house for a dwelling while new buildings
were in the course of erection.
September 8. 1797, with the usual ceremo-
nies, the mission was founded by President
Lasuen, assisted by Father Dumetz. According
tc instructions from Mexico it was dedicated to
San Fernando Rey de Esparia (Fernando III.,
King of Spain, 12 17-125 1). At the end of the
year 1797, fifty-five converts had been gathered
into the mission fold and at the end of the cen-
tury three hundred and fifty-two had been bap-
tized.
The adobe church began before the close of
the century was completed and dedicated in De-
cember, 1806. It had a tiled roof. It was but
slightly injured by the great earthquakes of De-
cember, 1812, which were so destructive to the
mission buildings at San Juan Capistrano, Santa
Barbara, La Purisima and Santa Vnez. This
mission reached its greatest prosperity in i8ig,
when its neophyte population numbered 1,080.
The largest number of cattle owned by it at one
time was 12,800 in 1819.
Its decline was not so rapid as that of some
of the other missions, but the death rate, espe-
cially among the children, was fully as high. Of
the 1.367 Indian children baptized there during
the existence of mission rule 965, or over seventy
per cent, died in childhood. It was not strange
that the fearful death rate both of children and
adults at the missions sometimes frightened
the neophytes into running away.
SAX LUIS REY DE IK VNCI.A
Several explorations had been made i"i a mis
sion site between San Diego and San Juan
1 apistrano. There was quite a large Indian
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
population that had not been brought into the
folds of either mission. In October, 1797, a
new exploration of this territory was ordered
and a site was finally selected, although the ag-
ricultural advantages were regarded as not sat-
isfactory.
Governor Borica, February 28, 1798. issued
orders to the comandante at San Diego to
furnish a detail of soldiers to aid in erecting the
necessary buildings. June 13. 1798. President
Lasuen, the successor of President Serra, as-
sisted by Fathers Peyri and Santiago, with the
usual services, founded the new mission. It
was named San Luis Rev de Francia (St. Louis,
King of France). Its location was near a river
on which was bestowed the name of the mis-
sion. The mission flourished from its very be-
ginning. Its controlling power was Padre An-
tonio Peyri. He remained in charge of it from
its founding almost to its downfall, in all thirty-
three years. He was a man of great executive
abilities and under his administration it be-
came one of the largest and most prosperous
missions in California. It reached its maximum
in 1826, when its neophyte population numbered
2,869, the largest number at one time connected
with any mission in the territory.
The asLtencia or auxiliary mission of San
Antonio was established at l'ala, seven leagues
easterly from the parent mission. A chapel was
erected here and regular services held. One of
the padres connected with San Luis Rev was
in charge of this station. Father Peyri left Cal-
ifornia in 1831, with the exiled Governor Vic-
toria. He went to Mexico and from there to
Spain and lastly to Rome, wdiere he died. The
mission was converted into an Indian pueblo in
[834, but the pueblo was not a success. Most
.if the neophytes drifted to Los Angeles and
San Gabriel. Luring the Mexican conquest
American troops weir stationed there. It has
recently been partially repaired and is now used
for a Franciscan school under charge of Father
J. J. O'Keefe.
SANTA YNEZ.
Santa Ynez was the last mission founded in
Southern California. It was established Sep-
tember 17. [804. Its location is about forty miles
northwesterly from Santa Barbara, on the east-
erly side of the Santa Ynez mountains and
eighteen miles southeasterly from La Purisima.
Father Tapis, president of the missions from
1803 to 1812, preached the sermon and was
assisted in the ceremonies by Fathers Cipies,
Calzada and Gutierrez. Carrillo, the comandante
at the presidio, was present, as were also a num-
ber of neophytes from Santa Barbara and La
Purisima. Some of these were transferred to
the new mission.
The earthquake of December, 1812, shook
down a portion of the church and destroyed a
number of the neophytes' houses. In 1815 the
erection of a new church was begun. It was built
of adobes, lined with brick, and was completed
and dedicated July 4. 1817. The Indian revolt of
[824, described in the sketch of La Purisima,
broke out first at this mission. The neophytes
took possession of the church. The mission
guard defended themselves and the padre. At
the approach of the troops from Santa Barbara
the Indians fled to La Purisima.
San Ynez attained its greatest population.
770, in 1816. In 1834 its population had de-
creased to 334. From its founding in 1804 to
[834, when the decrees of secularization were
put in force, /$~ Indian children were baptized
and 519 died, leaving only 238, or about thirty
per cent of those baptized to grow up.
S \X RAFAEL.
San Rafael was the first mission established
north of the Bay of San Francisco. It was
founded December 14, 1817. At first it was an
asistencia or branch of San Francisco. An epi-
demic had broken out in the Mission Dolores
and a number of the Indians were transferred to
San Rafael to escape the plague. Later on it
attained to the dignity of a mission. In 1828 its
population was 1,140. After 1830 it began to
decline and at the time of its secularization in
1834 there were not more than 500 connected
with it. In the seventeen years of its existence
under mission rule there were 1,873 baptisms and
698 deaths. The average death rate was 6.09
per cent of the population. The mission was
secularized in 1834. All traces of the mission
building have disappeared.
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
r,:,
SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO.
The mission of San Francisco de Asis had
fallen into a rapid decline. The epidemic that
had carried off a number of the neophytes and
had caused the transfer of a considerable num-
ber to San Rafael had greatly reduced its popu-
lation. Besides, the sterility of the soil in the
vicinity of the mission necessitated going a long-
distance for agricultural land and pasturage for
the herds and Hocks. On this account and also
for the reason that a number of new converts
might be obtained from the gentiles living in
the district north of the bay. Governor Arguello
and the mission authorities decided to establish
a mission in that region. Explorations were
made in June and July. 1823. On the 41 li of
July a site was selected, a cross blessed and
raised, a volley of musketry fired and mass said
at a place named New San Francisco, but after-
wards designated as the Mission of San Fran-
cisco Solano. On the 25th of August work was
begun on the mission building and on the 4th of
April, 1824, a church, 24x105 feet, built of wood,
was dedicated.
It had been intended to remove the neophytes
from the old mission of San Francisco to the
new; but the padres of the old mission opposed
its depopulation and suppression. A com-
promise was effected by allowing all neophytes
of the old mission who so elected to go to the
new. Although well located, the Mission of
Solano was not prosperous. Its largest popula-
tion, 996, was reached in 1832. The total num-
ber of baptisms were 1,315; deaths, 651. The
average death rate was 7.8 per cent of the pop-
ulation. The mission was secularized in 1835, at
which time there were about 550 neophytes at-
tached to it.
The architecture of the missions was Moorish
— that is, if it belonged to any school. The
padres in most cases were the architects and mas-
ter builders. The main feature of the buildings
was massiveness. Built of adobe or rough stone,
their walls were of great thickness. Most of tin.'
church buildings were narrow, their width 1" ing
out of proportion to their length. This was
necessitated by the difficulty of procuring j « > i - 1 -^
and rafters of sufficient length for wide build
ings. The padres had no means or perhaps no
knowledge of trussing a roof, and the width
of the building had to be proportioned to the
length of the timbers procurable. Some of the
buildings were planned with an eye for the pic-
turesque, others for utility only. The sites se-
lected for the mission buildings in nearly every
case commanded a fine view of the surrounding
country. In their prime, their white walls loom-
ing up on the horizon could be seen at long
distance and acted as beacons to guide the trav-
eler to their hospitable shelter.
Col. J. J. Warner, who came to California in
1831, and saw the mission buildings before they
had fallen into decay, thus describes their gen-
eral plan: "As soon after the founding of a
mission as circumstances would permit, a large
pile of buildings in the form of a quadrangle,
composed in part of burnt brick-, but chiefly of
sun-dried ones, was erected around a spacious
court. A large and capacious church, which
usually occupied one of the outer corners of the
quadrangle, was a conspicuous part of the pile.
In this massive building, covered with red tile,
was the habitation of the friars, rooms for guests
and for the major domos and their families. In
other buildings of the quadrangle were hospital
wards, storehouses and granaries, rooms for
carding, spinning and weaving of woolen fab-
rics, shops for blacksmiths, joiners and carpen-
ters, saddlers, shoemakers and soap boilers, and
cellars for storing the product (wine and brandy)
of the vineyards. Near the habitation of the
friars another building of similar material was
placed and used as quarters for a small number
— about a corporal's guard — of soldiers under
command of a non-commissioned officer, to hold
the Indian neophytes in cheek as well as to pro-
tect the mission from the attacks of hostile In-
dians." The Indians, when the buildings of the
establishment were complete, lived in adobe
houses buill in lines near the quadrangle. Some
of the buildings of the square were occupied by
die alcaldes or Indian bosses. When the In-
dians . 1 into the mis
the) lived in brush shanties a msti ui ted in the
-ante manner as their forefathers had built them
for generations. In some of the missions these
huts were not replaced by adobe buildin
ration or more. Vancouver, who visited
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Mission of San Francisco in 1792, sixteen
Mar.- aitcr its founding, describes the Indian
village with its brush-built huts. He says:
"'These miserable habitations, each of which was
allotted for the residence of a whole family,
were erected with some degree of uniformity
about three or four feet asunder in straight rows,
leaving lanes or passageways at right angles be-
tween them; but these were so abominably in-
fested with every kind of filth and nastiness as
to be rendered no less offensive than degrading
to the human species."
Of the houses at Santa Clara, Vancouver
says: "The habitations were not so regularly
disposed nor did it (the village) contain so many
as the village of San Francisco, yet the same
horrid state of uncleanliness and laziness seemed
to pervade the whole." Better houses were then
in the course of construction at Santa Clara.
"Each house would contain two rooms and a
garret with a garden in the rear." Vancouver
visited San Carlos de Monterey in 1792, twenty-
two \ears after its founding. He says: "Not-
withstanding these people are taught and em-
ployed from time to time in many of the occu-
pations most useful to civil society, they had not
made themselves any more comfortable habita-
tions than those of their forefathers; nor did
they seem in any respect to have benefited by
the instruction they had received."
Captain Beechey, of the English navy, who
visited San Francisco and the missions around
the bay in t8jS, found the Indians a: San Fran-
cisco still living in their filthy hovels and grind-
ing acorns for food. "San Jose (mission)." he
says, "on the other hand, was all neatness, clean-
liness and comfort." At San Carlos he found
that the filthy hovels described by Vancouver
had nearly all disappeared and the Indians were
comfortably housed. He adds: "Sickness in
general prevailed to an incredible extent in all
the missions."
CHAPTER VI.
PRESIDIOS OF CALIFORNIA.
THE presidio was an essential feature 'if
the Spanish colonization of America. It
was usually a fortified square of brick or
stone, inside of which were the barracks of the
soldiers, the officers' quarters, a church, store
houses for provisions and military supplies. The
gates at the entrance were closed at night, and
it was usually provisioned for a siege. In the
colonization of California there were four pre-
sidios established, namely: San Diego, Monte-
rey, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Each
was the headquarters of a military district and
besides a bod) of troops kept at the presidio
it furnished guards for the missions in its re-
pective districl and also for the pueblos if there
in) in the district. The first presidio was
founded at San Diego. \- stated in a previous
chapter, the two -hips of the expedition by sea
for the settlement of California arrived at the
port of San Diego in a deplorable condition
from scurvy. The San Antonia, after a voyage
of fifty-nine days, arrived on April 11; the San
Carlos, although she had sailed a month earlier,
did not arrive until April 29. consuming one
hundred and ten days in the voyage. Don
Miguel Constanso, the engineer who came on
this vessel, says in his report: "The scurvy had
infected all without exception: in such sort that
cm entering San Diego already two men had
died of the said sickness: most of the seamen,
and half of the troops, found themselves pros-
trate in their beds; only four mariners remained
<m their feet, ami attended, aided by the troops,
to trimming and furling the sails and other
working of the ship." "The San Antonia." says
Constanso, "had the half of its crew equally
affected b) the scurvy, of which illness two men
had likewise died." This vessel, although it had
arrived at the port on the 1 1th of April, had evi-
dently not landed any of its sick. < hi the 1st of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
May, Don Pedro Fages, the commander of the
troops, Constanso and Estorace, the second cap-
tain of the San Carlos, with twenty-five soldiers,
set out to find a watering place where they could
fill their barrels with fresh water. "Following
the west shore of the port, after going a mat-
ter of three leagues, they arrived at the banks
of a river hemmed in with a fringe of willows
and cottonwoods. Its channel must have been
twenty varas wide and it discharges into an
estuary which at high tide could admit the
launch and made it convenient for accomplish-
ing the taking on of water." * * :i "Hav-
ing reconnoitered the watering place, the Span-
iards betook themselves back on board the
vessels and as these were found to be very far
away from the estuary in which the river dis-
charges, their captains, Vicente Vila and Don
Juan Perez, resolved to approach it as closely
as they could in order to give less work to the
people handling the launches. These labors
were accomplished with satiety of hardship; for
from one day to the next the number of the sick-
kept increasing, along with the dying of the
most aggravated cases and augmented the fa-
tigue of the few who remained on their
feet."
"Immediate to the beach on the side toward
the east a scanty enclosure was constructed
formed of a parapet of earth and fascines, which
was garnished with two cannons. They disem-
barked some sails and awnings from the packets
with which they made two tents capacious
enough for a hospital. At one side the two offi-
cers, the missionary fathers and the surgeon put
up their own tents; the sick were brought in
launches to this improvised presidio and hospi-
tal." "But these diligencies," says Constanso,
"were not enough to procure them health."
* * * "The cold made itself felt with rigor at
night in the barracks and the sun by day. alter-
nations which made the sick suffer cruelly, two
or three of them dying every day. And this
whole expedition, which had been composed of
more than ninety men, saw itself reduced to only
eight soldiers and as many mariners in a state to
attend to the safeguarding of the barks, the
working of the launches, custody of the camp
and service of the sick."
Rivera y Moncada, the commander of the
first detachment of the land expedition, arrived
at San Diego May 14. It was decided by the
officers to remove the camp to a point near the
river. This had not been done before on ac-
count of the small force able to work and the
lack of beasts of burden. Rivera's men were all
in good health and after a day's rest "all were
removed to a new camp, which was transferred
one league further north on the right side of
the river upon a hill of middling height."
Here a presidio was built, the remains of
which can still be seen. It was a parapet of
earth similar to that thrown up at the first camp,
which, according to Bancroft, was probably
within the limits of New Town and the last one
in Old Town or Xorth San Diego.
While Portola's expedition was away search-
ing for the port of Monterey, the Indians made
an attack on the camp at San Diego, killed a
Spanish youth and wounded Padre Yiscaino, the
blacksmith, and a Lower California neophyte.
The soldiers remaining at San Diego sur-
rounded the buildings with a stockade. Con-
stanso says, on the return of the Spaniards of
Portola's expedition; "They found in good con-
dition their humble buildings, surrounded with
a palisade of trunks of trees, capable of a good
defense in Case of necessity."
"In 1782, the presidial force at San Diego, be-
sides the commissioned officers, consisted of five
corporals and forty-six soldiers. Six men were
constantly on duty at each of the three missions
of the district, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano
and San Gabriel ; while four served at the pueblo
of Los Angeles, thus leaving a sergeant, two
corporals and about twenty-five men to garrison
the fort, care for the horses and a small herd of
cattle, and to carry the mails, which latter dut)
was the hardest connected with the presidio
service in time of peace. There were a carpenter
and blacksmith constantly employed, besides a
few servants, mosth nativ< ion of
the district in 1790, not including Indians, was
220."*
Before the close of the century the wooden
palisades had been replaced by a thick adobe
♦Bancroft's History of California. Vol. I.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wall, but even then the fort was not a very for-
midable defense. Vancouver, the English navi-
gator, who visited it in 1793, describes it as
"'irregularly built on very uneven ground, which
makes it liable to some inconveniences without
the obvious appearance of any object for select-
ing such a spot." It then mounted three small
brass cannon.
Gradually a town grew up around the pre-
sidio. Robinson, who visited San Diego in
[829, thus describes it: "On the lawn beneath
the hill on which the presidio is built stood
about thirty houses of rude appearance, mostly
occupied by retired veterans, not so well con-
structed in respect either to beauty or stability
as the houses at Monterey, with the exception of
that belonging to our Administrador, Don Juan
Bandini, whose mansion, then in an unfinished
state, bid fair, when completed, to surpass any
other in the countr) ."
Under Spain there was attempt at least to
keep the presidio in repair, but under Mexican
domination it fell into decay. Dana describes it
as he saw it in 1836: "The first place we went
to was the old ruinous presidio, which stands on
rising ground near the village which it over-
looks. It is built in the form of an open square,
like all the other presidios, and was in a most
ruinous state, with, the exception of one side,
in which the comandante lived with his family.
There were only two guns, one of which was
spiked and the other had no carriage. Twelve
half clothed and half starved looking fellows
composed the garrison; and they, it was said,
had 11., t a musket apiece. The small settlement
lav directly below the fort composed of about
fort) dark brown looking huts or houses and
three or four larger ones whitewashed, which
d to the -elite de razon."
THE PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY .
In a previous chapter has been narrated the
Stori oi Portola's expedition in search of Mon-
terey Bay, how the e\plorer>. failing to recog-
nize it, passed on to the northward and discov-
ered the greal Ba) of San Francisco. On their
return the) set up a cross at what they supposed
was the Baj of Monterey: and at the fo.it of
the cross buried a letter giving information to
any ship that might come up the coast in search
of them that they had returned to San Diego.
They had continually been on the lookout for
the San Jose, which was to co-operate with
them, but that vessel had been lost at sea with
all on board. On their return to San Diego, in
January. 1770, preparations were made for a
return as soon as a vessel should arrive. It
was not until the 16th of April that the San An-
tonia. the only vessel available, was ready to
depart for the second objective point of settle-
ment. On the 17th of April, Governor Portola,
Lieutenant Fages, Father Crespi and nineteen
soldiers took up their line of inarch for Monte-
rey. They followed the trail made in 1769 and
reached the point where they had set up the
cross April 24. They found it decorated with
feathers, bows and arrows and a string of fish.
Evidently the Indians regarded it as the white
man's fetich and tried to propitiate it by offer-
ings.
The San Antonia, bearing Father Serra,
Pedro Prat, the surgeon, and Miguel Constanso,
the civil engineer, and supplies for the mission
and presidio, arrived the last day of May. Por-
tola was still uncertain whether this was really
Monterey Bay. It was hard to discover in the
open roadstead stretching out before them Vis-
caino's land-locked harbor, sheltered from all
winds. After the arrival of the San Antonia the
officers of the land and sea expedition made a
reconnaissance of the bay and all concurred that
at last they had reached the destined port. They
located the oak under whose wide-spreading
branches Padre Ascension, Yiscaino's chaplain,
had celebrated mass in 1602, and the springs of
fresh water near by. Preparations were begun
at once for the founding of mission and presidio.
A shelter of boughs was constructed, an altar
raised and the bells hung upon the branch of a
tree. Father Serra sang mass and as they had
no musical instrument, salvos of artillery and
volleys of musketry furnished an accompani-
ment to the service. After the religious services
the royal standard was raised and Governor
Portola took possession of the country in the
name of Kin- Carlos 111.. King of Spain. The
ceremoii) closed with the pulling of grass and
the casting of stones around, significant of en-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
69
tire possession of the earth and its products.
After the service all feasted.
Two messengers were sent by Portola with
dispatches to the city of Mexico. A day's jour-
ney below San Diego they met Rivera and
twenty soldiers coming with a herd of cattle and
a flock of sheep to stock the mission pastures.
Rivera sent back five of his soldiers with Por-
tola's carriers. The messengers reached Todos
Santos near Cape San Lucas in forty-nine days
from Monterey. From there the couriers w:ere
sent to San Bias by ship, arriving at the city of
Mexico August 10. There was great rejoicing
at the capital. Marquis Le Croix and Yisitador
Galvez received congratulations in the King's
name for the extension of his domain.
Portola superintended the building of some
rude huts for the shelter of the soldiers, the
officers and the padres. Around the square
containing the huts a palisade of poles was con-
structed.' July 9, Portola having turned over
the command of the troops to Lieutenant Pages,
embarked on the San Antonia for San Bias;
with him went the civil engineer, Constanso,
from whose report I have frequently quoted.
Neither of them ever returned to California.
The difficult} of reaching California by ship
on account of the head winds that blow down
the coast caused long delays in the arrival oi
vessels with supplies. This brought about a
scarcity of provisions at the presidios and mis-
sions.
In 1772 the padres of San Gabriel were re-
duced to a milk diet and what little they could
obtain from the Indians. At Monterey and San
Antonio the padres and the soldiers were obliged
to live on vegetables. In this emergency Lieu-
tenant Pages and a squad of soldiers went on a
bear hunt. They spent three months in the
summer of 1772 killing bears in the Canada de
los Osos (Bear Canon). The soldiers and mis-
sionaries had a plentiful supply of bear meat.
There were not enough cattle in the countr) 1-1
admit of slaughtering any for food. The pre-
sidial walls which were substituted for the pal-
isades were built of adobes and stone. The
inclosure measured one hundred and ten yards
011 each side. The buildings were roofed with
tiles. "On the north were the main entrance.
the guard house, and the warehouses ; on the
west the houses of the governor comandante
and other officers, some fifteen apartments in
all; on the east nine houses for soldiers, and a
blacksmith shop; and on the south, besides
nine similar houses, was the presidio church,
opposite the main gateway."*
The military force at the presidio consisted of
cavalry, infantry and artillery, their numbers
varying from one hundred to one hundred and
twenty in all. These soldiers furnished guards
for the missions of San Carlos, San Antonio,
San Miguel, Soledad and San Luis Obispo. The
total population of gente de razon in the district
at the close of the century numbered four hun-
dren and ninety. The rancho "del rey" or
rancho of the king was located where Salinas
City now stands. This rancho was managed by
the soldiers of presidio and was intended to
furnish the military with meat and a supply of
horses for the cavalry. At the presidio a num-
ber of invalided soldiers who had served out
their time were settled; these were allowed to
cultivate land and raise cattle on the unoccu-
pied lands of the public domain. A town grad-
ually grew up around the presidio square.
Vancouver, the English navigator, visited the
presidio of Monterey in 1792 and describes it as
it then appeared: "The buildings of the pre-
sidio form a parallelogram or long square com-
prehending an area of about three hundred
yards long by two hundred and fifty wide, mak-
ing one entire enclosure. The external wall is
of the same magnitude and built with the same
materials, and except that the officers' apart-
ments are covered with red tile made in the
neighborhood, the whole presents the same
lonely, uninteresting appearance as that already
described at San Francisco. Like that estab-
lishment, the several buildings for the use of the
officers, soldiers, an ! tor the protection of stores
and provisions are erected along the wall- on
the inside of the inclosure, which admits of but
one entrance for carriages or persons on
back: this, as at San Francisco, is on the side
of the square fronting the church which was
rebuilding with -tone like thai at San (
croft's Hi-!-
Til
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
"At each comer of the square is a small kind
of block house raised a little above the top of
the wall where swivels might be mounted, for its
protection. On the outside, before the entrance
into the presidio, which fronts the shores of
the bay. are placed seven cannon, four nine and
three three-pounders, mounted. The guns are
planted on the open plain ground without
breastwork or other screen for those employed
in working them or the least protection from the
weather."
THE PRESIDIO OE SAN FRANCISCO.
In a previous chapter I have given an account
of the discovery of San Francisco Bay by Por-
tola's expedition in 1769. The discovery of that
great bay seems to have been regarded as an
unimportant event by the governmental offi-
cials. While there was great rejoicing at the
city of Mexico over the founding of a mission
for the conversion of a few naked savages, the
discovery of the bay was scarcely noticed, ex-
cept to construe it into some kind of a miracle.
Father Serra assume,! that St. Francis had con-
cealed Monterey from the explorers and led
them to the discovery of the bay in order that
lie (St. Francis) might have a mission named
for him. Indeed, the only use to which the
discovery could be put, according to Serra's
ideas, was a site for a mission on its shores, dedi-
cated to the founder of the Franciscans. Several
explorations were made with this in view. In
1772, Lieutenant Fages, Father Crespi and six-
teen soldiers passed up the western side of the
bay and in 1774 Captain Rivera, Father Palou
and a squad of soldiers passed up the eastern
shore, returning by way of Monte Diablo,
Amador valley and Alameda creek to the Santa
Clara valley.
In the latter part of the year 1774, viceroy
Bucureli ordered the founding of a mission and
pre Tlio at San Francisco. Hitherto all explora-
tions of the bay had been made by land expedi-
tions. No one had ventured on its waters. In
1775 Lieutenant Juan <le Ayala of the royal
navy was sent in the old pioneer mission ship,
the San Carlos, to make a survey of it. August
5. 1775, he passed through the ( '.olden Gate.
He moored his ship at an island called by him
Nuestra Sehora de los Angeles, now Angel
Island. He spent forty days in making explora-
tions. His ship was the first vessel to sail upon
the great Bay of San Francisco.
In 1774, Captain Juan Bautista de Anza, com-
mander of the presidio of Tubac in Sonora, had
made an exploration of a route from Sonora via
the Colorado river, across the desert and
through the San Gorgonia pass to San Gabriel
mission. From Tubac to the Colorado river the
route hail been traveled before but from the
Colorado westward the country was a terra in-
cognita. He was guided over this by a lower
California neophyte who had deserted from San
Gabriel mission and alone had reached the
rancherias on the Colorado.
After Anza's return to Sonora he was com-
missioned by the viceroy to recruit soldiers and
settlers for San Francisco. October 23, 1775,
Anza set out from Tubac with an expedition
numbering two hundred and thirty-five persons,
composed of soldiers and their families, colon-
ists, musketeers and vaqueros. They brought
with them large herds of horses, mules and cat-
tle. The journey was accomplished without loss
of life, but with a considerable amount of suf-
fering. January 4. 1776, the immigrants ar-
rived at San Gabriel mission, where they stopped
to rest, but were soon compelled to move on,
provisions at the mission becoming scarce. They
arrived at Monterey March 10. Here they went
into camp. Anza with an escort of soldiers pro-
ceeded to San Francisco to select a presidio
site. Having found a site he returned to Mon-
terey. Rivera, the commander of the territory,
had manifested a spirit of jealousy toward Anza
and had endeavored to thwart him in his at-
tempts to found a settlement. Disgusted with
the action of the commander, Anza, leaving his
colonists to the number of two hundred at Mon-
terey took his departure from California. Anza
in his explorations for a presidio site had fixed
upon what is now Fort Point.
\iter his departure Rivera experienced a
change of heart and instead of trying to dela)
the founding he did everything to hasten it. The
.imperative orders of the viceroy received at
aboul this time brought about the change. He
ordered Lieutenant Moraga, to whom Anza had
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
71
turned over the command of his soldiers and
colonists, to proceed at once to San Francisco
with twenty soldiers to found the fort. The San
Carlos, which had just arrived at Monterey, was
ordered to proceed to San Francisco to assist
in the founding. Moraga with his soldiers ar-
rived June 27, and encamped on the Laguna
de los Dolores, where the mission was a short
time afterwards founded. Moraga decided to
located the presidio at the site selected by Anza
but awaited the arrival of the San Carlos before
proceeding to build. August 18 the vessel ar-
rived. It had been driven down the coast to the
latitude of San Diego by contrary winds and
then up the coast to latitude 42 degrees. On the
arrival of the vessel work was begun at once on
the fort. A square of ninety-two varas (two
hundred and forty-seven feet) on each side was
inclosed with palisades. Barracks, officers'
quarters and a chapel were built inside the
square. September 17, 1776, was set apart for
the services of founding, that being the da) of
the "Sores of our seraphic father St. Francis."
The royal standard was raised in front of the
square and the usual ceremony of pulling grass
and throwing stones was performed. Posses-
sion of the region round about was taken in the
name of Carlos III., King of Spain. Over one
hundred and fifty persons witnessed the cere-
mony. Vancouver, who visited the presidio in
November, 1792, describes it as a "square area
whose sides were about two hundred yards in
length, enclosed by a mud wall and resembling
a pound for cattle. Above this wall the thatched
roofs of the low small houses just made their
appearance." The wall was "about fourteen feet
high and five feet in breadth and was first
formed by upright and horizontal rafters of
large timber, between which dried sods and
moistened earth were pressed as close and hard
as possible, after which the whole was cased with
the earth made into a sort of mud plaster which
gave it the appearance of durability."
In addition to the presidio there was another
fort at Fort Point named Castillo de San Joa-
quin. It was completed and blessed December
8, 1794. "It was of horseshoe shape, about one
hundred by one hundred and twenty feet." The
structure rested mainly on sand: the brick-faced
adobe walls crumbled at the shock whenever a
salute was fired; the guns were badly mounted
and for the most part worn out, only two of the
thirteen twenty-four-pounders being serviceable
or capable of sending a ball across the entrance
of the fort.*
PRESIDIO OF SANTA BARBARA.
Cabrillo, in 1542, found a large Indian popula-
tion inhabiting the main land of the Santa Bar-
bara channel. Two hundred and twenty-seven
years later, when Portola made his exploration,
apparently there had been no decrease in the
number of inhabitants. No portion of the coast
offered a better field for missionary labor and
Father Serra was anxious to enter it. In ac-
cordance with Governor Felipe de Neve's report
of 1777, it had been decided to found three mis-
sions and a presidio on the channel. Various
causes had delayed the founding ami it was not
until April 17. 1782, that Governor de Neve
arrived at the point where he had decided to
locate the presidio of Santa Barbara. The
troops that were to man the fort reached San
Gabriel in the fall of 1781. It was thought best
for them to remain there until the rainy sea-
son was over. March 26, 1782, the governor and
Father Serra, accompanied by the largest body
of troops that had ever before been collected in
California, set out to found the mission of San
Buenaventura and the presidio. The governor,
as has been stated in a former chapter, was re-
called to San Gabriel. The mission was founded
and the governor having rejoined the cavalcade
a few weeks later proceeded to find a location
for the presidio.
"On reaching a point nine leagues from San
Buenaventura, the governor called a halt and in
company with Father Serra at once procei
select a site for the presidio. The choice re-
sulted in the adoption of the square now
formed by city blocks 130. 140, 155 anil 150.
and bounded in common by the following
streets: Figueroa, Canon Perdido, Garden and
Anacapa. A large community of Indians were
residing there but orders were given to leave
them undisturbed. M>. soldiers were at once
B
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
directed to hew timbers and gather brush to
erect temporary barracks which, when com-
pleted, were also used as a chapel. A large
wooden cross was made that it might be planted
in the center of the square and possession of
the country was taken in the name of the cross,
the emblem of Christianity.
April 21, 1782, the soldiers formed a square
and with edifying solemnity raised the cross and
secured it in the earth. Father Serra blessed
and consecrated the district and preached a ser-
mon. The royal standard of Spain was un-
furled."*
An inclosure, sixty varas square, was made of
palisades. The Indians were friendly, and
through their chief yanoalit, who controlled thir-
teen rancherias, details of them were secured
to assist the soldiers in the work of building.
The natives were paid in food and clothing for
their labor.
Irrigation works were constructed, consisting
of a large reservoir made of stone and cement,
with a zanja for conducting water to the pre-
sidio. The soldiers, who had families, cultivated
small gardens which aided in their support.
Lieutenant ( )rtega was in command of the pre-
sidio for two years after its founding. He was
succeeded by Lieutenant Felipe de Goycoechea.
After the. founding of the mission in [786, a
bitter feud broke out between the padres and
the comandante of the presidio. Goycoechea
claimed the right to employ the Indians in the
building of the presidio as he had dune before
the coming of the friars. This they denied.
After an acrimonious controversy the dispute
was finally compromised by dividing the Indian-
into two bands, a mission band and a presidio
band.
Gradually the palisades were replaced by an
adobe wall twelve feet high. It had a stone
foundation and was strongly built. The plaza or
inclosed square was three hundred and thirty
feet on each side. On two -ides of this inclos-
ure were ranged the family houses of the sol-
diers, averaging in size 15x25 feet. < )n one side
1 I th< -mm ei's' quarters and the church. ( >n
Father Cabelleria's Hi tor} oi Santa Barbara.
the remaining side were the main entrance four
varas wide, the store rooms, soldiers' quarters
and a guard room; and adjoining these outside
the walls were the corrals for cattle and horses.
A force of from fifty to sixty soldiers was kept
at the post. There were bastions at two of the
corners for cannon.
The presidio was completed about 1790, with
the exception of the chapel, which was not fin-
ished until i/'j". Many of the soldiers when
they had served out their time desired to re-
main in the country. These were given permis-
sion to build houses outside the walls of the
presidio and in course of time a village grew up
around it.
At the close of the century the population of
the gente de razon of the district numbered
three hundred and seventy. The presidio when
completed was the best in California. Van-
couver, the English navigator, who visited it in
November, 1793, says of it: "The buildings ap-
peared to be regular and well constructed; the
walls clean and white and the roofs of the houses
were covered with a bright red tile. The pre-
sidio excels all the others in neatness, cleanli-
ness and other smaller though essential com-
forts; it is placed on an elevated part of the
plain and is raised some feet from the ground
by a basement story which adds much to its
pleasantness."
During the Spanish regime the settlement at
the presidio grew in the leisurely way that all
Spanish towns grew in California. There was
but little immigration from Mexico and about
the only source of increase was from invalid
soldiers and the children of the soldiers grow-
ing up to manhood and womanhood. It was a
dreary and monotonous existence that the sol-
diers led at the presidios. A few of them had
their families with them. These when the coun-
try became more settled had their own houses
adjoining the presidio and formed the nuclei
of the towns that grew up around the different
forts. There was l,ut little fighting to do and
tlie soldiers' service consisted mainly of a round
of guard duty at the forts and missions. Oc-
casionallj there were conquistas into the In-
dian country to secure new material for con-
verts from the gentiles. The soldiers were oc-
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
73
casionally employed in hunting hindas or run-
aways from the missions. These when brought
back were thoroughly flogged and compelled to
wear clogs attached to their legs. Once a month
the soldier couriers brought up from Loreta a
budget of mail made up of official bandos and a
few letters. These contained about all the news
that reached them from their old homes in
Mexico. But few of the soldiers returned to
Mexico when their term of enlistment expired.
In course of time these and their descendants
formed the bulk of California's population.
CHAPTER VII
PUEBLOS.
THE pueblo plan of colonization so com-
mon in Hispano-American countries did
not originate with the Spanish-Amer-
ican colonists. It was older even than Spain
herself. In early European colonization, the
pueblo plan, the common square in the center
of the town, the house lots grouped round it,
the arable fields and the common pasture lands
beyond, appears in the Aryan village, in the an-
cient German mark and in the old Roman
praesidium. The Puritans adopted this form in
their first settlements in Xew England. Around
the public scpiare or common where stood the
meeting house and the town house, they laid off
their home lots and beyond these were their
cultivated fields and their common pasture lands.
This form of colonization was a combination of
communal interests and individual ownership.
Primarily, no doubt, it was adopted for protec-
tion against the hostile aborigines of the coun-
try, and secondly for social advantage. It re-
versed the order of our own western coloniza-
tion. The town came first, it was the initial
point from which the settlement radiated: while
with our western pioneers the town was an after-
thought, a center point for the convenience of
trade.
When it had been decided to send colonists
to colonize California the settlements naturally
took the pueblo form. The difficulty of obtain-
ing regular supplies for the presidios front Mex-
ico, added to the great expense of shipping such
a long distance, was the principal cause that in-
fluenced the government to establish pueblos de
gente de razon. The presidios received their
shipments of grain for breadstuff from San Bias
by sailing vessels. The arrival of these was un-
certain. Unce when the vessels were unusually
long in coming, the padres and the soldiers at
the presidios and missions were reduced to liv-
ing on milk, bear meat and what provisions they
could obtain from the Indians. 'When Felipe de
Xeve was made governor of Aha or Nueva
California in 1776 he was instructed by the vice-
roy to make observations on the agricultural
possibilities of the country and the feasibility of
founding pueblos where grain could be produced
to supply the military establishments.
On his journey from San Diego to San Fran-
cisco in 1777 he carefully examined the coun-
try; and as a result of his observations recom-
mended the founding of two pueblos; one on the
Rio de Porciuncula in the south, and the other
on the Rio de Guadalupe in the north. I >n the
29th of November, 1777. the Pueblo of San
Jose de Guadelupe was Founded. Hie colonists
were nine of the presidio soldiers from San
Francisco and Monterey, who had some knowl-
edge of farming and live of Anza's pobladores
who had come with his expedition the previous
years to found the presidio of San Francisco,
making with their families sixty-one persons in
ail. The pueblo was named for the patron saint
of Calif irnia, San Jose (St. Joseph), husband of
Santa Maria. Queen of the Angeles.
The site selected for the town was about a
mile and a quarter north of the center of the
present city. Tin first houses were built >n' pal-
isades and the interstices plastered with mud.
These huts were- roofed with earth and the floor
was the hard beaten ground. Each head of a
family was given a suerte or sowing lot of two
71
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hundred varas square, a house lot, "ten dollars
a month and a soldier's rations." Each, also,
received a yoke of oxen, two cows, a mule, two
sheep and two goats, together with the neces-
sary implements and seed, all of which were to
be repaid in products of the soil delivered at the
royal warehouse. The first communal work
done by the pobladores (colonists) was to dam
the river, and construct a ditch to irrigate their
sowing fields. The dam was not a success and
the first sowing of grain was lost. The site se-
lected for the houses was low and subject to
overflow7.
During wet winters the inhabitants were com-
pelled to take a circuitous route of three leagues
to attend church service at the mission of Santa
Clara. After enduring this state of affairs
through seven winters they petitioned the
governor for permission to remove the pu-
eblo further south on higher ground. The gov-
ernor did not have power to grant the request.
The petition was referred to the comandante-
general of the Intendencia in Mexico in 1785.
He seems to have studied over the matter two
years and having advised with the asesor-general
"finally issued a decree, June 21, 1787, to Gov-
ernor Fages, authorizing the settlers to remove
to the "adjacent loma (hill) selected by them as
more useful and advantageous without chang-
ing or altering, for this reason, the limits and
boundaries of the territory or district assigned
to said settlement and to the neighboring Mis-
sion of Santa Clara, as there is no just cause
why the latter should attempt to appropriate to
herself that land."
Having frequently suffered from floods, it
would naturally be supposed that the inhabi-
tants, permission being granted, moved right
away. They did nothing of the kind. Ten years
passed and they were still located on the old
marshy site, still discussing the advantages of
the new site on the other side of the river.
Whether the padres of the Mission of Santa
Clara opposed the moving does not appear in
the records, but from the last clause of tin- com-
andante-general's decree in which he says "there
is nnt just cause why the latter i the Mission of
Santa Clara) should attempt to appropriate to
herself the land," it would seem that the mission
padres were endeavoring to secure the new site
or at least prevent its occupancy. There was a
dispute between the padres and the pobladores
over the boundary line between the pueblo and
mission that outlived the century. After hav-
ing been referred to the titled officials, civil and
ecclesiastical, a boundary line was finally estab-
lished, July 24, 1801, that was satisfactory to
both. "According to the best evidence I have
discovered," says Hall in his History of San
Jose, "the removal of the pueblo took place in
1707." just twenty years after the founding. In
1798 the juzgado or town hall was built. It
was located on Market street near El Dorado
street.
The area of a pueblo was four square leagues
(Spanish) or about twenty-seven square miles.
This was sometimes granted in a square and
sometimes in a rectangular form. The pueblo
lands were divided into classes: Solares, house
lots; suertes (chance), sowing fields, so named
because they were distributed by lot; propios,
municipal lands or lands the rent of which went
to defray municipal expenses; ejidas, vacant
suburbs or commons; dehesas, pasture where
the large herds of the pueblo grazed; realenges,
nival lands also used for raising revenue; these
were unappropriated lands.
From various causes the founding of the sec-
ond pueblo had been delayed. In the latter part
of 1779, active preparations were begun for car-
rying out the plan of founding a presidio and
three missions on the Santa Barbara Channel
and a pueblo on the Rio Forciuncula to be
named "Reyna de Los Angeles." The comand-
ante-general of the Four Interior Provinces of
the West (which embraced the Californias, So-
nora, Xew Mexico and Viscaya), Don Teodoro
de Croix or "El Cavallero de Croix," "The
Knight of the Cross," as he usually styled him-
self, gave instructions to Don Fernando de Ri-
vera v Moncada to recruit soldiers and settlers
for the proposed presidio and pueblo in Xueva
California. 1 le, Rivera, crossed the gulf and be-
gart recruiting in Sonora and Sinaloa. His in-
structions were to secure twenty-four settlers,
whn were heads of families. They must be ro-
bust and well behaved, so that they might set
a good example to the natives. Their families
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
must accompany them and unmarried female
relatives must be encouraged to go, with the
view to marrying them to bachelor sol-
diers.
According to the regulations drafted by Gov-
ernor Felipe de Neve, June i, 1779, for the gov-
ernment of the province of California and ap-
proved by the king, in a royal order of the 24th
of October, 1781, settlers in California from the
older provinces were each to be granted a house
lot and a tract of land for cultivation. Each
poblador in addition was to receive $116.50 a
year for the first two years, "the rations to be
understood as comprehended in this amount,
and in lieu of rations for the next three years
they will receive $60 yearly."
Section 3 of Title 14 of the Reglamento pro-
vided that "To each poblador and to the com-
munity of the pueblo there shall be given under
condition of repayment in horses and mules fit
to be given and received, and in the payment of
the other large and small cattle at the just prices,
which are to be fixed by tariff, and of the tools
and implements at cost, as it is ordained, two
mares, two cows, and one calf, two sheep and
two goats, all breeding animals, and one yoke of
oxen or steers, one plow point, one hoe, one
spade, one axe, one sickle, one wood knife, one
musket and one leather shield, two horses and
one cargo mule. To the community there shall
likewise be given the males corresponding to
the total number of cattle of different kinds dis-
tributed amongst all the inhabitants, one forge
and anvil, six crowbars, six iron spades or shov-
els and the necessary tools for carpenter and
cast work." For the government's assistance to
the pobladores in starting their colony the set-
tlers were required to sell to the presidios the
surplus products of their lands and herds at fair
prices, which were to be fixed by the govern-
ment.
The terms offered to the settlers were cer-
tainly liberal, and by our own hardy pioneers,
who in the closing years of the last century were
making their way over the Alleghany mountains
into Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, they would
have been considered munificent; but to the in-
dolent and energyless mixed breeds of Sonora
and Sinaloa thev were no inducement. After
spending nearly nine months in recruiting, Ri-
vera was able to obtain only fourteen pobladores,
but little over half the number required, and two
of these deserted before reaching California.
The soldiers that Rivera had recruited for Cal-
ifornia, forty-two in number, with their families,
were ordered to proceed overland from Alamos,
in Sonora, by way of Tucson and the Colorado
river to San Gabriel Mission. These were com-
manded by Rivera in person.
Leaving Alamos in April, 1781, they arrived
in the latter part of June at the junction of the
Gila and Colorado rivers. After a short delay
to rest, the main company was sent on to San
Gabriel Mission. Rivera, with ten or twelve
soldiers, remained to recruit his live stock before
crossing the desert. Tw-o missions had been es-
tablished on the California side of the Colorado
the previous year. Before the arrival of Rivera
the Indians had been behaving badly. Rivera's
large herd of cattle and horses destroyed the
mesquite trees and intruded upon the Indians'
melon patches. This, with their previous quar-
rel with the padres, provoked the savages to an
uprising. They, on July 17, attacked the two
missions, massacred the padres and the Spanish
settlers attached to the missions and killed Ri-
vera and his soldiers, forty-six persons in all.
The Indians burned the mission buildings.
These were never rebuilt nor was there any at-
tempt made to convert the Yumas. The hos-
tility of the Yumas practicall) closed the Colo-
rado route to California for many years.
The pobladores who had been recruited for
the founding of the new pueblo, with their fami-
lies and a military escort. all under the command
of Lieut. Jose Zuniga. crossed the gulf from
Guaymas to Loreto, in Lower California, and 1>>
the 16th of May were ready for their long jour
ney northward. In the meantime two of the re-
cruits had deserted and one was left behind at
Loreto. On the [8th of August the eleven who
had remained faithful to their contract, with
their families, arrived at San Gabriel. On ac-
count of smallpox among some of the children
the 1 ompanj was pla intine about a
league from the mission.
On the 26th of August, 1781, from San Ga-
briel, Governor de Neve issued his instructions
7G
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFCORD.
for the founding of Los Angeles, which gave
some additional rules in regard to the distribu-
tion of lots not found in the royal reglamento
previously mentioned.
( In the 4th of September, 1781, the colonists,
with a military escort headed by Governor Fe-
lip de Neve, took up their line of march from
the Mission San Gabriel to the site selected for
their pueblo on the Rio de Porciuncula. There,
with religious ceremonies, the Pueblo de Nues-
tra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles was for-
mally founded. A mass was said by a priest
from the Mission San Gabriel, assisted by the
choristers and musicians of that mission. There
were salvos of musketry and a procession with
a cross, candlestick, etc. At the head of the
procession the soldiers bore the standard of
Spain and the women followed bearing a ban-
ner with the image of our Lady the Queen of
the Angels. This procession made a circuit of
the plaza, the priest blessing it and the building
lots. At the close of the services Governor de
Neve made an address full of good advice to the
colonists. Then the governor, his military es-
corj and the priests returned to San Gabriel and
the colonists were left to work out their
destiny.
Few of the great cities of the land have had
such humble founders as Los Angeles. Of the
eleven pobladores who built their huts of poles
and tule thatch around the plaza vieja one hun-
dred and twenty-two years ago, not one could
read or write. Not one could boast of an un-
mixed ancestry. They were mongrels in race,
Caucasian, Indian and Negro mixed. Poor in
purse, poor in blood, poor in all the sterner qual-
ities of character that our own hardy pioneers
of the wot possessed, they left no impress on
the city they founded; and the conquering race
that possesses the land that they colonized has
for-.. t ten them. No street or landmark in the
city bears the name of any one of them. No
monument or tablet marks the spot where they
planted the germ of their settlement. No Fore-
fathers' daj preserves the memory of their serv-
ice- and sacrifices. Their name-, race and the
number of persons in each family have been
preserved in the archives of California. They
are as follows:
i. Jose de Lara, a Spaniard (or reputed to be
"lie. although it is doubtful whether he was of
pure blood) had an Indian wife and three chil-
dren.
-'. Jose Antonio Navarro, a Mestizo, forty-
two years old; wife a mulattress; three children.
3. Pasilio Rosas, an Indian, sixty-eight years
old, had a mulatto wife and two children.
4. Antonio Mesa, a negro, thirty-eight years
old; had a mulatto wife and two children.
5. Antonio Felix Yillavicencio, a Spaniard,
thirty years old; had an Indian wife and one
child.
6. Jose Yanegas, an Indian, twenty-eight
years old; had an Indian wife and one child.
7. Alejandro Rosas,an Indian, nineteen vcars
old, and had an Indian wife. (In the records,
' wife, Coyote-Indian.")
8. Pablo Rodriguez, an Indian, twenty-five
years old; had an Indian wife and one child.
9. Manuel Camero, a mulatto, thirty years
old; had a mulatto wife.
10. Luis Ouintero, a negro, fifty-five years
old, and had a mulatto wife and five children.
1 1 . Jose Morena, a mulatto, twenty-two
years old, and had a mulatto wife.
Antonio Miranda, the twelfth person described
in the padron (list) as a Chino, fifty years old
and having one child, was left at Loreto when
the expedition marched northward. It would
have been impossible for him to have rejoined
the colonists before the founding, Fresumablv
his child remained with him, consequently there
were but forty-four instead of "forty-six persons
in all." Col. J. J. Warner, in his "Historical
Sketch of Los Angeles," originated the fiction
that one of the founders (Miranda, the Chino.)
was born in China. Chino, while it does mean a
( hiuaman, is also applied in Spanish-American
countries to persons or animals having curly
hair. Miranda was probably of mixed Spanish
and Negro blood, and curly haired. There is
no record to show that Miranda ever came to
\lta California.
When Jose de Galvez was fitting out the ex-
pedition for occupying San Diego and Monte-
rey, he issued a proclamation naming St. Jo-
seph a- the patron saint of his California colon-
ization scheme. Hearing this fact in mind, no
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
doubt, Governor de Neve, when he founded San
Jose, named St. Joseph its patron saint. Hav-
ing named one of the two pueblos for San Jose
it naturally followed that the other should be
named for Santa Maria, the Queen of the An-
gels, wife of San Jose.
On the ist of August, 1769, Portola's expedi-
tion, on its journey northward in search of Mon-
terey Bay, had halted in the San Gabriel valley
near where the Mission Yieja was afterwards lo-
cated, to reconnoiter the country and "above
all," as Father Crespi observes, "for the purpose
of celebrating the jubilee of Our Lady of the
Angels of Porciuncula." Xext day, August 2,
after traveling about three leagues (nine miles).
Father Crespi, in his diary, says: "We came to
a rather wide Canada having a great many Cot-
tonwood and alder trees. Through it ran a
beautiful river toward the north-northeast and
curving around the point of a cliff it takes a di-
rection to the south. Toward the north-north-
east we saw another river bed which must have
been a great overflow, but we found it dry. This
arm unites with the river and its great floods
during the rainy season are clearly demon-
strated by the many uprooted trees scattered
along the banks." (This dry river is the Arroyo
Seco.) "We stopped not very far from the river,
to which we gave the name of Porciuncula."
Porciuncula is the name of a hamlet in Italy-
near which was located the little church of Our
Lady of the Angels, in which St. Francis of As-
sisi was praying when the jubilee was granted
him. Father Crespi, speaking of the plain
through which the river flows, says: "This is
the best locality of all those we have yet seen
for a mission, besides having all the resources
required for a large town." Padre Crespi was
evidently somewhat of a prophet.
The fact that this locality had for a number
of years borne the name of "( lur Lady of the
Angels of Porciuncula" may have influenced
Governor de Neve to locate his pueblo here.
The full name of the town, El Pueblo de Nuestra
Seiiora La Reyna de Los Angeles, was seldom
used. It was too long for everyday use. In the
earlier years of the town's history it seems to
have had a variety of names. It appears in the
records as El Pueblo de Nuestra Sefiora de I os
Angeles, as El Pueblo de La Reyna de Los An-
geles and as El Pueblo de Santa Maria de Los
Angeles. Sometimes it was abbreviated to
Santa Maria, but it was most commonly spoken
of as El Pueblo, the town. At what time the
name of Rio Porciuncula was changed to Rio'
Los Angeles is uncertain. The change no doubt
was gradual.
The site selected for the pueblo of Lis An-
geles was picturesque and romantic. From
where Alameda street now is to the eastern
bank of the river the land was covered with a
dense growth of willows, cottonwoods and al-
ders: while here and there, rising above the
swampy copse, towered a giant aliso (sycamore I.
Wild grapevines festooned the branches of the
trees and wild roses bloomed in profusion. Be-
hind the narrow shelf of mesa land where the
pueblo was located rose the brown hills, and in
the distance towered the lofty Sierra Madre
mountains.
The last pueblo founded in California undei
Spanish domination was Villa de Branciforte,
'ocated on the opposite side of the river from
the Mission of Santa Cruz. It was named after
the Viceroy Branciforte. It was designed as a
coast defense and a place to colonize discharged
soldiers. The scheme was discussed for a con
siderable time before anything was done. Gov-
ernor Borica recommended "that an adobe
house be built for each settler so that the prev-
alent state of things in San Jose and Los An-
geles, where the settlers still live in tule huts, he
ing unable to build better dwellings without
neglecting their fields, may he prevented, the
houses to cost not over two hundn
The first detachment of the colonists arrived
Ma\ u, 1707. on the Concepcion in a destitute
condition. Lieutenant Moraga was sent to su
perintend the construction of houses for the
ci 1I1 mists. I le was instructed to build temporary
huts for himself and the guard, then to build
some larger buildings to accommodate fifteen or
twenty families each. These were to he tem-
porary. ( )nly nine families came and they were
of a vagabond class that bad a constitutional
antipathy to work. The settlers received
•■Bancroft's 1 1
of Califoi
78
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
same amount of supplies and allowance of
money as the colonists of San Jose and Los
Angeles. Although the colonists were called
Spaniards and assumed to be of a superior race
to the first settlers of the other pueblos, they
made less progress and were more unruly than
the mixed and mongrel inhabitants of the older
pueblos.
Although at the close of the century three
decades had passed since the first settlement was
made in California, the colonists had made but
little progress. Three pueblos of gente de razon
had been founded and a few ranchos granted to
e*-soldiers. Exclusive of the soldiers, the white
population in the year 1S00 did not exceed six
hundred. The people lived in the most primi-
tive manner. There was no commerce and no
manufacturing except a little at the missions.
Their houses were adobe huts roofed with tule
thatch. The floor was the beaten earth and the
scant furniture home-made. There was a scarcity
of cloth for clothing. Padre Salazar relates that
when he was at San Gabriei Mission in 1795 a
man who had a thousand horses and cattle in
proportion came there to beg cloth for a shirt,
for none could be had at. the pueblo of Los An-
geles nor at the presidio of Santa Barbara.
Hermanagildo Sal, the comandante of San
Francisco, writing to a friend in 1799. says, "I
send you. by the wife of the pensioner Jose
Barbo, one piece of cotton goods and an ounce
of sewing silk. There are no combs and I have
no hope of receiving any for three years." Think
of waiting three years for a comb!
Eighteen missions had been founded at the
close of the century. Except at a few of the
older missions, the buildings were temporary
structures. The neophytes for the most part
were living in wigwams constructed like those
they had occupied in their wild state.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PASSING OF SPAIN'S DOMINATION.
THE Spaniards were not a commercial peo-
ple. I heir great desire was to be let alone
in their American possessions. Philip II.
once promulgated a decree pronouncing death
upon any foreigner who entered the Gulf of
Mexico. It was easy to promulgate a decree or
to pass restrictive laws against foreign trade, but
quite another thing to enforce them.
\iht the first settlement of California seven-
teen years passed before a foreign vessel entered
any of its ports. The first to arrive were the
two vi ssels of the French explorer, La Perouse,
who anchored in the harbor of Monterey, Sep-
tember 15. 1786. Being of the same faith, and
France having been an ally of Spain in former
limes, he was well received. During his brief
stay he made a study of the mission system and
his observations on it are plainly given. He
found a similarity in it to the slave plantations
of Santo Domingo. November 14. 170J, the
English navigator, Capt. George Vancouver, in
the >liip Discovery, entered the l'a\ of San
Francisco. He was cordially received by the
comandante of the port, Hermanagildo Sal, and
the friars of the mission. On the 20th of the
month, with several of his officers, he visited the
Mission of Santa Clara, where he was kindly
treated. He also visited the Mission of San
Carlos de Monterey. He wrote an interesting
account of his visit and his observations on the
country. Vancouver was surprised at the back-
wardness of the country and the antiquated cus-
toms of the people. He says: "Instead of find-
ing a country tolerably well inhabited, and far
advanced in cultivation, if we except its natural
pastures, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle,
there is not an object to indicate the most re-
mote connection with any European or other
civilized nation." On a subsequent visit. Cap-
tain Vancouver met a chilly reception from the
acting governor, Arrillaga. The Spaniards sus-
pected him of spying out the weakness of their
defenses. Through the English, the Spaniards
became acquainted with the importance and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
value of the fur trade. The bays and lagoons of
California abounded in sea otter. Their skins
were worth in China all the way from $30 to
$100 each. The trade was made a government
monopoly. The skins were to be collected from
the natives, soldiers and others by the mission-
aries, at prices ranging from $2.50 to $10 each,
and turned over to the government officials ap-
pointed to receive them. All trade by private
persons was prohibited. The government was
sole trader. But the government failed to make
the trade profitable. In the closing years of
the century the American smugglers began to
haunt the coast. The restrictions against trade
with foreigners were proscriptive and the penal-
ties for evasion severe, but men will trade under
the most adverse circumstances. Spain was a
long way off, and smuggling was not a very
venal sin in the eyes of layman or churchman.
Fast sailing vessels were fitted out in Boston
for illicit trade on the California coast. Watch-
ing their opportunities, these vessels slipped
into the bays and inlets along the coast. There
was a rapid exchange of Yankee notions for sea
otter skins, the most valued peltry of California,
and the vessels were out to sea before the rev-
enue officers could intercept them. If success-
ful in escaping capture, the profits of a smug-
gling voyage were enormous, ranging from 500
to 1,000 per cent above cost on the goods ex-
changed; but the risks were great. The smug-
gler had no protection ; he was an outlaw. He
was the legitimate prey of the padres, the peo-
ple and the revenue officers. The Yankee smug-
gler usually came out ahead. His vessel was
heavily armed, and when speed or stratagem
[ailed he was ready to fight his way out of a
scrape.
Each year two ships were sent from San
Bias with the memorias — mission and presidio
supplies. These took back a small cargo of the
products of the territory, wheat being the prin-
cipal. This was all the legitimate commerce
allowed California.
The fear of Russian aggression had been one
of the causes that had forced Spain to attempt
the colonization of California. Bering, in 1741.
had discovered the strait that bears his name
and had taken possession, for the Russian gov
eminent, of the northwestern coast of America.
Four years later, the first permanent Russian
settlement, Sitka, had been made on one of the
coast islands. Rumors of the Russian explora-
tions and settlements had reached Madrid and
in 1774 Captain Perez, in the San Antonia, was
sent up the coast to find out what the Russians
were doing.
Mad Russian America contained arable land
where grain and vegetables could have been
grown, it is probable that the Russians and
Spaniards in America would not have come in
contact; for another nation, the United States,
had taken possession of the intervening coun-
try, bordering the Columbia river.
The supplies of breadstuffs for the Sitka col-
onists had to be sent overland across Siberia
or shipped around Cape Horn. Failure of sup-
plies sometimes reduced the colonists to sore
straits. In 1806, famine and diseases incident
to starvation threatened the extinction of the
Russian colony. Count Rezanoff, a high officer
of the Russian government, had arrived at the
Sitka settlement in September, 1805. The des-
titution prevailing there induced him to visit
California, with the hope of obtaining relief for
the starving colonists. In the ship Juno (pur-
chased from an American trader), with a scurvy
afflicted crew, he made a perilous voyage down
the stormy coast and on the 5th of April, 1806,
anchored safely in the Bay of San Francisco.
He had brought with him a cargo of goods for
exchange but the restrictive commercial regula-
tions of Spain prohibited trade with foreigners.
Although the friars and the people needed the
goods the governor could not allow the ex-
change. Count Rezanoff would be permitted to
purchase grain for cash, but the Russian's ex-
chequer was nol plethoric and his ship was al-
ready loaded with g Is. Love thai laughs at
locksmiths eventually unlocked the sh
that hampered commerce Rezanoff fell in love
with Dona Concepcion, the beautiful daughter
of Don Jose Arguello, the comandante of San
Francisco, and an old lime friend of the gov-
ernor, Vrrillaga. The attraction was mutual.
Through the influem 1 ncepcion, the
friars and \i gi \ ernor was ;•
to sanction a plan by which cash was the sup-
Ml
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
posed medium of exchange on both sides, but
grain on the one side and goods on the other
were the real currency.
The romance of Rezanoff and Dona Concep-
cion had a sad ending. On his journey through
Siberia to St. Petersburg to obtain the consent
of the emperor to his marriage he was killed
by a fall from his horse. It was several years
before the news of his death reached his af-
fianced bride. Faithful to his memory, she never
married, but dedicated her life to deeds of char-
ity. After Rezanoff's visit the Russians came
frequently to California, partly to trade, but
more often to hunt otter. While on these fur
hunting expeditions they examined the coast
north of San Francisco with the design of plant-
ing an agricultural colony where they could
raise grain to supply the settlements in the far
north. In 1812 they founded a town and built
a fort on the coast north of Bodega Cay, which
they named Ross. The fort mounted ten guns.
They maintained a fort at Bodega Bay and also
a small settlement on Russian river. The Span-
iards protested against this aggression and
threatened to drive the Russians out of the ter-
ritory, but nothing came of their protests and
they were powerless to enforce their demands.
The Russian ships came to California for sup-
plies and were welcomed by the people and the
friars if not by the government officials. The
Russian colony at Ross was not a success. The
ignorant soldiers and the Aluets who formed
the bulk of its three or four hundred inhab-
itants, knew little or nothing about farming and
were too stupid to learn. After the decline of
fur hunting the settlement became unprofitable.
In 1841 the buildings and the stock were sold
by the Russian governor to ("apt. John A. Sut-
ter for S^i.ooo. The settlement was abandoned
and the fort and tin- town arc in ruins.
On the 15th of September, 1810, the patriot
priest, .Miguel Hidalgo, struck the first blow
for Mexican independence. The revolution
which began in the province of Guanajuato was
at firM regarded by the authorities as a mere
riot of ignorant Indians thai would be speedily
suppressed. But the insurrection spread rap-
idly. Foul; years of oppression ami cruelty hail
instilled into the hearts of the people an undy-
ing hatred for their Spanish oppressors. Hidalgo
soon found himself at the head of a motley
army, poorly armed and undisciplined, but its
numbers swept away opposition. Unfortunately
through over-confidence reverses came and in
March, 181 1, the patriots met an overwhelming
defeat at the bridge of Calderon. Hidalgo was
betrayed, captured and shot. Though sup-
pressed for a time, the cause of independence
was not lost. For eleven years a fratricidal war
was waged — cruel, bloody and devastating. Al-
lende, Alina. Moreles, Alama, Rayon and other
patriot leaders met death on the field of battle
or were captured and shot as rebels, but "Free-
dom's battle" bequeathed from bleeding sire to
son was won at last.
Of the political upheavals that shook Spain
in the first decades of the century only the faint-
est rumblings reached far distant California.
Notwithstanding the many changes of rulers
that political revolutions and Napoleonic wars
gave the mother country, the people of Califor-
nia remained loyal to the Spanish crown, al-
though at times they must have been in doubt
who wore the crown.
Arrillaga was governor of California when
the war of Mexican independence began. Al-
though born in Mexico he was of pure Spanish
parentage and was thoroughly in sympathy with
Spain in the contest. He did not live to see the
end of the war. He died in 1814 and was suc-
ceeded by Pablo Vicente de Sola. Sola was
Spanish born and was bitterly opposed to the
revolution, even going so far as to threaten
death to any one who should speak in favor of
it. Fie had received his appointment from
Viceroy Calleja, the butcher of Guanajuato, the
crudest and most bloodthirsty of the vice regal
governors of new Spain. The friars were to a
man loyal to Spain. The success of the repub-
lic meant tin- downfall of their domination.
The) hated republican ideas and regarded
their dissemination as a crime. They were the
ruling power in California. The governors
and the people were subservient to their
wishes.
The decade between 1810 and 1820 was
marked by two important events, the year of the
earthquakes and the year of the insurgents.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
si
The year 1812 was the Ano de los Temblores.
The seismic disturbance that for forty years or
more had shaken California seemed to concen-
trate in power that year and expend its force
on the mission churches. The massive church
of San Juan Capistrano, the pride of mission
architecture, was thrown down ami forty per-
sons killed. The wails of San Gabriel Mission
were cracked and some of the saints shaken out
of their niches. At San Buenaventura there
were three heavy shocks which injured the
church so that the tower and much of the facade
had to be rebuilt. The whole mission site
seemed to settle and the inhabitants, fearful
that they might be engulfed by the sea, moved
up the valley about two miles, where they re-
mained three months. At Santa Barbara both
church and the presidio were damaged and at
Santa Inez the church was shaken down. The
quakes continued for several months and the
people were so terrified that they abandoned
their houses and lived in the open air.
The other important epoch of the decade was
El Ano de los Insurgentes, the year of the in-
surgents. In November, 18 18, Bouchard, a
Frenchman in the service of Buenos Ayres and
provided with letters of marque by San Mar-
tain, the president of that republic, to prey upon
Spanish commerce, appeared in the port of
Monterey with two ships carrying sixty-six
guns and three hundred and fifty men. He at-
tacked Monterey and after an obstinate re-
sistance by the Californians, it was taken by the
insurgents and burned. Bouchard next pillaged
Ortega's rancho and burned the buildings.
Then sailing down the coast he scared the Santa
Barbaranos; then keeping on down he looked
into San Pedro, but finding nothing there to
tempt him he kept on to San Juan Capistrano.
There he landed, robbed the mission of a few
articles and drank the padres' wine. Then he
sailed away and disappeared. He left six of his
men in California, among them Joseph Chap-
man of Boston, the first American resident of
California.
In the early part of the last century there
was a limited commerce with Lima. That
being a Spanish dependency, trade with it was
not prohibited. Gilroy, who arrived in Califor-
nia in 1814. says in his reminiscences:*
"The only article of export then was tallow,
of which one cargo was sent annually to Callao
in a Spanish ship. This tallow sold for $1.50
per hundred weight in silver or $2.00 in trade
or goods. Hides, except those used for tallow
bags, were thrown away. Wheat, barley and
beans had no market. Nearly everything con-
sumed by the people was produced at home.
There was no foreign trade."
As the revolution in Mexico progressed
times grew harder in California. The mission
niemorias ceased to come. Xo tallow ships from
Callao arrived. The soldiers' pay was years in
arrears and their uniforms in rags. What little
wealth there was in the country was in the
hands of the padre.. 'I hey were supreme. "The
friars," says Gilroy, "had even thin- their own
way. The governor and the military were ex-
pected to do whatever the friars requested. The
missions contained all the wealth of the coun-
try." The friars supported the government and
supplied the troops with food from the products
of the neophytes' labor. The crude manufac-
turers of the missions supplied the people with
cloth for clothing and some other necessities.
The needs of the common people were easily
satisfied. They were not used to Iuxurii
were they accustomed to what we would now
consider necessities. Gilroy, in the reminis-
cences heretofore referred to, states that at the
time of his arrival (1814) "There was not a saw-
mill, whip .-aw or spoked wheel in California.
Such lumber as was used was cut with an axe.
Chairs, tables and w 1 flooi
lound except in the governor's house. Plates
were rare unless that name could be applied to
the tiles used instead. Money was a rarity.
There were no stores and no merchandise to
sell. There was no employment for a laborer.
The neophytes did all the work and all the busi-
ness of tlie country was in the hands of the
friars."
*Alta California, June 25, 1865.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER IX.
FROM EMPIRE TO REPUBLIC.
THE condition of affairs in California stead-
ily grew worse as the revolution in Mex-
ico progressed. Sola had made strenuous
efforts to arouse the Spanish authorities of New
Spain to take some action towards benefiting the
territory. Alter the affair with the insurgent
Bouchard he had appealed to the viceroy for re-
inforcements. In answer to his urgent entreaties
a force of one hundred men was sent from Ma-
zatlan to garrison San Diego and an equal force
from San Bias for Monterey. They reached Cal-
ifornia in August, 1819, and Sola was greatly-
rejoiced, but his joy was turned to deep disgust
when he discovered the true character of the re-
inforcement and arms sent him. The only equip-
ments of the soldiers were a few hundred did
worn-out sabers that Sola declared were unfit
for sickles. He ordered them returned to the
comandante of San Bias, who had sent them.
The troops were a worse lot than the arms sent.
They had been taken out of the prisons or con-
scripted from the lowest class of the population
of the cities. They were thieves, drunkards and
vagabonds, who, as soon as landed, resorted to
robberies, brawls and assassinations. Sola wrote
to the viceroy that the outcasts called troops
sent him from the jails of Tepic and San Bias
by their vices caused continual disorders; their
evil example had debauched the minds of the
Indians and that the cost incurred in their col-
let! inn ami transportation had been worse than
thrown away, lie could not get rid of them,
s<> he had to control them as best he could.
Governor Sola labored faithfully to benefit the
country over which be had been placed and to
arouse the Spanish authorities in Mexico to do
something tor the advancement of California;
but the government did nothing. Indeed it was
in no condition to ,1,. anything. The revolution
would not down. No sooner was one revolution-
ary leader suppressed and the rebellion ap-
parently crushed than there was an uprising in
some other part of the country under a new
leader.
Ten years of intermittent warfare had been
waged — one army of patriots after another had
been defeated and the leaders shot; the strug-
gle for independence was almost ended and the
royalists were congratulating themselves on the
triumph of the Spanish crown, when a sudden
1 hange came and the vice regal government
that lor three hundred years had swayed the
destinies of Xew Spain went down forever.
Agustin Iturbide, a colonel in the royal army,
who in February, 1821, had been sent with a
corps of five thousand men from the capital to
the Sierras near Aeapulco to suppress Guerrero,
the last of the patriot chiefs, suddenly changed
his allegiance, raised the banner of the revolu-
tion and declared for the independence of Mex-
ico under the plan of Iguala, so named for the
town where it was first proclaimed. The central
ideas of the plan were "Union, civil and re-
ligious liberty."
There was a general uprising in all parts of
the country and men rallied to the support of the
Army of the Three Guarantees, religion, union,
independence. Guerrero joined forces with
Iturbide and September 21. 1821, at the head
of sixteen thousand men, amid the rejoicing of
the people, they entered the capital. The viceroy
was compelled to recognize the independence of
Mexico. A provisional government under a
regency was appointed at first, but a few months
later Iturbide was crowned emperor, taking the
title of his most serene majesty, Agustin I., by
divine providence and by the congress of the
nation, first constitutional emperor of Mexico.
Sola had heard rumors of the turn affairs
were taking in Mexico, but he had kept the re-
ports a secret and still hoped and prayed for
the success of the Spanish arms. At length a
vessel appeared in the harbor of Monterey float-
ing an unknown flag, and cast anchor beyond
i
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the reach of the guns of the castillo. The sol-
diers were called to arms. A boat from the ship
put off for shore and landed an officer, who de-
clared himself the bearer of dispatches to Don
Pablo Vicente de Sola, the governor of the
province. "I demand," said he, "to be con-
ducted to his presence in the name of my sov-
ereign, the liberator of Mexico, General Agustin
de Iturbide." There was a murmur of applause
from the soldiers, greatly to the surprise of their
officers, who were all loyalists. Governor Sola
was bitterly disappointed. Only a few days be-
fore he had harangued the soldiers in the square
of the presidio and threatened "to shoot down
any one high or low without the formality of a
trial who dared to say a word in favor of the
traitor Iturbide."
For half a century the banner of Spain had
floated from the flag staff of the presidio of
Monterey. Sadly Sola ordered it lowered and
in its place was hoisted the imperial flag of the
Mexican Empire. A few months pass, Iturbide
is forced to abdicate the throne of empire and
is banished from Mexico. The imperial stand-
ard is supplanted by the tricolor of the republic.
Thus the Californians, in little more than one
year, have passed under three different forms
of government, that of a kingdom, an empire
and a republic, and Sola from the most
loyal of Spanish governors in the kingdom
of Spain has been transformed in a Mexican
republican.
The friars, if possible, were more bitterly dis-
appointed than the governor. They saw in the
success of the republic the doom of their estab-
lishments. Republican ideas were repulsive to
them. Liberty meant license to men to think
for themselves. The shackles of creed ami the
fetters of priestcraft would be loosened by the
growth of liberal ideas. It was not strange,
viewing the question from their standpoint, that
they refused to take the oath of allegiance to
the republic. Nearly all of them were Spanish
born. Spain had aided them to plant their mis-
sions, had fostered their establishments ami had
made them supreme in the territory. Their al-
legiance was due to the Spanish crown. They
would not transfer it to a republic and th'ey did
not; to the last they were loyal to Spain in
heart, even if they did acquiesce in the ob-
servance of the rule of the republic.
Sola had long desired to be relieved of the
governorship. He was growing old and was in
poor health. The condition of the country wor-
ried him. He had frequently asked to be re-
lieved and allowed to retire from military duty.
His requests were unheeded; the vice regal
government of New Spain had weightier mat-
ters to attend to than requests or the complaints
of the governor of a distant and unimportant
province. The inauguration of the empire
brought him the desired relief.
Under the empire Alta California was allowed
a diputado or delegate in the imperial congress.
Sola was elected delegate and took his de-
parture for Mexico in the autumn of 1822. Luis
Antonio Arguello, president of the provincial
diputacion, an institution that had come into ex-
istence after the inauguration of the empire, be-
came governor by virtue of his position as
president. He was the first hijo del pais or na-
tive of the country to hold the office of gov-
ernor. He was born at San Francisco in 17S4,
while his father, an ensign at the presidio, was
in command there. His opportunities for ob-
taining an education were extremely meager,
but he made the best use of what he had. lie
entered the army at sixteen and was, at the time
he became temporary governor, comandante at
San Francisco.
The inauguration of a new form of govern-
ment had brought no relief to California. The
two Spanish ships that had annually brought
los memorias del rev (the remembrances of the
king) had long since ceased to come with their
supplies of money and goods for the soldiers.
The California ports were closed to foreign com-
merce. There was no sale for the products of
the country. So the missions had 10 throw open
their warehouses and relieve the necessities of
the government.
The change in the form of government had
made no change in the dislike of foreigners,
that was a characteristic of the Spaniard. 1 lur-
ing the Spanish era very few foreigners had
been allowed to remain in California. Run-
awa\ sailors an ed mariners, notwith-
standing they might wish to remain in the coun-
M
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
try and become Catholics, were shipped to
Mexico and returned to their own country.
John Gilroy, whose real name was said to be
John Cameron, was the first permanent English
speaking resident of California. When a boy
of eighteen he was left by the captain of a Hud-
son Bay company's ship at Monterey in 1814.
He was sick with the scurvy and not expected
to live. Nursing and a vegetable diet brought
him out all right, but he could not get away.
He did not like the country and every day for
several years he went down to the beach and
scanned the ocean for a foreign sail. When one
did come he had gotten over his home-sickness,
had learned the language, fallen in love, turned
Catholic and married.
In 1822 William E. P. Hartnell, an English-
man, connected with a Lima business house,
visited California and entered into a contract
with Padre Payeras, the prefect of the missions,
for the purchase of hides and tallow. Hartnell
a few years later married a California lady and
became a permanent resident of the territory.
Other foreigners who came about the same time
as Hartnell and who became prominent in Cal-
ifornia were William A. Richardson, an Eng-
lishman; Capt. John R. Cooper of Boston and
William A. Gale, also of Boston. Gale had first
visited California in 1810 as a fur trader. He
returned in 1822 on the ship Sachem, the pioneer
Boston hide drogher. The hide drogher was
in a certain sense the pioneer emigrant ship
of California. It brought to the coast a
number of Americans who became permanent
residents of the territory. California, on ac-
count of its long distance from the world's
marts of trade, had but few products for ex-
change that would bear the cost of shipment.
Its chief commodities for barter during the
Mexican era were hides and tallow. The vast
range of country adapted to cattle raising made
that its most profitable industry. Cattle in-
creased rapidly and required but little care or
on from their owners. Vs the native Cal-
ifornians were averse to hard labor cattle rais-
ing became almost the sole industry of the
country.
\fh>- the inauguration of a republican form
of government in Mexico some of the most
burdensome restrictions on foreign commerce
were removed. The Mexican Congress of 1824
enacted a colonization law, which was quite
liberal. Under it foreigners could obtain land
from the public domain. The Roman Catholic
religion was the state religion and a foreigner,
before he could become a permanent resident of
the country, acquire property or marry, was
required to be baptized and embrace the doc-
trines of that church. After the Mexican Con-
gress repealed the restrictive laws against for-
eign commerce a profitable trade grew up
between the New England ship owners and the
Californians.
Vessels called hide droghers were fitted out
in Boston with assorted cargoes suitable for the
California trade. Making the voyage by way of
Cape Horn they reached California. Stopping
at the various ports along the coast they ex-
changed their stocks of goods and Yankee
notions for hides and tallow. It took from two
to three years to make a voyage to California
and return to Boston, but the profits on the
goods sold and on the hides received in ex-
change were so large that these ventures paid
handsomely. The arrival of a hide drogher
with its department store cargo was heralded
up and down the coast. It broke the monotony
of existence, gave the people something new
to talk about and stirred them up as nothing
else could do unless possibly a revolution.
'*On the arrival of a new vessel from the
United States," says Robinson in his "Life in
California," "every man, woman, boy and girl
took a proportionate share of interest as to the
qualities of her cargo. If the first inquired for
rice, sugar or tobacco, the latter asked for prints,
silks and satins; and if the boy wanted a Wil-
son's jack knife, the girl hoped that there might
be some satin ribbons for her. Thus the whole
population hailed with eagerness an arrival. Even
the Indian in his unsophisticated style asked for
Panas Colorados and Abalaris — red handker-
chiefs and beads.
"After the arrival of our trading vessel (at San
Pedro) our friends came in the morning flock-
ing on board from all quarters; and soon a busy
scene commenced afloat and ashore. Boats
were passing to the beach, and men, women
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
85
and children partaking in the general excite-
ment. On shore all was confusion, cattle and
carts laden with hides and tallow, gente de razon
and Indians busily employed in the delivery of
their produce and receiving in return its value
in goods. Groups of individuals seated around
little bonfires upon the ground, and horsemen
racing over the plains in every direction. Thus
the day passed, some arriving, some departing,
till long after sunset, the low white road, lead-
ing across the plains to the town (Los Angeles),
appeared a living panorama."
The commerce of California during the Mex-
ican era was principally carried on by the hide
droghers. The few stores at the pueblos and
presidios obtained their supplies from them
and retailed their goods to customers in the in-
tervals between the arrivals of the department
store droghers.
The year 1824 was marked by a serious out-
break among the Indians of several missions.
Although in the older missionary establish-
ments many of the neophytes had spent half a
century under the Christianizing influence of
the padres and in these, too, a younger genera-
tion had grown from childhood to manhood
under mission tutelage, yet their Christian train-
ing had not eliminated all the aboriginal sav-
agery from their natures. The California Indians
were divided into numerous small tribes, each
speaking a different dialect. The}- had never
learned, like the eastern Indians did, the ad-
vantages of uniting against a common enemy.
When these numerous small tribes were gath-
ered into the missions they were kept as far as
it was possible separate and it is said the padres
encouraged their feuds and tribal animosities to
prevent their uniting against the missionaries.
Their long residence in the missions had de-
stroyed their tribal distinctions and merged
them into one body. It had taught them, too,
the value of combination.
How long the Indians had been plotting no
one knew. The conspiracy began among the
neophytes of Santa Ynez and La Purisima, but
it spread to the missions of San Luis < ibispo,
Santa Barbara, San Buenaventura, San Fer-
nando and San Gabriel. Their plan was to mas-
sacre the padres and the mission guard and
having obtained arms to kill all the genie de
razon and thus free themselves from mission
thralldom and regain their old time freedom.
The plotting had been carried on with great
secrecy. Rumors had passed from mission to
mission arranging the details of the uprising
without the whites suspecting anything. Sunday,
February 22, [824, was the day set for begin-
ning the slaughter. At the hour of celebrating
mass, when the soldiers and the padre- were
within the church, the bloody work was to be-
gin. The plot might have succeeded had not
the Indians at Santa Ynez began their work
prematurely. One account (Hindi's History of
California) says that on Saturday afternoon be-
fore the appointed Sunday they determined to
begin the work by the murder of Padre- Fran-
cisco Xavier Una, who was sleeping in a cham-
ber next the mission church. He was warned
by a faithful page. Springing from his couch
and rushing to a window he saw the Indians ap-
proaching. Seizing a musket from several that
were in the room he shot the first Indian that
reached the threshold dead. He seized a sec-
ond musket and laid another Indian low. The
soldiers now rallied to his assistance and the
Indians were driven back: they set fire to the
mission church, but a small body of troops un-
der Sergeant Carrillo, sent from Santa Barbara
to reinforce the mission guard, coming up at
this time, the Indians lied to Purisima. The
fire was extinguished before the church was
consumed. At Purisima the Indians were more
successful. The mission was defended by Cor-
poral Tapia and five soldiers. The Indians de-
manded that Tapia surrender, but tin- corporal
refused. The tight began and continued all
night. The Indians set fire to the building, but
all they could burn was the rafters. Tapia. by a
strategic movement, succeeded in collecting all
the soldiers and the women and children inside
the walls of one of the largest buildings from
which the roof had been burnt. From this the
Indians could nol dislodge him. The fighl was
kept up till morning, when one of the Indians,
who had been a mission alcade, made a prop-
osition to the corporal to surrender, Tapia re-
fused to consider it, Km Father Bias I >rdaz in-
terfered and insisted 1 imise. After
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
much contention Tapia found himself overruled.
The Indians agreed to spare the lives of all on
condition that the whites laid down their arms.
The soldiers laid down their arms and sur-
rendered two small cannon belonging to the
church. The soldiers, the women and the chil-
dren were then allowed to march to Santa Ynez.
While the fight was going on the Indians killed
four white men, two of them, Dolores Sepulveda
and Ramon Satelo, were on their way to Los
Angeles and came to the mission not suspecting
any danger. Seven Indians were killed in the
fight and a number wounded.
The Indians at Santa Barbara began hostilities
according to their prearranged plot. They made
an attack upon the mission. Captain de la
( iuerra, who was in command at the presidio,
marched to the mission and a fight of several
hours ensued. The Indians sheltered them-
selves behind the pillars of the corridor and
fought with guns and arrows. After losing sev-
eral of their number they lied to the hills. Four
soldiers were wounded. The report of the up-
rising reached Monterey and measures were
taken at once to subdue the rebellious
neophytes. A force of one hundred men was
sent under Lieut. Jose Estrada to co-operate
with Captain de la Guerra against the rebels.
( )n the t6th of .March the soldiers surrounded
the Indians who had taken possession of the
mission church at Purisima and opened fire
Upon them. The Indians replied with their cap-
tured cannon, muskets and arrows. Estrada's
artillery battered down the walls of the church.
The Indian-, unused to arms, did little execu-
tion. Driven out of the wrecked building, they
attempted to make their escape by llight, but
wire intercepted by tlie cavalry which had been
deployed for that purpose. Finding themselves
hemmed in on all sides the neophytes sur-
rendered. They had lost sixteen killed and a
large number of wounded. Seven of the prison-
ers were shot for complicity in the murder of
Sepulveda and the three other travelers. The
four leaders in the revolt, Mariano Pacomio,
Benito and Bernabe, were sentenced to ten
years hard labor at the presidio and eight oth-
ers to lesser terms. There were four hundred
Indians engaged in the battle.
The Indians of the Santa Barbara missions
and escapes from Santa Ynez and Purisima
made their way over the mountains to the
Tulares. A force of eighty men under com-
mand of a lieutenant was sent against these.
The troops had two engagements with the reb-
els, whom they found at Buenavista Lake and
San Emigdio. Finding his force insufficient to
subdue them the lieutenant retreated to Santa
Barbara. Another force of one hundred and
thirty men under Captain Portilla and Lieuten-
ant Valle was sent after the rebels. Father
Ripoll had induced the governor to offer a gen-
eral pardon. The padre claimed that the In-
dians had not harmed the friars nor committed
sacrilege in the church and from his narrow-
view these were about the only venal sins they
could commit. The troops found the fugitive
neophytes encamped at San Emigdio. They
now professed repentance for their misdeeds and
were willing to return to mission life if they
could escape punishment. Padres Ripoll and
Sarria, who had accompanied the expedition,
entered into negotiations with the Indians; par-
don was promised them for their offenses. They
then surrendered and marched back with the
soldiers to their respective missions. This was
the last attempt of the Indians to escape from
mission rule.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER X.
FIRST DECADE OF MEXICAN RULE.
JOSE MARIA ECHEANDIA, a lieutenant
colonel of the Mexican army, was ap-
pointed governor of the two Californias,
February i, 1825. With his staff officers and
a few soldiers he landed at Loreto June
22. After a delay of a few months at Lo-
reto he marched overland to San Diego,
where he arrived about the middle of October.
He summoned Arguello to meet him there,
which he did and turned over the government,
October 31, 1825. Echeandia established his
capital at San Diego, that town being about the
center of his jurisdiction. This did not suit the
people of Monterey, who become prejudiced
against the new governor. Shortly after his
inauguration he began an investigation of the
attitude of the mission friars towards the re-
public of Mexico. He called padres Sanches,
Zalvidea, Peyri and Martin, representatives of
the four southern missions, to San Diego and
demanded of them whether they would take the
oath of allegiance to the supreme government.
They expressed their willingness and were ac-
cordingly sworn to support the constitution of
1824. Many of the friars of the northern mis-
sions remained contumacious. Among the
most stubborn of these was Padre Vicente
Francisco de Sarria, former president of the
missions. He had resigned the presidency to
escape taking the oath of allegiance and still
continued his opposition. He was put under ar-
rest and an order issued for his expulsion by
the supreme government, but the execution of
the order was delayed for fear that if he were
banished others of the disloyal padres would
abandon their missions and secretly leave the
country. The government was not ready yet to
take possession of the missions. The friars
could keep the neophytes in subjection and
make them work. The business of the country
was in the hands of the friars and any radical
change would have been disastrous.
The national government in 1827 had issued
a decree for the expulsion of Spaniards from
Mexican territory. There were certain classes
of those born in Spain who were exempt from
banishment, but the friars were not among the
exempts. The decree of expulsion reached Cal-
ifornia in 1828; but it was not enforced for the
reason that all of the mission padres except
three were Spaniards. To have sent these out
of the country would have demoralized the mis-
sions. The Spanish friars were expelled from
Mexico; but those in California, although some
of them had boldly proclaimed their willingness
to die for their king and their religion and de-
manded their passports to leave the country,
were allowed to remain in the country. Their
passports were not given them for reasons
above stated. Padres Ripoll and Altimira made
their escape without passports. They secretly
took passage on an American brig lying at
Santa Barbara. Orders were issued to seize the
vessel should she put into any other harbor on
the coast, but the captain, who no doubt had
been liberally paid, took no chance of capture
and the padres eventually reached Spain in
safety. There was a suspicion that the two
friars had taken with them a large amount of
money from the mission funds, but nothing was
proved. It was certain that they carried away
something more than the bag and staff, the onl)
property allowed them by the rules of their
order.
The most bitter opponenl of the new govern-
ment was Father Luis Antonio Martinez of San
Luis Obispo. Before the clandestine departure
of Ripoll and Altimira there were rumors that
he meditated a secret departure From the coun-
try. The mysterious shipment of $6,000 in gold
belonging to the mission on a vessel called the
Santa Apolonia gave credence to the repi
1 tided flight. 1 le had been given a
port hill -till remained in the territory. His
»
HISTORICAL AXD UK )GRAPHICAL RECORD.
outspoken disloyalty and his well known suc-
cess in evading the revenue laws and smuggling
goods ini" i lie country had made him particu-
larly obnoxious to the authorities. Governor
Echeandia determined to make an example of
him. He was arrested m February, 1830, and
confined in a room at Santa Barbara. In his
trial before a council of war an attempt was
made to connect him with complicity in the Solis
revolution, but the evidence against him was
weak. P.\ a vote of live to one it was decided
to send him out of the country. He was put
on board an English vessel bound for Callao and
there transferred to a vessel bound for Europe;
he finally arrived safely at Madrid.
Under the empire a diputacion or provincial
legislature had been established in California.
Arguello in 1825 had suppressed this while he
was governor. Echeandia, shortly after his ar-
rival, ordered an election for a new diputacion.
The diputacion made the general laws of the
territory. It consisted of seven members called
vocals. These were chosen by an electoral
junta, the members .if which were elected by
the people. The diputacion chose a diputado or
delegate to the Mexican Congress. As it was a
long distance for some of the members to travel
tu the territorial capital a suplente or substitute
was chosen for each member, so as to assure a
quorum. The diputacion called by Echeandia
met at Monterey, June 14, 1828. The sessions,
of which there were two each week, were held in
the governor's palacio. This diputacion passed
a rather peculiar revenue law. It taxed domestic
aguardiente (grape brandy) $5 a barrel and
wine half that amount in the jurisdictions of
Monterey and San Francisco; but in the juris-
dictions of Santa Barbara and San Diego the
rates were doubled, brandy was taxed $10
a barrel and wine $5. San Diego, Los An-
geles and Santa Barbara were wine producing
districts, while Monterej and San Francisco
wire nut. As there was a larger consumption of
the product in the wine producing district- than
in the others the law was enacted for revenue
and not for prevention of drinking.
Another peculiar freak of legislation perpe-
trated by this diputacion was the attempt to
change the name of the territory. The supreme
government was memorialized to change the
name of Aha California to that of Montezuma
and also that of the Pueblo de Xuestra Seriora
de los Angeles to that of Villa Victoria de la
Reyna de los Angeles and make it the capital
of the territory. A coat of arms was adopted
for the territory. It consisted of an oval with
the figure of an oak tree on one side, an olive
tree on the other and a plumed Indian in the
center with his bow and quiver, just in the
act of stepping across the mythical straits
of Anian. The memorial was sent to Mexico,
but the supreme government paid no attention
to it.
The political upheavals, revolutions and coun-
ter revolutions that followed the inauguration
of a republican form of government in Mexico
demoralized the people and produced a prolific
crop of criminals. The jails were always full
and it became a serious question what to do
with them. It was proposed to make California
a penal colony, similar to England*s Botany
Bay. Orders were issued to send criminals to
California as a means of reforming their mor-
als. The Californians protested against the
sending of these undesirable immigrants, but in
vain. In February, 1830, the brig Maria Ester
brought eighty convicts from Acapulco to San
Diego. They were not allowed to land there
and were taken to Santa Barbara. What to
do with them was a serious question with the
Santa Barbara authorities. The jail would not
hold a tenth part of the shipment and to turn
them loose in the sparsely settled country was
dangerous to the peace of the community. Fin-
ally, about thirty or forty of the worst of the
bad lot were shipped over to the island of Santa
Cruz. They were given a supply of cattle, some
fishhooks and a few tools and turned loose on
the island to shift for themselves. They staid
mi the island until they had slaughtered and
eaten the cattle, then they built a raft and
drifted back to Santa Barbara, where they
quartered themselves on the padres of the mis-
sion. Fifty more were sent from Mexico a few
months later. These shipments of prison exiles
were distributed around among the settlements.
Some served out their time and returned to their
native land, a few escaped over the border,
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
others remained in the territory after their time
was up and became fairly good citizens.
The colonization law passed by the Mexican
Congress August 18, 1824, was the first break
in the proscriptive regulations that had pre-
vailed in Spanish-American countries since their
settlement. Any foreigner of good character
who should locate in the country and become a
Roman Catholic could obtain a grant of public
land, not exceeding eleven leagues; but no for-
eigner was allowed to obtain a grant within
twenty leagues of the boundary of a foreign
country nor within ten leagues of the sea coast.
The law of April 14, 1828, allowed foreigners
to become naturalized citizens. The applicant
was required to have resided at least two years
in the country, to be or to become a Roman
Catholic, to renounce allegiance to his former
country and to swear to support the constitution
and laws of the Mexican republic. Quite a
number of foreigners who had been residing
a number of years in California took advantage
of this law and became Mexican citizens by nat-
uralization. The colonization law of Novem-
ber 18, 1828, prescribed a series of rules and
regulations for the making of grants of land.
Colonists were required to settle on ami culti-
vate the land granted within a specified time or
forfeit their grants. Any one residing outside
of the republic could not retain possession of
his land. The minimum size of a grant as de-
fined by this law was two hundred varas square
of irrigable land, eight hundred varas square
of arable land (depending on the seasons) and
twelve hundred varas square grazing land. The
size of a house lot was one hundred varas
square.
The Californians had grown accustomed to
foreigners coming to the country by sea, but
they were not prepared to have them come over-
land. The mountains and deserts that inter-
vened between the United States and California
were supposed to be an insurmountable barrier
to foreign immigration by land. It was no doubt
with feelings of dismay, mingled with anger,
that Governor Echeandia received the advance
guard of maldito estranjeros, who came across
the continent. Echeandia hated foreigners and
particularly Americans. The pioneer of over-
land travel from the United States to California
was Capt. Jedediah S. Smith. Smith was born
in Connecticut and when quite young came
with his father to Ohio and located in Ashtabula
county, where he grew to manhood amid the
rude surroundings of pioneer life in the west.
By some means he obtained a fairly good educa-
tion. We have no record of when he began the
life of a trapper. We first hear of him as an
employe of General Ashley in 1822. He had
command of a band of trappers on the waters of
the Snake river in 1824. Afterwards he became
a partner of Ashley under the firm name of
Ashley & Smith and subsequently one of the
members of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company.
The latter company had about 1825 established
a post and fort near Great Salt Lake. From
this, August 22, 1826, Captain Smith with a
band of fifteen hunters and trappers started on
his first expedition to California. His object
was to find some new country that had not been
occupied by a fur company. Traveling in a south-
westerly direction he discovered a river which
he named Adams (after President John Ouincy
Vdams) now known as the Rio Virgin. This
stream he followed down to its junction with
the Colorado. Traveling down the latter river
he arrived at the Mojave villages, where he
rested fifteen days. Here he found two wander-
ing neophytes, who guided his party across the
desert to the San Gabriel mission, where he and
his men arrived safely early in December, 1826.
The arrival of a party of armed Americans
from across the mountains and deserts alarmed
the padres and couriers were hastily dispatched
to Governor Echeandia at San Diego. The
Americans were placed under arrest and com-
pelled to give up their arms. Smith was taken
to San Diego to give an account of himself. 1 [e
claimed that he had been compelled to enter
the territory on account of the loss of horses
and a scarcity of provisions, lie was finally re-
leased from prison upon the endorsement of
several American ship captains and supercar-
goes who were then at San Diego, lie was a!
lowed to return to San Gabriel, where he pur-
chased horses and supplies. He moved his camp
to San Bernardino, where he remained until
February. The authorities had grown uneasy
90
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at his continued presence in the country and
orders were sent to arrest him, but before this
could be done he left for the Tulare country by
way of Cajon Pass. He trapped on the tribu-
taries of the San Joaquin. By the ist of May
he and his party had reached a fork of the Sac-
ramento (near where the town of Folsom now
stands). Here he established a summer camp
and the river ever since has been known as the
American fork from that circumstance.
Here again the presence of the Americans
worried the Mexican authorities. Smith wrote
a conciliatory letter to Padre Duran, president
of the missions, informing him that he had
"made several efforts to pass over the moun-
tains, but the snow being so deep I could not
succeed in getting over. I returned to this
place, it being the only point to kill meat, to
wait a few weeks until the snow melts so that I
can go on." "On May 20, 1827," Smith writes,
"with two men, seven horses and two mules, I
started from the valley. In eight days we
crossed Mount Joseph, losing two horses and
one mule. After a march of twenty days east-
ward from Mount Joseph (the Sierra Xevadas)
I reached the southwesterly corner of the Great
Salt Lake. The country separating it from the
mountains is arid and without game. ( Iften we
had no water for two days at a time. When
we reached Salt Lake we had left only one horse
and one mule, so exhausted that they could
hardl) carry our slight baggage. We had been
forced to eat the horses that had succumbed."
Smith's route over the Sierras to Salt Lake
was substantially the same as that followed bythe
overland emigration of later years. He discov-
ered the Humboldt, which he named the Mary
river, a name it bore until changed by Fremont
in 1S45. lie was the first white man to cross
the Sierra Xevadas. Smith left his partv of
trappers excepl the two who accompanied him
in the Sacramento valley. He returned next
year with reinforcements and was ordered out
of the country by the governor. He traveled up
the coast towards Oregon. On the Umpqua
river he was attacked b) the Indians. All his
part) except himself and two others were mas-
sacred, lie lost all of his horses and furs, lie
reached Fort Vancouver his clothing torn to
rags and almost starved to death. In 1831 he
started with a train of wagons to Santa Fe on a
trading expedition. While alone searching for
water near the Cimarron river he was set upon
by a party of Indians and killed. Thus perished
by the hands of cowardly savages in the wilds of
Xew Mexico a man who. through almost in-
credible dangers and sufferings, had explored
an unknown region as vast in extent as that
which gave fame and immortality to the African
explorer, Stanley; and who marked out trails
over mountains and across deserts that Fre-
mont following years afterwards won the title
of " Pathfinder of the Great West." Smith led
the advance guard of the fur trappers to Cali-
fornia. Notwithstanding the fact that they were
unwelcome visitors these adventurers continued
to come at intervals up to 1845. They trapped
on the tributaries of the San Joaquin, Sacramento
and the rivers in the northern part of the terri-
tory. A few of them remained in the country
and became permanent residents, but most of
them sooner or later met death by the savages.
Capt. Jedediah S. Smith marked out two of
the great immigrant trails by which the overland
travel, after the discover) of gold, entered Cal-
ifornia, one by way of the Humboldt river over
the Sierra Xevadas, the other southerly from
Salt Lake, Utah Lake, the Rio Virgin, across
the Colorado desert, through the Cajon Pass to
Los Angeles. A third immigrant route was
blazed by the Pattie party. This route led from
Santa Fe, across New Mexico, down the Gila
to the Colorado and from thence across the
desert through the San Gorgonio Pass to Los
Angeles.
This party consisted of Sylvester Pattie,
James Ohio Pattie, his son, Nathaniel M.
Pryor, Richard Laughlin, Jesse Furguson, Isaac
Slover, William Pope and James Puter. The
Patties left Kentucky in 1S24 and followed trap-
ping in Xew Mexico and Arizona until 1827:
the elder Pattie for a time managing the cop-
per mines of Santa Rita. In May. 1827, Pattie
the elder, in command of a part)' of thirty trap-
pers and hunters, set out to trap the tributaries
of the Colorado. Losses by Indian hostilities,
b) dissensions and desertions reduced the party
to eight persons. December ist, 1827, while
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
!)l
these were encamped on the Colorado near the
mouth of the Gila, the Yuma Indians stole all
their horses. They constructed rafts and floated
down the Colorado, expecting to find Spanish
settlements on its hanks, where they hoped to
procure horses to take them back to Santa Fe.
They floated down the river until they encoun-
tered the flood tide from the gulf. Finding it
impossible to go ahead on account of the tide
or back on account of the river current, they
landed, cached their furs and traps and with
two days' supply of beaver meat struck out
westerly across the desert. After traveling for
twenty-four days and suffering almost incredible
hardships they reached the old Mission of Santa
Catalina near the head of the Gulf of California.
Here they were detained until news of their ar-
rival could be sent to Governor Echeandia at
San Diego. A guard of sixteen soldiers was sent
for them and they were conducted to San Diego,
where they arrived February 27, 1828. Their
arms were taken from them and they were put
in prison. The elder Pattie died during their
imprisonment. In September all the party ex-
cept young Pattie, who was retained as a host-
age, were released and permitted to go after
their buried furs. They found their furs had been
ruined by the overflow of the river. Two of the
party, Slover and Pope, made their way back
to Santa Fe; the others returned, bringing with
them their beaver traps. They were again im-
prisoned by Governor Echeandia, but were fin-
ally released.
Three of the party, Nathaniel M. Pryor,
Richard Laughlin and Jesse Furguson, became
permanent residents of California. Young Pat-
tie returned to the United States by way of
Mexico. After his return, with the assistance
of the Rev. Timothy Flint, he wrote an account
of his adventures, which was published in Cin-
cinnati in 1833, under the title of "Pattie's Nar-
rative." Young Pattie was inclined to exaggera-
tion. In his narrative he claims that with vac-
cine matter brought by his father from the
Santa Rita mines he vaccinated twenty-two
thousand people in California. In Los Angeles
alone, he vaccinated twenty-five hundred.
which was more than double the population of
the town in 1828. He took a contract from the
president of the missions to vaccinate all the
neophytes in the territory. When his job was
finished the president offered him in pay five
hundred cattle and five hundred mules
with land to pasture his stock on condition
he would become a Roman Catholic and
a citizen of Mexico. Pattie scorned the of-
fer and roundly upbraided the padre for taking
advantage of him. He had previously given
Governor Eacheandia a tongue lashing and had
threatened to shoot him on sight. From his
narrative he seems to have put in most of his
time in California blustering and threatening to
shoot somebody.
Another famous trapper of this period was
"Peg Leg" Smith. His real name was Thomas
L. Smith. It is said that in a fight with the
Indians his leg below the knee was shattered by
a bullet. He coolly amputated his leg at the
knee with no other instrument than his hunting
knife. He wore a wooden leg and from this
came his nickname. He first came to California
in 1829. He was ordered out of the country.
He and his party took their departure, but with
them went three or four hundred California
horses, lie died in a San Francisco hospital in
1866.
Ewing Young, a famous captain of trappers,
made several visits to California from [830 to
[837. In 1831 he led a party of thirty hunters
and trappers, among those of his party who
remained in California was Col. J. J. Warner,
who became prominent in the territory and
state. In 1837 Ewing Young with a party of
sixteen men came down from Oregon, where
he finally located, to purchase cattle for the new
settlements on the Willamette river. They
bought seven hundred cattle at $3 per head from
the government and drove them overland to
( Iregon, reaching there after a toilsome journey
of four months with six hundred. Young died
!i' ( >regon in [841.
From the downfall of Spanish domination in
1822, to the close of thai decade there had been
but few political disturbances in California. The
only one of any consequence was Solis' and
Herrera's attempt to revolutionize the territory
and seize the government. Jose Maria Herrera
had come to Califoi - missioner of
92
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the commissary department, but after a short
term of service had been removed from office
for fraud. Joaquin Solis was a convict who was
serving a ten years sentence of banishment from
Mexico. The ex-official and the exile with oth-
ers of damaged character combined to overturn
the government.
On the night of November i_\ 82
with a band of soldiers that he had induced to
join his standard, seized the principal govern-
ment officials at Monterey and put them in
prison. At Solis' solicitation Herrera drew up
a pronunciamento. It followed the usual line
of such documents. It began by deploring the
evils that had come upon the territory through
Echeandia*s misgovernment and closed widt
promises of reformation if the revolutionists
should obtain control of the government. To
obtain the sinews of war the rebels seized
S3.000 of the public funds. This was dis-
tributed among the soldiers and proved a great
attraction to the rebel cause. Solis with twen-
ty men went to San Francisco and :
diers there joined his standard. Xext he
marched against Santa Barbara with an army
of one hundred and fifty men. Echeandia on
hearing of the revolt had marched northward
with all the soldiers he could enlist. The two
armies met at Santa Ynez. Solis opened fire on
the governor's army. The fire was returned.
Solis' men began to break away and soon the
army and its valiant leader were in rapid flight.
Pacheco's cavalry captured the leaders of the
revolt. Herrara. Solis and thirteen others were
shipped to Mexico under arrest to be tried for
their crimes. The Mexican authorities, always
lenient to California revolutionists, probably
from a fellow feeling, turned them all loose
and Herrera was sent back to fill his former
office.
Xear the close of his term Governor
Echeandia formulated a plan for converting the
mission into pueblos. To ascertain the fitness
of the neophytes for citizenship he made an in-
vestigation to find out how many could read and
write. He found so very few that he ordered
schools opened at the missions. A pretense was
made of establishing schools, but very little was
accomplished. The padres' were opposed to edu-
cating the natives for the same reason that the
southern slave-holders were opposed to educat-
ing the negro, namely, that an ignorant people
were more easily kept in subjection. Echeandia's
plan of secularization was quite elaborate and
dealt fairly with the neophytes. It received the
sanction of the diputacion when that body met
in July, 1S30, but before anything could be done
towards enforcing it another governor was ap-
pointed. Echeandia was thoroughly hated by
the mission friars and their adherents. Robin-
son in his "Life in California" calls him a man
of vice and makes a number of damaging asser-
tions about his character and conduct, which
are not in accordance with the facts. It was dur-
ing Echeandia's term as governor that the motto
of Mexico, Dios y Libertad (God and Liberty),
was adopted. It became immensely popular
and was used on all public documents and often
in private correspondence.
A romantic episode that has furnished a
theme for fiction writers occurred in the last
year of Echeandia's rule. It was the elopement
of Henry D. Fitch with Dona Josefa, daughter
of Joaquin Carrillo of San Diego. Fitch was a
native of Xew Bedford, Mass. He came to Cal-
ifornia in 1826 as master of the Maria Ester.
He fell in love with Dona Josefa. There were
legal obstructions to their marriage. Fitch was
a foreigner and a Protestant. The latter objec-
tion was easily removed by Fitch becoming a
Catholic. The Dominican friar who was to per-
form the marriage service, fearful that he might
incur the wrath of the authorities, civil and cler-
ical, refused to perform the ceremony, but sug-
gested that there were other countries where
5 were less strict and offered to go beyond
the limits of California and marry them. It is
said that at this point Dona Josefa said: "Why
don't you carry me off, Don Enrique?'' The
suggestion was quickly acted upon. The next
night the lady, mounted on a steed with her
cousin, Pio Pico, as an escort, was secretly
taken to a point on the bay shore where a boat
was waiting for her. The boat put off to the
Vulture, where Captain Fitch received her on
board and the vessel sailed for Valparaiso,
where the couple were married. A year later
Captain Fitch returned to California with his
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wile and infant son. At Monterey Fitch was
arrested on an order of Padre Sanchez of San
Gabriel and put in prison. His wife was also
placed under arrest at the house of Captain
Cooper. Fitch was taken to San Gabriel for trial.
"his offenses being most heinous." At her in-
tercession, Governor Echeandia released Mrs.
Fitch and allowed her to go to San Gabriel,
where her husband was imprisoned in one of the
rooms of the mission. This act of clemency
greatly enraged the friar and his fiscal. Pa-
lomares, and they seriously considered the ques-
tion of arresting the governor. The trial
dragged along for nearly a month. Many wit-
nesses were examined and many learned points
of clerical law discussed. Yicar Sanchez finally
gave his decision that the marriage at Val-
paraiso, though not legitimate, was not null and
void, but valid. The couple were condemned
to do penance by "presenting themse!.
church with lighted candles in their hands to
hear high mass for three feast days an<;
together for thirty days one-third of the rosary
of the holy virgin."* In addition to these joint
penances the vicar inflicted an additional pen-
alty on Fitch in these words: "Yet considering
the great scandal which Don Enrique has
caused in this province I condemn him to give
as penance and reparation a bell of at leasl
pounds in weight for the church at Los An-
geles, which barely has a borrowed one."" Fitch
and his wife no doubt performed the joint pen-
ance imposed upon them, but the church .
Angeles had to get along with its borrowed bell.
Don Enrique never gave it one of fifty pounds
or anv other weight.
►Bancroft's History of California, Vol. III-144.
CHAPTER XI,
REVOLUTIONS— THE HIJAR COLONISTS.
JiK ANUEL VICTORIA was appointed
/'\ governor in March. 1S30, but did not
reach California until the last month
of the year. Victoria very soon became un-
popular. He undertook to overturn the civil
authority and substitute military rule. He
recommended the abolition of the ayunta-
mientos and refused to call together the ter-
ritorial diputacion. He exiled Don Abel
Stearns and Jose Antonio Carrillo: and at dif-
ferent times, on trumped-up charges, had half
a hundred of the leading citizens of Los An-
geles incarcerated in the pueblo jail. Alcalde
Vicente Sanchez was the petty despot of the
pueblo, who carried out the tyrannical
of his master. Victoria. Among others who
were imprisoned in the cuartel was Jose Maria
Avila. Avila was proud, haughty and over-
bearing. He had incurred the hatred of both
Victoria and Sanchez. Sanchez, under orders
from Victoria, placed Avila in prison, and to
humiliate him put him in irons. Avila brooded
over the indignities inflicted upon him and
vowed to be revenged.
\ ictoria's persecutions became so unbearable
that Pio Pico, Juan Bandini and Jose Antonio
Carrillo raised the standard of revolt at San
Diego and issued a pronunciamento, in which
- .-: forth the reasons why they felt them-
selves obliged to rise against the tyrant, Vic-
toria. Pablo de Portilla, comandante of the
presidio of San Diego, and his officers, with a
force of fifty soldiers, joined the revolutionists
and marched to Los Angeles. Sanchez's pris-
oners were released and he was chained up in
the pueblo jail. Here Per: as re-
cruited to two hundred men. Avila and a num-
ber of the other released prisoners joined the
revolutionists, and all marched forth to meet
Victoria, who was moving southward with an
armed force t .. The
two forces met on the plains of Cahuenga. west
of the pueblo, at a place known as the Lomitas
de la Canada de Breita. The sight of his per-
furiated Avila that alone he rushed
upon him to run him through wit
Captain Pache ff, parried the
lance thrust. m dead with one of
1)4
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his pistols and again attacked the governor and
succeeded in wounding him, when he himself
received a pistol ball that unhorsed him. After
a desperate struggle (in which he seized Vic-
toria by the foot and dragged him from his
horse) he was shot by one of Victoria's soldier-.
Tortilla's arm}- fell back in a panic to Los An-
geles and Victoria's men carried the wounded
governor to the Mission San Gabriel, where
his wounds were dressed by Joseph Chapman,
who, to his many other accomplishments, added
that of amateur surgeon. Some citizens who
had taken no part in the fight brought the
lx idies i if Avila and Pacheco to the town.
"They were taken to the same house, the same
hands rendered them the last sad rites, and
they were laid side by side. 'Side by side knelt
their widows and mingled their tears, while
sympathizing countrymen chanted the solemn
prayers of the church for the repose of the
souls of these untimely dead. Side by side be-
neath the orange and the olive in the little
churchyard upon the plaza sleep the slayer and
the slain."*
Next day, Victoria, supposing himself mor-
tally wounded abdicated and turned over the
governorship of the territory to Echeandia. He
resigned the office December 9, 1831, having
been governor a little over ten months. When
Victoria was able to travel he was sent to San
Diego, from where he was deported to Mexico,
San Diego borrowing $125 from the ayunta-
miento of Los Angeles to pay the expense of
shipping him out of the country. Several years
afterwards the money had not been repaid, and
the town council began proceedings to recover
it, but there is no record in the archives to show
that it was ever paid. And thus it was that
California got rid of a bad governor and Los
Angeles incurred a bad debt.
Januar) 10, [832, the territorial legislature
nut at Los Angeles to choose a "gefe politico,"
or governor, for the territory. Echeandia was
invited to preside but replied from San Juan
Capistrano that he was busy getting Victoria
out of the country. The diputacion, after wait-
ing some time and receiving no satisfaction
♦Stephen C. Foster,
from Echeandia whether he wanted the office
or not, declared l'io l'ico, by virtue of his office
of senior vocal, "gefe politico."
Xo sooner had Pico been sworn into office
than Echeandia discovered that he wanted the
office and wanted it badly. He protested against
the action of the diputacion and intrigued
against Pico. Another revolution was threat-
ened. Los Angeles favored Echeandia, al-
though all the other towns in the territory had
accepted Pico. (Pico at that time was a resi-
dent of San Diego.) A mass meeting was called
on February 12. 1832, at Los Angeles, to dis-
cuss the question whether it should be l'ico or
Echeandia. I give the report of the meeting in
the quaint language of the pueblo archives:
"The town, acting in accord with the Most
Illustrious Ayuntamiento, answered in a loud
voice, saying they would not admit Citizen Pio
Pico as 'gefe politico," but desired that Lieut. -
Col. Citizen Jose Maria Echeandia be retained
in office until the supreme government appoint.
Then the president of the meeting, seeing the
determination of the people, asked the motive or
rea on of refusing Citizen Pio Pico, who was
of unblemished character. To this the people
responded that while it was true that Citizen
Pio Pico was to some extent qualified, yet they
preferred Lieut. -Col. Citizen Jose M. Echean-
dia. The president of the meeting then asked
the people whether they had been bribed, or
was it merely insubordination that they op-
posed the resolution of the Most Excellent Di-
putacion? Whereupon the people answered
that they had not been bribed, nor were they
insubordinate, but that they opposed the pro-
posed 'gefe politico' because he had not been
named by the supreme government."
At a public meeting February 19 the matter
was again brought up. Again the people cried
out "they would not recognize or obey any
other gefe politico than Echeandia." The Most
Illustrious Ayuntamiento opposed Pio Pico for
two reasons: "First, because his name appeared
first on the plan to oust Gefe Politico Citizen
Manuel Victoria," and "Second, because he.
Pico, had not sufficient capacity to fulfil the
duties of the office." Then Jose Perez and Jose
Antonio Carrillo withdrew from the meeting,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
saying they would not recognize Echeandia as
"gefe politico." Pico, after holding the office
for twenty days, resigned for the sake of peace.
And this was the length of Pico's first term as
governor.
Echeandia, by obstinacy and intrigue, had ob-
tained the coveted office, "gefe politico," but he
did not long enjoy it in peace. News came
from Monterey that Capt. Agustiri V. Zamo-
rano had declared himself governor and was
gathering a force to invade the south and en-
force his authority. Echeandia began at once
marshaling his forces to oppose him. Ybarra,
Zamarano's military chief, with a force of one
hundred men, by a forced march, reached Paso
de Bartolo, on the San Gabriel river, where,
fifteen years later, Stockton fought the Mexican
troops under Flores. Here Ybarra found Cap-
tain ISorroso posted with a piece of artillery and
fourteen men. He did not dare to attack him.
Echeandia and Borroso gathered a force of a
thousand neophytes at Paso de Bartolo, where
they drilled them in military evolutions. Ybar-
ra's troops had fallen back to Santa Barbara,
where he was joined by Zamorano with rein-
forcements. Ybarra's force was largely made up
of ex-convicts and other undesirable characters,
who took what they needed, asking no questions
of the owners. The Angelenos, fearing those
marauders, gave their adhesion to Zamorano's
plan and recognized him as military chief of the
territory. Captain Borroso, Echeandia's faith-
ful adherent, disgusted with the fickleness of
the Angelenos, at the head of a thousand
mounted Indians, threatened to invade the re-
calcitrant pueblo, but at the intercession of the
frightened inhabitants this modern Coriolanus
turned aside and regaled his neophyte retainers
on the fat bullocks of the Mission San Gabriel,
much to the disgust of the padres. The neo-
phyte warriors were disbanded and sent to their
respective missions.
A peace was patched up betwen Zamorano
and Echeandia. Alta California was divided
into two territories. Echeandia was given juris-
diction over all south of San Gabriel and Zamo-
rano all north of San Fernando. This division
apparently left a neutral district, or "no man's
land," between. Whether Los Angeles was in
this neutral territory the records do not show.
If it was, it is probable that neither of the gov-
ernors wanted the job of governing the rebel-
lious pueblo.
In January, 1833, Governor Figueroa arrived
in California. Echeandia and Zamorano each
surrendered his hah of the divided territory to
the newly appointed governor, and California
was united and at peace. Figueroa proved to
be the right man for the times. He conciliated
the factions and brought order out of chaos.
The two most important events in Figueroa's
term of office were the arrival of the Hijar Col-
ony in California and the secularization of the
missions. These events were most potent fac-
tors in the evolution of the territory.
In 1833 the first California colonization
scheme was inaugurated in Mexico. At the
head of this was Jose Maria Hijar, a Mexican
gentleman of wealth and influence. He was
assisted in its promulgation by Jose M. Padres,
an adventurer, who had been banished from
California by Governor Victoria. Padres, like
some of our modern real estate boomers, pic-
tured the country as an earthly paradise — an
improved and enlarged Garden of Eden.
Among other inducements held out to the colo-
nists, it is said, was the promise of a division
among them of the mission property and a dis-
tribution of the neophytes for servants.
Headquarters were established at the city
of Mexico and two hundred and fifty colonists
enlisted. Each family received a bonus of
$10, and all were to receive free transporta-
tion to California and rations while on the jour-
ney. Each head of a family was promised a
farm from the public domain, live stock and
farming implements; these advances to be paid
for on the installment plan. The orignal plan was
to found a colon) somewhere north of San
Francisco bay, but this was not carried out.
Two vessels were dispatched with the colonists
— the Morelos and the Natalia. The latter was
compelled to put into San Diego on account of
sickness on board. She reached that port Sep-
tember 1, 1834. A part of the colonists on
hoard her were senl to San 1'edro and from
there they were taken to Los Vngeles and San
Gabriel. The Morelos readied Monterey Sep-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tember 25. Hijar had been appointed governor
of California by President Farias, but after the
sailing of the expedition, Santa Ana, who had
succeeded Farias, dispatched a courier over-
land with a countermanding order. By one of
the famous rides of history, Amador, the courier,
made the journey from the city of [Mexico to
Monterey in forty days and delivered his mes-
sage to Governor Figueroa. When Hijar ar-
rived he found to his dismay that he was only
a private citizen of the territory instead of its
governor. The colonization scheme was aban-
doned and the immigrants distributed them-
selves throughout the territory. Generally they
were a good class of citizens, and many of them
became prominent in California affairs.
That storm center of political disturbances,
Los Angeles, produced but one small revolution
during Figueroa's term as governor. A party
of fifty or sixty Sonorans, some of whom were
Hijar colonists who were living either in the
town or its immediate neighborhood, assembled
at Los Nietos on the night of March 7, 1835.
They formulated a pronunciamiento against
Don Jose Figueroa, in which they first vigor-
ously arraigned him for sins of omission and
commission and then laid down their plan of
government of the territory. Armed with this
formidable document and a few muskets and
lances, these patriots, headed by Juan Gallado,
a cobbler, and Felipe Castillo, a cigarmaker. in
the gray light of the morning, rode into the
pueblo, took possession of the town hall and
the big cannon and the ammunition that had
been stored there when the Indians of San Luis
Rey had threatened hostilities. The slumbering
inhabitants were aroused from their dreams of
peace by the drum beat of war. The terrified
citizens rallied to the juzgado, the ayuntamiento
met, the cobbler statesman, Gallado, presented
his plan; it was discussed and rejected. The
revolutionists, after holding possession of the
pueblo throughout the day, tired, hungry and
disappointed in not receiving their pay for sav-
ing the country, surrendered to the legal author-
ities the real leaders of the revolution and
disbanded. The leaders proved to be Torres,
a clerk, and Apalategui, a doctor, both supposed
to be emissaries of Hijar. They were imprisoned
at San Gabriel. When news of the revolt
reached Figueroa he had Hijar and Padres ar-
rested for complicity in the outbreak. Hijar,
with half a dozen of his adherents, was shipped
back to Mexico. And thus the man who the
year before had landed in California with a
commission as governor and authority to take
possession of all the property belonging to the
missions returned to his native land an exile.
His grand colonization scheme and his "Com-
pania Cosmopolitana" that was to revolutionize
California commerce were both disastrous fail-
ures.
Governor Jose Figueroa died at Monterey
on the 29th of September, 1835. He is generally
regarded as the best of the Mexican governors
sent to California. He was of Aztec extraction
and took a great deal of pride in his Indian
blood.
CHAPTER XII.
THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE MISSIONS.
THE Franciscan Missions of Aha Califor-
nia have of late been a prolific theme
for a certain class of writers and espe-
cially have they dwelt upon the secularization
of these establishments. Their productions
have added little or nothing to our previous
knowledge of these institutions. Carried away
li\ sentiment these writers draw pictures of mis-
sion life that are unreal, that are purely imag-
inary, and aroused to indignation at the injus-
tice they fancy was done to their ideal institu-
tions they deal out denunciations against the
authorities that brought about secularization as
unjust as they arc undeserved. Such expres-
sions as "the robber hand of secularization," and
"the brutal and thievish disestablishment of the
missions," emanate from writers who seem to
be ignorant of the purpose for which the mis-
HISTORICAL .VXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sions were founded, and who ignore, or who
do not know, the causes which brought about
their secularization.
It is an historical fact known to all acquainted
with California history that these establishments
were not intended by the Crown of Spain to
become permanent institutions. The purpose
for which the Spanish government fostered and
protected them was to Christianize the Indians
and make of them self-supporting citizens. Very
early in its history Governor Borica, Fages and
other intelligent Spanish officers in California
discovered the weakness of the mission system.
Governor Borica, writing in 1796, said: "Ac-
cording to the laws the natives are to be free
from tutelage at the end of ten years, the mis-
sions then becoming doctrinairs, but those of
New California, at the rate they are advancing,
will not reach the goal in ten centuries; the rea-
son God knows, and men, too, know something
about it."
The tenure by which the mission friars held
their lands is admirably set forth in William
Carey Jones' "Report on Land Titles in Cali-
fornia," made in 1850. He says, "It had been
supposed that the lands they (the missions) oc-
cupied were grants held as the property of the
church or of the misson establishments as cor-
porations. Such, however, was not the case;
all the missions in VJpper California were estab-
lished under the direction and mainly at the
expense of the government, and the missionaries
there had never any other right than to the
occupation and use of the lands for the purpose
of the missions and at the pleasure of the gov-
ernment. This is shown by the history and
principles of their foundation, by the laws in
relation to them, by the constant practice of
the government toward them and, in fact, by the
rules of the Franciscan order, which forbid its
members to possess property."
With the downfall of Spanish domination in
Mexico came the beginning of the end of mis-
sionary rule in California. The majority of the
mission padres were Spanish born. In the war
of Mexican independence their sympathies were
with their mother country. Spain. After Mex-
ico attained her independence, some of them
refused to acknowledge allegiance to the repub
7
lie. The Mexican authorities feared and dis-
trusted them. In this, in part, they found a pre-
text for the disestablishment of the missions and
the confiscation of the mission estates. There
was another cause or reason for secularization
more potent than the loyalty of the padres to
Spain. Few forms of land monopoly have ever
exceeded that in vogue under the mission system
of California. From San Diego to San Fran-
cisco hay the twenty missions established under
Spanish rule monopolized the greater pan of the
fertile land between the coast range and the sea.
The limits of one mission were said to cover
the intervening space to the limits of the next.
There was but little left for other settlers. A
settler could not obtain a grant of land if the
padres of the nearest mission objected.
The twenty-four ranchos owned by the Mis-
sion San Gabriel contained about a million and
a half acres and extended from the sea to the
San Bernardino mountains. The greatest
neophyte population of San Gabriel was in 1S17.
when it reached 1,701. Its yearly average for
the first three decades of the present century
did not exceed 1,500. It took a thousand acres
of fertile land under the mission system to .up-
port an Indian, even the smallest papoose of the
mission flock. It is not strange that the people
clamored for a subdivision of the mission estates;
and secularization became a public necessity.
The most enthusiastic admirer of the missions
to-day, had he lived in California scveim
ago, would no doubt have hern among the loud-
est in his wail againsl the mission system.
The abuse heaped upon the Mexican authori-
ties for their secularization of these institutions
is as unjust as it is unmerited. The act of the
Mexican Congress of August 17. 1833, was
not the initiative movement towards their dis-
establishment. Indeed in their Foundation their
secularization, their subdivision into pu
was provided for and the local authorities were
never without lawful authority over them. In
the very beginning 'if missionary work in Aha
California the process of secularizing the mis-
sion establishments was mapped out in the fol-
lowing "Instructions given : Bucarili
August 17. 177. v to the comandante of the new
establishments of Sa nd Monterey.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Article 15, when it shall happen that a mission
is to be formed into a pueblo or village the
comandante will proceed to reduce it to the civil
and economical government, which, according
to the laws, is observed by other villages of this
kingdom; their giving it a name and declaring
for its patron the saint under whose memory
and protection the mission was founded."
The purpose for which the mission was
founded was to aid in the settlement of the
country, and to convert the natives to Christian-
ity. 'These objects accomplished the mission-
ary's labor was considered fulfilled and the es-
tablishment subject to dissolution. This view
of their purpose and destiny fully appears in
the tenor of the decree of the Spanish Cortes
of September 13, 1813. It was passed in conse-
quence of a complaint by the Bishop of Guiana
of the evils that affected that province on ac-
count of the Indian settlements in charge of
missions not being delivered to the ecclesiastical
ordinary, although thirty, forty and fifty years
had passed since the reduction and conversion
of the Indians."
The Cortes decreed 1st, that all the new
reduciones y doctrinairs (settlements of newly
converted Indians) not yet formed into parishes
of the province beyond the sea which were in
charge of missionary monks and had been ten
years subjected should be delivered immediately
to the respective ecclesiastical ordinaries (bish-
ops) without resort to any excuse or pretext
conformably to the laws and cedulas in that
respect. Section 2nd, provided that the secular
clergy should attend to the spiritual wants of
these curacies. Section 3rd. the missionary
monks relieved from the converted settlements
shall proceed to the conversion of other
heathen."
The decree of the Mexican Congress, passed
November 20, [833, for the secularization of the
missions of Upper and Lower California, was
very similar in its provisions to the decree of the
Spanish ( ortes of September, 1813. Th< \l<-.
ican government simply followed the example
of Spain and in the conversion of the missions
into pueblos was attempting to enforce a prin-
*William Carey Join
ciple inherent in the foundation of the mission-
ary establishments. I hat secularization resulted
disastrously to the Indians was not the fault
of the Mexican government so much as it was
the defect in the industrial and intellectual
training of the neophytes. Except in the case
of those who were trained for choir services in
the churches there was no attempt made to
teach the Indians to read or write. The padres
generally entertained a poor opinion of the
neophytes' intellectual ability. The reglamento
governing the secularization of the missions,
published by Governor Echeandia in 1830. but
not enforced, and that formulated by the diputa-
cion under Governor Figueroa in 1834, approved
by the Mexican Congress and finally enforced
in 1834-5-6, were humane measures. These reg-
ulations provided for the colonization of the
neophytes into pueblos or villages. A portion of
the personal property and a part of the lands
held by the missions were to be distributed
among the Indians as follows:
"Article 5 — To each head of a family and all
who are more than twenty years old, although
without families, wdl be given from the lands
of the mission, whether temporal (lands depend-
ent on the seasons) or watered, a lot of ground
not to contain more than four hundred varas
(yards) in length, and as many in breadth not
less than one hundred. Sufficient land for water-
ing the cattle will be given in common. The
outlets or roads shall be marked out by each vil-
lage, and at the proper time the corporation
lands shall be designated." This colonization
of the neophytes into pueblos would have
thrown large bodies of the land held by the mis-
sions open to .settlement by white settlers. The
personal property of missionary establishments
was to have been divided among their neophyte
retainers thus: "Article 6. Among the said in-
dividuals will he distributed, ratably and justly,
according to the discretion of the political chief,
the half of the movable property, taking as a
basis the last inventory which the missionaries
have presented of all descriptions of cattle. Arti-
cle 7. One-half or less of the implements and
seeds indispensable for agriculture shall be al-
lotted to them."
The political government of the Indian pu-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
eblos was to be organized in accordance with
existing laws of the territory governing other
towns. The neophyte could not sell, mortgage
or dispose of the land granted him; nor could
he sell his cattle. The regulations provided that
"Religious missionaries shall be relieved from
the administration of temporalities and shall
only exercise the duties of their ministry so far
as they relate to spiritual matters." The nunner-
ies or the houses where the Indian girls were
kept under the charge of a duena until they
were of marriageable age were to be abolished
and the children restored to their parents. Rule
7 provided that "What is called the 'priest-
hood' shall immediately cease, female children
whom they have in charge being handed over
to their fathers, explaining to them the care
they should take of them, and pointing out their
obligations as parents. The same shall be done
with the male children."
Commissioners were to be appointed to take
charge of the mission property and superintend
its subdivision among the neophytes. The con-
version of ten of the missionary establishments
into pueblos was to begin in August, 1835. That
of the others was to follow as soon as possible.
San Gabriel, San Fernando and San Juan Capis-
trano were among the ten that were to be
secularized first. For years secularization had
threatened the missions, but hitherto something
had occurred at the critical time to avert it.
The missionaries had used their influence
against it, had urged that the neophytes were
unfitted for self-support, had argued that the
emancipation of the natives from mission rule
would result in disaster to them. Through all
the agitation of the question in previous years
the padres had labored on in the preservation
and upbuilding of their establishments; but with
the issuing of the secularization decree by the
Mexican Congress, August 17, 1833. the or-
ganization of the Hijar Colony in Mexico and
the instructions of acting president Farias to
Hijar to occupy all the property of the missions
and subdivide it among the colonists on their
arrival in California, convinced the missionaries
that the blow could no longer be averted. The
revocation of Hijar's appointment as governor
and the controversv which followed between
him and Governor Figueroa and the diputacion
for a time delayed the enforcement of the de-
cree.
In the meantime, with the energy born of de-
spair, eager at any cost to outwit those who
sought to profit by their ruin, the mission fath-
ers hastened to destroy that which through
more than half a century thousands of human
beings had spent their lives to accumulate. The
wealth of the missions lay in their herds of cat-
tle. The only marketable products of thes
the hides and tallow. Heretofore a certain num-
ber of cattle had been slaughtered each week
to feed the neophytes and sometimes when the
ranges were in danger of becoming over-
stocked cattle were killed for their hides and
tallow, and the meat left to the coyotes and the
carrion crows. The mission fathers knew that
if they allowed the possession of their herds to
pass to other hands neither they nor the
neophytes would obtain any reward for years of
labor. The blow was liable to fall at any time.
Haste was required. The mission butchers could
11.it .slaughter the animals fast enough. Con-
tracts were made with the rancheros to kill
on shares. The work of destruction began at
the missions. The country became a mighty
shambles. The matansas were no longer used.
An animal was lassoed on the plain, thrown, its
throat cut and while yet writhing in death agony,
its hide was stripped and pegged upon the
ground to dry. There were no vessels to con-
tain the tallow and this was run into pits in the
ground to be taken out when there was more
time to spare and less cattle to be killed. The
work of destruction went on as long as there
were cattle to kill. So great was the stench
from rotting carcasses of the cattle on the plains
that a pestilence was threatened. The ayunta-
miento of Los Angeles, November 15. 1S33.
passed an ordinance compelling all pi
slaughtering cattle for tin- hides and tallow- to
cremate the carcassi
laid the foundations of their future wealth by ap-
propriating herds of young cattle from the mis-
sion ranges.
Hugo Reid, in the letters previously referred
to in this volume, says of this period at San
Gabriel. "These facts(the decree of secularization
LOO
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and the distribution of the mission property)
being known to Padre Tomas (Estenaga), he,
in all probability, by order of his superior, com-
menced a work of destruction. The back build-
ings were unroofed and the timber converted
into fire wood. Cattle were killed on the halves
by people who took a lion's share. Utensils
were disposed of and goods and other articles
distributed in profusion among the neophytes.
The vineyards were ordered to be cut down,
which, however, the Indians refused to do."
After the mission was placed in charge of an
administrator, Padre Tomas remained as min-
ister of the church at a stipend of $1,500 per
annum, derived from the pious fund.
Hugo Reid says of him, "As a wrong im-
pression of his character may be produced from
the preceding remarks, in justice to his memory,
be it stated that he was a truly good man, a sin-
cere Christian and a despiser of hypocrisy. He
had a kind, unsophisticated heart, so that he be-
lieved every word told him. There has never
been a purer priest in California. Reduced in
circumstances, annoyed on many occasions by
the petulancy of administrators, he fulfilled his
duties according to his conscience, with be-
nevolence and good humor. The nuns, who,
when the secular movement came into opera-
tion, had been set free, were again gathered to-
gether under his supervision and maintained at
his expense, as were also a number of old men
and women."
The experiment of colonizing the Indians in
pueblos was a failure and they were gathered
back into the mission, or as many of them as
could be got back, and placed in charge of ad-
ministrators. "The Indians," says Reid, "were
made happy at this time in being permitted to
enjoy once more the luxury of a tule dwelling,
from which the greater part had been debarred
for so long: they could now breathe freely
again." (The close adobe buildings in which
they had been housed in mission days were no
doubt one of the causes of the great mortality
among them.)
"Administrator followed administrator until
the mission could support no more, win 11
the system was broken up." The
Indians during this period were continually run-
ning off. Scantily clothed and still more scant-
ily supplied with food, it was not to be wondered
at. Nearly all the Gabrielinos went north, while
those of San Diego, San Luis and San Juan
overrun this country, filling the Angeles and
surrounding ranchos with more servants than
were required. Labor, in consequence, was
very cheap. The different missions, however,
had alcaldes continually on the move, hunting
them up and carrying them back, but to no pur-
pose; it was labor in vain."
"Even under the dominion of the church in
mission days," Reid says, "the neophytes were
addicted both to drinking and gaming, with
an inclination to steal;" but after their emanci-
pation they went from bad to worse. Those at-
tached to the ranchos and those located in the
town were virtually slaves. They had bosses
or owners and when they ran away were cap-
tured and returned to their master. The account
book for 1840 of the sindico of Los Angeles
contains this item. "For the delivery of two
Indians to their boss $12."
In all the large towns there was an Indian
village known as the pueblito or little town.
These were the sink holes of crime and the
favorite resorts of dissolute characters, both
white and red. The Indian village at Los An-
geles between what is now Aliso and First street
became such an intolerable nuisance that on
petition of the citizens it was removed across
the river to the "Spring of the Abilas," but its
removal did not improve its morals. Vicente
Guerrero, the sindico, discussing the Indian
question before the ayuntamiento said, "The In-
dians are so utterly depraved that no matter
where they may settle down their conduct would
be the same, since they look upon death even
with indifference, provided they can indulge in
their pleasures and vices." This was their con-
dition in less than a decade after they were freed
from mission control.
What did six decades of mission rule accom-
plish for the Indian? In all the older missions
between their founding and their secularization
three generations of adults had come under the
influence of mission life and training — first, the
adull converts made soon after the founding;
second, their children born at the missions, and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
101
third, the children of these who had grown to
manhood before the fall of the missions. How
great an improvement had the neophytes of the
third generation made over those of the first?
They had to a great extent lost their original
language and had acquired a speaking knowl-
edge of Spanish. They had abandoned or
forgotten their primitive religious belief, but
their new religion exercised but little influence
on their lives. After their emancipation they
went from bad to worse. Some of the more
daring escaped to the mountains and joining
the wild tribes there became the leaders in
frequent predatory excursions on the horses and
cattle of the settlers in the valleys. They were
hunted down and shot like wild beasts.
What became of the mission estates? As the
cattle were killed off the different ranchos of
the mission domains, settlers petitioned the
ayuntamiento for grants. If upon investigation
it was found that the land asked for was vacant
the petition was referred to the governor for his
approval. In this way the vast mission domains
passed into private hands. The country im-
proved more in wealth and population between
1836 and 1846 than in the previous fifty years.
Secularization was destruction to the mission
and death to the Indian, but it was beneficial
to the country at large. The decline of the mis-
sions and the passing of the neophyte had be-
gun long before the decrees of secularization
were enforced. Nearly all the missions passed
their zenith in population during the second
decade of the century. Even had the mission-
ary establishments not been secularized they
would eventually have been depopulated. At no
time during the mission rule were the number
of births equal to the number of deaths. When
recruits could no longer be obtained from the
Gentiles or wild Indians the decline became
more rapid. The mission annals show that from
1769 to 1834, when secularization was enforced
— an interval of sixty-five years — 79,000 con-
verts were baptized and 62,000 deaths recorded.
The death rate among the neophytes was about
twice that of the negro in this country and
four times that of the white race. The extinc-
tion of the neophyte or mission Indian was
due to the enforcement of that inexorable law
or decree of nature, the Survival of the Fittest.
Where a stronger race comes in contact with
a weaker, there can be but one termination
of the contest — the extermination of the
weaker.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FREE AND SOVEREIGN STATE OF ALTA CALIFORNIA.
GOVERNOR FIGUEROA on his death-
bed turned over the civil command of
the territory to Jose Castro, who there-
b) became "gefe politico ad interem." The
military command was given to Lieut.-Col.
Xicolas Gutierrez with the rank of comandante
general. The separation of the two commands
was in accordance with the national law of May
6, 1822.
Castro was a member of the diputacion, but
was not senior vocal i r president. Jose An-
tonio Carrillo, who held that position, was
diputado or delegate to congress and was at
that time in the city of Mexico. It was he who
secured the decree from the Mexican Congress
May 23, 1835, making Los Angeles the capital
of California, and elevating it to the rank of a
city. The second vocal, Jose Antonio Estudillo,
was sick at his home in San Diego. Jose ( as
tro ranked third. He was the onl) one of the
diputacion at the capital and at the previous
meeting of the diputacion he had acted as pre-
siding officer. Gutierrez, who was at San Ga-
briel when appointed to the military command,
hastened to Monterey, but did not reach there
until after the death of Figi ro, on
assuming command, sent a notification of bis
appointment to the civil authorities of the dif-
ferent jurisdictions. All 1 .rably
, xcept San ! >i< go ind Los A
claimed the office for Estudillo, second vocal,
and Los Angeles declared igainsl Castro be-
102
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cause he was only third vocal and demanded that
the diputacion should meet at the legal capital
(Los Angeles) of the territory. This was the
beginning of the capital war that lasted ten years
and increased in bitterness as it increased in
age. The diputacion met at Monterey. It de-
cided in favor of Castro and against removing
the capital to Los Angeles.
Castro executed the civil functions of gefe
politico four months and then, in accordance
with orders from the supreme government, he
turned over his part of the governorship to
Comandante General Gutierrez and again the
two commands were united in one person.
Gutierrez filled the office of "gobernador in-
terno" from January 2, 1836, to the arrival of his
successor, Mariano Chico. Chico had been ap-
pointed governor by President Barragan, Decem-
ber 16, 1835, Dut ^id not arr've m California
until April, 1836. Thus California had four
governors within nine months. They changed
so rapidly there was not time to foment a rev-
olution. Chico began his administration by a
series of pett) tyrannies. Just before his ar-
rival in California a vigilance committee at Los
Angeles shot to death Gervacio Alispaz and his
paramour, Maria del Rosaria Villa, for the mur-
der of the woman's husband, Domingo Feliz.
Alispaz was a countryman of Chico. Chico had
the leaders arrested and came down to Los
Angeles with the avowed purpi se of executing
Prudon, Arzaga and Aranjo, the president, sec-
retary and military commander, respectively, of
the Defenders of Public Security, as the vigi-
lantes called themselves. He announced his
intention of arresting and punishing every man
who had taken part in the banishment of Gov-
ernor Victoria. He summoned Don Abel
Stearns to Monterey and threatened to have him
shot for -nine imaginary offense. He fulminated
a fierce pronunciamento against foreigners, that
incurred their wrath, and made himself so odious
that he was hated b\ all. native or foreigner,
lie was a centralist and opposed to popular
rights. Exasperated beyond endurance by his
Ions conduct and unseemly exhibitions of
temper the people of Monterey rose en masse
against him. and so terrified him that he took
passage on board a brig that was lying in the
harbor and sailed for Mexico with the threat
that he would return with an armed iorce to
punish the rebellious Californians, but he never
came back again.
With the enforced departure of Chico, the
civil command of the territory devolved upon
Nicolas Gutierrez, who still held the military
command. He was of Spanish birth and a cen-
tralist or anti-federalist in politics. Although a
mild mannered man he seemed to be impressed
with the idea that he must carry out the arbi-
trary measures of his predecessor. Centralism
was his nemesis. Like Chico, he was opposed
to popular rights and at one time gave orders
to disperse the diputacion by force. He was
not long in making himself unpopular by at-
tempting to enforce the centralist decrees of the
Mexican Congress.
He quarreled with Juan Bautista Alvarado,
the ablest of the native Californians. Alvarado
and Jose Castro raised the standard of revolt.
They gathered together a small army of ranch-
eros and an auxiliary force of twenty-five Amer-
ican hunters and trappers under Graham, a
backwoodsman from Tennessee. By a strategic
movement they captured the castillo or fort
which commanded the presidio, where Gutierrez
and the Mexican army officials were stationed.
The patriots demanded the surrender of the
presidio and the arms. The governor refused.
The revolutionists had been able to find but
a single cannon ball in the castillo, but this was
sufficient to do the business. A well-directed
shot tore through the roof of the governor's
house, covering him and his staff with the debris
of broken tiles; that and the desertion of most
of his soldiers to the patriots brought him to
terms. On the 5th of November, 1836, he sur-
rendered the presidio and resigned his authority
as governor. He and about seventy of his ad-
herents were sent aboard a vessel lying in the
harbor and shipped out of the country.
With the Mexican governor and his officers
out of the country, the next move of Castro and
Alvarado was to call a meeting of the diputa-
cion or territorial congress. A plan for the
independence of California was adopted. This,
which was known afterwards as the Monterey
plan, consisted of six sections, the most tin-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
M.;
portant of which were as follows: "First, Alta
California hereby declares itself independent
from Mexico until the Federal System of 1824
is restored. Second, the same California is
hereby declared a free and sovereign state; es-
tablishing a congress to enact the special laws
of the country and the other necessary supreme
powers. Third, the Roman Apostolic Catholic
religion shall prevail; no other creed shall be
allowed, but the government shall not molest
anyone on account of his private opinions."
The diputacion issued a declaration of independ-
ence that arraigned the mother country, Mexico,
and her officials very much in the style that our
own Declaration gives it to King George III.
and England.
Castro issued a pronunciamiento, ending with
Viva La Federacion! Viva La Libertad! Viva
el Estado Libre y Soberano de Alta California!
Thus amid vivas and proclamations, with the
beating of drums and the booming of cannon,
El Estado Libre de Alta California (The Free
State of Alta California) was launched on the
political sea. But it was rough sailing for the
little craft. Her ship of state struck a rock and
lor a time shipwreck was threatened.
For years there had been a growing jealousy
between Northern and Southern California.
Los Angeles, as has been stated before, had by a
decree of the Mexican congress been made the
capital of the territory. Monterey had per-
sistently refused to give up the governor and
the archives. In the movement to make Alta
California a free and independent state, the An-
gelenos recognized an attempt on the part of
the people of the north to deprive them of the
capital. Although as bitterly opposed to Mex-
ican governors, and as active in fomenting revo-
lutions against them as the people of Monterey,
the Angelenos chose to profess loyalty to the
mother country. They opposed the plan of
government adopted by the congress at Mon-
terey and promulgated a plan of their own, in
which they declared California was not free;
that the "Roman Catholic Apostolic religion
shall prevail in this jurisdiction, and any person
publicly professing any other shall be pros-
ecuted by law as heretofore." A mass meeting
was called to take measures "to prevent the
spreading of the Monterey revolution, so that
the progress of the nation may not be
paralyzed," and to appoint a person to take mil-
itary command of the department.
San Diego and San Luis Rev took the part
of Los Angeles in the quarrel, Sonoma and San
Jose joined Monterey, while Santa Barbara, al-
ways conservative, was undecided, but finally
issued a plan of her own. Alvarado and Castro
determined to suppress the revolutionary An-
gelenos. They collected a force of one hun-
dred men, made up of natives, with Graham's
contingent of twenty-five American riflemen.
With this army they prepared to move against
the recalcitrant surenos.
The ayuntamiento of Los Angeles began
preparations to resist the invaders. An army of
two hundred and seventy men was enrolled, a
part of which was made up of neophytes. To se-
cure the sinews of war Jose Sepulveda, second al-
calde, was sent to the Mission San Fernando
to secure what money there was in the hands of
the major domo. He returned with two pack-
ages, which, when counted, were found to con-
tain $2,000.
Scouts patrolled the Santa Barbara road as
far as San Buenaventura to give warning of the
approach of the enemy, and pickets guarded the
Pass of Cahuenga and the Rodeo de Las Aguas
to prevent northern spies from entering and
southern traitors from getting out of the pueblo.
The southern army was stationed at San Fer-
nando under the command of Alferez (Lieut.)
Rocha. Alvarado and Castro, pushing down the
coast, reached Santa Barbara, where they were
kindly received and their force recruited to one
hundred and twenty men with two pieces of
artillery. Jose Sepulveda at San Fernando sent
to Los Angeles for the cannon at the town
house and $200 of the mission mi mey to pay his
men.
( In the 16th of January. [837, Alvarado from
San Buenaventura dispatched a communication
to the ayuntamiento of Los Angeles and the
citizens, telling their vhat military resources
he had, which he would use against them if it
became necessary, but he was willing to confer
upi m a plan ment. Sepulveda and An-
tonio M. Osio were appointed commissioners
104
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and sent to confer with the governor, armed
with several propositions, the substance of
which was that California shall not be free and
the Catholic religion must prevail with the
privilege to prosecute any other religion, "ac-
cording to law as heretofore." The commission-
ers met Alvarado on "neutral ground," between
San Fernando and San Buenaventura. A long
discussion followed without either coming to the
point. Alvarado, by a coup d'etat, brought it
to an end. In the language of the commission-
ers' report to the ayuntamiento: "While we
were a certain distance from our own forces with
only four unarmed men and were on the point of
coming to an agreement with Juan B. Alvarado,
we saw the Monterey division advancing upon
us and we were forced to deliver up the instruc-
tions of this illustrious body through fear of
being attacked." They delivered up not only
the instructions, but the Mission San Fer-
nando. The southern army was compelled to
surrender it and fall back on the pueblo, Rocha
swearing worse than "our army in Flanders"
because he w'as not allowed to fight. The south-
ern soldiers had a wholesome dread of Gra-
ham's riflemen. These fellows, armed with long
Kentucky rifles, shot to kill, and a battle once
begun somebody would have died for his coun-
try and it would not have been Alvarado's rifle-
men.
The day after the surrender of the mission,
January 21, 1837, the ayuntamiento held a ses-
sion and the members were as obdurate and
belligerent as ever. They resolved that it was
only in the interests of humanity that the mis-
sion had been surrendered and their army
forced to retire. "This ayuntamiento, consider-
ing the commissioners wore forced to comply,
annuls all action of the commissioners and does
not recognize this territory as a free and sov-
ereign state nor Juan B. Alvarado as its gov-
ernor, and declares itself in favor of the Supreme
Government of Mexico." A few days later Al-
varado entered the city without opposition, the
Angelenian soldiers retiring to San Gabriel and
from there scattering to their homes.
On the 26th of January an extraordinary
v. ssion of the most illustrious ayuntamiento was
held. Alvarado was present and made a lengthy
speech, in which he said, "The native sons were
subjected to ridicule by the Mexican mandarins
sent here, and knowing our rights we ought to
shake off the ominous yoke of bondage." Then
he produced and read the six articles of the
Monterey plan, the council also produced a plan
and a treaty of amity was effected. Alvarado
was recognized as governor pro tem. and peace
reigned. The belligerent surenos vied with each
other in expressing their admiration for the new
order of things. Pio Pico wished to ex-
press the pleasure it gave him to see a "hijo
del pais" in office. And Antonio Osio,
the most belligerent of the surenos, declared
"that sooner than again submit to a Mexican
dictator as governor, he would flee to the forest
and be devoured by wild beasts." The ayunta-
miento was asked to provide a building for the
government, "this being the capital of the state."
The hatchet apparently was buried. Peace
reigned in El Estado Libre. At the meeting of
the town council, on the 30th of January, Al-
varado made another speech, but it was neither
conciliatory nor complimentary. He arraigned
the "traitors who were working against the
peace of the country" and urged the members to
take measures "to liberate the city from the
hidden hands that will tangle them in their own
ruin." The pay of his troops who were ordered
here for the welfare of California is due "and
it is an honorable and preferred debt, therefore
the ayuntamiento will deliver to the government
the San Fernando money," said he. With a
wry face, very much such as a boy wears when
he is told that he has been spanked for his own
good, the alcalde turned over the balance of
the mission money to Juan Bautista, and the
governor took his departure for Monterey,
leaving, however, Col. Jose Castro with part of
his army stationed at Mission San Gabriel, os-
tensibly "to support the city's authority," but in
reality to keep a close watch on the city author-
ities.
Los Angeles was subjugated, peace reigned
and El Estado Libre de Alta California took her
place among the nations of the earth. But
peace's reign was brief. At the meeting of the
ayuntamiento May 27, 1838, Juan Bandini and
Santiago E. Arguello of San Diego, appeared
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
105
with a pronunciamiento and a plan, San
Diego's plan of government. Monterey, Santa
Barbara and Los Angeles had each formulated
a plan of government for the territory, and now
it was San Diego's turn. Agustin V. Zamorano,
who had been exiled with Governor Gutierrez,
had crossed the frontier and was made comand-
ante-general and territorial political chief ad
interim by the San Diego revolutionists. The
plan restored California to obedience to the
supreme government; all acts of the diputa-
cion and the Monterey plan were annulled and
the northern rebels were to be arraigned and
tried for their part in the revolution; and so on
through twenty articles.
On the plea of an Indian outbreak near San
Diego, in which the redmen, it was said, "were
to make an end of the white race," the big can-
non and a number of men were secured at Los
Angeles to assist in suppressing the Indians,
but in reality to reinforce the army of the San
Diego revolutionists. With a force of one hun-
dred and twenty-five men under Zamorano and
Portilla, "the army of the supreme government"
moved against Castro at Los Angeles. Castro
retreated to Santa Barbara and Portilla's army-
took position at San Fernando.
The civil and military officials of Los Angeles
took the oath to support the Mexican consti-
tution of 1836 and, in their opinion, this
absolved them from all allegiance to Juan Bau-
tista and his Monterey plan. Alvarado hurried
reinforcements to Castro at Santa Barbara, and
Portilla called loudly for "men, arms and
horses," to march against the northern rebels.
But neither military chieftain advanced, and the
summer wore away without a battle. There
were rumors that Mexico was preparing to send
an army of one thousand men to subjugate the
rebellious Californians. In October came the
news that Jose Antonio Carrillo, the Machiavelli
of California politics, had persuaded President
Pustamente to appoint Carlos Carrillo, Jose's
brother, governor of Alta California.
Then consternation seized the arribenos (up-
pers) of the north and the abajehos (lowers) of
Los Angeles went wild with joy. It was not
that they loved Carlos Carrillo. for he was a
Santa Barbara man and had opposed them in
the late unpleasantness, but they saw in his ap-
pointment an opportunity to get revenge on
Juan Bautista for the way he had humiliated
them. They sent congratulatory messages to
Carrillo and invited him to make Los Angeles
the seat of his government. Carrillo was flat-
tered by their attentions and consented. The
6th of December, 1837, was set for his inaugura-
tion, and great preparations were made for the
event. The big cannon was brought over from
San Gabriel to fire salutes and the city was
ordered illuminated on the nights of the 6th,
7th and 8th of December. Cards of invitation
were issued and the people from the city and
country were invited to attend the inauguration
ceremonies, "dressed as decent as possible," so
read the invitations.
The widow Josefa Alvarado's house, the fin-
est in the city, was secured for the governor's
palacio (palace). The largest hall in the city
was secured for the services and decorated as
well as it was possible. The city treasury, being
in its usual state of collapse, a subscription for
defraying the expenses was opened and horses,
hides and tallow, the current coin of the pueblo,
were liberally contributed.
On the appointed day. "the most illustrious
ayuntamiento and the citizens of the neighbor-
hood(sothe old archives read)met his excellency,
the governor, Don Carlos Carrillo, who made
his appearance with a magnificent accompani-
ment." The secretary, Narciso Botello, "read in
a loud, clear and intelligible voice, the oath, and
the governor repeated it after him." At the
moment the oath was completed, the artillery
thundered forth a salute and the bells rang out
a merrv peal. The governor made a speech,
when all adjourned to the church, where a mas>
was said and a solemn Te Dunn sung: after
which all repaired to the house of his excellency,
where the southern patriots drank his health in
bumpers of wine and shouted themselves hoarse
in vivas to the new government. An inaugura-
tion ball was In Id- the "beauty and the chivalry
of the south were gathered there." I lutside the
tallow dips flared and flickered from the porticos
of the house, bonfires blazed in the streets and
cannon boomed salvs from the old plaza. Los
Angeles was the capital at last and had a gov-
106
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ernor all to herself, for Santa Barbara refused
to recognize Carrillo, although he belonged
within its jurisdiction.
The Angelenos determined to subjugate the
Barbarenos. An army of two hundred men,
under Castenada, was sent to capture the city.
After a few futile demonstrations, Castenada's
forces fell back to San Buenaventura.
Then Alvarado determined to subjugate the
Angelenos. He and Castro, gathering together
an army of two hundred men. by forced marches
reached San .Buenaventura, and by a strategic
movement captured all of Castenada's horses
and drove his army into the mission church.
For two days the battle raged and, "cannon to
the right of them," and "cannon in front of them
volleyed and thundered." One man was killed
on the northern side and the blood of several
mustangs watered the soil of their native land —
died for their country. The southerners slipped
out of the church at night and fled up the val-
ley on foot. Castro's caballeros captured about
seventy prisoners. Bio Pico, with reinforce-
ments, met the remnant of Castenada's arm)- at
the Santa Clara river, and together all fell back
to Los Angeles. Then there was wailing in the
old pueblo, where so lately there had been re-
joicing. Gov. Carlos Carrillo gathered to-
gether what men he could get to go with him
and retreated to San Diego. Alvarado's army
took possession of the southern capital and
some of the leading conspirators were sent as
prisoners to the Castillo at Sonoma.
Carrillo, at San Diego, received a small re-
inforcement from Mexico, under a Captain
Tobar. Tobar was made general and given
command of the southern army. Carrillo, hav-
ing recovered from his fright, sent an order to
the northern rebels to surrender within fifteen
days under penalty of being shot as traitors if
they refused. In the meantime Los Angeles
was held by the enemy. The second alcalde
(the first, Louis Aranas, was a prisoner) called
a meeting to devise some means "to have his
excellency, Don Carlos Carrillo, return to this
capital, as his presence is very much desired by
the citizens to protect their lives and property."
\ committee was appointed to locate Don
Carlos.
Instead of surrendering, Castro and Alvarado,
with a force of two hundred men, advanced
against Carrillo. The two armies met at Campo
de Las Flores. General Tobar had fortified a
cattle corral with rawhides, carretas and cot-
tonw:ood poles. A few shots from Alvarado's
artillery scattered Tobar's rawhide fortifications.
Carrillo surrendered. Tobar and a few of the
leaders escaped to Mexico. Alvarado ordered
the misguided Angelehian soldiers to go home
and behave themselves. He brought the captive
governor back with him and left him with his
(Carrillo's) wife at Santa Barbara, who became
surety for the deposed ruler. Not content with
his unfortunate attempts to rule, he again
claimed the governorship on the plea that he
had been appointed by the supreme government.
But the Angelenos had had enough of him.
Disgusted with his incompetency, Juan Gallardo,
at the session of May 14, 1838, presented a pe-
tition praying that this ayuntamiento do not rec-
ognize Carlos Carrillo as governor, and setting
forth the reasons why we, the petitioners,
"should declare ourselves subject to the north-
ern governor" and why they opposed Car-
rillo."
"First. In having compromised the people
from San Buenaventura south into a declara-
tion of war, the incalculable calamities of which
will never be forgotten, not even by the most
ignorant.
"Second. Not satisfied with the unfortunate
event of San Buenaventura, he repeated the
same at Campo de Las Flores. which, only
through a divine dispensation, California is not
to-day in mourning." Seventy citizens signed
the petition, but the city attorney, who had done
time in Yallejo's castillo, decided the petition il-
legal because it was written on common paper
when paper with the proper seal could be ob-
tained.
Next day Gallardo returned with his petition
on legal paper. The ayuntamiento decided to
sound the "public alarm" and call the people to-
gether to give them "public speech." The pub-
lic alarm was sounded. The people assembled
at the city hall: speeches were made 011, both
sides; and when the vote was taken twenty-two
were in favor of the northern governor, five
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ki7
in favor of whatever the ayuntamiento decides,
and Serbulo Yareles alone voted for Don Carlos
Carrillo. So the council decided to recognize
Don Juan I!autista Alvarado as governor and
leave the supreme government to settle the con-
test between him and Carrillo.
Notwithstanding this apparent burying of the
hatchet, there were rumors of plots and in-
trigues in Los Angeles and San Diego against
Alvarado. At length, aggravated beyond en-
durance, the governor sent word to the surenos
that if they did not behave themselves he would
shoot ten of the leading men of the south. As
he had about that number locked up in the
Castillo at Sonoma, his was no idle threat. One
by one Alvarado's prisoners of state were re-
leased from Yallejo's bastile at Sonoma and re-
turned to Los Angeles, sadder if not wiser men.
At the session of the ayuntamiento October 20,
1838, the president announced that Senior
Regidor Jose Palomares had returned from
Sonoma, where he had been compelled to go
by 'reason of "political differences," and that he
should be allowed his seat in the council. The
request was granted unanimously.
At the next meeting Narciso Botello, its for-
mer secretary, after five and a half months' im-
prisonment at Sonoma, put in an appearance ami
claimed his office and his pay. Although others
had filled the office in the interim the illustrious
ayuntamiento, "ignoring for what offense he was
incarcerated, could not suspend his salary."
But his salary was suspended. The treasury
was empty. The last horse and the last hide had
been paid out to defray the expense of the in-
auguration festivities of Carlos, the Pretender,
and the civil war that followed. Indeed there
was a treasury deficit of whole caballadas of
horses, and bales of hides. Xarciso's back pay
was a preferred claim that outlasted El Estado
Libre.
The surenos of Los Angeles and San Diego,
finding that in Alvarado they had a man of cour-
age and determination to deal with, ceased from
troubling him and submitted to the inevitable.
At the meeting of the ayuntamiento, October 5,
1839, a notification was received, stating that the
supreme government of Mexico had appointed
Juan Bautista Alvarado governor of the depart-
ment. There was no grumbling or dissent. ( >n
the contrary, the records say, "This illustrious
body acknowledges receipt of the communica-
tion and congratulated his excellency. It will
announce the same to the citizens to-morrow
(Sunday), will raise the national colors, salute
the same with the required number of volleys,
and will invite the people to illuminate their
houses for a better display in rejoicing at such
a happy appointment." With his appointment
by the supreme government the "free and sov-
ereign state of Alta California" became a dream
of the past — a dead nation. Indeed, months be-
fore Alvarado had abandoned his idea of found-
ing an independent state and had taken the oath
of allegiance to the constitution of 1836. The
loyal surenos received no thanks from the su-
preme government for all their professions of
loyalty, whilst the rebellious arriberios of the
north obtained all the rewards — the governor,
the capital and the offices. The supreme -"\
ernment gave the deposed governor, Carlos
Carrillo, a grant of the island of Santa Rosa,
in the Santa Barbara Channel, but whether it
was given him as a sake to his wounded dignity
or as an Elba or St. Helena, where, in the event
of his stirring up another revolution, he might
be banished a la Napoleon, the records <h> not
inform us.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER XIV.
DECLINE AND FALL OF MEXICAN DOMINATION.
WHILE the revolution begun by Al-
varado and Castro had not established
California's independence, it had effect-
ually rid the territory of Mexican dictators.
A native son was governor of the depart-
ment of the Californians (by the constitu-
tion of 1836 Upper and Lower California had
been united into a department); another native
son was comandante of its military forces. The
membership of the departmental junta, which
had taken the place of the diputacion, was
largely made up of sons of the soil, and natives
filled the minor offices. In their zeal to rid
themselves of Mexican office-holders they had
invoked the assistance of another element that
was ultimately to be their undoing.
During the revolutionary era just passed the
foreign population had largely increased. Xot
only had the foreigners come by sea, but they
had come by land. Capt. Jedediah S. Smith, a
New England-born trapper and hunter, was the
first man to enter California by the overland
route. A number of trappers and hunters came
in the early '30s from New Mexico by way of
the old Spanish trail. This immigration was
largely American, and was made up of a bold,
adventurous class of men, some of them not
the' most desirable immigrants. Of this latter
class were some of Graham's followers.
By invoking Graham's aid to put him in
power, Alvarado had fastened upon his shoul-
ders an old Man of the Sea. It was easy enough
to enlist the services of Graham's riflemen, but
altogether another matter to get rid of them.
Now that he was firmly established in power,
Alvarado would, no doubt, have been glad to be
rid entirely of his recent allies, but Graham and
his adherents were not backward in giving him
to understand that he owed his position to them,
and they wer< inclined to put themselves on an
equality with him. This did not comport with
his ideas of the dignity of his office. To be
hailed by some rough buckskin-clad trapper
with "Ho! Bautista; come here, I want to speak
with you," was an affront to his pride that the
governor of the two Californias could not
quietly pass over, and, besides, like all of his
countrymen, he disliked foreigners.
There were rumors of another revolution, and
it was not difficult to persuade Alvarado that
the foreigners were plottingto revolutionize Cal-
ifornia. Mexico had recently lost Texas, and
the same class of "malditos extranjeros" (wicked
strangers) were invading California, and would
ultimately possess themselves of the country. Ac-
cordingly, secret orders were sent throughout
the department to arrest and imprison all for-
eigners. Over one hundred men of different
nationalities were arrested, principally Amer-
icans and English. Of these forty-seven were
shipped to San Bias, and from there marched
overland to Tepic, where they were imprisoned
for several months. Through the efforts of the
British consul, Barron, they were released.
Castro, who had accompanied the prisoners to
Mexico to prefer charges against them, was
placed under arrest and afterwards tried by
court-martial, but was acquitted. He had been
acting under orders from his superiors. After
an absence of over a year twenty of the exiles
landed at Monterey on their return from Mex-
ico. Robinson, who saw them land, says:
"They returned neatly dressed, armed with rifles
and swords, and looking in much better condi-
tion than when they were sent away, or probably
than they had ever looked in their lives before."
The Mexican government had been compelled
to pay them damages for their arrest and im-
prisonment and to return them to California.
Graham, the reputed leader of the foreigners,
was the owner of a distillery near Santa Cruz,
and had gathered a number of hard characters
around him. It would have been no loss had he
never returned.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
10!
The only other event of importance during
Alvarado's term as governor was the capture of
Monterey by Commodore Ap Catesby Jones, of
the United States navy. This event happened
after Alvarado's successor, Micheltorena, had
landed in California, but before the government
had been formally turned over to him.
The following extract from the diary of a
pioneer, who was an eye-witness of the affair,
gives a good description of the capture:
"Monterey, Oct. 19, 1842. — At 2 p. 111. the
United States man-of-war United States, Com-
modore Ap Catesby Jones, came to anchor close
alongside and in-shore of all the ships in port.
About 3 p. m. Capt. Armstrong came ashore,
accompanied by an interpreter, and went direct
to the governor's house, where he had a private
conversation with him, which proved to be a
demand for the surrender of the entire coast of
California, upper and lower, to the United
States government. When he was about to go
on board he gave three or four copies of a
proclamation to the inhabitants of the two Cali-
fornias, assuring them of the protection of their
lives, persons and property. In his notice to the
governor (Alvarado) he gave him only until the
following morning at 9 a. m. to decide. If he
received no answer, then he would fire upon the
town."
"I remained on shore that night and went
down to the governor's with Mr. Larkin and
Mr. Eagle. The governor had had some idea
of running away and leaving Monterey to its
fate, but was told by Mr. Spence that he should
not go, and finally he resolved to await the re-
sult. At 12 at night some persons were sent
on board the United States who had been ap-
pointed by the governor to meet the commodore
and arrange the terms of the surrender. Next
morning at half-past ten o'clock about one hun-
dred sailors and fifty marines disembarked. The
sailors marched up from the shore and took pos-
session of the fort. The American colors were
hoisted. The United States fired a salute of thir-
teen guns ; it was returned by the fort, which fired
twenty-six guns. The marines in the meantime
had marched up to the government house. The
officers and soldiers of the California govern-
ment were discharged and their guns and other
arms taken possession of and carried to the fort.
The stars and stripes now wave over us. Long
may they wave here in California!"
"Oct. 21, 4 p. m. — Elags were again changed,
the vessels were released, and all was quiet again.
The commodore had received later news by
some Mexican newspapers."
Commodore Jones had been stationed at Cal-
lao with a squadron of four vessels. An English
fleet was also there, and a French fleet was
cruising in the Pacific. Both these were sup-
posed to have designs on California. Jones
learned that the English admiral had received
orders to sail next day. Surmising that his des-
tination might be California, he slipped out of
the harbor the night before and crowded all sail
to reach California before the English admiral.
The loss of Texas, and the constant influx of im-
migrants and adventurers from the United
States into California, had embittered the Mex-
ican government more and more against
foreigners. Manuel Micheltorena, who had
served under Santa Anna in the Texas war,
was appointed January 19, 1842, comandanfe-
general inspector and gobernador propietario of
the Californias.
Santa Anna was president of the Mexican re-
public. His experience with Americans in
Texas during the Texan war of independence,
in 1836-37, had determined him to use ever)
effort to prevent California from sharing the fate
of Texas.
Micheltorena, the newly-appointed governor,
was instructed to take with him sufficient f< iree
to check the ingress of Americans. He recruited
a force of three hundred and fifty men. prin-
cipally convicts enlisted from the prisons of
Mexico. His army of thieves and ragamuffins
landed at San Diego in August, 1842.
Robinson, who was at San Diego when one
of the vessels conveying Micheltorena's cholos
(convicts) landed, thus describes them: "Five
days afterward the brig ChatO arrived with
ninety soldiers and their families. I saw them
land, and to me they presented a state of
wretchedness and misery unequaled. Not one
individual among them possessed a iacket or
pantaloons, but. naked, and like the savage In-
dians, they concealed their nudity with dirty,
Ill)
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
miserable blankets. The females were not much
better off, for the scantiness of their mean ap-
parel was too apparent for modest observers.
They appeared like convicts, and, indeed, the
greater portion of them had been charged with
crime, either of murder or theft."
Micheltorena drilled his Falstaffian army at
San Diego for several weeks and then began his
march northward; Los Angeles made great
preparations to receive the new governor. Seven
years had passed since she had been decreed the
capital of the territory, and in all these years
she had been denied her rights by Monterey.
A favorable impression on the new governor
might induce him to make the ciudad his capital.
The national fiesta of September 16 was post-
poned until the arrival of the governor. The
best house in the town was secured for him
and his staff. A grand ball was projected
and the city illuminated the night of his arrival.
A camp was established down by the river and
the cholos, who in the meantime had been given
white linen uniforms, were put through the drill
and the manual of arms. They were incorrigible
thieves, and stole for the very pleasure of steal-
ing. They robbed the hen roosts, the orchards,
the vineyards and the vegetable gardens of the
citizens. To the Angeleiios the glory of their
city as the capital of the territory faded in the
presence of their empty chicken coops and
plundered orchards. They longed to speed the
departure of their now unwelcome guests. After
a stay of a month in the city Micheltorena and
his army took up their line of march northward.
He reached a point about twenty miles north
of San Fernando, when, on the night of the
24th of October, a messenger aroused him from
his slumbers witli the news that the capital had
been captured by the Americans. Micheltorena
seized the occasion to make political capital for
himself with the home government. He spent
the remainder of the night in fulminating proc-
lamations against the invaders fiercer than the
thunderbolts of Jove, copies of which were dis-
patched post haste to Mexico. He even wished
himself a thunderbolt "that he mighl fly over
intervening space and annihilate the invaders."
Then, with his own courage and doubtless that
of his brave cholos aroused to the highest
pitch, instead of rushing on the invaders, he and
his army • fled back to San Fernando, where,
afraid to advance or retreat, he halted until news
reached him that Commodore Jones had re-
stored Monterey to the Californians. Then his
valor reached the boiling point. He boldly
marched to Los Angeles, established his head-
quarters in the city and awaited the coming
of Commodore Jones and his officers from Mon-
terey.
On the 19th of January, 1843, Commodore
Jones and his staff came to Los Angeles to meet
the governor. At the famous conference in
the Palacio de Don Abel, Micheltorena pre-
sented his articles of convention. Among other
ridiculous demands were the following: "Ar-
ticle VI. Thomas Ap C. Jones will deliver fif-
teen hundred complete infantry uniforms to re-
place those of nearly one-half of the Mexican
force, which have been ruined in the violent
march and the continued rains while they were
on their way to recover the port thus invaded."
"Article VII. Jones to pay $15,000 into the
national treasury for expenses incurred from the
general alarm; also a complete set of musical
instruments in place of those ruined on this
occasion."* Judging from Robinson's descrip-
tion of the dress of Micheltorena's cholos it is
doubtful whether there was an entire uniform
among them.
"The commodore's first impulse," writes a
member of his staff, "was to return the papers
without comment and to refuse further com-
munication with a man who could have the ef-
frontery to trump up such charges as those for
which indemnification was claimed." The com-
modore on reflection put aside his personal feel-
ings, and met the governor at the grand ball in
Sanchez hall, held in honor of the occasion.
The ball was a brilliant affair, "the dancing
ceased only with the rising of the sun next
morning." The commodore returned the articles
without his signature. The governor did not
again refer to his demands. Next morning,
January 21, 1843, Jones and his officers took
their departure from the city "amidst the beat-
ing of drums, the firing of cannon and the ring-
jft's Tli-torv of California. Vol IV
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
l i i
ing of bells, saluted by the general and his wife
from the door of their quarters. On the 31st
of December Micheltorena had taken the oath
of office in Sanchez' hall, which stood on the
east side of the plaza. Salutes were fired, the
bells were rung and the city was illuminated
for three evenings. For the second time a gov-
ernor had been inaugurated in Los Angeles.
Micheltorena and his cholo army remained in
Los Angeles about eight months. The An-
gelenos had all the capital they cared for. They
were perfectly willing to have the governor and
his army take up their residence in Monterey.
The cholos had devoured the country like an
army of chapules (locusts) and were willing to
move on. Monterey would no doubt have gladly
transferred what right she had to the capital
if at the same time she could have transferred
to her old rival, Los Angeles, Micheltorena's
cholos. Their pilfering was largely enforced
by their necessities. They received little or no
pay, and they often had to steal or starve. The
leading native Californians still entertained their
old dislike to "Mexican dictators" and the ret-
inue of three hundred chicken thieves accom-
panying the last dictator intensified their hatred.
Micheltorena, while not a model governor,
had many good qualities and was generally liked
by the better class of foreign residents. He
made an earnest effort to establish a system of
public education in the territory. Schools were
established in all the principal towns, and ter-
ritorial aid from the public funds to the amount
of $500 each was given them. The school at
Los Angeles had over one hundred pupils in
attendance. His worst fault was a disposition
to meddle in local affairs. He was unreliable
and not careful to keep his agreements. He
might have succeeded in giving California a
stable government had it not been for the antip-
athy to his soldiers and the old feud between
the "hijos del pais" and the Mexican dictators.
These proved his undoing. The native sons
under Alvarado and Castro rose in rebellion.
In November, 1844, a revolution was inaugu-
rated at Santa Clara. The governor marched
with an army of one hundred and fifty men
against the rebel forces, numbering about two
hundred. They met at a place called the La-
guna de Alvires. A treaty was signed in which
Micheltorena agreed to ship his cholos back to
Mexico.
This treaty the governor deliberately broke.
He then intrigued with Capt. John A. Sutter of
New Helvetia and Isaac Graham to obtain as-
sistance to crush the rebels. January 9, 1845,
Micheltorena and Sutter formed a junction of
their forces at Salinas — their united commands
numbering about five hundred men. They
marched against the rebels to crush them. But
the rebels did not wait to be crushed. Alvarado
and Castro, with about ninety men, started for
Los Angeles, and those left behind scattered
to their homes. Alvarado and his men reached
Los Angeles on the night of January 20, 1845.
The garrison stationed at the curate's house
was surprised and captured. One man was
killed and several wounded. Lieutenant Me-
dina, of Micheltorena's army, was the com-
mander of the pueblo troops. Alvarado's army
encamped on the plaza and he and Castro set
to work to revolutionize the old pueblo. The
leading Angelenos had no great love for Juan
Ilautista, and did not readily fall into his
schemes. They had not forgotten their en-
forced detention in Vallejo's bastile during the
Civil war. An extraordinary session of the
ayuntamiento was called January 21. Alvarado
and Castro were present and made eloquent ap-
peals. The records say: "The ayuntamiento
listened, and after a short interval of silence and
meditation decided to notify the senior member
of the department assembly of Don Alvarado
and Castros' wishes."
They were more successful with the Pico
brothers. Pio Pico was senior vocal, and in
case Micheltorena was disposed he, by virtue of
his office, would become governor. Through
the influence of the Picos the revolution gained
ground. The most potent influence in spread-
ing the revolt was the fear of Micheltorena's
army of chicken thieves. Should the town be
captured by them it certainly would be '-■
The department assembly was called together.
A peace commission was sent to meet Michel-
torena. who was leisurely marching southward,
and intercede with him to give up his prO|
invasion of the smith. He refused. Then the
Ill
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
assembly pronounced him a traitor, deposed
him by vote and appointed Pio Pico governor.
Recruiting went on rapidly. Hundreds of sad-
dle horses were contributed, "old rusty guns
were repaired, hacked swords sharpened, rude
lances manufactured" and cartridges made for
the cannon. Some fifty foreigners of the south
joined Alvarado's army; not that they had
much interest in the revolution, but to protect
their property against the rapacious invaders —
the cholos — and Sutter's Indians,* who were as
much dreaded as the cholos. On the 19th of
February, Micheltorena reached the Encinos,
and the Angelenian army marched out through
( 'almenga Pass to meet him. On the 20th the
two armies met on the southern edge of the
San Fernando valley, about fifteen miles from
Los Angeles. Each army numbered about four
hundred men. Micheltorena had three pieces
of artillery and Castro two. They opened on
each other at long range and seem to have
fought the battle throughout at very long range.
A mustang or a mule (authorities differ) was
killed.
Wilson, Workman and McKinley of Castro's
army decided to induce the Americans on the
other side, many of whom were their personal
friends, to abandon Micheltorena. Passing up
a ravine, they succeeded in attracting the atten-
tion of some of them by means of a white flag.
( ianttj Hensley and Bidwell joined them in the
ravine. The situation was discussed and the
Americans of Micheltorena's army agreed to
desert him if Pico would protect them in their
land grants. Wilson, in his account of the bat-
tle, says:f "I knew, and so did Pico, that these
land questions were the point with those young
Americans. Before I started on my journey or
embassy, Pico was sent for; on his arrival
among us I, in a few words, explained to him
what the party had advanced. 'Gentlemen.' said
he, 'are any of you citizens of Mexico?" They
answered 'No.' 'Then your title deeds given
you by Micheltorena are not worth the paper
*Sutter had under his command ;i company of In-
dians, lie had drilled these in the use of firearms.
Mi.' employing of these savages by Micheltorena was
I'it'rrly resented liy tin- Californians.
tPtih Historical Society of Southern California.
Vol. III.
they are written on, and he knew it well when
he gave them to you; but if you wiil abandon
his cause I will give you my word of honor as
a gentleman, and Don Benito Wilson and Don
Juan Workman to carry out what I promise,
that I will protect each one of you in the land
that you now hold, and when you become citi-
zens of Mexico I will issue you the proper ti-
tles.' They said that was all they asked, and
promised not to fire a gun against us. They also
asked not to be required to fight on our side,
which was agreed to.
"Micheltorena discovered (how, I do not know)
that his Americans had abandoned him. About
an hour afterwards he raised his camp and
Hanked us by going further into the valley to-
wards San Fernando, then marching as though
lie intended to come around the bend of the
river to the city. The Californians and we for-
eigners at once broke up our camp and came
back through the Cahuenga Pass, marched
through the gap into the Feliz ranch, on the
Los Angeles River, till we came into close
proximity to Micheltorena's camp. It was now
night, as it was dark when we broke up our
camp. Here we waited for daylight, and some
of our men commenced maneuvering for a fight
with the enemy. A few cannon shots were
fired, when a white flag was discovered flying
from Micheltorena's front. The whole matter
then went into the hands of negotiators ap-
pointed by both parties and the terms of sur-
render were agreed upon, one of which was that
Micheltorena and his obnoxious officers and
men were to march back up the river to the
Cahuenga Pass, then down on the plain to the
west of Los Angeles, the most direct line to
San Pedro, and embark at that point on a vessel
then anchored there to carry them back to Mex-
ico." Sutter was taken prisoner, and his Indians,
after being corralled for a time, were sent back
to the Sacramento.
The roar of the battle of Cahuenga, or the
Alamo, as it is sometimes called, could be dis-
tinctly heard in Los Angeles, and the people
remaining in the city were greatly alarmed.
William Heath Davis, in his Sixty Years in Cal-
ifornia, thus describes the alarm in the town;
"Directly to the north of the town was a high
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L13
hill" (now known as Mt. Lookout). "As soon
as firing was heard all the people remaining in
the town, men, women and children, ran to the
top of this hill. As the wind was blowing from
the north, the firing was distinctly heard, five
leagues away, on the battle-field throughout the
day. All business places in town were closed.
The scene on the hill was a remarkable one,
women and children, with crosses in their hands,
kneeling and praying to the saints for the safety
of their fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, lovers,
cousins, that they might not be killed in the bat-
tle; indifferent to their personal appearance,
tears streaming from their eyes, and their hair
blown about by the wind, which had increased
to quite a breeze. Don Abel Stearns, myself and
others tried to calm and pacify them, assuring
them that there was probably no danger; some-
what against our convictions, it is true, judg-
ing from what we heard of the firing and from
our knowledge of Micheltorena's disciplined
force, his battery, and the riflemen he had with
him. During the day the scene on the hill con-
tinued. The night that followed was a gloomy
one, caused by the lamentations of the women
and children."
Davis, who was supercargo on the Don
Quixote, the vessel on which Micheltorena and
his soldiers were shipped to Mexico, claims that
the general "had ordered his command not to
injure the Californians in the force opposed to
him, but to fire over their heads, as he had no
desire to kill them."
Another Mexican-born governor had been
deposed and deported, gone to join his fellows.
Victoria, Chico and Gutierrez. In accordance
with the treaty of Cahuenga and by virtue of
his rank as senior member of the departmental
assembly, Pio Pico became governor. The hijos
del pais were once more in the ascendency.
Jose Castro was made comandante-general. Al-
varado was given charge of the custom house at
Monterey, and Jose Antonio Carrillo was ap-
pointed commander of the military district of
the south. Los Angeles was made the capital,
although the archives and the treasurv remained
in Monterey. The revolution apparently had
been a success. In the proceedings of the Los
Angeles ayuntamiento, March i. 1845, appears
this record: "The agreements entered into at
Cahuenga between Gen. Emanuel Michel-
torena and Lieut.-Col. Jose Castro were then
read, and as they contain a happy termination of
affairs in favor of the government, this Illustri-
ous Body listened with satisfaction and so an-
swered the communication."
The people joined with the ayuntamiento in
expressing their "satisfaction" that a "happy
termination" had been reached of the political
disturbances which had distracted the country.
But the end was not yet. Pico did his best to
conciliate the conflicting elements, but the old
sectional jealousies that had divided the people
of the territory would crop out. Jose Antonio
Carrillo, the Machiaveli of the south, hated Cas-
tro and Alvarado and was jealous of Pico's good
fortune. He was the superior of any of them
in ability, but made himself unpopular by his
intrigues and his sarcastic speech. When Cas-
tro and Alvarado can raise the stand-
ard of revolt they tried to win him over. He
did assist them. He was willing enough to plot
against Micheltorena, but after the overthrow
of the Mexican he was equally ready to plot
against Pico and Castro. In the summer of
1845 ne was implicated in a plot to depose Pico,
who, by the way, was his brother-in-law. Pico
piaced him and two of his fellow conspirators,
Serbulo and Hilario Yarela, under arrest. Car-
rillo and Hilario Yarela were shipped to Mazal-
Ian to be tried for their misdeed. Serbulo Ya-
rela made his escape from prison. The two
exiles returned early in 1846 unpunished and
ready for new pli its.
Pico was appointed gobernador proprietario,
or constitutional governor <>f California, Sep-
tember 3, 1845, by President Herrera. The su-
preme government of Mexico never seemed to
lake offense or harbor resentment against the
Californians for deposing and -ending home a
governor. As the officials of the supreme
ernment usually obtained office by revolution,
they no doubt had a fellow feeling fur the revolt-
ing Californians. When Micheltorena returned
to Mexico he was coldly received and a com-
missioner was sent to Pico with dispatches vir-
tually approving all that had been done.
Castro, too, gave Pico a great deal of uneasi-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ness. He ignored the governor and managed
the military affairs of the territory to suit him-
self. His headquarters were at Monterey and
doubtless he had the sympathy if not the en-
couragement of the people of the north in his
course. But the cause of the greatest uneasi-
ness was the increasing immigration from the
United States. A stream of emigrants from the
western states, increasing each year, poured
down the Sierra Nevadas and spread over the
rich valleys of California. The Californians rec-
ognized that through the advent of these "for-
eign adventurers,"as they called them, the "man-
ifest destiny"of California was to be absorbed by
the United States. Alvarado had appealed to
Mexico for men and arms and had been an-
swered by the arrival of Micheltorena and his
cholos. Pico appealed and for a time the Cali-
fornians were cheered by the prospect of aid.
In the summer of 1845 a f°rce °* s'x hundred
veteran soldiers, under command of Colonel
Iniestra, reached Acapulco, where ships were ly-
ing to take them to California, but a revolution
broke out in Mexico and the troops destined for
the defense of California were used to overthrow-
President Hcrrera and to seat Paredes. Cali-
fornia was left to work out her own destiny
unaided or drift with the tide — and she drifted.
In the early months of 1846 there was a rapid
succession of important events in her history,
each in passing bearing her near and nearer to
a manifest destiny — the downfall of Mexican
domination in California. These will be pre-
sented fully in the chapter on the Acquisition of
California by the United States. But before
taking up these we will turn aside to review life
in California in the olden time under Spanish
and Mexican rule.
CHAPTER XV.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT— HOMES AND HOME-LIFE OF
THE CALIFORNIANS.
UNDER Spain the government of Califor-
nia was semi-military and semi-clerical.
The governors were military officers and
had command of the troops in the territory, and
looked after affairs at the pueblos; the friars
were supreme at the missions. The municipal
government of the pueblos was vested in ayun-
tamientos. The decree of the Spanish Cortes
passed May 23, 1S12, regulated the membership
of the ayuntamiento according to the popula-
tion of the town — "there shall be one alcalde
(mayor), two regidores (councilmen), ami one
procurador-syndico (treasurer) in all towns
which do not have more than two hundred in-
habitants; one alcalde, four regidores and one
syndico in those the population of which ex-
ceeds two hundred, but does no.1 exceed five
hundred." When the population of a town ex-
ceeded one thousand it was allowed two al-
caldes, eighl regidores and two syndicos. Over
the members of the a\ untamiento in the early
years of Spanish rule was a quasi-military offi-
cer called a comisionado, a sort of petty dictator
or military despot, who, when occasion required
or inclination moved him, embodied within him-
self all three departments of government, judi-
ciary, legislative and executive. After Mexico
became a republic the office of comisionado was
abolished. The alcalde acted as president of
the ayuntamiento, as mayor and as judge of
the court of first instance. The second alcalde
took his place when that officer was ill or ab-
sent. The syndico was a general utility man.
lie acted as city or town attorney, tax collector
and treasurer. The secretary was an important
officer; lie kept the records, acted as clerk of
the alcalde's court and was the only municipal
officer who received pay. except the syndico,
who received a commission on his collections.
In 1837 the Mexican Congress passed a decree
abolishing ayuntamientos in capitals of depart-
ments having a population of less than four
thousand and in interior towns of less than
eight thousand. In 1839 Governor Alvarado
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HE
reported to the Departmental Assembly that no
town in California had the requisite population.
The ayuntamientos all closed January i, 1840.
They were re-established in 1844. During their
abolition the towns were governed by prefects
and justices of the peace, and the special laws
or ordinances were enacted by the departmental
assembly.
The jurisdiction of the ayuntamiento often
extended over a large area of country beyond
the town limits. That of Los Angeles, after the
secularization of the missions, extended over a
country as large as the state of Massachusetts.
The authority of the ayuntamiento was as ex-
tensive as its jurisdiction. It granted town lots
and recommended to the governor grants of
land from the public domain. In addition to
passing ordinances its members sometimes
acted as executive officers to enforce them. It
exercised the powers of a board of health, a
board of education, a police commission and a
street department. During the civil war be-
tween Northern and Southern California, in
1837-38, the ayuntamiento of Los Angeles
raised and equipped an army and assumed the
right to govern the southern half of the terri-
tory.
The ayuntamiento was spoken of as Muy
Ilustre (Most Illustrious), in the same sense
that we speak of the honorable city council, but
it was a much more dignified body than a city
council. The members were required to attend
their public functions "attired in black apparel.
so as to add solemnity to the meetings." They
served without pay, but if a member was absent
frOm a meeting without a good excuse he was
liable to a fine. As there was no pay in the office
and its duties were numerous and onerous, there
was not a large crop of aspirants for council-
men in those days, and the office usually sought
the man. It might be added that when it caught
the right man it was loath to let go of him.
The misfortunes that beset Francisco Pantoja
aptly illustrate the difficulty of resigning in the
days when office sought the man, not man the
office. Pantoja was elected fourth regidor of
the ayuntamiento of Los Angeles in 1837. In
those days wild horses were very numerous.
When the pasture in tin1 foothills was exhausted
they came down into the valleys and ate up
the feed needed for the cattle. Un this account,
and because most of these wild horses were
worthless, the rancheros slaughtered them. A
corral was built with wings extending out on
the right and left from the main entrance. When
the corral was completed a day was set for a
wild horse drive. The bauds were rounded up
and driven into the corral. The pick of the
caballados were lassoed and taken out to be
broken to the saddle and the refuse of the drive
killed. The Vejars had obtained permission
from the ayuntamiento to build a corral between
the Ceritos and the Salinas for the purpose of
corralling wild horses. Pantoja, being some-
thing of a sport, petitioned his fellow regidores
for a twenty days' leave of absence to join in
the wild horse chase. A wild horse chase was
wild sport and dangerous, too. Somebody was
sure to get hurt, and Pantoja in this one was
one of the unfortunates. When his twenty days'
leave of absence was up he did not return to
his duties of regidor. but instead sent his res-
ignation on plea of illness. His resignation was
not accepted and the president of the ayunta-
miento appointed a committee to investigate
his physical condition. There were no physi-
cians in Los Angeles in those days, so the com-
mittee took along Santiago McKinley, a canny
Scotch merchant, who was repined to have some
knowledge of surgery. The committee and the
improvised surgeon held an ante-mortem in-
quest on what remained of Pantoja. The com-
mittee reported to the council that he was a
physical wreck; that he could not mount a
horse nor ride one when mounted. A native
California!! who had reached such a state of
physical dilapidation that he could not mount
a horse might well be excused from official du-
ties. To excuse him might establish a danger-
ous precedent. The ayuntamiento heard the
report, pondered over it and then sent it and
the resignation to the governor. The governor
took them under advisement. In the meantime
a revolution broke out and before p
stored and the governor had time to pass upon
the case Pantoja's term had expired by limita-
tion.
That modern fad dslation, the
11(5
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
referendum, was in full force and effect in Cali-
fornia three-quarters of a century ago. When
some question of great importance to the com-
munity was before the ayuntamiento and the
regidores were divided in opinion, the alarma
publica or public alarm was sounded by the
beating of the long roll on the drum and all the
citizens were summoned to the hall of sessions.
Any one hearing the alarm and not heed-
ing it was fined $3. When the citizens were con-
vened the president of the ayuntamiento, speak-
ing in a loud voice, stated the question and the
people were given "public speech." The ques-
tion was debated by all who wished to speak.
When all had had their say it was decided by a
show of hands.
The ayuntamientos regulated the social func-
tions of the pueblos as well as the civic. Ordi-
nance 5, ayuntamiento proceedings of Los
Angeles, reads: "All individuals serenading pro-
miscuously around the street of the city at night
without first having obtained permission from
the alcalde will be fined $1.50 for the first of-
fense, $3 for the second offense, and for the
third punished according to law." Ordinance 4,
adopted by the ayuntamiento of Los Angeles,
January 28, 1838, reads: "Every person not
having any apparent occupation in this city or
its jurisdiction is hereby ordered to look for
work within three days, counting from the day
this ordinance is published; if not complied
with, lie will be fined $2 for the first offense, $4
for the second offense, and will be given com-
pulsory work for the third." From the reading
of the ordinance it would seem if the tramp
kept looking for work, but was careful not to
find it, there could be no offense and conse-
quently no fines or compulsory work.
Some of the enactments of the old regidores
would fade the azure out of the blue laws of
Connecticut in severity. In the plan of gov-
ernment adopted by the surefios in the rebellion
of 1837 appears this article: "Article 3, The
Roman Catholic Apostolic religion shall pre-
vail throughout this jurisdiction: and any per-
son professing publicly any other religion shall
be prosecuted."
Here is a blue law of Monterey, enacted
March 23, 1816: "All persons must attend mass
and respond in a loud voice, and if any persons
should fail to do so without good cause they
will be put in the stocks for three hours."
The architecture of the Spanish and Mexican
eras of California was homely almost to ugliness.
There was no external ornamentation to the
dwellings and no internal conveniences. There
was but little attempt at variety and the houses
were mostly of one style, square walled, tile cov-
ered, or flat roofed with pitch, and usually but
one story high. Some of the mission churches
were massive, grand and ornamental, while
others were devoid of beauty and travesties on
the rules of architecture. Every man was his
own architect and master builder. He had no
choice of material, or, rather, with his ease-
loving disposition, he chose to use that which
was most convenient, and that was adobe clay,
made into sun-dried brick. The Indian was the
brick maker, and he toiled for his taskmasters,
like the Hebrew of old for the Egyptian, making
bricks without straw and without pay. There
were no labor strikes in the building trades then.
The Indian was the builder, and he did not
know how to strike for higher wages, because
he received no wages, high or low. The adobe
bricks were moulded into form and set up to
dry. Through the long summer days they
baked in the hot sun, first on one side, then on
the other; and when dried through they were
laid in the wall with mud mortar. Then the
walls had to dry and dry perhaps through an-
other summer before the house was habitable.
Time was the essense of building contracts then.
There was but little wood used in house con-
struction then. It was only the aristocrats who
could indulge in the luxury of wooden floors.
Most of the houses had floors of the beaten
earth. Such floors were cheap and durable.
Gilroy says, when he came to Monterey in 1814,
only the governor's house had a wooden floor.
A door of rawhide shut out intruders and
wooden-barred windows admitted sunshine and
air.
The legendry of the hearthstone and the fire-
side which fills so large a place in the home life
and literature of the Anglo-Saxon had no part
in the domestic system of the old-time Califor-
nian. He had no hearthstone and no fireside,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
117
nor could that pleasing fiction of Santa Claus
coming down the chimney with toys on Christ-
mas eve that so delights the children of to-day
have been understood by the youthful Califor-
nian of long ago. There were no chimneys in
California. The only means of warming the
houses by artificial heat was a pan (or braseroj
of coals set on the floor. The people lived out
of doors in the open air and invigorating sun-
shine; and they were health)- and long-lived.
Their houses were places to sleep in or shelters
from rain.
The furniture was meager and mostly home-
made. A few benches or rawhide-bottomed
chairs to sit on; a rough table; a chest or two
to keep the family finery in ; a few cheap prints
of saints on the walls — these formed the furnish-
ings and the decorations of the living rooms of
the common people. The bed was the pride and
the ambition of the housewife. Even in humble
dwellings, sometimes, a snowy counterpane and
lace-trimmed pillows decorated a couch whose
base was a dried bullock's hide stretched on a
rough frame of wood. A shrine dedicated to the
patron saint of the household was a very essen-
tial part of a well-regulated home.
Fashions in dress did not change with the sea-
sons. A man could wear his grandfather's hat
and his coat, too, and not be out of the fashion.
Robinson, writing of California in 1829. says:
"The people were still adhering to the costumes
of the past century." It was not until after 1834,
when the Hijar colonists brought the latest fash-
ions from the City of Mexico, that the style of
dress for men and women began to change. The
next change took place after the American con-
quest. Only two changes in half a century, a
garment had to be very durable to become un-
fashionable.
The few wealthy people in the territory
dressed well, even extravagantly. Robinson de-
scribes the dress of Tomas Yorba, a wealthy
ranchero of the Upper Santa Ana, as he saw
him in 1829: "Upon his head he wore a black
silk handkerchief, the four corners of which
hung down his neck behind. An embroidered
shirt; a cravat of white jaconet, tastefully tied;
a blue damask vest; short clothes of crimson
velvet; a bright green cloth jacket, with large
silver buttons, and shoes of embroidered deer-
skin composed Ins dress. I was afterwards in-
formed by Don Manuel (Dominguez) that on
some occasions, such as some particular feast
day or festival, his entire display often exceeded
in value a thousand dollars."
"The dress worn by the middle class of fe-
males is a chemise, with short embroidered
sleeves, richly trimmed with lace; a muslin pet-
ticoat, flounced with scarlet and secured at the
waist by a silk band of the same color; shoes of
velvet or blue satin; a cotton reboso or scarf;
pearl necklace and earrings; with hair falling in
broad plaits down the back."* After 1834 the
men generally adopted calzoneras instead of the
knee breeches or short clothes of the last cen-
tury.
"The calzoneras were pantaloons with the ex-
terior seam open throughout its length. On the
upper edge was. a strip of cloth, red, blue or
black, in which were buttonholes. On the other
edge were eyelet holes for buttons. In some
cases the calzonera was sewn from hip to the
middle of the thigh ; in others, buttoned. From
the middle of the thigh downward the leg was
covered by the bota or leggins, used by every
one, whatever his dress." The short jacket,
with silver or bronze buttons, and the silken
sash that served as a connecting link between
the calzoneras and the jacket, and also supplied
the place of what the Californians did not wear,
suspenders, this constituted a picturesque cos-
tume, that continued in vogue until the con-
quest, and with many' of the natives for years
after. "After 1834 the fashionable women of Cal-
ifornia exchanged their narrow for more flowing
garments and abandoned the braided hair for
the coil and the large combs till then in use for
smaller combs. "f
For outer wraps the serapa for men and the
rebosa for women were universally worn. The
texture of these marked the social standing of
the wearer. It ranged from cheap cotton and
coarse serge to the costliest silk and the finest
French broadcloth. The costume of the neo-
phyte changed but once in centuries, and that
*Robinson. Life in California.
tBancroftV 1'a-t-ral California.
IIS
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RFXORD.
was when he divested himself of his coat of
mud and smear of paint and put on the mission
shirt and breech clout. Shoes he did not wear
and in time his feet became as hard as the hoofs
of an animal. The dress of the mission women
consisted of a chemise and a skirt; the dress of
the children was a shirt and sometimes even this
was dispensed.
Filial obedience and respect for parental au-
thority were early impressed upon the minds of
the children. The commandment, "Honor thy
father and mother," was observed with an ori-
ental devotion. A child was never too old or too
large to be exempt from punishment. Stephen
C. Foster used to relate an amusing story of a
case ot parental dis :iplining he once saw at Los
Angeles. An old lady, a grandmother, was be-
laboring-, with a barrel stave, her son, a man
thirty years of age. The son had done some-
thing of which the mother did not approve. She
sent for him to come over to the maternal home
to receive his punishment, lie came. She took
him out to the metaphorical woodshed, which,
in this case, was the portico of her house, where
she stood him up and proceeded to administer
corporal punishment. With the resounding
thwacks of the stave, she would exclaim, "I'll
leach you to behave yourself." "I'll mend your
manners, sir." "Now you'll be good, won't
you?" The big man took his punishment with-
out a thought of resisting or rebelling. In fact,
he seemed to enjoy it. It brought back feel-
ingly and forcibly a memory of his boyhood
days.
In the earlier years of the republic, before
revolutionarj ideas had perverted the usages of
the Californians, great respect was shown to
those in authority, and the authorities were
strict in requiring deference from their constit-
uents. In the Los Angeles archives of 1828 are
the records of an impeachment trial of Don
Antonio Maria Lugo, held to depose him from
tin office ^f judge of the plains. The principal
dut") of such a judge was to decide cases of dis-
puted ownership of horses and cattle. Lugo
seems to have had an exalted idea of the dignity
of his office. Among the complaints presented
at the trial was one from young Pedro Sanchez.
in which he testified that Lugo had tried 1" ride
Ins horse over him in the street because he,
Sanchez, would not take off his hat to the juez
del campo and remain standing uncovered while
the judge rode past. Another complainant at the
same trial related how* at a rodeo Lugo ad-
judged a neighbor's boy guilty of contempt of
court because the boy gave him an impertinent
answer, and then he proceeded to give the boy
an unmerciful whipping. So heinous was the
offense in the estimation of the judge that the
complainant said, "had not Lugo fallen over a
chair he would have been beating the boy yet."
Under Mexican domination in California
there was no tax levied on land and improve-
ments. The municipal funds of the pueblos were
obtained from revenue on wine and brandy;
from the licenses of saloons and other business
houses; from the tariff on imports; from per-
mits to give balls or dances; from the fines of
transgressors, and from the tax on bull rings
and cock pits. Then men's pleasures and vices
paid the cost of governing. In the early '40s
the city of Los Angeles claimed a population of
two thousand, yet the municipal revenues rarely
exceeded $1,000 a year. With this small amount
the authorities ran a city government and kept
out 1 if debt. It did not cost much to run a city
government then. There was no army of high-
salaried officials with a horde of political heelers
quartered on the municipality and fed from the
public crib at the expense of the taxpayer. Poli-
ticians may have been no more honest then
than now, but where there was nothing to steal
there was no stealing. The alcaldes and regi-
dores put no temptation in the way of the poli-
ticians, and thus they kept them reasonably
honest, or at least they kept them from plunder-
ing the taxpayers by the simple expedient of
having no taxpayers.
The functions of the various departments of
the municipal governments were economically
administered. Street cleaning and lighting were
performed at individual expense instead of pub-
lic. There was an ordinance in force in Los
Angeles and Santa Barbara and probably in
other municipalities that required each owner of
a house every Saturday to sweep and clean in
front of his premises to the middle of the street.
His neighbor on the opposite side met him half
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
110
way, and the street was swept without expense
to the pueblo. There was another ordinance
that required eacli owner of a house of more
that two rooms on a main street to hang a
lighted lantern in front of his door from twilight
to eight o'clock in winter and to nine in sum-
mer. There were fines for neglect of these duties.
There was no fire department in the pueblos.
The adobe houses with their clay walls, earthen
floors, tiled roofs and rawhide doors were as
nearly fireproof as any human habitation could
be made. The cooking was done in detached
kitchens and in beehive-shaped ovens without
Hues. The houses were without chimneys, so
the danger from fire was reduced to a minimum.
A general conflagration was something un-
known in the old pueblo days of California
There was no paid police department. Every
able-bodied young man was subject to military
duty. A volunteer guard or patrol was kept on
duty at the cuartels or guard houses. The
guards policed the pueblos, but they were not
paid. Each young man had to take his turn at
guard duty.
CHAPTER XVI.
TERRITORIAL EXPANSION BY CONQUEST.
THE Mexican war marked the beginning
by the United States of territorial ex-
pansion by conquest. "It was," says
General Grant, "an instance of a republic fol-
lowing the bad example of European mon-
archies in not considering justice in their desire
to acquire additional territory." The "additional
territory" was needed for the creation of slave
states. The southern politicians of the extreme
pro-slavery school saw in the rapid settlement
of the northwestern states the downfall of their
domination and the doom of their beloved insti-
tution, slavery. Their peculiar institution could
not expand northward and on the south it had
reached the Mexican boundary. The only way
of acquiring new territory for the extension of
slavery on the south was to take it by force from
the weak Republic of Mexico. The annexation
of Texas brought with it a disputed boundary
line. The claim to a strip of country between
the Rio Nueces and the Rio Grande furnished a
convenient pretext to force Mexico to hostili-
ties. Texas as an independent state had never
exercised jurisdiction over the disputed terri-
torv. As a state of the LTnion after annexation
she could not rightfully lay claim to what she
never possessed, but the army of occupation
took possession of it as United States property,
and the war was on. In the end we acquired a
large slice of Mexican territory, but the irony
of fate decreed that not an acre of its soil should
be tilled by slave labor.
The causes that led to the acquisition of Cali-
fornia antedated the annexation of Texas and
the invasion of Mexico. After the adoption of
liberal colonization laws by the Mexican gov-
ernment in 1824, there set in a steady drift
of Americans to California. At first they came
by sea, but after the opening of the overland
route in 1841 they came in great numbers by
land. It was a settled conviction in the minds
of these adventurous nomads that the manifest
destiny of California was to become a part of the
United States, and they were only too willing to
aid destiny when an opportunitv offered. The
opportunity came and it found them ready for it.
Capt. John C. Fremont, an engineer and ex-
plorer in the services of the United States, ap-
peared at Monterey in January, 1846, and ap-
plied to General Castro, the military comandante,
for permission to buy supplies for his party of
sixty-two men who were encamped in the San
Joaquin valley, in what is now Kern county.
Permission was given him. There seems to
have been a tacit agreement between Castro and
Fremont that the exploring pan- should not
enter the settlements, but early in March the
wlnle force was encamped in the Salinas val-
lei Castro regarded the marching of a body
hi armed men through the country as an act of
120
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hostility, and ordered them out of the country.
Instead of leaving, Fremont intrenched himself
on an eminence known as Gabilian Peak (about
thirty miles from Monterey), raised the stars
and stripes over his barricade, and defied Castro.
Castro maneuvered his troops on the plain
below, but did not attack Fremont. After two
days' waiting Fremont abandoned his position
ana began his march northward. On Maj 9,
when near the Oregon line, he was overtaken
by Lieutenant Gillespie, of the United States
navy, with a dispatch from the president. Gil-
lespie had left the United States in November,
1845, and, disguised, had crossed Mexico from
Vera Cruz to Mazatlan, and from there had
reached Monterey. The exact nature of the
dispatches to Fremont is not known, but pre-
sumably they related to the impending war be-
tween Mexico and the United States, and the
necessity for a prompt seizure of the country
to prevent it from falling into the hands of Eng-
land. Fremont returned to the Sacramento,
where he encamped.
On the 14th of June, 1846, a body of Amer-
ican settlers from the Xapa and Sacramento
valleys, thirty-three in number, of which Ide,
Semple, Grigsby and Merritt seem to have been
the leaders, after a night's march, took posses-
sion of the old castillo or fort at Sonoma, with
its rusty muskets and unused cannon, and made
Gen. M. G. Yallejo, Lieut.-Col. Prudon, Capt.
Salvador Yallejo and Jacob P. Leese, a brother-
in-law of the Yallejos, prisoners. There seems
to have been no privates at the castillo, all offi-
cers. Exactly what was the object of the Amer-
ican settlers in taking General Yallejo prisoner
is not evident. General Yallejo was one of the
few eminent Californians who favored the an-
nexation of California to the United Stales. He
is said to have made a speech favoring such a
movement in the junta at Monterey a few
months before. Castro regarded him with sus-
picion. The prisoners were sent under an
armed escort to Fremont's camp. William 1'..
Ide was elected captain of the revolutionists
who remained at Sonoma, to "hold the fort."
ued a pronunciamiento in which he de-
California a free and independent gov-
ernment, under the name of the California Re-
public. A nation must have a flag of its own,
so one was improvised. It was made of a piece
of cotton cloth, or manta, a yard wide and five
feet long. Strips of red flannel torn from the
shirt of one of the men were stitched on the
bottom of the flag for stripes. With a blacking
brush, or, as another authority says, the end
of a chewed stick for a brush, and red paint,
William L. Todd painted the figure of a grizzly
bear passant on the field of the flag. The na-
tives called Todd's bear "cochino," a pig; it
resembled that animal more than a bear. A
five-pointed star in the left upper corner,
painted with the same coloring matter, and the
words "California republic" printed on it in ink,
completed the famous bear flag.
The California republic was ushered into ex-
istence June 14, 1846, attained the acme of its
power July 4, when Ide and his fellow patriots
burnt a quantity of powder in salutes, and fired
off oratorical pyrotechnics in honor of the new
republic. It utterly collapsed on the 9th of July,
after an existence of twenty-five days, when
news reached Sonoma that Commodore Sloat
had raised the stars and stripes at Monterey and
taken possession of California in the name of
the United States. Lieutenant Revere arrived
at Sonoma on the 9th and he it was who low-
ered the bear flag from the Mexican flagstaff,
where it had floated through the brief existence
of the California republic, and raised in its place
the banner of the United States.
Commodore Sloat, who had anchored in
Monterey Bay July 2, 1846, was for a time un-
decided whether to take possession of the coun-
try. He had no official information that war
had been declared between the United States
and Mexico; but, acting on the supposition
that Captain Fremont had received definite in-
structions, on the 7th of July he raised the flag
and took possession of the custom-house and
government buildings at Monterey. Captain
Montgomery, on the oth, raised it at San Fran-
cisco, and on the same day the bear flag gave
place to the stars and stripes at Sonoma.
General Castro was holding Santa Clara and
San Jose when he received Commodore Sloat's
proclamation informing him that the commo-
dore had taken possession of Monterey. Cas-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
121
tro, after reading the proclamation, which was
written in Spanish, formed his men in line, and
addressing them, said: "Monterey is taken by
the Americans. What can I do with a handful
of men against the United States? 1 am going
to Mexico. All of you who wish to follow me,
'About face!' All that wish to remain can go to
their homes."* A very small part of his force
followed him.
Commodore Sloat was superseded by Com-
modore Stockton, who set about organizing an
expedition to subjugate the part of the territory
which still remained loyal to Mexico. Fre-
mont's exploring party, recruited to a battalion
of one hundred and twenty men, had marched
to Monterey, and from there was sent by vessel
to San Diego to procure horses and prepare to
act as cavalry.
While these stirring events were transpiring
in the north, what was the condition in the
south where the capital, Los Angeles, and the
bulk of the population of the territory were
located? Pio Pico had entered upon the duties
of the governorship with a desire to bring peace
and harmony to the distracted country. He ap-
pointed Juan Bandini, one of the ablest states-
men of the south, his secretary. After Bandini
resigned he chose J. M. Covarrubias, and later
Jose M. Moreno filled the ofifice.
The principal offices of the territory had been
divided equally between the politicians of the
north and the south. While Los Angeles be-
came the capital, and the departmental assembly
met there, the military headquarters, the ar-
chives and the treasury remained at Monterey.
But, notwithstanding this division of the spoils
of office, the old feud between the arribenos
and the abajenos would not down, and soon the
old-time quarrel was on with all its bitterness.
Castro, as military comandante, ignored the
governor, and Alvarado was regarded by the
surenos as an emissary of Castro's. The de-
partmental assembly met at Los Angeles, in
March, 1846. Pico presided, and in his opening
message set forth the unfortunate condition of
affairs in the department. Education was neg-
lected; justice was not administered; the mis-
ball's History of San Jose.
sions were so burdened by debt that but few
of them could be rented; the army was disor-
ganized and the treasury empty.
Not even the danger of war with the Amer-
icans could make the warring factions forget
their fratricidal strife. Castro's proclamation
against Fremont was construed by the surenos
into a scheme to inveigle the governor to the
north so that the comandante-general could de-
pose him and seize the office for himself. Cas-
tro's preparations to resist by force the en-
croachments of the Americans were believed
by Pico and the Angelenians to be fitting out
of an army to attack Los Angeles and over-
throw the government.
On the 1 6th of June, Pico left Los Angeles
for Monterey with a military force of a hundred
men. The object of the expedition was to op-
pose, and, if possible, to depose Castro. He
left the capital under the care of the ayunta-
miento. On the 20th of June Alcalde Gallardo
reported to the ayuntamiento that he had posi-
tive information "that Don Castro had left
Monterey and would arrive here in three days
with a military force for the purpose of captur-
ing this city." (Castro had left Monterey with
a force of seventy men, but he had gone north
to San Jose.) The sub-prefect, Don Abel
Stearns, was authorized to enlist troops to pre-
serve order. On the 23d of June three compa-
nies were organized, an artillery company under
Miguel Tryor, a company of riflemen under
Benito Wilson, and a cavalry company under
Gorge Palomares. Pico called for reinforce-
ments, but just as he was preparing to inarch
against Monterey the news reached him ot the
capture of Sonoma by the Americans, and next
day, June 24th, the news reached Los Angeles
just as the council had decided on a plan of
defense against Castro, who was five hundred
miles away. Pico, on the impulse of the mo-
ment, issued a proclamation, in which he
arraigned the United States for perfidy and
treachery, and the gang of "North American
adventurers," who captured Sonoma "with the
blackest treason the spirit of evil can invent."
His arraignment of the "North American na-
tion" was so severe that some nf his American
friends in Los Angeles took umbrage to hi-
122
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pronunciamento. He afterwards tried to recall
it, but it was too late; it had been published.
Castro, rinding the "foreign adventurers" too
numerous and too aggressive in the northern
part of the territory, determined, with what men
he could induce to go with him, to retreat to
the south; but before so doing he sent a medi-
ator to Pico to negotiate a treaty of peace and
amity between the factions. On the 12th of
July the two armies met at Santa Margarita,
near San Luis Obispo. Castro brought the
news that Commodore Sloat had hoisted the
United States flag at Monterey and taken pos-
session of the country for his government. The
meeting of the governor and the comandante-
general was not very cordial, but in the presence
of the impending danger to the territory they
concealed their mutual dislike and decided to
do their best to defend the country they both
loved.
Sorrowfully they began their retreat to the
capital; but even threatened disaster to their
common country could not wholly unite the
north and the south. The respective armies,
Castro's numbering about one hundred and fifty
men, and Pico*s one hundred and twenty, kept
about a day's march apart. They reached Los
Angeles, and preparations were begun to resist
the invasion of the Americans. Pico issued a
proclamation ordering all able-bodied men be-
tween fifteen and sixty years of age, native and
naturalized, to take up arms to defend the coun-
try; any able-bodied Mexican refusing was to
be treated as a traitor. There was no enthusi-
asm for the cause. The old factional jealousy
and distrust was as potent as ever. The militia
of the south would obey none but their own
officers; Castro's troops, who considered them-
selves regulars, ridiculed the raw recruits of
the surenos, while the naturalized foreigners of
American extraction secretly sympathized with
their own people.
Pico, t<> counteract the malign influence of his
Santa Barbara proclamation and enlist the sym-
pathy and more ready adhesion of the foreign
element of Los Angeles, issued the following
circular: (This circular or proclamation has
never before found its way into print. T find
no allusion to it in Bancroft's or HittcH's His-
tories. A copy, probably the only one in exist-
ence, was donated some years since to the
Historical Society of Southern California.)
Gobiemo del Dcp.
dc Califoniias.
"Circular. — As owing to the unfortunate
condition of things that now prevails in this
department in consequence of the war into
which the United States has provoked the Mex-
ican nation, some ill feeling might spring up
between the citizens of the two countries, out of
which unfortunate occurrences might grow, and
as this government desires to remove every
cause of friction, it has seen fit, in the use of its
power, to issue the present circular.
"The Government of the department of Cali-
fornia declares in the most solemn manner that
all the citizens of the United States that have
come lawfully into its territory, relying upon
the honest administration of the laws and the
observance of the prevailing treaties, shall not
be molested in the least, and their lives and
property shall remain in perfect safety under the
protection of the Mexican laws and authorities
legally constituted.
"Therefore, in the name of the supreme gov-
ernment of the nation, and by virtue of the
authority vested upon me, I enjoin upon all the
inhabitants of California to observe towards the
citizens of the United States that have lawfully
come among us, the kindest and most cordial
conduct, and to abstain from all acts of violence
against their persons or property ; provided they
remain neutral, as heretofore, and take no part
in the invasion effected by the armies of their
nation.
"The authorities of the various municipalities
and corporations will be held strictly responsi-
ble for the faithful fulfillment of this order, and
shall, as soon as possible, take the necessary
measures to bring it to the knowledge of the
people. < iod and Liberty.
"Pio Pico.
"Jose Matias Mareno, Secretary pro tan."
Angeles, July 27, 1846.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
123
When we consider the conditions existing in
California at the time this circular was issued,
its sentiments reflect great credit on Pico for
his humanity and forbearance. A little over a
month before, a party of Americans seized
General Vallejo and several other prominent
Californians in their homes and incarcerated
them in prison at Sutter's Fort. Nor was this
outrage mitigated when the stars and stripes
were raised. The perpetrators of the outrage
were not punished. These native Californians
were kept in prison nearly two months without
any charge against them. Besides, Governor
Pico and the leading Californians very well
knew that the Americans whose lives and prop-
erty this proclamation was designed to protect
would not remain neutral when their country-
men invaded the territory. Pio Pico deserved
better treatment from the Americans than he
received. He was robbed of his landed posses-
sions by unscrupulous land sharks, and his char-
acter defamed by irresponsible historical scrib-
blers.
Pico made strenuous efforts to raise men and
means to resist the threatened invasion. He had
mortgaged the government house to de Cclis
for $2,000, the mortgage to be paid "as soon as
order shall be established in the department."
This loan was really negotiated to fit out the
expedition against Castro, but a part of it was
expended after his return to Los Angeles in
procuring supplies while preparing to meet the
American army. The government had but little
credit. The moneyed men of the pueblo were
averse to putting money into what was almost
sure to prove a lost cause. The bickerings and
jealousies between the factions neutralized to a
considerable degree the efforts of Pico and Cas-
tro to mobilize the army.
Castro established his camp on the mesa east
of the river. Here he and Andres Pico under-
took to drill the somewhat incongruous collec-
tion of hombres in military maneuvering. Their
entire force at no time exceeded three hundred
men. These were poorly armed and lacking in
discipline.
We left Stockton at Monterey preparing an
expedition against Castro at Los Angeles. On
taking command of the Pacific squadron. July
29, he issued a proclamation. It was as bom-
bastic as the pronunciamiento of a Mexican
governor. Bancroft says: "The paper was
made up of falsehood, of irrelevant issues and
bombastic ranting in about equal parts, the
tone being offensive and impolitic even in those
inconsiderable portions which were true and
legitimate." His only object in taking posses-
sion of the country was "to save from destruc-
tion the lives and property of the foreign resi-
dents and citizens of the territory who had in-
voked his protection." In view: of Pico's humane
circular and the uniform kind treatment that the
Californians accorded the American residents,
there was very little need of Stockton's interfer-
ence on that score. Commodore Sloat did not
approve of Stockton's proclamation or of his
policy.
On the 6th of August, Stockton reached San
Pedro and landed three hundred ami sixty
sailors and marines. These were drilled in mili-
tary movements on land and prepared for the
march to Los Angeles.
Castro sent two commissioners, Pablo de La
Guerra and Jose M. Flores, to Stockton, asking
for a conference and a cessation of hostilities
while negotiations were pending. They asked
that the United States forces remain at San
Pedro while the terms of the treaty were under
discussion. These requests Commodore Stock-
ton peremptorily refused, and the commissioners
returned to Los Angeles without stating the
terms on which they proposed to treat.
In several so-called histories, 1 find a very
dramatic account of this interview. On the ar-
rival of the commissioners they were marched
up to the mouth of an immense mortar,
shrouded in skins save its huge aperture. Their
terror and discomfiture were plainly discernible.
Stockton received them with a stern and forbid-
ding countenance, harshly demanding their mis-
sion, which the) disclosed in great confusion.
They bore a letter from I sing a
truce, each party t" hold its own possi ■
until a general pacification should be had. This
proposal Stockton rejected with contempt, and
dismissed the commissioners with the assurance
that only an immediate disbandmenl of his
forces and an unconditional surrender would
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
shield Castro from the vengeance of an incensed
foe. The messengers remounted their horses
in dismay and fled back to Castro." The mortar
story, it is needless to say, is pure fabrication,
yet it runs through a number of so-called his-
tories of California. Castro, on the yth of Au-
gust, held a council of war with his officers at
the Campo en La Mesa. He announced his in-
tention of leaving the country for the purpose of
reporting to the supreme government, and of
returning at some future day to punish the
usurpers. He wrote to Pico: "I can count only
one hundred men, badly armed, worse supplied
and discontented by reason of the miseries they
suffer; so that 1 have reason to fear that not
even these men will fight when the necessity
arises." And this is the force that some imag-
inative historians estimate at eight hundred to
one thousand men.
Pico and Castro left Los Angeles on the
night of August 10, for Mexico; Castro going
by the Colorado River route to Sonora, and
Pico, after being concealed for a time by his
brother-in-law, Juan Foster, at the Santa Mar-
garita and narrowly escaping capture by Fre-
mont's men, finally reached Lower California
and later on crossed the Gulf to Sonora.
Stockton began his march on Los Angeles
August ii. He took with him a battery of four
guns. The guns were mounted on carretas, and
each gun drawn by four oxen. He had with
him a good brass band.
Major Fremont, who had been sent to San
Diego with his battalion of one hundred and
seventy men, had, after considerable skirmish-
ing among the ranchos, secured enough horses
to move, and on the 8th of August had begun
his march to join Stockton. He took with him
one hundred and twenty men, leaving about
fifty to garrison San Diego.
Stockton consumed three days on the march.
Fremont's troops joined him just south of the
city, and at 4 p. m. of the 13th the combined
force, numbering nearly five hundred men, en-
tered the town without opposition, "our entry,"
says Major Fremont, "having more the effect
of a parade of home guards than of an enemy
taking possession of a conquered town." Stock-
ton reported finding at Castro's abandoned camp
ten pieces of artillery, four of them spiked. Fre-
mont says he (Castro) "had buried part of his
guns." Castro's troops that he had brought
down with him took their departure for their
northern homes soon after their general left,
breaking up into small squads as they advanced.
The southern troops that Pico had recruited dis-
persed to their homes before the arrival of the
Americans. Squads of Fremont's battalion were
sent out to scour the country and bring in any of
the Californian officers or leading men whom
they could find. These, when found, were
paroled.
Another of those historical myths, like the
mortar story previously mentioned, which is
palmed off on credulous readers as genuine his-
tory, runs as follows: "Stockton, while en route
from San Pedro to Los Angeles, was informed
by a courier from Castro 'that if he marched
upon the town he would find it the grave of him-
self and men.' 'Then,' answered the commodore,
'tell the general to have the bells ready to toll
at eight o'clock, as I shall be there by that
time.' " As Castro left Los Angeles the day
before Stockton began his march from San
Pedro, and when the commodore entered the
city the Mexican general was probably two
hundred miles away, the bell tolling myth goes
to join its kindred myths in the category of his-
tory as it should not be written.
On the 17th of August, Stockton issued a sec-
ond proclamation, in which he signs himself
commander-in-chief and governor of the terri-
tory of California. It was milder in tone and
more dignified than the first. He informed the
people that their country now belonged to the
United States. For the present it would be
governed by martial law. They were invited
to elect their local officers if those now in office
refused to serve.
Four days after the capture of Los Angeles,
The Warren, Captain Hull, commander, an-
chored at San Pedro. She brought official no-
tice of the declaration of war between the
United States and Mexico. Then for the first
time Stockton learned that there had been an
official declaration of war between the two
countries. United States officers had waged
war and had taken possession of California upon
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the strength of a rumor that hostilities existed
between the countries.
The conquest, if conquest it can be called, was
accomplished without the loss of a life, if we
except the two Americans, Fowler and Cowie,
of the Bear Flag party, who were brutally mur-
dered by a band of Californians under Padillo,
and the equally brutal shooting of Beryessa and
the two de Haro boys by the Americans at San
Rafael. These three men were shot as spies,
but there was no proof that they were such, and
they were not tried. These murders occurred
before Commodore Sloat raised the stars and
stripes at Monterey.
On the 15th of August, 1846, just thirty-seven
days after the raising of the stars and stripes
at Monterey, the first newspaper ever published
in California made its appearance. It was pub-
lished at Monterey by Semple and Colton and
named The Californian. Rev. Walter Colton
was a chaplain in the United States navy ami
came to California on the Congress with Com-
modore Stockton. He was made alcalde of
Monterey and built, bv the labor of the chain
gang and from contributions and fines, the
first schoolhouse in California, named foi him
Colton Hall. Colton thus describes the other
member of the firm, Dr. Robert Semple: "My
partner is an emigrant from Kentucky, who
stands six feet eight in his stockings. He is in
a buckskin dress, a foxskin cap; is true with his
rifle, ready with his pen and quick at the type
case." Semple came to California in 1845, with
the Hastings party, and was one of the leaders
in the Bear Flag revolution. The type and
press used were brought to California by Au-
gustin V. Zamorano in 1834, and by him sold
to the territorial government, and had been
used for printing bandos and pronunciamentos.
The only paper the publishers of The Californian
could procure was that used in the manufacture
of cigarettes, which came in sheets a little
larger than foolscap. The font of type was
short of w's, so two v's were substituted for
that letter, and when these ran out two u's were
used. The paper was moved to San Francisco
in 1848 and later on consolidated with the Cali-
fornia Star.
CHAPTER XVII.
REVOLT OF THE CALIFORNIANS.
HOSTILITIES had ceased in all parts of
the territory. The leaders of the Cali-
fornians had escaped to Mexico, and
Stockton, regarding the conquest as completed,
set about organizing a government for the con-
quered territory. Fremont was to be appointed
military governor. Detachments from his bat-
talion were to be detailed to garrison different
towns, while Stockton, with what recruits he
could gather in California, and his sailors and
marines, was to undertake a naval expedition
against the west coast of Mexico, land his f< irees
at Mazatlan or Acapulco and march overland
to "shake hands with General Taylor at the
gates of Mexico." Captain Gillespie was made
military commandant of the southern depart-
ment, with headquarters at Los Angeles, and as
signed a garrison of fifty men. Commodore
Stockton left Los Angeles for the north Sep-
tember 2. Fremont, with the remainder of his
battalion, took up his line of march for Monte-
rey a few days later. Gillespie's orders were I 1
place the city under martial law, but not to en-
force the more burdensome restrictions upon
quiet and weli-disposed citizens. A conciliator)
policy in accordance with instructions of the
secretary of the navy was to be adopted and the
people were to be encouraged to "neutrality,
self-government and friendship."
Nearly all historians who have written upon
this subject lav the blame for the subsequent
uprising of the Californians and their revolt
against the rule of the military commandant,
Gillespie, to his petty tyrannies. Col. J. J.
Warner, in his Historical Sketch of Los An-
geles County, says: "Gillespie attempted by a
coercive system to effeci a moral and social
change in the habits, diversions and pastimes of
126
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the people and to reduce them to his standard
of propriety." Warner was not an impartial
judge. He had a grievance against Gillespie
which embittered him against the captain. Gil-
lespie may have been lacking in tact, and his
schooling in the navy under the tyrannical
regime of the quarterdeck of fifty years ago
was not the best training to fit him for govern-
ment, but it is hardly probable that in two
weeks' time he undertook to enforce a "coercive
system" looking toward an entire change in the
moral and social habits of the people. Los An-
geles under Mexican domination was a hotbed
of revolutions. It had a turbulent and restless
element among its inhabitants that was never
happier than when fomenting strife and c< in-
spiring to overthrow those in power. Of this
class Colton, writing in 1846, says: "They drift
-about like Arabs. If the tide of fortune turns
against them they disband and scatter to the
four winds. They never become martyrs to any
cause. They are too numerous to be brought
to punishment by any of their governors, and
thus escape justice." There was a conservative
class in the territory, made up principally of
the large landed proprietors, both native and
foreign-born, but these exerted small influence
in controlling the turbulent. While Los An-
geles had a monopoly of this turbulent and rev-
olutionary element, other settlements in the
territory furnished their full quota of that class
of political knight errants whose chief pastime
was revolution, and whose capital consisted of
a gaily caparisoned steed, a riata, a lance, a
dagger and possibly a pair of horse pistols.
These were the fellows whose "habits, diver-
sinus and pastimes" Gillespie undertook to re-
duce "to his standard of propriety."
That Commodore Stockton should have left
Gillespie so small a garrison to hold the city
and surrounding country in subjection sliows
that either he was ignoranl of the character of
the people, or that he placed too great reliance
in the completeness of their subjection. With
Castro's men in the city or dispersed among the
neighboring ranchos, many of them still retain-
ing their arms, and all of them ready to rally
at a moment's notice to the call of their leaders;
with no reinforcements nearer than five hundred
miles to come to the aid of Gillespie in case of
an uprising, it was foolhardiness in Stockton to
entrust the holding of the most important place
in California to a mere handful of men, half
disciplined and poorly equipped, without forti-
fications for defense or supplies to hold out in
case of a siege.
Scarcelv had Stockton and Fremont, with
their men, left the city before trouble began.
The turbulent element of the city fomented
strife and seized every occasion to annoy and
harass the military commandant and his men.
While his "petty tyrannies," so called, which
were probably nothing more than the enforce-
ment of martial law, may have been somewhat
provocative, the real cause was more deep
seated. The Californians, without provocation
on their part and without really knowing the
cause why, found their country invaded, their
property taken from them and their government
in the hands of an alien race, foreign to them
in customs and religion. They would have been
a tame and spiritless people indeed, had they
neglected the opportunity that Stockton's blun-
dering gave them to regain their liberties. They
did not waste much time. Within two weeks
from the time Stockton sailed from San Pedro
hostilities had begun and the city was in a state
of siege.
Gillespie, writing in the Sacramento States-
man in 1858, thus describes the first attack:
"On the 22d of September, at three o'clock in
the morning, a party of sixty-five Californians
and Sonorenos made an attack upon my small
command quartered in the government house.
We were not wholly surprised, and with twenty-
one rifles we beat them back without loss to our-
selves, killing and wounding three of their num-
ber. When daylight came. Lieutenant Hensley,
with a few men, took several prisoners and
drove the Californians from the town. This
party was merely the nucleus of a revolution
commenced ami known to Colonel Fremont be-
fore he left Los Angeles. In twenty-four hours,
six hundred well-mounted horsemen, armed
with escopetas (shotguns), lances and one fine
brass piece of light artillery, surrounded Los
Angeles ami summoned me to surrender. There
were three old honey-combed iron guns (spiked)
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
127
in the corral of my quarters, which we at once
cleared and mounted upon the axles of carts."
Serbulo Yarela, a young man of some ability,
but of a turbulent and reckless character, had
been the leader at first, but as the uprising as-
sumed the character of a revolution, Castro's old
officers came to the front. Capt. Jose Maria
Flores was chosen comandante-general; Jose
Antonio Carrillo, major-general; and Andres
Pico, comandante de escuadron. The main
camp of the insurgents was located on the mesa,
east of the river, at a place called Paredon
Blanco (White Bluff).
On the 24th of September, from the camp
at White Bluff, was issued the famous Pronun-
ciamiento de Barelas y otros Californias contra
Los Americanos (The Proclamation of Barelas
and other Californians against the Americans).
Il was signed by Serbulo Varela (spelled Bare-
las), Leonardo Cota and over three hundred
others. Although this proclamation is gener-
ally credited to Flores, there is no evidence to
show that he had anything to do with framing
it. He promulgated it over his signature Octo-
ber 1. It is probable that it was written by
Varela and Cota. It has been the custom of
American writers to sneer at this production as
florid and bombastic. In fiery invective and
fierce denunciation it is the equal of Patrick
Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me
death!" Its recital of wrongs is brief, but to
the point. "And shall we be capable of permit-
ting ourselves to be subjugated and to accept in
silence the heavy chains of slavery? Shall we
lose the soil inherited from our fathers, which
cost them so much blood? Shall we leave our
families victims of the most barbarous servi-
tude? Shall we wait to see our wives outraged,
our innocent children beaten by American
whips, our property sacked, our temples pro-
faned, to drag out a life full of shame and dis-
grace? No! a thousand times no! Compatriots,
death rather than that! Who of you does not
feel his heart beat and his blood boil on con-
templating our situation? Who will be the
Mexican that will not be indignant and rise in
arms to destroy our oppressors? We believe
there will be not one so vile and cowardly!"
Gillespie had left the government house (lo-
cated on what is now the site of the St. Charles
Hotel) and taken a position on Fort Hill, where
he had erected a temporary barricade of sacks
filled with earth and had mounted his cannon
there. The Americans had been summoned to
surrender, but hail refused. They were besieged
by the Californians. There was but little firing
between the combatants, an occasional sortie
and a volley of rifle balls by the Americans
when the Californians approached too near.
The Californians were well mounted, but poorly
armed, their weapons being principally muskets,
shotguns, pistols, lances and riatas; while the
Americans were armed with long-range rifles,
of which the Californians had a wholesome
dread. The fear of these arms and his cannon
doubtless saved Gillespie and his men from
capture.
On the 24th Gillespie dispatched a messenger
to find Stockton at Monterey, or at San Fran-
cisco if he had left Monterey, and apprise him
of the perilous situation of the Americans at
Los Angeles. Gillespie's dispatch bearer, John
Brown, better known by his California nick-
name, Juan Flaco or Lean John, made one of
the most wonderful rides in history. Gillespie
furnished Juan Flaco with a package of cigar-
ctees, the paper of each bearing the inscription,
"Believe the bearer;" these were stampd with
Gillespie's seal. Brown started from Los Angeles
at 8 p. m., September 24, and claimed to have
reached Verba Buena at 8 p. m. of the 28th,
a ride of six hundred and thirty miles in four
days. This is incorrect. Colton, who was al-
calde of Monterey at that time, notes Brown's
arrival at that place on the evening of the 29th.
Colton, in his "Three Years in California," says
that Brown rode the whole distance (Los An-
geles to Monterey) of four hundred and sixty
miles in fifty-two hours, during which time he
had not slept. His intelligence was for Com-
modore Stockton and, in the nature of the case,
was not committed to paper, except a few words
rolled in a cigar fastened in his hair. But the
commodore had sailed for San Francisco and
it was necessary lie should go one hundred and
forty miles further. He was quite exhausted
anil was allowed to sleep three hours. Before
day he was it]) and awa\ on his journey. Gil-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lespie, in a letter published in the Los Angeles
Star, May 28, 1858, describing Juan Flaco's ride
says: "Before sunrise of the 29th he was lying
in the bushes at San Francisco, in front of the
congress frigate, waiting for the early market
boat to come on shore, and he delivered my
dispatches to Commodore Stockton before 7
o'clock."
In trying to steal through tl*e picket line of
the Mexicans at Los Angeles, he was discovered
and pursued by a squad of them. A hot race
ensued. Finding the enemy -gaining on him he
forced his horse to leap a wide ravine. A shot
from one of his pursuers mortally wounded his
horse, which, after running a short distance, fell
dead. Flaco, carrying his spurs and riata, made
his way on foot in the darkness to Las Virgines,
a distance of twenty-seven miles. Here he se-
cured another mount and again set off on his
perilous journey. The trail over which Flaco
held his way was not like "the road from Win-
chester town, a good, broad highway leading
down," but instead a Camino de heradura, bridle
path, now winding up through rocky canons,
skirting along the edge of precipitous cliffs, then
zigzagging down chaparral covered mountains;
now over the sands of the sea beach and again
across long stretches of brown mesa, winding
through narrow valleys and out onto the rolling
hills — a trail as nature made it, unchanged by
the hand of man. Such was the highway over
which Flaco's steeds "stretched away with ut-
most speed." Harassed and pursued by the
enemy, facing death night and day, with scarcely
a stop or a stay to eat or sleep, Juan Flaco rode
six hundred miles.
"Of all the rides since the birth of time.
Told in story or sung in rhyme,
The fleetesl ride that ever was sped,"
was Juan Flaco's ride from Los Angeles to San
Francisco. Longfellow has immortalized the
"Ride of Paul Revere," Robert Browning tells
in stirring verse of the riders who brought the
good news from Ghent to Aix, and Buchanan
Read thrills us with the heroic measures of Sher-
idan's Ride. Xo poet has sung of Juan Flaco's
wonderful ride, fleeter, longer and more perilous
than any of these. Flaco rode six hundred miles
through the enemy's country, to bring aid to a
besieged garrison, while Revere and Jorris and
Sheridan were in the country of friends or pro-
tected by an army from enemies.
Gillespie's situation was growing more and
more desperate each day. B. D. Wilson, who
with a company of riflemen had been on an
expedition against the Indians, had been ordered
by Gillespie to join him. They reached the
Chino ranch, where a fight took place between
them and the Californians. Wilson's men being
out of ammunition were compelled to sur-
render. In the charge upon the adobe, where
Wilson and his men had taken refuge, Carlos
Ballestaros had been killed and several Cali-
fornians wounded. This and Gillespie's stubborn
resistance had embittered the Californians against
him and his men. The Chino prisoners had been
saved from massacre after their surrender by
the firmness and bravery of Yarela. If Gillespie
continued to hold the town his obstinacy might
bring down the vengeance of the Californians
not only upon him and his men. but upon many
of the American residents of the south, who had
favored their countrymen.
Finally Flores issued his ultimatum to the
Americans, surrender within twenty-four hours
or take the consequences of an onslaught by
the Californians, which might result in the mas-
sacre of the entire garrison. In the meantime
he kept his cavalry deployed on the hills, com-
pletely investing the Americans. Despairing of
assistance from Stockton, on the advice of Wil-
son, who had been permitted by Flores to inter-
cede with Gillespie, articles of capitulation were
drawn up and signed by Gillespie and the leaders
of the Californians. On the 30th of September
the Americans marched out of the city with all
the honors of war, drums beating, colors flying
and two pieces of artillery mounted on carts
drawn by oxen. They arrived at San Pedro
without molestation and four or five days later
embarked on the merchant ship Vandalia, which
remained at anchor in the bay. Gillespie in
his march was accompanied by a few of the
American residents and probably a dozen of the
Chino prisoners, who had been exchanged for
the same number of Californians. whom he
had held under arrest most likely as hostages.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L29
Gillespie took two cannon with him when he
evacuated the city, leaving two spiked and broken
on Fort Hill. There seems to have been a pro-
viso in the articles of capitulation requiring him
to deliver the guns to Flores on reaching the
embarcadero. If there was such a stipulation Gil-
lespie violated it. lie spiked the guns, broke off
the trunnions and rolled one of them into the bay.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE DEFEAT AND RETREAT OF MERVINE'S MEN.
THE revolt of the Californians at Los An-
geles was followed by similar uprisings
in the different centers of population
where American garrisons were stationed. Upon
the receipt of Gillespie's message Commodore
Stockton ordered Captain Mervine to proceed
at once to San Pedro to regain, if possible, the
lost territory. Juan Flaco had delivered his
message to Stockton on September 30. Early
on the morning of October 1st, Captain Mer-
vine got under way for San Pedro. '"He went
ashore at Sausalito," says Gillespie, "on some
trivial excuse, and a dense fog coming on he
was compelled to remain there until the 4th."
Of the notable events occurring during the
conquest of California there are few others of
which there are so contradictory accounts as
that known as the battle of Dominguez Ranch,
where Mervine was defeated and compelled to re-
treat to San Pedro. Historians differ widely
in the number engaged and in the number killed.
The following account of Mervine's expedition
I take from a log book kept by Midshipman and
Acting-Lieut. Robert C. Duvall of the Savannah.
He commanded a company during the battle.
This book was donated to the Historical So-
ciety of Southern California by Dr. J. E. Cowles
of Los Angeles, a nephew of Lieutenant Duvall.
The account given by Lieutenant Duvall is one
of the fullest and most accurate in existence.
"At 9.30 a. m." (October 1, 1846), says Lieu-
tenant Duvall, "we commenced working out of
the harbor of San Francisco on the ebb tide.
The ship anchored at Sausalito. where, on ac-
count of a dense fog, it remained until the 4th,
when it put to sea. On the 7th the ship entered
the harbor of San Pedro. At 6:30 p. m., as we
were standing in for anchorage, we made out
the American merchant ship Vandalia, having
on her decks a body of men. On passing she
saluted with two guns, which was repeated with
three cheers, which we returned. :: * * *
Iirevet Capt. Archibald Gillespie came on board
and reported that he had evacuated the Pueblo
de Los Angeles on account of the overpowering
force of the enemy and had retired with his
men on board the Vandalia after having spiked
his guns, one of which he threw into the water.
He also reported that the whole of California
below the pueblo had risen in arms against our
authorities, headed by Flores, a Mexican cap-
tain on furlough in this country, who had but
a few days ago given his parole of honor not
to take up arms against the United States. We
made preparations to land a force to march to
the pueblo at daylight.
"October 8, at 6 a. in., all the boats left the
ship for the purpose of landing the forces, num-
bering in all two hundred and ninety-nine men.
including the volunteers under command of Cap-
tain Gillespie. At 6:30 all were landed without
opposition, the enemy in small detachments re-
treating toward the pueblo. From their move-
ments we apprehended that their whole force
was near. Captain Mervine sent on board ship
for a reinforcement of eighty men. under com-
mand of Lieut. R. B. Hitchcock. At 8 a. in.
the several companies, all under command of
('apt William Mervine, took up the line of
march for the purpose of retaking the pueblo.
The enemy retreated as our forces advanced.
M hi landing. William A. Smith, firsl cabin boy.
was killed by the aeeiilenl.il discharge of a Colt's
pistol.) The reinforcements under the com-
i::ii
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mand of Lieut. R. B. Hitchcock returned on
board ship. Lor the first four miles our march
was through hills and ravines, which the enemy
might have taken advantage of, but preferred to
occupy as spectators only, until our approach.
A few shots from our flankers (who were the
volunteer riflemen) would start them off; they
returned the compliment before going. The
remainder of our march was performed over a
continuous plain overgrown with wild mustard,
rising in places to six or eight feet in height.
The ground was excessively dry, the clouds of
dust were suffocating and there was not a breath
of wind in motion. There was no water on our
line of march for ten or twelve miles and we
suffered greatly from thirst.
"At 2:30 p. m. we reached our camping
ground. The enemy appeared in considerable
numbers. Their numbers continued to increase
until sundown, when they formed on a hill near
us, gradually inclining towards our camp. They
were admirably formed for a cavalry charge.
We drew up our forces to meet them, but find-
ing they were disposed to remain stationary,
the marines, under command of Captain Mars-
ton, the Cult's riflemen, under command of
Lieut. I. B. Carter and myself, and the volun-
teers, under command of Capt. A. Gillespie, were
ordered to charge on them, which we did. They
stood their ground until our shots commenced
'telling' on them, when they took to flight in
every direction. They continued to annoy us by
firing into our camp through the night. About 2
a. m. they brought a piece of artillery and fired
into our camp, the shot striking the ground
near us. The marines, riflemen and volunteers
were sent in pursuit of the gun, but could see
or hear nothing of it.
"We left our camp the next morning at 6
o'clock. Our plan of march was in column by
platoon. We had not proceeded far before the
enemy appeared before us drawn up on each
side of the road, mounted on fine horses, each
man armed with a lance and carbine. They also
had a field piece (a four-pounder), to which were
hitched eight or ten horses, placed on the road
ahead of us.
"Captain Mervine, thinking it was the enemy's
intention to throw us into confusion by using
their gun on us loaded with round shot and
copper grape shot and then charge us with their
cavalry, ordered us to form a square — which was
the order of march throughout the battle. When
within about four hundred yards of them the
enemy opened on us with their artillery. We
made frequent charges, driving them before us,
and at one time causing them to leave some of
their cannon balls and cartridges; but owing to
the rapidity with which they could carry off
the gun, using their lassos on every part, en-
abled them to choose their own distance, en-
tirely out of all range of our muskets. Their
horsemen kept out of danger, apparently con-
tent to let the gun do the fighting. They kept
up a constant fire with their carbines, but these
did no harm. The enemy numbered between
one hundred and seventy-five and two hundred
strong.
"Linding it impossible to capture the gun, the
retreat was sounded. The captain consulted
with his officers on the best steps to be taken.
Jt was decided unanimously to return on board
ship. To continue the march would sacrifice
a number of lives to no purpose, for, admitting
we could have reached the pueblo, all com-
munications would be cut off with the ship, and
we would further be constantly annoyed by their
artillery without the least chance of capturing
it. It was reported that the enemy were be-
tween five and six hundred strong at the city
and it was thought he had more artillery. On
retreating they got the gun planted on a hill
ahead of us.
"The captain made us an address, saying to
the troops that it was his intention to march
straight ahead in the same orderly manner in
which we had advanced, and that sooner than
he would surrender to such an enemy, he would
sacrifice himself and every other man in his
command. The enemy fired into us four times
en the retreat, the fourth shot falling short, the
report of the gun indicating a small quantity of
powder, after which they remained stationary
and manifested no further disposition to molest
r,s. We proceeded quietly on our march to the
landing, where we found a body of men under
command of Lieutenant Hitchcock with two
nine-pounder cannon gotten from the Yandalia
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to render us assistance in case we should need it.
"We presented truly a pitiable condition,
many being barely able to drag one foot after
the other from excessive fatigue, having gone
through the exertions and excitement in battle
and afterwards performing a march of eighteen
or twenty miles without rest. This is the first
battle I have ever been engaged in, and, having
taken particular notice of those around me, I
can assert that no men could have acted more
bravely. Even when their shipmates were fall-
ing by their sides, I saw but one impulse and
that was to push forward, and when retreat was
ordered I noticed a general reluctance to turn
their backs to the enemy.
"The following is a list of the killed and
wounded: Michael Hoey, ordinary seaman,
killed; David Johnson, ordinary seaman, killed;
William H. Berry, ordinary seaman, mortally
wounded; Charles Sommers, musician, mortally
wounded; John Tyre, seaman, severely
wounded; John Anderson, seaman, severely
wounded; recovery doubtful. The following-
named were slightly wounded: William Con-
land, marine; Hiram Rockvill, marine; II. Lin-
land, marine; James Smith, marine.
"On the following morning we buried the
bodies of William A. Smith, Charles Sommers,
David Johnson and Michael Hoey on an island
in the harbor.
"At ii a. m. the captain called a council of
commissioned officers regarding the proper
course to adopt in the present crisis, which de-
cided that no force should be landed, and that
the ship remain here until further orders from
the commodore, who is daily expected."
Entry in the log for Sunday, nth: "William
H. Berry, ordinary seaman, departed this life
from the effect of wounds received in battle.
Sent his body for interment to Dead Man's
Island, so named by us. Mustered the com-
mand at quarters, after which performed divine
service."
From this account it will be seen that the
number killed and died of wounds received in
battle was four; number wounded six, and one
accidentally killed before the battle. On October
22d, Henry Lewis died and was buried on the
island. Lewis' name does not appear in the list
of wounded. It is presumable that he died of
disease. Six of the crew of the Savannah were
buried on Dead Man's Island, four of whom
were killed in battle. Lieutenant Duvall gives
the following list of the officers in the "Expedi-
tion on the march to retake Pueblo de Los An-
geles:" Capt. William Mervine, commanding;
('apt. Ward Marston, commanding marines;
Brevet Capt. A. H. Gillespie, commanding vol-
unteers; Lieut. Henry W. Queen, adjutant;
Lieut. B. F. Pinckney, commanding first com-
pany; Lieut. W. Rinckindoff, commanding sec-
ond company; Lieut. I. B. Carter, Colt's rifle-
men; Midshipman R. I). Minor, acting lieuten-
ant second company; Midshipman S. P. Griffin,
acting lieutenant first company; Midshipman P.
( i. Walmough, acting lieutenant second com-
pany; Midshipman R. C Duvall, acting lieuten-
ant Colt's riflemen; Captain Clark and Captain
Goodsall, commanding pikemen; Lieutenant
Hiensley, first lieutenant volunteers; Lieutenant
Russeau, second lieutenant volunteers.
The piece of artillery that did such deadly
execution on the Americans was the famous ( >ld
Woman's gun. It was a bronze four-pounder, i ir
pedrero (swivel-gun) that for a number of years
had stood on the plaza in front of the church,
and was used for firing salutes on feast days and
other occasions. When on the approach of
Stockton's and Fremont's forces Castro aban-
doned his artillery and fled, an old lady. Dona
Clara Cota de Reyes, declared that the gringos
should not have the church's gun; so, with the
assistance of her daughters, she buried it in a
cane patch near her residence, which stood on
the east side of Alameda street, near first.
When the Californians revolted against Gil-
lespie's rule the gun was unearthed and used
against him. The Historical Societ) of South-
ern California has in iis possession a brass
grapeshot, one of a charge that was fired into
the face of Port Hill at Gillespie's nun when
they were posted on the hill. This gun was in
the exhibit of trophies at the New < trleans Ex-
position in 1885. The label on it read: "Trophy
53, No. 63, Class 7. Used by Mexico against
the United States at the battle of Dominguez1
Ranch. ( )ctober 9, [846; al San Gabriel and the
Mesa, January 8 and 9, [847; used by the United
132
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
States forces against Mexico at Mazatlan, No-
vember ii, 1847; Urios (crew all killed or
wounded), Palos Frietos, December 13, 1847,
and Lower California, at San Jose, February 15,
1848."
Before the battle the old gun had been
mounted on forward axle of a Jersey wagon,
which a man by the name of Hunt had brought
across the plains the year before. It was lashed
to the axle by means of rawhide thongs, and
was drawn by riatas, as described by Lieutenant
Duvall. The range was obtained by raising or
lowering the pole of the wagon. Ignacio Aguilar
acted as gunner, and having neither lanyard or
pent-stock to fire it. he touched off the gun with
the lighted end of a cigarette. Never before or
since, perhaps, was a battle won with such crude
artillery. Jose Antonio Carrillo was in com-
mand of the Californians. During the skirmish-
ing of the first day he had between eighty and
ninety men. During the night of the 8th Flores
joined him with a force of sixty men. Next
morning Flores returned to Los Angeles, taking
with him twenty men. Carrillo's force in the
battle numbered about one hundred and twenty
men. Had Mervine known that the Californians
had fired their last shot (their powder being ex-
hausted! he could have pushed on and captured
the pueblo.
The expulsion of Gillespie's garrison from
Los Angeles and the defeat of Mervine's force
raised the spirits of the Californians, and there
was great rejoicing at the pueblo. Detachments
of Flores' army were kept at Sepulveda's rancho,
the Palos Verdes, and at Temple's rancho of the
Cerritos, to watch the Savannah and report any
attempt at landing. The leaders of the revolt
were 1 1 ■ >t so sanguine of success as the rank and
tile. They wen- without means to procure arms
and supplies. There was a scarcity of ammuni-
tion, too. An inferior article of gunpowder was
manufactured in limited quantities at San
Gabriel. The onl) uniformity in weapons was
in lances. These were rough, home-made af-
fairs, the blade beaten out of a rasp or file, and
the shaft a willow pole about eight feet long.
These weapons were Formidable in a charge
against infantry, bul easily parried 1>\ a swords-
man in a cavalry charge.
After the defeat of Mervine, Flores set about
reorganizing the territorial government. He
called together the departmental assembly. It
met at the capital (Los Angeles) October 26th.
The members present, Figueroa, Botello, Guerra
and Olvera, were all from the south. The as-
sembly decided to fill the place of governor,
vacated by Pico, and that of comandante-gen-
eral, left vacant by the flight of Castro.
Jose Maria Flores, who was now recognized
as the leader of the revolt against American rule,
was chosen to fill both offices, and the two of-
fices, as had formerly been the custom, were
united in one person. He chose Narciso Bo-
tello for his secretary. Flores, who was Mex-
ican born, was an intelligent and patriotic officer.
He used every means in his power to prepare
his forces for the coming conflict with the
Americans, hut with little success. The old
jealousy of the hijos del pais against the Mex-
ican would crop out, and it neutralized his
efforts. There were bickerings and complaints
in the ranks and among the officers. The na-
tives claimed that a Californian ought to be
chief in command.
The feeling of jealousy against Flores at
length culminated in open revolt. Flores had
decided to send the prisoners taken at the Chino
tight to Mexico. His object was twofold — first,
to enhance his own glory with the Mexican
government, and, secondly, by showing what
the Californians had already accomplished to
obtain aid in the coming conflict. As most of
these men were married to California wives,
ami by marriage related to many of the leading-
California families of the south, there was at
once a family uproar and fierce denunciations
of Flores. But as the Chino prisoners were
foreigners, and had been taken while fighting
against the Mexican government, it was neces-
sary to disguise the hostility to Flores under
some other pretext. He was charged with the
design of running away to Sonora with the pub-
lic funds. ( )n the night of December 3, Francisco
Rii 0, .11 the head of a party of Californians, took
possession of the cuartel. or guard house, and
arrested Flores. A special session of the as-
sembly was called to investigate the charges.
Flores expressed his willingness to give up
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
133
his purpose of sending the Chino prisoners t< <
Mexico, and the assembly found no foundation
to the charge of his design of running away
with the public funds, nor did they find any
funds to run away with. Flores was liberated,
and Rico imprisoned in turn.
Flores was really the last Mexican governor
of California. Like Pico, he was elected by the
territorial legislature, but he was not confirmed
by the .Mexican congress. Generals Scott and
Taylor were keeping President Santa Anna and
his congress on the move so rapidly they had no
time to spare for California affairs.
Flores was governor from October 20, 1846,
to January 8, 1847.
With a threatened invasion by the Americans
and a divided people within, it was hard times
in the .old pueblo. The town had to supply
the army with provisions. The few who pos-
sessed money hid it away and all business was
suspended except preparations to meet the
invaders.
CHAPTER XIX
THE FINAL CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA.
COMMODORE STOCKTON, convinced
that the revolt of the Californians was
a serious affair, ordered Fremont's bat-
talion, which had been recruited to one hun-
dred and sixty men, to proceed to the south to
co-operate with him in quelling the rebellion.
The battalion sailed on the Sterling, but shortly
after putting to sea, meeting the Yandalia. Fre-
mont learned of Mervine's defeat and also that
no horses could be procured in the lower coun-
try; the vessel was put about and the battalion
landed at Monterey, October 28. It was decided
to recruit the battalion to a regiment and
mounting it to march down the coast. Recruit-
ing was actively begun among the newly ar-
rived immigrants. Horses and saddles were
procured by giving receipts on the government,
payable after the close of the war or by confisca-
tion if it brought returns quicker than receipts.
The report of the revolt in the south quickly
spread among the Californians in the north and
they made haste to resist their spoilers. Manuel
Castro was made comandante of the military
forces of the north, headquarters at San Luis
Obispo. Castro collected a force of about one
hundred men, well mounted but poorly armed.
His purpose was to carry on a sort of guerrilla
warfare, capturing men and horses from the
enemy whenever an opportunity offered.
Fremont, now raised to the rank of lieuten-
ant colonel in the regular army with head-
quarters at Monterey, was rapidly mobilizing his
motley collection of recruits into a formidable
force. Officers and men were scouring the
country for recruits, horses, accouterments and
supplies. Two of these recruiting squads en-
countered the enemy in considerable force and
an engagement known as the battle of Natividad
ensued. Capt. Charles Burroughs with thirty-
four men and two hundred horses, recruited at
Sacramento, arrived at San Juan Bautista, No-
vember 15, on his way to .Monterey on the same
day Captain Thompson, with about the same
number of men recruited at San Jose, reached
San Juan. The Californians, with the design of
capturing the horses, made a night march from
their camp on the Salinas. At Gomez rancho
they took prisoner Thomas ( ). Larkin, the
American consul, who was on his way from
Monterey to San Francisco on official business.
On the morning of the Kith the Americans be-
gan their march for Monterey. At Gomez
rancho their advance learned of the presence of
the enemy and of the capture of Larkin. A
squad of six or eight scouts was sent out to find
the Californians. The scouts encountered a
detachment of Castro's force at Encinalitos
(Little Oaks) and a fight ensued. The main body
of the enemy came up and surrounded the -rove
of oaks. The scouts, though greatlj outnum-
bered, were well armed with long range rifles and
held the eneim a; bay, until Captains Burroughs
134
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and Thompson brought up their companies.
Burroughs, who seems to have been the ranking
officer, hesitated to charge the Californians, who
had the superior force, and besides he was fear-
ful of losing his horses and thus delaying Fre-
mont's movements. But, taunted with cowardice
and urged on by Thompson, a fire eater, who
was making loud protestations of his bravery,
Burroughs ordered a charge. The Americans,
badly mounted, were soon strung out in an ir-
regular line. The Californians, who had made a
feint of retreating, turned and attacked with
vigor, Captain Burroughs and four or five others
were killed. The straggling line fell back on the
main body and the Californians, having ex-
pended their ammunition, retreated. The loss
in killed and wounded amounted to twelve or
fifteen on each side.
The only other engagement in the north was
the bloodless battle of Santa Clara. Fremont's
methods of procuring horses, cattle and other
supplies was to take them and give in payment
demands on the government, payable after the
close of the war. After his departure the same
method was continued by the officers of the
garrisons at San Francisco, San Jose and Mon-
terey. Indeed, it was their only method of pro-
curing supplies- The quartermasters were
without money and the government without
credit. On the 8th of December Lieutenant
Bartlett, also alcaide of Verba Buena, with a
squad of five men started down the peninsula
toward San Jose to purchase supplies. Fran-
cisco Sanchez, a randier, whose horse and cattle
corrals had been raided by former purchasers,
with a band of Californians waylaid and cap-
tured Bartlett and his men. Other California
rancheros who had 1< >st their stock in similar
raids rallied to the support of Sanchez and soon
he found himself at the head of one hundred
men. Tin- object of their organization was
rather to protect thi h pr 'pert) than to fight. The
news soon spread that the Californians had re-
volted and were preparing to massacre the
Americans. Captain Weber of San Jose had a
company of thirty-three men organized for de-
fense. There was also a company of twenty
me i under command of Captain A.ram stationed
at the ex-mission of Santa Clara. On the _>oth
of December, Capt. Ward Marston with a de-
tachment of thirty-four men and a field piece in
charge of Master de Long and ten sailors was
sent to Santa Clara. The entire force collected
at the seat of war numbered one hundred and
one men. On January 2 the American force
encountered the Californians, one hundred
strong, on the plains of Santa Clara. Firing at
long range began and continued for an hour or
more. Sanchez sent in a flag of truce asking an
armistice preparatory to the settlement of diffi-
culties. January 3. Captain Aladdox arrived
from Monterey with fifty-nine mounted men,
and on the 7th Lieutenant Grayson came with
fifteen men. On the 8th a treaty of peace was
concluded, by which, the enemy surrendered
Lieutenant Bartlett and all the other prisoners,
as well as their arms, including a small field
piece and were permitted to go to their homes.
Upon "reliable authority" four Californians were
reported killed, but their graves have never been
discovered nor did their living relatives, so far
as known, mourn their loss.
Stockton with his flagship, the Congress, ar-
rived at San Pedro on the 23d of October, 1846.
The Savannah was still lying at anchor in the
harbor. The commodore had now at San Pedro
a force of about eight hundred men; but, not-
withstanding the contemptuous opinion he held
of the Californian soldiers, he did not march
against the pueblo. Stockton in his report
says: "Plated by this transient success (Mer-
vine's defeat), which the enemy with his usual
want of veracity magnified into a great victory,
they collected in large bodies on all the adjacent
hills and would not permit a hoof except their
own horses to be within fifty miles of San
Pedro." But "in the face of their boasting in-
solence" Stockton landed and again hoisted "the
glorious stars and stripes in the presence of
their horse covered hills." "The enemy had
driven oft" every animal, man and beast from
that section of the country; and it was not pos-
sible by any means in our power to carry pro-
\iMons for our march to the city." The city
was only thirty miles away and American sol-
diers have been known to carry rations in their
haversacks for a march of one hundred miles.
Tlie "transient success" of the insolent enemy
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
loO
had evidently made an impression on Stockton.
He estimated the California force in the vicinity
of the landing at eight hundred men, which was
just seven hundred too high. He determined
to approach Los Angeles by way of San Diego,
and on the last day of October he sailed for that
port. B. D. Wilson, Stephen C. Foster and
others attribute Stockton's abandonment of an
attack on Los Angeles from San Pedro to a
trick played on him by Jose Antonio Carrillo.
Carrillo was in command of the detachment
stationed at the Cerritos and the Palos Yerdes.
Carrillo was anxious to obtain an interview with
Stockton and if possible secure a cessation of
hostilities until the war then progressing in
Mexico should be decided, thus settling the
fate of California. B. D. Wilson, one of the
Chino prisoners, was sent with a Mexican ser-
geant to raise a white flag as the boats of the
Congress approached the landing and present
Carrillo's proposition for a truce. Carrillo, with
the intention of giving Stockton an exaggerated
idea of the number of his troops and thus ob-
taining more favorable terms in the proposeil
treaty, collected droves of wild horses from the
plains; these his caballeros kept in motion, pass-
ing and repassing through a gap in the hills,
which was in plain view from Stockton's vessel.
Owing to the dust raised by the cavalcade it was
impossible to discover that most of the horses
were riderless. The troops were signalled to re-
turn to the vessel, and the commodore shortly
afterwards sailed to San Diego. Carrillo al-
ways regretted that he made too much demon-
stration.
As an illustration of the literary trash that
has been palmed off for California history, I
give an extract from Frost's Pictorial History
of California, a book written the year after
the close of the Mexican war by Prof.
John Frost, a noted compiler of histories, who
writes LL. D. after his name. It relates to
Stockton's exploits at San Pedro. "At the
Rancho Sepulveda (the Palos Verdes) a large
force of Californians were posted, Commodore
Stockton sent one hundred men Forward to re
ceive the fire of the enemy and then fall back-
on the main body without returning it. The
main bodv of Stockton's army was formed in a
triangle with the guns hid by the men. By the
retreat of the advance party the enemy were
decoyed close to the main force, when the wings
(of the triangle) were extended and a deadly fire
from the artillery opened upon the astonished
Californians. More than one hundred were
killed, the same number wounded and one hun-
dred prisoners taken." The mathematical ac-
curacy of Stockton's artillerists was truly
astonishing. They killed a man for every one
wounded and took a prisoner for every man
they killed. As Flores' army never amounted
to more than three hundred, it we are to believe
Frost, Stockton had all the enemy '"present or
accounted for." This silly fabrication of Frost's
runs through a number of so-called histories of
California. Stockton was a brave man and a
very energetic commander, but he would boast
of his achievements, and his reports are unre-
liable.
As previously mentioned, Fremont after his
return to Monterey proceeded to recruit a force
to move against Los Angeles by land from Mon-
terey. His recruits were principally obtained
from the recently arrived immigrants. Each man
was furnished with a horse and was to receive
$25 a month. A force of about four hundred
and fifty was obtained. Fremont left Monterey
November 17 and rendezvoused at San Juan
Bautista, where he remained to the 29th of the
month organizing his battalion. ( )n the 29th
of November he began his inarch southward to
co-operate with Stockton against Flores.
After the expulsion of Gillespie and his men
from Los Angeles, detachments from Flores'
army were sent to Santa Barbara and San
Diego to recapture these places. At Santa Bar-
bara Fremont had left nine men of his battalion
under Lieut. Theodore Talbot to garrison the
town A demand was made on the garrison to
surrender by Colonel Garfias of Flores' army.
Two hours were given the Americans to decide,
[nstead of surrendering they fell back into the
hills, where the) remained three or four days,
hoping that reinforcements might be sent them
from Monterey. Their only subsistence was the
flesh of an old gray mare of Daniel Hill's that
they captured, brought into camp and killed.
They secured one of Micheltorena's cholos that
lau
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
had remained in the country and was living in
a canon among the hills for a guide. He fur-
nished them a horse to carry their blankets and
conducted them through the mountains to the
San Joaquin valley. Here the guide left them
with the Indians, he returning to Santa Barbara.
The Indians fed them on chia (wild flaxseed),
mush and acorn bread. They traveled down the
San Joaquin valley. On their journey they lived
on the flesh of wild horses, seventeen of which
they killed. After many hardships they reached
Monterey on the 8th of November, where they
joined Fremont's battalion.
Captain Merritt, of Fremont's battalion, had
been left at San Diego with [arty men to hold
the town when the battalion marched north to
co-operate with Stockton against Los Angeles.
Immediately after Gillespie's retreat, Francisco
Rico was sent with fifty men to capture the
place. He was joined by recruits at San Diego.
Merritt being in no condition to stand a siege,
took refuge on board the American whale ship
Stonington, which was lying at anchor. After
remaining on board the Stonington ten clays,
taking advantage of the laxity of discipline
among the Californians, he stole a march on
them, recapturing the town and one piece of
artillery. He sent Don Miguel de Pedrorena,
who was one of his allies, in a whale boat with
four sailors to San Pedro to obtain supplies
and assistance. Pedrorena arrived at San Pedro
on the 13th of October with Merritt's dis-
patches. Captain Mervine chartered the whale
ship Magnolia, which was lying in the San
Pedro harbor, and dispatched Lieutenant Minor,
.Midshipman Duvall and Morgan with thirty-
three sailors and fifteen of Gillespie's volun-
teers to reinforce Merritt. They reached San
Diego on the 16th. The combined forces of
Minor and Merritt, numbering about ninety
men, put in the greater part of the next two
weeks in dragging cannon from the old fort
and mounting them at their barracks, which
were located "ii the hill at the edge of tile plain
on the wesl side <>f the town, convenienl to
water. They succeeded in mounting si\ brass
nine-pounders and building two bastions of
adobes, taken from an old house. There was
constant skirmishing between the hostile parties.
but few fatalities. The Americans claimed to
have killed three of the enemy, and one Amer-
ican was ambushed and killed.
The Californians kept well out of range, but
prevented the Americans from obtaining sup-
plies. Their provisions were nearly exhausted,
and when reduced to almost the last extreme
they made a successful foraging expedition and
procured a supply of mutton. Midshipman Du-
vall thus describes the adventure: "We had
with us an Indian (chief of a numerous tribe)
who, from his knowledge of the country, we
thought could avoid the enemy; and getting
news of a number of sheep about thirty-five miles
to the south on the coast, we determined to send
him and his companion to drive them onto an
island which at low tide connected with the
mainland. In a few days a signal was made on
the island, and the boats of the whale ship
Stonington, stationed off the island, were sent
to it. Our good old Indian had managed,
through his cunning and by keeping concealed
in ravines, to drive onto the island about six hun-
dred sheep, but his companion had been caught
and killed by the enemy. I shall never forget
his famished appearance, but pride in his Indian
triumph could be seen playing in his dark eyes.
"For thirty or forty days we were constantly
expecting, from the movements of the enemy,
an attack, soldiers and officers sleeping on their
arms and ready for action. About the 1st of
November, Commodore Stockton arrived, and,
after landing Captain Gillespie with his com-
pany and about forty-three marines, he suddenly
disappeared, leaving Lieutenant Minor governor
of the place and Captain Gillespie command-
ant."*
Foraging continued, the whale ship Ston-
ington, which had been impressed into the
government service, being used to take parties
down the coast, who made raids inland and
brought back with them catties and horses.
Tt was probably on one of these excursions
that the Hag-making episode occurred, of which
there are more versions than Homer had birth-
places. The correct version of the story is as
follows: A party had been sent under com-
*Log Book wf Acting Lieutenant Dt
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i:;7
mand of Lieutenant Hensley to Juan Bandini's
rancho in Lower California to bring up bands
of cattle and horses. Bandini was an adherent
of the American cause. He and his family re-
turned with the cavalcade to San Diego. At
their last camping place before reaching the
town, Hensley, in a conversation with Bandini,
regretted they had no flag with them to display
on their entry into the town. Sehora Bandini
volunteered to make one, which she did from
red, white and blue dresses of her children.
This flag, fastened to a staff, was carried at the
head of the cavalcade when it made its triumphal
entry into San Diego. The Mexican govern-
ment confiscated Bandini's ranches in Lower
California on account of his friendship to the
Americans during the war.
Skirmishing continued almost daily. Jose
Antonio Carrillo was now in command of the
Californians, their force numbering about one
hundred men. Commodore Stockton returned
and decided to fortify. Midshipman Duvall, in
the Log Book referred to in the previous chap-
ter, thus describes the fort: "The commodore
now commenced to fortify the hill which over-
looked the town by building a fort, constructed
by placing three hundred gallon casks full of
sand close together. The inclosure was twenty
by thirty yards. A bank of earth and small gravel
was thrown up in front as high as the top of
the casks and a ditch dug around on the outside.
Inside a ball-proof vault of ketch was built out
of plank and lined on the inside with adobes, on
top of which a swivel was mounted. The en-
trance was guarded by a strong gate, with a
drawbridge in front across the ditch or moat.
The whole fortification was completed and the
guns mounted on it in about three weeks. Our
men working on the fort were on short allow-
ance of beef and wheat, and for a time without
bread, tea, sugar or coffee, many of them being
destitute of shoes, but there were few com-
plaints.
"About the 1st of December, information hav-
ing been received that General Kearny was at
Warner's Pass, about eighty miles distant, with
one hundred dragoons on his march to San
Diego, Commodore Stockton immediately sent
an escort of fifty men under command of Cap-
tain Gillespie, accompanied by Past Midshipmen
Beale and Duncan, having with them one piece
of artillery. They reached General Kearny with-
out molestation. On the march the combined
force was surprised by about ninety-three Cal-
ifornians at San Pasqual, under command of
Andres Pico, who had been sent to that part
of the country to drive off all the cattle and
horses to prevent us from getting them. In
the battle that ensued General Kearny lost in
killed Captains Johnston and Moore and Lieu-
tenant Hammond, and fifteen dragoons. Seven-
teen dragoons were severely wounded. The
enemy captured one piece of artillery. General
Kearny and Captains Gillespie and Gibson were
severely wounded; also one of the engineer offi-
cers. Some of the dragoons have since died."
"After the engagement ( ieneral Kearny took
position on a hill covered with large rocks. It
was well suited for defense. Lieutenant Godey
of Gillespie's volunteers, the night after the
battle, escaped through the enemy's line of sen-
tries and came in with a letter from Captain
Turner to the commodore. Whilst among the
rocks, Past Midshipman Beale and Kit Carson
managed, under cover of night, to pass out
through the enemy's ranks, and after three days'
and nights' hard marching through the moun-
tains without water, succeeded in getting safely
into San Diego, completely famished. Soon
after arriving Lieutenant Beale fainted away,
and for some days entirely lost his reason."
On the night of Bealc's arrival, December 9,
about 9 p. m., detachments of two hundred sail-
ors and marines from the Congress and Ports-
mouth, under the immediate command of Cap-
tain Zeilin, assisted by Lieutenants Gray,
Hunter, Renshaw, Parrish, Thompson and
Tilghman and Midshipmen Duvall and Morgan,
each man carrying a blanket, three pounds of
jerked beef and the same of hard-tack, began
their march to relieve General Kearny. They
marched all night and camped on a chaparral
covered mountain during the day. At 4 p. m.
of the second night's march they reached
Kearny's camp, surprising him. Godey, who
had been sent ahead to inform Kearny that as-
sistance was coming, had been captured by the
138
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
enemy. General Kearny had burnt and de-
stroyed all his baggage and camp equipage, sad-
dles, bridles, clothing, etc., preparatory to
forcing his way through the enemy's line.
Burdened with his wounded, it is doubtful
whether he could have escaped. Midshipman
Duvall says: "It would not be a hazard of
opinion to say he would have been overpowered
and compelled to surrender." The enemy dis-
appeared on the arrival of reinforcements. The
relief expedition, with Kearny's men, reached
San Diego after two days' march.
A brief explanation of the reason why Kearny
was at San Pasqual may be necessary. In June,
1846, Gen. Stephen W. Kearny, commander of
the Army of the West, as his command was
designated, left Fort Leavenworth with a force
of regulars and volunteers to take possession of
New Mexico. The conquest of that territory
was accomplished without a battle. Under or-
ders from the war department, Kearny began his
march to California with a part of his force to
co-operate with the naval forces there. Octo-
ber 6, near Socorro, N. M., he met Kit Carson
with an escort of fifteen men en route from Los
Angeles to Washington, bearing dispatches
from Stockton, giving the report of the con-
quest of California. Kearny required Carson to
turn back and act as his guide. Carson was
very unwilling to do so, as he was within a few
days' journey of his home and family, from
whom he had been separated for nearly two
years. He had been guide for Fremont on his
exploring expedition. He, however, obeyed
Kearny's orders.
General Kearny sent back about three hun-
dred of his men, taking with him one hundred
and twenty. After a toilsome march by way
of the Pima villages. Tucson, the Gila and
across the Colorado desert, they reached the
Indian village of San Pasqual (about forty miles
from San Diego), where the battle was fought.
It was the bloodiest battle of the coiH|iiest ;
Kearny's men, at daybreak, riding on broken
down mules and half broken horses, in an ir-
regular and disorderly line, charged the Califor-
nians. While the American line was stretched
nit over the plain Capt. Andres Pico, who was
in command, wheeled his column and charged
the Americans. A fierce hand to hand fight en-
sued, the Californians using their lances and lar-
iats, the Americans clubbed guns and sabers. Of
Kearny's command eighteen men were killed and
nineteen wounded; three of the wounded died.
Only one, Capt. Abraham R. Johnston (a rela-
tive of the author's), was killed by a gunshot;
all the others were lanced. The mules to one
of the howitzers became unmanageable and ran
into the enemy's lines. The driver was killed
and the gun captured. One Californian was
captured and several slightly wounded; none
were killed. Less than half of Kearny's one
hundred and seventy men* took part in the
battle. His loss in killed and wounded was fifty
per cent of those engaged. Dr. John S. Grif-
fin, for many years a leading physician of Los
Angeles, was the surgeon of the command.
The foraging expeditions in Lower Califor-
nia having been quite successful in bringing in
cattle, horses and mules, Commodore Stockton
hastened his preparation for marching against
Los Angeles. The enemy obtained information
of the projected movement and left for the
pueblo.
"The Cyane having arrived," says Duvall,
"our force was increased to about six hundred
men, most of whom, understanding the drill,
performed the evolutions like regular soldiers.
Everything being ready for our departure, the
commodore left Captain Montgomery and offi-
cers in command of the town, and on the 29th of
December took up his line of inarch for Los An-
geles. General Kearny was second in command
ami having the immediate arrangement of the
forces, reserving for himself the prerogative
which his rank necessarily imposed upon him.
( (wing to the weak state of our oxen we had
not crossed the dry bed of the river San Diego
before they began breaking down, and the carts,
which were thirty or forty in number, had to be
dragged by the men. The general urged on the
commodore that it was useless to commence
such a march as was before us with our present
means of transportation, but the commodore
insisted on performing at least one day's march
♦General Kearny's original force of one hundred and
twenty had been increased by Gillespie's command,
numbering fifty men.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
even if we should have to return the next day.
We succeeded in reaching the valley of the
Soledad that night by dragging our carts. Next
day the commodore proposed to go six miles
farther, which we accomplished, and then con-
tinued six miles farther. Having obtained some
fresh oxen, by assisting the carts up hill we
made ten or twelve miles a day. At San Luis
Rey we secured men, carts and oxen, and after
that our days' marches ranged from fifteen to
twenty-two miles a day.
"The third day out from San Luis Rey a white
flag was seen ahead, the bearer of which had a
communication from Flores, signing himself
'Commander-in-Chief and Governor of Califor-
nia,' asking for a conference for the purpose of
coming to terms, which would be alike 'honor-
able to both countries.' The commodore refused
to answer him in writing, saying to the bearer
of the truce that his answer was, 'he knew n<>
such person as Governor Flores; that he him-
self was the only governor in California; that
he knew a rebel by that name, a man who had
given his parole of honor not to take up arms
against the government of the United States,
who, if the people of California now in arms
against the forces of the United States would
deliver up, he (Stockton) would treat with them
on condition that they surrender their arms
and retire peaceably to their homes and he
would grant them, as citizens of the United
States, protection from further molestation."
This the embassy refused to entertain, saying
'they would prefer to die with Flores than to
surrender on such terms.' "
"On the 8th of January, 1847, tney met us on
the banks of the river San Gabriel with between
five and six hundred men mounted on good
horses and armed with lances and carbines,
having also four pieces of artillery planted on
the heights about three hundred and fifty yards
distant from the river. Owing to circumstances
which have occurred since the surrender of the
enemy, I prefer not mentioning the particulars
uf this day's battle and also that of the da) Fol
lowing, or of referring to individuals concerned
in the successful management of our forces."
(The circumstance to which T. untenant Duvall
refers was undoubtedly the quarrel between
Stockton and Kearny after the capture of Los
Angeles.) "It is sufficient to say that on the 8th
of January we succeeded in crossing the river
and driving the enemy from the heights. Hav-
ing resisted all their charges, dismounted one
of their pieces and put them to flight in every
direction, we encamped on the ground they had
occupied during the fight.
"The next day the Californians met us on the
plains of the mesa. For a time the fighting was
carried on by both sides with artillery, but that
proving too hot for them they concentrated
their whole force in a line ahead of us and at a
given signal divided from the center and came
down on us like a tornado, charging us on all
sides at the same time; but they were effectually
defeated and fled in every direction in the ut-
most confusion. Many of their horses were left
dead on the field. Their loss in the two battles,
as given by Andres Pico, second in command,
was eighty-three killed and wounded; our loss,
three killed (one accidentally), and fifteen or
twenty wounded, none dangerously. The enemy
abandoned two pieces of artillery in an Indian
village near by."
I have given at considerable length Midship-
man Duvall's account of Stockton's march from
San Diego and of the two battles fought, not
because it is the fullest account of those events,
but because it is original historical matter, newer
having appeared in print before, and also he-
cause it is the observations of a participant
written at the time the events occurred. In it
the losses of the enemy are greatly exaggerated,
but that was a fault of his superior officers as
well. Commodore Stockton, in his official re-
ports of the two battles, gives the enemy's loss
in killed and wounded "between seventy and
eighty." And General Kearny, in his report of
the battle of San Pasqual, claimed it as a vic-
tory, and states that the enemy left six di a
the field. The actual loss of the Californians
in the two battles I San Gabriel river and 1 .a
Mesa) was three killed and ten or twelve
wounded.*
Sepulvcda,
140
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
While the events recorded in this chapter
were transpiring at San Diego and its vicinity,
what was the state of affairs in the capital, Los
Angeles? After the exultation and rejoicing
over the expulsion of Gillespie's garrison, Mer-
vine's defeat and the victory over Kearny at
San Pasqual there came a reaction. Dissension
continued between the leaders. There was lack
of arms and laxity of discipline. The army was
but little better than a mob. Obedience to or-
ders of a superior was foreign to the nature of a
Californian. His wild, free life in the saddle
made him impatient of all restraint. Then the
impossibility of successful resistance against
the Americans became more and more apparent
as the final conflict approached. Fremont's
army was moving down on the doomed city
from the north, and Stockton'.- was coming up
from the south. Either one of these, in num-
bers, exceeded the force that Flores could bring
into action; combined they would crush him
out of existence. The California troops were
greatly discouraged and it was with great diffi-
culty that the officers kept their men together.
There was another and more potent element of
disintegration. Many of the wealthier natives
and all the foreigners, regarding the contest as
hopeless, secretly favored the American cause,
and it was only through fear of loss of property
that they furnished Flores and his officers any
supplies for the army.
During the latter part of December and the
first days of January Flores' army was stationed
at the San Fernando Mission, on the lookout
fur Fremont's battalion; but the more rapid
advance of Stockton's army compelled a change
of base. On the 6th and 7th of January Flores
moved his arm}- back secretly through the
Cahuenga Fass, and, passing to the southward
of the city, took position where La Jaboneria
(the soap factory) road crosses the San Gabriel
river. Here his men w-ere stationed in the thick
willows to give Stockton a surprise. Stockton
received information of the trap set for him and
after leaving the Los Coyotes swung off to the
right until he struck the Upper Santa Ana road.
The Californians had barely time to effect a
change of base and get their cannon planted
when the Americans arrived at the crossing.
Stockton called the engagement there the bat-
tle of San Gabriel river; the Californians call it
the battle of Faso de Bartolo, which is the bet-
ter name. The place where the battle was fought
is on bluff just south of the Upper Santa Ana
road, near where the Southern California
railroad crosses the old San Gabriel river. (The
ford or crossing was formerly known as Pico's
Crossing.) There was, at the time of the bat-
tle, but one San Gabriel river. The new river
channel was made in the great flood of 1868.
'What Stockton, Emory, Duvall and other
American officers call the battle of the Plains
of the Mesa the Californians call the battle of
La Mesa, which is most decidedly a better name
than the "Plains of the Plain." It was fought at
a ravine, the Canada de Los Alisos, near the
southeastern corner of the Los Angeles city
boundary. In these battles the Californians had
four pieces of artillery, two iron nine-pounders,
the old woman's gun and the howitzer captured
in mi Kearny. Their powder was very poor. It
was made at San Gabriel. It was owing to this
that they did so little execution in the fight.
That the Californians escaped with so little
punishment was probably due to the wretched
marksmanship of Stockton's sailors and marines.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER XX.
CAPTURE AND OCCUPATION OF THE CAPITAL.
J\ FTER the battle of La Mesa, the Amer-
T V icans, keeping to the south, crossed the
A Los Angeles river at about the point
where the south boundary line of the city
crosses it and camped on the right bank. Here,
under a willow tree, those killed in battle were
buried. Lieutenant Emory, in his "Notes of a
.Military Reconnoissance," says: "The town,
known to contain great quantities of wine and
aguardiente, was four miles distant (four miles
from the battlefield). From previous experience
of the difficulty of controlling men when enter-
ing towns, it was determined to cross the river
San Fernando (Los Angeles), halt there for
the night and enter the town in the morning,
with the whole day before us.
"After we had pitched our camp, the enemy
came down from the hills, and four hundred
horsemen with four pieces of artillery drew off
towards the town, in order and regularity, whilst
about sixty made a movement down the river on
our rear and left flank. This led us to suppose
they were not yet whipped, as we thought, and
that we should have a night attack.
"January 10 (1847) — . Just as we had raised
our camp, a flag of truce, borne by Air. Celis, a
Castilian; Mr. Workman, an Englishman, and
Alvarado, the owner of the rancho at the Alisos,
was brought into camp. They proposed, on
behalf of the Californians, to surrender their
dear City of the Angels provided we would re-
spect property and persons. This was agreed
to. but not altogether trusting to the honesty
of General Flores, who had once broken his
parole, we moved into the town in the same
order we should have done if expecting an at-
tack. It was a wise precaution, for the streets
were full of desperate and drunken fellows, who
brandished their arms and saluted us with every
term of reproach. The crest, overlooking the
town, in rifle range, was covered with horsemen
engaged in the same hospitable manner.
"Our men marched steadily on, until crossing
the ravine leading into the public square (plaza),
when a fight took place amongst the Califor-
nians on the hill; one became disarmed and to
avoid death rolled down the hill towards us,
his adversary pursuing and lancing him in the
most cold-blooded manner. The man tumbling
down the hill was supposed to be one of our
vaqueros, and the cry of 'rescue him' was
raised. The crew of the Cyane, nearest the
scene, at once and without any orders, halted
and gave the man that was lancing him a volley;
strange to say, he did not fall. The general
gave the jack tars a cursing, not so much for
the firing without orders, as for their bad marks-
manship."
Shortly after the above episode, the Cali-
fornians did open fire from the hill on the
vaqueros in charge of the cattle. (These
vaqueros were Californians in the employ of the
Americans and were regarded by their country-
men as traitors.) A company of riflemen was
ordered to clear the hill. A single volley ef-
fected this, killing two of the enemy. This was
the last bloodshed in the war; and the second
conquest of California was completed as the first
had been by the capture of Los Angeles.. Two
hundred men. with two pieces of artillery, were
stationed on the hill.
The Angelehos did not exactly welcome the
invaders with "bloody hands to inhospitable
graves," but they did their best to let them know
they were not wanted. The better class of the
native inhabitants closed their houses and took
refuge with foreign residents or went to the
ranchos of their friends in the country. The
fellows of the baser sort, who were in pos-
session of the city, exhausted their vocabularies
of abuse on the invading gringos. There was
1 ne paisano who excelled all his countrymen in
this species of warfare. It is a pity his name
has not been preserved in history with that of
142
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
other famous scolds and kickers. He rode by
the side of the advancing column up Main street,
firing volleys of invective and denunciation at
the hated gringos. At certain points of his
tirade he worked himself to such a pitch of
indignation that language failed him; then he
would solemnly go through the motions of
"Make ready, take aim!" with an old shotgun
he carried, but when it came to the order "Fire!"
discretion got the better of his valor; he low-
ered his gun and began again, firing invective
at the gringo soldiers; his mouth would go off
if his gun would not.
Commodore Stockton's headquarters were in
the Abila house, the second house on Olvera
street, north of the plaza. The building is still
standing, but has undergone many changes in
fifty years. A rather amusing account was re-
cently given me by an old pioneer of the manner
in which Commodore Stockton got possession
of the house. The widow Abila and her daugh-
ters, at the approach of the American army, had
abandoned their house and taken refuge with
Don Luis Yignes of the Aliso. Yignes was a
Frenchman and friendly to both sides. The
widow left a young Californian in charge of her
house (which was finely furnished), with strict
orders to keep it closed. Stockton had with him
a fine brass band, something new in California.
When the troops halted on the plaza, the band
began to play. The boyish guardian of the
Abila casa could not resist the temptation to
open the door and look out. The enchanting
music drew him to the plaza. Stockton and his
staff, hunting for a place suitable for headquar-
ters, passing by, found the door invitingly open,
entered, and, finding the house deserted, took
-ion. The recreant guardian returned to
find himself dispossessed and the house in pos-
-I ssion nf the enemy. "And the band played on."
It is a fact not generall) known thai there
were two forts planned and partially built on
Fori Hill during the war for the conquesl of
California. The firsl was planned by Lieut. Wil-
liam H. Emory, topographical engineer of Gen-
eral Kearny's staff, and work was begun on il
by Commodore Stockton's sailors and marines.
The second was planned by Lieut. J. W. David-
of the First United States Dragoons, and
built by the Mormon battalion. The first was
not completed and not named. The second was
named Fort Moore. Their location seems to
have been identical. The first was designed to
hold one hundred men. The second was much
larger. Flores' army was supposed to be in the
neighborhood of the city ready to make a dash
into it, so Stockton decided to fortify.
"On January nth," Lieutenant Emory writes,
"I was ordered to select a site and place a fort
capable of containing a hundred men. \\ ith
this in view a rapid reconnoissance of the town
was made and the plan of a fort sketched, so
placed as to enable a small garrison to com-
mand the town and the principal avenues to it.
the plan was approved."
"January 12. I laid off the work and before
night broke the first ground. The population
of the town and its dependencies is about three
thousand; that of the town itself about fifteen
hundred. * * * Here all the revolutions
have had their origin, and it is the point upon
which any Mexican force from Sonora would
be directed. Tt was therefore desirable to estab-
lish a fort which, in case of trouble, should en-
able a small garrison to hold out till aid might
come from San Diego, San Francisco or Mon-
terey, places which are destined to become cen-
ters of American settlements."
"January 13. It rained steadily all day and
nothing was done on the work. At night I
worked on the details of the fort."
"January 15. The details to work on the
fort were by companies. I sent to Captain
Tilghman, who commanded on the hill, to de-
tach one of the companies under his command
to commence the work. He furnished, on the
16th, a company of artillery (seamen from the
Congress) for the day's work, which was per-
formed bravely, and gave me great hopes of
success."
On the iNth Lieutenant Emory took his de-
parture with General Kearny for San Diego.
From there he was sent with despatches, via
Panama, to the war department. In his book
he says: "Subsequent to my departure the en-
tire plan of the Fori was changed, and I am not
the projector of the work finally adopted for
defense of that town."
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
As previously stated, Fremont's battalion
began its march down the coast on the 29th of
November, 1846. The winter rains set in with
great severity. The volunteers were scantily
provided with clothing and the horses were in
poor condition. Many of the horses died of
starvation and hard usage. The battalion en-
countered no opposition from the enemy on its
march and did no fighting. On the nth of
January, a few miles above San Fernando, Colo-
nel Fremont received a message from General
Kearny informing him of the defeat of the
enemy and the capture of Los Angeles. That
night the battalion encamped in the mission
buildings at San Fernando. From the mission
that evening Jesus Pico, a cousin of Gen. An-
dres Pico, set out to find the Californian army
and open negotiations with its leaders. Jesus
Pico, better known as Tortoi, had been arrested
at his home near San Luis Obispo, tried by
court-martial and sentenced to be shot for
breaking his parole. Fremont, moved by the
pleadings of Pico's wife and children, pardoned
him. He became a warm admirer and devoted
friend of Fremont's.
He found the advance guard of the Califor-
nians encamped at Yerdugas. He was detained
here, and the leading officers of the army were
summoned to a council. Fico informed them
of Fremont's arrival and the number of his men.
With the combined forces of Fremont and
Stockton against them, their cause was hopeless.
He urged them to surrender to Fremont, as they
could obtain better terms from him than from
Stockton.
General Flores, who held a commission in the
Mexican army, and who had been appointed by
the territorial assembly governor and comand-
ante-general by virtue of his rank, appointed
Andres Pico general and gave him command
of the army. The same night he took his de-
parture for Mexico, by way of San Gorgonio
Pass, accompanied by Colonel Garfias, Diego
Sepulveda, Manuel Castro, Segura, and about
thirty privates. General Pico, on assuming com-
mand, appointed Francisco Rico and Francisco
do La Guerra to go with Jesus Pico to confer
with Colonel Fremont. Fremont appointed as
commissioners to negotiate a treaty, Major P.
I!. Reading, Major William II. Russell and
Capt. Louis McLane. On the return of Guerra
and Rico to the Californian camp, Gen. Andres
Pico appointed as commissioners, Jose Antonio
Carrillo, commander of the cavalry squadron,
and Agustin Olvera, diputado of the assembly,
and moved his army near the river at Cahuenga.
On the 13th Fremont moved his camp to the
Cahuenga. The commissioners met in the de-
serted ranch-house, and the treaty was drawn
up and signed.
The principal conditions of the treaty or ca-
pitulation of "Cahuenga," as it was termed, were
that the Californians, on delivering up their ar-
tillery and public arms, and promising not again
to take arms during the war, and conforming
to the laws and regulations of the United States,
shall be allowed peaceably to return to their
homes. They were to be allowed the same rights
and privileges as are allowed to citizens of the
United States, and were not to be compelled
to take an oath of allegiance until a treat v of
peace was signed between the United States and
Mexico, and were given the privilege of leaving
the country if they wished to. An additional
section was added to the treaty on the 16th at
Los Angeles releasing the officers from their
paroles. Two cannon were surrendered, the
howitzer captured from General Kearny at San
Pasqual and the woman's gun that won the bat-
tle of Dominguez. On the 14th, Fremont's bat-
talion marched through the Cahuenga Pass to
Los Angeles in a pouring rainstorm, and en-
tered it four days after its surrender to Stock-
ton. The conquest of California was com-
pleted. Stockton approved the treaty, although
it w-as not altogether satisfactory to him. On
the 1 6th he appointed Colonel Fremont gov-
ernor of the territory, and William II. Russell,
of the battalion, secretary of state.
This precipitated a quarrel between Stockton
and Kearny, which had been brewing for
time. General Kearny claimed that under his
instructions from the government he should be
recognized as governor. As he had directly under
his command but the one company of drag
that he brought across the plain with him, lie
was unable to enforce his authority. lie left on
(lie [8th for San DiegO, taking witli him his
144
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
officers and dragoons. On the 20th Commo- join their ships. Shortly afterwards Commo-
dore Stockton, with his sailors and marines, dore Stockton was superseded in the command
marched to San Pedro, where they all em- of the Pacific squadron by Commodore Shu-
barked on a man-of-war for San Diego to re- brick.
CHAPTER XXI.
TRANSITION AND TRANSFORMATION.
THE capitulation of Gen. Andres Pico at
Cahuenga put an end to the war in Cali-
fornia. The instructions from the secre-
tary of war were to pursue a policy of concilia-
tion towards the Californians with the ultimate
design of transforming them into American citi-
zens. Colonel Fremont was left in command at
Los Angeles. He established his headquarters
on the second floor of the Bell block (corner of
Los Angeles and Aliso streets), then the best
building in the city. One company of his bat-
talion was retained in the city; the others, under
command of Captain Owens, were quartered at
the Mission San Gabriel.
The Mormons had been driven out of Illinois
and Missouri. A sentiment of antagonism had
been engendered against them and they had
begun their migration to the far west, pre-
sumably to California. They were encamped on
the Missouri river at Kanesville, now Council
Bluffs, preparatory to cross'ng the plains, when
hostilities broke out between the United States
and Mexico, in April, 1846. A proposition was
made by President Polk to their leaders to raise
a battalion of five hundred men to serve as
United States volunteers for twelve months.
These volunteers, under command of regular
army officers, were to march to Santa Fe, or,
if necessary, to California, where, at the expira-
tion of their term of enlistment, they were to be
discharged and allowed to retain their arms.
Through the influence of Brigham Yottng and
other leaders, the battalion was recruited and
General Kearny, commanding the Army of the
West, detailed Capt. James Allen, of the First
United States Dragoons, to muster them into
the service and take command of the battalion.
On the if>th of July, at Council Bluffs, the bat-
talion was mustered into service and on the 14th
of August it began its long and weary march.
About eighty women and children, wives and
families of the officers and some of the enlisted
men, accompanied the battalion on its march.
Shortly after the beginning of the march, Allen,
who had been promoted to lieutenant-colonel,
fell sick and died. The battalion was placed
temporarily under the command of Lieut. A. J.
Smith, of the regular army. At Santa Fe
Lieut.-Col. Philip St. George Cooke took com-
mand under orders from General Kearny. The
battalion was detailed to open a wagon road by
the Gila route to California. About sixty of
the soldiers who had become unfit for duty and
all the women except five were sent back and
the remainder of the force, after a toilsome jour-
ney, reached San Luis Rev, Cal., January 29,
1847, where it remained until ordered to Los
Angeles, which place it reached March 17.
Captain Owens, in command of Fremont's
battalion, had moved all the artillery, ten pieces,
from Los Angeles to San Gabriel, probably with
the design of preventing it falling into the hands
of Colonel Cooke, who was an adherent of
General Kearny. General Kearny, under addi-
tional instructions from the general government,
brought by Colonel Mason from the war depart-
ment, had established himself as governor at
Monterey. With a governor in the north and
one in the south, antagonistic to each other
California had fallen back to its normal condi-
tion under Mexican rule. Colonel Cooke,
shortly after his arrival in the territory, thus de-
scribes the condition prevailing: "General
Kearny is supreme somewhere up the coast.
Colonel Fremont is supreme at Pueblo de Los
Angeles: Colonel Stockton is commander-in-
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
11.-
chief at San Diego; Commodore Shubrick the
same at Monterey ; and I at San Lnis Rev ; and
we are all supremely poor, the government hav-
ing no money and no credit, and we hold the
territory because Mexico is the poorest of all."
Col. R. B. Mason was appointed inspector of
the troops in California and made an official
visit to Los Angeles. In a misunderstanding
about some official matters he used insulting
language to Colonel Fremont. Fremont
promptly challenged him to fight a duel. The
challenge was accepted; double-barreled shot-
guns were chosen as the weapons and the
Rancho Rosa del Castillo as the place of meet-
ing. Mason was summoned north and the duel
was postponed until his return. General Kearny,
hearing of the proposed affair of honor, put a
stop to further proceedings by the duelists.
Col. Philip St. George Cooke, of the Mormon
battalion, was made commander of the military
district of the south with headquarters at Los
Angeles. Fremont's battalion was mustered out
of service. The Mormon soldiers and the two
companies of United States Dragoons who
came with General Kearny were stationed at
Los Angeles to do guard duty and prevent any
uprising of the natives.
Colonel Fremont's appointment as governor
of California had never been recognized by
General Kearny. So when the general had
made himself supreme at Monterey he ordered
Fremont to report to him at the capital and
turn over the papers of his governorship. Fre-
mont did so and passed out of office. He was
nominally governor of the territory about two
months. His appointment was made by Com-
modore Stockton, but was never confirmed by
the president or secretary of war. -His jurisdic-
tion did not extend beyond Los Angeles. He
left Los Angeles May 12 for Monterey. From
that place, in company with General Kearny.
on May 31, he took his departure for the states.
The relations between the two were strained.
While ostensibly traveling as one company,
each officer, with his staff and escort, made sep-
arate camps. At Fort Leavenworth General
Kearny placed Fremont under arrest and pre-
ferred charges against him for disobedience of
orders. He was tried by court-martial at Wash-
ington and was ably defended by his father-in-
law, Colonel Benton, and his brother-in-law,
William Carey Jones. The court found him
guilty and fixed the penalty, dismissal from the
service. President Polk remitted the penalty
and ordered Colonel Fremont to resume his
sword and report for duty. He did so, but
shortly afterward resigned his commission and
left the army.
While Colonel Cooke was in command of
the southern district rumors reached Los An-
geles that the Mexican general, Bustamente,
with a force of fifteen hundred men, was pre-
paring to reconquer California. "Positive infor-
mation," writes Colonel Cooke, under date of
April 20, 1847, "has been received that the
Mexican government has appropriated $600,000
towards fitting out this force." It was also re-
ported that cannon and military stores had been
landed at San Vicente, in Lower California.
Rumors of an approaching army came thick and
fast. The natives were supposed to be in league
with Bustamente and to be secretly preparing
for an uprising. Precautions were taken against
a surprise. A troop of cavalry was sent to
Warner's ranch to patrol the Sonora road as
far as the desert. The construction of a fort
on the hill fully commanding the town, which
had previously been determined upon, was
begun and a company of infantry posted on
the hill.
On the 23d of April, three months after work
had ceased on Emory's fort, the construction of
the second fort was begun and pushed vigor-
ously. Rumors continued to come of the ap-
proach of the enemy. May 3, Colonel Cooke
writes: "A report was received through the
most available sources of information that Gen-
eral Bustamente hail crossed the Gulf of Cali-
fornia near its head, in boats of the pearl fishers,
and at last information was at a rancho on the
western road, seventy leagues below San
Diego." Colonel Stevenson's regimenl of New
York volunteers had recently arrived in Cali-
fornia. Two companies of tin' regiment had
been sent to Los Angeles and two to San
Diego. The report that Colonel Cooke had re-
ceived reinforcement and that ] les was
being fortified was supposed to have frightened
140
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bustamente into abandoning his invasion of
California. Bustamente's invading army was
largely the creation of somebody's fertile imag-
ination. The scare, however, had the effect of
hurrying up work on the fort. May 13, Colo-
nel Cooke resigned and Col. J. B. Stevenson
succeeded him in the command of the southern
military district.
Colonel Stevenson continued work on the
fort and on the 1st of July work had progressed
so far that he decided to dedicate and name it
on the 4th. He issued an official order for the
celebration of the anniversary of the birthday of
American independence at this port, as he called
Los Angeles. "At sunrise a Federal salute will
be fired from the field work on the hill which
commands this town and for the first time from
this point the American standard will be dis-
played. At 11 o'clock all the troops of the
district, consisting of the Mormon battalion, the
two companies of dragoons and two companies
of the New York volunteers, were formed in a
hollow square at the fort. The Declaration of
Independence was read in English by Captain
Stuart Taylor and in Spanish by Stephen C.
Foster. The native Californians, seated on their
horses in rear of the soldiers, listened to Don
Esteban as he rolled out in sonorous Spanish the
Declaration's arraignment of King George III.,
and smiled. They had probably never heard of
King George or the Declaration of Independ-
ence, either, but they knew a pronunciamiento
when they heard it, and after a pronunciamiento
in their governmental system came a revolution,
therefore they smiled at the prospect of a gringo
revolution. "At the close of this ceremony
(reading of the Declaration) the field work will
be dedicated and appropriately named; and at
12 o'clock a national salute will be fired. The
field work at this post having been planned and
the work conducted entirely by Lieutenant Da-
vidson of the First Dragoons, he is requested
to hoist upon it for the first time on the morn-
ing of the 4th the American standard." * * *
The commander directs that from and after the
4th instant the fort shall bear the name of
Moure. Benjamin D. Moore, after whom the fort
was named, was captain of Company A, First
United States Dragoons. He was killed by a
lance thrust in the disastrous charge at the bat-
tle of San Pasqual. This fort was located on
what is now called Fort Hill, near the geograph-
ical center of Los Angeles. It was a breastwork
about four hundred feet long with bastions and
embrasures for cannon. The principal em-
brasure commanded the church and the plaza,
two places most likely to be the rallying points
in a rebellion. It was built more for the sup-
pression of a revolt than to resist an invasion.
It was in a commanding position; two hundred
men, about its capacity, could have defended it
against a thousand if the attack came from the
front; but as it was never completed, in an at-
tack from the rear it could easily have been cap-
tured with an equal force.
Col. Richard B. Mason succeeded General
Kearny as commander-in-chief of the troops
and military governor of California. Col. Philip
St. George Cooke resigned command of the
military district of the south May 13, joined
General Kearny at Monterey and went east
with him. As previously stated, Col. J. D. Ste-
venson, of the New York volunteers, succeeded
him. His regiment, the First New York, but
really the Seventh, had been recruited in the
eastern part of the state of New York in the
summer of 1846, for the double purpose of con-
quest and colonization. The United States gov-
ernment had no intention of giving up California
once it was conquered, and therefore this regi-
ment came to the coast well provided with pro-
visions and implements of husbandry. It came
to California via Cape Horn in three transports.
The first ship, the Perkins, arrived at San
Francisco, March 6, 1847; the second, the Drew,
March 19; and the third, the Loo Choo, March
26. Hostilities had ceased in California before
their arrival. Two companies, A and B, under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Burton, were
sent to Lower California, where they saw hard
service and took part in several engagements.
The other companies of the regiment were sent
to different towns in Alta California to do gar-
rison duty.
Another military organization that reached
California after the conquest was Company F
ol the Third United States Artillery. It landed
at Monterey January 28, 1847. It vvas com-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
147
manded by Capt. C. O. Thompkins. With
it came Lieuts. E. O. C. Ord, William T. Sher-
man and H. W. Halleck, all of whom became
prominent in California affairs and attained na-
tional reputation during the Civil war. The
Mormon battalion was mustered out in July,
1847. One company under command of Cap-
tain Hunt re-enlisted. The others made their
way to LTtah, where they joined their brethren
who the year before had crossed the plains and
founded the City of Salt Lake. The Xew York
volunteers were discharged in August, 1848.
After the treaty of peace, in 1848, four compa-
nies of United States Dragoons, under com-
mand of Major L. P. Graham, marched from
Chihuahua, by way of Tucson, to California.
Major Graham was the last military commander
of the south.
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick succeeded
Commodore Stockton in command of the naval
forces of the north Pacific coast. Jointly with
General Kearny he issued a circular or proc-
lamation to the people of California, printed in
English and Spanish, setting forth "That the
president of the United States, desirous to give
and secure to the people of California a share
of the good government and happy civil organ-
ization enjoyed by the people of the United
States, and to protect them at the same time
from the attacks of foreign foes and from inter-
nal commotions, has invested the undersigned
with separate and distinct powers, civil and mil-
itary; a cordial co-operation in the exercise of
which, it is hoped and believed, will have the
happy results desired.
"To the commander-in-chief of the naval
forces the president has assigned the regula-
tion of the import trade, the conditions on which
vessels of all nations, our own as well as foreign,
may be admitted into the ports of the territory,
and the establishment of all port regulations.
To the commanding military officer the presi-
dent has assigned the direction of the operations
on land and has invested him with administra-
tive functions of government over the people
and territory occupied by the forces of the
United States.
"Done at Monterey, capital of California, this
1st day of March, A. D. 1847. W. Branford
Shubrick, commander-in-chief of the naval
forces. S. W. Kearny, Brig.-Gen. United States
Army, and Governor of California."
Under the administration of Col. Richard B.
Mason, the successor of General Kearny as
military governor, the reconstruction, or, more
appropriately, the transformation period began.
The orders from the general government were
to conciliate the people and to make no radical
changes in the form of government. The Mex-
ican laws were continued in force. Just what
these laws were, it was difficult to find out. \<i
code commissioner had codified the laws and it
sometimes happened that the judge made the
law to suit the case. Under the old regime the al-
calde was often law-giver, judge, jury and exe-
cutioner, all in one. Occasionally there was fric-
tion between the military and civil powers, and
there were rumors of insurrections and inva-
sions, but nothing came of them. The Califor-
nians, with easy good nature so characteristic
of them, made the best of the situation. "A
thousand things," says Judge Hays, "combined
to smooth the asperities of war. Eremont had
been courteous and gay: Mason was just and
firm. The natural good temper of the popula-
tion favored a speedy and perfect conciliation.
The American officers at once found themselves
happy in every circle. In suppers, balls, visiting
in town and country, the hours glided away with
pleasant reflections."
There were, however, a few individuals who
were not happy unless they could stir up dis-
sensions and cause trouble. One of the chief of
these was Serbulo Yarela, agitator and revolu-
tionist. Yarela. for some offense not specified
in the records, had been committed to prison by
the second alcalde of Los Angeles. Colonel Ste-
venson turned him out of jail, and Yarela gave
the judge a tongue lashing in refuse Castilian.
The judge's official dignity was hurt. He sent
a communication to the ayuntamiento saying:
"Owing to personal abuse which 1 received ai
the hands of a private individual and from the
present military commander, I tender my resig-
nation."
The ayuntamiento senl a 1 immunii ation to
Colonel Stevenson asking why he had turned
Yarela out of jail and why he had insulted the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
judge. The colonel curtly replied that the mili-
tary would not act as jailers over persons guilty
of trifling offenses while the city had plenty of
persons to do guard duty at the jail. As to the
abuse of the judge, he was not aware that any
abuse had been given, and would take no further
notice of him unless he stated the nature of the
insult offered him. The council decided to no-
tify the governor of the outrage perpetrated by
the military commander, and the second alcalde
said since he could get no satisfaction for insults
to his authority from the military despot, he
would resign: but the council would not accept
his resignation, so he refused to act, and the city
had to worry along with one alcalde.
Although foreigners had been coming to Cali-
fornia ever since 1814, their numbers had not
increased very rapidly. Nearly all of these had
found their way there by sea. Those who had
become permanent residents had married native
Californian women and adopted the customs of
the country. Capt. Jedediah S. Smith, in 1827,
crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains from Cali-
fornia and by way of the Humboldt, or, as he
named it, the Mary River, had reached the Great
Salt Lake. From there through the South Pass
of the Rocky mountains the route had been
traveled for several years by the fur trappers.
This latter became the great emigrant route to
California a few years later. A southern route
by way of Santa Fe had been marked out and
the Pattee party had found their way to the
Colorado by the Gila route, but so far no emi-
grant trains had come from the States to Cali-
fornia with women and children. The first of
these mixed trains was organized in western
Missouri in May, 1841. The party consisted of
sixty-nine persons, including men, women and
children. This party divided at Soda Springs,
half going to Oregon and the others keeping on
their way to California. They reached the San
Joaquin valley in November, 1841, after a toil-
some journey of six months. The first settle-
ment they found was Dr. Marsh's ranch in what
is now called Contra Costa county. Marsh gave
them a cordial reception at first, but afterwards
11 e ited them meanly.
Fourteen of the party started for the Pueblo
de San Jose. At the Mission of San Jose,
twelve miles from the Pueblo, they were all ar-
rested by order of General Vallejo. One of the
men was sent to Dr. Marsh to have him come
forthwith and explain why an armed force of
liis countn men were roaming around the coun-
try without passports. Marsh secured their re-
lease and passports for all the party. On his
return home he charged the men who had re-
mained at his ranch $5 each for a passport, al-
though the passports had cost him nothing. As
there was no money in the party, each had to
put up some equivalent from his scanty posses-
sions. Marsh had taken this course to reim-
burse himself for the meal he had given the
half-starved emigrants the first night of their
arrival at his ranch.
In marked contrast with the meanness of
Marsh was the liberality of Captain Sutter. Sut-
ter had built a fort at the junction of the Amer-
ican river and the Sacramento in 1839 and had
obtained extensive land grants. His fort was
the frontier post for the overland emigration.
Gen. John Bidwell, who came with the first
emigrant train to California, in a description of
"Life in California Before the Gold Discovery,"
says: "Nearly everybody who came to Califor-
nia then made it a point to reach Sutter's Fort.
Sutter was one of the most liberal and hospita-
ble of men. Everybody was welcome, one man
or a hundred, it was all the same."
Another emigrant train, known as the Work-
man-Rowland party, numbering forty-five per-
sons, came from Santa Fe by the Gila route to
Los Angeles. About twenty-five of this party-
were persons who had arrived too late at West-
port, Mo., to join the northern emigrant party,
so they went with the annual caravan of St.
Louis traders to Santa Fe and from there, with
traders and trappers, continued their journey to
California. From 1841 to the American con-
quest immigrant trains came across the plains
every year.
One of the most noted of these, on account of
the tragic fate that befell it. was the Donner
party. The nucleus of this party, George and
Jacob Donner and James K. Reed, with their
families, started from Springfield, III, in the
spring of 1846. By accretions and combinations,
when it reached Fort Bridger, July 25, it had
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
14'.t
increased to eighty-seven persons — thirty-six
men, twenty-one women and thirty children,
under the command of George Dormer. A new
route called the Hastings Cut-Off, had just been
opened by Lansford W. Hastings. This route-
passed to the south of Great Salt Lake and
struck the old Fort Hall emigrant road on the
Humboldt. It was claimed that the "cut-off"
shortened the distance three hundred miles.
The Donner party, by misrepresentations, were
induced to take this route. The cut-off proved
to be almost impassable. They started on the
cut-off the last day of July, and it was the end
of September when they struck the old emigrant
trail on the Humboldt. They had lost most of
their cattle and were nearly out of provisions.
From this on, unmerciful disaster followed them
fast and faster. In an altercation, Reed, one of
the best men of the party, killed Snyder. He
was banished from the train and compelled to
leave his wife and children behind. An old
Belgian named Hardcoop and Wolfinger, a
German, unable to keep up, were abandoned to
die on the road. Fikc was accidentally shot by
Foster. The Indians stole a number of their
cattle, and one calamity after another delayed
them. In the latter part of October they had
reached the Truckee. Here they encountered a
heavy snow storm, which blocked all further
progress. They wasted their strength in trying
to ascend the mountains in the deep snow that
had fallen. Finally, finding this impossible, they
turned back and built cabins at a lake since
known as Donner Lake, and prepared to pass
the winter. Most of their oxen had strayed
away during the storm and perished. Those
still alive they killed and preserved the meat.
A party of fifteen, ten men and five women,
known as the "Forlorn Hope," started, Decem-
ber 16, on snowshoes to cross the Sierras. They
had provisions for six days, but the journey
consumed thirty-two days. Eight of the ten
men perished, and among them the noble Stan-
ton, who hail brought relief to the emigrants
from Sutter's Fort before the snows began to
fall. The five women survived. Upon the ar-
rival of the wretched survivors of the "Forlorn
Hope," the terrible sufferings of the snow-bound
immigrants were made known at Sutter's Fort,
and the first relief party was organized, and on
the 5th of February started for the lake. Seven
of the thirteen who started succeeded in reach-
ing the lake. On the 19th they started back
with twenty-one of the immigrants, three of
whom died on the way. A second relief, under
Reed and McCutchen, was organized. Reed
had gone to Yerba Buena to seek assistance. A
public meeting was called and $1,500 subscribed.
The second relief started from Johnston's
Ranch, the nearest point to the mountains, on
the 23d of February and reached the camp on
.March 1st. They brought out seventeen. Two
others were organized and reached Donner
Lake, the last on the 17th of April. The only
survivor then was Keseburg, a German, who
was hated by all the company. There was a
strong suspicion that he had killed Mrs. Don-
ner. who had refused to leave her husband (who
was too weak to travel) with the previous relief.
There were threats of hanging him. Keseburg
had saved his life by eating the bodies of the
e'ead. Of the original party of eighty-seven, a
total of thirty-nine perished from starvation.
Most of the survivors were compelled to resort
to cannabalism. They were not to blame if they
did.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RLCoRD.
CHAPTER XXII.
MEXICAN LAWS AND AMERICAN OFFICIALS.
Ul'i )N the departure of General Kearny,
.May 31, 1847, Col. Richard D. Mason
became governor and commander-in-
chief of the United States forces in California
by order of the president. Stockton, Kearny
and Fremont had taken their departure, the
dissensions that had existed since the conquest
of the territory among the conquerors ceased,
and peace reigned.
There were reports of Mexican invasions and
suspicions of secret plottings against gringo
rule, but the invaders came not and the plottings
never produced even the mildest form of a Mexi-
can revolution. Mexican laws were adminis-
tered for the most part by military officers. The
municipal authorities were encouraged to con-
tinue in power and perform their governmental
functions, but they were indifferent and some-
times rebelled. Under Mexican rule there was
no trial by jury. The alcalde acted as judge
and in criminal cases a council of war settled the
fate of the criminal. The Rev. Walter Colton,
while acting as alcalde of Monterey, in 1846-47,
impaneled the first jury ever summoned in Cali-
fornia. "The plaintiff and defendant," he writes,
"are among the principal citizens of the country.
The case was one involving property on the one
side and integrity of character on the other. Its
merits had been pretty widely discussed, and
had called forth an unusual interest. One-third
of tlie jury were Mexicans, one-third Califor-
nians and the other third Americans. This mix-
ture may have the bitter answered the ends of
justice, but I was apprehensive at one time it
would embarrass the proceedings; for the plaint-
iff spoke in English, the defendant in French;
the jury, save the Americans, Spanish, and the
witnesses, all the languages known to California.
By the tact of Mr. Hartnell, who acted as inter-
prel r, and tin- absence of young lawyers, we
got along very well.
"The examination of witnesses lasted five or
six hours. I then gave the case to the jury,
stating the questions of fact upon which they
were to render their verdict. They retired for
an hour and then returned, when the foreman
handed in their verdict, which was clear and
explicit, though the case itself was rather com-
plicated. To this verdict both parties bowed
without a word of dissent. The inhabitants who
witnessed the trial said it was what they liked,
that there could be no bribery in it, that the
opinion of twelve honest men should set the
case forever at rest. And so it did, though
neither party completely triumphed in the issue.
One recovered his property, which had been
taken from him by mistake, the other his char-
acter, which had been slandered by design."
The process of Americanizing the people was
no easy undertaking. The population of the
country and its laws were in a chaotic condition.
It was an arduous task that Colonel Mason and
the military commanders at the various pueblos
had to perform, that of evolving order out of
the chaos that had been brought about by the
change in nations. The native population
neither understood the language nor the cus-
toms of their new rules, and the newcomers
among the Americans had very little toleration
for the slow-going Mexican ways and methods
they found prevailing. To keep peace between
the factions required more tact than knowledge
of law, military or civil, in the commanders.
Los Angeles, under Mexican domination, hail
been the storm center of revolutions, and here
under the new regime the most difficulty was
encountered in transforming the quondam rev-
olutionists into law-abiding and peaceful Amer-
ican citizens. The ayuntamiento was convened
in 1S47, after the conquest, and continued in
power until the close of the vear. When the
time came round for the election of a new ayun-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
151
tamiento there was trouble. Stephen C. Foster,
Colonel Stevenson's interpreter, submitted a
paper to the council stating that the govern-
ment had authorized him to get up a register of
voters. The ayuntamiento voted to return the
paper just as it was received. Then the colonel
made a demand of the council to assist Stephen
in compiling a register of voters. Regidor Cha-
vez took the floor and said such a register
should not be gotten up under the auspices of
the military, but, since the government had so
disposed, thereby outraging this honorable
body, no attention should be paid to said com-
munication. But the council decided that the
matter did not amount to much, so they granted
the request, much to the disgust of Chavez.
The election was held and a new ayuntamiento
elected. At the last meeting of the old council,
December 29, 1847, Colonel Stevenson ad-
dressed a note to it requesting that Stephen C.
Foster be recognized as first alcalde and judge
of the first instance. The council decided to
turn the whole business over to its successor, to
deal with as it sees fit.
Colonel Stevenson's request was made in ac-
cordance with the wish of Governor Mason
that a part of the civil offices be filled by Amer-
icans. The new ayuntamiento resented the in-
terference. How the matter terminated is best
told in Stephen C. Foster's own words: "Colo-
nel Stevenson was determined to have our in-
auguration done in style. So on the day ap-
pointed, January 1, 1848, he. together with
myself and colleague, escorted by a guard of
soldiers, proceeded from the colonel's quarters
to the alcalde's office. There we found the re-
tiring ayuntamiento and the new one awaiting
our arrival. The oath of office was adminis-
tered by the retiring first alcalde. We knelt to
take the oath, when we found tiny had changed
their minds, and the alcalde told us that if two
of their number were to be kicked out they
would all go. So they all marched out and left
us in possession. Here was a dilemma, but
Colonel Stevenson was equal to the emergency.
He said he could give us a swear as well as the
alcalde. So we stood up and he administered
to us an oath to support the constitution of
the United States and administer justice in ac-
cordance with Mexican law. I then knew as
much about Mexican law as I did about Chinese,
and my colleague knew as much as I did. Guer-
rero gathered up the books that pertained to his
office and took them to his house, where he
established his office, and I took the archives
and records across the street to a house I had
rented, and there I was duly installed for the
next seventeen months, the first American al-
calde and carpet-bagger in Los Angeles."
Colonel Stevenson issued a call for the elec-
tion of a new ayuntamiento, but the people
stayed at home and no votes were cast. At the
close of the year the voters had gotten over
their pet and when a call was made a council
was elected, but only Californians (hijos del
pais) were returned. The ayuntamientos con-
tinued to be the governing power in the pueblos
until superseded by city and county govern-
ments in 1850.
The most difficult problem that General Kear-
ny in his short term had to confront and, un-
solved, he handed down to his successor. Colo-
nel Mason, was the authority and jurisdiction
of the alcaldes. Under the Mexican regime
these officers were supreme in the pueblo over
which they ruled. For the Spanish transgressor
fines of various degrees were the usual penalty;
for the mission neophyte, the lash, well laid on,
and labor in the chain gang. There was no
written code that defined the amount of pun-
ishment, the alcalde meted out justice and some-
times injustice, as suited his humor. Kearny
appointed John H. Nash alcalde of Sonoma.
Nash was a somewhat erratic individual, who
had taken part in the Bear Flag revolution.
When the offices of the prospective Pacific Re-
public were divided among the revolutionists,
he was to be the chief justice. After the col-
lapse of that short-lived republic. Nash was
elected alcalde. His rule was so arbitrary and
his decisions so biased by favoritism or preju-
dice that the American settlers soon protested
and General Kearny removed him or tried to.
He appointed L. W. Boggs, a recently arrived
immigrant, to the office. Mash refused to sur-
render the books and papers oi the office. Lieut.
W. T. Sherman was detailed by Colonel Mason,
after his succession ' >l governor, to
152
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
proceed to Sonoma ami arrest Nash. Sherman
quietly arrested him at night and before the
bellicose alcalde's friends (for he had quite a fol-
lowing) were aware of what was going on,
marched him off to San Francisco. He was
put on board the Dale and sent to Monterey.
Finding that it was useless for him to resist the
authority of the United States, its army and
navy as well, Nash expressed his willingness to
submit to the inevitable, and surrendered his
office. He was released and ceased from troub-
ling. Another strenuous alcalde was William
Blackburn, of Santa Cruz. He came to the
country in 1845, and before his elevation to the
honorable position of a judge of the first in-
stance he had been engaged in making shingles
in the redwoods. He had no knowledge of law
and but little acquaintance with books of any
kind. His decisions were always on the side of
justice, although some of the penalties imposed
were somewhat irregular.
In Alcalde Blackburn's docket for August 14,
1847, appears this entry: "Pedro Gomez was
tried for the murder of his wife, Barbara Gomez,
and found guilty. The sentence of the court is
that the prisoner be conducted. back to prison,
there to remain until Monday, the 16th of Au-
gust, and then be taken out and shot." August
17. sentence carried into effect on the 16th ac-
cordingly. William Blackburn, Alcalde.
It does not appear in the records that Black-
burn was the executioner. He proceeded to
dispose of the two orphaned children of the
murderer. The older daughtei he indentured to
Jacinto Castro "to raise until she is twenty-one
years of age, unless sooner married, said Ja-
cinto Castro, obligating himself to give her a
good education, three cows and calves at her
marriage or when of age." The younger daugh-
ter was disposed of on similar terms to A. Rod-
riguez. Colonel Mason severely reprimanded
Blackburn, but the alcalde replied that there
was no use making a fuss river it; the man was
guilty, he had a fair trial before a jury and de-
served to die. Another case in his court illus-
trates the versatility of the judge. A Spanish
boy, out of revenge, sheared the mane and tail
of a neighbor's horse. The offense was proved,
but the judge uas sorely perplexed when he
came to sentence the culprit. He could find no
law in his law books to fit the case. After pon-
dering over the question a while, he gave this
decision: "I find no law in any of the statutes
to fit this case, except in the law of Moses, 'An
eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Let the
prisoner be taken out in front of this office and
there sheared close." The sentence was imme-
diately executed.
Another story is told of Blackburn, which
may or may not be true. A mission Indian who
had committed murder took the right of sanc-
tuary in the church, and the padre refused to
give him up. Blackburn wrote to the governor,
slating the case. The Indian, considering him-
self safe while with the padre, left the church
in company with the priest. Blackburn seized
him, tried him and hung him. He then reported
to the governor: "I received your order to sus-
pend the execution of the condemned man, but
I had hung him. When I see you I will ex-
plain the affair."
Some of the military commanders of the pre-
sidios and pueblos gave Governor Mason as
much trouble as the alcaldes. These, for the
most part, were officers of the volunteers who
had arrived after the conquest. They were un-
used to "war's alarms," and. being new to
the country and ignorant of the Spanish lan-
guage, they regarded the natives with suspicion.
They were on the lookout for plots and revolu-
tions. Sometimes they found these incubating
and undertook to crush them, only to discover
that the affair was a hoax or a practical joke.
The Canon Perdido (lost canon) of Santa Bar-
bara episode is a good illustration of the
trouble one "finicky" man can make when en-
trusted with military power.
In the winter of 1847-48 the American bark
Elisabeth was wrecked on the Santa Barbara
coast. Among the flotsam of the wreck was a
brass cannon of uncertain calibre: it might have
been a six. a nine or a twelve pounder. What
the capacity of its bore matters not, for the gun
unloaded made more noise in Santa Barbara
than it ever did when it belched forth shot and
shell in battle. The gun. after its rescue from
a watery grave, lay for some time on the beach,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
devoid of carriage and useless, apparently, for
offense or defense.
One dark night a little squad of native Cali-
fornians stole down to the beach, loaded the
gun in an ox cart, hauled it to the estero and
hid it in the sands. What was their object in
taking the gun no one knows. Perhaps they
did not know themselves. It might come handy
in a revolution, or maybe they only intended to
play a practical joke on the gringos. Whatever
their object, the outcome of their prank must
have astonished them. There was a company
(F) of Stevenson's New York volunteers sta-
tioned at Santa Barbara, under command of
Captain Lippett. Lippett was a fussy, nervous
individual who lost his head when anything un-
usual occurred. In the theft of the cannon he
thought he had discovered a California revolu-
tion in the formative stages, and he determined
to crush it in its infancy. He sent post haste a
courier to Governor Mason at Monterey, in-
forming him of the prospective uprising of the
natives and the possible destruction of the
troops at Santa Barbara by the terrible gun the
enemy had stolen.
Colonel Mason, relying on Captain Lippett's
report, determined to give the natives a lesson
that would teach them to let guns and revolu-
tions alone. He issued an order from headquar-
ters at Monterey, in which he said that ample
time having been allowed for the return of the
gun, and the citizens having failed to produce
it, he ordered that the town be laid under a con-
tribution of $500, assessed in the following man-
ner: A capitation tax of $2 on all males over
twenty years of age; the balance to be paid by
the heads of families and property-holders in the
proportion of the value of their respective real
and personal estate in the town of Santa Bar-
bara and vicinity. Col. J. D. Stevenson was ap-
pointed to direct the appraisement of the prop-
erty and the collection of the assessment. If
any failed to pay his capitation, enough of his
property was to be seized and sold to pay his
enforced contribution.
The promulgation of the order at Santa Bar-
bara raised a storm of indignation at the old
pueblo. Colonel Stevenson came up from Los
Angeles and had an interview with Don Pablo
de La Guerra, a leading citizen of Santa Bar-
bara. Don Pablo was wrathfully indignant at
the insult put upon his people, but after talking
over the affair with Colonel Stevenson, he be-
came somewhat mollified. He invited Colonel
Stevenson to make Santa Barbara his headquar-
ters and inquired about the brass band at the
lower pueblo. Stevenson took the hint and or-
dered up the band from Los Angeles. July 4th
had been fixed upon as the day for the payment
of the fines, doubtless with the idea of giving
the Californians a little celebration that would
remind them hereafter of Liberty's natal day.
Colonel Stevenson contrived to have the band
reach Santa Barbara on the night of the 3d.
The band astonished Don Pablo and his family
with a serenade. The Don was so delighted
that he hugged the colonel in the most approved
style. The band serenaded all the Dons of note
in town and tooted until long after midnight,
then started in next morning and kept it up
till ten o'clock, the time set for each man to con-
tribute his "dos pesos" to the common fund.
By that time every hombre on the list was so
filled with wine, music and patriotism that the
greater portion of the fine was handed over
without protest. The day closed with a grand
hall. The beauty and the chivalry of Santa Bar-
bara danced to the music of a gringo brass
hand and the brass cannon for the nonce was
forgotten.
But the memory of the city's ransom rankled,
and although an American band played Spanish
airs, American injustice was still remembered.
When the city's survey was made in 1850 the
nomenclature of three streets, Canon Perdidd
(Lost Cannon street), Ouinientos (Five Hun-
dred street) and Mason street kept the cannon
episode green in the memory of the Barbareiios.
When the pueblo, b) legislative act. became a
ciudad, the municipal authorities selected this
device for a seal: In the center a cannon em-
blazoned, encircled with these words. Vale
Ouinientos IVsos — Worth $500, or, more liber-
ally translated. <i 1-bye, $500. which, b) the
way. as the sequel of the story will show, is the
better translation. This seal was used from the
incorporation of the cit) in [850 to i860, when
another design was chosen.
154
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Alter peace was declared, Colonel .Mason sent
the $500 to the prefect at Santa Barbara, with
instructions to use it in building a city jail; and
although there was pressing need for a jail, the
jail was not built. The prefect's needs were
pressing, too. Several years passed; then the
city council demanded that the prefect turn the
money into the city treasury. He replied that
the money was entrusted to him for a specific
purpose, and he would trust no city treasurer
with it. The fact was that long before he had
lost it in a game of monte.
Ten years passed, and the episode of the lost
cannon was but a dimly remembered story of
the olden time. The old gun reposed peacefully
in its grave of sand and those who buried it
had forgotten the place of its interment. One
stormy night in December, 1858, the estero
(creek) cut a new channel to the ocean. In
the morning, as some Barbarenos were survey-
ing the changes caused by the flood, they saw
the muzzle of a large gun protruding from the
cut in the bank. They unearthed it. cleaned off
the sand and discovered that it was El Canon
Perdido, the lost cannon. It was hauled up
State street to Canon Perdido, where it was
mounted on an improvised carriage. But the
sight of it was a reminder of an unpleasant in-
cident. The finders sold it to a merchant for
S80. He shipped it to San Francisco and sold
it at a handsome profit for old brass.
Governor Pio Pico returned from Mexico to
California, arriving at San Gabriel July 17, 1848.
Although the treaty of peace between the
United States and Mexico had been signed and
proclaimed, the news had not reached Califor-
nia. Pico, from San Fernando, addressed let-
ters to Colonel Stevenson at Los Angeles and
Governor Mason at Monterey, stating that as
Mexican governor of California he had come
back to the country with the object of carrying
out the armistice which then existed between
the United States and Mexico. He further
stated that he had no desire to impede the es-
tablishment of peace between the two countries;
and that he wished to see the Mexicans and
Vmericans treat each other in a spirit of frater-
nity. Mason did not like Pico's assumption of
the title of Mexican governor of California, al-
though it is not probable that Pico intended to
assert any claim to his former position. Gov-
ernor Mason sent a special courier to Los An-
geles with orders to Colonel Stevenson to
arrest the ex-governor, who was then at his
Santa Margarita rancho, and send him to Mon-
terey, but the news of the ratification of the
treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo reached Los An-
geles before the arrest was made, and Pico was
spared this humiliation.
The treaty of peace between the United States
and Mexico was signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo,
a hamlet a few miles from the City of Mexico,
February 2, 1848; ratifications were exchanged
at Queretaro, May 30 following, and a procla-
mation that peace had been established between
the two countries was published July 4, 1848.
Under this treaty the United States assumed the
payment of the claims of American citizens
against Mexico, and paid, in addition, $15,000,-
000 to Mexico for Texas, New Mexico and
Alta California. Out of what was the Mexican
territory of Alta California there has been
carved all of California, all of Nevada, Utah and
Arizona and part of Colorado and Wyoming.
The territory acquired by the treaty of Guada-
lupe Hidalgo was nearly equal to the aggre-
gated area of the thirteen original states at the
time of the Revolutionary war.
The news of the treaty of peace reached Cali-
fornia August 6, 1848. On the 7th Governor
Mason issued a proclamation announcing the
ratification of the treaty. He announced that
all residents of California, who wished to be-
come citizens of the United States, were ab-
solved from their allegiance to Mexico. Those
who desired to retain their Mexican citizenship
could do so, provided they signified such inten-
tion within one year from May 30, 1848. Those
who wished to go to Mexico were at liberty to
do so without passports. Six months before,
Governor Mason had issued a proclamation pro-
hibiting any citizen of Sonora from entering
California except on official business, and then
otfly under flag of truce. He also required all
Sonorans in the country to report themselves
either at Los Angeles or Monterey.
The war was over; and the treaty of peace
had made all who so elected, native or foreign
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD.
born, American citizens. Strict military rule
was relaxed and the people henceforth were to
be self-governing. American and Californian
were one people and were to enjoy the same
rights and to be subject to the same penalties.
The war ended, the troops were no longer
needed. Orders were issued to muster out the
volunteers. These all belonged to Stevenson's
New York regiment. The last company of the
Mormon battalion had been discharged in April.
1 he New York volunteers were scattered all
along the coast from Sonoma to Cape St. Lucas,
doing garrison duty. They were collected at
different points and mustered out. Although
those stationed in Alta California had done
no fighting, they had performed arduous serv-
ice in keeping peace in the conquered territory.
Most of them remained in California after their
discharge and rendered a good account of them-
selves as citizens.
CHAPTER XXIII
GOLD! GOLD! GOLD!
SEBASTIAN VISCAINO, from the bay of
Monterey, writing to the King of Spain
three hundred years ago, says of the In-
dians of California: "They are well acquainted
with gold and silver, and said that these were
found in the interior." Viscaino was endeavor-
ing to make a good impression on the mind of
the king in regard to his discoveries, and the
remark about the existence of gold and silver
in California was thrown to excite the cupidity
of his Catholic majesty. The traditions of the
existence of gold in California before any was
discovered are legion. Most of these have been
evolved since gold was actually found. Col. J.
J. Warner, a pioneer of 183 1, in his Historical
Sketch of Los Angeles County, briefly and very
effectually disposes of these rumored discov-
eries. He says: "While statements respecting
the existence of gold in the earth of California
and its procurement therefrom have been made
and published as historical facts, carrying back
the date of the knowledge of the auriferous
character of this state as far as the time of the
visit of Sir Francis Drake to this coast, there is
no evidence to be found in the written or oral
history of the missions, the acts and correspond-
ence of the civil or military officers, or in the
unwritten and traditional history of Upper ( ali-
Fornia that the existence of gold, either with
ores or in its virgin state, was ever suspected
by any inhabitant of California previous to 1841,
and. furthermore, there is conclusive testimonj
that the first known grain of native gold dust
was found upon or near the San Francisco ranch,
about forty-five miles north-westerly from Los
Angeles City, in the month of June, 1841. This
discovery consisted of grain gold fields (known
as placer mines), and the auriferous fields dis-
covered in that year embraced the greater part
of the country drained by the Santa Clara river
from a point some fifteen or twenty miles from
its mouth to its source, and easterly beyond
Mount San Bernardino."
The story of the discovery as told by Warner
and by Don Abel Stearns agrees in the main
facts, but differing materially in the date. Stearns
says gold was first discovered by Francisci 1
Lopez, a native of California, in the month of
March, 1842, at a place called San Francisquito,
about thirty-five miles northwest from this city
(Los Angeles). The circumstances of the dis-
covery bv Lopez, as related by himself, are as
follows: "Lopez, with a companion, was out in
search of some stray horses, and about midday
they stopped under some trees and tied their
horses out to feed, they resting under the shade,
when Lopez, with his sheath-knife, dug up some
wild onions, and in the dirt discovered a piece
of sold. and. searching further.
more. He brought these to town, and showed
them to his friends, who at ..nee declared there
must be a placer of sold. This news being cir-
culated, numbers of the citizens went to the
place, and commenced prospecting in the neigh-
156
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
borhood, and found it to be a fact that there was
a placer of gold."
Colonel Warner says: "The news of this dis-
covery soon spread among the inhabitants from
Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, and in a few
weeks hundreds of people were engaged in
washing and winnowing the sands and earth of
these gold fields."
Warner visited the mines a few weeks after
their discovery. He says: "From these mines
was obtained the first parcel of California gold
dust received at the United States mint in Phila-
delphia, and which was sent with Alfred Robin-
son, and went in a merchant ship around Cape
Horn." This shipment of gold was 18.34 ounces
before and 18.1 ounces after melting; fineness,
.925; value, $344.75, or over $19 to the ounce.
a very superior quality of gold dust. It was
deposited 111 the mint July 8, 1843.
It may be regarded as a settled historical fact
that the first authenticated discovery of gold
in Alta California was made on the San Fran-
cisco rancho in the San Feliciano Canon, Los
Angeles county. This canon is about ten miles
northwest of Newhall station on the Southern
Pacific railroad, and about forty miles northwest
of Los Angeles.
The date of the discovery is in doubt. A peti-
tion to the governor (Alvarado) asking permis-
sion to work the placers, signed by Francisco
Lopez, Manuel Cota and Domingo Bermudez is
on file in the California archives. It recites:
"That as Divine Providence was pleased to give
us a placer of gold on the gth of last March in
the locality of San Francisco rancho, that be-
longs to the late Don Antonio del Yalle." This
petition fixes the day of the month the discovery
was made, but unfortunately omits all other
dates. The evidence is about equally divided
between the years 1841 and 1842.
It is impossible to obtain definite information
in regard to the yield of the San Fernando
placers, as these mines are generally called.
William Heath Davis, in his "Sixty Years in
California," states that from $80,000 to $100,000
was taken out for the fiist two years after their
discovery. He says that Melius at one time
shipped $5,000 of dusi i.n the ship Alert. Ban-
croft says: "That by December, 1S43. two thou-
sand ounces of gold had been taken from the
San Fernando mines." Don Antonio Coronel
informed the author that he, with the assistance
of three Indian laborers, in 1842, took out $600
worth of dust in two months. De Mofras, in his
book, states that Carios Baric, a Frenchman, in
1842, was obtaining an ounce a day of pure gold
from his placer.
These mines were worked continuously from
the time of their discovery until the American
conquest, principally by Sonorians. The dis-
covery of gold at Coloma, January 24, 1848,
drew away the miners, and no work was done
on these mines between 1848 and 1854. After
the latter dates work was resumed, and in 1855,
Francisco Garcia, working a gang of Indians,
is reported to have taken out $65,000 in one
season. The mines are not exhausted, but the
scarcity of water prevents working them profit-
ably.
It is rather a singular coincidence that the
exact dates of both the first and second authen-
ticated discoveries of gold in California are still
among the undecided questions of history. In
the first, we know the day but not the year; in
the second, we know the year but not the day
of the month on which Marshall picked up the
first nuggets in the nnllrace at Coloma. For a
number of years after the anniversary of Mar-
shall's discovery began to be observed the 19th
of January was celebrated. Of late years Jan-
uary _'4 has been fixed upon as the correct date,
hut the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial
Days of California, an association made up of
men who were in the territory at the time of
Marshall's discovery or came hero before it
became a state, object to the change. For nearly
thirty years they have held their annual dinners
on January 18, "the anniversary of the discovery
of gold at Sutter's sawmill, Coloma, Cal." This
society has its headquarters in Xew York City.
In a circular recently issued, disapproving of
the change of date from the 18th to the 24th, the
trustees of that society say: "Upon the organi-
zation of this society, February 11, 1875, it was
decided to hold its annual dinners on the anni-
versary of the discovery of gold at Sutter's saw-
mill, Coloma, Cal. Through the Hon. Newton
i ',00th, of the United States. Senate, this infor-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mation was sought, with the result ot a commu-
nication from the secretary of the state of Cali-
fornia to the effect 'that the archives of the
state of California recorded the date as of Jan-
uary 1 8, 1848. Some years ago this date was
changed by the society at San Francisco to that
of January 24, and that date has been adopted
by other similar societies located upon the
Pacific and Atlantic coasts. This society took
the matter under advisement, with the result
that the new evidence upon which it was pro-
posed to change the date was not deemed suffi-
cient to justify this society in ignoring its past
records, founded on the authority of the state
of California; therefore it has never accepted
the new date."
Marshall himself was uncertain about the
exact date. At various times he gave three
different dates — the iSth, igth and 20th, but
never moved it along as far as the 24th. In the
past thirty years three different dates — the [8th,
19th and 24th of January — have been celebrated
as the anniversary of Marshall's gold dis-
covery.
The evidence upon which the date was changed
to the 24th is found in an entry in a diary kept
by II. \Y. Bigler, a Mormon, who was working
for Marshall on the millrace at the time gold
was discovered. The entry reads: "January 24.
This day some kind of metal that looks like
goold was found in the tailrace." On this
authority about ten years ago the California
Pioneers adopted the 24th as the correct date
of Marshall's discovery.
While written records, especially if made at
the time of the occurrence of the event, are
more reliable than oral testimony given long
after, yet when we take into consideration the
conflicting stories of Sutter, Marshall, the Win-
ners and others who were immediatel) con-
cerned in some way with the discovery, we must
concede that the Territorial Pioneers have good
reasons to hesitate about making a change in
the date of their anniversary. In Dr. Trywhitt
Brook's "Four Months Among the Cold Find-
ers," a book published in London in 184c). and
long since out of print, we have Sutter's version
of Marshall's discovery given only three months
after that discoverv was made. Dr. Brooks
visited Sutter's Fort early in May, 1848, and
received from Sutter himself the story ot the
find. Sutter stated that he was sitting in his
room at the fort, one afternoon, when Marshall,
whom he supposed to be at the mill, forty miles
up the American river, suddenly burst in upon
him. Marshall was so wildly excited that Sutter,
suspecting that he was crazy, looked to see
whether his rifle was in reach. Marshall declared
that he had made a discovery that would give
them both millions and millions of dollars. Then
he drew his sack and poured out a handful of
nuggets on the table. Sutter, when he had
tested the metal and found that it was gold,
became almost as excited as Marshall. He
eagerly asked if the workmen at the mill knew
of the discovery. Marshall declared that he had
not spoken to a single person about it. They
both agreed to keep it secret. Xext day Sutter
and Marshall arrived at the sawmill. The day
after their arrival, they prospected the bars of
the river and the channels of some of the dry
creeks and found gold in all.
"On our return to the mill," says Sutter, "we
were astonished by the work-people coming up
to us in a body and showing us some flakes 1 >f
gold similar to those we had ourselves procured.
Marshall tried to laugh the matter off with them,
and to persuade them that what they had found
was only some shining mineral of trifling value;
but one of the Indians, who had worked at a
gold mine in the neighborhood of La Paz.
Lower California, cried out: 'Oral Oral' (gold!
gold!), and the secret was out."
Captain Sutter continues: "I heard afterward
that one of them, a sly Kentuckian, had dogged
us about and, that, looking on the ground to see
if he could discover what we were in search ot,
he lighted on some of the flakes himself."
If this account is correct. Bigler's entry in
hi- diary was made on the day that the workmen
found gold, which was live or six days after
Marshall's first find, and consequently the 24th
is that much too late [or the true date of the
discoverv. The story of the discovery given in
the "Life and Adventures of James W. Mar-
shall." by George Frederick Parsons, differs
materially from Sutter's account. The d
the discovery given in that book is January 10,
1 58
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1848. On the morning of that day Marshall,
after shutting off the water, walked down the
tailrace to see what sand and gravel had been
removed during the night. (The water was
turned into the tailrace during the night to cut
it deeper.) While examining a mass of debris,
"his eve caught the glitter of something that lay
lodged in a crevice on a riffle of soft granite
some six inches under water." Picking up the
nugget and examining it, he became satisfied
that it must be one of three substances — mica.
sulphurets of copper, or gold. Its weight satis-
fied him that it was not mica. Knowing that
gold was malleable, he placed the specimen on
a flat rock and struck it with another; it bent.
but did not crack or break. He was satisfied
that it was gold. lie showed the nugget to his
men. In the course of a few days he had col-
lected several ounces of precious metal. "Some
four days after the discovery it became necessary
for him to go below, for Sutter had failed to
send a supply of provisions to the mill, and the
men were on short commons. While on his way
down he discovered gold in a ravine at a place
afterwards known as Mormon island. Arrived
at the fort, he interviewed Sutter in his private
office and showed him about three ounces of
gold nuggets. Sutter did not believe it to be
gold, but after weighing it in scales against ?vV-25
worth of silver, all the coin they could raise at
the fort, and testing it with nitric acid obtained
from the gun shop, Sutter became convinced and
returned to the mill with Marshall. So little did
the workmen at the mill value the discovery that
they continued to work for Sutter until the mill
was completed, March 11, six weeks after the
nuggets were found in the tailrace.
The news of the discovery spread slowly. It was
two months in reaching San Francisco, although
the distance is not over one hundred and twenty-
five miles. The great rush to the mines from
San Francisco did nut begin until the middle of
May, nearly four months after the discovery. < m
the iotli of May, Dr. Brooks, who was in San
Francisco, writes: "A number of people have ac-
tually started off with shovels, mattocks and
pans to dig the gold themselves. It is not likely,
however, that this will be allowed, fur Captain
Folsom has already written to Colonel VTason
about taking possession of the mine on behalf of
the government,it being, he says, on public land."
As the people began to realize the richness
and extent of the discovery, the excitement in-
creased rapidly. May 17. Dr. Brooks writes:
"This place (San Francisco) is now in a perfect
furore of excitement: all the workpeople have
struck. Walking through the town to-day, I
observed that laborers were employed only upon
about half a dozen of the fifty new buildings
which were in course of being run up. The
majority of the mechanics at this place are mak-
ing preparations for moving off to the mines,
and several people of all classes — lawyers, store-
keepers, merchants, etc., are smitten with the
fever; in fact, there is a regular gold mania
springing up. I counted no less than eighteen
houses which were closed, the owners having
left. If Colonel Alason is moving a force to
the American Fork, as is reported here, their
journey will be in vain."
Colonel Mason's soldiers moved without
orders — they nearly all deserted, and ran off to
the mines.
The first newspaper announcement of the
discovery appeared in The Californian of March
15, [848, nearly two months after the discovery.
But little attention was paid to it. In the issue
of April 19, another discovery is reported. The
item reads: "New gold mine. It is stated that
a new gold mine has been discovered on the
American Fork of the Sacramento, supposed to
be on the land of W. A. Leidesdorff. of this
place. A specimen of the gold has been ex-
hibited, and is represented to be very pure."
On the 29th of May, The Californian had sus-
pended publication. "Othello's occupation is
gone," wails the editor. "The majority of our
subscribers and many of our advertising patrons
have closed their doors and places of business
and left town, and we have received one order
after another conveying the pleasant request that
the printer will please stop my paper or my ad,
as I am about leaving for Sacramento."
The editor of the other paper, The California
Slav, made a pilgrimage to the mines in the lat-
ter part of April, but gave them no extended
write-up. "Great country, fine climate," he wrote
on his return. "Full flowing streams, mighty
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
159
timber, large crops, luxuriant clover, fragrant
flowers, gold and silver," were his comments on
what he saw. The policy of both papers seems
to have been to ignore as much as possible the
gold discovery. To give it publicity was for a
time, at least, to lose their occupation.
In The Star of May 20, 1848, its eccentric
editor, E. C. Kemble, under the caption "El
Dorado Anew," discourses in a dubious manner
upon the effects of the discovery and the extent
of the gold fields: "A terrible visitant we have
had of late. A fever which has well-nigh de-
populated a town, a town hard pressing upon a
thousand souls, and but for the gracious inter-
position of the elements, perhaps not a goose
would have been spared to furnish a quill to pen
the melancholy fate of the remainder. It has
preyed upon defenseless old age, subdued the
elasticity of careless youth and attacked indis-
criminately sex and class, from town councilman
to tow-frocked cartman, from tailor to tippler,
of which, thank its pestilential powers, it has
beneficially drained (of tipplers, we mean) every
villainous pulperia in the place.
"And this is the gold fever, the only form of
that popular southerner, yellow jack, with which
we can be alarmingly threatened. The insatiate
maw of the monster, not appeased by the easy
conquest of the rough-fisted yeomanry of the
north, must needs ravage a healthy, prosperous
place beyond his dominion and turn the town
topsy-turvy in a twinkling.
"A fleet of launches left this place on Sunday
and Monday last bound up the Sacramento river,
close stowed with human beings, led by love of
filthy lucre to the perennial yielding gold mines
of the north. When any man can find two ounces
a day and two thousand men can find their
hands full, of work, was there ever anything so
superlatively silly!
"Honestly, though, we are inclined to believe
the reputed wealth of that section of country,
thirty miles in extent, all sham, a superb take-in
as was ever got up to guzzle the gullible. But
it is not improbable that this mine, or, properly,
placer of gold can be traced as far south as tin-
city of Los Angeles, where the precious metal
has been found for a number of years in the bed
of a stream issuing from its mountains, said
to be a continuation of this gold chain which
courses southward from the base of the snowy
mountains. But our best information respecting
the metal and the quantity in which it is gath-
ered varies much from many reports current, yet
it is beyond a question that no richer mines of
gold have ever been discovered upon this con-
tinent.
"Should there be no paper forthcoming on
Saturday next, our readers may assure them-
selves it will not be the fault of us individually.
To make the matter public, already our devil has
rebelled, our pressman (poor fellow) last seen
was in search of a pickaxe, and we feel like Mr.
Hamlet, we shall never again look upon the
likes of him. Then, too, our compositors have,
in defiance, sworn terrible oaths against tvpe-
sticking as vulgar and unfashionable. Hope has
not yet fled us, but really, in the phraseology
of the day, 'things is getting curious.' "
And things kept getting more and more curi-
ous. The rush increased. The next issue of
The Star (May 2j) announces that the Sacra-
mento, a first-class craft, left here Thursday last
thronged with passengers for the gold mines,
a motley assemblage, composed of lawyers, mer-
chants, grocers, carpenters, cartmen and cooks,
all possessed with the desire of becoming rich.
The latest accounts from the gold country are
highly flattering. Over three hundred men are
engaged in washing gold, and numbers are con-
tinually arriving from every part of the country.
Then the editor closes with a wail: "Persons
recently arrived from the country speak of
ranches deserted and crops neglected and suf-
fered to waste. The unhappy consequence of
this state of affairs is easily foreseen. One more
twinkle, and The Star disappeared in the gloom.
On June 14 appeared a single sheet, the size of
foolscap. The editor announced: "In fewer
words than are usually employed in the an-
nouncement of similar events, we appear before
the remnant of a reading community on this
occasion with the material or immaterial in-
formation that we have stopped the paper, that
its publication ceased with the last regular issue
(June 7). On the appi nun, we shall
again appear to announce Tlie Star's redivus.
We have done. Let our parting word be hasto
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
luego." (Star and Calif omian reappeared No-
vember 14, 1848. The Star had absorbed The
California^ L. C. Kemble was its editor and
proprietor.)
Although there was no paper in existence on
the coast to spread the news from the gold
fields, it found its way out of California, and
the rush from abroad began. It did not acquire
great force in 1848, but in 1849 the immigration
to California exceeded all previous migrations
in the history of the race.
Among the first foreigners to rush to the
mines were the Mexicans of Sonora. Many of
these had had some experience in placer mining
in their native country, and the report of rich
placers in California, where gold could be had
for the picking up, aroused them from their lazy
self-content and stimulated them to go in search
of it. Traveling in squads of from fifty to one
hundred, they came by the old Auza trail across
the Colorado desert, through the San Gorgonio
Pass, then up the coast and on to the mines.
They were a job lot of immigrants, poor in purse
and poor in brain. They were despised by the
native Californians and maltreated by the Amer-
icans. Their knowledge of mining came in play,
and the more provident among them soon man-
aged to pick up a few thousand dollars, and then
returned to their homes, plutocrats. The im-
provident gambled away their earnings and re-
mained in the country to add to its criminal ele-
ment. The Oregonians came in force, and all
the towns in California were almost depopulated
of their male population. By the close of 1848,
there were ten thousand men at work in the
mines.
The first official report of the discovery was
sent to Washington by Thomas O. Larkin, June
1, and reached its destination about the middle
of September. Lieutenant P.eale, by way of
Mexico, brought dispatches dated a month later,
which arrived about the same time as Larkin's
report. These accounts were published in the
eastern papers, and the excitement began.
In the early part of December, Lieutenant
Loeser arrived at Washington with Governor
Mason's report of his observations in the mines
made in August. But the most positive evidence
was a tea caddy of gold dust containing about
two hundred and thirty ounces that Governor
Mason had caused to be purchased in the mines
with money from the civil service fund. This the
lieutenant had brought with him. It was placed
on exhibition at the war office. Here was tan-
gible evidence of the existence of gold in Cali-
fornia, the doubters were silenced and the ex-
citement was on and the rush began.
By the 1st of January, 1849, vessels were fit-
ting out in every seaport on the Atlantic coast
and the Gulf of Mexico. Sixty ships were an-
nounced to sail from Xew York in February and
seventy from Philadelphia and Boston. All kinds
of crafts were pressed into the service, some to
go by way of Cape Horn, others to land their
passengers at Vera Cruz, Nicaragua and Pana-
ma, the voyagers to take their chances on the
Pacific side for a passage on some unknown
vessel. '
With opening of spring, the overland travel
began. Forty thousand men gathered at differ-
ent points on the Missouri river, but principally
at St. Joseph and Independence. Horses, mules,
oxen and cows were used for the propelling
power of the various forms of vehicles that were
to convey the provisions and other impedimenta
of the army of gold seekers. By the 1st of May
the grass was grown enough on the plains to
furnish feed for the stock, and the vanguard of
the grand army of gold hunters started. For
two months, company after company left the
rendezvous and joined the procession until for
one thousand miles there was an almost un-
broken line of wagons and pack trains. The
first half of the journey was made with little
inconvenience, but on the last part there was
great suffering and loss of life. The cholera
broke out among them, and it is estimated that
five thousand died on the plains. The alkali
desert of the Humboldt was the place where the
immigrants suffered most. Exhausted by the
l«mg journey and weakened by lack of food,
many succumbed under the hardship of the des-
1 it journey and died. The crossing of the Sierras
was attended with great hardships. From the
loss of their horses and oxen, many were com-
pelled to cross the mountains on foot. Their
provisions exhausted, they would have perished
but for relief sent out from California. The
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
greatest sufferers were the woman and children,
who in considerable numbers made the perilous
journey.
The overland immigration of 1850 exceeded
that of 1849. According to record kept at Fort
Laramie, there passed that station during the
season thirty-nine thousand men, two thousand
five hundred women and six hundred children,
making a total of forty-two thousand one hun-
dred persons. These immigrants had with them
when passing Fort Laramie twenty-three thou-
sand horses, eight thousand mules, three thou-
sand six hundred oxen, seven thousand cows
and nine thousand wagons.
Besides those coming by the northern route,
that is by the South Pass and the Humboldt
river, at least ten thousand found their way to
the land of gold by the old Spanish trail, by the
Gila route and by Texas, Coahuila and Chihua-
hua into Arizona, and thence across the Colo-
rado desert to Los Angeles, and from there by
the coast route or the San Joaquin valley to the
mines.
The Pacific Mail Steamship Company had
been organized before the discovery of gold in
California. March 3, 1847, an act °f Congress
was passed authorizing the secretary of the navy
to advertise for bids to carry the United States
mails by one line of steamers between New
York and Chagres, and by another line between
Panama and Astoria, Ore. On the Atlantic side
the contract called for five ships of one thousand
five hundred tons burden, on the Pacific side two
of one thousand tons each, and one of six hun-
dred tons. These were deemed sufficient for the
trade and travel between the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts of the United States. The Pacific Mail
Steamship Company was incorporated April 12.
1848, with a capital stock of $500,000. October
6, 1848, the California, the first steamer for the
Pacific, sailed from New York, and was followed
in the two succeeding months by the Oregon
and the Panama. The California sailed before
the news of the gold discovery had reached New-
York, and she had taken no passengers. When
she arrived at Panama, January 30, 1849, she
encountered a rush of fifteen hundred gold hunt-
ers, clamorous for a passage. These had reached
Chagres on sailing vessels, and ascended the
Chagres river in bongos or dugouts to Gor-
gona, and from thence by land to Panama. The
California had accommodations for only one
hundred, but four hundred managed to find
some place to stow themselves away. The price
of tickets rose to a fabulous sum, as high as
$1,000 having been paid for a steerage passage.
The California entered the bay of San Francisco
February 28, [849, and was greeted by the boom
of cannon and the cheers of thousands of people
'lining the shores of the bay. The other two
steamers arrived on time, and the Pacific Mail
Steamship Company became the predominant
factor in California travel for twenty years, or up
to the completion of the first transcontinental
railroad in 1869. The charges for fare on these
steamers in the early '50s were prohibitory to
men of small means. From New York to
Chagres in the saloon the fare was $150. 111 the
cabin $120. From Panama to San Francisco in
the saloon, $250; cabin, $200. Add to these the
expense of crossing the isthmus, and the argo-
naut was out a goodly sum when he reached the
land of the golden fleece, indeed, he was often
fleeced of his last dollar before he entered the
Golden Gate.
The first effect of the gold discovery on San
Francisco, as we have seen, was to depopulate
it, and of necessity suspend all building opera-
tions. In less than three months the reaction
began, and the city experienced one of the most
magical booms in history. Real estate doubled
in some instances in twenty-four hours. The
California}! of September 3, 1848, says: "Flu-
vacant lot on the corner of Montgomery and
Washington streets was offered the day previous
for $5,000 and next day sold readily for $10,000."
Lumber went up in value until it was sold at a
dollar per square font. Wages kept pace with
the general advance. Sixteen dollars a day was
mechanic's wages, and the labor market was not
overstocked even at these high rates. With the
approach of winter, the gold - ekers came dock-
ing back to the city to find
their suddenly acquired wealth. The latti
easily accomplished, but the former was more
difficult. Any kind of a shelter that would keep
out the rain was utilized for a dwelling. Rows
of tents that circled around the business por-
L62
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion, shanties patched together from pieces of
packing boxes and sheds thatched with brush
from the chaparral-covered hills constituted
the principal dwellings at that time of the future
metropolis of California. The yield of the mines
for 1848 has been estimated at ten million
dollars. This was the result of only a few
months' labor of not to exceed at any time ten
thousand men. The rush of miners did not
reach the mines until July, and mining opera-
tions were mainly suspended by the middle of
October.
New discoveries had followed in quick suc-
cession Marshall's find at Coloma until by the
close of 1848 gold placers had been located on
all the principal tributaries of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin rivers. Some of the richest
yields were obtained from what was known as
"Dry Diggins." These were dry ravines from
which pay dirt had to be packed to water for
washing or the gold separated by dry washing,
tossing the earth into the air until it was
blown away by the wind, the gold, on account
of its weight, remaining in the pan.
A correspondent of the Calif ornian, writing-
August 15, 1848, from what he designates as
"Dry Diggins," gives this account of the rich-
ness of that gold field: "At the lower mines
(Mormon Island) the miners count the success
of the day in dollars; at the upper mines near
the mill (Coloma), in ounces, and here in
pounds. The only instrument used at first was
a butcher knife, and the demand for that ar-
ticle was so great that $40 has been refused
for one.
"The earth is taken out of the ravines which
make out of the mountains and is carried in
wagons or packed on horses from one to three
miles to water and washed. Four hundred dol-
lars is the average to the cart load. In one in-
stance five loads yielded $16,000. Instances are
known here where men have carried the earth
on their backs and collected from $800 to $1,500
a day."
The rapidity with which the country was ex-
plored by prospectors was truly remarkable.
The editor of the California)!, who had sus-
pended the publication of his paper on May 29
to visit the mines, returned and resumed it on
July 15 (1848). In an editorial in that issue he
gives his observations: "The country from the
Ajuba (Yuba) to the San Joaquin rivers, a dis-
tance of one hundred and twenty miles, and
from the base toward the summit of the moun-
tains as lar as Snow Hill, about seventy miles,
has been explored, and gold found in every
part. There are probably three thousand men,
including Indians, engaged in collecting gold.
The amount collected by each man who w^orks
ranges from $10 to $350 per day. The publisher
of this paper, while on a tour alone to the min-
ing district, collected, with the aid of a shovel,
pick and pan, from $44 to $128 a day, averag-
ing about $100. The largest piece of gold
known to be found weighed four pounds."
Among other remarkable yields the Calif ornian
reports these: "One man dug $12,000 in six
clays, and three others obtained thirty-six
pounds of pure metal in one day."
CHAPTER XXIV.
MAKING A STATE.
COL. R. B. MASON, who had been
the military governor of California since
the departure of General Kearny in
May. 1847. had grown weary of his task. He
had been in the military service of his country
thirty years and wished to be relieved. His
request was granted, and on the 12th of April.
[849, Brevel Brigadier General Bennett Riley,
his successor, arrived at Monterey and the next
day entered upon his duties as civil governor.
Gen. Persifer F. Smith, who had been appointed
commander of the Pacific division of the United
States army, arrived at San Francisco Febru-
ary 2<i. 1849, and relieved Colonel Mason of
his- military command. A brigade of troops
six hundred and fifty Strong had been sent to
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L63
California for military service on the border
and to maintain order. Most of these promptly
deserted as soon as an opportunity offered and
found their way to the mines.
Colonel Mason, who under the most trying-
circumstances had faithfully served his govern-
ment and administered justice to the people of
California, took his departure May i, [849.
The same year he died at St. Louis of cholera.
A year had passed since the treaty of peace
with Mexico had been signed, which made Cali-
fornia United States territory, but Congress
had done nothing toward giving it a govern-,
ment. The anomalous condition existed of citi-
zens of the United States, living in the United
States, being governed by Mexican laws admin-
istered by a mixed constituency of Mexican-
born and American-born officials. The pro-
slavery element in Congress was determined to
foist the curse of human slavery on a portion
of the territory acquired from Mexico, but the
discovery of gold and the consequent rush of
freemen to the territory had disarranged the
plans of the slave-holding faction in Congress,
and as a consequence all legislation was at a
standstill.
The people were becoming restive at the long
delay. The Americanized Mexican laws and
forms of government were unpopular and it
was humiliating to the conqueror to be gov-
erned by the laws of the people conquered.
The question of calling a convention to form a
provisional government was agitated by the
newspapers and met a hearty response from the
people. Meetings were held at San Jose, De-
cember 11, 1848; at San Francisco, December
21, and at Sacramento, January 6, 1849, to
consider the question of establishing a pro-
visional government. It was recommended by
the San Jose meeting that a convention be held
at that place on the second Alonday of January.
The San Francisco convention recommended
the 5th of March; this the Monterey committee
considered too early as it would take the dele-
gates from below fifteen days to reach the pu-
eblo of San Jose. There was no regular mail
and the roads in February (when the delegates
would have to start) were impassable. ["he
committee recommended May 1 as the earliest
date for the meeting to consider the question of
calling of a convention. Sonoma, without wait-
ing, took the initiative and elected ten delegates
to a provisional government convention. There
was no unanimity in regard to the time of meet-
ting or as to what could be done if the conven-
tion met. It was finally agreed to postpone the
time of meeting to the first Monday of August,
when, if Congress had done nothing towards
giving California some form of government bet-
ter than that existing, the convention should
meet and organize a provisional government.
The local government of San Francisco had
become so entangled and mixed up by various
councils that it was doubtful whether it had
any legal legislative body. When the term of
the first council, which had been authorized
by Colonel Mason in 1848, was about to ex-
pire an election was held December 27 . to
choose their successors. Seven new council-
men were chosen. The old council declared
the election fraudulent and ordered a new one.
An election was held, notwithstanding the pro-
test of a number of the best citizens, and an-
other council chosen. So the city was blessed
or cursed with three separate and distincl coun-
cils. The old council voted itself out of ex-
istence and then there were but two, but that
was one too many. Then the people, disgusted
with the condition of affairs, called a public
meeting, at which it was decided to elect a
legislative assembly of fifteen members, who
should be empowered to make the necessary
laws for the government of the city. An election
was held on the 21st of February, 1849, and a
legislative assembly and justices elected. Then
Alcalde Leyenworth refused to turn over the
city records to the Chief Magistrate-elecl Nor-
ton. On the 22d of .March the legislative as-
sembly abolished the office of alcalde, but
Levenworth still held on to the records. He
was finally compelled by public opinion and a
writ of replevin to surrender the official n
to Judge Norton. The confusion constantly
arising from thi i\ em-
inent that was semi-military and semi-Mexican
induced Governor Rile) to order an election to
be held August tst, to eleel delegates to a
convention to meet in Monterey Septembi
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1849, to form a state constitution or territorial
organization to be ratified by the people and
submitted to Congress for its approval. Judges,
prefects and alcaldes were to be elected at the
same time in the principal municipal districts.
The constitutional convention was to consist of
thirty-seven delegates, apportioned as follows:
San Diego two, Los Angeles four, Santa Bar-
bara two, San Luis Obispo two, Monterey five,
San Jose" five, San Francisco five, Sonoma four,
Sacramento four, and San Joaquin four. In-
stead of thirty-seven delegates as provided for
in the call, forty-eight were elected and seated.
The convention met September 1, 1849, at
Monterey in Colton Hall. This was a stone
building erected by Alcalde Walter Colton for
a town hall and school house. The money to
build it was derived partly from fines and partly
from subscriptions, the prisoners doing the
greater part of the work. It was the most
commodious public building at that time in the
territory.
Of the forty-eight delegates elected twenty-
two were natives of the northern states; fifteen
of the slave states; four were of foreign birth,
and seven were native Californians. Several of
the latter neither spoke nor understood the
English language and William E. P. Hartnell
was appointed interpreter. Dr. Robert Semple
of Bear Flag fame was elected president, Will-
iam G. Marcy and J. Ross Browne reporters.
Early in the session the slavery question was
disposed of by the adoption of a section declar-
ing that neither slavery or involuntary servitude,
unless for the punishment of crimes, shall ever
be tolerated in this state. The question of fix-
ing the boundaries of the future state excited
the most discussion. The pro-slavery faction
was led by William M. Gwin, who had a few
months before migrated from Tennessee to
California with the avowed purpose of repre-
senting the new state in the United States sen-
ate. The scheme of Gwin and his southern as-
sociates was to make the Rocky mountains the
i astern boundary. This would create a state
with an era of about four hundred thousand
square miles. They reasoned that when the
admission of the state came before congress the
southern members would oppose the admission
of so large an area under a free state constitu-
tion and that ultimately a compromise might
be effected. California would be split in two
from east to west, the old dividing line, the
parallel of 360 30', would be established and
Southern California come into the Union as a
slave state. There were at that time fifteen
free and fifteen slave states. If two states, one
free and one slave, could be made out of Califor-
nia, the equilibrium between the opposing fac-
tions would be maintained. The Rocky moun-
tain boundary was at one time during the ses-
sion adopted, but in the closing days of the
session the free state men discovered Gwin's
scheme and it was defeated. The present boun-
daries were established by a majority of two.
A committee had been appointed to receive
propositions and designs for a state seal. Only
one design was offered. It was presented by
Caleb Lyon of Lyondale, as he usually signed
his name, but was drawn by Major Robert S.
Garnett, an army officer. It contained a figure
of Minerva in the foreground, a grizzly bear
feeding on a bunch of grapes; a miner with an
uplifted pick; a gold rocker and pan; a view of
the Golden Gate with ships riding at anchor
in the Bay of San Francisco; the peaks of the
Sierra Nevadas in the distance; a sheaf of wheat ;
thirty-one stars and above all the word
"Eureka" (I have found it), which might apply
either to the miner or the bear. The design
seems to have been an attempt to advertise the
resources of the state. General Vallejo wanted
the bear taken out of the design, or if allowed
to remain, that he be made fast by a lasso in the
hands of a vaquero. This amendment was re-
jected, as was also one submitted by O. M.
Wozencraft to strike out the figures of the gold
digger and the bear and introduce instead bales
of merchandise and bags of gold. The original
design was adopted with the addition of the
words, "The Great Seal of the State of Califor-
nia." The convention voted to give Lyon $1,000
as full compensation for engraving the seal and
furnishing the press and all appendages.
Garnett, the designer of the seal, was a Vir-
ginian by birth. He graduated from West
Point in 1841, served through the Mexican war
and through several of the Indian wars on the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1G5
Pacific coast. At the breaking out of the re-
bellion in 1861 he joined the Confederates and
was made a brigadier general. He was killed
at the battle of Carrick's Ford July 15, 1S61.
The constitution was completed on the nth
of October and an election was called by Gov-
ernor Riley to be held on the 13th of November
to vote upon the adoption of the constitution
and to elect state officers, a legislature and mem-
bers of congress.
At the election Peter H. Burnett, recently
from Oregon territory, who had been quite
active in urging the organization of a state gov-
ernment, was chosen governor; John McDou-
gall, lieutenant governor, and George W.
Wright and Edward Gilbert members of con-
gress. San Jose had been designated by the
constitutional convention the capital of the state
pro tern.
The people of San Jose had pledged them-
selves to provide a suitable building for the
meeting of the legislature in hopes that their
town might be made the permanent capital.
They were unable to complete the building de-
signed for a state capital in time for the meet-
ing. The uncomfortable quarters furnished
created a great deal of dissatisfaction. The leg-
islature consisted of sixteen senators and thirty-
six assemblymen. There being no county or-
ganization, the members were elected by
districts. The representation was not equally
distributed; San Joaquin district had more sen-
ators than San Francisco. The senate and as-
sembly were organized on the 17th of Decem-
ber. E. K. Chamberlain of San Diego was
elected president pro tern, of the senate and
Thomas J. White of Sacramento speaker of the
assembly. The governor and lieutenant-gov-
ernor were sworn in on the 20th. The state
government being organized the legislature
proceeded to the election of United States sen-
ators. The candidates were T. Butler King,
John C. Fremont, William M. Gwin, Thomas
J. Henly, John W. Geary, Robert Semple and
H. W. Halleck. Fremont received twenty-nine
out of forty-six votes on the first ballot and was
declared elected. Of the aspirants, T. Butler
King and William M. Gwin represented the
ultra pro-slavery element. King was a cross-
roads politician from down in Georgia, who
had been sent to the coast as a confidential
agent of the government. The officers of the
arm)- and navy were enjoined to "in all matters
aid and assist him in carrying out the views of
the government and be guided by his advice and
council in the conduct of all proper measures
within the scope of those instructions." He
made a tour of the mines, accompanied by Gen-
eral Smith and his staff; Commodore Ap Catesby
Jones and staff and a cavalry escort under Lieu-
tenant Stoneman. He wore a black stovepipe
hat and a dress coat. He made himself the
laughing stock of the miners and by traveling
in the heat of the day contracted a fever that
very nearly terminated his existence. He had
been active so far as his influence went in trying
to bring California into the Union with the hope
of representing it in the senate. Gwin had
come a few months before from Mississippi with
the same object in view. Although the free
state men were in the majority in the legislature
they recognized the fact that to elect two sena-
tors opposed to the extension of slavery would
result in arraying the pro-slavery faction in con-
gress against the admission of the state into
the Union. Of the two representatives of the
south, Gwin was the least objectionable and on
the second ballot he was elected. On the
21 st Governor Burnett delivered his message.
It was a wordy document, but not marked by
any very brilliant ideas or valuable suggestions.
Burnett was a southerner from Missouri. Fie
was hobbied on the subject of the exclusion of
free negroes. The African, free to earn his own
living unrestrained by a master, was, in his
opinion, a menace to the perpetuity of the com-
monwealth.
On the 22d the legislature elected the remain-
ing state officers, viz.: Richard Roman, treas-
urer; John I. Houston, controller; E. J. I'.
Kewen, attorney general; Charles J. Whiting,
surveyor-general; S. C. Hastings, chief jus-
tice; Henry Lyons and Nathaniel Bennett, as-
sociate justices. The legislature continued in
session until April 22. 1850. Although it was
nicknamed the "Legislature of a thousand
drinks.-' it did a vast amount of work and did
most of it well. It was not made up of hard
166
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
drinkers. The majority of its members were
above the average legislator in intelligence,
temperance and patriotism. The members were
not there for pay or for political preferment. They
were there for thegood oftheir adopted state and
labored conscientiously for its benefit. The op-
probrious nickname is said to have originated
thus: A roystering individual by the name of
Green had been elected to the senate from Sac-
ramento as a joke. He regarded the whole pro-
ceedings as a huge joke. He kept a supply of
liquors on hand at his quarters and when the
legislature adjourned he was in the habit of call-
in-: "Come, boys, let us take a thousand
thinks."
The state had set up housekeeping without a
cent on hand to defray expenses. There was not
a quire of paper, a pen, nor an inkstand belong-
ing to the state and no money to buy supplies.
After wrestling with the financial problem some
time an act authorizing a loan of $200,000 for
current expenses was passed. Later on in the
session another act was passed authorizing the
bonding of the state for $300,000 with interest
at the rate of three per cent a month. The
legislature divided the state into twenty-seven
counties, created nine judicial districts, passed
laws for the collection of revenue, taxing all
real and personal property and imposing a poll
tax of $5 on all male inhabitants over twen-
ty-one and under fifty years of age.
California was a self-constituted state. It
had organized a state government and put it int.)
successful operation without the sanction of
congress. Officials, state, county and town, had
been electe 1 and had sworn to support the con-
stitution of the state of California and yet there
was really no state of California. It had not
been admitted into the Union. It was only a
state de facto and it continued in that condition
nine months before it became a state de jure.
•,\ 1: ,: (-he question of admitting California
in o the Union came before congress it evoked
a bitter controversy. The senate was equally
divided, thirty senators from the slave states
and the same number from the free. There
were among the southern senators some broad
I and patriotic men, willing to do what
was right, but they were handicapped by an
ultra pro-slavery faction, extremists, who
would willingly sacrifice the Union if by that
they could extend and perpetuate that sum of
all villainies, human slavery. This faction in
the long controversy resorted to every known
parliamentary device to prevent the admission of
California under a free state constitution. To
admit two senators from a free state would de-
stroy the balance of power. That gone, it could
never be regained by the south. The north was
increasing in power and population, while the
south, under the blighting influence of slavery,
was retrograding.
Henry Clay, the man of compromises, under-
took to bridge over the difficulty by a set of
resolutions known as the Omnibus bill. These
were largely concessions to the slave holding
faction for the loss of the territory acquired by
the Mexican war. Among others was this, that
provision should be made by law for the restitu-
tion of fugitive slaves in any state or territory
of the Union. This afterward was embodied
into what was known as the fugitive slave law
and did more perhaps than any other cause to
de>tniy the souths beloved institution.
These resolutions were debated through
many months and were so amended and changed
that their author could scarcely recognize them.
Most of them were adopted in some form and
effected a temporary compromise.
On August 13th the bill for the admission
of California finally came to a vote. It passed
the senate, thirty-four ayes to eighteen noes.
Even then the opposition did not cease. Ten
of the southern pro-slavery extremists, led by
Jefferson Davis, joined in a protest against the
action of the majority, the language of which
was an insult to the senate and treason to the
government. In the house the bill passed by a
vote <>f one hundred and fifty ayes to fifty-six
ultra southern noes. It was approved and signed
by President Fillmore September 9, 1850. On
the nth of September the California senators
and congressmen presented themselves to be
sworn in. The slave holding faction in the sen-
ate, headed by Jefferson Davis, who had been
one of the most bitter opponents to the admis-
sion, objected. But their protest availed them
nothing. Their ascendency was gone. We
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HJ7
might sympathize with them had their fight
been made for a noble principle, but it was not.
From that day on until the attempt was made
in 1861 these men schemed to destroy the
Union. The admission of California as a free
state was the beginning of the slave holders' re-
bellion.
The news of the admission of California
reached San Francisco on the morning of Oc-
tober 18, by the mail steamer Oregon, nearly six
weeks after congress had admitted it. Business
was at once suspended, the courts were ad-
journed and the people went wild with excite-
ment. Messengers, mounted on fleet steeds,
spread the news throughout the state. News-
papers from the states containing an account
of the proceedings of congress at the time of
admission sold for $5 each. It was decided to
hold a formal celebration of the event on the
29th and preparations were begun for a grand
demonstration. Neither labor nor money was
spared to make the procession a success. The
parade was cosmopolitan in the fullest meaning
of that word. There were people in it from
almost every nation under the sun. The Chi-
nese made quite an imposing spectacle in the
parade. Dressed in rich native costumes, each
carrying a gaudily painted fan, they marched
under command of their own marshals, Ah He
and Ah Sing. At their head proudly marched
a color bearer carrying a large blue silk ban-
ner, inscribed the "China boys." Following
them came a triumphal car, in which was seated
thirty boys in black trousers and white shirts,
representing the thirty states. In the center of
this group, seated on a raised platform, was a
young girl robed in white with gold and silver
gauze floating about her and supporting a
breast plate, upon which was inscribed "Cali-
fornia, the Union, it must and shall be pre-
served." The California pioneers carried a ban-
ner on which was represented a New Englander
in the act of stepping ashore and facing a na-
tive Californian with lasso and serape. In the
center the state seal and the inscription. "Far
west, Eureka 1846, California pioneers, or-
ganized August, 1850." Army and navy offi-
cers, soldiers, sailors and marines, veterans of
the Mexican war, municipal officers, the fire de-
partment, secret and benevolent societies and as-
sociations, with a company of mounted native
Californians bearing a banner with thirty-one
stars on a blue satin ground with the inscription
in gold letters, California, E Pluribus Unum, all
these various organizations and orders with
their marshals and aids mounted on gaily
caparisoned steeds and decked out with their
gold and silver trimmed scarfs, made an impos-
ing display that has seldom if ever been equaled
since in the metropolis of California.
At the plaza a flag of thirty-one stars was
raised to the mast head. An oration was de-
livered by Judge Nathaniel Bennett and Mrs.
Wills recited an original ode of her own compo-
sition. The rejoicing over, the people settled
down to business. Their unprecedented action
in organizing a state government and putting it
into operation without the sanction of congress
had been approved and legalized by that body.
Like the Goddess Minerva, represented on its
great seal, who sprung full grown from the
brain of Jupiter, California was born a fully ma-
tured state. She passed through no territorial
probation. Xo state had such a phenomenal
growth in its infancy. No state before or since
has met with such bitter opposition when it
sought admission into the family of states.
Never before was there such a medley of nation-
alities—Yankees, Mexicans, English, Germans,
French, Spaniards, Peruvians, Polynesians,
Mongolians — organized into a state and made
a part of the body politic nolens volens.
The constitutional convention of 1849 did not
definitely fix the state capital. San Jose was
designated as the place of meeting for the legis-
lature and the organization of the state govern-
ment. San Jose had offered to donate a square
of thirty-two acres,' valued at $60,000, for cap-
itol grounds and provide a suitable building for
the legislature and state officers. The offer was
accepted, but when the legislature met there
December 15, 1849, the building was unfinished
and for a time the meeting .lature
were held at a private residence. There was a
great deal of complaining and dissatisfaction.
The first capitol of t.
h had been it
for a hotel. It was destroyed by tire April 29,
L68
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1853. The accommodations at San Jose were
so unsatisfactory that the legislature decided
to locate the capital at some other point. Prop-
ositions were received from Monterey, from
Reed of San Jose, from Stevenson & Parker of
New York of the Pacific and from Gen. M. G.
Yallejo. Vallejo's proposition was accepted.
He offered to donate one hundred and fifty-six
acres of land in a new town that he proposed
to lay out on the straits of Carquinez (now Yal-
lejo) for a capital site and within two years to
give .^370,000 in money for the erection of pub-
lic buildings. He asked that his proposition be
submitted to a vote of the people at the next
general election. His proposition was accepted
by the legi: Iature. At the general election, Octo-
ber 7, 1850, Yallejo received seventy-four hun-
dred and seventy-seven votes; San Jose twelve
hundred and ninety-two, and Monterey three
hundred and ninety-nine. The second legisla-
ture convened at San Jose. General Yallejo ex-
erted himself to have the change made in accord-
ance with the previous proposition. The cit-
izens of San Jose made an effort to retain the
capital, but a bill was passed making Vallejo
the permanent seat of government after the
close of the session, provided General Yallejo
should give bonds to carry out his proposals.
In June Governor McDougal caused the gov-
ernmental archives to be removed from San
Jose to Vallejo.
When the members of the third legislature
met at the new capital January 2, 1852, they
found a large unfurnished and partly unfinished
wooden building for their reception. Hotel ac-
commodations could not be obtained and there
was even a scarcity of food to feed the hungry
lawmakers. Sacramento offered its new court
• house and on the 16th of January the legislature
convened in that city. The great flood of
March, 1852, inundated the city and the law-
makers were forced to reach the halls of legis-
lation in boats and again there was dissatisfac-
tion. Then Benicia came to the front with an
offer of her new city hall, which was above
high water mark. General Vallejo had become
financially embarrassed and could not carry out
his contract with the state, so it was annulled.
The offer of Benicia was accepted and on May
18, 1853, that town was declared the permanent
capital.
In the legislature of 1854 the capital question
again became an issue. Offers were made by
several aspiring cities, but Sacramento won with
the proffer of her court house and a block of
land betwen I and J, Ninth and Tenth streets.
Then the question of the location of the capital
got into the courts. The supreme court de-
cided in favor of Sacramento. Before the legis-
lature met again the court house that had been
offered to the state burned down. A new and
more commodious one was erected and rented
to the state at $12,000 a year. Oakland made
an unsuccessful effort to obtain the capital,
finally a bill was passed authorizing the erection
of a capitol building in Sacramento at a cost
not to exceed $500,000. Work was begun on
the foundation in October, i860. The great
flood of 1861-62 inundated the city and ruined
the foundations of the capitol. San Francisco
made a vigorous effort to get the capital re-
moved to that city, but was unsuccessful. Work
was resumed on the building, the plans were
changed, the edifice enlarged, and, finally, after
many delays, it was ready for occupancy in De-
cember, 1869. From the original limit of half a
million dollars its cost when completed had
reached a million and a half. The amount ex-
pended on the building and grounds to date
foots up $2,600,000.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER XXV.
THE ARGONAUTS.
WHEN or by whom the name argonaut
was first applied to the early Cali-
fornia gold seekers I have not been
able to ascertain. The earliest allusion to the
similarity of Jason's voyage after the Golden
Fleece and the miners' rush to the gold fields of
California is found in a caricature published in
the London Punch in 1849. On tne shore of
an island is a guide board bearing the inscrip-
tion "California;" near it is a miner digging gold
and presumably singing at his work. In a
boat near the shore is a fat individual, a typical
"Johnny Bull." He is struggling desperately
with two individuals who are holding him back
from leaping into the water, so fascinated is he
by the song of the miner. Under the drawing
are the words, "The Song of the Sirens."
If we include among the argonauts all who
traveled by land or voyaged by sea in search of
the golden fleece in the days of '49 we will have
a motley mixture. The tales of the fabulous rich-
ness of the gold fields of California spread rap-
idly throughout the civilized world and drew to
the territory all classes and conditions of men,
the bad as well as the good, the indolent as well
as the industrious, the vicious as well as the
virtuous. They came from Europe, from South
America and from Mexico. From Australia
and Tasmania came the ex-convict and the
ticket-of-leave man; from the isles of the sea
came the Polynesian, and from Asia the Hindoo
and the "Heathen Chinee."
The means of reaching the land of gold were
as varied as the character of the people who
came. Almost every form of vehicle was pressed
into service on land. One individual, if not more,
made the trip trundling his impedimenta in a
wheelbarrow. Others started out in carriages.
intent on making the journey in comfort and
ease, but finished on foot, weary, worn and
ragged. When the great rush came old sailing-
vessels that had long been deemed unseaworthy
were fitted out for the voyage to California. It
must have been the providence that protects
fools which prevented these from going to the
bottom of the ocean. With the desperate
chances that the argonauts took on these old
tubs, it is singular that there were so few ship-
wrecks and so little loss of life. Some of these
were such slow sailers that it took them the
greater part of a year to round Cape Horn and
reach their destination. On one of these some
passengers, exasperated at its slowness, landed
near Cape St. Lucas and made the long journey
up the peninsula of Lower California and on to
San Francisco on foot, arriving there a month
before their vessel. Another party undertook to
make the voyage from Nicaragua in a wdiale
boat and actually did accomplish seven hundred
miles of it before they were picked up in the last
extremities by a sailing vessel.
The Sierra Nevada region, in which gold was
first found, comprised a strip about thirty miles
wide and two hundred miles long from north
to south in the basins of the Feather, Yuba,
Bear, American, Cosumne, Mokolumne, Stanis-
laus, Tuolumne and Merced rivers, between the
elevations of one thousand and five thousand
feet. In all these streams miners washed gold
in 1848. The placer mines on the Upper Sacra-
mento and in the Shasta region were discovered
and worked late in the fall of 1848. The Kla-
math mines were discovered later.
The southern mines, those on the San Joaquin,
Fresno, Kern and San Gabriel rivers, were lo-
cated between 1851 and 1855. Gold was found
in some of the ravines and creeks of San Diego
county. Practically the gold belt of California
extends from the .Mexican line to Oregon, but
at some points it is rather thin. The first gold
digging was done with butcher knives, the gold
hunter scratching in the sand and crevices of
the rock to find nuggets. Next the gold pan
came into use and the miners became experts
170
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in twirling the pan in a pool of water, so as to
wash out the sand and gravel and leave the gold
dust in the pan. Isaac Humphreys, who had
mined gold in Georgia, was the first person to
use a rocker or gold cradle in California. Al-
though a very simple piece of machinery those
who reached the mines early found it quite an
expensive one. Dr. Brooks in his diary, under
date of June u, 1848, writes: "On Tuesday we
set to work upon our cradle. We resolved upon
the construction of two and for this purpose
went down to the store in a body to see about
the boards. We found timber extravagantly
dear, being asked $40 a hundred feet. The next
question was as to whether we should hire a
carpenter. We were told there was one or two
in the diggings, wljo might be hired, though
at a very extravagant rate. Accordingly Brad-
ley and I proceeded to see one of these gentle-
men, and found him washing away with a hollow
log and a willow branch sieve. He offered to
help us at the rate of $35 a day, we finding pro-
visions and tools, and could not be brought to
charge less. We thought this by far too ex-
travagant and left him, determined to undertake
the work ourselves. After two days' work of
seven men they produced two rough cradles
and found that three men with a cradle or rocker
could wash out as much gold in a day as six
could with pans in the same time."
A rocker or gold cradle had some resemblance
to a child's cradle with similar rockers and was
rocked by means of a perpendicular handle
fastened to the cradle box. The cradle box con-
sisted of a wooden trough about twenty inches
.vide and forty inches long with sides four or
five inches high. The lower end was left open.
On the upper end sat the hopper, a box twenty
inches square with sides four inches high and
a bottom of sheet iron or zinc pierced with holes
one-half inch in diameter. Where zinc or iron
could not be obtained a sieve of willow rods
was used. Under the hopper was an apron of
canvas, which sloped down from the lower end
of the hopper to the upper end of the cradle
box. A wooden riffle bar an inch square was
nailed across the bottom of the cradle box about
its middle, and another al its lower end. Under
the cradle box were nailed rockers, and near
the middle an upright handle by which motion
was imparted. If water and pay dirt were con-
venient two men were sufficient to operate the
machine. Seated on a stooi or rock the operator
rocked with one hand, while with a long handled
dipper he dipped water from a pool and poured
it on the sand and gravel in the hopper. When
the sand and earth had been washed through
the holes in the sieve the rocks were emptied
and the hopper filled again from the buckets of
pay dirt supplied by the other partner. The gold
was caught on the canvas apron by the riffle
bars, while the thin mud and sand were washed
out of the machine by the water.
In the dry diggings a method of separating
the gold from the earth was resorted to prin-
cipally by Sonorans. The pay dirt was dug and
dried in the sun, then pulverized by pounding
into fine dust. With a batea or bowl-shaped
Indian basket filled with this dust, held in both
hands, the Mexican skillfully tossed the earth
in the air, allowing the wind to blow away the
dust and catching the heavier particles and the
gold in the basket, repeating the process until
there was little left but the gold.
The Long Tom was a single sluice with a
sieve and a box underneath at the end and rif-
fle bars to stop the gold. The pay dirt was shov-
eled in at the upper end and a rapid current of
water washed away the sand and earth, the gold
falling into the receptacle below. Ground sluic-
ing was resorted to where a current of water
from a ditch could be directed against a bank of
earth or hill with a sloping bedrock. The stream
of water washing against the upper side of the
bank caved it down and carried the loose earth
through a string of sluices, depositing the gold
in the riffle bars in the bottom of the sluices.
In the creeks and gulches where there was
not much fall, sluice mining was commonly re-
sorted to. A string of sluice boxes was laid,
each fitting into the upper end of the one below,
and in the lower ones riffle bars were placed
to stop the gold. The sluice boxes were placed
on nellies four feet from the ground and given
an incline of five or six inches to the rod. The
gravel from the bedrock up as far as there was
am- pay dirt was shoveled into the upper boxes
and a rapid current of water flowing through the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L7J
boxes carried away the gravel and rocks, the
gold remaining in the riffles. Quicksilver was
placed between the riffles to catch the fine gold.
The gold amalgamated with quicksilver was
cleaned out of the boxes at the end of the day's
work and separated from the quicksilver in a re-
tort. These were the principal methods of mining
used by the argonauts. The machinery and ap-
pliances were simple and inexpensive. Hy-
draulic mining came in later, when larger cap-
ital was required and the mines had fallen into
the hands of corporations.
When the news spread throughout the states
of the wonderful "finds" of gold in California,
the crudest ideas prevailed in regard to how
the precious metal was to be extracted from
the earth. Gold mining was an almost un-
known industry in the United States. Only
in a few obscure districts of North Caro-
lina and Georgia had gold been found, and
but very few people outside of these dis-
tricts had ever visited the mines. Not one in
ten thousand of those who joined the rush
to California in 1849 nad ever seen a grain of
virgin gold. The idea prevailed among the gold
seekers that the gold being found in grains it
could be winnowed from the sand and earth in
which it was found like wheat is separated from
chaff. Imbued with this idea Yankee ingenuity
set to work to invent labor-saving machines
that would accomplish the work quickly and
enrich the miner proportionally. The ships that
bore the argonauts from their native land car-
ried out a variety of these gold machines, all
guaranteed to wrest from the most secret re-
cesses the auriferous deposits in nature's
treasure vaults. These machines were of all
varieties and patterns. They were made of cop-
per, iron, zinc and brass. Some were operated
by means of a crank, others had two cranks,
while others were worked with a treadle. Some
required that the operator should stand, others
allowed the miner to sit in an arm chair and
work in comfort.
Haskins, in his "Argonauts of California,"
describes one of these machines that was
brought around the Horn in the ship he came
on: "It was in the shape of a huge fanning
mill, with sieves properly arranged for sorting
the gold ready for bottling. All chunks too
large for the bottle would be consigned to the
pork barrel." (The question of bringing home
the gold in bottles or barrels had been seriously
discussed and decided in favor of barrels be-
cause these could be rolled and thus save cost
of transportation from the mines. J
"This immense machine which, during our
passage, excited the envy and jealousy of all
who had not the means and opportunity of se-
curing a similar one required, of course, the
services of a hired man to turn the crank, whilst
the proprietor would be busily engaged in shov-
eling in pay dirt and pumping water; the greater
portion of the time, however, being required,
as was firmly believed, in corking the bottles
and fitting the heads in the barrels. This ma-
chine was owned by a Mr. Allen of Cambridge,
Mass., who had brought with him a colored
servant to manage and control the crank por-
tion of the invaluable institution.
"Upon landing we found lying on the sand
and half buried in the mud hundreds of similar
machines, bearing silent witness at once to the
value of our gold saving machines without the
necessity of a trial."
Nor was it the argonaut alone who came by
sea that brought these machines. Some of
these wonderful inventions were hauled across
the plains in wagons, their owners often sacri-
ficing the necessities of life to save the prized
machine. And, when, after infinite toil and trou-
ble, they had landed their prize in the mines,
they were chagrined to find it the subject of jest
and ridicule by those who had some experience
in mining.
The gold rush came early in the history of
California placer mining. The story of a rich
strike would often depopulate a mining camp in
a few hours. Even a bare rumor of rich dig-
gings in some indefinite localit) would send
scores of miners tramping off on a wild goose
chase into the mountains. Some of these
rushes originated through fake stories circu-
lated for sinister purpose; others were caused
by exaggerated stories of real d
One of the most famous fakes of early days
was the Gold Lake rush of 1S50. This wonder-
ful lake was suppos< d ted about two
172
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hundred miles northeast of Marysville, on the
divide between the Feather and the Yuba rivers.
The Sacramento Transcript of June kj, 1850,
says: "We are informed by a gentleman from
Marysville that it is currently reported there that
the Indians upon this lake use gold for their
commonest purposes; that they have a ready
way of knocking out square blocks, which they
use for seats and couches upon which to place
their beds, which are simply bundles of wild
oats, which grow so profusely in all sections of
the state. According to report also they use for
fishhooks crooked pieces of gold and kill their
game with arrows made of the same material.
They are reported to be thunderstruck at the
movements of the whites and their eagerness
to collect and hoard the materials of the very
ground upon which they tread.
"A story is current that a man at Gold Lake
saw a large piece of gold floating on the lake
which he succeeded in getting ashore. So
clear are the waters that another man saw a
rock of gold on the bottom. After many ef-
forts he succeeded in lassoing the rock. Three
days afterward he was seen standing holding on
to his rope."
The Placer Times of Marysville reports that
the specimens brought into Marysville are of a
value from $1,500 down. Ten ounces is re-
ported as no unusual yield to the pan. The
first party of sixty which started out under
guidance of one who had returned successful
were assured that they would not get less than
$500 each per day. We were told that two hun-
dred had left town with a full supply of pro-
visions and four hundred mules. Mules and
horses have doubled in value. Many places of
business are closed. The diggings at the lake
are probably the best ever discovered." The
Times of June [9 says: "It is reported that up
to last Thursday two thousand persons had
taken up their journey. Many who were work-
ing good claims deserted them for the new dis-
covery. Mules and horses were about impos-
sible to obtain. Although the truth of the re-
port rests on the authority of but two or three
who have returned from Gold Lake, yet few
are found who doubt the marvelous revelations.
A party of Kanakas are said to have wintered
at Gold Lake, subsisting chiefly on the flesh of
their animals. They are said to have taken out
^75,000 the first week. When a conviction takes
such complete possession of a whole com-
munity, who are fully conversant with all the
exaggerations that have had their day, it is
scarcely prudent to utter even a qualified dissent
from what is universally believed."
The denouement of the Gold Lake romance
may he found in the Transcript of July I, 1850.
"The Gold Lake excitement, so much talked of
and acted upon of late, has almost subsided.
A crazy man comes in for a share of the re-
sponsibility. Another report is that they have
found one of the pretended discoverers at
Marysville ami are about to lynch him. In-
deed, we are told that a demonstration against
the town is feared by many. People who have
returned after traveling some one hundred and
fifty to two hundred miles say that they left vast
numbers of people roaming between the sources
of the Yuba and the Feather rivers."
Scarcely had the deluded argonauts returned
from a bootless search for the lake of gold when
another rumored discovery of gold fields of
fabulous richness sent them rushing off toward
the sea coast. Now it was Gold Bluff that lured
I hem away. ( In the northwest coast of Califor-
nia, near the mouth of the Klamath river,
precipitous bluffs four hundred feet high mark
the coast line of the ocean. A party of pros-
pectors in the fall of 1850, who had been up
in the Del Norte country, were making their
way down to the little trading and trapping sta-
tion of Trinidad to procure provisions. On
reaching the bluffs, thirty miles above Trinidad,
they were astonished to find stretching out be-
fore them a beach glittering with golden sands.
They could not stop to gather gold; the) were
starving. So, scraping up a few handfuls of the
glittering sands, they hastened on. In due
time the>' reached San Francisco, where they
exhibited their sand, which proved to be nearly
half gold. The report of the wonderful find was
spread by the newspapers and the excitement
began. Companies were formed and claims lo-
cated at long range. One company of nine
locator- -nil an expert to examine their claims,
lie, by a careful mathematical calculation, as-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
173
certained that the claim would yield forty-three
million dollars to each partner. As there were
fifteen miles of gold beach, the amount of gold
in the sands was sufficient to demonetize the
precious metal. A laudable desire to benefit
the human race possessed some of the claim
owners. They formed joint stock companies with
shares at $100 each. Gold Bluff mining stock
went off like the proverbial hot cakes and pros-
pectors went off as rapidly. Within two days
after the expert's wonderful story was spread
abroad nine ships were fitted out for Gold Bluff.
The first to arrive off the Bluff was the vessel
containing a party of the original discoverers.
In attempting to land in a boat, the boat was
upset in the breakers and five of the six occu-
pants were drowned, Bertram, the leader of the
party making the discovery, alone escaping.
The vessel put back to Trinidad and the gold
hunters made their way up the coast to the
Bluff. But alas for their golden dreams!
Where they had hoped to gather gold by the
ship load no gold was found. Old ocean had
gathered it back into his treasure vaults.
The bubble burst as suddenly as it had ex-
panded. And yet there was gold at Gold Bluff
and there is gold there yet. If the ocean could
be drained or coffer dammed for two hundred
miles along the gold coast of northern Califor-
nia and Oregon, all the wealth of Alaska would
be but the panning out of a prospect hole com-
pared to the richness that lies hidden in the
sands of Gold Beach. For years after the
bursting of the Gold Bluff bubble, when the
tide was low, the sands along Gold Beach were
mined with profit.
The Kern river excitement in the spring of
1855 surpassed everything that had preceded il.
Seven years of mining had skimmed the rich-
ness of the placers. The northern and central
gold fields of California had been thoroughly
prospected. The miners who had been accus-
tomed to the rich strikes of early years could
not content themselves with moderate returns.
They were on the qui vive for a rich strike and
ready for a rush upon the first reporl of one.
The first discoveries on the Kern river were
made in the summer of 1854, but no ex< it<
followed immediately. During the fall and win-
ter rumors were set afloat of rich strikes on the
head waters of that stream. The stories grew
as they traveled. One that had a wide circula-
tion and was readily accepted ran about as fol-
lows: "A .Mexican doctor had appeared in Mari-
posa loaded down with gold nuggets. He re-
ported that he and four companions had found
a region paved with gold. The very hills were
yellow with outcroppings. While gloating over
their wealth and loading it into sacks the In-
dians attacked them and killed his four com-
panions. He escaped with one sack of gold. lie-
proposed to organize a company large enough
to exterminate the Indians and then bring out
the gold on pack mules.*' This as well as other
stories as improbable were spread broadcast
throughout the state. Many of the reports of
wonderful strikes were purposely magnified by
merchants and dealers in mining supplies who
were overstocked with unsalable goods: and
by transportation companies with whom busi-
ness was slack. Their purpose was accom-
plished and the rush was on. It began in Jan-
uary, r S55. Every steamer down the coast to
Los Angeles was loaded to the guards with
adventurers for the mines. The sleepy old
metropolis of the cow counties waked up to
find itself suddenly transformed into a bustling
mining camp. The Southern CaUfornian of Feb-
ruary 8, 1855, thus describes the situation: "The
road from our valley is literally thronged with
people on their way to the mines. Hundreds
of people have been leaving not only the city,
but every portion of the count\. Every descrip-
tion of vehicle and animal has been brought
into requisition to take the exultant seekers
after wealth to the goal of their hopes. Im-
mense ten-mule wagons strung out one after
another; long trains of pack mules and men
mounted and on foot, with picks and sho
boarding-house keepers with their tents: mer-
chants with their stocks of miners' necessaries
and gamblers with their 'papers' are constantly
leaving for the Kern river mines. The >
1, iries are afloat. If the mine- turn 1 >u1 $10
a day to the man everybody ough
ft, ,1. 'I he opei mines has b<
( ,, ids( ml to all of us, as the business of the en-
tire countr) was on the poinl of taking to a
174
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
'ice. The great scarcity of money is seen in
the present exorbitant rates of interest which it
commands: 8, 10 and even 15 per cent a month
is freely paid and the supply even at these rates
is too meager to meet the demands." As the
rush increased our editor grows more jubilant.
In his issue of March 7, he throws out these
headlines: "Stop the Press! Glorious Xews
from Kern River! Bring Out the Big Gun!
There are a thousand gulches rich with gold
and room for ten thousand miners. Miners
averaged $50 a day. One man with his own
hands took out $160 in a day. Five men in ten
days took out $4,500."
Another stream of miners and adventurers
was pouring into the mines by way of the San
Joaquin valley. From Stockton to the Kern
river, a distance of three hundred miles, the
road was crowded with men on foot, on stages,
on horseback and on every form of convey-
ance that would take them to the new El Do-
rado. In four months five or six thousand men
had found their way into the Kern river basin.
There was gold there, but not enough to go
around. A few struck it rich, the many struck
nothing but "hard luck" and the rush out began.
Those who had ridden into the valley footed it
out, and those who had footed it in on sole
leather footed it nut on their natural soles.
After the wild frenzy of Kern river, the press
of the state congratulated the public with the
assurance that the era of wild rushes was past —
"what had been lost in money had been gained
in experience." As if prospectors ever profited
by experience! Scarcely had the victims of Kern
river resumed work in the old creeks and canons
they had deserted to join in the rush when a
rumor came, faint at first, but gathering
strength at each repetition, that rich diggings
had been struck in the far north. This time
it is Frazer river. True. Frazer river is in the
British possessions, hut what of that? There
are enough miners in California to seize the
country and hold it until the cream of the mines
has been skimmed. Rumors of the richness
of mines increased with every arrival of a
steamer from the north. Captains, pursers.
mates, cooks and waiters all confirmed the sto-
ries of rich strikes. Doubters asserted that the
dust and nuggets exhibited had made the trip
from San Francisco to Victoria and back. But
the}- were silenced by the assurance that the
transportation company was preparing to double
the number of its vessels on that route. Com-
modore Wright was too smart to run his steam-
ers on fake reports, and thus the very thing that
should have caused suspicion was used to con-
firm the truth of the rumors. The doubters
doubted no more, but packed their outfits for
Frazer river. California was played out. Where
could an honest miner pan out $100 a day
in California now? He could do it every day
in Frazer; the papers said so. The first notice
of the mines was published in March, 1858. The
rush began the latter part of April and in four
months thirty thousand men, one-sixth of the
voting population of the state, had rushed to
the mines.
The effect of the craze was disastrous to busi-
ness in California. Farms were abandoned and
crops lost for want of hands to harvest them.
Rich claims in old diggings were sold for a trifle
of their value. Lots on Montgomery street that
a few years later were worth $1,500 a front foot
were sold for $100. Real estate in the interior
towns was sacrificed at 50 to yz, per cent less
than it was worth before the rush began. But
a halt was called in the mad rush. The returns
were not coming in satisfactorily. By the mid-
dle of July less than $100,000 in dust had
reached San Francisco, only about $3 for each
man who had gone to the diggings. There was
gold there and plenty of it, so those interested
in keeping up the excitement said: "The Frazer
river is high; wait till it subsides." But it did
not subside, and it has not subsided since. If
the Frazer did not subside the excitement did,
and that suddenly. Those who had money
enough or could borrow from their friends got
away at once. Those who had none hung
around Victoria and New Westminster until
the) were shipped back at the government's ex-
pense. The Frazer river craze was the last of the
mad. unreasoning "gold rushes." The Washoe
excitement of '59 and the "Ho! for Idaho of
1863 64" had some of the characteristics of the
early gold rushes, but they soon settled down to
tead\ business and the yield from these fairly
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
175
recompensed those who were frugal and indus-
trious.
Never before perhaps among civilized people
was there witnessed such a universal leveling
as occurred in the first years of the mining ex-
citement in California. "As the labor required
was physical instead of mental, the usual supe-
riority of head workers over hand workers dis-
appeared entirely. Men who had been gov-
ernors and legislators and judges in the old
states worked by the side of outlaws and con-
victs; scholars and students by the side of men
who could not read or write; those who had
been masters by the side of those who had been
slaves; old social distinctions were obliterated;
everybody did business on his own account, and
not one man in ten was the employe and much
less the servant of another. Social distinctions
appeared to be entirely obliterated and no man
was considered inferior to another. The hard-
fisted, unshaven and patch-covered miner was
on terms of perfect equality with the well-
dressed lawyer, surgeon or merchant; and in
general conferences, discussions and even con-
versations the most weather-beaten and strongly
marked face, or, in other words, the man who
had seen and experienced the most, notwith-
standing his wild and tattered attire, was lis-
tened to with more attention and respectful con-
sideration than the man of polished speech and
striking antithesis. One reason of this was that in
those days the roughest-looking man not infre-
quently knew more than anybody else of what
was wanted to be known, and the raggedest man
not infrequently was the most influential and
sometimes the richest man in the locality."-
This independent spirit was characteristic of
the men of '48 and '49. Then nearly everybody
was honest and theft was almost unknown.
With the advent of the criminal element in
1850 and later there came a change. Before that
a pan of gold dust could be left in an open tent
unguarded, but with the coming of the Sydney
ducks from Australia and men of their class it
became necessary to guard property with sedu-
lous care.
* Hindi's History of California. Vol. III.
CHAPTER XXVI.
SAN FRANCISCO.
IN 1835 Capt. William A. Richardson built
the first house on the Yerba Buena cove.
It was a shanty of rough board, which he
replaced a year later with an adobe building.
He was granted a lot in 1836 and his building
stood near what is now the corner of Dupont
and Clay streets. Richardson had settled at
Sausalito in 1822. He was an Englishman by
birth and was one of the first foreigners to settle
in California.
Jacob P. Leese, an American, in partnership
with Spear & Hinckley, obtained a lot in 1836
and built a house and store near that of Captain
Richardson. There is a tradition that Mr. Leese
began his store building on the first of July and
finished it at ten o'clock on the morning of
July 4, and for a house warming celebrated the
glorious Fourth in a style that astonished the
natives up and down the coast. The house was
sixty feet long and twenty-five broad, and, if
completed in three days, Mr. Leese certainly de
serves the credit of having eclipsed some of
the remarkable feats in house building that were
performed after the great fires of San Francisco
in the early '50s. Mr. Leese and his neighbor,
Captain Richardson, invited all the high-toned
Spanish families for a hundred miles around to
the celebration. The Mexican and American
flags floated over the building and two six-
pounders fired salutes. At five o'clock the
guests sat down to a sumptuous dinner which
lasted, toasts and all, till 10 o'clock, and then
came dancing; and, as Mr. Leese remarks in his
diary; "Our Fourth ended on the evening of
the fifth." Mr. I.eese was an energetic person.
I le built a house in three days, gave a Fourth of
|uly celebration thai la-ted two days, and inside
of a week had a -tore opened and was doing a
thriving business with his late guests. He fell
in love with the same energy that he did busi-
176
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ness. Among the guests at his 4th of July
celebration were the Vallejos, the nabobs of
Sonoma. Leese courted one of the girls and in
a few months after the celebration married her.
Their daughter, Rosalie Leese, was the first
child born in Yerba Buena. Such was the be-
ginning of San Francisco.
This settlement was on a crescent-shaped cove
that lay between Clark's Point and the Rincon.
The locality was known as Verba Buena (good
herb), a species of mint to which the native Cal-
ifornians attributed many medicinal virtues.
The peninsula still bore the name that had been
applied to it when the mission and presidio
were founded, San Francisco. Yerba Buena
was a local appellation and applied only to the
little hamlet that had grown up on the cove.
This settlement, although under the Mexican
government, was not a Mexican town. The
foreign element, the American predominating,
had always been in the ascendency. At the time
of the conquest, among its two hundred inhab-
itants, were representatives of almost every civ-
ilized nation on the globe. It was a cosmopol-
itan town. In a very short time after the con-
quest it began to take on a new growth and was
recognized as the coming metropolis of Califor-
nia. The curving beach of the cove at one
point (Jackson street) crossed the present line
of Montgomery street.
Richardson and Leese had built their stores
and warehouses back from the beach because of
a Mexican law that prohibited the building of a
house on the beach where no custom house ex-
isted. All houses had to be built back a certain
number of varas from high-water mark. This
regulation was made to prevent smuggling. Be-
tween the shore line of the cove and anchorage
there was a long stretch of shallow water. This
made transportation of goods from ship to
shore very inconvenient and expensive. With
the advent of the Americans and the inaugura-
tion of a more progressive era it became neces-
sary for the convenient landing of ships and for
the discharging and receiving of their cargoes
that the beach front of the town should be im-
proved bv building wharves and docks. The dif-
ficulty was In find the means to do this. The
general government of the United States could
not undertake it. The war with Mexico was
still in progress. The only available way was
to sell off beach lots to private parties, but who
was to give title was the question. Edwin Bry-
ant, February 22, 1847, nad succeeded Wash-
ington Bartlett as alcalde. Bryant was a pro-
gressive man, and, recognizing the necessity of
improvement in the shipping facilities of the
town, he urged General Kearny, the acting
governor, to relinquish, on the part of the gen-
eral government, its claim to the beach lands in
front of the town in favor of the municipality
under certain conditions. General Kearny
really had no authority to relinquish the claim
of the general government to the land, for the
simple reason that the general government had
not perfected a claim. The country was held
as conquered territory. Mexico had made no
concession of the land by treaty. It was not
certain that California would be ceded to the
United States. Under Mexican law the gov-
ernor of the territory, under certain conditions,
had the right to make grants, and General Kear-
ny, assuming the power given a Mexican gov-
ernor, issued the following decree: "I, Brig.-
Gen. S. W. Kearny, Governor of California,
by virtue of authority in me vested by the Pres-
ident of the United States of America, do hereby
grant, convey, and release unto the Town of San
Francisco, the people or corporate authorities
thereof, all the right, title and interest of the
Government of the United States and of the
Territory of California in and to the Beach and
Water Lots on the East front of said Town of
San Francisco included between the points
known as the Rincon and Fort Montgomery,
excepting such lots as may be selected for the
use of the United States Government by the
senior officers of the army and navy now there;
provided, the said ground hereby ceded shall
be divided into lots and sold by public auction to
the highest bidder, after three months* notice
previously given; the proceeds of said sale to
be for the benefit of the town of San Francisco.
Given at Monterey, capital of California, this
10th day of March, 1847, and the seventy-first
year of the independence of the United States."
S. W. Kearny,
Brig.-Gen'l & Gov. of California.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In pursuance of this decree, Alcalde Bryant
advertised in the Californian that the ground
described in the decree, known as Water Lots,
would be surveyed and divided into convenient
building lots and sold to the highest bidder on
the 29th of June (1847). He then proceeds in
the advertisement to boom the town. "The site
of the town of San Francisco is known by all
navigators and mercantile men acquainted with
the subject to be the most commanding com-
mercial position on the entire western coast of
the Pacific ocean, and the Town itself is no
doubt destined to become the commercial em-
porium of the western side of the North Ameri-
can continent." The alcaldes' assertions must
have seemed rather extravagant to the dwellers
in the little burgh on the cove of Verba Buena.
But Bryant was a far-seeing man and proved
himself in this instance to be a prophet.
It will be noticed that both General Kearnj
and Alcalde Bryant call the town San Francisco.
Alcalde Bartlett, the predecessor in office of
Alcalde Bryant, had changed its name just be-
fore he was recalled to his ship. He did not
like the name Yerba Buena, so he summarily
changed it. He issued a proclamation setting
forth that hereafter the town should be known
as San Francisco. Having proclaimed a change
of name, he proceeded to give his reasons:
Yerba Buena was a paltry cognomen for a cer-
tain kind of mint found on an island in the
bay; it was a merely local name, unknown be-
yond the district, while San Francisco had long
been familiar on the maps. "Therefore it is
hereby ordained, etc." Bartlett builded better
than he knew. It would have been a sad mis-
take for the city to have carried the "outlandish
name which Americans would mangle in pro-
nouncing," as the alcalde said.
The change was made in the latter part of
January, 1847, but it was some time before the
new name was generally adopted.
The California Star, Sam Brannan's paper,
which had begun to shine January 9, 1847, m
its issue of March 20, alluding to the change,
says: "We acquiesce in it, though we prefer
the old name. When the change was first at-
tempted we viewed it as a mere assumption of
authority, without law of precedent, and there-
fore we adhered to the old name — Yerba
Buena."
"It was asserted by the late alcalde, Washing-
ton Bartlett, that the place was called San
Francisco in some old Spanish paper which he
professed to have in his possession; but how
could we believe a man even about that which
it is said 'there is nothing in it,' who had so
often evinced a total disregard for his own honor
and character and the honor of the country
which gave him birth and the rights of his fel-
low citizens in the district?" Evidently the edi-
tor had a grievance and was anxious to get even
with the alcalde. Bartlett demanded an inves-
tigation of some charges made against his ad-
ministration. He was cleared of all blame. He
deserves the thanks of all Californians in sum-
marily suppressing Yerba Buena and preventing
it from being fastened on the chief city of the
state.
There was at that time (on paper) a city of
Francisca. The city fathers of this budding me-
tropolis were T. O. Larkin and Robert Semple.
In a half-column advertisement in the Califor-
nian of April 20, 1847. and several subsequent
issues, headed "Great Sale of City Lots," they set
forth the many advantages and merits of
Francisca. The streets are eighty feet wide, the
alleys twenty feet wide, and the lots fifty yards
front and forty yards back. The whole city
comprises five square miles."
"Francisca is situated on the Straits of Car-
quinez, on the north side of the Hay of San
Francisco, about thirty miles from the mouth
of the bay and at the head of ship navigation.
In front of the city is a commodious bay, large
enough for two hundred ships to ride at anchor,
safe from any wind." "The entire
trade of the great Sacramento and San Joaquin
valleys, a fertile country of great width and near
seven hundred miles long from north to south,
must of necessity pass through the narrow chan-
nel of Carquinez and the bay and country is
so situated that even- person who passes from
one side of the bay to the other will find the
nearest and best w.v ' Francisca,
with its manifold natural advantages, ought to
have been a great city, the of Cali-
fornia, but the Fates were ; \!calde
Hi
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Bartlett, probably without any design of doing
so, dealt it a fearful blow when he dubbed the
town of the good herb, San Francisco. Two
cities with names so nearly alike could not live
and thrive in the same state. Francisca became
Benicia. The population of San Francisco (or
Verba Buena, as it was then called) at the time
that Captain Montgomery raised the stars and
stripes and took possession of it probably did
not exceed two hundred. Its change of masters
accelerated its growth. The Calif ornian of Sep-
tember 4, 1847 (fourteen months after it came
under the flag of the United States), gives the
following statistics of its population ami prog-
ress: Total white male population, 247; female,
123; Indians, male, 26; female, 8; South Sea
Islanders, male, 39; female 1; negroes, male,
9; female 1; total population, 454.
Nearly every country on the globe had repre-
sentatives in its population, and the various vo-
cations by which men earn a living were
well represented. Minister, one; doctors, three;
lawyers, three; surveyors, two; agriculturists,
eleven; bakers, seven: blacksmiths, six; brew-
er, one; butchers, seven; cabinetmakers, two;
carpenters, twenty-six; cigarmaker, one; coop-
ers, three; clerks, thirteen; gardener, one;
grocers, five; gunsmiths, two; hotel-keepers,
three; laborers, twenty; masons, four; mer-
chants, eleven; miner, one; morocco case
maker, one; navigators (inland), six; navigator
(ocean), one; painter, one; printer, one; sol-
dier, one; shoemakers, four; silversmith, one;
tailors, four; tanners, two; watchmaker, one;
weaver, one. Previous to April 1, 1847, accord-
ing to the Californicn, there had been erected in
the town seventy-nine buildings, classified as
follows: Shanties, twenty-two; frame buildings,
thirty-one; adobe buildings, twenty-six. Since
April 1, seventy-eight buildings have been
erected, viz.: Shanties, twenty: frame buildings.
forty-seven; ad. .be buildings, eleven. "Within
five months last past," triumphantly adds the
editor of the Calif ornian, "as many buildings
have been built as were erected in all the pre-
vious years of the town's existence."
The town continued to grow with wonderful
rapidity throughout the year 1847, considering
that peace had not yel been declared and the
destiny of California was uncertain. According
1" a school census taken in March, 1848. by
the Board of Trustees, the population was:
Males, five hundred and seventy-five; females,
one hundred and seventy-seven; and "children
of age to attend school," sixty, a total of eight
hundred and twelve. Building kept pace with
the increase of population until the "gold fever"
became epidemic. Dr. Brooks, writing in his
diary May 17, says: "Walking through the town
to-day, I observed that laborers were employed
only upon about half a dozen of the fifty new
buildings which were in the course of being
run up."
The first survey of lots in the town had been
made by a Frenchman named Vioget. Xo
names had been given to the streets. This sur-
vey was made before the conquest. In 1847,
Jasper O'Farrell surveyed and platted the dis-
trict extending about half a mile in the different
directions from the plaza. The streets were
named, and, with a very few changes, still retain
the names then given. In September the coun-
cil appointed a committee to report upon the
building of a wharf. Jt was decided to con-
struct two wharves, one from the foot of Clay
street and the other from the foot of Broadway.
Money was appropriated to build them and they
had been extended some distance seaward when
the rush to the mines suspended operations.
After considerable agitation by the two news-
papers and canvassing for funds, the first school-
house was built. It was completed December
4, 1847, but, for lack of funds, or, as the Star
says, for lack of energy in the council, school
was not opened on the completion of the house.
In March the council appropriated $400 and
April 1, 1848, Thomas Douglas, a graduate of
Yale College, took charge of the school. San
Francisco was rapidly developing into a pro-
gressive American city. Unlike the older towns
.if California, it had but a small Mexican popu-
lation. Even had not gold been discovered, it
would have grown into a commercial city of con-
siderable size.
The first effect of the gold discovery and the
consequenl rush to the mines was to bring
everything to a standstill. As Kemble, of the
Star, puts it. it was "as if a curse had arrested
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
our onward course of enterprise; everything
wears a desolate and sombre look; everywhere
all is dull, monotonous, dead." The return of
the inhabitants in a few months and the influx
of new arrivals gave the town a boom in the
fall of 1848. Building was only limited by the
lack of material, and every kind of a makeshift
was resorted to to provide shelter against win-
ter rains. From the many attempts at describ-
ing the town at this stage of its development, I
select this from "Sights in the Gold Regions," a
book long since out of print. Its author, T. T.
Johnson, arrived at San Francisco April 1, 1849.
"Proceeding on our survey, we found the
streets, or, properly, the roads, laid out reg-
ularly, those parallel with the water being a
succession of terraces, and these ascending the
lulls or along their sides being in some instances
cut down ten or twelve feet below the surface.
Except a portion of the streets fronting upon
the cove, they are all of hard-beaten, sandy claw
as solid as if macadamized. About three hun-
dred houses, stores, shanties and sheds, with a
great many tents, composed the town at that
period. The houses were mostly built of rough
boards and unpainted ; brown cottons or calico
nailed against the beams and joists answered for
wall and ceiling of the better class of tenements.
With the exception of the brick warehouse of
Howard and Melius, the establishments of the
commercial houses of which we had heard so
much were inferior to the outhouses of the
country seats on the Hudson; and yet it would
puzzle the New York Exchange to produce
merchant princes of equal importance." ::
"We strolled among the tents in the outskirts
of the town. Here was 'confusion worse con-
founded,' chiefly among Mexicans, Peruvians
and Chilians. Every kind, size, color and shape
of tent pitched helter-skelter and in the most
awkward manner were stowed full of everything
under the sun."
In the first six months of 1849 fifteen thou-
sand souls were added to the population of San
Francisco; in the latter half of that year about
four thousand arrived every month by sea alone.
At first the immigrants were from Mexico,
Chile, Peru and the South American ports
orally; but early in the spring the American-;
began to arrive, coming by way of Panama and
Cape Horn, and later across the plains. Europe
sent its contingent by sea via Cape Horn ;. and
China, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands
added to the city's population an undesirable
element. A large majority of those who came
by sea made their way to the mines, but many-
soon returned to San Francisco, some to take
their departure for home, others to become resi-
dents. At the end of the year San Francisco
had a population of twenty-live thousand. The
following graphic description of life in San
Francisco in the fall of '49 and spring of '50 I take
from a paper, "Pioneer Days in San Francisco,"
written by John Williamson Palmer, and pub-
lished in the Century Magazine (1890): "And
how did they all live? In frame houses of one
story, more commonly in board shanties and
canvas tents, pitched in the midst of sand or
mud and various rubbish and strange filth and
fleas; and they slept on rude cots or on soft
planks, under horse blankets, on tables, coun-
ters, floors, on trucks in the open air, in bunks
braced against the weather-boarding, forty of
them in one loft; and so they tossed and
scratched and swore and laughed and sang and
skylarked, those who were not tired or drunk
enough to sleep. And in the working hours
they bustled, and jostled, and tugged, and
sweated, and made money, always made money.
They labored and they lugged; they worked on
lighters, drove trucks, packed mules, rang bells,
carried messages, 'waited' in restaurants,
"marked" for billiard tallies, served drinks in
bar rooms, "faked' on the plaza, "cried" at auc-
tions, toted lumber for houses, ran a game of
faro or roulette in the El Dorado or the Bella
Union, or manipulated three-card monte on
the head of a barrel in front of the Parker
House; they speculated, and. a- a rule, gam-
bled.
"Clerks in stores and offices had munificent
salaries. Five dollars a da) was aboul the small-
est stipend even in the custom house, and one
Baptist preacher was paid $10,000 a year. La-
borers received $1 an hour; a pick or a shovel
was worth $10; a tin pan or a wooden bowl
$5, and a butcher knife $30. At one time car-
penters who were getting $12 a day struck
ISO
[1ST iRIC \L AND BK iGRAPHICAL REi i iR] >.
[or $16. Lumber rose to $500 per thou-
sand feet, and every brick in a house cost
a dollar one way or another. Wheat, flour
and salt pork sold at $40 a barrel; a small
loaf of bread was fifty cents and a hard-boiled
egg a dollar. You paid $3 to get into the cir-
cus and $55 for a private box at the theater.
Forty dollars was the price for ordinary coarse
lux us, and a pair that came above the knees
and would carry you gallantly through the quag-
mires brought a round hundred. When a shirt
became very dirty the wearer threw it away and
bought a new one. Washing cost $15 a dozen
in 1849.
"Rents were simply monstrous; $3,000 a
month in advance for a 'store' hurriedly built of
rough, boards. Wright & Co. paid $75,000 for
the wretched little place on the corner of the
plaza that they called the Miners' Bank, and
$36,000 was asked for the use of the i )ld Adobe
as a custom-house. The Parker House paid
$120,000 a year in rents, nearly one-half of that
amount being collected from gamblers who held
the second floor; and the canvas tent next door
used a^ a gambling saloon, and called the El
Dorado, was good for $40,000 a year. From
10 to 15 per cent a month was paid in advance
for the use of money borrowed on substantial
security. The prices of real estate went up
among the stars; $8,000 for a lifty-vara lot that
had been boughl in [849 for $20. A lot pur-
1 hased two years before for a barrel of aguar-
diente sold for $18,000. Yet, for all that, every-
body made money.
•'Tin- aspeel of tin- streets of San Francisco al
this time was such as one may imagine of an
unsightl sand ami mud churned by
ontinual grinding of heavy wagons and
trucks and the tugging and floundering of
mules .Mid oxen; thoroughfares irregu-
lar and uneven, ungraded, unpaved, unplanked.
obstructed by lumber and goods, alternate
humps and holes, the actual dumping places of
.An, hand)- receptacles For the general
sweepings ami rubbish and indescribable offal
and filth, the refusi oi an indiscriminate popu-
ng' t' igether in shanties and tents.
\nd these conditions extended beyond the
"'in into die chaparral and under-
brush that covered the sand hills on the north
and west.
"The flooding rains of winter transformed
what should have been thoroughfares into
treacherous quagmires set with holes and traps
fit to smother horse and man. Loads of brush-
wood and branches of trees cut from the hills
were thrown into these swamps; but they served
no more than a temporary purpose and the in-
mates of tents and houses made such bridges
and crossings as they could with boards, boxes
and barrels. Men waded through the slough
and thought themselves lucky when they sank
no deeper than their waists."
It is said that two horses mired down in the
mud of Montgomery street were left to die of
starvation, and that three drunken men were
suffocated between Washington and Jackson
streets. It was during the winter of '49 that the
famous sidewalk of flour sacks, cooking stoves
and tobacco boxes was built. It extended from
Simmons. Hutchinson & Co.'s store to Adams
Express office, a distance of about seventy-five
yards. The first portion was built of Chilean
flour in one hundred pound sacks, next came the
cooking stoves in a long row, and then followed
a double row of tobacco boxes of large size,
and a yawning gap of the walk was bridged by
a piano. Chile flour, cooking stoves, tobacco
and pianos were cheaper material for building-
walks, owing to the excessive supply of these,
than lumber at $600 a thousand.
In the summer of '49 there were more than
three hundred sailing vessels lying in the harbor
of San Francisco, from which the sailors had
deserted to go to the mines. Some of these ves-
sels rotted where they were moored. Some
were hauled up in the sand or mud flats ami
used for store houses, lodging houses and sa-
loons. As the water lots were filled in and built
upon, these ships sometimes formed pari of
tin- line of buildings on the street. The brig
! uphemia was the first jail owned by the city;
the store ship \poll.. was converted into a
lodging house and saloon, anil the X'iantie Hotel
at the e. niier of Sansoiiie and ( l.n streets «,is
built on the hull of the ship Xiantie. As the
wharves were extended out into the bay the
space between was tilled in from the sand hills
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1M
and houses built along the wharves. In this
way the cove was gradually filled in. The high
price of lumber and the great scarcity of houses
brought about the importation from New York,
Boston, Philadelphia and London of houses
ready framed to set up. For a time im-
mense profits were made in this, but an ex-
cessive shipment like that of the articles of
which the famous sidewalk was made brought
down the price below cost, and the business
ceased.
The first of the great fires that devastated San
Francisco occurred on Christmas eve, 1849. It
started in Denison's Exchange, a gambling
house on the east side of the plaza. It burned
the greater part of the block between Wash-
ington and Clay streets and Kearny and Mont-
gomery streets. The loss was estimated at a
million and a quarter dollars. The second great
fire occurred on May 4, 1850. It burned over
the three blocks between Montgomery and
Dupont streets, bounded by Jackson and Clay
streets, and the north and east sides of Ports-
mouth square. The loss was estimated at
$4,000,000. It started in the United States Ex-
change, a gambling den, at four o'clock in the
morning, and burned for seven hours. The fire
was believed to be of incendiary origin and sev-
eral suspicious characters were arrested, but
nothing could be proved against them. A num-
ber of the lookers-on refused to assist in arrest-
ing the progress of the flames unless paid for
their labor ; and $3 an hour was demanded and
paid to some who did.
On the 14th of June, 1850, a fire broke out in
the Sacramento House, on the east side of Kear-
ny street, between Clay and Sacramento. The
entire district from Kearny street between Clay
and California to the water front was burned
over, causing a loss of $3,000,000. Over three
hundred houses were destroyed. The fourth
great fire of the fateful 'year of 1850 occurred
September 17. It started on Jackson street and
destroyed the greater part of the blocks be-
tween Dupont and Montgomery streets from
Washington to Pacific streets. The loss in this
was not so great from the fact that the district
contained mostly one-story houses. It was esti-
mated at half a million dollars. December l_|
of the same year a fire occurred on Sacramento
street below Montgomery. Although the dis-
trict burned over was not extensive, the loss
was heavy. The buildings were of corrugated
iron, supposed to be fireproof, and were filled
with valuable merchandise. The loss amounted
to $1,000,000. After each fire, building was re-
sumed almost before the embers of the fire that
consumed the former buildings were extin-
guished. After each fire better buildings were
constructed. A period of six months' exemp-
tion had encouraged the inhabitants of the fire-
afflicted city to believe that on account of the
better class of buildings constructed the danger
of great conflagrations was past, but the worst
was yet to come. At 11 p. m. May 3, 1851, a
fire, started by incendiaries, broke out on the
south side of the plaza. A strong northwest
wind swept across Kearny street in broad
sheets of flame, first southeastward, then, the
wind changing, the flames veered to the north
and east. All efforts to arrest them were use-
less; houses were blown up and torn down in
attempts to cut off communication, but the en-
gines were driven back step by step, while some
of the brave firemen fell victims to the fire fiend.
The flames, rising aloft in whirling volumes,
swept away the frame houses and crumbled up
with intense heat the supposed fireproof struc-
tures. After ten hours, when, the fire abated for
want of material to burn, all that remained of
the city were the sparsely settled outskirts. All
of the business district between Pine and Pa-
cific streets, from Kearny to the Battery on
the water front, was in ruins. Over one thou-
sand houses had been burned. The loss of prop-
erty was estimated at $10,000,000, an amount
greater than the aggregate of all the preceding
fires. A number of lives were lust. During the
progress of the fire large quantities of goods
were stolen by bands of thieves. The sixth and
last of the great conflagrations that dev;
the city occurred on the 22d of June. [851. The
fire started in a building on Powell street and
ravaged the district between Cla) andBroadway,
from Powell to Sansome Foui hundred and
fifty houses were burned, involving a loss of
$2,500,000. An inn- department,
more stringent building regulations and a bet-
182
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ter water supply combined to put an end to the
era of great fires.
After the great fires of 1851 had swept over
the city there was practically nothing left of
the old metropolis of the early gold rush. The
hastily constructed wooden shanties were gone;
the corrugated iron building imported from
Xew York and London, and warranted to be
fireproof, had proved to be worthless to with-
stand great heat; the historic buildings had dis-
appeared; the new city that. Phcenix-like, arose
from the ashes of the old was a very different
city from its predecessor that had been wiped
from the earth by successive conflagrations.
Stone and brick buildings covered the former
site of wooden structures. The unsightly mud
flats between the wharves were filled in from the
sand hills and some of the streets paved. The
year 1853 was memorable for the rapid progress
of the city. Assessed property values increased
from $18,000,000 to $28,000,000. Real estate
values went soaring upward and the city was on
the high tide of prosperity; but a reaction came
in 1855. The rush to the mines had ceased, im-
migration had fallen off, and men had begun to
retrench and settle down to steady business
habits. Hume productions had replaced im-
ports, and the people were abandoning mining
for farms. The transition from gold mining to
grain growing had begun. All these affected
the city and real estate declined. Lots that sold
fur SS.ooo to $10,000 in 1853 could be bought
for half that amount in 1855. Out of one thou-
sand business houses, three hundred were va-
cant. Another influence that helped to bring
about a depression was the growing political
corruption and the increased taxation from pec-
ulations of dishonest officials.
The defalcations and forgeries of Harry
Meigs, which occurred in 1854, were a terrible
blow to the city. Meigs was one of its most
trusted citizens. He was regarded as the em-
bodiment of integrity, the stern, incorruptible
man, the watch-dog of the treasury. By his
upright conduct he had earned the sobriquet of
Honest Harry Meigs. Over-speculation and
reaction from the boom of 1853 embarrassed
him. He forged a large amount of city scrip
and hypothecated it to raise money. His forger-
ies were suspected, but before the truth was
known he made his escape on the barque
America to Costa Rica and from there he made
his way to Peru. His forgeries amounted to
$1,500,000, of which $1,000,000 was in comp-
troller's warrants, to which he forged the names
of Mayor Garrison and Controller Harris. The
vigilance committee of 1856 cleared the political
atmosphere by clearing the city, by means of
hemp and deportation, of a number of bad
characters. The city was just beginning to re-
gain its former prosperity when the Frazer river
excitement brought about a temporary depres-
sion. The wild rush carried away about one-
sixth of its population. These all came back
again, poorer and perhaps wiser; at least, their
necessities compelled them to go to work and
weaned them somewhat of their extravagant
habits and their disinclination to work except for
the large returns of earlier days. Since 1857 the
growth of the city has been steady, unmarked
by real estate booms: nor has it been retarded
by long periods of financial depression.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CRIME, CRIMINALS AND VIGILANCE COMMITTEES.
THERE was hut little crime in California
anion- its white inhabitants during the
Spanish and Mexican eras <>f its history.
The conditions were not conducive to the de-
. nt of a criminal element. The inhabit-
ants were a pastoral people, pursuing an out-
door vocation, and there were no large towns
or cities where the viciously inclined could con-
gregate and find a place of refuge from justice.
"From 1819 to 1846. that is. during the entire
period of Mexican domination under the Repub-
lic," says Bancroft, "there were but six murders
among the whites in all California." There were
no lyuchings, no mobs, unless some of the rev-
olutionary uprisings might be called such, and
hut one vigilance committee.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
San Francisco is credited with the origin of
that form of popular tribunal known as the vigi-
lance committee. The name "vigilance com-
mittee" originated with the uprising, in 1851, of
the people of that city against the criminal cle-
ment; but, years before there was a city of San
Francisco, Los Angeles had originated a tri-
bunal of the people, had taken criminals from
the lawfully constituted authorities and had tried
and executed them. The causes which called
into existence the first vigilance committee in
California were similar to those that created the
later ones, namely, laxity in the administration
of the laws and distrust in the integrity of
those chosen to administer them. During the
"decade of revolutions," that is, between 1830
and 1840, the frequent change of rulers and the
struggles of the different factions for power en-
gendered in the masses a disregard, not only
for their rulers, but for law and order as well.
Criminals escaped punishment through the
law's delays. Xo court in California had power
to pass sentence of death on a civilian until its
findings had been approved by the superior tri-
bunal of Mexico. In the slow and tedious proc-
esses of the different courts, a criminal stood a
good show of dying of old age before his case
reached final adjudication. The first committee
of vigilance in California was organized at Los
Angeles, in the house of Juan Temple. April 7,
1836. It was called "Junta Defensora de La
Seguridad Publica," United Defenders of the
Public Security (or safety). Its motto, which ap-
pears in the heading of its "acta," and is there
credited as a quotation from Montesquieu's Ex-
position of the Laws, Book 26, Chapter 23, was,
"Salus populi suprema lex est" (The safely of
the people is the supreme law). There is a
marked similarity between the proceedings of
the Junta Defensora of 1836 and the San Fran-
cisco vigilance committee of 1856: it is not
probable, however, that any of the actors in the
latter committee participated in the former.
Although there is quite a full account of the
proceedings of the Junta Defensora in the Los
Angeles city archives, no historian heretofore
except Bancroft seems to have found it.
The circumstances which brought about the
organization of the lunta Defensora are as fol-
lows: The wife of Domingo Feliz (part owner
of the Los Feliz Rancho), who bore the poet-
ical name of Maria del Rosario Villa, became
infatuated with a handsome but disreputable
Sonorau vaquero, Gervacio Alispaz by name.
She abandoned her husband and lived with Alis-
paz as his mistress at San Gabriel. Feliz sought
to reclaim his erring wife, but was met by in-
sults and abuse from her paramour, whom he
once wounded in a personal altercation. Feliz
finally invoked the aid of the authorities. The
woman was arrested and brought to town. A
reconciliation was effected between the husband
and wife. Two days later they left town for the
rancho, both riding one horse. On the way
they were met by Alispaz, and in a personal en-
counter Feliz was stabbed to death by the wife's
paramour. The body was dragged into a ra-
vine and covered with brush and leaves. Next
day, March 29, the body was found and brought
to the city. The murderer and the woman were
arrested and imprisoned. The people were filled
with horror and indignation, and there were
threats of summary vengeance, but better coun-
sel prevailed.
On the 30th the funeral of Feliz took place,
and, like that of James King of William, twenty
years later, was the occasion for the renewal of
the outcry for vengeance. The attitude of the
people became so threatening that on the 1st
of April an extraordinary session of the avun-
tamiento was held. A call was made upon the
citizens to form an organization to preserve the
peace. A considerable number responded and
were formed into military patrols under the
command of Don Juan P.. Leandry. The illus-
trious ayuntamiento resolved "that win mi
shall disturb the public tranquillit) shall be pun-
ished according to law." The excitement ap-
parentl) died out. bul it was only the calm that
precedes tin- storm. The beginning of the
Easter ceremonies was at hand, and it was
deemed a sacrilege to execute the assassins in
hoi) week, so all further attempts at punishment
vere deferred until April 7. the Monday after
Easter, when at dawn. 1>\ previous undei
ing. a number of the better class of citizens met
at the house of Juan Temple, which stood on
the present site of the Downey Block. An or-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ganization was effected. Victor Prudon, a na-
tive of Breton, France, but a naturalized citizen
of ( alifornia, was elected president; Manuel
Arzaga, a native of California, was elected sec-
retary, and Francisco Araujo, a retired army
. was placed in command of the armed
force. Speeches were made by Prudon, and by
the military commandant and others, setting
forth the necessity of their organization and jus-
tifying their actions. It was unanimously de-
cided that both the man and the woman should
be shot; their guilt being evident, no trial was
deemed necessary.
An address to the authorities and the people
was formulated. A copy of this is preserved in
the city archives. It abounds in metaphors.
It is too long for insertion here. I make a few
extracts: ": :: Believing that immorality
has reached such an extreme that public secur-
ity is menaced and will be lost if the dike of a
solemn example is not opposed to the torrent
of atrocious perfidy, we demand of you that you
execute or deliver to us for immediate execution
the assassin, Gervacio Alispaz, ami the unfaith-
ful Maria del Rosario Villa, his accomplice.
'" * * Nature trembles at the sight of these
venomous reptiles and the soil turns barren in
its refusal to support their detestable existence.
Let the infernal pair perish! It is the will of the
people. We will not lay down our arms until our
petition is granted and the murderers are exe-
cuted. The proof of their guilt is so clear that
justice needs no investigation. Public vengeance
demands an example and it must be given. The
blood of the Alvarez, of the Patinos, of the
Jenkins, is not yet cold — they, too, being the
unfortunate victims of the brutal passions of
their murderers. Their bloody ghosts shriek
for vengeance. Their terrible voices re-echo
from their graves. The afflicted widow, the for-
saken orphan, the aged father, the brother in
mourning, the inconsolable mother, the public
— all demand speed)- punishment of the guilty.
We -wear that outraged justice shall be avenged
to-day or we shall die in the attempt. The blood
- if ill.' mui di i it shall he sh< d to da) or ours
will be to the last drop. It will be published
the world that judges in Los An-
geles tolerate murderers, but that there are
virtuous citizens who sacrifice their lives in
order to preserve those of their countrymen."
"A committee will deliver to the First Consti-
tutional Alcalde a copy of these resolutions,
that he may decide whatever he finds most con-
venient, and one hour's time will be given him
in which to do so. If in that time no answer has
been received, then the judge will be responsible
before God and man for what will follow. Death
to the murderers!
"God and liberty. Angeles. April 7, 1836."
Fifty-five signatures are attached to this doc-
ument; fourteen of these are those of natural-
ized foreigners and the remainder those of na-
tive Californians. The junta was made up of
the best citizens, native and foreign. An extraor-
dinary session of the ayuntamiento was called.
The members of the junta, fully armed, marched
to the city hall to await the decision of the
authorities. The petition was discussed in the
council, and, in the language of the archives:
"This Illustrious Body decided to call said
Breton Prudon to appear before it and to com-
pel him to retire with the armed citizens so that
this Illustrious Body may deliberate at liberty."
"This was done, but he declined to appear
before this body, as he and the armed citizens
were determined to obtain Gervacio Alispaz and
Maria del Rosario Villa. The ayuntamiento
decided that as it had not sufficient force to
compel the armed citizens to disband, they
being in large numbers and composed of the
best and most respectable men of the town, to
send an answer saying that the judges could
not accede to the demand of the armed citi-
zens."
The members of the Junta Defensora then
marched in a body to the jail and demanded the
keys of the guard. These were refused. The
keys were secured by force and Gervacio Alispaz
taken out and shot. The following demand was
then sent to the first alcalde, Manuel Requena:
"It is absolutely necessary that you deliver
to this junta the key of the apartment where
Maria del Rosario Villa is kept.
"God and libertj
"Victor Prudon, President.
"Manuel Arzaga. Secretarv."
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ls.-
To this the alcaide replied: "Maria del Rosa-
rio Villa is incarcerated at a private dwelling,
whose owner has the key, with instructions not
to deliver the same to any one. The prisoner is
left there at the disposition of the law only.
"God and liberty.
"Manuel Requena, Alcalde."
The key was obtained. The wretched Maria
was taken to the place of execution on a car-
reta and shot. The bodies of the guilty pair
were brought back to the jail and the following
communication sent to the alcalde:
"Junta of the Defenders of Public Safety.
"To the i st Constitutional Alcalde:
"The dead bodies of Gervacio Alispaz and
Maria del Rosario Villa are at your disposal.
We also forward you the jail keys that you may
deliver them to whomsoever is on guard. In
case you are in need of men to serve as guards,
we are all at your disposal.
"God and liberty. Angeles, April 7, 1836.
"Victor Prudon, Pres.
"Manuel Arzaga, Sec."
A few days later the Junta Defensora de La
Seguridad Publica disbanded: and so ended the
only instance in the seventy-five years of Span-
ish and Mexican rule in California, of the people,
by popular tribunal, taking the administration of
justice out of the hands of the legally consti-
tuted authorities.
The tales of the fabulous richness of the gold
fields of California were quickly spread through-
out the world and drew to the territory all
classes and conditions of men, the bad as well
as the good, the vicious as well as the virtuous;
the indolent, the profligate and the criminal
came to prey upon the industrious. These con-
glomerate elements of society found the Land
of Gold practically without law, and the vicious
among them were not long in making it a land
without order. With that inherent trait, which
makes the Anglo-Saxon wherever he may be
an organizer, the American element of the gold
seekers soon adjusted a form of government to
suit the exigencies of the land and the people.
There may have been too much lynching, too
much vigilance committee in it and too little
respect for lawfully constituted authorities, but
it was effective and was suited to the social
conditions existing.
In 1851 the criminal element became so dom-
inant as to seriously threaten the existence of
the chief city, San Francisco. Terrible conflagra-
tions had swept over the city in May and June
of that year and destroyed the greater part of
the business portion. The fires were known to
be of incendiary origin. The bold and defiant
attitude of the vicious classes led to the or-
ganization by the better element, of that form
of popular tribunal called a committee of vigi-
lance. The law abiding element among the cit-
izens disregarding the legally constituted
authorities, who were either too weak or too
corrupt to control the law-defying, took the
power in their own hands, organized a vigilance
committee and tried and executed by hanging
four notorious criminals, namely: Jenkins,
Stuart, Whitaker and McKenzie.
During the proceedings of the vigilance com-
mittee a case of mistaken identity came near
costing an innocent man his life. About 8
o'clock in the evening of February 18, two men
entered the store of a Mr. Jansen on Mont-
gomery street and asked to see some blankets.
As the merchant stooped to get the blankets
one of the men struck him with a sling shot and
both of them beat him into insensibility. They
then opened his desk and carried away all the
gold they could find, about $2,000. The police
arrested two men on suspicion of being the rob-
bers. One of the men was identified as James
Stuart, a noted criminal, who had murdered
Sheriff Moore at Auburn. He gave the name of
Thomas Burdue, but this was believed to be one
of Stuart's numerous aliases. The men were
identified by Mr. Jansen as his assailants. They
were put on trial. When the court adjourned
over to the next day a determined effort was
made by the crowd to seize the men and hang
them. The_\' were finally taken out of the hands
of the officers and given a trial by a jury selected
by a committee of citizens. The jury failed to
agree, three of the jury being convinced that
the men were nol Jansen's assailants. Then the
mob made a rush to hang tlu- jury, but were
kept back by a show of revolvers. The prison-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ers were turned over to the court. One of
them, Wildred, broke jail and escaped. Burdue
was tried, convicted and sentenced to fourteen
years' imprisonment. Before the sentence of
the court was executed he was taken to Marys-
villc and arraigned for the murder of Sheriff
Moore. A number of witnesses swore positively
that the man was Stuart; others swore even more
positively that he was not. A close examination
revealed that the prisoner bore every distin-
guishing mark on his person by which Stuart
could be identified. He was convicted and sen-
tenced to be hanged in thirty days. In the mean-
time the vigilance committee of 1856 was or-
ganized and the real Stuart accidentally fell into
the hands of the vigilantes at San Francisco.
He was arrested for a theft he had not com-
mitted and recognized by one of the committee's
guards that he had formerly employed in the
mines. By adroit questioning he was forced to
confess that he was the real Stuart, the murderer
of Sheriff Moore and the assailant of Jansen.
His confederate in the robbery was Whitaker,
one of the four hanged by the committee. Bur-
due was finally released, after having twice
stood under the shadow- of the gallows for the
crimes of his double. The confessions of Stuart
and Whitaker implicated a number of their pals.
Some of these were convicted and sent to prison
and others fled the country; about thirty were
banished. Nearly all of the criminals were ex-
convicts from Australia and Tasmania.
The vigorous measures adopted by the com-
mittee purified the city of the vicious class that
had preyed upon it. Several of the smaller
towns and some of the mining camps organized
vigilance committees and a number of the
knaves who had (led from San Francisco met a
deserved fate in other places.
In the early '50s the better elements of San
Francisco's population were so engrossed in
business that they had no time to spare to look
after its political affairs; and its government
gradually drifted into the hands of vicious and
corrupt men. Many of the city authorities had
obtained their offices by fraud and ballot stuf-
fing and "instead of protecting the community
against scoundrels they protected tin- scoundrels
against the community." James King of Will
iam, an ex-banker and a man of great courage
and persistence, started a small paper called
the Daily Evening Bulletin. He vigorously as-
sailed the criminal elements and the city and
county officials. His denunciations aroused pub-
lic sentiment. The murder of United States
.Marshal Richardson by a gambler named Cora
still further inflamed the public mind. It was
feared that by the connivance of some of the
corrupt county officials Cora would escape pun-
ishment. His trial resulted in a hung jury.
There was a suspicion that some of the jury-
men were bribed. King continued through the
Bulletin to hurl his most bitter invectives against
the. corrupt officials. They determined to silence
him. He published the fact that James Casey,
a supervisor from the twelfth ward, was an ex-
convict of Sing Sing prison. Casey waylaid
King at the corner of Montgomery and Wash-
ington streets and in a cowardly manner shot
him down. The shooting occurred on the 14th
of May, 1856. Casey immediately surrendered
himself to a deputy sheriff, Lafayete M. Byrne,
who was near. King was not killed, but an ex-
amination of the wound by the physicians de-
cided that there was no hopes of his recovery.
Casey was conducted to the city prison and as
a mob began to gather, for greater safety he
was taken to the county jail. A crowd pursued
him crying, "Hang him," "kill him." At the
jail the mob was stopped by an array of deputy-
sheriffs, police officers and a number of Casey's
friends, all armed. The excitement spread
throughout the city. The old vigilance com-
mittee of 185 1, or rather a new organization out
of the remnant of the old. was formed. Five
thousand men were enrolled in a few days.
Arms were procured and headquarters estab-
lished on Sacramento street between Davis and
Front. The men were divided into companies.
William T. Coleman, chairman of the vigilance
committee of 1851, was made president or No. 1,
and [saac Bluxome, Jr., the secretary, was No.
33. Each man was known by number. Charles
Doane was elected chief marshal of the military
divisii 'II.
The San Francisco Herald (edited by John
Nugent), then the leading paper of the city, came
out with a scathing editorial denouncing the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL- RECORD.
ls7
vigilance committee. The merchants at once
withdrew their advertising patronage. Next
morning the paper appeared reduced from forty
columns to a single page, but still hostile to the
committee. It finally died for want of patron-
age.
On Sunday, May 18, 1856, the military di-
vision was ready to storm the jail if necessary to
obtain possession of the prisoners, Casey and
Cora. The different companies, marching from
their headquarters by certain prescribed routes,
all reached the jail at the same time and com-
pletely invested it. They had with them two
pieces of artillery. One of these guns was
planted so as to command the door of the jail.
There were fifteen hundred vigilantes under
arms. A demand was made on Sheriff Scannell
for the prisoners, Cora and Casey. The prison
guard made no resistance, the prisoners were
surrendered and taken at once to the vigilantes'
headquarters.
On the 20th of May the murderers were put
on trial; while the trial was in progress the
death of King was announced. Both men were
convicted and sentenced to be hanged. King's
funeral, the largest and most imposing ever seen
in San Francisco, took place on the 23d. While
the funeral cortege was passing through the
streets Casey and Cora were hanged in front of
the windows of the vigilance headquarters.
About an hour before his execution Cora was
married to a notorious courtesan, Arabella
Ryan, but commonly called Belle Cora. A
Catholic priest, Father Accolti, performed the
ceremony.
Governor J. Xeely Johnson, who at first
seemed inclined not to interfere with the vig-
ilantes, afterwards acting under the advice of
David S. Terry, Yolney E. Howard and others
of dominant pro-slavery faction, issued a proc-
lamation commanding the committee to disband,
to which no attention was paid. The governor
then appointed William T. Sherman major-gen-
eral. Sherman called for recruits to suppress
the uprising. Seventy-five or a hundred, mostly
gamblers, responded to his call. General Wool,
in command of the troops in the department of
the Pacific, refused to loan Governor Johnson
arms to equip his "law and order" recruits and
General Sherman resigned. Yolney E. Howard
was then appointed major-general. His princi-
pal military service consisted in proclaiming
what he would do to the "pork merchants" who
constituted the committee. "He did nothing ex-
cept to bluster. A squad of the vigilance po-
lice attempted to arrest a man named Maloney.
Maloney was at the time in the company of
David S. Terry (then chief justice of the state)
and several other members of the "law and or-
der" party. They resisted the police and in the
melee Terry stabbed the sergeant of the squad,
Sterling A. Hopkins, and then he and his as-
sociates made their escape to the armory of the
San Francisco Blues, one of their strongholds.
When the report of the stabbing reached
headquarters the great bell sounded the alarm
and the vigilantes in a very brief space of time
surrounded the armory building and had their
cannon planted to batter ft down. Terrv, Ma-
loney, and the others of their party in the build-
ing, considering discretion the better part of
valor, surrendered and were at once taken to
Fort Gunnybags," the vigilantes' headquarters.
The arms of the "law and order" party at their
various rendezvous were surrendered to the vig-
ilantes and the companies disbanded.
Terry was closely confined in a cell at the
headquarters of the committee; Hopkins, after
lingering some time between life and death,
finally recovered. Terry was tried for assault
on Hopkins and upon several other persons, was
found guilty, but, after being held as a prisoner
for some time, was finally released. He at once
joined Johnson and Howard at Sacramento,
where he felt much safer than in San Francisco.
He gave the vigilantes no more trouble.
On the 29th of July, Hethrington and Brace
were hanged from a gallows erected on Davis
street, between Sacramento and Commercial.
Both of these men had committed murder.
These were the last executions by the commit-
tee. The committee transported from the state
thirty disreputable characters and a number de-
ported themselves. A few, and among them the
*The vigilantes built around the building which they
used for headquarters a breastwork made "i" gunny-
sacks filled with sand. Cannon were planted at the
corners of the redout,
US8
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAI'HICAL RECORD.
notorious Ned McGowan, managed to keep con-
cealed until the storm was over. A few of the
expatriated returned after the committee dis-
solved and brought suit for damages, but failed
to recover anything. The committee had paid
the fare of the exiles. It was only the high
toned rascals who were given a cabin passage
that brought the suits. The committee finished
its labors and dissolved with a grand parade on
the i8th of August (.1856). It did a good work.
For several years after, San Francisco from be-
ing one of the worst, became one of the best
governed cities in the L'nited States. The com-
mittee was made up of men from the northern
and western states. The so-called "law and
order" party was mostly composed of the pro-
slavery office-holding faction that ruled the state
at that time.
When the vigilance committees between 1851
and 1856 drove disreputable characters from
San Francisco and the northern mines, many of
them drifted southward ami found a lodgment
for a time in the southern cities and towns. Los
Angeles was not far from the Mexican line, and
any one who desired to escape from justice,
fleet mounted, could speedily put himself be-
yond the reach of his pursuers. All these
causes and influences combined to produce a
saturnalia of crime that disgraced that city in
the early '50s.
Gen. J. II. Bean, a prominent citizen of
Southern California, while returning to Los An-
geles from his place of business at San Gabriel
late "lie evening in November, 1852, was at-
tacked by two men, who had been lying in wait
For him. One seized the bridle of his horse and
jerked the animal back on his haunches; the
1 itln r seized the general and pulled him from the
saddle. Bean made a desperate resistance, but
was overpowered and stabbed l<> death. The
assassination of General Bean resulted in the
organization of a vigilance committee and an
effort was made to rid the country of desper-
adoes. A number of arrests were made. Three
ts were tried by the committee for various
crimes. One, Cipiano Sandoval, a poor cob-
bler of San Gabriel, was charged with complicity
if the murder 1 if I leneral Bean. 1 le strenuously
d that h
other two, were sentenced to be hanged. On
the following Sunday morning the doomed men
were conducted to the top of Fort Hill, where
the gallows stood. Sandoval made a* brief
speech, again declaring his innocence. The
others awaited their doom in silence. The trap
fell and all were launched into eternity. Years
afterward one of the real murderers on his
deathbed revealed the truth and confessed his
part in the crime. The poor cobbler was inno-
cent.
In 1854 drunkenness, gambling, murder and
all forms of immorality and crime were ram-
pant in Los Angeles. The violent deaths, it is
said, averaged one for every day in the year. It
was a common question at the breakfast table,
"Well, how many were killed last night?" Little
or no attention was paid to the killing of an
Indian or a half breed; it was only when a gente
de razon was the victim that the community was
aroused to action.
The Kern river gold rush, in the winter of
1854-55, brought from the northern mines fresh
relays of gamblers and desperadoes and crime
increased. The Southern Califomian of March
7, 1855, commenting on the general lawlessness
prevailing, says: "Last Sunday night was a
brisk night for killing. Four men were shot
and killed and several wounded in shooting af-
frays."
A worthless fellow by the name of David
Brown, who had, without provocation, killed a
companion named Clifford, was tried and sen-
tenced to be hanged with one Felipe Alvitre, a
Mexican, who had murdered an American
named Ellington, at El Monte. There was a
feeling among the people that Brown, through
quibbles of law, would escape the death penalty,
and there was talk of lynching. Stephen C.
Foster, the mayor, promised that if justice was
not legally meted out to Brown by the law. then
he would resign his office and head the lynching
party. January 10, 1855, an order was received
from Judge Murray, of the supreme court, stay-
ing the execution of Brown, but leaving Alvitre
to his fate. January 12 Alvitre was hanged by
tlie sheriff in the jail yard in the presence of an
immense crowd. The gallows were taken down
and the guards dismissed. 'Idle crowd gathered
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
189
outside the jail yard. Speeches were made.
The mayor resigned his office and headed the
mob. The doors of the jail were broken down;
Brown was taken across Spring street to a
large gateway opening into a corral and hanged
from the crossbeam. Foster was re-elected by
an almost unanimous vote at a special election.
The city marshal, who had opposed the action
of the vigilantes, was compelled to resign.
During 1855 and 1856 lawlessness increased.
There was an organized band of about one hun-
dred Mexicans, who patroled the highways,
robbing and murdering. They threatened the
extermination of the Americans anil there were
fears of a race war, for many who were not
members of the gang sympathized with them.
In 1856 a vigilance committee was organized
with Myron Norton as president and II. N.
Alexander as secretary. A number of dis-
reputable characters were forced to leave town.
The banditti, under their leaders, Pancho Dan-
iel and Juan Flores, were plundering and com-
mitting outrages in the neighborhood of San
Juan Capistrano.
On the night of January 22, 1857, Sheriff
James R. Barton left Los Angeles with a posse,
consisting of William II. Little, Charles K.
Baker, Charles F. Daley, Alfred Hardy and
Frank Alexander with the intention of captur-
ing some of the robbers. At Sepulveda's ranch
next morning the sheriff's party was warned that
the robbers were some fifty strong, well armed
and mounted, and would probably attack them.
Twelve miles further the sheriff and his men en-
countered a detachment of the banditti. A
short, sharp engagement took place. Barton,
Baker, Little and Daley were killed. Hard) and
Alexander made their escape by the fleetness
of their horses. When the news reached Los
Angeles the excitement became intense. A
public meeting was held to devise plans to rid
the community not only of the roving gang of
murderers, but also of the criminal classes in
the city, who were known to be in sympathy
with the banditti. All suspicious houses were
searched and some fifty persons arrested. Sev-
eral companies were organized; the infantry to
guard the city and the mounted men to scour
the country. Companies were also formed at
San Bernardino and El Monte, while the mil-
itary authorities at Fort Tejon and San Diego
despatched soldiers to aid in the good work of
exterminating crime and criminals.
The robbers were pursued into the mountains
and nearly all captured. Gen. Andres Pico,
with a company of native Californians, was most
efficient in the pursuit. He captured Silvas and
Ardillero, two of the most noted of the gang,
and hanged them where they were cap-
tured. Fifty-two were lodged in the city jail.
Of these, eleven were hanged for various crimes
and the remainder set free. Juan Flores, one
of the leaders, was condemned by popular vote
and on February 14, 1857, was hanged near the
top of Fort Hill in the presence of nearly the
entire population of the town. He was only
twenty-one years of age. Pancho Daniel, an-
other of the leaders, was captured on the loth
of January, 1858, near San Jose. He was found
by the sheriff, concealed in a haystack. After
his arrest he was part of the time in jail and part
of the time out on bail. He had been tried three
times, but through law quibbles had escaped
conviction. A change of venue to Santa Bar-
bara had been granted. The people determined
to take the law in their own hands. On the
morning of November 30, 1858. the bod) of
Pancho was hanging from a beam across the
gateway of the jail yard. Four of the banditti
were executed by the people of San Gabriel,
and Leonardo Lopez, under sentence of the
court, was hanged by the sheriff. The gang was
broken up and the moral atmosphere of Los
Angeles somewhat purified.
November 17, 1862, John Rains of Cuca-
monga ranch was murdered near Azusa. De-
cember 0. 1803, the sheriff was taking Manuel
Cerradel to San Quentin to serve a ten years'
sentence. When the sheriff went aboard the tug
boat Cricket at Wilmington, to proceed to the
Senator, quite a number of other persons took
passage. On the way down the harbor, the
prisoner was seized by the passengers, who
were vigilantes, and hanged to the rigging; after
hanging twenty minute- the body was taken
down, stones tied to the feet and it was thrown
overboard. Cerradel was implicated in the mur-
der of Rains.
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICA1 RECORD.
In the fall of 1863 lawlessness had again be-
come rampant in Los Angeles; one of the chiefs
of the criminal class was a desperado by the
name of Boston Daimwood. He was suspected
of the murder of a miner on the desert
and was loud in his threats against the lives
of various citizens. He and four other well-
known criminals, Wood, Chase, Ybarra and
Olivas, all of whom were either murder-
ers or horse thieves, were lodged in jail. On
the 21st of November two hundred armed
citizens battered down the doors of the jail,
took the five wretches out and hanged them to
the portico of the old court house on Spring
street, which stood on the present site of the
Phillips block.
On the 24th of October, 1871. occurred in
Los Angeles a most disgraceful affair, known
as the Chinese massacre. It grew out of one
of those interminable feuds between rival
tongs of highbinders, over a woman. Desul-
tory firing had been kept up between the rival
factions throughout the day. About 5:30 p. m.
Policeman Bilderrain visited the seat of war, an
old adobe house on the corner of Arcadia street
and "Nigger alley," known as the Coronel build-
ing. Finding himself unable to quell the dis-
turbance he called for help. Robert Thompson,
an old resident of the city, was among the first
to reach the porch of the house in answer to the
police call for help. He received a mortal wound
from a bullet fired through the door of a Chi-
nese store. He died an hour later in Woll-
drug store. The Chinese in the mean-
time barricaded the doors and windows of the
old adobe and prepared for battle. The news
of the fight and of the killing of Thompson
spread throughout the city and an immense
crowd gathered in the streets around the build-
ing with the intention of wreaking vengeance on
the ( Chinese.
The first attempt by the mob to dislodge the
Chinamen was by cutting holes through the flat
brea covered roof and firing pistol shots into the
interior .if the building. < hie of tin- besieged
crawled out of the building and attempted to
escape, but was shot down before half way
' h '.'I., all. v. \in ither attempted to e
cape into l.o. Angeles street; In- was seized,
dragged to the gate of Tomlinson's corral on
Xew High street, and hanged.
About 9 o'clock a part of the mob had suc-
ceeded in battering a hole in the eastern end of
the building; through this the rioters, with
demoniac howlings, rushed in, firing pistols to
the right and left. Huddled in corners and hid-
den behind boxes they found eight terror-
stricken Chinamen, who begged piteously for
their lives. These were brutally dragged out
ami turned over to the fiendish mob. One was
dragged to death by a rope around his neck ;
three, more dead than alive from kicking and
beating, were hanged to a wagon on Los An-
geles street; and four were hanged to the gate-
way of Tomlinson's corral. Two of the victims
were mere boys. While the shootings and hang-
ings were going on thieves were looting the
other houses in the Chinese quarters. The
houses were broken into, trunks, boxes and
other receptacles rifled of their contents, and
any Chinamen found in the buildings were
dragged forth to slaughter. Among the vic-
tims was a doctor, Gene Tung, a quiet, inof-
fensive old man. He pleaded for his life in good
English, offering his captors all his money,
some $2,000 to $3,000. He was hanged, his
money stolen and one of his fingers cut off to
obtain a ring he wore. The amount of money
stolen by the mob from the Chinese quarters
was variously estimated at from $40,000 to
$50,000.
About 9:30 p. m. the law abiding citizens,
under the leadership of Henry Hazard, R. M.
Widney, H. C. Austin, Sheriff Burns and oth-
ers, had rallied in sufficient force to make an
attempt to quell the mob. Proceeding to China-
town they rescued several Chinamen from the
rioters. The mob finding armed opposition
quickly dispersed.
The results of the mob's murderous work
were ten men hanged on Los Angeles street,
some to wagons and some to awnings: five
hanged, ai Tomlinson's corral and four shot to
death in Negro alley, nineteen in all. Of all the
Chinamen murdered, the only one known to be
implicated in the highbinder war was Ah Choy.
All the other leaders escaped to the country
before the attack was made by the mob. The
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I!)]
grand jury, after weeks of investigation, found
indictments against one hundred and fifty per-
sons alleged to have been actively engaged in
the massacre. The jury's report severely cen-
sured "the officers of this county, as well as of
this city, whose duty it is to preserve peace,"
and declared that they "were deplorably ineffi-
cient in the performance of their duty during
the scenes of confusion and bloodshed which
disgraced our city, and has cast a reproach upon
the people of Los Angeles county." Of all those
indicted but six were convicted. These were
sentenced to from four to six years in the state's
prison, but through some legal technicality they
were all released after serving a part of their
sentence. •
The last execution in Los Angeles by a vig-
ilance committee was that of Michael Lachenias,
a French desperado, who had killed five or six
men. The offense for which he was hanged was
the murder of Jacob Bell, a little inoffensive
man, who owned a small farm near that of
Lachenias, south of the city. There hail been
a slight difference between them in regard to
the use of water from a zanja. Lachenias, with-
out a word of warning, rode up to Bell, where
he was at work in his field, drew a revolver and
shot him dead. The murderer then rode into
town and boastingly informed the people of
what he had done and told them where they
would find Bell's body. He then surrendered
himself to the officers and was locked up in
jail.
Public indignation was aroused. A meeting
was held in Stearns' hall on Los Angeles street.
A vigilance committee was formed and the de-
tails of the execution planned. On the morning
of the 17th of December, 1870, a body of three
hundred armed men marched to the jail, took
Lachenias out and proceeded with him to Tom-
linson's corral on Temple and New High streets.
and hanged him. The crowd then quietly dis-
persed.
A strange metamorphosis took place in the
character of the lower classes of the native Cal-
ifornians after the conquest. (The better classes
were not changed in character by the changed
conditions of the country, but throughout were
true gentlemen and most worth) and honorable
citizens.) Before the conquest by the Ameri-
cans they were a peaceful and contented people.
1 here were no organized bands of outlaws
among them. After the discovery of gold the
evolution of a banditti began and they produced
some of the boldest robbers and most daring
highwaymen the world has seen.
The injustice of their conquerors had much to
do with producing this change. The Ameri-
cans not only took possession of their country
and its government, but in many cases they de-
spoiled them of their ancestral acres and their
personal property. Injustice rankles; and it is
not strange that the more lawless among the
native population sought revenge and retalia-
tion. They were often treated by the rougher
American element as aliens and intruders, who
had no right in the land of their birth. Such
treatment embittered them more than loss of
property. There were those, howevtr, among
the natives, who, once entered upon a career
of crime, found robbery and murder congenial
occupations. The plea of injustice was no ex-
tenuation for their crimes.
Joaquin Murieta was the most noted of the
.Mexican and Californian desperadoes of the
early '50s. He was born in Sonora of good fam-
ily and received some education. He came to
California with the Sonoran migration of 1849,
and secured a rich claim on the Stanislaus. He
was dispossessed of this by half a dozen Amer-
ican desperadoes, his wife abused and both
driven from the diggings. He next took up a
ranch on the Calaveras, but from this he was
driven by two Americans. He next tried min-
ing in the Murphy diggings, but was unsuccess-
ful. His next occupation was that of a monte
player. While riding into town on a horse bor-
rowed from his half-brother he was stopped by
an American, who claimed that the horse was
stolen from him. Joaquin protested that the
horse was a borrowed one from his half-brother
and offered to procure witnesses to prove it.
lie was dragged from the saddle amid cries of
"hang the greaser." He was taken to the ranch
.if hi- In-other. The brother was hanged to the
limb of a tree, 11. > other proof of his crime being
needed than the assertion of the American that
the horse was hi-. Joaquin was stripped, bound
l'.l-J
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to the same tree and flogged. The demon was
aroused within him, and no wonder, he vowed
revenge on the men who had murdered his
brother and beaten him. Faithfully he carried
out his vow of vengeance. Had he doomed
only these to slaughter it would have been but
little loss, but the implacable foe of every
American, he made the innocent suffer with the
guilty. He was soon at the head of a band of
desperadoes, varying in numbers from twenty to
forty. For three years he and his band were the
terror of the state. From the northern mines
to the Mexican border they committed robberies
and murders. Claudio and some of his sub-
ordinates were killed, but the robber chief
seemed to bear a charmed life. Large rewards
were offered for him dead or alive and numerous
attempts were made to take him. Capt. Harry
Love at the head of a band of rangers August,
1853, car* upon Joaquin and six of his gang
in a camp near the Tejon Pass. In the fight that
ensued Joaquin and Three Fingered Jack were
killed. With the loss of their leaders the or-
ganization was broken up.
The last organized band of robbers which
terrorized the southern part of the state was
that of Vasquez. Tiburcio Vasquez was born
in Monterey county, of .Mexican parents, in
1837. Early in life he began a career of crime.
Alter committing a number of robberies and
thefts he was captured and sent to San Quentin
for horse stealing. He was discharged in 1863,
but continued his disreputable career. He
united with Procopio and Soto, two noted ban-
dits. Soto was killed by Sheriff Morse of Ala-
meda county in a desperate encounter. Vasquez
and his gang of nut laws committed robberies
throughout the southern part of the state, rang-
ing from Santa Clara and Alameda counties to
Lh: Mexitan line, l.arlv in M tv 1874, Sheriff
William Rowland of Los Angeles county, who
had repeate<ll\ tried to capture Vasquez, but
whose plans had been foiled by the bandit's
spies, learned that the robber chief was mak-
ing his headquarters at the house of Greek
George, about ten miles due west of Los An-
geles, toward Santa Monica, in a canon of the
Cahuenga mountains. The morning of May 15
was set for the attack. To avert suspicion
Sheriff Rowland remained in the city. The at-
tacking force, eight in number, were under
command of Under-Sheriff Albert Johnson, the
other members of the force were Major H. M.
Mitchell, attorney-at-law; J. S. Bryant, city con-
stable; F. Harris, policeman; W. E. Rogers,
citizen; B. F. Hartley, chief of police; and D.
K. Smith, citizen, all of Los Angeles, and a Mr.
r>eers, of San Francisco, special correspondent
of the San Francisco Chronicle.
At 4 a. m. on the morning of the 15th of May
the posse reached Major -Mitchell's bee ranch
in a small canon not far from Greek George's.
From this point the party reconnoitered the
bandit's hiding place and planned an attack. As
the deputy sheriff and his men were about to
move against the house a high box wagon drove
up the canon from the direction of Greek
George's place. In this were two natives; the
sheriff's party climbed into the high wagon box
and, lying down, compelled the driver to drive
up to the back of Greek George's house,
threatening him and his companion with death
on the least sign of treachery. Reaching the
house they surrounded it and burst in the door.
Vasquez, who had been eating his breakfast, at-
tempted to escape through a small window.
The party opened fire on him. Being wounded
and finding himself surrounded on all sides, he
surrendered. He was taken to the Los Angeles
jail. His injuries proved to be mere flesh
wounds. He received a great deal of maudlin
sympathy from silly women, who magnified him
into a hero. He was taken to San Jose, tried
for murder, found guilty and hanged, March 19,
1875. His band was thereupon broken up and
dispersed.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
FILIBUSTERS AND FILIBUSTERING.
THE rash of immigration to California in
the early '50s had brought to the state
a class of adventurers who were too
lazy or too proud to work. They were ready
to engage in almost any lawdess undertaking
that promised plunder and adventure. The de-
feat of the pro-slavery politicians in their at-
tempts to fasten their "peculiar institution" upon
any part of the territory acquired from Mex-
ico had embittered them. The more un-
scrupulous among them began to look around
for new fields, over which slavery might be ex-
tended. As it could be made profitable only in
southern lands, Cuba, Mexico and Central
America became the arenas for enacting that
form of piracy called "filibustering." The object
of these forays, when organized by Americans.
was to seize upon territory as had been done
in Texas and erect it into an independent gov-
ernment that ultimately would be annexed to
the United States and become slave territory.
Although the armed invasion of countries with
which the United States was at peace was a di-
rect violation of its neutrality laws, yet the fed-
eral office-holders in the southern states and in
California, all of whom belonged to the pro-
slavery faction, not only made no attempt to
prevent these invasions, but secretly aided them
or at least sympathized with them to the extent
of allowing them to recruit men and depart
without molestation. There was a glamour of
romance about these expeditions that influenced
unthinking young men of no fixed principles
to join them; these were to be pitied. But the
leaders of them and their abettors were cold,
selfish, scheming politicians, willing, if need be,
to overthrow the government of the nation and
build on its ruins an oligarchy of slave holders.
The first to organize a filibuster expedition in
California was a Frenchman. Race prejudices
were strong in early mining days. The United
States had recently been at war with Mexico.
The easy conquest of that country had bred a
contempt for its peoples. The Sonoran migra-
tion, that begun soon after the discovery of
gold in California, brought a very undesirable
class of immigrants to the state. Sailing vessels
had brought from the west coast of South
America another despised class of mongrel
Spanish. It exasperated the Americans to see
these people digging gold and carrying it out
of the country. This antagonism extended, more
or less, to all foreigners, but was strongest
against men of the Latin races. Many French-
men, through emigration schemes gotten up
in Paris, had been induced to come to Califor-
nia. Some of these were men of education and
good standing, but they fell under the ban of
prejudices and by petty persecutions were
driven out of the mines and forced to earn a
precarious living in the cities. There was a
great deal of dissatisfaction among the French-
men with existing conditions in California, and
they were ready to embark in any scheme that
promised greater rewards. Among the French
population of San Francisco was a man of noble
family, Count Gaston Roaul de Raousset-Boul-
bon. He had lost his ancestral lands and was
in reduced circumstances. He was a man of
education and ability, but visionary. He con-
ceived the idea of establishing a French colony
on the Sonora bonier and opening the mines
that had been abandoned on account of Apache
depredations. By colonizing the border he
hoped to put a M<>p t<> American encroachi
He divulged his scheme to the French consul,
Dillon, at San Francisco, who entered heartily
into it. Raoussel was sent to the City of Mex-
ico, where he obtained from President Arista
the desired concession of land and the promise
of financial assistance from a leading hanking
house there on condition that he proceed at
Mil
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
once to Sonora with an armed company of
Frenchmen. Returning to San Francisco he
quickly recruited from among the French resi-
dents two hundred and fifty men and with these
he sailed for Guaymas, where he arrived early
in June, 1852. He was well received at first,
but soon found himself regarded with suspicion.
He was required by the authorities to remain
at Guaymas. After a month's detention he was
allowed to proceed through Hermosilla to the
Arizona border.
When about one hundred miles from Arispe
he received an order from General Blanco, then
at Hermosilla, to report to him. While halting
at El Caric to consider his next move he re-
ceived a reinforcement of about eighty French
colonists, who had come to the country the year
before under command of Pindray. Pindray
had met his death in a mysterious manner. B
was supposed that he was poisoned. The colon-
ist had remained in the country. Raousset sent
one of his men. Gamier, to interview Blanco.
General Blanco gave his ultimatum — First, that
the Frenchmen should become naturalized citi-
zens of Mexico; or, secondly, they should wait
until letters of security could be procured from
the capital, when they might proceed to Arizona
and take possession of any mines they found;
or, lastly, they might put themselves under the
leadership of a Mexican officer and then proceed.
Raousset and his followers refused to accede to
an\ of these propositions. Blanco began col-
lecting men and munitions of war to oppose the
French. Raousset raised the flag of revolt and
invited the inhabitants to join him in gaining
the independence of Sonora. After drilling his
men a few weeks and preparing for hostilities
he began his march against Hermosilla, distant
one hundred and fifty miles. He met with no
ion, the people along his route welcom-
ing the French. General Blanco had twelve
hundred men to defend the city. I'm instead of
preparing to resist the advancing army he sent
delegates t" Raousset to offer him monej
the city alone. Raousset sent back word thai
at X o'clock he would begin the attack; and at
11 would be master of the city, lie was,
as his word. The Frenchmen charged the Mex
irans and although the opposing force num
bered four to one of the assailants, Raousset's
men captured the town and drove Blanco's
troops out of it. The Mexican loss was two
hundred killed and wounded. The French loss
seventeen killed and twenty-three wounded
Raousset's men were mere adventurers and were
in the country without any definite purpose.
Could he have relied on them, he might have
captured all of Sonora.
He abandoned Hermosilla. Blanco, glad to
get rid of the filibusters on any terms, raised
$11,000 and chartered a vessel to carry them
back to San Francisco. A few elected to re-
main. Raousset went to Mazatlan and a few
months later he reached San Francisco, where
he was lionized as a hero. Upon an invitation
from Santa Ana, wdio had succeeded Arista as
president, he again visited the Mexican capital
in June, 1853. Santa Ana was profuse in prom-
ises. He wanted Raousset to recruit five hun-
dred Frenchmen to protect the Sonora frontier
against the Indians, promising ample remunera-
tion and good pay for their services. Raousset,
finding that Santa Ana's promises could not be
relied upon, and that the wiley schemer was
about to have him arrested, made his escape to
Acapulco, riding several horses to death to
reach there ahead of his pursuers. He embarked
immediately for San Francisco.
In the meantime another filibuster, William
Walker, with forty-one followers had landed at
La Paz November 3, 1853, and proclaimed a
new nation, the Republic of Lower California.
Santa Ana, frightened by this new invasion, be-
gan making overtures through the Mexican con-
sul, Luis del Valle, at San Francisco to secure
French recruits for military service on the Mex-
ican frontier. Del Yalle applied to the French
consul, Dilh mi. and Dillon applied to Raousset.
Raousset soon secured eight hundred recruits
and chartered the British ship Challenge to take
them to Guaymas. Then the pro-slavery federal
officials at San Francisco were aroused to ac-
tion. The neutrality laws were being violated.
It was not that they cared for the laws, but they
feared that this new filibustering scheme might
interfere with their pet, Walker, who had, in ad-
dition to tlie Republic of Lower California,
founded another nation, the Republic of Sonora,
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in both of which he had decreed slavery. The
ship was seized, but after a short detention was
allowed to sail with three hundred French-
men.
Del Yalle was vigorously prosecuted by the
federal authorities for violation of a section of
the neutrality laws, which forbade the enlistment
within the United States of soldiers to serve un-
der a foreign power. Dillon, the French con-
sul, was implicated and on his refusal to testify
in court he was arrested. He fell back on his
dignity and asserted that his nation had been in-
sulted through him and closed his consulate.
For a time there were fears of international
trouble.
Del Yalle was found guilty of violating the
• neutrality laws, but was never punished. The
pro-slavery pet, Walker, and his gang were
driven out of Mexico and the federal officials
had no more interest in enforcing neutrality
laws. Meanwhile Raousset, after great diffi-
culties, had joined the three hundred French-
men at Guaymas. A strip of northern Sonora
had been sold under what is known as the Gads-
den purchase to the United States. There was
no longer any opportunity to secure mines there
from Mexico, but Raousset thought he could
erect a barrier to any further encroachments of
the United States and eventually secure Mexico
for France. His first orders on reaching Guay-
mas to the commander of the French, Desmaris,
was to attack the Mexican troops and capture
the city. His order did not reach Desmaris. Flis
messenger was arrested and the Mexican au-
thorities begun collecting forces to oppose
Raousset. Having failed to receive reinforce-
ments, and his condition becoming unendurable,
he made an attack on the Mexican forces, twelve
hundred strong. After a brave assault he was
defeated. He surrendered to the French consul
on the assurance that his life and that of his
men would be spared. He was treacherously
surrendered by the French consul to the Mex-
ican general. He was tried by a court-martial,
found guilty and sentenced to be shot. On ilk-
morning of August 12, 1854, he was executed.
His misguided followers were shipped bad to
San Francisco. So ended the first California
filibuster.
The first American born filibuster who or-
ganized one of these piratical expeditions was
William Walker, a native of Tennessee. He
came to California with the rush of 1850. He
had started out in life to be a doctor, had studied
law and finally drifted into journalism. He be-
longed to the extreme pro-slavery faction. He
located in San PTancisco and found employment
on the Herald. Mis bitter invective against the
courts for their laxity in punishing crime raised
the ire of Judge Levi Parsons, win, fined Walker
$500 for contempt of court and ordered him
imprisoned until the fine was paid. Walker re-
fused to pay the fine and went to jail. He at
once bounded into notoriety. He was a mar-
tyr to the freedom of the press. A public in-
dignation meeting was called. An immense
crowd of sympathizers called on Walker in jail.
A writ of habeas corpus was sued out and he
was released from jail and discharged. In the
legislature of 1852 he tried to have Parson im-
peached, but failed. He next opened a law of-
fice in Marysville.
The success of Raousset-Boulbon in his first
expedition to Sonora had aroused the ambition
of Walker to become the founder of a new gov-
ernment. Flis first efforts were directed towards
procuring from Mexico a grant on the Sonora
border; this was to be colonized with Americans,
who would protect the Mexican frontier from
Apache incursion. This was a mere subterfuge
and the Mexican authorities were not deceived
by it — he got no grant. To forestall Raousset-
Boulbon, who was again in the field with his
revolutionary scheme. Walker opened a recruit-
ing office. Each man was to receive a square
league of land and plunder galore. The bait
took, meetings were held, scrip sold and re-
cruits flocked to Walker. The brig Arrow was
chartered to carry the liberators to their des-
tination. The pro-slaver) officials, who held all
the offices, winked at this violation of the neu-
trality laws. There was but one man. General
Hitchcock, who dared to lo his duty, lie seized
the vessel; it was released, and Hitchcock re-
moved from command. Jefferson
secretary of war and Hitchcock was made to feel
his wrath for interfering with one of Davis' pet
projects, the extension of slavery. Walker
196
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sailed in another vessel, the Caroline, taking
with him forty-one of his followers, well armed
with rifles and revolvers to develop the re-
sources of the country.
The vessel with Walker and his gang sneaked
into La Paz under cover of a Mexican flag. He
seized the unsuspecting governor and other offi-
cials and then proclaimed the Republic of Lower
California. He appointed from his following a
number of officials with high sounding titles.
He adopted the code of Louisiana as the law of
the land. This, as far as he was able, introduce. 1
into the country human slavery, which indeed
was about the sole purpose of his filibuster-
ing schemes. Fearing that the Mexican gov-
ernment might send an expedition across the
gulf to stop his marauding, he slipped out of
the harbor and sailed up to Todas Santos, so as
to be near the United States in case the Mexican
government should make it uncomfortable for
him. With this as headquarters he began prepa-
rations for an invasion of Sonora. His delectable
followers appropriated to their own use what-
ever they could find in the poverty-stricken
country. The news of the great victory at La
Paz reached San Francisco and created great
enthusiasm among Walker's sympathizers. His
vice-president, Watkins, enrolled three hundred
recruits and sent them to him, "greatly to the
relief of the criminal calendar."
Walker began to drill his recruits for the con-
quest of Sonora. These patriots, who had ral-
lied to the support of the new republic, under
the promise of rich churches to pillage and well-
d ranches to plunder, did not take kindly
to a diet of jerked beef and beans and hard drill-
ing under a torrid sun. Some rebelled and it
became necessar) for Walker to use the lash
and even to shout two ,ii them for the good of
the cause. The natives rebelled when they found
their cattle and Frijoles disappearing and the so-
, ailed battle of 1 .a Gualla was [ought between
the native s and a detachment of Walker's forag-
if whom were killed. The news of
this battle reached San Francisco and was mag-
nified into a great victory. The new republic
bi en baptized in the blood of its martyrs.
After three months spent in drilling, Walker
began his march to Sonora with but one hun-
dred men, and a small herd of cattle for food.
Most of the others had deserted. In his jour-
ney across the desert the Indians stole some of
his cattle and more of his men deserted. On
reaching the Colorado river about half of his
force abandoned the expedition and marched
to Fort Yuma, where Major Heintzelman re-
lieved their necessities. Walker with thirty-five
men had started back for Santa Tomas. They
brought up at Tia Juana, where they crossed
the American line, surrendered and gave their
paroles to Major McKinstry of the United
States army. When Walker and his Falstaffian
army reached San Francisco they were lionized
,i- heroes. All they had done was to kill a few
inoffensive natives on the peninsula and steal
their cattle. Their valiant leader had proclaimed
two republics and decreed (on paper) that slav-
ery should prevail in them. He had had sev-
eral of his dupes whipped and two of them shot,
which was probably the most commendable
thing he had done. His proclamations were
ridiculous and his officers with their high sound-
ing titles had returned from their burlesque con-
quest with scarcely rags enough on them to
cover their nakedness. Yet, despite all this,
the attempt to enlarge the area of slave territory
covered him with glory and his rooms were the
resort of all the pro-slavery officials of Califor-
nia.
The federal officials made a show of prosecut-
ing the filibusters. Watkins, the vice-president
of the Republic of Lower California and So-
nora, was put on trial in the United States dis-
trict court. The evidence was so plain and the
proof so convincing that the judge was com-
pelled to convict against his will. This delightful
specimen of a pro-slavery justice expressed
from the bench his sympathy for "those spirited
men who had gone forth to upbuild the broken
altars and rekindle tlie extinguished fires of lib-
erty in Mexico and Lower California." With
such men to enforce the laws, it was not strange
that vigilance committees were needed in Cal-
ifornia. Watkins and Emory, the so-called sec-
retary of state, were fined each $1,500. The
tines were never paid and no effort was ever
made to compel their payment. The secretary
of war and the secretary of the navy were [nit
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
191
on trial and acquitted. This ended the shame-
ful farce.
Walker's next expedition was to Nicaragua in
1855. A revolution was in progress there. He
joined forces with the Democratic party or anti-
legitimists. He took but fifty-six men with
him. These were called the American phalanx.
His first engagement was an attack upon the
fortified town of Rivas. Although his men
fought bravely, they were defeated and two of
his best officers, Kewen and Crocker, killed.
His next fight was the battle of Virgin Bay, in
which, with fifty Americans and one hundred
and twenty natives, he defeated six hundred
legitimists. He received reinforcements from
California and reorganized his force. He
seized the Accessory Transit Company's lake
steamer La Virgin against the protest of the
company, embarked his troops on board of it
and by an adroit movement captured the capi-
tal city, Granada. His exploits were heralded
abroad and recruits flocked to his support. The
legitimist had fired upon a steamer bringing pas-
sengers up the San Juan river and killed several.
Walker in retaliation ordered Mateo Mazorga,
the legitimist secretary of state, whom he had
taken prisoner at Granada, shot. Peace was de-
clared between the two parties and Patrico
Rivas made president. Rivas was president only
in name; 'Walker was the real head of the gov-
ernment and virtually dictator.
He was now at the zenith of his power. By a
series of arbitrary acts he confiscated the Ac-
cessory Transit Company's vessels and charter.
This company had become a power in California
travel and had secured the exclusive transit of
passengers by the Nicaragua route, then the
most popular route to California.
By this action he incurred the enmity of Yan-
derbilt, who henceforth worked for his down-
fall. The confiscation of the transit company's
right destroyed confidence in the route, and
travel virtually ceased by it. This was a blow
to the prosperity of the country. To add to
Walker's misfortunes, the other Central Amer-
ican states combined to drive the hated foreign-
ers out of the country. He had gotten rid of
Rivas and hail secured the presidency for him-
self. He had secured the repeal of the \'u
aragua laws against slavery and thus paved the
way for the introduction of his revered institu-
tion. Plis army now amounted to about twelve
hundred men, mostly recruited from California
and the slave states. The cholera broke out
among his forces and in the armies of the allies
and numbers died. His cause was rapidly wan-
ing. Many of his dupes deserted. A series of
disasters arising from his blundering and in-
capacity, resulted in his overthrow. He and
sixteen of his officers were taken out of the
country on the United States sloop of war, St.
Mary's. The governor of Panama refused to
allow him to land in that city. He was sent
across the isthmus under guard to Aspinwall
and from there with his staff took passage to
New Orleans. His misguided followers were
transported to Panama and found their way
back to the United States.
LTpon arriving at New Orleans he began re-
cruiting for a new expedition. One hundred and
fifty of his "emigrants" sailed from Mobile; the
pro-slavery federal officials allowing them to
depart. They were wrecked on Glover's reef,
about seventy miles from Balize. They were
rescued by a British vessel and returned to Mo-
bile. Walker, with one hundred and thirty-two
armed emigrants, landed at Punta Arenas, No-
vember 25, 1857, and hoisted his Nicaraguan
flag and called himself commander-in-chief of
the army of Nicaragua. He and his men b< gar
a career of plunder; seized the fort of Cas-
tillo on the San Juan river; captured steam-
ers, killed several inhabitants and made
prisoners of others. Commander Paulding,
of the United States flagship Wabash, then
on that coast, regarded these acts as rapine
and murder, and Walker and his men as out-
laws and pirates. lie broke up their camp, dis-
armed Walker and his emigrants and sent them
to the United States for trial. But instead of
Walker and his followers being tried for piracy
their pro-slavery abettors made heroes of them.
Walker's last effort to regain his lost prestige
in Nicaragua was made in i860. With two hun-
dred men. recruited in New Orleans, he landed
near Truxillo, in Honduras. I lis intention was
to make his way by land to Nicaragua. 1 le very
soon found armed opposition, His new recruits
1!IS
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
were not inclined to sacrifice themselves to make
him dictator of some country that they had no
interest in. So they refused to stand up against
the heav\ odds they encountered in every fight.
Finding his situation growing desperate, he was
induced to surrender himself to the captain of
the British man-of-war Icarus. The authorities
of Honduras made a demand on the captain for
Walker. That British Officer promptly turned
the filibuster over to them. He was tried by
a court-martial, hastily convened, found guilty
of the offenses charged, and condemned to die.
September 25, i860, he was marched out and.
in accordance with his sentence, shot to death.
Walker's career is an anomaly in the history
of mankind. Devoid of all the characteristics of
a great leader, without a commanding presence,
puny in size, homely to the point of ugliness,
in disposition, cold, cruel, selfish, heartless, stol-
idlv indifferent to the suffering of others, living
only to gratify the cravings of his inordinate
ambition — it is strange that such a man could
attract thousands to offer their lives for his
aggrandizement and sacrifice themselves for a
cause of which he was the exponent, a cause the
must ignoble, the extension of human slavery,
that for such a man and for such a cause thou-
sands did offer up their lives is a sad commen-
tary on the political morality of that time. It
is said that over ten thousand men joined
Walker in his filibustering schemes and that
fifty-seven hundred of these found graves in
Nicaragua. Of the number of natives killed in
battle or who died of disease, there is no record,
Imt it greatly exceeded Walker's losses.
While Walker was attaining some success in
Nicaragua, another California filibuster entered
the arena. This was Henry A. Crabb, a Stock-
ton lawyer. Like Walker, he was a native of
Tennessee, and, like him. too. he was a rabid
' r\ advocate. He had served in the
assembl) and one term in the -tale senate. It
is -aid he was the author of a bill to allow slave-
holders who bri lUghl their -lave- into ( 'alitornia
1:- admission to take their human chattels
back into bondage. He was originally a Whig,
the Know Nothing party and was
a Candida'.' of that party for United State- sen-
ator in 1856: but his extreme southern princi-
ples prevented his election. He had married a
Spanish wife, who had numerous and influential
relatives in Sonora. It was claimed that Crabb
had received an invitation from some of these to
bring down an armed force of Americans to
overthrow the government and make himself
master of the country. Whether he did or did
not receive such an invitation, he did recruit a
body of men for some kind of service in Sonora.
With a force of one hundred men, well armed
with rifles and revolvers, he sailed, in January,
1857, on the steamer Sea Bird, from San Fran-
cisco to San Pedro and from there marched over-
land. As usual, no attempt was made by the
federal authorities to prevent him from invading
a neighboring country with an armed force.
He entered Sonora at Sonita, a small town
one hundred miles from Yuma. His men helped
themselves to what they could find. When ap-
proaching the town of Cavorca they were fired
upon by a force of men lying in ambush. The
fire was kept up from all quarters. They made a
rush and gained the shelter of the houses. In
the charge two of their men had been killed and
eighteen wounded. In the house they had taken
:on of they were exposed to shots from
a church. Crabb and fifteen of his men tit-
tempted to blow open the doors of the church
with gunpowder, but in the attempt, which
failed, five of the men were killed, and seven,
including Crabb, wounded. After holding out
for five days they surrendered to the Mexicans,
Gabilondo, the Mexican commander, promising
to spare their lives. Next morning they were
marched out in squads of five to ten and shot.
Crabb was tied to a post and a hundred balls
fired into him ; his head was cut off and placed
in a jar of mescal. The only one spared was a
boy of fifteen. Charles E. Evans. A party of
sixteen men whom Crabb had left at Sonita
was surprised and all massacred. The boy
Evans was the only one left to tell the fate of the
ill-starred expedition. This put an end to fili-
bustering expeditions into Sonora.
These tinned forays on the neighboring coun-
tries to the south of the United States ceased
with the beginning of the war of secession.
The} had all been made for the purpose of ac-
quiring slave territory. The leaders of them
;
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
19!)
were southern men and the rank and file wen.'
mostly recruited from natives of the slave states.
Bancroft truthfully says of these filibustering
expeditions : 'They were foul robberies, covered
by the flimsiest of political and social pretenses,
gilded by false aphorisms and profane distortion
of sacred formulae. Liberty dragged in the mud
for purposes of theft and human enslavement;
the cause of humanity bandied in filthy mouths
to promote atrocious butcheries; peaceful,
blooming valleys given over to devastation and
ruin; happy families torn asunder, and widows
and orphans cast adrift to nurse affliction; and
finally, the peace of nations imperiled, and the
morality of right insulted. The thought of such
results should obliterate all romance, and turn
pride to shame. They remain an ineffaceable
stain upon the government of the most progres-
sive of nations, and veil in dismal irony the
dream of manifest destiny."
CHAPTER XXIX.
FROM GOLD TO GRAIN AND FRUITS.
UNDER the Spanish and Mexican jurisdic-
tions there was but little cultivation of
the soil in California. While the gardens
of some of the missions, and particularly those
of Santa Barbara and San Buenaventura, pre-
sented a most appetizing display of fruit and
vegetables, at the ranchos there were but mea-
ger products. Gilroy says that when he came
to the country, in 1814, potatoes were not cul-
tivated and it was a rare thing outside of the
mission gardens to find any onions or cabbages.
A few acres of wheat and a small patch of maize
or corn furnished bread, or. rather, tortillas for
a family. At the missions a thick soup made of
boiled wheat or maize and meat was the stand-
ard article of diet for the neophytes. This was
portioned out to them in the quantity of about
three pints to each person. Langsdorff, who
witnessed the distribution of soup rations to the
Indians at Santa Clara, says: "It appeared in-
comprehensible how any one could three times a
day eat so large a portion of such, nourishing
food." The neophytes evidently had healthy ap-
petites. Frijoles (beans) were the staple vege-
table dish in Spanish families. These were
served up at almost every meal. The bill of
fare for a native Californian family was very
simple.
A considerable aim mm of wheal was raised
at the more favorably located missions. It was
not raised for export, but to feed the neophytes.
The wheat fields had to be fenced in, or perhaps
it would be more in accordance with the facts
to say that the cattle had to be fenced out. As
timber was scarce, adobe brick did duty for
fencing as well as for house building. Some-
times the low adobe walls were made high and
safe by placing on top of them a row of the
skulls of Spanish cattle with the long, curving
horns attached to them pointing outward. These
were brought from the matanzas or slaughter
corrals where there were thousands of them
lying around. It was almost impossible for
man or beast to scale such a fence.
The agricultural implements of the early Cali-
fornians were few and simple. The Mexican
plow was a forked stick with an iron point las
tened to the fork or branch that penetrated the
ground. It turned no furrow, but merely
scratched the surface of the ground. After sow-
ing it was a race between the weeds and the
grain. It depended on the season which won.
If the season was cold and backward, so that
eed did not sprout readily, the weeds gol
the start and won oul easily. And yet with such
primitive cultivation the yield was sometimes
astonishing. \i the Mission San Diego the
crop of wheat one year produced one hundred
and ninety-five fold. \s the agriculturist had
a large area from which to select his arable land,
only the richest soils were ore the
discover) of gold there was little or no market
200
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for grain, and each ranchero rajsed only enough
for his own use. For a time there was some
trade with the Russians in grain to supply their
settlements in Alaska, but this did not continue
\\ hen some of the Americans who came in
ill'' gold rush began to turn their attention to
agriculture they greatly underrated the produc-
tiveness of the country. To men raised where
the summer rains were needed to raise a crop
it seemed impossible to produce a crop in a
country that was rainless for six or eight months
of the year. All attempts at agriculture hitherto
had been -along the rivers, and it was generally
believed that the plains back from the water
courses could never be used for any other pur-
pose than cattle raising.
The mining rush of '49 found California with-
out vegetables and fresh fruit. The distance
was too great for the slow transportation of
that day to ship these into the country. Those
who first turned their attention to market gar-
dening made fortunes. The story is told of an
old German named Schwartz who had a small
ranch a few miles below Sacramento. In [848,
when everybody was rushing to the mines, he
remained on his farm, unmoved by the stories
of the wonderful finds of gold. Anticipating a
greater rush in 1849, ne planted several acres
in watermelons. As they ripened he took them
up to the city and disposed of them at prices
ranging from $1 to $5, according to size, lie
realized that season from his melons alone
$30,000. The first field of cabbages was grown
by < icorge H. Peck and a partner in 1850. From
defective seed or some other cause the cabbage
failed to come to a head. Supposing that the
delect was in the climate and not in the cabbage,
the honest rancher marketed his crop in San
Francisco, carrying a cabbage in each hand
along the streets until he found a customer. To
the query why there were no heads to them
the replj was, "That's tin- waj cabbages grow
in California." lie got rid of bis crop at the
Kite .if Si apiece for each headless cabbage.
But all the vegetable growing experiments were
nol a financial success. The high price of po-
rted a tuber-growing epidemic
in [850. Hundreds of acres were planted 1..
"spuds" in the counties contiguous to San
Francisco, the agriculturists paying as high as
fifteen cents per pound for seed. The yield was
enormous and the market was soon overstocked.
The growers who could not dispose of their
potatoes stacked them up in huge piles in the
fields; and there they rotted, filling the country
around with their effluvia. The next year no-
l>"d\ planted potatoes, and prices went up to
the figures of '49 and the spring of '50.
The size to which vegetables grew astonished
the amateur agriculturists. Beets, when allowed
to grow to maturity, resembled the trunks of
trees; onions looked like squash, while a patch
of pumpkins resembled a tented field; and corn
grew so tall that the stalks had to be felled to
gt\ ai the ears. Onions were a favorite vege-
table in the mining camps on account of their
anti-scorbutic properties as a preventive of
scurvy. The honest miner was not fastidious
about the aroma. They were a profitable crop,
too. One ranchero in the Xapa valley was re-
ported to have cleared $8,000 off two acres of
onions.
\\ it h the decline of gold mining wheat be-
came the staple product of central California.
The nearness to shipping ports and the large
yields made wheat growing very profitable. In
the years immediately following the Civil war
the price ranged high and a fortune was some-
times made from the products of a single field.
It may be necessary to explain that the field
might contain anywhere from five hundred to
a thousand acres. The grain area was largely
extended by the discovery that land in the
upper mesas, which had been regarded as only
fit for pasture land, was good for cereals. The
land in the southern part of the state, which
was held in large grants, continued to be de-
voted to cattle raising for at least two decades
after the American conquest. After the dis-
covery of gold cattle raising became immensely
profitable. Under the Mexican regime a steer
was worth what his hide and tallow would bring
or about $2 or $3. The rush of immigration in
[849 -eiil the price of cattle up until a fat bul-
lock sold for from $30 to $35. The profit to a
ranchero who had a thousand or more marketa-
ble cattle was a fortune. A good, well-stocked
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I'lil
cattle ranch was more valuable than a gold
mine.
The enormous profits in cattle raising dazed
the Californians. Had they been thrifty and
economical, they might have grown rich. But
the sudden influx of wealth engendered extrava-
gant habits and when the price of cattle fell, as
it did in a few years, the spendthrift customs
were continued. When the cattle market was
dull it was easy to raise money by mortgaging
the ranch. With interest at the rate of 5 per
cent per month, compounded monthly, it did
not take long for land and cattle both to change
hands. It is related of the former owner of
the Santa Gertrudes rancho' that he borrowed
$500 from a money lender, at 5 per cent a
month, to beat a poker game, but did not suc-
ceed. Then he borrowed more money to pay
the interest on the first and kept on doing so
until interest and principal amounted to $100,-
000; then the mortgage was foreclosed and
property to-day worth $1,000,000 was lost for
a paltry $500 staked on a poker game.
Gold mining continued to be the prevailing
industry of northern California. The gold pro-
duction reached its acme in 1853. when the
total yield was $65,000,000. From that time
there was a gradual decline in production and
in the number of men employed. Many had
given up the hopes of striking it rich and quit
the business for something more certain and
less illusive. The production of gold in 1X52
was $60,000,000, yet the average yield to each
man of the one hundred thousand engaged in
it was only about $600, or a little over $2 per
day to the man, scarcely living wages as prices
were then. It has been claimed that the cost of
producing the gold, counting all expenditures,
was three times the value of that produced.
Even if it did, the development of the country
and impulse given to trade throughout the
world would more than counterbalance the loss.
At the time of the discovery of gold nearly all
of the fruit raised in California was produced at
Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. In Spanish and
Mexican days, Los Angeles had been the prin-
cipal wine-producing district of California. Al-
though wine, as well as other spirituous liquors,
were in demand, the vineyardists found it more
profitable to ship their grapes to San Francisco
than to manufacture them into wine. Grapes
retailed in the city of San Francisco at from
twelve and one-half to twenty-five cents a
pound. The vineyards were as profitable as
the cattle ranches. The mission Indians did the
labor in the vineyards and were paid in aguar-
diente on Saturday night. By Sunday morning
they were all drunk; then they were gathered
up and put into a corral. On Monday morning
they were sold to pay the cost of their dissipa-
tion. It did not take many years to kill off the
Indians. The city has grown over the former
sites of the vineyards.
The first orange trees were planted at the
Mission San Gabriel about the year 1815 and
a few at Los Angeles about the same time. But
little attention was given to the industry by the
Californians. The first extensive grove was
planted by William Wolfskill in 1840. The im-
pression then prevailed that oranges could be
grown only on the low lands near the river.
The idea of attempting to grow them on the
mesa lands was scouted at by the Californians
and the Americans. The success that attended
the Riverside experiment demonstrated that
they could be grown on the mesas, and that the
fruit produced was superior to that grown on
the river bottoms. This gave such an impel us
to the industry in the south that it has distanced
all others. The yearly shipment to the eastern
markets is twenty thousand car loads. The cit-
rus belt is extending every year.
The Californians paid but little attention to
the quality of the fruit they raised. The seed
fell in the ground and sprouted. If the twig
survived and grew to be a tree, they ate the fruit,
asking no question whether the quality might
be improved. The pears grown at the missions
and at some of the ranch houses were hard and
tasteless. It was said they never ripened. \
small black fig was cultivated in a few places,
but the quantity of fruit grown outside of the
mission gardens was very small.
The high price of all kinds of fruit in the early
'50s induced the importation of apple, peach,
pear, plum ami prune trees. These thrived and
soon supplied the demand. Before the advent
of the railroads and the shipment east the quan-
202
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tit) of deciduous fruit produced had outgrown
the demand, and there was no profit in its pro-
duction. All this has been changed by eastern
shipment.
Sheep were brought to the country with the
first missionary expeditions. The Indian in his
primitive condition did not use clothing. A
coat of mud was his only garment and he was
not at all particular about the fit of that. After
his conversion the missionaries put clothing on
him, or, rather, on part of him. He was given a
shirt, which was a shirt of Xessus. being made of
the coarse woolen cloth manufactured at the
mission. It was irritating to the skin and com-
pelled the poor wretches to keep up a continual
scratching; at least, that is what Hugo Reid
tells us. During the Civil war and for several
years after, the sheep industry was very profit-
able. The subdivision of the great ranchos and
the absorption of the land for grain growing and
fruit culture have contracted the sheep ranges
until there is but little left for pasture except the
foothills that are too rough for cultivation.
Up to 1863 the great Spanish grants that cov-
ered the southern part of the state had, with a
few exceptions, been held intact and cattle rais-
ing had continued to be the principal industry.
For several seasons previous to the famine years
of 1863 and 1864 there had been heavy rainfalls
and consequently abundant feed. With that
careless indifference that marked the business
management of the native Californian, the
ranges had become overstocked. When the
dry vear of 1863 set in, the feed on ranches was
soon exhausted and the cattle starving. The
second famine year following, the cattle industry
was virtually wiped out of existence and the
cattle-owners ruined. In Santa Barbara, where
the cattle barons held almost imperial sway,
and, with their army of retainers, controlled the
political affairs of the county, of the two hun-
dred thousand cattle listed on the assessment
roll of [862, onl) five thousand were alive when
grass grew in 1865. On the Stearns' ranchos in
Los Angeles county, one hundred thousand
head of cattle and horses perished, and the
owner of a quarter million acres and a large
amount of city property could not raise money
enough to pay $1,000 taxes.
Many of the rancheros were in debt when the
hard times came, and others mortgaged their
land at usurious rates of interest to carry them
through the famine years. Their cattle dead,
they had no income to meet the interest on the
cancerous mortgage that was eating up their
patrimony. The result was that they were com-
pelled either to sell their land or the mortgage
was foreclosed and they lost it. This led to the
subdivision of the large grants into small .hold-
ings, the new proprietors finding that there was
more profit in selling them off in small tracts
than in large ones. This brought in an intelli-
gent and progressive population, and in a few
years entirely revolutionized the agricultural
conditions of the south. Grain growing and
fruit raising became the prevailing industries.
The adobe ranch house with its matanzas and
its Golgotha of cattle skulls and bones gave
place to the tasty farm house with its flower
garden, lawn and orange grove.
The Californians paid but little attention to
improving the breed of their cattle. When the
only value in an animal was the hide and tallow,
it did not pay to improve the breed. The hide
of a long-horned, mouse-colored Spanish steer
would sell for as much as that of a high-bred
Durham or Holstein, and, besides, the first
could exist where the latter would starve to
death. After the conquest there was for some
time but little improvement. Cattle were brought
across the plains, but for the most part these
were the mongrel breeds of the western states
and were but little improvement on the Spanish
stock. It was not until the famine years vir-
tually exterminated the Spanish cattle that bet-
ter breeds were introduced.
As with cattle, so also it was with horses.
Little attention was given to improving the
breed. While there were a few fine race horses
and saddle horses in the country before its
American occupation, the prevailing equine was
the mustang. He was a vicious beast, nor was
it strange that his temper was bad. He had to
endure starvation and abuse that would have
killed a more aristocratic animal. He took care
of himself, subsisted on what he could pick up
and to the best of his ability resented ill treat-
ment. Horses during the Mexican regime were
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAH1H AL RECORD.
jo:;
used only for riding. Oxen were the draft ani-
mals. Tlic mustang had one inherent trail that
did not endear him to an American, and that
was his propensity to "buck." With his nose
between his knees, his back arched and his legs
stiffened, by a series of short, quick jumps, he
could dismount an inexperienced rider with
neatness and dispatch. The Californian took
delight in urging the bronco to "buck" so that
he (the rider) might exhibit his skillful horse-
manship. The mustang had some commenda-
ble traits as well. He was sure-footed as a goat
and could climb the steep hillsides almost equal
to that animal. He had an easy gait under the.
saddle and could measure off mile after mile
without a halt. His power of endurance was
wonderful. He could live off the country when
apparently there was nothing to subsist on ex-
cept the bare ground. He owed mankind a debt
of ingratitude which he always stood ready to
pay when an opportunity offered. The passing
of the mustang began with the advent of the
American farmer.
The founding of agricultural colonies began
in the '50s. One of the first, if not the first, was
the German colony of Anaheim, located thirty
miles south of Los Angeles. A company of
Germans organized in San Francisco in 1857
for the purpose of buying land for the cultiva-
tion of the wine grape and the manufacture of
wine. The organization was a stock company.
Eleven hundred acres were purchased in a
Spanish grant. This was subdivided into twenty
and forty acre tracts; an irrigating ditch
brought in from the Santa Ana river. A por-
tion of each subdivision was planted in vines
and these were cultivated by the company until
they came into bearing, when the tracts were
divided among the stockholders by lot, a cer-
tain valuation being fixed on each tract. The
man obtaining a choice lot paid into the fund
a certain amount and the one receiving an infe-
rior tract received a certain amount, so that each
received the same value in the distribution. The
colony proved quite a success, and for thirty
years Anaheim was one of the largest wine-
producing districts in the United States. In
1887 a mysterious disease destroyed all the vines
and the vineTardists turned their attention
to the cultivation of oranges and English
walnuts.
The Riverside colony, then in San Bernardino
county, now in Riverside county, was founded
in 1870. The projectors of the colony were
eastern gentlemen. At the head of the organiza-
tion was Judge J. W. North. They purchased
four thousand acres of the Roubidoux or Jurupa
rancho and fourteen hundred and sixty acres of
government land from the California Silk Cen-
ter Association. This association had been or-
ganized in 1869 for the purpose of founding a
colony to cultivate mulberry trees and manu-
facture silk. It had met with reverses, first in
the death of its president, Louis Prevost, a man
skilled in the silk business, next in the revoca-
tion by the legislature of the bounty for mul-
berry plantations, and lastly in the subsidence
of the sericulture craze. To encourage silk cul-
ture in California, the legislature, in 1866, passed
an act authorizing the payment of a bounty of
$250 for every plantation of five thousand mul-
berry trees two years old. This greatly stimu-
lated the planting of mulberry trees, if it did
not greatly increase the production of silk. In
1869 it was estimated that in the central and
southern portions of the state there were ten
millions of mulberry trees in various stages of
growth. Demands for the bounty poured in
upon the commissioners in such numbers that
the state treasury was threatened with bank-
ruptcy. The revocation of the bounty killed
the silk worms and the mulberry trees: ami
those who had been attacked with the sericulture
craze quickly recovered. The Silk Center As-
sociation, having fallen into hard lines, offered
its lands for sale at advantageous terms, and in
September, 1870, they were purchased by the
Southern California Colon) Association. The
land was bought at S3. 50 per acre, li was mesa
or table land that had never been cultivated.
It was considered by old-timers indifferent sheep
pasture, and Roubidoux, i; is -aid. had it struck
from the tax roll because it was not worth tax-
ing.
The company had the land subdivided and
laid off a town which was first named Jurupa,
but afterwards the name was changed to River-
side. The river, the Santa Ana. did not flow
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
past the town, but the colonists hoped to make
a goodly portion of its waters do so. The lands
were put on sale at reasonable prices, a ditch
at a cost of $50,000 was constructed. Experi-
ments were made with oranges, raisin grapes
and deciduous fruits, but the colony finally set-
tled down to orange producing. In 1877 the
introduction of the Bahia or navel orange gave
an additional impetus to orange growing in the
colony, the fruit of that species being greatly
superior to any other. This fruit was propa-
gated by budding from two trees received from
Washington, D. C, by J. A. Tibbetts, of River-
side.
The Indiana colony, which later became Pasa-
dena, was founded in 1873 by some gentlemen
from Indiana. Its purpose was the growing of
citrus fruits and raisin grapes, but it has grown
into a city, and the orange groves, once the
pride of the colony, have given place to business
blocks and stately residences.
During the early '70s a number of agricul-
tural colonies were founded in Fresno county.
These were all fruit-growing and raisin-pro-
ducing enterprises. They proved successful and
Fresno has become the largest raisin-pro-
ducing district in the state.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE CIVIL WAR— LOYALTY AND DISLOYALTY.
THE admission of California into the Union
as a free state did not, in the opinion of
the ultra pro-slavery faction, preclude the
possibility of securing a part of its territory for
the "peculiar institution" of the south. The
question of state division which had come up
in the constitutional convention was again agi-
tated. The advocates of division hoped to cut
off from the southern part, territory enough for
a new state. The ostensible purpose of division
was kept concealed. The plea of unjust taxa-
tion was made prominent. The native Califor-
nians who under Mexican rule paid no taxes on
their land were given to understand that they
were bearing an undue proportion of the cost
of government, while the mining counties, pay-
ing less tax, had the greater representation. The
native Californians were opposed to slavery, an
open advocacy of the real purpose would defeat
the division scheme.
The leading men in the southern part of the
state were from the slave states. If the state
were divided, the influence of these men would
carry the new state into the Union with a con-
stitution authorizing slave-holding and thus the
south would gain two senators. The division
question came up in some form in nearh every
session of the legislature for a decade after Cali-
fornia became a state.
In the legislature of 1854-55, Jefferson Hunt,
of San Bernardino county, introduced a bill in
the assembly to create and establish, "out of
the territory embraced within the limits of the
state of California, a new state, to be called the
state of Columbia." The territory embraced
within the counties of Santa Cruz, Santa Clara,
San Joaquin, Calaveras, Amador, Tuolumne,
Stanislaus, Mariposa, Tulare, Monterey, Santa
Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, San
Bernardino and San Diego, with the islands on
the coast, were to constitute the new state.
"The people residing within the above mentioned
territory shall be and they are hereby author-
ized, so soon as the consent of the congress of
the United States shall be obtained thereto, to
proceed to organize a state government under
such rules as are prescribed by the constitution
of the United States." The bill met with oppo-
sition. It took in some of the mining counties
whose interests were not coincident with the
agricultural counties of the south. It died on
the files.
At a subsequent session, a bill was introduced
in the legislature to divide the state into three
parts, southern, central and northern, the cen-
tral state to retain the name of California. This
was referred to a committee and got no farther.
Ii was not satisfactory to the pro-slavery ele-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ment because the gain to the south would be
.overbalanced by the gain to the north.
The success of border ruffianism, backed by
the Buchanan administration, in forcing the de-
testable Lecompton pro-slavery constitution on
the people of Kansas, encouraged the division-
ists to make another effort to divide the state.
While California was a free state it had through-
out its existence, up to 1857, when Broderick
was elected to the senate, been represented in
both houses either by slave-holders from the
south or by northern "dough faces" — men of
northern birth with southern principles. Most
of the state offices had been filled by southern
men who had come to the state to obtain office
or men who had been imported by their friends
or relatives to fill positions by appointment.
Indeed, so notorious had this importation of
office-holders become that California was often
referred to as the "Virginia poorhouse."
Scarcely a legislature had convened in which
there was not some legislation against free ne-
groes. A free colored man was as terrible to
the chivalrous legislators as an army with ban-
ners.
The legislature of 1859 was intensely pro-
slavery. The divisionists saw in it an oppor-
tunity to carry out their long-deferred scheme.
The so-called Pico law, an act granting the
consent of the legislature to the formation of a
different government for the southern counties
of this state, was introduced early in the ses-
sion, passed in both houses and approved by
the governor April 18, 1859. The boundaries
of the proposed state were as follows: "All of
that part or portion of the present territory of
this state lying all south of a line drawn east-
ward from the west boundary of the state along
the sixth standard parallel south of the Mount
Diablo meridian, east to the summit of the
coast range; thence southerly following said
summit to the seventh standard parallel: thence
due east on said standard, parallel to its inter-
section with the northwest boundary of Los
Angeles county; thence northeast along said
boundary to the eastern boundary of the slate.
including the counties of San Luis Obispo,
Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, San
Bernardino and a part of Buena \ ista, shall he
segregated from the remaining portion of the
state for the purpose of the formation by con-
gress, with the concurrent action of said portion
(the consent for the segregation of which is
hereby granted), of a territorial or other gov-
ernment under the name of the "Territory of
Colorado," or such other name as may be
deemed meet and proper."
Section second provided for the submitting
the question of "For a Territory" or "Against
a Territory" to the people of the portion sought
to be segregated at the next general election;
"and in case two-thirds of the whole number of
voters voting thereon shall vote for a change of
government, the consent hereby given shall be
deemed consummated." In case the vote was
favorable the secretary of state was to send a
certified copy of the result of the election and
a copy of the act annexed to the president of
the United States and to the senators and rep-
resentatives of California in congress. At the
general election in September, 1859, the ques-
tion was submitted to a vote of the people of
the southern counties, with the following result:
For. Against.
Los Angeles county 1407 441
San Bernardino 441 29
San Diego 207 24
San Luis Obispo 10 283
Santa Barbara 395 5 1
Tulare 17
Total 2,477 828
The bill to create the county of Buena Vista
from the southern portion of Tulare failed to
pass the legislature, hence the name of that
county does not appear in the returns. The
result of the vote showed that considerably more
than two-thirds were in favor of a new state.
The results of this movement for division and
the act were sent to the president and to con-
gress, hut nothing came of it. The pro-slavery
faction that with the assistance of the dough-
faces of the north had so long dominated con-
gress hail lost its power. The southern senators
and congressmen v, ere pp paring for s&
and had weightier matters t,i think of than the
division of tin- state of 1 :alifornia. < >f late years,
a few feeble attempts have been made to stir up
206
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the old question of state division and even to
resurrect the old "Pico law."
For more than a decade after its admission
into the Union, California was a Democratic
state and controlled by the pro-slavery wing of
that party. John C. Fremont and William H.
Gwin, its first senators, were southern born,
Fremont in South Carolina and Gwin in Mis-
sissippi. Politics had not entered into their
election, but the lines were soon drawn. Fre-
mont drew the short term and his services in
the senate were very brief. He confidently
expected a re-election, but in this he was
doomed to disappointment. The legislature of
1851, after balloting one hundred ami forty-two
times, adjourned without electing, leaving Cali-
fornia with but one senator in the session of
1850-51. In the legislature of 1852 John I'..
Wilier was elected. He was a northern man
with southern principles. His chief opponent
for the place was David Colbert Broderick, a
man destined to fill an important place in the
political history of California. He was an Irish-
man by birth, but had come to America in his
boyhood. He had learned the stone cutters'
trade with his father. His early associations
were with the rougher element of Xew York-
City. Aspiring to a higher position than that
of a stone cutter he entered the political field
and soon arose to prominence. At the age of
26 he was nominated for Congress, but was de-
feated by a small majority through a split in the
party. In 1840 he came to California, where he
arrived sick and penniless. With F. D. Kohler,
an assayer, he engaged in coining gold. The
profit from buying gold dust at $14 an ounce
and making it into $5 and $10 pieces put him
in afHuenl circumstances.
His first entry into politics in California was
his election to fill a vacancy in the senate of the
first legislature. In 1851 he became president
of the senate. I ['e studied law. history and liter-
ature and was admitted to the bar. He was ap-
pointed clerk of the supreme cour) and had as-
pirations for still higher positions. Although
Senator Gwin was a Democrat, he had managed
in control all the federal appointments of Fill
more, the Whig president, and he had filled the
(>f\)c<^ with pro-slaver) Democrats.
Xo other free state in the Union had such
odious laws against negroes as had California.
The legislature of 1852 enacted a law "respect-
ing fugitives from labor and slaves brought to
this state prior to her admission to the Union."
"Under this law a colored man or woman could
be brought before a magistrate, claimed as a
slave, and the person so seized not being per-
mitted to testify, the judge had no alternative
but to issue a certificate to the claimant, which
certificate was conclusive of the right of the per-
son or persons in whose favor granted, and pre-
vented all molestation of such person or per-
sons, by any process issued by any court, judge,
justice or magistrate or other person whomso-
ever. "* Any one who rendered assistance to a
fugitive was liable to a fine of $500 or imprison-
ment for two months. Slaves who had been
brought into California by their masters before
it became a state, but who were freed by the
adoption of a constitution prohibiting slavery,
were held to be fugitives and were liable to
arrest, although they had been free for several
years and some of them had accumulated con-
siderable property. By limitation the law should
have become inoperative in 1853, but the legis-
lature of that year re-enacted it, and the suc-
ceeding legislatures of 1854 and 1855 continued
it in force. The intention of the legislators
who enacted the law was to legalize the kid-
napping of free negroes, as well as the arrest of
fugitives. Broderick vigorously opposed the
prosecution of the colored people and by so
doing called down upon his head the wrath of
the pro-slavery chivalry. From that time on he
was an object of their hatred. While successive
legislatures were passing laws to punish black-
men for daring to assert their freedom and their
right to the products of their honest toil, white
villains were rewarded with political preferment,
provided always that they belonged to the domi-
nant wing of the Democratic party. The Whig
party was but little better than the other, for the
same element ruled in both. The finances of
tin' state were in a deplorable condition and
continually growing worse. The people's money
was recklessly squandered. Incompetency was
►Bancroft's History of California, Vol. VI.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
207
the rule in office and honesty the exception.
Ballot box stuffing had been reduced to a me-
chanical science, jury bribing was one of the
fine arts and suborning perjury was a recognized
profession. During one election in San Fran-
cisco it was estimated that $1,500,000 was spent
in one way or another to influence voters. Such
was the state of affairs just preceding the up-
rising of the people that evolved in San Fran-
cisco the vigilance committee of 1856.
At the state election in the fall of 1855 the
Know Nothings carried the state. The native
American or Know Nothing party was a party
of few principles. Opposition to Catholics and
foreigners was about the only plank in its plat-
form. There was a strong opposition to for-
eign miners in the mining districts and the
pro-slavery faction saw in the increased foreign
immigration danger to the extension of their
beloved institution into new territory. The
most potent cause of the success of the new
part}- in California was the hope that it might
bring reform to relieve the tax burdened people.
But in this they were disappointed. It was made
up from the same element that had so long mis-
governed the state.
The leaders of the party were either pro-
slavery men of the south or northern men with
southern principles. Of the latter class was J.
Neely Johnson, the governor-elect. In the leg-
islature of 1855 the contest between Gwin and
Broderick, which had been waged at the polls
the previous year, culminated after thirty-eight
ballots in no choice and Gwin's place in the
senate became vacant at the expiration- of his
term. In the legislature of 1856 the Know Noth-
ings had a majority in both houses. It was
supposed that they would elect a senator to
succeed Gwin. There were three aspirants: H.
A. Crabb, formerly a Whig; F. C. Marshall and
Henry S. Foote, formerly Democrats. All were
southerners and were in the new party for of-
fice. The Gwin and Broderick influence was
strong enough to prevent the Know Nothing
legislature from electing a senator and Califor-
nia was left with but one representative in the
upper house of Congress.
The Know Nothing party was short lived. At
the general election in 1856 the Democrats
swept the state. Broderick, by his ability in or-
ganizing and his superior leadership, had se-
cured a majority in the legislature and was in a
position to dictate terms to his opponents. Wel-
ler's senatorial term would soon expire and
Gwin's already two years vacant left two places
to be filled. Broderick, who had heretofore
been contending for Gwin's place, changed his
tactics and aspired to fill the long term. Ac-
cording to established custom, the filling of the
vacancy would come up first, but Broderick, by
superior finesse, succeeded in having the caucus
nominate the successor to Weller first. Ex-
Congressman Latham's friends were induced to
favor the arrangement on the expectation that
their candidate would be given the short term.
Broderick was elected to the long term on the
first ballot, January 9, 1857, and his commission
was immediately made out and signed by the
governor. For years he had bent his energies
to securing the senatorship and at last he had
obtained the coveted honor. But he was not
satisfied yet. He aspired to control the federal
patronage of the state; in this way he could
reward his friends. He could dictate the elec-
tion of his colleague for the short term. Both
Gwin and Latham were willing to concede to
him that privilege for the sake of an election.
Latham tried to make a few reservations for
some of his friends to whom he had promised
places. Gwin offered to surrender it all with-
out reservation. He had had enough of it.
Gwin was elected and next day published an
address, announcing his obligation to Broderick
and renouncing any claim" to the distribution of
the federal patronage.
Then a wail long and loud went up from the
chivalry, who for years had monopolized all the
offices. That they, southern gentlemen of aris-
tocratic antecedents, should be compelled to asl
favors of a mudsill of the north was too hu-
miliating to be borne. Latham, too, was indig-
nant and Broderick found thai his triumph was
but a hollow mockery. But the worst
come. Tie who had done SO much to unite the
warring Democracy and give the party a glo-
rious victory in California at the presidential
election of [856 full) expected the approbation
of President Buchanan, but when he called on
2(IS
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that old gentleman he was received coldly and
during Buchanan's administration he was ig-
nored and Gwin's advice taken and followed in
making federal appointments. He returned to
California in April, 1857, to secure the nomina-
tion of his friends on the state ticket, but in
this he was disappointed. The Gwin ele-
ment was in the ascendency and John
B. Weller received the nomination for gov-
ernor. He was regarded as a martyr, having
been tricked out of a re-election to the sen-
ate by Broderick. There were other martyrs of
the Democracy, who received balm for their
wounds and sympathy for their sufferings at
that convention. In discussing a resolution de-
nouncing the vigilance committee, 0'Me.ara in
his "History of Early Politics in California,"
says: "Col. Joseph P. Hoge, the acknowledged
leader of the convention, stated that the com-
mittee had hanged four men, banished twenty-
eight and arrested two hundred and eighty; and
that these were nearly all I democrats.
On Broderick's return to the senate in the
session of 1857-58, he cast his lot with Senator
Douglas and opposed the admission of Kansas
under the infamous Lecompton constitution.
This cut him loose from the administration
wing of the party.
In the state campaign of 1859 Broderick ral-
lied his followers under the Anti-Lecompton
standard and Gwin his in support of the Bu-
chanan administration. The party was hope-
lessly divided. Two Democratic tickets were
placed in the field. The Broderick ticket, with
John Currey as governor, and the Gwin, with
Milton Latham, the campaign was bitter. Brod-
erick took the stump and although not an orator
his denunciations of Gwin were scathing and
merciless and in his fearful earnestness he be-
came almosl eloquent. Gwin in turn loosed
the vials of his wrath upon Broderick and
criminations and recriminations Hew thick and
fast during the campaign. It was a campaign
df vituperation, but the first aggress< r was
Gwin.
Judge Terry, in a speech before the Lecomp-
ton convention at Sacramento in June, 1859,
after flinging oul sneers at the Republican party,
characterized Broderick's party as sailing "under
the flag of Douglas, but it is the banner of the
black Douglass, whose name is Frederick, not
Stephen." This taunt was intended to arouse
the wrath of Broderick. He read Terry's speech
while seated at breakfast in the International
hotel at San Francisco. Broderick denounced
Terry's utterance in forcible language and
closed by saying: "I have hitherto spoken of
him as an honest man, as the only honest
man on the bench of a miserable, corrupt su-
preme court, but now I find I was mistaken. I
take it all back." A lawyer by the name of Per-
ley, a friend of Terry's, to whom the remark was
directed, to obtain a little reputation, challenged
Broderick. Broderick refused to consider Per-
ley's challenge on the ground that he was not
his (Broderick's) equal in standing and beside
that he had declared himself a few days before
a British subject. Perley did not stand very-
high in the community. Terry had acted as a
second for him in a duel a few years before.
Broderick, in his reply to Perley, said: "I
have determined to take no notice of attacks
from any source during the canvass. If I were
to accept your challenge, there are probably
many other gentlemen who would seek similar
opportunities for hostile meetings for the pur-
pose of accomplishing a political object or to
obtain public notoriety. I cannot afford at the
present time to descend to a violation of the
Constitution and state laws to subserve either
their or your purposes."
Terry a few days after the close of the cam-
paign sent a letter to Broderick demanding a
retraction of the offensive remarks. Broderick,
well knowing that he would have to fight some
representative of the chivalry if not several of
them in succession, did not retract his remarks,
lie had for several years, in expectation of such
a result in a contest with them, practiced
himself in the use of fire arms until he had be-
come quite expert.
A challenge followed, a meeting was arranged
to take place in San Mateo county, ten miles
from San Francisco, on the 12th of September.
( 'hief of Police Burke appeared on the scene
and arrested the principals. They were released
by the court, no crime having been committed.
They met next morning at the same place: ex-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
jn',i
Congressman McKibben and David D. Colton
were Broderick's seconds. Calhoun Benham
and Thomas Hayes were Terry's. The pistols
selected belonged to a friend of Terry's. Brod-
erick was ill, weak and nervous, and it was said
that his pistol was quicker on the trigger than
Terry's. When the word was given it was dis-
charged before it reached a level and the ball
struck the earth, nine feet from where he stood.
Terry fired, striking Broderick in the breast.
He sank to the earth mortally wounded and died
three days afterwards. Broderick dead was a
greater man than Broderick living. For years
he had waged a contest against the representa-
tives of the slave oligarchy in California and the
great mass of the people had looked on with
indifference, even urging on his pursuers to the
tragic end. Now that he was killed, the cry went
up for vengeance on his murderers. Terry was
arrested and admitted to bail in the sum of
$10,000. The trial was put off on some pretext
and some ten months later he obtained a change
of venue to Marin county on the plea that he
could not obtain a fair and impartial trial in San
Francisco. His case was afterwards dismissed
without trial by a pro-slavery judge named
Hard)-. Although freed by the courts he was
found guilty and condemned by public opinion.
He went south and joined the Confederates at
the breaking out of the Civil war. He some
time after the close of the war returned to Cal-
ifornia. In 1880 he was a presidential elector
on the Democratic ticket. His colleagues on
the ticket were elected, but he was defeated.
He was killed at Lathrop by a deputy United
States marshal while attempting an assault on
United States Supreme Judge Field.
In the hue and cry that was raised on the
death of Broderick, the chivalry read the doom
of their ascendency. Gwin, as he was about to
take trie steamer on his return to Washington,
"had flaunted in his face a large canvas frame,
cm which was painted a portrait of Broderick
and this: 'It is the will of the people that the
murderers of Broderick do not return again to
California;' and below were also these words
attributed to Mr. Broderick: 'They have killed
me because I was opposed to the extension of
slavery, and a corrupt administration.'"
Throughout his political career Broderick was
a consistent anti-slavery man and a friend of
the common people. Of all the politicians of the
ante-bellum period, that is, before the Civil war,
he stands to-day the highest in the estimation of
the people of California. Like Lincoln, he was
a self-made man. From a humble origin,
unaided, he had fought his way up to a lofty po-
sition. Had he been living during the war
against the perpetuity of human slavery, he
would have been a power in the senate or pos-
sibly a commander on the field of battle. As it
was, during that struggle in his adopted state,
his name became a synonyn of patriotism and
love for the Union.
Milton S. Latham, who succeeded John B.
VVeller as governor in i860, was. like his pred-
ecessor, a northern man with southern prin-
ciples. Almost from the date of his arrival in
California he had been an office-holder. He was
a man of mediocre ability. He was a state di-
visionist and would have aided in that scheme
by advocating in the senate of the United States
(to which body he had been elected three days
after his inauguration) the segregation of the
southern counties and their formation into a
new state with the hopes of restoring the equi-
librium between the north and the south. But
the time had passed for such projects. The
lieutenant-governor, John G. Downey, suc-
ceeded Latham. Downey gained great popu-
larity by his veto of the "bulkhead bill." This
was a scheme of the San Francisco Dock and
Wharf Company to build a stone bulkhead
around the city water front in consideration of
having the exclusive privilege of collecting
wharfage and tolls for fifty years. Down
much of his popularity, particularly with the
Union men, during the Civil war on account of
his sympathy with the Confederates.
At the state election in September. [861, Ice-
land Stanford was chosen governor. He was
the first Republican il office. He
received fifty-six thou Two years
before he had been a candidate for that office
and received only ten thousand votes, so rap-
idlv had publii '■ The news
of the firing upon Fori £ ed San
Francisco April -'4, twelve days after its oc-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
currence. It came by pony express. The be-
ginning of hostilities between the north and the
south stirred up a strong Union sentiment. The
great Union mass meeting held in San Fran-
cisco May ii, 1861, was the largest and most
enthusiastic public demonstration ever held on
the Pacific coast. The lines were sharply drawn
between the friends of the government and its
enemies. Former political alliances were for-
gotten. Most of the Anti-Lecompton or Doug-
las Democrats arrayed themselves on the side
of the Union. The chivalry wing of the Dem-
ocratic party were either open or secret sym-
pathizers with the Confederates. Some of them
were bold and outspoken in their disloyalty.
The speech of Edmund Randolph at the Dem-
ocratic convention July 24. 1861, is a sample
of such utterances. * * * "To me it seems
a waste of time to talk. For God's sake, tell
me of battles fought and won. Tell me of
usurpers overthrown; that Missouri is again a
free state, no longer crushed under the armed
heel of a reckless and odious despot. Tell me
that the state of Maryland lives again; and, oh!
gentlemen, let us read, let us hear, at the first
moment, that not one hostile foot now treads
the soil of Virginia! (Applause and cheers.)
If this be rebellion, I am a rebel. Do you want
a traitor, then I am a traitor. For God's sake,
speed the ball; may the lead go quick to his
heart, and may our country be free from the
despot usurper that now claims the name
of the president of the United States."* (Cheers.)
Some of the chivalry Democrats, most of whom
had been holding office in California for years,
went south at the breaking out of the war to
fight in the armies of the Confederacy, and
among these was Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston,
who had been superseded in the command of
the Pacific Department by < .en. Edwin V. Stun-
ner. Johnston, with a number of fellow sym-
pathizers, went south b) the overland route and
was killed a year later, at the batik- of Shiloh,
while in command of the Confederate army.
One form of disloyally among the class
known as "copperheads" (northern men with
rn principles) was the advocacy of a Pa-
cific republic. Most prominent among these
was ex-Governor John B. W'eller. The move-
ment was a thinly disguised method of aiding
the southern Confederacy. The flag of the
inchoate Pacific republic was raised in Stock-
ton January 16, 1861. It is thus described by
the Stockton Argus: "The flag is of silk of the
medium size of the national ensign and with
the exception of the Union (evidently a mis-
nomer in this case) which contains a lone star
upon a blue ground, is covered by a painting
representing a wild mountain scene, a huge
grizzly bear standing in the foreground and the
words 'Pacific Republic' near the upper border."
The flag raising was not a success. At first it
was intended to raise it in the city. But as it
became evident this would not be allowed, it was
raised to the mast head of a vessel in the slough.
It was not allowed to float there long. The hal-
yards were cut and a boy was sent up the mast
to pull it down. The owner of the flag was con-
vinced that it was not safe to trifle with the
loyal sentiment of the people.
At the gubernatorial election in September,
1863, Frederick F. Low, Republican, was
chosen over John G. Downey, Democrat, by a
majority of over twenty thousand. In some parts
of the state Confederate sympathizers were
largely in the majority. This was the case in
Los Angeles and in some places in the San
Joaquin valley. Several of the most outspoken
were arrested and sent to Fort Alcatraz, where
they soon became convinced of the error of
their ways and took the oath of allegiance.
When the news of the assassination of Lincoln
reached San Francisco, a mob destroyed the
newspaper plants of the Democratic Press.
edited by Beriah Brown ; the Occidental, edited
by Zach. Montgomery: the News Letter, edited
by F. Marriott, and the Monitor, a Catholic
paper, edited by Thomas A. Brady. These were
virulent copperhead sheets that had heaped
abuse upon the martyred president. Had the
proprietors of these journals been found the
mob would, in the excitement that prevailed,
have treated them with violence. After this
demonstration Confederate sympathizers kept
silent.
> alifornia.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CHAPTER XXXI.
TRADE, TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION.
THE beginning of the ocean commerce of
California was the two mission transport
ships that came every year to bring sup-
plies for the missions and presidios and take
back what few products there were to send.
The government fixed a price upon each and
every article of import and export. There was
no cornering the market, no bulls or bears in
the wheat pit, no rise or fall in prices except
when ordered by royal authority. An Arancel
de Precios (fixed rate of prices) was issued at
certain intervals, and all buying and selling was
governed accordingly. These arancels include 1
everything in the range of human needs — phys-
ical, spiritual or mental. According to a tariff
of prices promulgated by Governor Fages in
1788, which had been approved by the audencia
and had received the royal sanction, the price
of a Holy Christ in California was fixed at
$1.75, a wooden spoon six cents, a horse $9, a
deerskin twenty-five cents, red pepper eighteen
cents a pound, a dozen of quail twenty-five
cents, brandy seventy-five cents per pint, and
so on throughout the list.
In 1785 an attempt was made to open up
trade between California and China, the com-
modities for exchange being seal and otter
skins for quicksilver. The trade in peltries was
to be a government monopoly. The skins were
to be collected from the natives by the mission
friars, who were to sell them to a government
agent at prices ranging from $2.50 to Sin each.
The neophytes must give up to the friars all
the skins in their possession. All trade by citi-
zens or soldiers was prohibited ami any one
attempting to deal in peltries otherwise than
the regularly ordained authorities was liable, if
found out, to have his goods confiscated.
Spain's attempt to engage in the fur trade was
not a success. The blighting monopoly of
church and state nipped it in the bud. It died
out, and the government bought quicksilver,
on which also it had a monop >ly, with coin in-
stead of otter skins.
After the government abandoned the fur trade
the American smugglers began to gather up
the peltries, and the California producer re-
ceived better prices for his furs than the mis-
sionaries paid.
The Yankee smuggler had no arancel of
prices fixed by royal edict. His price ICt va-
ried according to circumstances. As his trade
was illicit and iiis vessel and her cargo were in
danger of confiscation if he was caught, his scale
of prices ranged high. But he paid a higher
price for the peltries than the government, and
that was a consolation to the seller. The com-
merce with the Russian settlements of the
northwest in the early years of the century fur-
nished a limited market for the grain produced
at some of the missions, hut the Russians
helped themselves to the otter and the seal of
California without saying "By your leave" and
they were not welcome visitors.
During the -Mexican revolution, as has been
previously mentioned, trade sprang up !><
Lima and California in tallow, but it was of
short duration During the Spanish era it can
hardly be said that California had air
merce. Foreign vessels were not allowed to
enter her ports except when in distress, anil
their stay was limited to the sin rtesl time pos
sible required to make repairs and take on
supplies.
It was not until Mexico gained her inde-
pendence ami removed the pi scriptive regu-
lations with which Spain had hampered com-
merce that t1]- rs opened up trade
between New England and 'California. This
trade, which b ■ ■ grew t . • consider-
able prop irtii n~ Tlie hide droghers were emi-
grant -hips as well as mercantile vessels. By
212
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
these came most of the Americans who settled
in California previous to 1840. The hide and
tallow trade, the most important item of com-
merce in the Mexican era, reached its maximum
in [834, when the great mission herds were, by
order of the padres, slaughtered to prevent them
from falling into the hands of the government
commissioners. Thirty-two vessels came to the
coast that year, marly all of which were en-
gaged in the hide and tallow trade.
During the year 1845, the last of Mexican
rule, sixty vessels visited the coast. These
were not all trading vessels; eight were men-
of-war, twelve were whalers and thirteen came
on miscellaneous business. The total amount
received at the custom house for revenue during
that year was $140,000. The majority of the
vessels trading on the California coast during
the Mexican era sailed under the stars and
stripes. Mexico was kinder to California than
Spain, and under her administration commer-
cial relations were established to a limited ex-
lent with foreign nations. Her commerce at
best was feeble and uncertain. The revenue laws
and their administration were frequently
changed, and the shipping merchant was never
sure wiiat kind of a reception his cargo would
receive from the custom house officers. The
duties on imports from foreign countries were
exorbitant and there was always more or less
smuggling carried on. The people and the
padres, when they were a power, gladly wel-
comed the arrival of a trading vessel on the
coast and were not averse to buying goods that
had escaped the tariff if they could do so with
safety. As there was no land tax, the revenue
on goods supported the expenses of the govern-
ment.
Never in the world's history did any country
develop an ocean commerce so quickly as did
California after the discovery of gold. When
the news spread abroad, the first ships to
arrive came from Peru, Chile and the South
Sea islands. The earliesl published notice oi
the gold discovery appeared in the Baltimore
Sun, September jo, [848, eight months after it
was made. At first the Story was ridiculed, hut
as confirmatory reports came thick and fast,
preparations began for a grand rush for the
gold mines. Vessels of all kinds, seaworthy
and unseaworthy, were overhauled and fitted
out for California'. The American trade with
California had gone by way of Cape Horn or
the Straits of Magellan, and this was the route
that was taken by the pioneers. Then there
were short cuts by the way of the Isthmus of
Panama, across Mexico and by Nicaragua. The
first vessels left the Atlantic seaports in No-
vember, 1848. By the middle of the winter one
hundred vessels had sailed from Atlantic and
Gulf seaports, and by spring one hundred and
fifty more had taken their departure, all of them
loaded with human freight and with supplies of
every description. Five hundred and forty-
nine vessels arrived in San Francisco in nine
months, forty-five reaching that port in one day.
April 12, 1848, before the treaty of peace
with Mexico had been proclaimed by the Presi-
dent, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company was
incorporated with a capital of $500,000. Asto-
ria. ( >rc., was to have been the Pacific terminus
of the company's line, but it never got there
The discovery of gold in California made San
Francisco the end of its route. The contract
with the government gave the company a sub-
sidy of $200,000 for maintaining three steamers
on the Pacific side between Panama and Asto-
ria. The first of these vessels, the California,
sailed from New York October 6, 1848, for San
Francisco and Astoria via Cape Horn. She
was followed in the two succeeding months by
the < (regon and the Panama. On the Atlantic
side the vessels of the line for several years
were the ( >hio, Illinois and Georgia. The ves-
sels 011 the Atlantic side were fifteen hundred
tons burden, while those on the Pacific were a
thousand tons. Freight and passengers by the
Panama route were transported across the isth-
mus by boats up the Chagres river to Gorgona,
and then by mule-back to Panama. In 1855 the
Panama railroad was completed. This greatly
facilitated travel and transportation. The At-
lantic terminus of the road was Aspinwall, now
called 1 1 > 1 < m.
Another hue of travel and commerce between
the states and California in early days was the
Nicaragua route. By that route passengers on
the Atlantic side landed at San Juan del Norte
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
213
or Greytown. From there they took a river
steamer and ascended the Rio San Juan to Lake
Nicaragua, then in a larger vessel the) crossed
the lake to La Virgin. From there a distance
of about twelve miles was made on foot or on
mule-back to San Juan del Sur, where they re-
embarked on board the ocean steamer for San
Francisco.
The necessity for the speed)' shipment of mer-
chandise to California before the days of trans-
continental railroads at a minimum cost evolved
the clipper ship. These vessels entered quite
early into the California trade and soon displaced
the short, clumsy vessels of a few hundred tons
burden that took from six to ten months to
make a voyage around the Horn. The clipper
ship Flying Cloud, which arrived at San Fran-
cisco in August, 185 1, made the voyage from
Xew York in eighty-nine days. These vessels
were built long and narrow and carried heavy-
sail. Their capacity ranged from one to two
thousand tons burden. The overland railroads
took away a large amount of their business.
Capt. Jedediah S. Smith, as previously stated,
was the real pathfinder of the western moun-
tains and plains. He marked out the route
from Salt Lake by way of the Rio Virgin, the
Colorado and the Cajon Pass to Los Angeles
in [826. This route was extensively traveled
by the belated immigrants of the early '50s.
Those reaching Salt Lake City too late in the
season to cross the Sierra Nevadas turned
southward and entered California by Smith's
trail.
The early immigration to California came by
way of Fort Hall. From there it turned south-
erly. At Fort Hall the Oregon and California
immigrants separated. The disasters that be-
fell the Donner party were broughl upon them
by their taking the Hastings cut-oft', which was
represented to them as saving two hundred and
fifty miles. It was shorter, but the time spent
in making a wagon road through a rough coun-
try delayed them until they were caught by the
snows in the mountain-;. Lassen's cut-off was
another rout-? that broughl disaster and delays
to many of the immigrants who were induced
to take it. The route up the Platte through the
South Pass of the Rocky mountains and down
the Humboldt received by far the larger amount
of travel.
The old Santa Fe trail from Independence to
Santa Fe, and from there by the old Spanish
trail around the north bank of the Colorado
across the Rio Virgin down the Mojave river
and through the Cajon Pass to Los Angeles,
was next in importance. Another route by
which much of the southern emigration came
was what was known as the Gila route. It
started at Fort Smith, Ark., thence via El Paso
and Tucson and down the Gila to Yuma, thence
across the desert through the San Gorgono
Pass to Los Angeles. In 1852 it was estimated
one thousand wagons came by this route. There
was another route still further south than this
which passed through the northern states of
Mexico, but it was not popular on account of
the hostility of the Mexicans and the Apaches.
The first overland stage line was established
in 1857. The route extended from San Antonio
de Bexar, Tex., to San Diego, via El Paso, Mes-
siilo, Tucson and Colorado City (now Yuma).
The service was twice a month. The contract
was let to James E. Burch, the Postal Depart-
ment reserving "the right to curtail or discon-
tinue the service should any route subsequently
put under contract cover the whole or any por-
tion of the route." The San Diego Herald,
August t2, 1857. thus notes the departure of the
first mail by that route: "The pioneer mail
train from San Diego to San Antonio. Tex.,
under the contract entered into by the govern-
ment with Mr. James Burch, left here on the
9th inst. (August o, [857) at an early hour in
the morning, and is now pushing its way for the
east at a rapid rate. The mail was of course
carried on pack animals, as will be the case
until wagons which are being pushed across will
have been put on the line. * : The first
mail from the other side has not yel arrived,
although somewhat overdue, and conjecture is
rife as to the cause of the delay." The eastern
mail arrived a few days later.
The service continued to improve, and the
fifth trip from the eastern terminus to San
Diego "was made in the extraordinary short
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
time of twenty-six 'lays and twelve hours," and
the San Diego Herald on this arrival, October
6, [857, rushed out an extra "announcing the
ver) gratifying fact of the complete triumph of
the southern route notwithstanding the croak-
1 many of the opponents of the adminis-
tration in this state." But the "triumph of the
southern route" was of short duration. In
September, 1858, the stages of the Butterfield
line began making their semi-weekly trips.
This route from its western terminus, San Fran-
cisco, came down the coast to Gilroy, thence
through Pacheco Pass to the San Joaquin val-
ley, up the valley and by way of Fort Tejon to
1 os Angeles; from there eastward by Temecula
and Warner's to Yuma, thence following very
nearly what is now the route of the Southern
Pacific Railroad through Arizona and Xew Mex-
ico to El Paso, thence turning northward to
Fort Smith, Ark. There the route divided, one
branch going to St. Louis and the other to
Memphis. The mail route from San Antonio
to San Diego was discontinued.
The Butterfield stage line was <mc of the long-
est continuous lines ever organized. Its length
was two thousand eight hundred and eighty
miles. It began operation in September. [858.
'I be first stage from the east reached Los
Angeles October 7 and San Francisco October
to. A mass-meeting was held at San Francisco
the evening of October 11 "for the purpose of
expressing the sense entertained by the people
of the city of the great benefits she is to re-
ceive from the establishment of the overland
mail." Col. J. B. Crocket acted as president
and Frank M. Pixley as secretary. The speaker
of ili.' evening in his enthusiasm said: "In my
opinion one of the greatesl blessings that could
befall Califi rnia would be to discontinue at or.ee
all communication by steamer between San
Francisco and New York. < m yesterday we
received advices from New York, New Orleans
and St. Louis in less than twenty-four days via
I I Paso. Nexl to the discovery of gold this is
th" mosi importanl fad yel developed in the
Iu'sti rj of California." W. L. Ormsby, special
ml. 11! -if the Vew York Herald, the
1 1 only through passenger by the over-
land mail coming in three hours less than
twenty-lour days, was introduced to the audi-
ence and was greeted with terrific applause. He
gave a description of the route and some inci-
dents of the journey.
The government gave the Butterfield com-
pany a subsidy of $600,000 a year for a service
of two mail coaches each way a week. In 1859
the postal revenue from this route was only
$27,000, leaving Uncle Sam more than half a
million dollars out of pocket. At the breaking
out of the Civil war the southern overland mail
route was discontinued and a contract was made
with Butterfield for a six-times-a-week mail by
the central route via Salt Lake City, with a
branch line to Denver. The eastern terminus
was at first St. Joseph, but on account of the
war it was changed to Omaha. The western
terminus was Placerville, Cab, time twenty
days for eight months, and twenty-three days
for the remaining four months. The contract
was for three years at an annual subsidy of
$1,000,000. The last overland stage contract
for carrying the mails was awarded to Wells,
Fargo & Co., October 1, 1868, for $1,750,000
per annum, with deductions for carriage by rail-
way. The railway was rapidly reducing the dis-
tance of stage travel.
The only inland commerce during the Mexi-
can era was a few bands of mules sold to New-
Mexican traders and driven overland to Santa
Fe by the old Spanish trail and one band of
cattle sold to the Oregon settlers in 1837 and
driven by the coast route to Oregon City. The
Californians had no desire to open up an inland
trade with their neighbors and the traders and
trappers who came overland were not welcome.
After the discovery of gold, freighting to the
mines became an important business. Supplies
had to be taken bj pack trains and wagons.
Freight charges were excessively high at first.
!n [848, "it cost $5 to carry a hundred pounds
of goods from Sutter's Fort to the lower
mines, a distance of twenty miles, and $10 per
hundred weight for freight to the upper mines,
a distance of forty miles. Two horses can draw
one thousand live hundred pounds." In Decem-
ber. [849, the loads were almost impassable
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and teamsters were charging from $40 to $50 a
hundred pounds for hauling freight from Sacra-
mento to Mormon Island.
In 1855 an inland trade was opened up be-
tween Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The
first shipment was made by Banning and Alex-
ander. The wagon train consisted of fifteen
ten-mule teams heavily freighted with merchan-
dise. The venture was a success financially.
The train left Los Angeles in May and returned
in September, consuming four months in the
journey. The trade increased and became quite
an important factor in the business of the south-
ern part of the state. In 1859 sixty wagons
were loaded for Salt Lake in the month of
January, and in March of the same year one
hundred and fifty loaded with goods were sent
to the Mormon capital. In 1865 and 1866 there
was a considerable shipment of goods from Los
Angeles to Idaho and Montana by wagon trains.
These trains went by way of Salt Lake. This
trade was carried on during the winter months
when the roads over the Sierras and the Rocky
mountains were blocked with snow.
Freighting by wagon train to Washoe funned
a very important part of the inland commerce
of California between 1850 and 1869. The im-
mense freight wagons called "prairie schooners"
carried almost as much as a freight car. The
old-time teamster, like the old-time stage driver,
was a unique character. Both have disappeared.
Their occupation is gone. We shall never look
on their like again.
The pony express rider came early in the his-
tory of California. Away back in 1775. when
the continental congress made Benjamin Frank-
lin postmaster-general of the United Colonies,
on the Pacific coast soldier couriers, fleet
mounted, were carrying their monthly budgets
of mail between Monterey in Alta California,
and Loreto, near the southern extremity of the
peninsula of Lower California, a distance of one
thousand five hundred miles.
In the winter of 1859-60 a Wall street lobby
was in Washington trying to get an appropria-
tion of $5,000,000 for carrying the mails one
year between Xew York and San Francisco.
William II. Russell, of the linn of Russell, Ma-
jors & Waddell, then engaged in running a
daily stage line between the Missouri river and
Salt Lake City, hearing of the lobby's efforts,
offered to bet $200,000 that he could put on a
mail line between San Francisco and St. Joseph,
that could make- the distance, one thousand nine
hundred and fifty miles, in ten days. The wager
was accepted. Russell and his business man-
ager, A. B. Miller, an old plains man, bought
the fleetest horses they could find in the west
and employed one hundred and twenty-five
riders selected with reference to their light
weight and courage. It was essential that the
horses should be loaded as lightly as possible.
The horses were stationed from ten to twenty
miles apart and each rider was required to ride
seventy-five miles. For change of horses and
mail bag two minutes were allowed, at each
station. One man took care of the two horses
kept there. Everything being arranged a start
was made from St. Joseph, April 3, i860. The
bet was to be decided on the race eastward. At
meridian on April 3. [860, a signal gun on a
steamer at Sacramento proclaimed the hour of
starting. At that signal Mr. Miller's private
saddle horse, Border Ruffian, with his rider
bounded away toward the foothills of the Sierra
Xevadas. The first twenty miles were covered
in forty-nine minutes. All went well till the
riatte river was reached. The river was swollen
by recent rain. Rider and horse plunged boldly
into it, but the horse mired in the quicksands
and was drowned. The rider carrying the mail
bag footed it ten miles to the next relax sta-
tion. When the courier arrived at the sixty-
mile station out from St. Joseph he was one
hour behind time. The last one had just three
hours and thirty minutes in which to make the
sixty miles and win the race. A heavy rain
was falling and the mad- were slippery, but
with six horses to make the distance he
with five minutes anil a fraction to spare.
thus was finished the longest race for the larg-
est stake ever run in America.
The pony express requin work
nearly five hundred horse-, about "lie hundred
and niiiet) stations, twi 1 hundred station keepers
and over a hundred riders. Each rider usually
rode the horses on about sevent) five miles.
216
II!.- I. iKJCAL AND I'.K »GK \PIIICAL RECORD.
but sometimes much greater distances were
made. Robert 11. Haslam, Pony Bob, made on
one occasion a continuous ride of three hundred
and eight v miles and William F. Cody, now fa-
mous as Buffalo Bill, in one continuous trip
rode three hundred and eighty-four miles,
stopping only for meals, and to change
horses.
The pony express was a semi-weekly service.
Fifteen pounds was the limit of the weight of
the waterproof mail bag and its contents. The
postage or charge was $5 on a letter of half an
ounce. The limit was two hundred letters, but
sometimes there were not more than twenty in
a bag. The line never paid. The shortest time
ever made by the pony express was seven days
and seventeen hours. This was in March, 1861,
when it carried President Lincoln's message.
At first telegraphic messages were received at
St. Joseph up to five o'clock p. m. of the day
of starting and sent to San Francisco on the
express, arriving at Placerville. which was then
the eastern terminus of the line. The pony ex-
press was suspended October 27, 1S61, on the
completion of the telegraph.
The first stage line was established between
Sacramento anil Mormon Island in September,
1849, fare $16 to $32, according to times.
Sacramento was the great distributing point for
the mines and was also the center from which
radiated numerous stage lines. In 1853 a dozen
lines were owned there and the total capital in-
vested in staging was estimated at $335,000.
There were lines running to Coloma, Nevada,
Placerville. Georgetown, Yankee Jim's, Jack-
son, Stockton, Shasta and Auburn. In 1851
Stockton had seven daily stages. The first stage
line between San Francisco and San Jose was
established in April. 1850, fare $32. A number
of lines were consolidated. In [860 the Califor-
nia stage company controlled eight lines north-
ward, thelongesl extending seven hundred and
ten miles to Portland with sixty stations, thirty-
five drivers and five hundred burses, eleven
drivers and one hundred and fifty horses per-
taining to the rest. There were seven indepen
dent lines covering four hundred and sixty-four
miles, chiefly east and south, the longest to Vir-
ginia City.* These lines disappeared with the
advent of the railroad.
The pack train was a characteristic feature of
early mining days. Many of the mountain
camps were inaccessible to wagons and the only
means of shipping in goods was by pack tram.
A pack train consisted of from ten to twenty
mules each, laden with from two hundred to
four hundred pounds. The load was fastened on
the animal by means of a pack saddle which
was held in its place by a cinch tightly laced
around the animal's bod}'. The sure-footed
mules could climb steep grades and wind round
narrow^ trails on the side of steep mountains
without slipping or tumbling over the cliffs.
Mexicans were the most expert packers.
The scheme to utilize camels and dromedaries
as beasts of burden on the arid plains of the
southwest was agitated in the early fifties. The
chief promoter if not the originator of the
project was Jefferson Davis, afterwards presi-
dent of the Southern Confederacy. During the
last days of the congress of 185 1, Mr. Davis
offered an amendment to the army appropria-
tion bill appropriating $30,000 for the purchase
of thirty camels and twenty dromedaries. The
bill was defeated. When Davis was secretary
of war in [854, congress appropriated $30,000
for the purchase and importation of camels and
in December of that year Major C. Wayne was
sent to Egypt and Arabia to buy seventy-five.
He secured the required number and shipped
them on the naval store ship Supply. They
were landed at Indianola, Tex.. February 10,
1857. Three had died on the voyage. About
half of the herd were taken to Albuquerque,
where an expedition was fitted out under the
command of Lieutenant Beale for Fort Tejon.
Cal. : the other half was employed in packing on
the plains of Texas and in the Gadsen Purchase,
as Southern Arizona was then called.
It very soon became evident that the camel
experiment would not be a success. The Amer-
ican teamster could not be converted into an
Arabian camel driver. From the very first meet
ing there was a mutual antipathy between the
1 861.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
American mule whacker and the beast of the
prophet. The teamsters when transformed into
camel drivers deserted and the troopers refused
to have anything to do with the misshapen
beasts. So because there was no one to load
and navigate these ships of the desert their
voyages became less and less frequent, until
finally they ceased altogether; and these desert
ships were anchored at the different forts in
the southwest. After the breaking out of the
Civil war the camels at the forts in Texas and
New Mexico were turned loose to shift for
themselves. Those in Arizona and California
were condemned and sold by the government to
two Frenchmen who used them for packing,
first in Nevada and later in Arizona, but tiring
of the animals they turned them out on the
desert. Some of these camels or possibly their
descendants are still roaming over the arid
plains of southern Arizona and Sonora.
The first telegraph was completed September
it, 1853. It extended from the business quar-
ter of San Francisco to the Golden Gate and
was used for signalling vessels. The first long
line connected Marysville, Sacramento, Stock-
ton and San Jose. This was completed October
24, 1853. Another line about the same time
was built from San Francisco to Placerville by
way of Sacramento. A line was built southward
from San Jose along the Butterfield overland
mail route to Los Angeles in i860. The Over-
land Telegraph, begun in 1858, was completed
November 7, 1861.
The first express for the States was sent un-
der the auspices of the California Star (news-
paper). The Star of March I, 1848, contained
the announcement that "We are about to send
letters by express to the States at fifty cents
each, papers twelve and a half cents; to start
April 15; any mail arriving after that time will
be returned to the writers. The Star refused
to send copies of its rival, The Californian, in its
express.
The first local express was started by Charles
L. Cady in August, 1847. It left San Francisco
every Monday and Fort Sacramento, its other
terminus, every Thursday. Letters twenty-five
cents. Its route was by way of Saucelito, Napa
and Petaluma to Sacramento.
Weld & Co.'s express was established in Oc-
tober, 1849. This express ran from San Fran-
cisco to Marysville, having its principal offices
in San Francisco, Benicia and Sacramento. It
was the first express of any consequence estab-
lished in California. Its name was changed to
Hawley & Co.'s express. The first trip was
made in the .Mint, a sailing vessel, and took
six days. Afterward it was transferred to the
steamers Hartford and McKim. The company
paid these boats $800 per month for the use of
one state room; later for the same accommoda-
tion it paid $1,500 per month. The Alta Cali-
fornia of January 7, 1850, says: "There arc si >
many new express companies daily starting that
we can scarcely keep the run of them."
The following named were the principal com-
panies at that time: Hawley & Co., Angel,
Young & Co., Todd, Bryan, Stockton Express,
Henly, McKnight & Co., Brown, Knowlton &
Co. The business of these express companies
consisted largely in carrying letters to the
mines. The letters came through the postoffice
in San Francisco, but the parties to whom they
were addressed were in the mines. While the
miner would gladly give an ounce to hear from
home he could not make the trip to the Bay at
a loss of several hundred dollars in time and
money. The express companies obviated this
difficulty. The Alta of July 2j, 1850. says: "We
scarcely know what we should do if it were in >t
for the various express lines established which
enable us to hold communication with the mines.
With the present defective mail communication
we should scarcely ever be able to hear from
the towns throughout California or from the
remote portions of the Placers north or south.
Hawley & Co., Todd & Bryan and Besford &
Co. are three lines holding communication with
different sections of the country. Adams & Co.
occupy the whole of a large building on Mont-
gomery street."
Adams & Co.. established in 1850, soon be-
came the leading express company of the coast.
It absorbed a number of minor companies. It
established relays of the fastesl horses to carry
the express to the mining towns. As early as
1852 the company's lines had penetrated the re-
mote mining camps. Some of its riders per-
218
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
formed feats in riding that exceeded the famous
puny express riders. Isaac W. Elwell made the
trip between I'lacerville and Sacramento in two
hours and fifty minutes, distance sixty-four
miles; Frank Ryan made seventy-five miles in
four hours and twenty minutes. On his favorite
horse. Colonel, he made twenty miles in fifty-
live minutes. Adams & Co. carried on a bank-
ing business and had branch banks in all the
leading mining towns. They also became a po-
litical power. In the great financial crash of
1855 they failed and in their failure ruined thou-
sands of their depositors. Wells, Fargo & Co.
express was organized in 1851. It weathered
the financial storm that carried down Adams &
Co. It gained the confidence of the people of
the Pacific coast and has never betrayed it. Its
business has grown to immense proportions. It
is one of the leading express companies of the
world.
CHAPTER XXXII
RAILROADS.
THE agitation of the Pacific railroad ques-
tion began only two years after the first
passenger railway was put in operation
in the United States. The originator of the
scheme to secure the commerce of Asia by a
transcontinental railway from the Atlantic to
the Pacific was Ilartwell Carver, grandson of
the famous explorer, Jonathan Carver. He
published articles in the New York Courier and
Inquirer in 1832 elaborating his idea, and
memorialized congress on the subject. The
western terminus was to be on the Columbia
river. I lis road was to be made of stone. There
were to be sleeping cars and dining cars at-
tached to each train. In 1836, John Plumbe.
then a resident of Dubuque, Iowa, advocated
the building of a railroad from Lake Michigan
to 1 Iregon. At a public meeting held in Du-
buque. March 26. 1838, which Plumbe ad-
1, a memorial to congress was drafted
"praying for an appropriation to defray the ex-
pense of the survey and location of the first link
in the greal Atlantic and Pacific railroad, name-
ly, from the lakes to the Mississippi.*' Their
application was Eavorabl) received and an ap-
propriation being made the same year, which
was expended under the direction of the secre-
tary of war. the reporl being of a ver) favorable
characl
Plumbe received the indorsement of the Wis-
11 E Califi 'Mii.u Vol VII., i>. 499.
consin legislature of 1839-40 and a memorial
was drafted to congress urging the continuance
of the work. Plumbe went to Washington to
urge his project. Put the times were out of
joint for great undertakings. The financial
panic of 1837 had left the government revenues
in a demoralized condition. Plumbe"s plan was
to issue stock to the amount of $100,000,000
divided in shares of $5 each. The government
was to appropriate alternate sections of the
public lands along the line of the road. Five
million dollars were to be called in for the first
installment. After this was expended in building,
the receipts from the sale of the lands was to
continue the building of the road. One hundred
miles were to be built each year and twenty
years was the time set for the completion of the
road. A bill granting the subsidy and authoriz-
ing the building of the road was introduced in
congress, but was defeated by the southern
members who feared that it would foster the
growth of free states.
The man best known in connection with the
early agitation of the Pacific railroad scheme.
is Asa Whitney, of New York. For a time he
acted with Carver in promulgating the project,
I nt 1,10k up a plan of his own. Whitney wanted
a strip of land sixty miles wide along the whole
length of the road, which would have given
about one hundred million acres of the public
domain. Whitney's scheme called forth a great
deal of discussion. ft was feared by some
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHK AL RE< i >RD.
!19
timorous souls that such a monopoly would
endanger the government and by others that
ir would bankrupt the public treasury. The agi-
tation was kept up for several years. The
acquisition of California and Xew .Mexico threw
the project into politics. The question of de-
pleting the treasury or giving away the public
domain no longer worried the pro-slavery poli-
ticians in congress. The question that agitated
them now was how far south could the road
be deflected so that it would enhance the value
of the lands over which they hoped to spread
their pet institution — human slavery.
Another question that agitated the members
of congress was whether the road should be
built by the government — should be a national
road. The route which the road should take
was fought over year after year in congress.
The south would not permit the north to have
the road for fear that freemen would absorb the
public lands and build up free states. It was
the old dog-in-the-manger policy so character-
istic of the southern proslavery politicians.
The California newspapers early took up the
discussion and routes were thick as leaves in
Valambrosa. In the Star of May 13, 1848, Dr.
John Marsh outlines a route which was among
the best proposed: "From the highest point on
the Bay of San Francisco to which seagoing
vessels can ascend; thence up the valley of the
San Joaquin two hundred and fifty miles;
thence through a low pass (Walker's) to the
valley of the Colorado and thence through Ari-
zona and New Mexico by the Santa Fe trail to
Independence, Mo."
Routes were surveyed and the reports of the
engineers laid before congress; memorials were
received from the people of California praying
for a road; bills were introduced and discussed,
but the years passed and the Pacific railroad
was not begun. Slavery, that "sum of all vil-
lainies." was an obstruction more impassable
than the mountains and deserts that intervened
between the Missouri and the Pacific. Southern
politicians, aided and abetted by Gwin of Cali-
fornia neutralized every attempt.
One of the first of several local railroad
projects tli.it resulted in something more than
resolutions, public meetings and the election of
a board of directors that never directed any-
thing was tlie building of a railroad from San
Francisco to San Jose. The agitation was be-
gun early in 1850 and by February, 1851, $100,-
000 had been subscribed. September 6 of that
year a company was organized and the pro-
jected road given the high sounding title of the
Pacific & Atlantic railroad. Attempts were
made to secure subscriptions for its stock in
Xew York and in Europe, but without success.
Congress was appealed to, but gave no assist-
ance and all that there was to the road for ten
years was its name. In [859 a new organization
was effected under the name of the San Fran-
cisco & San Jose railroad company. An at-
tempt was made to secure a subsidy of $900,-
000 from the three counties through which the
road was to pass, but this failed and the corpora-
lion dissolved. Another organization, the
fourth, was effected with a capital stuck of
$2,000,000. The construction of the road was
begun in October, i860, and completed to San
Jose January 16, 1864.
The first railroad completed and put 'into suc-
cessful operation in California was the Sacra-
mento Valley road. It was originally intended
to extend the road from Sacramento through
Placer and Sutter counties to Mountain City,
in Yuba county, a distance of about forty miles.
It came to a final stop at a little over half that
distance. Like the San lose road the question
of building was agitated several years before
anything was really done. In [853 the company
was reorganized under the railroad aet of that
year. Under the previous organization sub-
scriptions had been obtained. The Sacramento
Union of September 19, [852, says: "'"LI 1.
of the Sacramento Valley railroad company
were to have been opened in San Francisco
Wednesday. Upwards of $200,000 of the 1
sary stock has been subscribed from here."
The Union of September 24 announces. "That
over $600,000 had already been subscrib
San Francisco and Sacramento." Under the re-
organization a new board \\ .ember
12, 1853. C. L. Wilson was made president;
F. W. Page, treasurer, and \\". II V
retary. Theodore I >. Judah, afterwards famous
in California railroad building, was employed as
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
engineer and the construction of the road began
in February, 1855. It was completed to Fol-
som a, distance of twenty-two miles from Sacra-
mento and the formal opening of the road for
business took place February 22, 1856. Accord-
ing to the secretary's report for 1857 the earn-
ings of that year averaged $18,000 per month.
The total earnings for the year amounted to
$216,000; the expenses $84,000, leaving a profit
of $132,000. The cost of the road and its equip-
ment was estimated at $700,000. From this
showing it would seem that California's first
railroad ought to have been a paying invest-
ment, but it was not. Money then was worth
5 per cent a month and the dividends from the
road about 18 per cent a year. The difference
between one and a half per cent and 5 per cent
a month brought the road to a standstill.
Ten years had passed since California had
become a state and had its representatives in
congress. In all these years the question of a
railroad had come up in some form in that body,
yet the railroad seemingly was as far from a
consummation as it had been a decade before.
In 1859 the silver mines of the Washoe were
discovered and in the winter of 1859-60 the
great silver rush began. An almost continuous
stream of wagons, pack trains, horsemen and
footmen poured over the Sierra Xevadas into
Carson Valley and up the slopes of Mount
Davidson to Virginia City. The main line of
travel was by way of Placerville, through John-
son's Pass to Carson City. An expensive toll
road was built over the mountains and monster
freight wagons hauled great loads of merchan-
dise and mill machinery to the mines. "In 1863
the tolls on the new road amounted to $300,000
and the freight bills on mills and merchandise
summed up $13.000.0. « 1."
The rush to Washoe gave a new impetus to
railroad projecting. A convention of the whole
coast had been held at San Francisco in Sep-
tember, [859, hut nothing came of it beyond
propositions and resolutions. Early in [86i,
Theodore 1". Judah called a railroad meeting at
the St. Charles hotel in Sacramento. The [easi
bility of a road over the mountains, the large
amount of business that would come to that
road from the Washoe mines and the necessity
of Sacramento moving at once to secure that
trade were pointed out. This road would be the
beginning of a transcontinental line and Sacra-
mento had the opportunity of becoming its
terminus. Judah urged upon some of the lead-
ing business men the project of organizing a
company to begin the building of a transconti-
nental road. The Washoe trade and travel
would be a very important item in the business
1 if the road.
I in the 28th of June, 1861, the Central Pacific
Railroad company was organized under the
general incorporation law of the state. Leland
Stanford was chosen president. C. P. Hunting-
ton, vice-president, Mark Hopkins, treasurer,
James Bailey, secretary, and T. D. Judah, chief
engineer. The directors were those just named
and F. B. Crocker, John F.Morse, D. W. Strong
and Charles Marsh. The capital stock of the
company was $8,500,000 divided into eighty-five
thousand shares of $100 each. The shares taken
by individuals were few, Stanford, Huntington,
Hopkins, Judah and Charles Crocker subscrib-
ing for one hundred and fifty each; Glidden &
Williams, one hundred and twenty-five shares;
Charles A. Lombard and Orville D. Lombard,
three hundred and twenty shares; Samuel
Hooper, Benjamin J. Reed, Samuel P. Shaw,
fifty shares each; R. O. Ives, twenty-five shares:
Edwin B. Crocker, ten shares; Samuel Bran-
nan, two hundred shares; cash subscriptions of
which 10 per cent was required by law to be
paid down realizing but a few thousand dollars
with which to begin so important a work as a
railroad across the Sierra Nevada.*
The total amount subscribed was $158,000,
scarcely enough to build five miles of road on
the level plains if it had all been paid up. None
of the men in the enterprise was rich. Indeed.
as fortune.- go now. none of them had more than
a competence. Charles Crocker, who was one
of the best off. in his sworn statement, placed
the value of his property at $25,000; C. P.
Huntington placed the value of his individual
possessions at $7,222, while Leland Stanford and
'Bancroft's History of California, Vol. VII., p. 54]
Bancroft's I tistorj ol California, Vol VII
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his brother together owned property worth
$32,950. The incubus that so long had pre-
vented building a Pacific railroad was removed.
The war of secession had begun. The southern
senators and representatives were no longer in
congress to obstruct legislation. The thirty-
second and the thirty-fifth parallel roads south-
ern schemes, were out of the way or rather the
termini of these roads were inside the confeder-
ate lines.
A bill 'to aid in the construction of a railroad
and telegraph line from the Missouri river to
the Pacific ocean and to secure to the govern-
ment the use of the same for postal, military and
other purposes passed both houses and became
a law July 1. 1862. The bill provided for the
building of the road by two companies. The
Union Pacific (which was to be a union of
several roads already projected) was given the
construction of the road to the eastern boundary
of California, where it would connect with the
Central Pacific. Government bonds were to be
given to the companies to the amount of $i6,oao
per mile to the foot of the mountains and
$48,000 per mile through the mountains when
forty miles of road had been built and approved
by the government commissioners. In addition
to the bonds the companies were to receive
"every alternate section of public land desig-
nated by odd numbers to the amount of five
alternate sections per mile on each side of the
railroad on the line thereof and within the limits
of ten miles on each side of the road not sold,
reserved or otherwise disposed of by the United
States." Mineral lands were exempted and any
lands unsold three years after the completion of
the entire road were subject to a preemption
like other public lands at a price not exceeding
$1.25 per acre, payable to the company.
The government bonds were a first mortgage
on the road. The ceremony of breaking ground
for the beginning of the enterprise took place at
Sacramento. February 22, 1803, Governor
Stanford throwing the first shovelful of earth,
and work was begun mi the first eighteen miles
of the road which was let by contract to be
finished by August. [863. The Central Pacific
company was in hard lines. Its means were nol
sufficient to build forty miles which must In-
completed before the subsidy could be received.
In October, [863, Judah who had been instru-
mental in securing the first favorable legislation
set out a second time for Washington to ask
further assistance from congress. At New York
he was stricken with a fever and died there. To
him more than any other man is due the credit
of securing for the Pacific coast its first trans-
continental railroad. In July, 1864, an amended
act was passed increasing the land grant from
six thousand four hundred acres to twelve
thousand eight hundred per mile and reducing
the number of miles to be built annually from
fifty to twenty-five. The company was allowed
to bond its road to the same amount per mile
as the government subsidy.
The Western Pacific, which was virtually a
continuation of the Central Pacific, was organ-
ized in December, 1862, for the purpose of
building a railroad from Sacramento via Stock-
ton to San Jose. A branch of this line was
constructed from Niles to Oakland, which was
made the terminus of the Central Pacific. The
Union Pacific did not begin construction until
1865, while the Central Pacific had forty-four
miles constructed. In 1X67 the Central Pacific
had reached the state line. It had met with
many obstacles in the shape of lawsuits and
unfavorable comments by the press. From the
state line it pushed out through Nevada and
on the 28th of April, [869, the two companies
met with their completed roads at Promontory
Point in Utah, fifty-three miles west of ( igden.
The ceremony of joining the two roads took
place May 10. The last tie, a handsomely fin-
ished piece of California laurel, was laid and
Governor Stanford with a silver hammer drove
a golden spikr. The two locomotives, one
from the east and one from the west, bumped
noses and the first transcontinental railroad
was completed.
The Southern Pacific Railroad company of
California was incorporated in December, [865.
It was incorporated to build a railroad from
some point on the l>a\ of San Francisco through
the counties of Santa Clara. Monterey, San
Puis Obispo, Tulare, Los Angeles to San
DiegO and thence easterly through San
to the eastern boundary of the state there to
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
connect with a railroad from the Mississippi
river.
"In |ulv. 1866, congress granted to the At-
lantic ami Pacific Radroad company to aid in
the construction of its road and telegraph line
from Springfield, Mo., by the most eligible route
to Albuquerque in New Mexico and thence by
the thirty-fifth parallel route to the Pacific, an
amount of land equal to that granted to the ■
Central Pacific. By this act the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad was authorized to connect with
the Atlantic and Pacific near the boundary line
of California, at such point as should be deemed
most suitable by the companies and should have
therefore the same amount of land per mile as
the Atlantic and Pacific."*
In 1S67 the Southern Pacific company de-
cided to change its route and instead of build-
ing down through the coast counties to go east-
ward from Gilroy through Pacheco's pass into
the upper San Joaquin valley through Fresno,
Kern and San Bernardino to the Colorado river
near Fort Mojave. This contemplated change
left the lower coast counties out in the cold and
caused considerable dissatisfaction, and an at-
tempt was made to prevent it from getting a
land subsidy. Congress, however, authorized
the change, as did the California legislature of
1870, and the road secured the land.
The San Francisco and San Jose Railroad
came into possession of the Southern Pacific
company, San Francisco donating three thou-
sand shares of stock in that road on condition
that the Southern Pacific company, after it se-
cured the San Jose road, should extend it to
the southeastern boundary of the state. In 1869
a proposition was made to the supervisors of
San I rani isco to donate $1,0 0,0 10 in bonds of
the city to the Southern Pacific company, on
condition that it build two hundred miles south
from Gilroy, the bonds to be delivered mi the
completion and stocking of each section .if fifty
lii> bonds were vi ited by the
people of the city. The road was built to
I. seventy miles iron Gilroy, and then
stopped. The different branch roads in the San
nd Salinas vallev were all consolidated
.ft, VII , p 594
under the name of the Southern Pacific. The
Central Pacific and the Southern Pacific, al-
though apparently different organizations, were
really one company.
The Southern Pacific built southward from
Lathrop, a station on the Central Pacific's line,
a railroad up the valley by way of Tehachapi
Pass to Los Angeles. While this road was in
course of construction in 1872 a proposition was
made to the people of Los Angeles through the
county board of supervisors to vote a subsidy
equal to 5 per cent of the entire amount of the
taxable property of the county on condition that
the Southern Pacific build fifty miles of its main
line to Yuma in the county. Tart of the subsidy
was to be paid in bonds of the Los Angeles &
San Pedro Railroad, amounting to $377,000 and
sixty acres of land for depot purposes. The
total amount of subsidy to be given was $610,-
000. The proposition was accepted by the
people, the railroad company in addition to its
original offer agreeing to build a branch road
twenty-seven miles long to Anaheim. This was
done to head off the Tom Scott road which
had made a proposition to build a branch road
from San Diego to Los Angeles to connect with
the Texas Pacific road which the year before
had been granted a right of way from Marshall,
Tex., to San Diego, and was preparing to build
its road. The Southern Pacific completed its
road to Los Angeles in September, 1876, and
reached the Colorado river on its way east in
April, 1S77. It obtained the old franchise of the
Texas Pacific and continued its road eastward
to El Paso, Tex., where it made connections
with roads to Xew Orleans and other points
south and east, thus giving California its second
transcontinental railroad. This road was com-
pleted to El Paso in [881.
Ihe Atlantic & Pacific road with which the
Southern Pacific was to connect originally,
suffered from the financial crash of 1873 and
suspended operations for a time. Later it en-
tered into a combination with the Atchison. To-
pe ka & Santa Fe and St. Louis & San Francisco
railroad companies. This gave the Atchison
road a half interest in the charter of the Atlantic
& Pacific, fhe two companies built a main line
jointly from Albuquerque (where the Atchison
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
223
road ended) west to the Colorado river at the
Needles. Their intention was to continue the
road to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The California Southern and the California
Southern Extension companies were organized
to extend the Atlantic & Pacific from Barstow
to San Diego. These companies consolidated
and completed a road from San Diego to San
Bernardino September 13, 1883. The Southern
Pacific interfered. It attempted to prevent the
California Southern from crossing its tracks at
Colton by placing a heavy engine at the point
of crossing, but was compelled to move the en-
gine to save it from demolition. It built a branch
from Mojave station to connect with the At-
lantic & Pacific in which it had an interest.
This gave connection for the Atlantic & Pacific
over the Southern Pacific lines with both Los
Angeles and San Francisco. This was a serious
blow to the California Southern, but disasters
never come singly. The great flood of January,
1884, swept down through the Temecula Canon
and carried about thirty miles of its track out
to sea. It was doubtful under the circumstances
whether it would pay to rebuild it. Finally the
Southern Pacific agreed to sell its extension
from Barstow to the Needles to the California
Southern, reserving its road from Barstow to
Mojave. Construction was begun at once on
the California Southern line from Barstow to
San Bernardino and in November, 1885, the
road was completed from Barstow to San
Diego. In October, 1886, the road passed un-
der control of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe. In the spring of 1887 the road was ex-
tended westerly from San Bernardino to meet
the San Gabriel valley road which had been
built eastward from Los Angeles through Pasa-
dena. The completed line reached Los Angeles
in May, 1887, thus giving California a third
transcontinental line.
After many delays the gap in the Southern
Pacific coast line was closed and the first trains
from the north and the south passed over its
entire length between Los Angeles and San
Francisco on the 31st of March, 1901, nearly
thirty years after the first section of the road
was built.
The Oregon & California and the Central
Pacific were consolidated in 1870. The two
ends of the road were united at Ashland. ( >re..
in 1887. The entire line is now controlled by
the Southern Pacific, and, in connection with
the Northern Pacific and the Oregon Railway
& Navigation Road at Portland, forms a fourth
transcontinental line for California.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE INDIAN QUESTION.
IT IS quite the fashion now with a certain
school of writers, who take their history of
California from "Ramona" and their infor-
mation on the "Indian question" under the rule
of the mission padres from sources equally fic-
titious, to draw invidious comparisons between
the treatment of the Indian by Spain and Mex-
ico when mission rule was dominant in Cali-
fornia and his treatment by the United Stales
after the conquest.
That the Indian was brutally treated and un-
mercifully slaughtered by the American miners
and rancheros in tin- early '50s none will deny;
that he had fared but little better under the rule
of Spain and Mexico is equally true. The tame
and submissive Indians of the sea coast with
whom the mission had to deal were a very
different people from the mountain tribes with
whom the Americans came in conflict.
We know but little of the conquistas or gentile
hunts that were occasionally sent out from the
mission to capture subjects for conversion. The
history of these was not recorded, from "The
narrative of a voyage to the Pacini and Berings
strait with the Polar expedition; performed i"
his majesty's -■ 1 1 i ] 1 Blossom, under command of
Capt. F. \V. Beechey, R. X.. in the years
1825-26-27-28, we have the ston of one of these
-24
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
conquistas or convert raids. Captain Beechey
visited California in 1828. While in California
he studied the missions, or at least those he vis-
ited, and after his return to England published
his observations. His observations have great
value. He was a disinterested observer and
gave a plain, straightforward, truthful account
of what he saw, without prejudice or partiality.
His narrative dispels much of the romance that
some modern writers throw around mission life.
This conquista set out from the Mission San
Jose.
"At a particular period of the year also, when
the Indians can be spared from agricultural con-
cerns of the establishment, man}- are permitted
lei take the launch of the mission and make ex-
cursions to the Indian territory. All are anx-
ious to go on such occasions. Some to visit
friends, some to procure the manufactures of
their barbarian countrymen (which, by the by,
are often better than their own) and some with a
secret determination never to return. ( >n these
occasions the padres desire them to induce as
many of their unconverted brethren as possible
to accompany them back to the mission; of
course, implying that this is to be done only by
persuasion; but the boat being furnished with a
cannon and musketry and in every respect
equipped for war, it too often happens that the
neophytes and the ^rulc tic razon, who super-
intend the direction of the boat, avail them-
selves 1 if their superiority with the desire of in-
gratiating themselves with their master and re-
ceiving a reward. There are besides repeated
acts of aggression, which it is necessary to pun-
ish, all of which furnish proselytes. Women and
children are generally the first objects of cap-
ture, as their husbands and parents sometimes
voluntarily follow them into captivity. These
misunderstandings and captivities keep up a per-
petual enmity amongst the tribes whose thirst
for revenge is insatiable."
We had an opportunity of witnessing the
tragical issue of one of these holyday excursions
of the neophytes of the Mission San Jose. The
launch was armed, as usual, and placed under
the superintendence of an alcalde of the mission,
who appears from one statement (for there are
several), converted the party of pleasure either
into an attack for procuring proselytes or of
revenge upon a particular tribe for some ag-
gression in which they were concerned. They
proceeded up the Rio San Joachin until they
came to the territory of a particular tribe named
Consemenes, when they disembarked with the
gun and encamped for the night near the vil-
lage of Los Gentiles, intending to make an at-
tack upon them next morning, but before they
were prepared the gentiles, who had been ap-
prised of their intention and had collected a
large body of their friends, became the assail-
ants and pressed so hard upon the party that,
notwithstanding they dealt death in every direc-
tion with their cannon and musketry and were
inspired with confidence by the contempt in
which they held the valor and tactics of their un-
converted countrymen, they were overpowered
by numbers and obliged to seek their safety in
flight and to leave the gun in the woods. Some
regained the launch and were saved and others
found their way overland to the mission, but
thirty-four of the party never returned to tell
their tale.
"There were other accounts of the unfortu-
nate affair, one of which accused the padre of
authorizing the attack. The padre was greatly
displeased at the result of the excursion, as the
loss of so many Indians to the mission was of
great consequence and the confidence with
which the victory would inspire the Indians was
equally alarming.
"He therefore joined with the converted In-
dians in a determination to chastise and strike
terror into the victorious tribe and in concert
with the governor planned an expedition against
them. The mission furnished money, arms, In-
dians and horses and the presidio troops, headed
by Alferez Sanches, a veteran, who had been
frequently engaged with the Indians and was
acquainted with that part of the country. The
expedition set out November 10. and we heard
nothing of it until the 27th. but two days after
the troops had taken to the field some immense
columns of smoke rising above the mountains
in the direction of the Cosemmes bespoke the
conflagration of the village of the persecuted
gentiles; and on the <la\ above mentioned the
veteran Sanches made a triumphant entry into
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Mission of San Jose, escorting forty miser-
able women and children. The gun which had
been lost in the first battle was retaken and
other trophies captured.
"This victory, so glorious according to the
ideas of the conquerors, was achieved with the
loss of only one man on the part of the Chris-
tians, who was mortally wounded by the burst-
ing of his own gun; but on the part of the enemy
it was considerable, as Sanches the morning
after the battle counted forty-one men, women
and children dead. It is remarkable that none
of the prisoners was wounded and it is greatly
to be feared that the Christians, who could
scarcely be prevented from revenging the death
of their relatives upon those who were brought
to the mission, glutted their brutal passions on
all who fell into their hands.
"The prisoners they had captured were imme-
diately enrolled in the list of the mission, except
a nice little boy whose mother was shot while
running away with him in her arms, and he was
sent to the presidio and, as I heard, given to
the Alferez as a reward for his services. The
poor little orphan had received a slight wound in
his forehead; he wept bitterly at first and refused
to eat, but in time became reconciled to his
fate.
"Those who were taken to the mission were
immediately converted and were daily taught by
the neophytes to repeat the Lord's prayer and
certain hymns in the Spanish language. I hap-
pened to visit the mission about this time and
saw these unfortunate beings under tuition.
They were clothed in blankets and arranged in
a row before a blind Indian, who understood
their dialect and was assisted by an alcalde to
keep order. Their tutor began by desiring them
to kneel, informing them that he was going to
teach them the names of the persons composing
the trinity and they were to repeat in Spanish
what he dictated. The neophytes being ar-
ranged, the speaker began: 'Santisima Trini-
dad, Dios, Jesu Christo, Espiritu Santo,' paus-
ing between each name to listen if the simple
Indians, who had never before spoken a word
of Spanish, pronounced it correctlj or anything
near the mark. After they had repeated these
names satisfactorily, their blind tutor, after a
pause, added 'Santos' and recapitulated the
names of a great many saints, which finished the
morning's lesson.
"They did not appear to me to pay much at-
tention to what was going forward and I ob-
served to the padre that 1 thought their teachers
had an arduous task, but he said they had never
found any difficulty; that the Indians were ac-
customed to change their own gods and that
their conversion was in a measure habitual to
them.
"The expenses of the late expedition fell heav-
ily upon the mission and 1 was glad to find the
padre thought it was paying very dear for so
few converts, as in all probability it will lessen
his desire to undertake another expedition and
the poor Indians will be spared the horrors of
being butchered by their own countrymen or
dragged from their homes into captivity."
This conquista and the results that followed
were very similar to some of the so-called In-
dian wars that took place after the American
occupation. The Indians were provoked to hos-
tilities by outrage and injustice. Then the
military came down on them and wiped them
out of existence.
The unsanitary condition of the Indian vil-
lages at some of the missions was as fatal as an
Indian war. The Indian was naturally filthy, but
in his native state he had the whole country to
roam over. If his village became too filthy and
the vermin in it ton aggressive, he purified it
by fire — burned up his wigwam. The adobe
houses that took the place of the brush hovel,
which made up the early mission villages, could
not be burned to purify them. No doubt the
heavy death rate at the missions was due largely
to the uncleanly habits of the neophytes. The
statistiYs given in the chapter on the Franciscan
missions show that in all the missionary estab-
lishments a steady decline, a gradual extin
of the neophyte population, had been in prog-
ress for two to thr.e decades befon the mis-
sions were seculai ized. Had on been
delayed or had it no; taken place in the
of a few decades, at the rate the nei phytes were
living off the missions would have become de-
populati <1, I lie death rate was greater than the
birth rate in all of them and the mortality among
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the children was greater even than among the
adults. After secularization the neophytes
drifted to the cities and towns where they could
more readily gratify their passion for strong
drink. Their mission training and their Chris-
tianity had no restraining influence upon them.
Their vicious habits, which were about the only-
thing they had acquired by their contact with
the whites, soon put an end to them.
During the Spanish and Mexican eras North-
ern California remained practically a terra in-
cognita. Two missions, San Rafael and San
Francisco Solano, and the Castillo at Sonora,
had been established as a sort of protection to
the northern frontier. A few armed incursions
had been made into the country beyond these
to punish Indian horse and cattle thieves. Gen-
eral A'allejo, who was in command of the
troops on the frontera del norte, had always
endeavored to cultivate friendly relations with
the gentiles, but the padres disliked to have
these near the missions on account of their in-
fluence on the neophytes. Near the Mission
San Rafael, in 1833, occurred one of those In-
dian massacres not uncommon under Spanish
and Mexican rule. A body of gentiles from the
rancherias of Pulia, encouraged by Figueroa
and Yallejo, came to the Mission San Rafael
with a view to establishing friendly relations.
The padre put off the interview until next day.
During the night a theft was committed, which
was charged to the gentiles. Fifteen of them
were seized and sent as prisoners to San Fran-
cisco. Padre Mercado, fearing that their coun-
trymen might retaliate, sent out his major doma
Molina with thirty-seven armed neophytes, who
surprised the gentiles in their rancheria, killed
twenty-one, wounded many more and captured
twenty men, women and children. Yallejo was
indignant at the shameful violation of his prom-
ises of protection to the Indians. He released
tlie prisoners at San Francisco and the captives
at tin- mission and tried to pacify the wrathful
gentiles. Padre Mercado was suspended from
his ministry for a short time, but was afterward
freed and returned to San Rafael."
There was a system of Indian slavers in ex-
Vol. III.
istence in California under the rule of Spain and
Mexico. Most of the wealthier Spanish and
Mexican families had Indian servants. In the
raids upon the gentiles the children taken by the
soldiers were sometimes sold or disposed of to
families for servants. Expeditions were gotten
up upon false pretexts, while the main purpose
was to steal Indian children and sell them to
families for servants. This practice was carried
on by the Americans, too, after the conquest.
For a time after the discovery of gold the In-
dians and the miners got along amicably. The
first miners were mainly old Californians, used
to the Indians, but with the rush of '49 came
many rough characters who, by their injustice,
soon stirred up trouble. Sutter had employed a
large number of Indians on his ranches and in
various capacities. These were faithful and hon-
est. Some of them were employed at his mill
in Coloma and in the diggings. In the spring
of '49 a band of desperadoes known as the
Mountain Hounds murdered eight of these at
the mill. Marshall, in trying to defend them,
came near being lynched by the drunken brutes.
The injustice done the Indians soon brought
on a number of so-called Indian wars. These
were costly affairs to the state and in less than
two years had plunged the young common-
wealth into a debt of nearly $1,000,000. In a
copy of the Los Angeles Star for February 28,
1852, I find this enumeration of the wars and
the estimated cost of each: The Morehead ex-
pedition, $i20,oco; General Bean's first expedi-
tion, $66,000; General Bean's second expedition,
$50,000; the Mariposa war, $230,000; the El
Dorado war, $300,000. The Morehead war orig-
inated out of an injustice done the Yuma In-
dians. These Indians, in the summer of 1849,
had obtained an old scow and established a ferry
across the Colorado river near the mouth of the
Gila, and were making quite a paying business
out of it by ferrying emigrants across the river.
A party of Americans, headed by a Dr. Lang-
don of Louisiana, and a desperado named Jack
Glanton, dispossessed the Indians of their boat,
and having obtained a liberal supply of whiskey
from San Diego set up in business for them-
selves. Tin- Indians, watching their opportunity,
while the whites were asleep or stupefied with
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
drink, fell upon and massacred the whole party,
twelve or fifteen in all, and secured some $15,000
or $20,000 in money. On receipt of the news.
Governor Burnett ordered Major-General Bean
of the state militia to march against the Yumas.
Bean sent his quartermaster-general, Joseph C.
Morehead. Morehead, on Bean's orders, pro-
vided necessaries for a three months' campaign
at most extravagant prices, paying for them in
drafts on the state treasury. Morehead started
out from Los Angeles with forty men, but by
the time he reached the Colorado river he had
recruited his force to one hundred and twenty-
five men. The liquid supplies taken along doubt-
less stimulated recruiting. They reached the
Colorado in the summer of 1850, camped there
and attacked their rations. After a month's
siege (of their rations) they were ordered back
and disbanded. The only luss was one man
wounded (accidentally). He was sent back to
Los Angeles for treatment. The doctor who
treated him charged the state $500. The man
who boarded him put in a bill of $120; and the
patriot who housed him wanted $45 for house
rent. Bean's first and second expeditions were
very similar in results to the Morehead cam-
paign. The El Dorado expedition or Rogers'
war, as it was sometimes called, was another of
Governor Burnett's fiascos. He ordered Will-
iam Rogers, sheriff of El Dorado county, to call
out two hundred men at the state's expense to
punish the Indians for killing some whites who
had, in all probability, been the aggressors and
the Indians had retaliated. It was well known
that there were men in that part of the country
who had wantonly killed Indians for the pleas-
ure of boasting of their exploits.
Nor were the whites always the aggressors.
There were bad Indians, savages, who killed
without provocation and stole whenever an op-
portunity offered. In their attempts at retalia-
tion the Indians slaughtered indiscriminately
and the innocent more often were their victims
than the guilty. On the side of the whites it
was a war of extermination waged in many in-
stances without regard to age or sex; on the
part of the Indian it was a war of retaliation
waged with as little distinction.
The extermination of the aborigines was Fear-
fully rapid. Of over ten thousand Indians in
Yuba, Placer, Nevada and Sierra counties in
1849 not more than thirty-eight hundred re-
mained in 1854. Much of this decrease had been
brought about by dissipation and disease engen-
dered by contact with the whites. Reservations
were established in various parts of the state,
where Indians abounded, but the large salaries
paid to agents and the numerous opportunities
for peculation made these positions atti
to politicians, who were both incompetent and
dishonest. The Indians, badly treated at the
reservations, deserted them whenever an oppor-
tunity offered.
A recital of the atrocities committed upon
each other in the northwestern part of the state
during a period of nearly twenty years would fill
a volume. The Indian with all his fi'endishne: s
was often outmatched in cruelty by his pale
faced brother. The Indian Island massacre was
scarcely ever equaled in the annals of Indian
cruelties. Indian Island lies nearly opposite
the city of Eureka in Humboldt Bay. On this
island, fifty years ago. was a large rancheria
of inoffensive Indians, who lived chiefly b\ fish-
ing. They had not been implicated in any of
the wars or raids that had disturbed that part
of the country. They maintained many of their
old customs and had an annual gathering, at
which they performed various rites and cere-
monies, accompanied by dancing. A number of
the Indians from the mainland joined them at
these times. Near midnight of Februar) 25.
i860, a number of boats tilled with white men
sped silently out to the island. The whites
landed and quietly surrounded the Indians, who
were resting after their orgies, and began tin
slaughter with axes, knives and clubs, splitting
skulls, knocking out brains and cutting the
throats of men, women and children. Of the
two hundred Indians on the island only four or
live men escaped by swimming to the mainland.
The same night a rancheria at the entrance of
Humboldt Bay and another at the mouth of Eel
river were attacked and ab ml one hundred
Indians slaughtered. The fiends who commit-
ted these atrocitii beloi 1 ■ 1 or-
ganization. No rigid investigation was ever
made to find out who they were. The grand
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
jury mildly condemned the outrage and there
the matter ended.
The Indians kept up hostilities, rendering
travel and traffic unsafe on the borders of Hum-
boldt, Klamath and Trinity counties. Governor
Stanford in 1863 issued a proclamation for the
enlistment of six companies of volunteers from
the six northwestern counties of the state.
These recruits were organized into what was
known as the Mountaineer battalion with Lieut. -
Col. Stephen G. Whipple in command. A num-
ber of Indian tribes united and a desultory war-
fare began. The Indians were worsted in nearly
every engagement. Their power was broken
and in February . [865, fragments of the different
tribes were gathered into the Hoopa Valley
reservation. The Mountaineer battalion in what
was known as the "Two Years' War" settled the
Indian question from Shasta to the sea for all
time.
The Modoc war was the last of the Indian
disturbances in the state. The Modocs inhab-
ited the country about Rhett Lake and Lost
river in the northeast part of the state, bordering
on Oregon. Their history begins with the mas-
sacre of an immigrant train of sixty-five per-
sons, men, women and children, on their way
from Oregon to California. This brought upon
them a reprisal by the whites in which forty-
one out of forty-six Indians who had been in-
vited by Benjamin Wright to a pow wow after
they had laid aside their arms were set upon by
Wright and his companions with revolvers and
all killed but five. In 1864 a treaty had been
made with the Modocs by which they were to
reside on the Klamath reservation. But tiring
of reservation life, under their leader. Captain
Jack, they returned to their old homes on Lost
river. A company of United States troops and
everal volunteers who went along to see the
fun were sent to bring them back to the reser-
vation. They refused to go and a fight ensued
in which four of the volunteers and one of the
regulars were killed, and the troops retreated.
Ilir Modocs after killing several settlers gath-
ered at the lava beds near Rhett Lake and
prepared for war.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wheaton with about four
hundred men attacked the Indians in the lava
beds January 17, 1873. Captain Jack had but
fifty-one men. When Wheaton retreated he had
lost thirty-five men killed and a number
wounded, but not an Indian had been hurt. A
few days after the battle a peace commission
was proposed at Washington. A. B. Meacham,
Jesse Applegate and Samuel Case were ap-
pointed. Elijah Steele of Yreka, who was on
friendly terms with the Indians, was sent for.
He visited the lava beds with the interpreter,
J'aiivhild, and had a big talk. He proposed to
them to surrender and they would be sent to
Angel Island near San Francisco, fed and cared
for and allowed to select any reservation they
wished. Steele, on his return to camp, reported
that the Indians accepted the terms, but Fair-
child said they had not and next day on his re-
turn Steele found out his mistake and barely
escaped with his life. Interviews continued
without obtaining any definite results, some of
the commission became disgusted and returned
home. ( ieneral Canby, commanding the depart-
ment, had arrived and taken charge of affairs.
Commissioner Case resigned and Judge Ros-
borough was appointed in his place and the Rev.
K. Thomas, a doctor of divinit) in the Metho-
dist church, was added to the commission. A
man by the name of Riddle and his wife Toby,
a .Modoc, acted as go-betweens and negotiations
continued.
A pow wow was arranged at the council tent
at which all parties were to meet unarmed, but
Toby was secretly informed that it was the in-
tention of the Modocs to massacre the commis-
sioners as had been done to the Indian com-
missioners twenty years before by Benjamin
Wright and his gang. On April 10, while
Meacham and Dyer, the superintendent of the
Klamath reservation, who had joined the com-
missioners, were away from camp, the Rev.
Dr. Thomas made an agreement with a dele-
gation from Captain Jack for the commission
and ( ieneral Canby to meet the Indians at the
council tent. Meacham on his return opposed
the arrangement, fearing treachery. The doc or
insisted that Cod had done a wonderful work
in the Modoc camp, but Meacham shocked the
pious doctor by saying "Cod had not been in
the Modoc camp this winter."
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Two of the Indian leaders, Boston Charley
and Bogus Charley, came to headquarters to
accompany the commission. Riddle and his
wife, Toby, bitterly opposed the commissioners'
going, telling them they would be killed, and
Toby going so far as to seize Meacham's horse
to prevent him from going, telling him, "You get
kill." Canby and the doctor insisted upon going,
despite all protests, the doctor saying, "Let us go
as we agreed and trust in God." Meacham and
Dyer secured derringers in their side pockets
before going. When the commissioners, the
interpreters, Riddle and his wife, reached the
council tent they found Captain Jack, Schonchin
John, Black Jim, Shancknasty Jim, Ellen's
Alan and Hooker Jim sitting around a fire at
the council tent. Concealed behind some
rocks a short distance away were two young
Indians with a number of rifles. The two Char-
leys, Bogus and Boston, who had come with the
commissioners from headquarters, informed the
Indians that the commissioners were not armed.
The interview began. The Indians were very
insolent. Suddenly, at a given signal, the Indians
uttered a war whoop, and Captain Jack drew
a revolver from under his coat and shot Gen-
eral Canby. Boston Charley shot Dr. Thomas,
who fell, rose again, but was shot down
while begging for his life. The young Indians
had brought up the rifles and a fusillade was
begun upon the others. All escaped without in-
jury except Meacham, who, alter running some
distance, was felled by a bullet fired by Hooker
Jim, and left for dead. He was saved from being
scalped by the bravery of Toby. He recovered,
however, although badly disfigured. While this
was going on, Curly Haired Doctor and several
other Modocs, with a white flag, inveigled Lieu-
tenants Boyle and Shenvood beyond the lines.
Seeing the Indians w'ere armed, the officers
turned to flee, when Curly Haired Jack fired and
broke Lieutenant Sherwood's thigh. He died a
few days later. The troops were called to arms
when the firing began, but the Indians escaped
to the lava beds. After a few days' preparation,
Colonel Giilem, who was in command, began an
attack on the Indian stronghold. Their position
was shelled by mountain howitzers. In the
fighting, which lasted four days, sixteen soldiers
were killed and thirteen wounded. In a recon-
noissance under Captain Thomas a few days
later, a body of seventy troops and fourteen Warm
Spring Indians ran into an ambush of the In-
dians and thirteen soldiers, including Thomas,
were killed. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis was placed
in command. The Indians were forced out of the
lava beds, their water supply having been cut
off. They quarreled among themselves, broke
tip into parties, were chased down and all cap-
tured. Captain Jack and Schonchin John, the
two leaders, were shackled together. General
Davis made preparations to hang these and six
or eight others, but orders from Washington
stopped him. The leading Indians were tried
by court-martial. Captain Jack, Schonchin
John, Black Jim and Boston Charley were hung,
two others were sentenced to imprisonment for
life. The other Modocs, men, 'women and chil-
dren, were sent to a fort in Nebraska and after-
wards transferred to the Quaw Paw Agenc) in
Indian Territory. This ended the Modoc war
and virtually put an end to the Modoc Indians.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
SOME POLITICAL HISTORY.
THE first Chinese emigrants to California
arrived in the brig Eagle, from Hong
Kong, in the month of February, [848.
They were two men and one woman. This was
before the discovery of gold was known abroad.
What brought these waifs from the Flowery
Kingdom to California does not appear in the
record. February 1. 1S40, there were fifty-four
Chinamen and one Chinawoman in the territory.
January 1. 1S50, seven hundred ami eighty-nine
men and two women hail arrived. Januar) 1.
[851, four thousand and eighteen men and seven
::;u
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
women; a year later their numbers had in-
creased to eight thousand one hundred and
twenty-one men and eight women; May 7, 1852,
eleven thousand seven hundred and eighty men
and seven women had found their way to the
land of gold. The Alta California, from which
I take these figures, estimated that between
seven and ten thousand more would arrive in
the state before January 1, 1853. ^he editor
sagely remarks: "No one fears danger or mis-
fortune from their excessive numbers." There
was no opposition to their coming; on the con-
trary, they were welcomed and. almost lionized.
The Alta of April 2~, 1851, remarks; "An
American barque yesterday brought eighty
worshippers of the sun, moon and many stars.
These Celestials make excellent citizens and we
are pleased to notice their daily arrival in large
numbers." The Alta describes a Great Chinese
meeting on Portsmouth Square, which took
place in 185 1. It seems to have been held for
the purpose of welcoming the Chinese to Cali-
fornia and at the sr.me time doing missionary
work and distributing religious tracts among
them. The report says: "A large assemblage
of citizens and several ladies collected on the
plaza to witness the ceremonies. Ah Hee assem-
bled his division and Ah Sing marched his into
Kearny street, where the two divisions united
and then marched to the square. Many carried
fans. There were several peculiar looking Chi-
namen among them. One, a very tall, old Celes-
tial with an extensive tail, excited universal at-
tention. He had a huge pair of spectacles upon
his nose, the glasses of which were about the
size of a telescope lens. He also had a singu-
la rl\ colored fur mantle or cape upon his shoul-
ders and a long sort of rube. We presume he
must be a mandarin al least.
"Vice Consul I . \. Woodworth, His Honor,
Major J. W. Geary, Rev. Albert Williams, Rev.
A. Fitch and Rev. F. D. Hunt were present.
Ah lire acted as interpreter. The Rev. Hunt
hem some orthodox instruction in which
they were informed of the existence of a coun-
try where the China boys would never die; this
made them laugh quite heartily. Tracts, scrip-
: icuments, astronomical works, almanacs
and otli.-i useful religious ami instructive docu-
ments printed in Chinese characters were dis-
tributed among them."
1 give the report of another meeting of "The
Chinese residents of San Francisco," taken
from the Alta of December 10, 1849. I quote
it to show how the Chinese were regarded when
they first came to California and how they were
flattered and complimented by the presence of
distinguished citizens at their meetings. Their
treatment a few years later, when they were
mobbed and beaten in the streets for no fault
of theirs except for coming to a Christian coun-
try, must have given them a very poor opinion
of the white man's consistency. "A public
meeting of the Chinese residents of the town
was held on the evening of Monday, November
19, at the Canton Restaurant on Jackson street.
The following preamble and resolutions were
presented and adopted:
" 'Whereas, It becomes necessary for us,
strangers as we are in a strange land, unac-
quainted with the language and customs of our
adi pted country, to have some recognized coun-
selor and advisor to whom we may all appeal
with confidence for wdiolesome instruction, and,
" 'Whereas, We should be at a loss as to what
course of action might be necessary for us to
pursue therefore,
" 'Resolved, That a committee of four be ap-
pointed to wait upon Selim E. Woodworth, Esq.,
and request him in behalf of the Chinese resi-
dents of San Francisco to act in the capacity of
arbiter and advisor for them.'
"Mr. Woodworth was waited upon by Ah Hee,
Jon Ling, Ah Ting and Ah Toon and kindly
consented to act. The whole affair passed off
in the happiest manner. Many distinguished
guests were present, Hon. J. W. Geary, alcalde;
E. H. Harrison, ex-collector of the port, and
others."
At the celebration of the admission of Cali-
fornia into the Union the "China Roys" were a
prominent feature. One report says: "The
Celestials had a banner of crimson satin on
which were some Chinese characters and the in-
scription 'China Boys.' They numbered about
fifty and were arrayed in the richest stuff and
commanded by their chief. Ah Sing."
While the "China Boys" were feted and flat-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tered in San Francisco they were not so enthu-
siastically welcomed by the miners. The legis-
lature in 1850 passed a law fixing the rate of
license for a foreign miner at $20 per month.
This was intended to drive out and keep out of
the mines all foreigners, but the rate was so
excessively high that it practically nullified the
enforcement of the law and it was repealed in
1 85 1. As the Chinese were only allowed peace-
able possession of mines that would not pay
white man's wages they did not make fortunes
in the diggings. If by chance the Asiatics
should happen to strike it rich in ground aban-
doned by white men there was a class among
the white miners who did not hesitate to rob the
Chinamen of their ground.
As a result of their persecution in the mines
the Chinese flocked to San Francisco and it was
not long until that city had more "China Boys"
than it needed in its business. The legislature
of 1855 enacted a law that masters, owners or
consignors of vessels bringing to California
persons incompetent to become citizens under
the laws of the state should pay a fine of $50 for
every such person landed. A suit was brought
to test the validity of the act; it was declared
unconstitutional. In 1858 the foreign miner's
tax was $10 per month and as most of the other
foreigners who had arrived in California in the
early '50s had by this time become citizens by
naturalization the foreigners upon whom the
tax bore most heavily were the Chinese who
could not become citizens. As a consequence
many of them were driven out of the mines and
this again decreased the revenue of the mining
counties, a large part of which was made up of
poll tax and license.
The classes most bitterly opposed to the Chi-
nese in the mines were the saloon-keepers, the
gamblers and their constituents. While the
Chinaman himself is a most inveterate gambler
and not averse to strong drink he did not divest
himself of his frugal earnings in the white man's
saloon or gambling den. and the gentry who
kept these institutions were the first, like Bill
Nye in Bret Harte's poem, to raise the cry.
"We are ruined by Chinese cheap labor."
While the southern politicians who were the
rulers of the state before the Civil war were
opposed to the Chinese and legislated against
them, it was not done in the interest of the white
laborer, for at one time they had made an at-
tempt to introduce the coolie system, which was
to have been a substitute for their beloved in-
stitution—slavery. They could not endure the
presence of an inferior race not in bondage. The
most intolerant and the most bitter opponents
of the Chinese then and later when opposition
had intensified were certain servile classes of
Europeans who in their native countries had al-
ways been kept in a state of servility to the aris-
tocracy, but when raised to the dignity of Amer-
ican citizens by naturalization proceeded to
celebrate their release from their former serf-
dom by persecuting the Chinese, whom they re-
garded as their inferiors. The outcry these peo-
ple made influenced politicians, who pandered to
them for the sake of their votes to make laws
and ordinances that were often burlesques on
legislation.
In 1870 the legislature enacted a law impos-
ing a penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more
than $5,000 or imprisonment upon any one
bringing to California any subject of China or
Japan without first presenting evidence of his
or her good character to the commissioner of
immigration. The supreme court decided the
law unconstitutional. Laws were passed pro-
hibiting the employment of Chinese on the pub-
lic works; prohibiting them from owning real
estate and from obtaining licenses for certain
kinds of business. The supervisors of San Fran-
cisco passed an ordinance requiring that the
hair of any male prisoner convicted of an of-
fense should be cut within one inch of his head.
This, of course, was aimed at Chinese convicts
and intended to deprive them of their queues
and degrade them in the estimation of their peo-
ple. It was known as the Pig Tail Ordinance;
the mayor vetoed it. Another piece of class
legislation by the San Francisco supervisors im-
posed a license of $15 a quarter on laundries
using no horses, while a laundry using a one-
horse wagon paid but $2 per quarter. The Chi-
nese at this time i [876) did not use horses in
their laundry business. The omrts decided
against this ordinance.
Notwithstanding the law- and ordinances
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
against them the Chinese continued to come
and they found employment of some kind to
keep them from starving. They were indus-
trious and economical; there were no Chinese
tramps. Although they filled a want in the
.state, cheap and reliable labor, at the beginning
of its railroad and agricultural development,
they were not desirable citizens. Their habits
and morals were bad. Their quarters in the
cities reeked with filth and immorality. They
maintained their Asiatic customs and despised
the "white devils" among whom they lived,
which, by the way, was not strange considering
the mobbing and maltreatment they received
from the other aliens. They made merchandise
of their women and carried on a revolting sys-
tem of female slavery.
The Burlingame treaty guaranteed mutual
protection to the citizens of China and the
United States on each other's soil ; to freedi im in
religious opinions; to the right to reside in
either country at will and other privileges ac-
corded to civilized nations. Under this treat)
the Chinese could not be kept out of California
and agitation was begun for the modification or
entire abrogation of the treat).
For a number of years there had been a steady
decline in the price of labor. Various causes
had contributed to this. The productiveness of
the mines had decreased; railroad communica-
tion with the east had brought in a number of
workmen and increased competition; the efforts
of thelabor unions to decrease the hours of labor
and still keep up the wages at the old standard
had resulted in closing up some O the manu-
facturing establishments, th< proprietors finding
it impossible to compete with eastern factories.
All these and other causes brought about a de-
pression in business and brought en in [877-78
a labor agitation that shook the foundations of
our social fabric. The hard times and decline in
wages was charged against the Chinese. No
doubl the presence of the Mongolians in Cali-
fornia had considerable to do with it and par-
ticularly in the lower grades of employment
but the depres ion was mainly caused from
over-production and the financial crisis of 1873,
which had affected tin whole I baited
Another cause local to California was the wild
mania for stock gambling that had prevailed in
( alifornia for a number of years. The bonanza
kings of the Washoe by getting up corners in
stocks running up fraudulent values and then
unloading on outside buyers had impoverished
thousands of people of small means and enriched
themselves without any return to their dupes.
Hard times always brings to the front a class
of noisy demagogues who with no remedy to
prescribe increase the discontent by vitupera-
tive abuse of everybody outside of their sym-
pathizers. The first of the famous sand lot mass
meetings of San Francisco was held July 23.
1877, on a vacant lot on the Market street
side of the city hall. Harangues were made and
resolutions passed denouncing capitalists, de-
claring against subsidies to steamship and rail-
road lines, declaring that the reduction of wages
was part of a conspiracy for the destruction of
the republic and that the military should not be
employed against strikers. An anti-coolie club
was formed and on that and the two succeeding
evenings a number of Chinese laundries were
destroyed. In a fight between the police (aided
by the committee of safely) and the rioters sev-
eral .if the latter were killed. Threats were
made to destroy the railroad property and burn
the vessels of the Pacific Mail Steamship Com-
pany unless the Chinese in their employ were
immediately discharged.
Among the agitators that this ebullition of dis-
content threw to the front was an Irish dray-
man named Dennis Kearney. Fie was shrewd
< nough to see that some notoriety and political
capital could lie made by the organization of a
Workingmen's party.
On the 5th of October a permanent organiza-
tionof the Workingmen's party of California was
effected. Dennis Kearney was chosen president,
J. G. Day, vice-president, and II. L. Knight, sec-
retary. The principles of the party were the con-
densed essence of selfishness. The working
classes were to be elevated at the expense of
every other. "We propose to elect none but com-
petent workingmen and their friends to am <>\-
lire whatever." "The rich have ruled us till they
have ruined us." "The republic must and shall
served, and only workingmen will do it."
'This party will exhaust all peaceable means of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.•:;::
attaining its ends, but it will not be denied jus-
tice when it has the power to enforce it." "It
will encourage no riot or outrage, but it will
not volunteer to repress or put down or arrest,
or prosecute the hungry and impatient who
manifest their hatred of the Chinamen by a cru-
sade against John or those who employ him."
These and others as irrelevant and immaterial
were the principles of the Workingmen's party
that was to bring the millennium. The move-
ment spread rapidly, clubs were formed in every
ward in San Francisco and there were organiza-
tions in all the cities of the state. The original
leaders were all of foreign birth, but when the
movement ''became popular native born dema-
gogues, perceiving in it an opportunity to ob-
tain office, abandoned the old parties and joined
the new.
Kearney now devoted his whole time to agi-
tation, and the applause he received from his
followers pampered his inordinate conceit. His
language was highly incendiary. He advised
every workingman to own a musket and one
hundred rounds of ammunition and urged the
formation of military companies. He posed as
a reformer and even hoped for martyrdom. In
one of his harangues he said: "If I don't get
killed I will do more than any reformer in the
history of the world. I hope I will be assassi-
nated, for the success of the movement depends
on that." The incendiary rant of Kearney and
his fellows became alarming. It was a tame
meeting, at which no "thieving millionaire,
scoundrelly official or extortionate railroad mag-
nate" escaped lynching by the tongues of la-
borite reformers. The charitable people of the
city had raised by subscription $20,000 to al-
leviate the prevailing distress among the poor.
It was not comforting to a rich man to hear
himself doomed to "hemp! hemp! hemp!"
simply because by industry, economy and enter-
prise he had made a fortune. It became evident
that if Kearney and his associates were allowed
to talk of hanging men and burning the city
some of their dupes would put in practice the
teachings of their leaders. The supervisors,
urged on by the better class of citizens, passed
an ordinance called by the sand-lotters "Gibbs'
gag law." On the 29th of October, Kearney and
his fellow agitators, with a mob of two or three
thousand followers, held a meeting on Xob Hill,
where Stanford, Crocker, Hopkins and other
railroad magnates hail built palatial residences.
He roundly denounced as thieves the nabobs of
Nob Hill and declared that they would soon feel
the power of the workingmen. When his party-
was thoroughly organized they would march
through the city and compel the thieves to give
up their plunder; that he would lead them to the
city hall, clear out the police, hang the pros-
ecuting attorney, burn every book that had a
particle of law in it, and then enact new laws
for the workingmen. These and other utter-
ances equally inflammatory caused his arrest
while addressing a meeting on the borders of
the Barbary coast. Trouble was expected, but
he quietly submitted and was taken to jail and a
few days later Day, Knight, C. C. < 1'Donnell and
Charles E. Pickett were arrested on charges of
inciting riot and taken to jail. A few days in
jail cooled them off and they began to "squeal."
They addressed a letter to the mayor, saying
their utterances had been incorrectly reported
l>v the press and that if released they were will-
ing to submit to any wise measure to allay the
excitement. They were turned louse after two
weeks' imprisonment and their release was cele-
brated on Thanksgiving Day, November 20. by
a grand demonstration of sand lotters — seven
thousand of whom paraded the streets.
It was not long before Kearney and his fel-
lows were back on the sand lots hurling nut
threats of lynching, burning and blowing up.
< In January 5 the grand jury presented indict-
ments against Kearney, Wellock, Knight,
O'Donnell and Pickett. They were all released
on the rulings of the judge of the criminal court
on the grounds that no actual ri.it had taken
place.
The first victory <>i the so-called Working-
men's parte was the election of a state senator in
Alameda count) to till a vacancj caused by the
death of Senator Porter. An individual by the
name <>f John W. Bones was elected. On ac-
counl of his being long and lean he was known
as Barebones and sometimes Praise God Bare-
bones. His only services in the senate were the
perpetration of some doggerel verses and a
234
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
speech or two on Kearney's theme, "The Chi-
nese Must Go." At the election held June [9,
1878, to choose delegates to a constitutional
convention of the one hundred and fifty-two
delegates the Workingmen elected fifty-seven,
thirty-one of whom were from San Francisco.
The convention met at Sacramento, September
28, 1878, and continued to sit in all one hundred
and fifty-seven days. It was a mixed assem-
blage. There were some of the ablest men in
the state in it, and there were some of the most
narrow minded and intolerant bigots there. The
Workingmen flocked by themselves, while the
non-partisans, the Republicans and Democrats,
for the most part, acted in unison. Opposition
to the Chinese, which was a fundamental prin-
ciple of the Workingmen's creed, was not con-
fined to them alone; some of the non-partisans
were as bitter in their hatred of the Mongolians
as the Kearneyites. Some of the crudities pro-
posed for insertion in the new constitution were
laughable for their absurdity. One sand lotter
proposed to amend the bill of rights, that all men
are by nature free and independent, to read, "All
men who are capable of becoming citizens of the
United States are by nature free and inde-
pendent." One non-partisan wanted to incor-
porate into the fundamental law of the state
Kearney's slogan, "The Chinese Must Go."
After months of discussion the convention
evolved a constitution that the ablest men in
that body repudiated, some of them going so fat-
as to take the stump against it. But at the elec-
tion it carried by a large majority. Kearney
continued his sand lot harangues. In the sum-
mer of [879 he made a trip through the south-
ern counties of the state, delivering his diatribes
against the railroad magnates, the land mo-
nopolists and the Chinese. At the town of Santa
Ana, now the county seat of ( )range county, in
his harangue he made a vituperative attack
upon the McFadden Brothers, who a year or
two before had built a steamer and run it in op-
position i" (In- regular coast line steamers until
forced to sell it on account of losses incurred by
the competition. Kearney made a number of
false and libelous statements in regard to tin-
transaction. While he was waiting fur tin- stage
to San Dieero in front of the hotel he was 0 in-
fronted by Rule, an employee of the McFad-
den's, with an imperious demand for the name of
Kearney's informant. Kearney turned white
with fear and blubbered out something about
not giving away his friends. Rule struck him
a blow that sent him reeling against the build-
ing. Gathering himself together he made a rush
into the hotel, drawing a pistol as he ran. Rule
pursued him through the dining room and out
across a vacant lot and into a drug store, where
he downed him and, holding him down with his
knee on his breast, demanded the name of his
informer. One of the slandered men pulled
Rule off the "martyr" and Kearney, with a face
resembling a beefsteak, took his departure to
San Diego. From that day on he ceased his
vituperative attacks on individuals. He had met
the only argument that could convince him of
the error of his ways. He lost caste with his
fellows. This braggadocio, who had boasted of
leading armies to conquer the enemies of the
Workingmen, with a pistol in his hand had
ignominiously fled from an unarmed man and
had taken a humiliating punishment without a
show of resistance. His following began to de-
sert him and Kearney went if the Chinese did
not. The Workingmen's party put up a state
ticket in 1879, but it was beaten at the polls and
went to pieces. In 1880 James Angell of Mich-
igan, John F. Swift of California, and William
H. Trescott of South Carolina were appointed
commissioners to proceed to China for the pur-
pose of forming new treaties. An agreement
was reached with the Chinese authorities by
which laborers could be debarred for a certain
period from entering the United States. Those
in the country were all allowed the rights that
aliens of other countries had. The senate ratified
the treaty May 5th. 1881.
The following is a list of the governors of Cal-
ifornia, Spanish. Mexican and American, with
date of appointment or election: Spanish:
Caspar de Portola, [767; Felipe Barri, 177 1 ;
Felipe de Xcve, 1774: Pedro Fages, 1790; Jose
Antonio Romeu, 171)0; Jose Joaquin de Ar-
rillaga, 17(1-': Diego de Borica, 1704: Jose Joa-
quin de Arrillaga, 1800; Jose Arguello, 1814;
Pablo Vicente de Sola, iSiv Mexican gov-
ernors: Pablo Vicente de Sola, 1822: Luis
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Arguello, 1823; Jose Maria Echeandia, 1825;
Manuel Victoria, 1831 ; Pio Pico, 1832; Jose
Maria Echeandia, Agustin Zamorano, 1832;
Jose Figueroa, 1833; Jose Castro, 1835; Nicolas
Gutierrez, 1836; Mariano Chico, 1836; Nicolas
Gutierrez, 1836; Juan B. Alvarado, 1836; Man-
uel Micheltorena, 1842; Pio Pico, 1845. Amer-
ican military governors: Commodore Robert
F. Stockton, 1846; Col. John C. Fremont, Jan-
uary, 1847; Gen. Stephen W. Kearny, March
1, 1847; Col. Richard B. Mason, May 31, 1847;
Gen. Bennet Riley, April 13, 1849. American
governors elected: Peter H. Burnett, 1840.
John McDougal, Lieutenant-governor, became
governor on resignation of P. H. Burnett in
January, 1851: John Bigler, 1851: John Bigler,
1853; J- Neely Johnson, 1855; John B. Weller,
1857; M. S. Latham, 1859; John G. Downey,
lieutenant-governor, became governor in 1850
by election of Latham to United States senate;
Leland Stanford, 1S61: Frederick F. Low, 1863;
Henry II. Haight, 1867; Newton Booth, 1871;
Romualdo Pacheco, lieutenant governor, be-
came governor February, 1875, on election of
Booth to the United States senate; William Ir-
win, 1875; George C. Perkins, 1879; George
Stoneman, 1882; Washington Bartlett. [886;
Robert W. Waterman, lieutenant-governor, be-
came governor September 12, 1887, upon the
death of Governor Bartlett: H. H. Markham,
1890; James H. Budd, 1894; Henry T. Gage,
1898.
CHAPTER XXXV.
EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE Franciscans, unlike the Jesuits, were
not the patrons of education. They
bent all their energies towards pros-
elyting. Their object was to fit their converts
for the next world. An ignorant soul might
be as happy in paradise as the most learned.
Why educate the neophyte? He was converted,
baptized and when granted absolution had his
passport to heaven. There were no public
schools at the missions. A few of the brightest
of the neophytes, who were trained to sing in
the church choirs, were taught to read, but the
great mass of them, even those of the third gen-
eration, born and reared at the missions, were
as ignorant of book learning as were their great-
grandfathers, who ran naked among the oak
trees of the mesas and fed on acorns.
Nor was there much attention paid to edu-
cation among the gente de razon of the pre-
sidios and pueblos. But few of the common
people could read and write. Their ancestors
had made their way in the world without 1 k
learning. Why should the child know more
than the parent? And trained to have great filial
regard for his parent, it was not often that
the progeny aspired to rise higher in the scale
of intelligence than his progenitor. Of the
eleven heads of families who founded Los An-
geles, not one could sign his name to the title
deed of his house lot. Xor were these an ex-
ceptionally ignorant collection of hombres. Out
of fifty men comprising the Monterey company
in 1785, but fourteen could write. In the com-
pany stationed at San Francisco in [794 not a
soldier among them could read or write; and
forty years later of one hundred men at Son, una
not one could write his name.
The first communit} wanl the American pio-
neers supplied was (he school house. Wher-
ever the immigrants from the New England
and the middle states planted a settlement, there,
at the same time, the) planted a school h
The first community want that the Spanish
pabladores (colonists) supplied was a church.
The school house was nol wanted or if wanted it
was a long felt want that was rarely or never
satisfied. At the time of the acqui
ifornia by the Americans, sevent) seven years
from the date of its first settlement, there was
not a public school house owned by any pre-
sidio, i'ii. bio 1 ir city in a I I ■■ >ry
The first public school in California was
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
opened in San Jose in December, 1794, seven-
teen years alter the founding of that pueblo.
The pioneer teacher of California was Manuel
de Vargas, a retired sergeant of infantry. The
school was opened in the public granary.
Vargas, in 1795, was offered $250 to open a
school in San Diego. As tins was higher wages
than he was receiving he accepted the offer.
Jose Manuel Toca, a gamute or ship boy. ar-
rived on a Spanish transport in 1795 and the
same year was employed at Santa Barbara as
schoolmaster at a yearly salary of Si 25. Thus
the army and the navy pioneered education in
California.
Governor Borica, the founder of public
schools in California, resigned in 1800 and was
succeeded by Arrillaga. Governor Arrillaga, if
not opposed to, was at least indifferent to the
education of the common people. He took life
easy and the schools took long vacations; in-
deed, it was nearly all vacation during his term.
Governor Sola, the successor of Arrillaga, made
an effort to establish public schools, but the in-
difference of the people discouraged him. In
the lower pueblo. Los Angeles, the first school
was opened in 1817, thirty-six years after the
founding of the town. The first teacher then-
was Maximo Piha. an invalid soldier. He re-
ceived $140 a year for his services as school-
master. If the records are correct, his was the
only school taught in Los Angeles during the
Spanish regime. < hie year of schooling to forty-
years of vacation, there was no educational
cramming in those days. The schoolmasters of
the Spanish era were invalid soldiers, possessed
of that dangerous thing, a "little learning: ' and
it was very little indeed. About all they could
teach was reading, writing and the doctrina
Christiana. They were brutal tyrants and their
school government a military despotism. They
did not spare the roil or the child, either. The
rod was too mild an instrument of punishment.
Their implement of torture was a cat-o'-nine-
tails, made of hempen cords with iron points.
To fail in learning the doctrina Christiana was
an unpardonable sin. for this, for laughing
aloud, playing truant or other offenses no more
heinous, the guilty boy "was stretched face
downward upon .1 bench with a handkerchief
thrust into his mouth as a gag and lashed with a
dozen or more blows until the blood ran down
his little lacerated back." If he could nut im-
bibe the Christian doctrine in any other way,
it was injected into him with the points of the
lash.
Mexico did better for education in California
than Spain. The school terms were lengthened
and the vacation shortened proportionally. Gov-
ernor Echeandia, a man hated by the friars, was
an enthusiastic friend of education. "He be-
lieved in the gratuitous and compulsory educa-
tion of rich and poor, Indians and g ente de
razoy alike." He held that learning was the
corner-stone of a people's wealth and it was the
duty of the government to foster education.
When the friars heard of his views "they called
upon God to pardon the unfortunate ruler un-
able to comprehend how vastly superior a re-
ligious education was to one merely secular."
Echeandia made a brave attempt to establish a
public school system in the territory. He de-
manded of the friars that they establish a-school
at each mission for the neophytes; they prom-
ised, but, with the intention of evading, a show
was made of opening schools. Soon it was re-
ported that the funds were exhausted and the
schools had to close for want of means to sup-
port them. Nor was Echeandia more successful
with the people. He issued an order to the
commanding officers at the presidios to compel
parents to send their children to school. The
school at Monterey was opened, the alcalde act-
in- as schoolmaster. The school furniture con-
sisted of one table and the school books were
one arithmetic and four primers. The school
funds were as meager as the school furniture.
Echeandia, unable to contend against the enmity
of the friars, the indifference of the parents and
the lack of funds, reluctantly abandoned his
futile fight against ignorance.
( hie of the most active and earnest friends of
the public schools during the Mexican era was
the much abused Governor Mic'heltorena. He
made an earnest effort to establish a public
school system in California. Through his efforts
schools were established in all the principal
Panel 'ft'- California Pastoral.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD-.
towns and a guarantee of $500 from the ter-
ritorial funds promised to each school. Michel-
torena promulgated what might be called the
first school law of California. It was a decree
issued May 1, 1844, and consisted of ten articles,
which prescribed what should be taught in the
schools, school hours, school age of the pupils
and other regulations. Article 10 named the
most holy virgin of Guadalupe as patroness of
the schools. Her image was to be placed in
each school. But, like all his predecessors,
Micheltorena failed: the funds were soon ex-
hausted and the schools closed.
Even had the people been able to read there
would have been nothing for them to read but
religious books. The friars kept vigilant watch
that no interdicted books were brought into the
country. If any were found they were seized
and publicly burned. Castro, Alvarado and Val-
lejo were at one time excommunicated for read-
ing Rousseau's works, Telemachus and other
books on the prohibited list. Alvarado having
declined to pay Father Duran some money he
owed him because it was a sin to have anything
to do with an excommunicated person, and
therefore it would be a sin for the father to take
money from him, the padre annulled the sen-
tence, received the money and gave Alvarado
permission to read anything he wished.
During the war fur the conquest of California
and for some time afterwards the schools were
all closed. The wild rush to the gold mines in
1848 carried away the male population. No one
would stay at home and teach school for the
paltry pay given a schoolmaster. The ayunta-
miento of Los Angeles in the winter of 1849-50
appointed a committee to establish a school.
After a three months' hunt the committee re-
ported "that an individual had just presented
himself who, although he did not speak English,
yet could he teach the children many useful
things; and besides the same person had man-
aged to get the refusal of Mrs. Pollerena's house
for school purpose." At the next meeting of the
ayuntamiento the committee reported that the
individual who had offered to teach had left for
the mines and neither a school house nor a
schoolmaster could be found.
In June, 1850, the ayuntamiento entered into
a contract with Francisco Bustamente, an ex-
soldier, "to teach to the children first, second
and third lessons and likewise to read script, to
write and count and so much as I may be com-
petent to teach them orthography and good
morals." Bustamente was to receive $60 per
month and $20 for house rent. This was the
first school opened in Los Angeles after the
conquest.
"'I he first American school in San Francisco
and. we believe, in California, was a merely pri-
vate enterprise. It was opened by a Mr. Mars-
ton from one of the Atlantic states in April,
1N47. in a small shanty which stood on the block
I iet ween Broadway and Pacific streets, west of
Dupont street. There lie collected some twenty
or thirty pupils, whom he continued to teach for
almost a whole year, his patrons paying for tui-
tion."*
In the fall of 1847 a school house was built
"ii the southwest corner of Portsmouth square,
fronting on Clay street. The money to build it
was raised by subscription. It was a very mod-
est structure — box shaped with a door and two
windows in the front and two windows in each
end. It served a variety of purposes besides that
of a school house. It was a public hall for all
kinds of meetings. Churches held service m it.
1 he first public amusements were given in it.
At one time it was used for a court room. The
first meeting to form a state government was
held in it. It was finally degraded to a police
office and a station house. For some time after
it was built no school was kept in it for want of
funds.
On the Jisi of February, 1848, a town meet-
ing was called for the election ,,f a board of
school trustees and Dr. P. Fourguard, Dr. |.
Townsend, C. L. Ross, J. Serrini and William
H. Davis were chosen. < )n the 3d of April fol-
lowing these trustees opened a school in the
school house under the charge of Thomas
Douglas, A. M.. a graduate of Yale College and
an experienced teacher of high reputation. The
board pledged him a salary of $1,000 per an-
num and fixed a tariff of tuition to aid towards
its payment; and the town council, afterwards,
\iiii.m- of San Francisco.
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to make up any deficiency, appropriated to the
payment of the teacher of the public school in
this place $200 at the expiration of twelve
months from the commencement of the school.
"Soon after this Mr. Marston discontinued his
private school and Mr. Douglas collected some
forty pupils."*
The school flourished for eight or ten weeks.
Gold had been discovered and rumors were
coming thick and fast of fortunes made in a day.
A thousand dollars a year looked large to Air.
Douglas when the contract was made, but in the
light of recent events it looked rather small.
A man in the diggings might dig out $1,000 in a
week. So the schoolmaster laid down the
pedagogical birch, shouldered his pick and hied
himself away to the diggings. In the rush for
gold, education was forgotten. December 12,
1848, Charles \Y. II. Christian reopened the
school, charging tuition at the rate of $10. Evi-
dently he did not teach longer than it took him
to earn money to reach the mines. April 23,
[849, the Rev. Albert Williams, pastor of the
First Presbyterian church, obtained the use of
the school house and opened a private school,,
charging tuition. He gave up school teaching
to attend to his ministerial duties. In the fall
of '49 John C. Pelton, a Massachusetts school-
master, arrived in San Francisco and December
26 opened a school with three pupils in the Bap-
tist church on Washington street. He fitted up
the church with writing tables and benches at
his own expense, depending on voluntary con-
tributions for his support. In the spring of
1850 he applied to the city council for relief and
for his services and that of his wife he received
$500 a month till the summer of 1851. when he
closed his school.
Col. T. J. Xevins. in June. 1850, obtained rent
free the use of a building near the present inter-
section of Mission and Second streets for school
purposes, lie employed a Mr. Samuel New-
ton as teacher. The school was opened July
13. The school passed under the supervision
of several teachers. The attendance was small
at first and the school was supported by con-
tributions, but later the council voted an ap
propriation. The school was closed in 1851.
Colonel Nevins, in January, 1851, secured a
fifty-vara lot at Spring Valley on the Presidio
road and built principally by subscription a
large school building, employed a teacher and
opened a free school, supported by contributions.
The building was afterwards leased to the city
to be used for a free school, the term ot the
lease running ninety-nine years. This was the
first school building in which the city had an
ownership. Colonel Xevins prepared an ordi-
nance for the establishment, regulation and
support of free common schools in the city.
The ordinance was adopted by the city council
September 25, 185 1, and was the first ordinance
establishing free schools and providing for their
maintenance in San Francisco.
A bill to provide for a public school system
was introduced in the legislature of 1850, but
the committee on education reported that it
would be two or three years before any means
would become available from the liberal pro-
visions of the constitution; in the meantime
the persons who had children to educate could
do it out of their own pockets. So all action
was postponed and the people who had children
paid for their tuition or let them run without
schooling.
The first school law was passed in 1851. It
was drafted mainly by G. LI. Lingley, John C.
Pelton and the superintendent of public instruc-
tion, J. G. Marvin. It was revised and amended
by the legislatures of 1852 and 1853. The state
school fund then was derived from the sale and
rental of five hundred thousand acres of state
land; the estates of deceased persons escheated
to the state; state poll tax and a state tax of
five cents on each $100 of assessed property.
Congress in 1853 granted to California the 16th
and 36th sections of the public lands for school
purposes. The total amount of this grant was
six million seven hundred and sixty-five thou-
sand five hundred and four acres, of which
forty-six thousand and eighty acres were to be
deducted for the founding of a state university
or college and six thousand four hundred acres
for public buildings.
The first apportionment of state funds was
made in 1854. The amount of state funds for
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
that year was $52,961. The county and mu-
nicipal school taxes amounted to $157,702.
These amounts were supplemented by rate bills
to the amount of $42,557. In 1856 the state
fund had increased to $69,961, while rate bills
had decreased to $28,619. That year there were
thirty thousand and thirty-nine children of
school age in the state, of these only about
fifteen thousand were enrolled in the schools.
In the earlier years, following the American
conquest, the schools were confined almost en-
tirely to the cities. The population in the coun-
try districts was too sparse to maintain a school.
The first school house in Sacramento was built
in 1849. lC was located on I street. C. H. T.
Palmer opened school in it in August. It was
supported by rate bills and donations. He gath-
ered together about a dozen pupils. The school
was soon discontinued. Several other parties
in succession tried school keeping in Sacra-
mento, but did not make a success of it. It was
not until" 1851 that a permanent school was es-
tablished. A public school was taught in Mon-
terey in 1849 by Rev. Willey. The school was
kept in Colton Hall. The first public school
house in Los Angeles was built in 1854. Hugh
Overns taught the first free school there in 1850.
The amount paid for teachers' salaries in 1854
was $85,860; in 1900 it reached $4,850,804. The
total expenditures for school purposes in 1854
amounted to $275,606; in 1900 to $6,195,438.
The first high school in the state was established
in San Francisco in 1856. In 1900 there were
one hundred and twenty high schools with an
attendance of twelve thousand one hundred and
seventy-nine students. Two million dollars were
invested in high school buildings, furniture and
grounds. Five hundred teachers were employed
in these schools.
Till-: TXIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC.
This institution was chartered in August,
1 85 1, as the California W'esleyan College, which
name was afterwards changed by act of the leg
islature to that it now bears. The charter was
obtained under the general law of the state as
it then was, and on the basis of a subscription
of $27,500 and a donation of some ten acres of
land adjacent to the village of Santa Clara. A
school building was erected in which the pre-
paratory department was opened in May, 1852,
under the charge of Rev. E. Banister as prin-
cipal, aided by two assistant teachers, and be-
fore the end of the first session had over sixty
pupils. Near the close of the following year
another edifice was so far completed that the
male pupils were transferred to it. and the Fe-
male Collegiate Institute, with its special course
of study, was organized and continued in the
original building. In 1S54 the classes of the
college proper were formed and the requisite
arrangement with respect to president, faculty,
and course of study made. In 1858 two young
men, constituting the first class, received the de-
gree of A. I',., they being the first to receive
that honor from any college in California. In
1865 the board of trustees purchased the Stock-
ton rancho, a large body of land adjoining the
town of Santa Clara. This was subdivided into
lots and small tracts and sold at a profit. By
this means an endowment was secured and an
excellent site for new college building obtained.
THE COLLEGE of CALIFORNIA.
The question of founding a college or uni-
versity in California had been discussed earlv in
1849, before the assembling of the constitutional
convention at San Jose. The originator of the
idea was the Rev. Samuel H. Willey, D. D., of
the Presbyterian church. At that time he was
stationed at Monterey. The first legislature
passed a bill providing for the granting of col-
lege charters. The bill required that application
should be made to the supreme court, which was
to determine whether the property possessed be
the proposed college was worth $20,000, and
whether in other respects a charter should be
granted. A body of land for a college site had
been offered by James Stokes and Kimball II.
Dimmick to be selected from a large tract they
owned on tlie Guadalupe river, near San Jose.
When application was char-
ter the supreme court refused to give a charter
to tlie applicants on the plea that the land
was unsurveyed and the ml'' not fully deter-
mined.
The Rev. Henry Durant, who had at one time
been a tutor in Vale College, came to 1 alifornia
-Ill
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
m 1S53 to engage in teaching. At a meeting
cf the presbytery of San Francisco and the Con-
gregational Association of California held in
Nevada City in May, 1853, which Mr. Durant
attended, it was decided to establish an acad-
emy at Oakland. There were but few houses
in Oakland then and the only communication
with San Francisco was by means of a little
steamer that crossed the bay two or three times
a day. A house was obtained at the corner of
Broadway and Fifth street and the academy
opened with three pupils. A site was selected
for the school, which, when the streets were
opened, proved to be four blocks, located be-
tween Twelfth and Fourteenth, Frankkn and
Harrison streets. The site of ( )akland at that
time was covered with live oaks and the sand
was knee deep. Added to other discourage-
ments, titles were in dispute and squatters were
seizing upon the vacant lots. A building was
begun for the school, the money ran out and
the property was in danger of seizure on a me-
chanics' lien, but was rescued by the bravery
and resourcefulness of Dr. Durant.
In 1855 the College of California was char-
ters! and a search begun for a permanent site.
A number were offered at various places in the
state. The trustees finally selected the Berkeley
site, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on
Si raw berry creek near Oakland, opposite the
Golden Gate. The college school in Oakland
was nourishing. A new building, Academy
Hall, was erected in 1858. A college faculty
was organized. The Rev. Henry Durant and
the Rev. Martin Kellogg were chosen pro-
fessors and the first college class was organized
in June, i860. The college classes were taught
in the buildings of the college school, which
were usually called the College of California.
The college classes were small and the endow-
ment smaller. The faculty met with many dis-
couragements. It became evident that the in-
stitution could never become a prominent one
in the educational field with the limited means
of support it could command. In 1863 the idea
of a state universitj began to be agitated. A bill
was passed by the state legislature in 1866, de-
voting t<> the support of a narrow polyte,chnical
school, the federal land grants to California for
the support of agricultural schools and a college
of mechanics. The trustees of the College of
California proposed in 1867 to transfer to the
state the college site at Berkeley, opposite the
Golden Gate, together with all the other assets
remaining after the debts were paid, on con-
dition that the state would build a University of
California on the site at Berkeley, which should
be a classical and technological college.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
A bill for the establishing of a state university
was introduced in the legislature March 5, 1868,
by Hon. John W. Dwindle of Alameda county.
After some amendments it was finally passed,
March 21, and on the 27th of the same month a
bill was passed making an appropriation for the
support of the institution.
The board of regents of the university was
organized June 9, 1868, and the same day Gen.
George B. McClellan was elected president of
the university, but at that time being engaged in
building Stevens Battery at Xew York he de-
clined the honor. September 23, 1869, the
scholastic exercises of the university were be-
gun in the buildings of the College of Califor-
nia in ( )akland and the first university class was
graduated in June, 1873. The new buildings of
the university at Berkeley were occupied in
September, 1873. Prof. John Le Conte was act-
ing president for the first year. Dr. Henry
Durant was chosen to fill that position and was
succeeded by D. C. Oilman in 1872. The corner-
stone of the Agricultural College, called the
South Hall, was laid in August. 1872, and that
of the North Hall in the spring of 1873.
The university, as now constituted, consists
of Colleges of Letters, Social Science, Agricul-
ture, Mechanics. Mining, Civil Engineering,
Chemistry and Commerce, located at Berkeley;
the Lick Astronomical Department at Mount
Hamilton: and the professional and affiliated
> olleg< s in San Francisco, namely, the Hastings
College of Law, the Medical Department, the
Post-Graduate Medical Department, the Col-
lege of Dentistry and Pharmacy, the Veterinary
Department and the Mark Hopkins Institute of
Art. The total value of the property belonging
to the university at this time is about $5,000,000
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
241
and the endowment funds nearly $3,000,000.
The total income in 1900 was $475,254.
LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY.
"When the intention of Senator Stanford to
found a university in memory of his lamented
son was first announced, it was expected from
the broad and comprehensive views which he
was known to entertain upon the subject, that
his plans, when formed, would result in no ordi-
nary college endowment or educational scheme,
but when these plans were laid before the people
their magnitude was so far beyond the most ex-
travagant of public anticipation that all were as-
tonished at the magnificence of their aggregate,
the wide scope of their detail and the absolute
grandeur of their munificence. The brief his-
tory of California as an American state com-
prises much that is noble and great, but nothing
in that history will compare in grandeur with
this act of one of her leading citizens. The
records of history may be searched in vain for
a parallel to this gift of Senator Stanford to the
state of his adoption. * * ■ * By this act
Senator Stanford will not only immortalize the
memory of his son, but will erect for himself a
monument more enduring than brass or marble,
for it will be enshrined in the hearts of succeed-
ing generations for all time to come.""
Senator Stanford, to protect the endowments
he proposed to make, prepared a bill, which was
passed by the legislature, approved by the gov-
ernor and became a law March 9, 1885. It is
entitled ''An act to advance learning, the arts
and sciences and to promote the public welfare,
by providing for the conveyance, holding and
protection of property, and the creation of trusts
for the founding, endowment, erection and
maintenance within this state of universities,
colleges, schools, seminaries of learning, me-
chanical institutes, museums and galleries of
art."
Section 2 specifies how a grant for the above
purposes may be made: "Any person desiring
in his lifetime to promote the public welfare by
founding, endowing and having maintained
within this state a university, college, school.
Monograph of Leland Stanford Junior University.
seminary of learning, mechanical institute, mu-
seum or gallery of art or any or all thereof, may,
to that end, and for such purpose, by grant in
writing, convey to a trustee, or any number of
trustees named in such grant (and their suc-
cessors), any property, real or personal, belong-
ing to such person, and situated or being within
this state; provided, that if any such person be
married and the property be community prop-
erty, then both husband and wife must join in
such grant." The act contains twelve sections.
After the passage of the act twenty-four trus-
tees were appointed. Among them were judges
of the supreme and superior courts, a United
States senator and business men in various
lines.
Among the lands deeded to the universit) b)
Senator Stanford and his wife were the Palo
Alto estate, containing seventy-two hundred
acres. This ranch had been devoted principally
to the breeding and rearing of thoroughbred
horses. On this the college buildings were to
be erected. The site selected was near the town
of Palo Alto, which is thirty-four miles south
from San Francisco on the railroad to San Jose,
in Santa Clara county.
Another property donated was the Vina
rancho, situated at the junction of Deer creek
with the Sacramento river in Tehama county.
It consisted of fifty-five thousand acres, of
which thirty-six thousand were planted to
and orchard and the remainder used for grain
growing and pasture.
The third rancho given to the support of the
university was the Gridley ranch, containing
about twenty-one thousand acres. This was sit-
uated in Butte county and included within its
limits some of the richest wheat growing lands
in the state. At the time it was d
sessed value was Si. 000,000. The total amount
of land conveyed to the university by .'■
trust was eighty-three thousand two hundred
acre-..
The name selected [or the institution was Le-
land Stanford Junior University. The corner-
stone of the university was laid May 1 |
1,\ Senatoi ai I I Stanford. The site
of the college buildings is aboul one mile west
from Palo Alto. In his address to the trustees
242
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
November 14. [885, Senator Stanford said: "We
do not expect to establish a university and fill
it with students at once. It must be the growth
of time and experience. Our idea is that in the
first instance we shall require the establishment
of colleges for both sexes; then of primary
schools, as they may be needed; and out of all
these will grow the great central institution for
more advanced study." The growth of the uni-
versity has been rapid. In a very few years after
its founding it took rank with the best institu-
tions of learning in the United States.
NORMAL SCHOOLS.
The legislature of 1862 passed a bill author-
izing the establishment of a state normal school
for the training of teachers at San Francisco or
at such other place as the legislature may here-
after direct. The school was established and
conducted for several years at San Francisco,
but was eventually moved to San Jose, where a
site had been donated. A building was erected
and the school became a flourishing institution.
The first building was destroyed by fire and the
present handsome and commodious building
erected on a new site. The first normal school
established in the state was a private one, con-
ducted by George W. Minns. It was started in
San Francisco in 1857, but was discontinued
after the organization of the state school in 1863,
Minns becoming principal. A normal school
was established b\ the legislature at Los An-
geles in 1881. It was at first a branch of the
state school at San Jose and was under control
of the same board of trustees and the same prin-
cipal. Later it was made an independent insti-
tution with a board and principal of its own.
Normal schools have been established at
Chico (1889), San Diego (1897) and San Fran-
cisco (1899). The total number of teachers em-
ployed in the five state normal schools in 1900
was one hundred and one, of whom thirty-seven
were men and sixty-four women. The whole
number of students in these at that time was
two thousand ami thirty-nine, of whom two hun-
dred and fifty-six were men and one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-nine women.
The total receipts for the support of these
schools from all sources were for the year end-
ing June 30, 1900, $251,217; the total expendi-
tures tor the same time were $206,001 ; the value
of the normal school property of the state is
about $700,000. The educational system and
facilities of California, university, college, nor-
mal school and public school, rank with the best
in the United States.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
CITIES OF CALIFORNIA— THEIR ORIGIN AND GROWTH.
ftLTHOUGH Spain and Mexico possessed
California fur seventy-seven years after
the date nf the first settlement made in
it, they founded but few towns and but one of
those founded had attained the dignity of a city
at the time of the American conquest. In a
previous chapter I have given sketches of the
founding of the four presidios and three pueblos
under Spanish rule. Twenty missions were es-
tablished under the rule of Spain and one under
the Mexican Republic. While the country in-
creased in population under the rule of Mex-
ico, the only new settlement that was formed
was the mission at Solano.
Pueblos grew up at the presidios and some of
the mission settlements developed into towns.
The principal towns that have grown up around
the mission sites are San Juan Capistrano, San
Gabriel, San Buenaventura, San Miguel. San
Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and San Rafael.
The creation of towns began after the Ameri-
cans got possession of the country. Before the
treaty of peace between the United States and
Mexico had been made, and while the war wa-
in progress, two enterprising Americans. Robert
Semple and '1". O. Larkin, had created on paper
an extensive city on the Straits of Carquinez.
The city of Francisca "comprises five miles."
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
so the proprietors of the embryo metropolis an-
nounced in the Califoniian of April 20, 1847,
and in subsequent numbers. According to the
theory of its promoters, Francisca had the
choice of sites and must become the metropolis
of the coast. "In front of the city," says their
advertisement, "is a commodious Bay, large
enough for two hundred ships to ride at anchor
safe from any wind. The country around the
city is the best agricultural portion of California
on both sides of the Bay; the straits being only
one mile wide, an easy crossing may always be
made. The entire trade of the great Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin Valleys (a fertile coun-
try of great width and nearly seven hundred
miles long from North to South) must of neces-
sity pass through the narrow channel of Car-
quinez and the Bay, and the country is so situ-
ated that ever) person who passes from one side
of the Hay to the other will find the nearest and
best way by Francisca."
In addition to its natural advantages the pro-
prietors offered other attractions and induce-
ments to settlers. The}' advertised that they
would give "seventy-five per cent of the net pro-
ceeds of the ferries and wharves for a school
fund and the embellishment of the city"; "they
have also laid out several entire squares for
school purposes and several others for public
walks" (parks). Yet, notwithstanding all the su-
perior attractions and natural advantages of
Francisca, people would migrate to and locate
at the wind-swept settlement on the Cove of
Yerba Buena. And the town of the "good
herb" took to itself the name of San Francisco
and perforce compelled the Franciscans to be-
come Benicians. Then came the discovery of
gold and the consequent rush to the mines, and
although Francisca, or Benicia. was on the
route, or one of the routes, somehow San
Francisco managed to get all the profit out of
tile trade and travel to the mines.
The rush to the land of gold expanded the
little settlement formed by Richardson and Leese
on the Cove of ^ erba Buena into a great city
that in time included within its limits the mis-
sion and the presidio. The consolidation oi' the
city and county governments gave a simpler
form of municipal rule and gave the city room
to expand without growing outside of its mu-
nicipal jurisdiction. The decennial Federal cen-
sus from 1850 to the close of the century indi-
cates the remarkable growth of San Francisco.
Its population in 1850 was 21,000; in i860, 56,-
802; in 1870, 140,473; in 1880, 234,000; in
1890, 298,997; in 1900, 342,742.
LOS ANGELES.
The only settlement under Mexican domina-
tion that attained the dignity of a ciudad, or city,
was Los Angeles. Although proclaimed a city
by the Mexican Congress, more than ten years
before the Americans took possession of the
country, except in official documents, it was
usually spoken of as el pueblo — the town. Its
population at the time of its conquest by the
Americans numbered about sixteen hundred.
The first legislature gave it a city charter, al-
though fifteen years before it had been raised to
the dignity of a city ; the lawmakers for some
reason cut down its area from four square
leagues to four square miles. This did not affect
its right to its pueblo lands. After the appoint-
ment of a land commission, in 1851. it laid claim
to sixteen square leagues, but failed to substanti-
ate its claim. Its pueblo area of four square
leagues (Spanish) was confirmed to it by the
commission. Within the past seven years, by
annexation, its area has been increased from the
original four square leagues, or about twenty-
seven miles, to thirty-seven square miles. Its in-
crease in population .hiring the past twenty years
has been the greatest of any of the large cities of
the state. In 1880 it had 11,183 inhabitants; in
1890, 50,353; in [900, 102.420. Its growth
since 1900 has exceeded that of any similar pe-
riod in its history. Its estimated population
January, 1903, is 125,000.
OAKLAND.
Oakland, the third city in population among
the cities of California, is the youngest of the
large cities. It is purel) American by birth.
Its site during Spanish and Mexican rule was
uninhabited and was covered with oak trees and
chaparral. The territory which I lakland
was part of a live league grant made to f.uis
.Maria Peralta, a Spanish soldier, who came to
244
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the presidio of San Francisco in 1790. August
16, 1820, Governor Sola granted him the Rancho
San Antonio. His military service had extended
over a period oi forty years. In 1842 he divided
the grant among his five sons, the portion em-
braced in Oakland falling to the allotment of
Vicente.
The first permanent settlers and the fathers
of Oakland were Moore, Carpentier and Adams,
who squatted on the land in the summer of 1850.
The Peraltas made an attempt to evict them,
but failed. This trio of squatters obtained a
lease from Peralta, laid out a town and sold lots,
giving quit-claim deeds. They erected houses
and are considered the founders of the town.
Other squatters followed their example and pos-
sessed themselves of the Peraltas' land. This
involved the settlers in litigation, and it was
many years before titles were perfected. The
Peralta litigants finally w 1 in.
May 4. 1852, the town of Oakland was incor-
porated. March 25, 1854, it was incorporated as
a city and Horace W. Carpentier was elected
the first mayor. The first ferry charter was
granted in 1853. Defective titles and the water-
front war between the city authorities and H. W.
Carpentier retarded its growth for a number
of years. In 1860 its population was about
1,500. The completion of the overland railroad,
which made Oakland its western terminus,
greatly accelerated its growth. The water-front
war was continued; instead of Carpentier, the
city now had the Central Pacific Railroad Com-
pany to contend with. The controversy was
finally ended in 1882. and the city won. The
population of Oakland in 1890 was 48,682; in
1900, 66,960. According to a recent census
(November, 1902), it exceeds 88.000.
SACRAMENTO.
Sutter built his fort near the junction of the
Sacramento and American rivers in 1830. It
was then the most northerly settlement in Cali-
fornia and became the trading post for the
northern frontier. It was the outpost to which
the tide <>f overland immigration flowed before
and after the discover) of gold. Sutter's settle-
ment was also known as New Eielvitia. After
tin discovery of gold at Coloma it was. during
1848, the principal supply depot for the mines.
Sutter had a store at the fort and did a thriving
business. Sam LJrannan, in June, 1848, estab-
lished a store outside of the fort, in a long adobe
building. His sales amounted to over $100,000
a month. His profits were enormous. Gold
dust was a drug on the market and at one time
passed for $8 an ounce, less than half its value.
In September, 1848, Priest, Lee & Co. estab-
lished a business house at the fort and did an
immense business. The fort was not well lo-
cated for a commercial center. It was too far
away from the river by which all the freight
from San Francisco was shipped. The land at
the embarcadero was subject to overflow and
was deemed unsuited for the site of a city. Sut-
terville was laid out on rising ground three miles
below. A survey of lots was extended from
the fort to the embarcadero and along the river
bank. This embryo town at the embarcadero
took the name of Sacramento from the river.
Then began a rivalry between Sutterville and
Sacramento. The first house in Sacramento,
corner of Front and I streets, was erected in
January, 1849. The proprietors of Sutterville,
McDougall & Co., made an attempt to attract
trade and building to their town by giving away
lots, but Sutter beat them at that game, and
Sacramento surged ahead. Sam Brannan and
Priest, Lee & Co. moved their stores into Sac-
ramento. The fort was deserted and Sutterville
ceased to contend for supremacy. In four
months lots had advanced from $50 to $1,000
and business lots to $3,000. A regular steam-
boat service on the river was inaugurated in
August, 1849, anc' sailing vessels that had come
around the Horn to avoid trans-shipment worked
their way up the river and landed their goods at
the embarcadero. The first number of the
Placer Times was issued April 28, 1849. The
steamboat rates of passage between San Fran-
cisco and Sacramento were: Cabin, $30: steer-
age, $20; freight, $2.50 per one hundred pounds.
By the winter of 184(1 the population of the town
had reached live thousand and a year later it
had doubled. Lots in the business section were
held at $30,000 to $50,000 each. The great flood
of [849-50, when four-fifths of the city was
under water, somewhat dampened the enthusi-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
asm of the citizens, but did not check the growth
of the city. Sacramento became the trading-
center of the mines. In 1855 its trade, princi-
pally with the mines, amounted to $6,000,000.
It was also the center of the stage lines, a dozen
of which led out from it.
It became the state capital in 1853, and al-
though disastrous floods drove the legislators
from the capital several times, they returned
when the waters subsided. The great flood of
1861-62 inundated the city, and compelled an
immense outlay for levees and for raising the
grades of the streets. Sacramento was made the
terminus of the Central Pacific Railroad sys-
tem, and its immense workshops are located
there. Its growth for the past thirty years has
been slow but steady. Its population in 1890
was 26.386; in 1900, 29,282.
SAN JOSE.
The early history of San Jose has been given
in the chapter on Pueblos. After the American
conquest the place became an important busi-
ness center. It was the first state capital and
the removal of the capital for a time checked its
progress. In 1864 it was connected with San
Francisco by railroad. The completion of the
railroad killed off its former port, Alviso, which
had been laid out as a city in 1849. Nearly all
the trade and travel before the railroad was built
had gone by way of Alviso down the bay to
San Francisco. San Jose and its suburb, Santa
Clara, early became the educational centers of
California. The first American college founded
in the state was located at Santa Clara and the
first normal school building erected in the state
was built at San Jose. The population of San
Jose in 1880 was 12,570; in 1900, 21,500.
STOCKTON.
In 1844 the Rancho Campo de los Franceses,
Camp of the French, or French Camp, on which
the city of Stockton is located, was granted to
William Gulnac by Governor Micheltorena. It
contained eleven leagues of 48,747 acres of land.
Capt. Charles M. Weber, the founder of Stock-
ton, was a partner of Gulnac, but not being a
Mexican citizen, lie could not obtain a land
grant. After Gulnac obtained the grant he con-
veyed a half interest in it to Weber. Weber
shortly afterward purchased his partner's inter-
est and became sole owner of the grant. Some
attempts were made to stock it with cattle, but
Indian depredations prevented it. In 1847, after
the country had come into the possession of the
Americans, Weber removed from San Jose,
which had been his place of residence since his
arrival in California in 184 1, and located on his
ranch at French Camp. He erected some huts
for his vaqueros and fortified his corral against
Indians. In 1848 the site of the city was sur-
veyed and platted under the direction of Captain
Weber and Maj. R. P. Hammond. The rancho
was surveyed and sectionized and land offered
on most advantageous terms to settlers. Cap-
tain Weber was puzzled to find a fitting name
for his infant metropolis. He hesitated between
Tuleburgh and Castoria (Spanish for beaver).
Tules were plentiful and so were beaver, but
as the town grew both would disappear, so he
finally selected Stockton, after Commodore
Stockton, who promised to be a godfather to
the town, but proved to be a very indifferent
stepfather; he 'never did anything for it. The
discovery of gold in the region known as the
southern mines brought Stockton into promi-
nence and made it the metropolis of the south-
ern mining district. Captain Weber led the party
that first discovered gold on the Mokelumne
river. The freight and travel to the mines on
the Mokelumne, Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers
passed through Stockton, and its growth was
rapid. In October, 1849, the Alta California
reports lots in it selling from $2,500 to $6,000
each, according to situation. At that time it had
a population of about one thousand souls and a
floating population, that is, men coming and
going to the mines, of about as many more. The
houses were mostly cotton-lined shacks. Lum-
ber was $1 a foot and carpenters' wage- $16 per
day. There was neither mechanics nor mate-
rial to build better structures. Every man was
his own architect and master builder. Cloth
was scarce and high and tacks at .me time were
worth $5 a package; even a cloth house was no
cheap affair, however flimsy and cheap it might
appear. I hi the morning of December 23, [849,
the business portion of the town was swept out
246
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RED )RD.
of existence by lire. Rebuilding was begun al-
most before the embers of the departed city
were cold and a better city arose from the ashes
of the first. Alter the wild rush of mining days
was over, Stockton drifted into a center of agri-
cultural trade and it also became a manufactur-
ing city. Its growth has been steady, devoid of
booms or period -.. of inflation, followed by col-
lapse. Its population in [890 was 14,424; in
1900, 17,506.
SAN DIEGO.
In former chapters I have described the
founding of the presidio and mission of San
Diego. A pueblo of twenty-five or thirty houses
grew up around the presidio. This is what is
known as Old San Diego. In 1850 it was in-
corporated as a city. March 18, 1850, Alcalde
Sutherland granted to William Heath Davis and
five associates one hundred and sixty acres of
land a few miles south of Old Town, in con-
sideration that they build a wharf and create
a "new port." The town of Xew San Diego was
laid out, the wharf was built, several houses
erected, and government barracks constructed.
A newspaper was established and the Panama
steamers anchored at the wharf. San Diego
was riding high on the wave of prosperity. But
the wave broke and left San Diego stranded on
the shore of adversity. In 1868, A. E. Horton
came to San Diego. He bought about nine-
hundred acres of pueblo lands along the bay at
twenty-six cents an acre. He subdivided it, gave
away lots, built houses and a wharf and soon
infused life into the sleepy pueblo. In [884
the Southern California Railroad was completed
into the city. In 1887 San Diego experienced a
wonderful real estate boom and its growth for
several years was marvelous. Then it came to
a standstill, but has again started on the high-
way to prosperity. Its population in 1890 was
16,159; in 1900, 17,700.
FRESNO CITY.
Fresno City was founded by the Southern
Pacific Railroad in May, 1K72. The road at that
time was in the course of construction. The
outlook for a populous town was not brilliant.
Stretching for miles away from the town site in
different directions was an arid-looking plain.
The land was fertile enough when well watered;
but the few settlers had no capital to construct
irrigating canals.
In 1875 began the agricultural colony era.
The land was divided into twenty-acre tracts. A
number of persons combined together and by
their united capital and community labor con-
structed, irrigating canals and brought the land
under cultivation. The principal product is
l he raisin grape. Fresno City became the
county seat of Fresno county in 1874. It is now
the largest and most important city of the
Upper San Joaquin Valley. Its population in
1890 was 10,818; in 1900, 12,470.
VALLEJO.
Vallejo was founded for the state capital. It
was one of several towns which had that tem-
porary honor in the early '50s, when the state
capitol was on wheels, or at least on the move.
The original name of the place was Eureka.
General Vallejo made a proposition to the leg-
islature of 1850 to grant the state one hundred
and fifty-six acres of land and to donate and
pay to the state within two years after the ac-
ceptance of- his proposition $370,000, to be used
in the erection of public buildings. The legisla-
ture accepted his proposition. The location of
the state capital was submitted to a vote of the
people at the election on October 7, 1850, and
Vallejo received more votes than the aggre-
gated vote of all its competitors. Buildings
were begun, but never completed. The legisla-
ture met there twice, but on account of insuffi-
cient accommodations sought other places
where they were better cared for. General Val-
lejo's proposition at his own request was can-
celled. In 1854 Mare Island, in front of Val-
lejo, was purchased by the general government
for a United States navy yard and naval depot.
The government works gave employment to
large numbers of men and involved the expedi-
ture nf millions of dollars. The town began to
prosper and still continues to do so. Its popu-
lation in 1800 was 6,343; in 1900, 7,965.
NEVADA CITY.
\\> mining town in California was so well and
so favorably known in the early '50s as Nevada
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
City. The first discovery of gold near it was
made in September, 1849; and the first store
and cabin erected. Rumors of rich strikes
spread abroad and in the spring of 1850 the rush
of gold-seekers came. In 1851 it was estimated
that within a circuit of seven miles there was a
population of 30,000. In 1856 the business sec-
tion was destroyed by fire. It was then the
third city in population in the state. It has had
its periods of expansion and contraction, but
still remains an important mining town. Its
population in 1880 was 4.022: in 1890, 2,524;
in 1900, 3,250.
GRASS VALLEY.
The first cabin in Grass Valley was erected in
1849. The discoveries of gold quartz raised
great expectations. A quartz mill was erected
in 1850, but this new form of mining not being
understood, quartz mining was not a success;
but with improved machinery and better meth-
ods, it became the most important form of min-
ing. Grass Valley prospered and surpassed its
rival, Nevada City. Its population in 1900 was
4.7I9-
EUREKA.
In the two hundred years that Spain and Mex-
ico held possession of California its northwest
coast remained practically a terra incognita, but
it did not remain so long after the discovery of
gold. Gold was discovered on the head waters
of the Trinity river in 1849 am' parties of pros-
pectors during 1849 alKl l&5° explored the
country between the head waters of the Trinity
and Klamath rivers and the coast. Rich mines
were found and these discoveries led to the
founding of a number of towns on the coast
which aspired to be the entrepots for the sup-
plies to the mines. The most successful of these
proved to be Eureka, on Humboldt Bay. It
was the best located for commerce and soon
outstripped its rival-. Areata and Bucksport.
Humboldt county was formed in 1854. and Eu-
reka, in 1S56, became the county seat ami was
incorporated as a city. It is the largest -hip-
ping point for lumber on the coast. It is also
the commercial center of a rich agricultural and
dairying district. Its population in 1880 was
2,639; in t89°- 4'85S: in }9°°' 7~2>27-
MARYSVILLE.
The site on which Alary sville stands was first
known as New .Mecklenburg and was a trading
post of two houses, in October, 1848, M. C.
Nye purchased the rancho and opened a store
at New Mecklenburg. The place then became
known as Nye's rancho. In 1841) a town was
laid out and named Vubaville. The name was
changed to Marysville in honor of the wife of
the proprietor of the town Covilland. His wife
was Alary Murphy, of the Donner party. Marys-
ville, being at the head of the navigation of the
north fork of the Sacramento, became the en-
trepot for mining supplies to the miners in the
rich Yuba mines. Alter the decline of mining
it became an agricultural center for the upper
portion of the Sacramento. Its population in
1880 was 4,300; in 1890, 3,991; in 1900, 3,397.
The Placer Tunes of May 8, 1850, contains
this notice of Reading, now changed to Red-
ding: "Reading was laid off early in 1850 by
P. B. Reading at the headwaters of the Sacra-
mento within forty-five miles of the Trinity
diggings. Reading is located in the heart of a
most extensive mining district, embracing as it
does, Cottonwood, Clear, Salt. Dry, Middle and
I )Inev creeks, it is in close proximity to the Pitt
and Trinity rivers. The pet steamer. Jack
Hayes, leaves tomorrow morning (May 9. 1850)
for Reading. It has been hitherto considered
impossible to navigate the Sacramento to this
height.*' The town grew rapidly at first, like
all mining towns, and like most of such towns
it was swept out of existence 1>\ tire. It was
devastated by fire in December. [852, and again
in June, 1853. It- original name. Reading, got
mixed with fort Redding and it now appear- on
all railroad maps and guides as Redding. Its
population in [890 was 1.821; in 1000, 2.940.
Pasadena is a child of the colony era of the
early "70s. Its original name was the Indiana
Colony. In [873 a number of persons formed a
company for the purchasing of a large ti
land and subdividing it among them. The;, in-
IMS
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
corporated under the title of the San Gabriel
Orange Grove Association and purchased four
thousand acres in the San Pasqual rancho, sit-
uated about nine miles east of Los Angeles city.
This was divided on the basis of one share of
stock being equivalent to fifteen acres. Each
stockholder received in proportion to his invest-
ment. The colonists turned their attention to
the cultivation of vineyards and orange or-
chards. In 1S75 the name was changed to Pasa-
dena, an Algonquin word meaning Crown of the
Valley. The colony had become quite noted for
its production of oranges. In 1887 the great
real estate boom struck it and the cross roads
village suddenly developed into a city. It has
become famous as a tourist winter resort. Its
population in 1890 was 4,882; in 1900, 9,117.
Pomona was founded by the Los Angeles Im-
migration and Land Co-Operative Association.
This company bought twenty-seven hundred
acres of the Rancho San Jose, lying along the
1 isl in border of Los Angeles county. The
town was laid off in the center of the tract. The
remainder of the tract was divided into forty-
acre lots. The town made a rapid growth at
first, but disaster overtook it. First the dry
season of 1876-77, and next a fire that swept
it almost out of existence. In 1880 its popula-
tion had dwindled to one hundred and eighty
persons. In about 1881 it began to revive and
it has made a steady growth ever since. It is
the commercial center of a large orange grow-
in- district. Its population in 1890 was 3,634;
in 1900, 5,526.
SAN BERNARDINO.
San Bernardino was originally a Mormon col-
ony. In [851 one hundred and fifty families
were sent from Salt Lake to found a colony or
a stake of Zion. The object of locating a colon)
at tin's point was to keep open a line of commu-
nication with some seaport. San Bernardino was
near ill.- old Spanish trail which led .ml through
the Cajon pass. < loods could he transported
io Salt Lake from San Pedro at all seasons of
the year, which could not be done to Salt Lake
over the central route westward or eastward
during the winter. The leaders of the Mormon
colony, Lyman and Rich, bought the San Ber-
nardino rancho from the Lugos. A portion of
the land was subdivided into small tracts and
sold to the settlers. The Mormons devoted
themselves to the cultivation of wheat, of which
they raised a large crop the first year and re-
ceived as high as $5 per bushel. The colony
prospered for a time, but in 1857 the settlers,
or all of them that would obey the call, were
called to Salt Lake by Brigham Young to take
part in the threatened war with the United
States. The faithful sold their lands for what-
ever they could get and departed. The gentiles
bought them and the character of the settlement
changed. The city of San Bernardino has an
extensive trade with the mining districts to the
east of it. Its population in 1890 was 4,012; in
1900, 6,150.
RIVERSIDE.
Riverside had its origin in the colony era. It
began its existence as the Southern California
Colony Association. In 1870 an association, of
which Judge John W. North and Dr. James P.
( Ireves were leaders, purchased four thousand
acres of the Roubidoux rancho and adjoining
lands, aggregating in all about nine thousand
acres. This was subdivided into small tracts
and sold to settlers at a low price. A town was
iaid off and named Jurupa, but this being diffi-
cult of pronunciation its name was changed to
Riverside, which eventually became the name of
the settlement as well. An extensive irrigrating
system was constructed and the cultivation of
citrus fruits became the leading industry. The
Bahia or Washington navel orange has made
Riverside famous in orange culture. It was
propagated by budding from two small trees
sent by the Department of Agriculture to a citi-
zen of Riverside. The city of Riverside in area
is one of the largest cities of the state. Its
boundaries include fifty-six square miles. Its
corporate lines take in most of the orange
groves of the settlement. By this means mu-
nicipal regulations against insect pests can be
better enforced. The population of Riverside in
1890 was 4.683; in 1900, 7,973.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
EARLY DAYS AND PRESENT PROGRESS.
BY C. H. RODGERS.
Awa\ hack in the dim ages, in an arm of the
sea, the tides swelled and receded — breakers
dashed against the confining mountains — •
strange monsters of the deep disported over the
waves or basked in the shallows.
As time wore on. and with each season's
freshets, streams that emptied into this bay
came laden with the wash from the mountains.
( In meeting the salt waters the current was
checked and matter held in suspension settled
to the bottom. With this constant deposit the
water grew shallower and shallower, finally
receding entirely, leaving a marsh) waste cov-
ered with coarse vegetation.
This, in turn, was periodically inundated by
swollen torrents laden with mineral, vegetable
and animal matter — the cream of the lands
drained.
With the addition of these deposits, possibly
aided b) upheaval, the surface was gradually
raised until was formed one of the richest and
must productive spots on earth, the land we now
occupy, Pajaro valley.
I'ajaro valley, at a remote period, may have
been the great highway for the drainage waters
of the western slope of the Sierras and the vast
central valley of California including the river
systems of the Sacramento and San Joaquin.
In a report written in [845 by Lieut.
Joseph W. Revere of U. S. Navy, we find as fol-
lows: "The Indians have a tradition that at no
remote period of lime the Bay of San Fran-
cisco was a great inland lake or sea oi fresh
water, the only outlet being the Rio de los
Pajaro (Bird men which still empties into the
Ba3 of Monterey. General Vallejo informed me
that a ver) old Indian had told him that he had
heard his father say that his grandfather bad
traveled 1>\ land to the 'I'm' or east at
Monterey, from the north to the south side of
the bay, across what is now its entrance, but
which was then a mountain, and that an earth-
quake rent the mountain asunder and opened
the present passage into the Pacific. < If coin-.
the lcwel of this huge lake was much higher than
the Pacific and it must have covered the whole
of the valleys leading down to it. including the
vast Tulare valley and plains. All these valleys
bear evidence of having once been the bed of
a large body of water which has partially been
drained off. The former existence of such a
wide spreading sheet of water may still lie traced
and its channel is still noticeable in examining
the Title lakes, all of which communicate at a
high stage of water with the San Joaquin. The
shells and other deposits are appropriate b 1 fresh
water and can he accounted for on no other
hypothesis than the Indian tradition."
Those familiar with the topograph)' of this
coast will agree that were an obstruction placed
across Golden Gate, conditions as described in
the Indian tradition would exist to-day.
A familiar instance of the filling in process
and formation of new land by streams, and
one which serves to illustrate the theory already
advanced, is shown in the College lake. Thirty
years ago the lake extended one-fourth of a
mile further northward than now and the depth
in the middle was about thirty feel. 1 hi accoun
of the leposil brought in by streams on the
north this part has receded and the depth of
the lake has decreased at least one-half.
I lie tirst recorded discover) 1 1 Pajaro valley
by civilized man was made on 1 Ictober 8, 170.1.
b) an expedition headed b) I 'on 1 laspa
tola. Governor of California, who, wi
priests, about thirt) fivi soldiers and tin.
dians, were orderei ' ■
locate Montere) ba
\1ie1 the tiresomi inn
50
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dred miles over desert and parched soil, so
bl} impressed were these people with the
beauties of this valley that Father Crespi, the
scribe of the party, wrote of it: "A meadow
beautiful to behold because of the great variety
of trees and plants." The first mention of the
iidw 1 was made at this time and was discov-
ered in our valley.
1 1 is said that the places traversed by this
party were named by something suggested by
the surroundings.
Pajaro (bird). What name more appropriate!
Where else could such numbers and variety be
found! The absence of birds in their journey.
-him :ed with the animated scene spread out
before them — a beautiful valley tenanted by
myriads of the feathered tribe, could not fail to
impress them. What other name could be sug-
gested? Greeted by songsters — canaries, ori-
oles, larks, linnets, blue-birds, mocking-birds,
robins. From trees on the hillside came the
whistle of the quail, chirp of jay anil w 1-
pecker, wail of the dove. From the willows
along tlie streams were heard the caw of the
ciow and twitter of blackbirds. Humming-
birds flitted anion-- the flowers. Floating on
waters of lake, stream ami slough were count-
less water fowl — geese, ducks, swans, and
wading in the marshes the crane, snipe, curlew.
Circling overhead were the eagle, hawk and
buzzard. Even at night the explorers were re-
minded of the presence of birds through hav-
ing their slumbers disturbed by hoot and
screech of owls.
! or the lift}- years succeeding its discovery
very little is recorded of I'ajaro. although it
was traversed frequentl) by people passing from
the Mission of Santa Cruz to Monterey and
The first to appreciate the locality as a suit-
able place to establish a home was Don
Antonio Maria Castro, who applied in [820 to
ivernmenl of Spain for a grant of land
which he called Vega del Rio del I'ajaro
(meadow of the river of the Pajaro) and which
land extended along the south side of the
I'ajaro river from a point near Vega station to
\romas I'. O., and contained 1.310 acres. The
grant was not received From Spain, for in [821,
and shortly after the application was made.
Mexico rebelled and overthrew Spanish rule in
this territory. The grant was given by Mexico
in 1833.
The next applicant tor land was Manuel
Jimeno. In 1823 he received the grant known
as Salsipuedes rancho. It extended from Salsi-
puedes creek and College lake eastward to Chit-
tenden and from Pajaro river to the top of the
mountains and contained 31,200 acres.
The same year (.1823) Don Luis Antonio
Argueleo, who signed himself as "Superior Po-
litical and Military Chieftain of Upper Cali-
fornia, located at Monterey," granted to Don
Jos, Amesti the Rancho de los Corralitos. This
extended from College lake to the western con-
fines of the valley and from Corralitos creek
northward well into the mountains. It con-
tained four square leagues.
Don Jose Joaquin Castro acquired the San
Andreas rancho in 1833. This tract contained
8,900 acres and was bounded by the ocean, the
slough west of town, the Corralitos creek from
the McNeely place to the bridge on the Santa
Cruz road, one mile west of Whiskey Hill.
From this point the boundary was a line run-
ning due west to the ocean.
Rancho Laguna de las Calabasas was wedged
in between the San Andreas and Corralitos
ranchos. It was granted to Francisco Hernan-
dez and contained 2.300 acres.
In 1834 Don Ignacio Vallejo acquired the
grant called Bolsa de San Cayetano. This ex-
tended along the south side of I'ajaro river from
near Vega station to the ocean and contained
8,866 acres.
Rancho Bolsa del I'ajaro. on which Watson-
ville is located, was -ranted to Don Sebastian
Rodriguez in 1837. This rancho extended from
the ocean to Salsipuedes creek and from I'ajaro
river to the slough west of town. It contained
5.400 acres.
One of the conditions exacted by the Mex-
ican Government in giving these grants was
that fruit tret's should he planted. The pear
was the variety most commonl} planted in this
section, although some apples were planted.
The trees, being seedlings, did not produce de-
sirable fruit.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
It is interesting to reail the formalities re-
quired in securing these grants. The profuse
wording of the application; the order setting
aside the land: the appointment of an army
officer and witnesses to go with the grantee
for the purpose of installing him in his new pos-
sessions; how the official took the owner by
the hand, led him around, caused him to pull
up weeds and to throw stones and then pro-
claim him the owner of the premises. The gov-
ernment was \cr\ liberal with the public lands,
as any applicant was entitled to eleven square
leagues.
Pajaro valley at this time was one great
meadow, covered with wild oats, clover alfilaria
and other grasses. Mustard grew so tall that
a man on horseback could not see over the top
of it. The mountains from the San Jose road
westward was one unbroken forest, composed
principally of giant redwoods, with a sprinkling
of fir, tanbark and other oaks, madrone and
laurel, while along the streams and scattered
here and there were willow, alder, sycamore
and cottonwood trees. Wild animals were
plentiful. There were elk, deer, antelope, rab-
bits, grizzly bear, wolf, coyote, lion, fox,
badger, skunk, wildcat, squirrels, etc. The In-
dians found in Fajaro were not hostile and gave
no trouble.
< hi each rancho, generally on an eminence,
was located the ranch house, made of adobe
and covered with tiling. In this lived the Don
and his family, while near by were huts for
the "peons" (servants). The peons looked after
the stock and cultivated the small patches of
grain and vegetables. There were no fences
between the ranchos and the stock roamed at
will. ( )nce or twice a year a "rodeo" was held.
All the horses and cattle were rounded up and
the young branded. Only enough land was
farmed to raise sufficient grain and vegetables
for ranch use. Plowing was done with a forked
limb pulled by oxen. Grain was cut with a
sickle and threshed by running horses over it.
Flour was made by grinding wheat between two
large flat stones about four feet in diameter,
the bottom stone stationary and the top one
caused to revolve around horizontally by means
of a [ever pulled b) a horse. The stones used
for this purpose came from the mountains near
Gilroy.
Supplies, such as clothing, tobacco, coffee,
sugar, etc.. were procured at Santa Cruz or
.Monterey in exchange for hides ami tallow.
The only vehicle used was called "carreta."
This was a two-wheeled affair. The wheels
were solid sections of oak trees, with wooden
axle on which a large box was mounted, a pole
with cross-bar attached to the end, which cross-
bar was fastened with strips of rawhide to horns
of two bulls or oxen, completed the outfit.
This vehicle was used not only for conveying
freight, but it served as carriage as well for
the ladies and children. In this they rode to
"la fiesta," the barbecue or to church.
For amusement, aside from the "rodeo," they
had frequent gatherings at the different ranch
houses. The program generally began with a
barbecue on Saturday, followed by music and
dancing all night and wound up with a bear
and bull light on Sunday. When a wedding
occurred the festivities lasted a week. The
grizzly bears for the lights were lassoed by the
vaqueros along the foothills of our valley.
Around Corralitos, and particularly em the land
adjacent to the Corralitos school house, it is
said that the vaqueros never failed to capture
the grizzly. The method was for several
vaqueros to surround and lasso the bear, then
bind him on to a litter made of poles and with
their riatas drag him to the ranch house,
times a distance of several miles.
Life on the rancho was a lazy, dreamy, happy
existence. In a recent interview our friend I 'on
Ricardo Castro, on being asked how time was
principally occupied by the rancheros, replied
with a shrug of the shoulders. "Oh, talking
and smoking cigarettes." In a "land of plenty,"
with no cares, no ambitions, no annoyani
cept an occasional horse stealing raid bj "los
Indios bronchos" from about Lake Tulare and
the mountains
could have been desired?
Such, briefly, were the conditions existing
when the venturesome "Gringos" began pour-
ing into the vallej . if calm, peace
and happiness was soon swepl aside and the
great, big-hearted Don, unable to withstand the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
shrewd Yankee, was shortly robbed of his her-
itage and sent "a wanderer without where to
lay his head."
In [851 J. B. Hill, the first American settler.
leased from Manuel Jimeno 1,000 acres of Sal-
■ ipuedes ranch. The tract leased extended from
the Salsipuedes creek to the little stream run-
ning through the Willoughby farm. With Hill
came our old friend. Hon. Ed Martin, who al
that time was a mere youth. In the autumn
of 1851, just iifn years ago, Mr. Martin opened
the first furrow ever struck (iff in Pajaro 1>\
an American, and this with the first iron plow
brought to the valley. This plowing was done
about where the Silliman homestead now
stands. As this was his first attempt at plowing,
Mr. Martin assures us thai the furrow would
hardly do to follow in planting a tree row.
In the spring of 1852 Hill planted about 200
acres of potatoes. It is said that the crop
raised sold at from 14 cent- to 16 cents per
pound. The high price of potatoes, the won-
derful fertility of the soil, and the report that
much of the district was government land.
caused a rush 1 if home-seekers. A large num-
ber of these early settlers "squatted" on lands
owned by the Mexicans, and caused much
10 ml i!e before they were evicted. Judge Wat-
son, after whom our town was named, was a
'■squatter," and had no title to the land which
In sold. Man}- of those interested in our val-
ley in the early '50s were young, energetic, in-
telligent and well educated. Among- the list
Gen. W. T. Sherman. Gen. E. D. Baker,
Eugene Kelly, \\ . W. Stowe, William F. White,
< harles Ford, J. 1). Carr, 1). M. Clough, Cooper
Brothers and G. M. Bockius.
I )uring the pi itati 1 1 xcitement n illowing Hill's
success, W. W. Stone and Charles Ford formed
a partnership and leased a large part of the
\.mesti bottom. Their camp was located near
the little bridge on I ake farm, now owned by
Mrs. K. J. Sanborn, The variet) must popular
was the "I [umboldl Red" potato and the yield
ran from 200 t.i 30 1 sacks per acre.
hist house in Watsonville was built in
[852 li\ 1. lewdly Thrift. It was a split lumber
affair and st 1 on the ground now occupied
by the Eagle restaurant. It served as post-
office, general merchandise store, saloon and
hotel.
In 1853 the first orchard planted by an Amer-
ican was set out on the Jesse D. Carr place
(now the Silliman homestead). This orchard
was about two acres in extent anil contained
a general mixture of fruit for home use. Some
nf the trees are still bearing.
The same year (1853) the first school was
organized. It was conducted in the South
Methodist church and was located about where
Gaffey's office now stands. The teacher was
a Mr. Dunn and was brought here by J. D.
( !arr.
It seems a strange coincidence that the found-
ing of our orchard industry and of our schools
should occur simultaneously, and that both
sin mil be brought about by the same man —
Jesse D. Carr.
The second orchard planted was by William
F. White, in 1854. During the next two or
three years several small family orchards were
planted. The Coopers and others planted a
few trees on their town lots. Scott planted fruit
trees mi a portion of what is now the plaza.
The latter were still standing as late as 1S711.
< 1. M. Bockius was one of the early planters,
he having set nut fifty-two trees of mixed va-
rieties in 1857.
The first commercial orchards were set nut
by Isaac Williams and Judge R. F. Peckham in
1858. Williams planted thirteen acres, prin-
cipally apples, on land now owned by K. F.
Redman. Peckham planted six acres on what
is mm called the Gaily place. The Muss peach
orchard and the Sanford orchard were planted
about this same time.
As these earl) orchards were entirely experi-
mental, it was the rule to plant many varieties.
With apples the popular varieties were Smith
Cider, Rhode Island Greening, Rambo, Graven-
stein, Jonathan, Newtown Pippin and Bellefleur.
The favorite plums were the Egg plum, \\ ash
ingtiin, Jefferson and Green Gage.
In cherries. Governor Wood, Napoleon Big-
erreau, Blackheart and Black Tartarian.
I he ( rawford was the favorite peach.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In apricots the Royal and Moorpark were
planted, but the Moorpark proved a failure, as
it flourishes only in warm climates.
With pears the favorites were Winter Wilis
an.l Bartlett.
Most of the trees were procured from San
Jose nurseries and were hauled in wagons, there
being no other means of transportation. These
trees cost at the nurseries from Si to $1-50 each.
In i860 the total amount planted to fruit trees
in our valley did not exceed fifty acres. By this
time it had been demonstrated that our soil
and climate were well adapted to the production
of a great variety of fruit-. < Kir apples particu-
larly showed the highest perfection. High
prices stimulated the planting of quite an acre-
age of apples during the next five years, or be-
tween i860 and 1865. People began to plant
on a larger scale — some planting as much as
twenty acres.
In the winter of 1861-2 Jacob Blackburn
planted an apple orchard of twelve acres. This
was for many years the model orchard of the
valley. This orchard still stands, and with
proper pruning, spraying and cultivation could
he made to yield a fair profit for many years to
come.
Uncle Jake Blackburn might well he called
the father of the apple industry in Pajaro. He,
above all others, through the experiments which
he conducted, demonstrated the most profitable
varieties to plant. Being a man of keen obser-
vation and rare judgment, thorough in all that
pertained to the management of his orchard
and enthusiastic in the industry, his advice, al-
ways cheerfully given, was much sought, and
his orchard methods widely adopted.
The same winter, that of 1861-2, James
Waters planted 1,900 apple trees on the bottom
land now owned by William Birlem and the
adjoining piece belonging to the orphanage.
After tile abatement of the renowned flood of
'62 not one tree was left. All were either cov-
ered with debris or were washed away. Some
pear trees which he planted on the hillside
near by still stand.
Louis Martinelli, Daniel Tuttle, I. urn Smith,
Thomas Beck, Mike Gagnon, Dunlap and
others followed with their plantings within the
next year or two. In 1863 G. M. Bockius
planted a pear orchard of ten acres.
As this valley was so isolated on account of
such poor shipping facilities, and as other sec-
tions more favorably situated were raising-
enough to supply tlie market-, prices rilled low.
and few trees were planted (hiring the period
between 1865 and 1875.
Io illustrate of how- little consequence apples
were considered during this time: When I.
M. Rodgers planted an orchard of four acres
in 1868 he was derided by some of his friends
and neighbors for planting so much. They
said that he would have more than enough for
family use and that he could not sell the bal-
ance. Their prediction proved true for a time,
for during the next few years orchardists Wer<
glad to get 25 or 30 cents per box for their
apples.
This was not the case with pears at this time,
however, for Judge Bockius informs us that in
1868 Porter Bros, of Chicago came here and
paid him $2.50 per box for his pears, and they
furnished boxes and did the packing. The price
of pears did not remain high many years. At
present very few are raised and there is only a
slight demand for them.
Jacob Blackburn and James Waters planted
the first nursery in 1867. After the death of
Mr. Blackburn the business was carried on by
Mr. Waters, and has increased in extent until
upward of a quarter of a million trees are raised
annually.
In about 1867 the first shipment of apples
from Pajaro valley was made h\ [saac Williams.
The) were shipped by way of Hudson's land-
ing to San Francisco. Charles Williams, a
merchant of Watsonville, was the first to lun
fruit on the tree and handle it after the man-
ner of our present system. This was in
In 1S70 the Space devoted to fruit trees in
Pajaro valley (lid not excei d
The handling of our fruit was greatly facili-
tated on the completion of the railroad into our
vallej in [870, bul this did not stimulate tree
planting.
The first strong, lasting demand for Pajaro
apples dates back to the de< line of the industry
in Santa Clara valley and othei apple produc-
254
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing districts. Through gross neglect on the
part of the growers in those sections, the per-
nicious, or San Jose, scale and the codling ninth
had caused Mich inroads upon the apple orch-
ards that by 1877 a shortage occurred, and buy-
ers began to search for apples in outside ter-
ritory.
Marco Rabasa came first, and was shortly
followed by L. < '.. Sresovich. Up to this time
we had no fruit pests. Codling moth was
brought into our valley 111 old boxes shipped in
by these men. San Jose scale made its appear-
ance in about 1880. and probably originated
from nursery stock brought from San Jose.
The continued decrease in the output from
San lose, with consequent increase in demand
and prices, greatly stimulated the planting of
trees, and yearly from that period there has
been a constantly increasing acreage planted.
These early buyers paid the orchardist from
$100 to $150 per acre for the fruit on the tree,
and in turn sold it at from $2.50 to $4 per box
in San Francisco. It is said that one season
in the late 70s Rabasa secured the fruit on the
Blackburn orchard for $1,800. After selling
enough to pay for the fruit he sold the balance
to L. G. Sresovich for $8,000.
The acreage planted to trees in 1880 did not
exceed 500 acres.
Another factor which figured in the in-
creased acreage during this period was the
strawberry industry. The completion of the
Corralitos water system in 1878 afforded water
for irrigation purposes, and in the early '80s
large acreages were planted to strawberries.
\s trees planted among the berries grew vig-
orously and required no special care, and
as berries could be profitably grown until
the trees attained bearing age, the thrifty berry
-rower made it a rule to plant out all berry fields
to apple trees.
J. M. Rodgers in [882 planted the first prune
orchard. Its size was four and one-half acres.
In 1887 when the tree-, were live years old. the
prunes in this orchard sold on the tree for
$I,8oo. This sale was the primary cause of 3U( h
a large acreage being planted during the next
In 180} there were close to 1.500
planted to Petit jinnies. Prices were so
low by 1896 that most of the prunes in the val-
K\ proper were dug up and replaced by ap-
ples.
To give an idea of the extent of the industry
when at its height, the reports for 1896 from
the different drying plants in our valley give the
total of 2,269,800 pounds green. The Pajaro
\ alley fruit Exchange handled about one-half
1 if these.
With the decline of the prune the apricot
came to the front in the foothill sections and
is proving a profitable crop. Some portions of
the district raise a very large, handsome canning
apricot. The Royal is the favorite. By 1890
the area devoted to fruit trees was about 2,500
acres.
While there was a steady increase in the
acreage yearly planted to apples during the de-
1 ade sui ceeding :88o, the most extensive plant-
ing in the history of the industry began about
1890.
By this time those who had hesitated, fearing
that the business would be overdone, now
gained confidence in the stability of the apple
market. The chief factor, however, in bring-
ing about this accelerated planting of trees was
the establishment of the sugar factory in 1888.
The farmer soon learned that he could raise
trees and at the same time make the land yield
a good profit by raising beets between the trees.
To such an extent was this plan carried out
that about 1895 tlie sugar factory officials, becom-
ing alarmed lest no beet acreage would be left,
and to discourage tree planting, refused to give
out contracts for planting beets in orchards.
slating, it is said, among other reasons, that
they did not propose to ruin their own business
li\ encouraging fruit tree planting. This, how-
ever, did not deter the fanner in the least, as
he could raise other crops — beans, potatoes and
corn — between the trees.
While it was demonstrated in the '60s that
the Newtown and P.ellerleur attained their high-
est perfection here, and while, as time wore on,
they continuallj gained in public favor, and
were mainly planted, yet there were those who,
thinking these two varieties would be overdone,
planted other varieties, their preference running
1. . led apples.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Between 1885 and 1895 considerable acreages
were planted to Missouri Pippin, Red Pear-
main, Lawver and Lang-ford Seedling. As
these had to come in sharp competition with
the eastern red apple, and as our Newtown
Pippins and Bellefleurs were more in demand
and commanded higher price-, the two last
named varieties have been almost exclusively
planted since 1895.
With our Newtown Pippins and Bellefleurs
we challenge the world for size, flavor and keep-
ing quality.
We have seen the yield of apples increase
from about 150,000 boxes in 1890 to 1,500,000
boxes in 1901. Of course this number of boxes
are not all sent out of the valley. There is con-
siderable waste through decay and windfalls,
and much of the poorer quality is converted
into the dried product and into cider and vine-
gar.
The beginning of the twentieth century finds
Pajaro valley fruit district to contain:
Apples 790,800 trees or. . . . 12,150 acres
Prunes 120,600 trees or. .. . 1,200 acres
\pricots 69,600 trees or. .. . 995 acres
Cherries 15.300 trees or. . . . 218 acres
Pears 7,200 trees or. . . . 102 acres
Peaches 6,700 trees or. . . . 96 acres
Trees ....1.010,200 Acres. . 14,761
Add to this 170 acres of grapes and 1,000
acres of berries and it will lie seen that Pajaro
fruit district contains 15.031 acres planted to
fruit.
The walnut thrives well here, and although
there are no large acreages figures show a total
■ if 7,000 trees. The chestnut also thrives in
our valley. The warmer foothill sections pro-
duce oranges, very choice lemons, and figs.
About one-third of the apple acreage is lo-
cated on the Monterey side of the valley.
To illustrate the extent of tree planting in
the vallej at present, it may be said that, during
the year [901, 58,400 apple trees were planted
mi the Santa Cruz side and about 48,800 "ii
tin- Monterej side, or a total of 107,200, cov
ering an area .if 1.7X0 acres.
It is not generally known that the largesl
orchards in our valley are owned b) v. ■
Women of intelligence', energy and business
ability, who can manage their farms success-
fully, and yet they have no voice in the control
of our government. Women who are paying
thousands in taxes into our treasury, and yet
they have no voice in selecting those who con-
trol this money, while the most miserable
"dago," illiterate, knowing nothing about, and
caring less, for our American institutions, may
dictate the policy of our government or vote
away her property. Is this "equal rights and
justice to all?"
Our apples are handled principally by Sla-
vonian packers, there being twenty-two of these,
tour American and one Chinese, or a total of
twenty-seven firms engaged in the business.
The fruit is mainly bought on the tree, the
orehardist receiving from Sioo to $200 per acre
yearly for orchards in full bearing. As failure
of the apple crop is unknown in our valley, these
buyers often contract for orchards for terms
extending four years in advance.
This method. of handling fruit, while bringing
to the grower and packer good returns, is nol
adding to our reputation abroad.
We have a few firms who are doing good
work and deserve credit for the choice pack
sent .nit. The present system has a tendency
to make the -rower careless and indifferent in
the management of Ids orchard, while most of
the packers, having no permanent interest at
stake, propose to "make hay while the sun
shines," ami consequently push onto the mar-
ket everything possible. If the present system
of handling apples continues it will, within a few
years, bring a hardship upon our leading in-
dustry, and the producer, as is always the case,
will suffer the I< iss.
The 011I3 method b\ winch we can hope to
build up and maintain a high reputation is for
the orehardist to pack bis own fruit; to handle
through a fruit exchange, or to encourage the
distributers of our ap] iblish packing
houses and bin apples 1>\ weighl or box from
the grower. In the event of either it would
lie material!} to the interest of the orehardist
to carefull) prune and spray the trees, thin the
fruit ami cultivate the s ducing
256
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nothing but choice apples. The pack, if left
to the exchange or to the distributer, would be
the best, as nothing would be accepted by either
except the best. This method of handling would
build up a higher reputation for our fruit, in-
crease demand, and our product would com-
mand higher prices than ever.
To illustrate what profits may be made in
handling apples under our present system, a
few figures are herewith submitted:
Average number boxes on one acre apples.
full bearing 1 -coo
Allowing for waste 25 per cent 250
Number of boxes of salable apples 7?'>
Gross returns on 750 boxes at js cents
per box $ 5' '-'
Amount paid to orchardist for one acre.
full hearing ■ • ■ J 75
Expenses, including picking, packing,
boxes, etc., 35c box 262
Total expense to packer S 437
Xet return to packer for one acre, full
bearing 1 -5
With the high prices prevailing this season
the profit to the packer would be close to $250
on this one acre. Most of our apples are sold
f. o. b. cars Watsonville, and are bought by
agents sent here by eastern and foreign estab-
lishments. As the output is growing beyond
the capacity of our packers, a splendid oppor-
tunity is now open in this line to those who
have a reasonable capital to invest.
Though our crop of r, 500,000 seems large,
we raise only I per cent of the apples grown
in the United States. The returns received by
the orchardist for his apples lias materially ad-
vanced prices of land. And this fact is made
quite obvious to the fruit grower when the tax
collector favors our end of the county with his
presence. \.side from a high valuation placed
on the land, some of our fruit trees are as-
-1 ssed as high as $1.25 a piece.
As to ins, et pests, we have quite a num-
ber. Although they have caused consider-
able loss to the orchardist. through neglect on
his part, our climatic conditions are such that
do not multiph as rapidb as- in wanner
climates. We have also many beneficial in-
sects which aid in holding these pests in check.
Our worst pests are the codling moth, wooly
aphis and several kinds of scale insects. Mosl
of the orchardists have joined in a crusade
against these pests, and by another year it is
hoped the worst will be reduced to the mini-
mum. It is the duty of the orchardist to pro-
duce good, clean fruit, and then to see that it
is put upon the market in the proper shape.
We will be obliged to send out nothing but
the choicest fruit if we hope to maintain our
prestige in the market of the world. In the
near future we will be brought into sharp com-
petition with territory now developing. Mil-
lions of apple trees are being planted in ( )re-
gon, Washington, Idaho. Montana, the slates
of the Middle West, Canada, Australia. New
Zealand, South Africa, and even South America
will be a competitor. The territories named
have some advantages over us. the chief one
being- in the matter of transportation. As an
illustration of difference in freight, our rates
on apples to New York are about one and one-
half times those of Oregon. The S. I'. R. R.
Co. makes more out ,,1 our apple orchards in
one week than the orchardist does in a whole
year. They charge from $250 to $350 to haul
from here to Xew York the apples raised on one
acre in full bearing'. The sale of apples alone
brings into this valley this season over $1,000,-
000, and while figures are not at hand, the other
fruits, beets, potatoes, beans, corn, wheat, oats,
barley, cattle and dairy products will probably
bring in a million more.
While deploring the existence of some draw-
backs and the necessity of mentioning them.
this article would not be complete without giv-
ing the worst along with the best. We think
these matters can and will be remedied by the
movemenl now set on Foot b) our Board oi
Trade and Orchardists' Association. The in-
fluence exerted b\ these organizations is al-
ready perceptible. There is an awakening. The
spirit of progressiveness prevails. \ campaign
is inaugurated for the advancement of all the
interests of our community and against
thing which retards our prosperity. 'I he ob
structionist, the mossback and the 'kicker" will
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
either have to "line up" or take a place in the
rear.
Withal, we believe there is no more prosper-
ous community to be found. On every hand
are evidences of comfort and prosperity. A
land where the real estate boomer is extinct,
where the mortgage holder is scarce, where
every man who will may have a bank account.
With the richest of soil, bountiful rainfall, fail-
ure of crops unknown, irrigation unnecessary,
producing to perfection the greatest variety of
products, the agriculturist's paradise, the land
of plenty. Such is Pajaro on the fiftieth anniver-
sary of American occupancy and the beginning
of the twentieth centurv.
FREDERICK A. HIHN.
This California pioneer of 1849 was born at
Holzminden, duchy of Brunswick, Germany,
August 16, 1829, and was one of a family
comprising seven boys and two girls, wdiose
father was a merchant. He was educated in the
Holzminden high school and at the age of fif-
teen became an apprentice in the mercantile
house of A. Hoffman of Schoeningen. Three
years later, on completing his time, he embarked
in the business of collecting medicinal herbs and
preparing them for market. Disliking the
German form of government and yearning for
political liberty, he was preparing to emigrate
to Wisconsin when news of the gold discoveries
in California reached Germany, and he decided
to join the great throng seeking the gold lands.
With sixty or more companions. .Mr. Hihn
mailed from Bremen in the brig Reform, April
jo. 1849. an<' after two months reached the har-
bor of Rio Janeiro. The beauties of tropical
vegetation and scenery made the country seem
a paradise, and the balmy air, filled with the
delicious odor of orange blossoms, entranced
them, but they were disenchanted by the monot-
onous ejaculations and dog-trot of large gangs
of slaves passing by, loaded down with heavy
burdens. After five days they set sail again,
t (pposite the La Plata rive.r they endured a ter-
rific storm, then they passed through the straits
of La Maire and came in full sight of Cape
Horn, a tall cliff jutting boldly out into the
ocean. It was midwinter and the thermometer
low, but all thronged the deck to view the great
column and bid adieu to the Atlantic ocean. It
seemed to them as if they were entering a new
world. In two more weeks they landed at Val-
paraiso, from where, after four days, they sailed
for San Francisco, and October 12, 1849, en-
tered the Golden Gate. The harbor was full of
ships, and, though the town was small, every
nationality seemed to be represented. They
landed near the foot of Washington street, not
far from Montgomery street.
Although near the rainy season most of the
passengers of the Reform at once proceeded to
the mines. Mr. Hihn joined, a party of six. led
by Henry Gerstecker. After innumerable
troubles they reached the south fork of Feather
river in the early part of November. They
bought a mining claim and prepared to locate
for the winter, but it commenced to rain, the
river rose and washed away their tools, and for
a time they were forced to subsist on manzan-
ita berries. After two weeks it was decided to
return to Sacramento, where they arrived about
December 1, and there the party disbanded. Mr.
Hihn remained in Sacramento and engaged in
the manufacture of candy with F. Kunitz, who
for many years was his near neighbor in Santa
Cruz, but is now deceased. For a few weeks
they did a good business, but about Christmas
the Sacramento and American rivers overflowed
their banks and the candy factory with all its
contents was destroyed. In the summer of 1850
Air. Hihn worked in the mines at Long Par on
the American river, below Auburn, with mod-
erate success. In the fall he returned to Sacra
mento and became one of the proprietors of two
hotels on K street, named respectively the Uncle
Sam House and the Mechanics Exchange.
Times getting very dull he sold out during the
next winter and opened a drug store in San
Francisco, on Washington street near Maguire's
1 ipera house.
The great fire of May, 1S51. took nearly all
of his world!) g Is and the balance was con-
sumed in the June tire of that year. Despairing
of ever again succeeding, he was p
through the burnt district on his way to take
passage for his native land, when he saw one of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his friends who had been burned out shoveling
the burning coals out of the way. "What are
you doing?" was asked. "Building a new store,"
was the reply. "What! After you have been
burned out twice within two months?" Said
the friend, "Oh. some one will carry on busi-
ness here." "I might as well do it as any one
else," thought Mr. Hihn, and -so he remained,
this incident changing his mind. New courage
pervaded him and he formed a partnership with
Henry Hintch to open a store in some town
south of San Francisco, where it was supposed,
though money was not so plenty, the danger
from fire was less and life more agreeable. In
October, 185 1, they came to Santa Cruz, where
they located at the junction of Front street and
Pacific avenue. Soon afterward Mr. Hintch
went back to the city, but Mr. Hihn remained.
Having the advantage of a good mercantile edu-
cation, speaking English, German, French and
Spanish fluently, besides having some knowl-
edge of other languages, he soon succeeded in
establishing a large and prosperous mercantile
business. In 1853 he erected a two-story build-
ing, which was considered a fine structure in
that day. Then came the trying times for Santa
Cruz. Wheat, potatoes and lumber, the princi-
pal products of the neighborhood, were almost
worthless. Wheat sold for a cent a pound, pota-
toes rotted in the fields, and lumber went down
from $55 to $12 per thousand feet. Instead of
despairing, this only spurred Mr. Hihn on to
greater exertions. He could not afford to sell
his goods on credit, so he exchanged them for
the products of the country, paying part cash.
The wheat was ground into flour, and large
quantities of the latter, together with lumber
and shingles, were shipped to Los Angeles and
Monterey. Many days more than $500 worth of
eggs were taken in and shipped to San Fran-
cisci '. Fresh butter was put up in barrels and
sold in the fall and winter in place of eastern
butter. In this manner the hard times wen
converted into good times for the young mer-
chant and his patrons, and in 1857 he counted
himself worth $30.0011, but his health had suf
fered by hard work and business worry, and he
turned his business over to his younger brother,
1 tugo.
November 23, 1853, Mr. Hihn married The-
rese Paggen, a native of France, and of German
parentage. The children of this marriage are:
Katie C, formerly the wife of W. T. Cope;
Louis W., deceased, who married Harriet Israel:
August C, who married Grace Cooper; Fred O.,
who married Minnie Chace; Theresa, wife of
George Ready: and Agnes, wife of C. B.
Younger. The first residence of Mr. and Mrs.
Hihn was in the second story of the store at the
junction of Pacific avenue and Front street.
This building now stands on Pacific avenue
north of the store of Williamson & Garrett and
the second story is occupied by the Decorative
Art Society. In 1857 Mr. Hihn established his
family home on Locust street and in 1872 he
built the mansion on that street where he has
since resided.
Soon after arriving in Santa Cruz Mr. Hihn
directed his attention to real-estate operations,
his general method being to buy large tracts,
grade and open streets and roads, plant shade
and other tre.es, and generally improve the land
and neighborhood. Then he subdivided these
tracts into lots and parcels and sold on such
terms as would suit the convenience of buyers.
"Homes for a thousand families" was the favor-
ite heading of his real-estate advertisements. A
novel feature was the following clause which
he inserted in his contract for the sale of land:
"In the event of the death of the buyer, all ma-
ture installments having been promptly paid, the
heirs of such deceased buyer are entitled to a
deed without further payment." Considering
that but ten per cent of the purchase price was
required to be paid at the time of buying, this
was certainly an inviting proposition, of which
many availed themselves in order to secure a
home. The seller claimed that the losses by
death were well covered 1>\ increased sales and
the enhancement of values of unsold land. Mr.
Hihn's real-estate operations extended to nearly
all parts of Santa Cruz county. Capitola, one of
the most pleasant watering places on the coast.
was founded by him, and many of the streets
in Santa Cruz and adjoining towns owe their
origin to this indefatigable worker. He also
owns some choice corner lots in San Francisco,
conspicuous anion- which are the headquarters
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHK \I RECORD.
26J
of the Evening Post, and the lot on the south-
easl corner of Market and East.
While giving close attention to his private
affairs, Mr. Hihn has always been foremost in
advancing' public interests. Among the works
and measures of improvements in which he was
a leading spirit are the construction of a wagon
road across the Santa Cruz mountains, con-
necting Santa Cruz with the outside world by
telegraph: the construction and operation of the
railroad from Santa Cruz to Pajaro and the
opening of the cliff road in front of Santa Cruz,
extending eastward to Capitola. In i860, when
even San Francisco had to depend upon the
Sausalito boats for much of its water, when
there was no Spring valley and the Bensley
works were in their infancy, Mr. Hihn made
water pipes from redwood logs and supplied
the people of Santa Cruz with water for domes-
tic use and fire protection. Afterward he en-
larged these works and built works in other
parts of the county, and until lately all the wa-
ter used in Santa Cruz, East Santa Cruz, Capi-
tola, Soquel and Valencia was supplied by him.
He assisted in the organization of the Society
of California Pioneers of Santa Cruz county, of
which he since has been the president. In 1887
he assisted in organizing the City Bank and City
Savings Bank of Santa Cruz.
In public office Mr. Hihn served as school
trustee of Santa Cruz when there was only
one teacher in the city, and under his manage-
ment a high-school class was organized and
maintained by subscription. For six years he
served as county supervisor. Times were dull
then and money scarce, the county was in debt,
and county warrants sold at sixty rents on the
dollar. Through his influence these warrants
were brought up to par value and the county
debt was largely reduced without increasing
taxation. The county court-house and a ver\
substantial jail were erected under his careful
management. In 1869 he was elected to the
state assembly, and during that term he per
formed a prodigious amount of work, a few of
the measures he originated being the following
acts of legislature: A new charier for the city
of Santa Cruz; a new financial system for the
county of Santa Cruz; concerning estray ani-
mals; appointment of a commission to examine
and survey Santa Cruz harbor for a breakwater;
concerning roads and highways; authorizing a
levy of district taxes for building school houses;
authorizing supervisors of counties to grant
wharf franchises; providing for fees and salaries
of state and township officers; authorizing su-
pervisors to aid in the construction of railroads
in their respective counties.
One of the most important measures Mr.
Hihn originated was that to refund the state
debt, under which act about $4,000,000 of state
bonds were successfully refunded at a saving
of a large amount of interest to the state. He-
was largely interested in the Spring Valley wa-
ter-works while they were being constructed.
Included among his interests were large blocks
of stock owned in the San Francisco Gas Com-
pany, and he now has stock in the Visitacion
Mater Company, Stockton Gas Company and
Donohoe-Kelly Banking Company, He is the
largest stockholder in the Patent Brick Corn-
pan), which is one of the principal suppliers of
brick for San Francisco and other points on
the bay. Near Aptos, Santa Cruz county, he-
built and operated a sawmill with a capacit) of
seventy thousand feet of lumber per day, which
supplied the Salinas and San Benito valleys with
redwood lumber. Telegraph and electric-light
poles up to sixty feet long were manufactured
in large quantities. To bring the logs to the mill
and the lumber to Aptos, a railroad was built
extending from ^.ptos into the very hearl of
the mountains, about eight miles long, through
chasms and up steep grades. The cars were all
built at the mill. Shingles, shakes and fruit
boxes were also made in large quantities, and
the offal of the timber was made into firewood
and shipped to San Jose and other points.
M a crowning act of his business career, in
1S00 Mr. Hihn organized a corporation under
the name of the F. \. Hihn Company, a family
union, which binds together his children by
mutual interest. The officers are: August C.
Hihn. president; F. 0. Hihn, treasurer: and
(until lately) L. W. Hihn, director. This cor-
poration lias charge of all the large interests
of Mr. Hihn in Sam.! Cru 1 ounty, and the
owned exclusive!) 1>\ him and his [am-
262
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ily. The corporate seal shows two clasped
hands, intended to represent F. A. Hihn and his
faithful wife; three links drop from the wrist of
each hand, representing the three daughters
and three sons, and a number of smaller links
connected at each end with the larger links are
intended to represent the descendants of his
children. The corporation is in every respect
a success and gives great satisfaction to the
originator.
In 1880 S. J. Lynch, an old friend of Mr.
ffihn's, died, leaving large interests in Los An-
geles and Santa Cruz counties. Mr. Hihn was
chosen executor of the estate, which un-
fortunately yielded no income, while a large
family was dependent on it for support. It
took over twenty years to secure results, but
the property, which is valued at over $200,000,
is now being divided by Mr. Hihn among the
heirs of his deceased friend. About seven years
ago he also became the executor of the last
will of Joseph S. Eastland, who during his
active life was a prominent business man of
San Francisco. For three years Mr. Hihn man-
aged the extensive affairs of the estate, consist-
ing of valuable blocks of real estate in San
Francisco, also in a number of other parts of
California, and vast tracts of land in Tennes-
see and Texas. This estate was scarcely settled
and the proceeds turned over to Mrs. Alice L.
Eastland, the widow, when she also died, and
Mr. Hihn became executor of her estate, which
is yet in course of administration, but will soon
be settled. As the executor of the Eastland
estate and in his own right, six years ago he
became a director of the Stockton Gas and Elec-
tric Company, and very soon thereafter was
made its manager, for the past two years having
served as president as well as manager. This
company is engaged in generating electric cur-
rent, manufacturing coal gas and producing
natural gas. It supplies the city of Stockton
and its inhabitants with light, heat and power,
only a few of the city's manufacturing plants
being run by steam power. For this purpose
the lighting plant of the company has been very
much enlarged. Manufactured gas is now being
made from crude oil instead of coal, and a
number of gas wells have been bored from two
thousand to twenty-five hundred feet deep. All
of this has been accomplished under the man-
agement of Mr. Hihn, in the face of threatened
strong opposition, and while the people were
clamoring for a municipal lighting plant; but,
by careful attention to all the details and by
making liberal reductions in the lighting and
power rates, all of the threatened opposition
has died out. and today the Stockton Gas and
Electric Company stands without a rival, reap-
ing a moderate and justly earned reward for
its enterprise and fair dealings.
In 1896 Mr. Hihn organized the Lightner
Mining Company and on behalf of Mrs. East-
land contracted to sell to it the Lightner mine,
located at Angel's Camp, Cal. The arrange-
ment was that the mine was to be paid for out
of one-half of the net proceeds of the same. In
order to make this enterprise a success, he
became himself largely interested in the mine.
A deep shaft was sunk, a forty-stamp mill
erected, and the mine now yields about two
hundred tons of ore per day (about $1,000 in
gold), and gives promise for a continuance of
such yield for many years. In 1899 the F. A.
Hihn Company, under the direct management
of Mr. Hihn. contracted for a new sawmill at
Laurel, on the line of the narrow gauge. All
of the old logging and milling methods were
abandoned in the operation of this mill. In-
stead of using ox-power, the logs are gathered
in the woods and hauled to the mill by steam
power. Instead of a circular saw, a band saw
cuts the great redwood logs into all kinds of
lumber, from electric-light poles, fifty feet long,
to the smallest mouldings. The year 1902
was a disastrous one for the F. A. Hihn Com-
pany, as in that year their planing mill at Salinas
was consumed by fire, destroying a large
amount of lumber. A few months after this
disaster the sawmill at Laurel was visited by
fire, and nearly half of the large stock of lumber
went up in smoke. The fire was discovered
soon after midnight and before the next day
dawned Mr. Hihn was on the ground and took
charge of the fight against the fiery element.
When the fire was finally extinguished it was
found that two million feet of lumber had been
saved. Nothing daunted by these losses, Mr.
OuJU^
J^L,
f? 0.
&^y
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hihn planned at once for a new sawmill at
Laurel and a new planing mill at Santa Cruz
instead of Salinas. Both mills are now in course
of construction.
Mr. Hihn took great interest in the labor
colony established a few years ago by the Sal-
vation Army under the direct management of
Mr. Booth-Tucker, the leader of the Salvation
Army in the United States, and the latter
greatly appreciated Mr. Hihn's efforts in behalf
of the movement. In the spring of 1902 Gov-
ernor Gage appointed Mr. Hihn one of the
trustees of the California Polyteclmical School,
an institution founded by the state to educate
young people in the lower walks of life. There
agriculture in all its branches and domestic sci-
ence will be taught. A favorable location near
San Luis Obispo has been selected and Mr.
Hihn is now engaged in completing the ar-
rangements for the purchase of the site, consist-
ing of three hundred acres of land. He takes
great interest in this enterprise and feels assured
that its future will be of even greater interest
to the public at large than the universities of the
state.
Though now seventy-three years of age, Mr.
Hihn does not allow advancing years to deter
him from continuous and even arduous work.
Very recently he headed a party to explore the
Big Basin, a large timber tract in the northern
end of Santa Cruz county, and selected by the
state as a timber park and forest reserve. This
new park is approachable by climbing the
mountain from Boulder creek on the east.
However, Mr. Hihn hopes to reach it by way of
the coast without having to endure the moun-
tain climb. He hopes thus to open a first-class
wagon road from Santa Cruz along the shore
of the ocean for twenty miles, thence seven
miles up the Waddell gulch to the park. In his
opinion this drive and a visit to the park and
timber reserve will be far more interesting than
the trip to Yosemite valley or through the Yel-
lowstone Park.
The personality of Mr. Hihn is unique. He
is a man of marked individuality, keen, aggres-
sive, possessing decided convictions, quick to
discern the points of a case, and equally quick to
grasp favorable opportunities. To a man of
such energy and will power death alone can ter-
minate his activities, and even that will not
bring his influence to an end, for the work he
accomplished in behalf of the people of his city
and county will give his name a lasting place in
the annals of local history.
HON. JESSE D. CARR.
The life history of Air. Carr is one of unusual
interest. Full of incidents, stirring and ad-
venturous, it possesses that fascination which
attaches to all lives that present the spectacle
of small beginnings and large achievements, and
of success wrested from adverse circumstances.
Through a career that covered the greater part
of the nineteenth century and the opening years
of the twentieth centur>, he has been a witness
of the remarkable development of the United
States, has seen the trans-Mississippi desert
transformed into one of the most fertile regions
of the world, and has witnessed the remarkable
growth in population of this rich western coun-
try. By birth and descent a southerner and for
many years identified with business enterprises
in the south, he has yet spent so large a portion
of his life in the west that he is a typical west-
erner, a grand representative of the forty-nin-
ers, so few of whom remain to enjoy the com-
forts of the present day.
In Sumner county, Tenn., Mr. Carr was born
June 10, 1814. After having spent his summers
on the home farm and the winters in a district
school for some years, at the age of sixteen he
left home and began to work in a store at Cairo.
Two years later he went to Nashville, where he
was a clerk for six years. With his earnings,
amounting to about $1,000, he went to Mem-
phis, where he commenced business as a part-
ner of Larkin Wood, his former employer.
About that time the Chickasaw and Choctaw
Indians were removed from North Mississippi
and West Tennessee to Arkansas and the land
thus vacated was settled upon by thrifty Amer-
ican farmers, thus making of Memphis an im-
portant business center. This in turn gave an
impetus to the store with which Mr. Carr was
connected and he prospered constantly until his
partner's loss of mind caused a heavy embar-
HISTi >RICAL AND BK (GRAPHICAL REO >RD.
rassment, but in two years he paid off the debt
of $20,000, and at the expiration of six years,
when he closed out the business, was worth
$40,000. It is worthy of note that in 1840 he
constructed the first brick house ever built in
Memphis.
Going to Xew Orleans in 1843, Mr. Can-
embarked in the cotton commission business.
but was unsuccessful, and, with a hope of re-
trieving his fortunes, succeeded in securing an
appointment as sutler in the army. Misfortunes,
however, still followed him. February 24, 1847.
three thousand Mexican troops, under General
I'rea. captured the train with his goods, valued
at S40.000, and killed or captured ninety of the
one hundred and eighty persons accompanying
the train. Mr. Carr was summoned before Gen-
eral Taylor to present his testimony in the case,
and thus formed an acquaintance with that
sturdy Mexican conqueror and afterward presi-
dent of the United States. The opinion was
afterward expressed by General Taylor that the
capture of the train prevented his defeat at
Buena Vista February 22, as General Urea had
been ordered to join the Mexican forces at
Buena Vista, but disobeyed orders to capture the
train, under the impression that it carried $500,-
000 of government money to pay off the sol-
diers. Had these three thousand soldiers been
on the battlefield, perhaps the history of Buena
Vista battle might have been written dif-
ferently.
After the close of the war with Mexico Mr.
Carr remained in that country until he had
recovered his losses through fortunate invest-
ments. Returning to New Orleans in January,
1840, he there suffered from an attack of cholera.
On his recovery he went to Washington and
attended the inauguration of President Taylor,
with whom his acquaintance had ripened into
warm friendship. Meantime Congress had
passed a bill authorizing the secretary of war to
furnish, after registration, fire arms at govern-
ment cost for all persons going to California.
Senator \Y. M. Gwin was the first, and Mr. Carr
the second man to register under this law.
While Mr. ( arr was in Washington Postmaster-
General Callamore tendered him an appoint-
ment as postal agent of California, but two days
later told him that General Taylor's private sec-
ret ar\ wanted the office for an old schoolmate,
Captain Allen, whereupon Mr. Carr released
Judge Callamore from his promise.
Under appointment as deputy to Col. James
Collier, collector of the port of San Francisco,
Mr. Carr arrived in San Francisco August 18,
1849. Collier did not arrive until November,
and meantime he had accepted a position as
deput} under the military collector, Mr. Harri-
son. After the arrival of Mr. Collier, he assisted
in organizing the office and remained in the
custom house about one year. After retiring he
was nominated for the assembly and elected by
a majority of one hundred and seventy-six
over the highest-competing candidate. Thus he
became a member of the first California legis-
lature. In the house he was appointed chair-
man of the committee on commerce and navi-
gation and second (though virtually chairman)
of the committee on ways and means. He in-
troduced and secured the passage of the first
funding bill for San Francisco, when warrants
were drawing a monthly interest of three per
cent; this bill provided for the funding of the
debt at ten per cent per annum. Subsequent to
his retirement from the legislature Mr. Carr
engaged in mining, bought and sold real estate,
and in 1852 became a part owner of the Pulgas
ranch. The next year he moved to the Pajaro
valley, and while living there was elected super-
visor of Santa Cruz county. Another purchase
comprised a part of the Salsupuedes ranch, on
which he engaged in stock-raising and grain-
raising.
Since 1859 Mr. Carr has made his home in
the Salinas valley, where at one time he was
a very extensive property owner, but recently
has disposed of a part of his holdings. In ad-
dition to his property here, he owns about
twenty thousand acres in Modoc county, where
he has large herds of horses and cattle. Be-
sides his other enterprises, after the Civil war
he engaged in staging and contracting for the
mail, and from 1866 to 1870 he was the largest
star mail contractor on the Pacific coast, bis
contracts amounting to almost $300,000 per
annum. For four years he carried the mail be-
tween Oroville, Cal., and Portland, Ore.: and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
l'i;
he carried the first mail between Virginia City,
New, and Boise City, Idaho.
October 27, 1836, Mr. Carr married Louise A.
Brewer, of Nashville, Tenn., who died Novem-
ber 4, 1840, leaving two sons. The older of
these, Larkin W., of Salinas, has two children,
Louise B. and Jesse D., Jr. The second son,
John S., a resident of San Francisco, has three
children, Sterling D., Jessie R. and Florida.
The second marriage of Mr. Carr was sol-
emnized May 24, 1843, and united him with
Elizabeth Woods, who died May 17, 1864. Two
daughters were born of this union, namely:
Jessie D., the widow of Henry W. Seale; and
Louise A., who died in infancy.
The oncoming of age has brought to Mr. Carr
little diminution of his labors. Essentially an
active man, he is happiest when his vigorous
mind is grasping new plans for commercial ad-
vancement or new projects for the benefit of the
people. So long as his mind remains virile and
his body robust, he allows nothing to lessen his
interest in the busy workaday world, and to
every whisper of "retirement" he has turned a
deaf ear. He established the Salinas City Bank
and for many years served as its president. At
this writing he is still president of the Bank
of Monterey, besides being president of the
Monterey District Agricultural Association and
a member of the board of freeholders that
framed the new charter for Salinas.
All enterprises having for their object the
good of his city and county find in Mr. Carr
an advocate and friend, ready to give substantial
aid. Generosity has been one of his notable
traits. No worthy object of charity ever ap-
pealed to him in vain. Enterprises of a public
character have found him a donor to the full
extent of his ability, and included among these
contributions were $5,000 to the Odd Fellows
for a public library in Salinas and $5,600 to the
South Methodist College at Santa Rosa. Many
a boy and girl have been aided b^ him in their
struggles to secure an education, and in a quiet,
unostentatious manner he has been a lifelong
helper of the poor and unfortunate.
Though never a seeker of office for himself,
Mr. Carr has always been ready to aid his
friends in their candidacies, and during his ear-
lier life he was one of the leading Democrats of
California. By reason of his acquaintance with
every administration at Washington from Presi-
dent Taylor down, his support was sought by
those who desired office and those who were
interested in securing the passage of important
bills. A successful business man, a genial com-
panion and a public-spirited citizen, he is round-
ing out a long and useful life, and is enjoying
the confidence which his integrity ami his hon-
orable character merit.
JOHN G. JOY.
It may be that the desire to maintain the tra-
ditions and excellencies of an enviable ancestrv
has influenced the life and work of John G
Joy, the present postmaster of Salinas, for his
family were represented among the voyagers of
that historic craft, the Mayflower, and later be-
came identified with the growth of New Eng-
land. At any rate, it is demonstrated that the
courageous allegiance of his forefathers to the
cause of the colonists under the leadership of
Washington during the Revolutionary war,
found an echo in his heart when a like oppor-
tunity came his way in 1861, for no more loyal
soldier shouldered a musket or more dearly-
won the right to a place on the roll call of the
nation's heroes.
The early life of Mr. Joy was spent near Ban-
gor, Me., where he was born in 1843, a son °f
John C. and Pauline (Robinson) Joy. The
father, who was a farmer during his mature
years, died when his son was young, but the
mother is still living, and has reached beyond
the allotted time to ninety-seven years. John
G. Joy was educated in the public schools, and
at an academy, his school days terminating with
his enlistment in the war when seventeen years
of age. \^ .1 member of Compan) E, Second
Maine Regiment, commanded by Captain Emer-
son, Colonel Jameson and Colonel Rob<
participated in nearh all of the battles engaged
in by the army of the Potomac, his first vivid
experience being at the first Bull Run. Tie was
in the Fifth Army Corps battles, through the
Peninsular campaign, at the front in the battles
of second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Mi IRICAL AND I'.K x iRAl'IIR'Al
RD.
and Chancellorsville, in all of the battles led by
General Grant, and at the Wilderness and Ma-
nassas, as well as in the battle which witnessed
the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Truly re-
markable was the fact that through all the fierce
heat of war lie was never wounded or laid up in
the hospital for physical disability.
With the return of peace Mr. Joy went for a
time to Michigan, and in 1867 came to Califor-
nia, locating at Santa Clara, where he expe-
rienced a long siege of illness. The same year
found him in Monterey county, where he rented
a portion of the land upon which Salinas is now
located, to which was later added more, until he
farmed in all about three thousand acres. Dur-
ing this time he became interested inpolitics,and
as a stanch Republican filled several local po-
sitions of trust. His first vote was cast for Abra-
ham Lincoln, and that, too, is a reminder of the
grim necessity of war, for he was at the time
in the trenches at the battle of Fredericksburg.
Sixteen or eighteen years ago he was elected
county auditor, and under President's Harri-
son's administration was appointed postmaster
of Salinas for four years. In 1898 he was ap-
pointed to the same office by President McKin-
ley, which position he still holds with satisfac-
tion to the community.
In 1883, in Salinas, Mr. Joy married Jane M.
Joy, a native of Maine, and who died in 1893,
leaving one son, Paul Kennedy, who is attend-
ing school. Five years ago Mr. Joy returned
to his old home in Maine and married Johanna
B. Bubar, a native of Maine. He is fraternally
associated with the Royal Arch Masons, and
with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks,
lie is a member of the Grand Army of the Re-
public. Mr. Joy has to an exceptional degree
the confidence of his fellow townsmen, and he is
liked and esteemed by all who are fortunate
enough to know him.
THOMPSON L. HOLLINGSWORTH.
In the intelligent supervision of his agricul-
tural interests in Monterey county Mr. Hol-
lingsworth has found sufficient to engage his
time and attention during the years of his resi-
dence here. During 1890 he settled upon a
[arm near Jolon and this place he has since
made his home, meantime acquiring the posses-
sion of four hundred acres, of which three hun-
dred and twenty arc tillable. General farm pur-
suits are conducted by this energetic farmer,
and at the same time, like most agriculturists of
Lais locality, he carries on a stock-raising busi-
ness.
Near Waterford. Loudoun county, \'a., Mr.
Hollingsworth was born October 16, i860, and
there he was reared upon a farm. At the age
of nineteen years he accompanied his brother,
Henry D., to West Liberty, Iowa, where he
worked on a farm during one summer. From
there he went to Kansas. Two months later
he and his brother crossed the country to Cali-
fornia, settling near Stockton early in 1880.
After a summer spent on a ranch there he came
to Santa Cruz county and secured employment
in a lumber camp. Meantime, desiring to com-
plete his education, which had been somewhat
neglected, he entered the State Normal School
at San Jose in 1881, and by working during the
summer months in a sawmill, he managed to
defray his expenses while in school. In 1884
he was graduated from the normal school, after
which he taught one term of school at Boulder
Creek. In 1886 he came to Monterey county
and settled in the Jolon valley, where he entered
one hundred and sixty acres of government
land. On his pre-emption claim he spent one
year, but in 1887 moved to a ranch of one
hundred and sixty acres which his wife had
homesteaded the previous year. From there,
in 1890, he moved to his present farm, which
is one of the valuable properties of the valley.
His marriage took place April 26, 1887, and
united him with Miss May E. Perkins, of Jolon,
a native of the vicinity of Concord, N. H., and
a daughter of Jacob Perkins, who settled in
Monterey county in 1885. Born of this mar-
riage are two children, E. Claire and Lytle.
In matters pertaining to religion Mr. Hol-
lingsworth has always inclined toward the doc-
trines of the Society of Friends, in which he
has a birthright membership. Politically he
supports the men and measures of the Repub-
lican party. As a general rule, he has avoided
politics and public office, the only exception to
e^>W S,^fr
ywzsv^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this being his service since 1895 as clerk of the
board of school trustees, in which capacity he
has been interested in the development of the
public-school system in his locality.
ALFRED BALDWIN.
The interest which attaches to the biography
of California pioneers is not that of curiosity,
but is a visible expression of the gratitude which
all men feel toward those forerunners of civili-
zation in the far west. Not only as a pioneer
of the state, but also as one of the earliest resi-
dents of Santa Cruz, Mr. Baldwin has a high
position among the people of the city and
county of Santa Cruz. In the twilight of his
busy and eventful life, he can review the past
without remorse and look forward to the fu-
ture without fear, conscious that his acts have
been influenced by principles of justice and in-
tegrity.
The life which this narrative outlines began
in Renssalaer township, Albany county, N. Y.,
March 22, 1816, in the home of Sherman S. and
Talmadge (Sutherland) Baldwin. The father,
who was a native of Newtown, Conn., followed
the shoemaker's trade and spent all of his active
years in New York state, where he died in the
prime of life. In his family there were four
children, Mary, Alfred, Hiram and Julia Ann.
The older of the sons, Alfred, learned the shoe-
maker's trade under his father's oversight. As
a boy he read much, eagerly devouring such
books as came within his reach, and his interest
was particularly keen in works of travel. De-
siring to cast his lot among people in a sun-
nier climate than his home state could boast,
in 1845 ne took a steamer from New York to
New Orleans, and thence proceeded up the Mis-
sissippi to St. Louis, where he met an Ohio
party bound for Oregon. With these people
he journeyed across the plains to Oregon. Af-
ter a year there (during which time he helped
to build the first house ever erected in what is
now the populous city of Portland), he started
southward with R. C. Kirby, making the trip on
horseback.
Arriving at Yerba Buena in August, 1846, Mr.
Baldwin remained there until 1847, when he
came to Santa Cruz. Instead of remaining here,
he returned to San Francisco and enlisted, for
sixty days, as a United States recruiting officer
under Purser Watmaugh, of the sloop-of-war
Portsmouth, who acted as captain of the com-
pany. At the expiration of his time he re-en-
listed under General Fremont, who with a troop
of three hundred and forty men embarked at
San Francisco for Los Angeles, but during the
voyage met a vessel bearing orders for them to
stop at Monterey. Landing there they pro-
ceeded southward. Mr. Baldwin serving gal-
lantly until the close of his term of enlistment,
when he was honorably discharged. He then
returned to Santa Cruz, where he secured work
at the shoemaker's trade. When gold was dis-
covered in the mountains, he abandoned his
trade and began mining and prospecting on
Feather river. However, the work proved too
trying upon his by no means robust constitu-
tion and he was forced to abandon the life of
a miner. His next employment was as super-
intendent of the Larsen ranch (which afterward
became Senator Stanford's Vino ranch), receiv-
ing $100 per week for the management of the
property.
Again coming to Santa Cruz, Mr. Baldwin
found that his old associate and friend, .Mr.
Kirby, had started a tannery in the town. He
himself, deciding to locate here permanentlv,
opened a shoe store in the adobe hotel on Mis-
sion street where the Sisters' school now stands.
After a time he bought a farm that is now
owned by L. K. Baldwin (who is not a relative,
though bearing the same family name). The
property is on Baldwin's creek, which was
named in his honor. After some five years he
returned to mercantile pursuits, which he con-
ducted for a long period, eventually, however,
discontinuing the sale of clothing, etc., and con-
fining his attention to shoemaking. About 1895
he retired from business cares, to enjoy, in his
declining years, the fruits of his former toil:
surrounded by every comfort which can enhance
the pleasures of living, and ministered to by a
devoted family and genial friends. It has always
been his desire to contribute to the well being
of his home city and its people, and any meas-
ure for the public good received his prompt
272
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
support. Ann in- other improvements he built
a commodious brick structure adjoining the Pa-
cific Ocean I [ouse; also his residence at No. 44
Walnut street, which was the first erected on
this street. At the time of locating here, the
population was small and entirely confined to
the upper rise of ground, the present business
section of the city being entirely unimproved
and unoccupied.
During many years of his life Mr. Baldwin re-
mained a bachelor, but in 1866 he formed do-
mestic ties, being then united with Miss Fannie
W. Willard, who was born in Sterling, Mass.,
a daughter of Manassah and Sarah (McDuffy)
Willard. also natives of the Bay state. The
grandfather, Peter Willard, was a direct de-
scendant of Major Simon Willard. a man of
large wealth, who immigrated to Scituate,
Mass., in 1634. The family of which she was
a member comprised seven children, namely:
George, Joseph, Mary Ann, Caroline, Orissa,
Amelia and Fannie. After leaving school she
taught for a number of years, proving a success-
ful and highly esteemed educator. Three chil-
dren were born of her marriage to Mr. Baldwin,
but two died in infancy. The only survivor,
Caroline Willard Baldwin, was graduated from
the University of California with the class of
1892, and later attended Cornell, from which
she graduated as Doctor of Science. Later she
became the wife of Charles T. .Morrison, a lum-
ber merchant of San Francisco, and they have
a daughter, Frances Elizabeth.
As a 1>"\ Mk Baldwin was reared to a belief
in Democratic principles and to these he ad-
hered closelj until the Civil war, when, believ-
ing the Republican part) to be the friend of the
Union, he changed his platform and has since
been a stanch Republican. From the earliest
days of Masonrj in California he has been con-
ith this great order, and has exempli
Red in his life its doctrines of brotherly kind-
ness and charity. Another fraternal organiza-
tion in which he has In en interested is the ( >dd
Fellows. < In the establishment of the lodge in
Santa Cruz he became a charter member, and is
now past grand and past chief patriarch. In his
citizenship he lias se1 a high type of excellence,
his example being well worthy of emulation by
young men of the present generation. His con-
nection with Santa Cruz has extended over the
entire period of local history from the early set-
tlement of the town to the present time, and his
voice, directly or indirectly, has been heard on
almost every question affecting the administra-
tion of local affairs, while his unflinching integ-
rity has secured for him the full and complete
confidence of all who know him.
HARRY ASHLAND GREENE.
The sterling personal characteristics, accom-
panied by unquestioned financial and executive
ability, which have placed Harry Ashland Greene
among the foremost developers of Monterey,
have been correspondingly exemplified in a
worthy and enviable ancestry, variously repre-
sented among the history makers of the world,
and latterly prominent in the realms of com-
merce, journalism, art and letters. He was born
in San Francisco, January 12, 1852, a son of
Hon. William Greene, one of the upbuilders of
New Orleans and San Francisco; grandson of
the emigrant ancestor, another William, who
settled near Quebec, Canada; and great-grand-
son of Gen. William Greene, conspicuously en-
rolled among the military commanders of Eng-
land.
Hon. William Greene was bom near Dublin,
Ireland, in the dawn of the nineteenth century,
and was reared on the paternal homestead near
Quebec. When grown to manhood he learned
the lithographers' trade in New York City, and
a few years later located in New Orleans, where
he established, and became the head of a large
lithographic firm, and where he made his home
for many years. In time he became the owner
of a line of vessels plying between New York
and New < >rleans, and while thus engaged in
the merchant marine business accumulated quite
a fortune. Soon after his marriage he built a
stanch sea faring craft (named by his wife the
"William and Elizabeth," these being their
Christian names), which was loaded with a hun-
dred thousand dollar cargo and sent to sea un-
der command of a trusted captain and his wife,
long in the employ of Mr. Greene, its destina-
tion being around the Horn to San Francisco.
HISTORICAL AND P.TO< iR \ I'l I li ' \1 . RKCORD.
This fortune in merchandise once upon the high
seas, Mr. Greene started for San Francisco on
his wedding journey, an additional incentive be-
ing the reception of the vessel when it should
reach the Pacific port. At San Francisco he
built a wharf and warehouse for unloading and
storing his goods, and patiently awaited the
coming of the faithful captain and his charge.
When many days overdue a dawning suspicion
of disaster was justified by subsequent events,
and as far as the future has left the mystery
unrevealed it is apparent that the ship was
destined for a watery grave.
Notwithstanding this severe crippling of his
fortunes, Mr. Greene continued to live in San
Francisco, and readily recognized the oppor-
tunities for investment, and the exercise of
sound business judgment, among the somewhat
chaotic conditions then existing. In his under-
takings for the upbuilding of the city he be-
came associated with such men as Lick and
Geary, and, becoming interested in politics, he
was made a member of the first board of alder-
men of the town and chosen as their first presi-
dent. Van Ness avenue, Geary and Greene
streets, are landmark names transferred to city
thoroughfares in honor of the unrivaled services
of this original board of city fathers. Mr.
Greene became the owner of valuable city prop-
erties, and from time to time subdivided va-
rious tracts of land into city additions. An hon-
ored name, extensive holdings, and the example
of a well directed, upright life, was the heritage
left his descendants at the time of his death,
August i, 1870. He married Anne Elizabeth
Fisk, a native of Rhode Island, and daughter of
Francis Melbourne Fisk, a wealthy citizen of
New Orleans, and the intimate friend of Jeffer-
son Davis, the hero of. the Confederacy, with
whom he was imprisoned at Fortress Monroe,
Va. The Fisk family came first from England
to America, and were among the very earliest
settlers on American soil. The paternal grand-
father was born in Rhode Island. Mrs. Greene
(Anne Elizabeth Colton Fisk) became the
mother of five children, three of whom arc liv
ing. Of these, Clay Meredith Greene, the play-
wright, of New York, was the first white boy
born in San Francisco. The next in order of
birth is Harry Ashland, while the youngest liv-
ing is Francis Melbourne Greene, a dramatic
and art critic, who spends much of his time in
Europe as a lecturer before well-known educa-
tional institutions. The entire family are of a
decidedly literary turn of mind, and have made
a profound study of the exponents of greatness
that have adorned the centuries.
In his youth Harry Ashland Greene was fa-
vored with exceptional educational advantages,
his preliminary training being at the hands of
private tutors and in the public schools. He
also attended the City College and Santa Clara
College, and in 1866 took a course of study at
the Military Institute at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
In 1870 he went to Paris to further increase his
knowledge, but owing to the unsettled condi-
tion of the country which terminated with the
battle of Sedan and the ceding of Alsace-Lor-
raine to the Germans, he changed his plans,
and, after a visit to England, returned to Amer-
ica. After a course at the Pacific Business Col-
lege in San Francisco, he engaged in mining in
Placer county, and gained a thorough knowl-
edge of the business, and upon returning to San
Francisco became identified in a clerical capac-
ity with the grain and produce firm of George
Babcock & Co. After a few months he became
a broker on the stock exchange, and operated
on the board until 1889. With his brother, Clay
M. Greene, he formed the stock brokerage firm
of Greene & Co., in 1874, but a few months later
the brother withdrew to follow his profession,
and, owing to illness, Mr. Greene closed out his
time-honored business in 1890, leaving a record
as the oldest commission stock broker at the
time who had not gone under owing to finan-
cial disaster.
In 1886 Mr. Greene built his beautiful sum-
mer home in Monterey, to which he repaired as
a surcease from strenuous business activity, the
outcome of which was a vital interest in all that
pertained to the upbuilding of this delightful
town. Scarce a public enterprise instituted
within the last ten year- b ("ed by
his sound judgment and forethought, his shrewd
business sagacity, and wideawake methods,
lie is one of the owners of the new Mo
tract, fast developing into one of the finest resi-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dence parts of the city, and from time to time
valuable bits of city property have passed
through his hands. In the early days of his
residence here he organized the Monterey &
Fresno Railroad, and he is now vice-president of
the Monterey & Pacific Grove Street Railroad.
He is secretary, treasurer and owner of the elec-
tric light plant, and was a heavy stockholder in
the Bank of Monterey, of which he was the orig-
inator and the first cashier, but resigned imme-
diately after his appointment. The old Capitol
Club, for so many years the pride of Monterey,
owes its organization to his interest, and he
served as secretary of the same from its begin-
ning until his resignation in August of 1901. He
is also one of the organizers of the Monterey
Progressive Association, and at present man-
ager, and has, owing to his tact and general abil-
ity, been chosen to represent his adopted city
on many important occasions. He was presi-
dent of the Monterey commission at the Mid-
winter Fair in San Francisco, and was director-
general of the California Jubilee held in
Monterey in 1896. As a native son of the
Golden West he has distinguished himself by
loyalty to its traditions and landmarks, and but
for his vigorous stand for its preservation, Col-
ton Hall, California's first capitol, had been long
ago demolished to make room for a public
school. So keenly did Mr. Greene appreciate
the ignominy offered one of the interesting
buildings of the state, that he raised, by popu-
lar subscription, sufficient money to purchase a
larger and more desirable school site. This and
kindred evidences of largeness of purpose and
zeal in well doing have won him the personal
regard of all who rejoice in Monterey's many
claims to consideration, and of those also who
appreciate the worth of unquestioned integrity
and honorable living. The work, "Historic
Monterey and Surroundings," says of Mr.
1 .nine that he "has the honor of being the most
enterprising and public-spirited citizen in this
vicinity. With the Monterey & Fresno Railway
project, the Bank of Monterey, the Pacific
Grove Street Railway Company, the Electric
Light Company, and other enterprises, he has
been prominently identified from their incip-
iency."
ARCHIBALD M. GALBRAITH, M. D.
In movements tending toward the advance
of Monterey county, in the work of improving
and cultivating land, and in the performance of
professional duties, Dr. Galbraith finds his time
closely occupied, with little leisure for outside
matters that often press upon the thought and
time of a public-spirited man. In many ways
he has proved a valued citizen of his county,
contributing to its growth, fostering its enter-
prises and promoting its welfare. During the
years of his residence in Jolon he has built up
a practice extending from the ocean on the west
to San Ordo on the east, and as far north as
King City.
At Bowmanville, Canada, Dr. Galbraith was
born October 3, 1854, and his boyhood years
were passed on a farm in that vicinity. At sev-
enteen years of age he entered a hardware store
as clerk, remaining for several years. During
this time he devoted his evenings to the study
of chemistry and anatomy, and after going to
Winnipeg he began to read medicine with a
brother-in-law. Later he matriculated in Mani-
toba University, where he studied for three
years. On coming to California he took up
medical study in the Cooper Medical College at
San Francisco, from which he was duly grad-
uated. His first experience as a practicing phy-
sician was gained at Amador, where he spent
the winter of 1889-90. From there he moved
to Pleasanton, but two months later opened an
office in Watsonville, where he remained eight-
een months. Later he carried on practice at
Castroville for five years, and while there acted
as surgeon for the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company. In 1895 he settled on a farm near
Jolon, where he has since resided, and has not
only conducted a growing practice, but also has
superintended the cultivation of the three hun-
dred and twenty acres comprising his ranch. By
his marriage to Garda Wellendorf, which was
solemnized in 1890, he has two children, David
R. and Jean G. While in Canada he was made
a Mason and still has his membership in Euclid
Lodge No. 363, in Ontario. Since becoming a
citizen of the United States he has voted for the
principles of the Republican party. Among the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
people of his home county he has many friends,
all of whom respect him for the sterling traits
of character that he possesses.
HON. F. P. FELIZ.
Practically the entire life of Mr. Feliz has
been passed within the borders of Monterey
county. Here he was born November 19, 1866,
and here his education was obtained in the pub-
lic schools. Fortune smiled but little upon his
boyhood years, but in the difficult and some-
times bitter school of experience his character
was formed, his mind developed and habits of
self-reliance inculcated. When only eleven
years of age he began to make his own way in
the world, and some years thereafter he worked
for his board. One privilege that he enjoyed
was that of attending school during the winter
months, and he neglected no opportunity for
gaining an education, even taking special
courses of study whenever it was possible.
Among his early salaried positions was that of
agent for Wells-Fargo Company in the city of
Mexico. About 1888 he turned his attention to
teaching school, in which occupation he contin-
ued successfully for some years. However, it
was not his intention to follow this for a life
work, and, with a view to entering the profes-
sion of law, he utilized his leisure hours in ac-
quiring a knowledge of Blackstone. After some
years of study, in 1895 he was admitted to prac-
tice in the supreme court of California, and in
July of the following year he opened an office
for the practice of his profession, since which
time he has given his attention to legal busi-
ness in Salinas and Monterey. At this writing
he is a law partner of Hon. Thomas Renison,
one of the well-known attorneys of Salinas.
Tn 1891 Mr. Feliz was united in marriage with
Miss Nellie Steffani, who was born and reared
in California, her father having been a pioneer
stockman of the state. The children of this
union are F. P., Jr.. Paul J., Harriet J., Nellie D.
and Adel Gertrude.
Added to the fact that Mr. Feliz is a well-
informed lawyer, possessing the power of logic
and keenness of resource characteristic of the
typical attorney, is the other important fact that
J7.-.
he is interested in public affairs and thoroughly
posted concerning the problems to be solved by
the government. On questions of law he dis-
criminates forcibly. On questions of state he
is shrewd and capable, analytical and quick of
perception. In judgment he is sound and in
foresight sagacious. Admirably versed in the
principles of wise statesmanship and public pol-
icy, he is fitted to fill positions of trust in city
and state, and this adaptation to office was ap-
preciated by his fellow-citizens and recognized
in his election to the state legislature in 1898.
After one term of excellent service he was re-
elected to the same position and served in the
session of 1901. In fraternal relations he is
connected with the Native Sons of the Golden
West, Ancient Order of United Workmen and
Woodmen of the World.
RICHARD F. HALL.
When thousands were drawn to California
during the year 1850, among the hardy and ven-
turesome Argonauts who crossed the plains was
Richard F. Hall, a young man of thirty years,
and a native of the vicinity of Richmond, Ya..
and the son of a large land and slave owner.
On reaching the coast regions he engaged in
mining with some success. In 1851 he returned
to Virginia for his wife, Maria Louisa (Stinson)
Hall, and they came together to Sacramento,
where he conducted a livery business until 1855.
On selling out there he came to Monterey
county and bought the Santa Rita ranch",
which, in 1865, he sold to Mr. Soto for $13,000,
and which is to-day one of the best-known
ranches of the state. His next purchase com-
prised one hundred and sixty acres, bought from
Marcus Woody, and situated four miles south
of Watsonville, same county. There he erected
a dwelling ami spent his remaining years. A
part of the tract was set out to fruit, mostly
apples, the cultivation of which he found a
source of profit. From time to time he added
to his original purchase until he acquired over
six hundred acres, but much of this property
he rented to tenants, lie died 011 his home
stead in looi. at [lie age of eighty-one years.
By his marriage to Miss Stinson. who
276
EIISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born in 1823. and died in 1873, Mr- Ha'l had
four children, namely: Sarah Rebecca, who died
in girlhood; James A., attorney-at-law, of Wat-
sonville; Alice, wife of George W. Sill, who cul-
tivates the Hall homestead; and Adelia, who
married, William G. Taffinder. During early life
Mr. Hall identified himself with the Masonic
fraternity and always bore an interest in the
order. In religious connections he was asso-
ciated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HON. JAMES A. HALL.
As might be expected of one who has spent
his entire life in California, Mr. Hall is a patri-
otic son of the Golden state and ardently cham-
pions all measures looking toward the develop-
ment of the commonwealth. He was born near
Salinas. Monterey enmity, November 9, 1857,
and is a son of the late Richard F. Hall. His
education was begun in the schools of Watson-
ville and completed in Santa Clara College and
the University of California. In 1878 he began
to teach a district school near his home and for
three years he continued in this occupation.
However, his ambition directed him toward the
law and he took up its study under Judge A. S.
Kittridge. When he was admitted to the bar
in 1888 he passed the examination before the
supreme court without (ailing to correctly an-
swer a single question, and was complimented
by the court for his proficiency. During the year
1882 he was elected district attorney, which
office he held for a term, and at the expiration
of tin- time opened an office for general practice
in Santa Cruz.
1 0 ning back to Watsonville aboul iSSS, Mr.
I Call was elei ted to the state legislature during
thai year, and soon became conspicuous for his
in In-half of the anti-monopoly legisla-
tion. It was he who introduced the anti-trust
bill which created so much commenl ai the time.
Ml of his work, while acting as representative,
was in the interests of the people. In [89] be
opened an office in San Francisco with ex-
or Cross, under the firm name of Cross &
Hall. Tun years later the title was changed to
ord fi Kelly, and after two years
irtliership was dissolved. Mr I [all eon
tinning alone until 1900. In 1900, desiring a
rest from professional work, he decided to make
a tour of Alaska, and started on his voyage in
the spring of that year. On the 15th of July
he started from Teller, Alaska, on a proposed
prospecting tour of three days, and with two
companions. His equipment consisted of blan-
kets, an army knapsack with provisions, a cup
and sheath knife. During the first day his com-
panions suggested that they use his provisions,
as they were in tablet form, and their sugges-
tion was complied with by him. The next even-
ing, during a heavy fog, he was separated from
his friends, and was left, without compass and
with only a small piece of bacon for food, and a
few matches with which to kindle fires. Unable
to get his bearings, he wandered day after day.
The hoarded strip of bacon finally was gone,
and he then subsisted on such berries as he
i ould find, which were very few, and finally was
reduced to eating grass ami even snails. A man
of less will power would have given up, but
his determination kept him on his feet week
after week. Soon it began to rain, and the
nights turned very cold, and his blankets did
not suffice to keep him comfortable. At times
he felt himself freezing as well as starving.
Finally, weakness resulting from exposure and
starvation overcame him, and he lay down to
die, having eaten his last meal of boiled grass.
For four days and nights he remained on the
ground, awaiting death. Toward noon of Sep-
tember 22 he thought he heard voices. Too fee-
ble to raise his head, he called out, "Help!
Help!" His heart almost stopped beating with
joy when he heard the answer, "Hello!'* His
rescuers were Jack O'Brien and Frank Henson,
both of Nome. They took him to their camp,
seven miles away, and thence to Teller, where
careful nursing restored him to health, though
he was still far below his weight, two hundred
ial twentj five pounds, at the time of starting
on tiie trip. However, since then he has again
become a strong man and feels no ill effects
from Ins dreadful experience. The Sundaj Ex-
aminer of San Francisco gave a full-page ac-
count of his trials ami spoke in the highest
terms of his heroism and endurance.
I »n his return lo California Mr. Hall resumed
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
277
practice at Watsonville, where he has since re-
sided. From his father he inherited one hun-
dred and thirty-six and one-half acres. On the
incorporation of the Pajaro Fruit and Land
Company, of which he was a stockholder, he
sold this property to them, and it was set out
in prunes, being to-day one of the best prune
orchards in the valley. Fraternally he is con-
nected with many orders. He married Louise
.Marie, daughter of Joseph McCarthy, an early
settler of San Jose. She was born in that city,
received an excellent education and taught
school for ten vears prior to her marriage.
CHARLES G. CHAMBERLAIN
The genial and popular postmaster of Pa-
cific Grove was born in Stanstead county, Que-
bec, Canada, November n, 1845, and lived on
his father's farm until about twenty years of
age. From earliest youth he had instilled into
his training a keen appreciation of his neighbor
country, the United States, for, the homestead
being located on the Vermont line, he attended
the public schools and academy of Derby Cen-
ter, Vt. As an independent wage earner he was
first employed by his uncle as superintendent
of his ranch in Wisconsin, and while in the lat-
ter state responded to the higher call to duty-
made by his adopted country. February 2,
1864, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth
Wisconsin Infantry, and served until the close
of hostilities, serving for the greater part in
Missouri and Arkansas. He was discharged
October 12, 1865, and forthwith returned to his
former occupation in Wisconsin.
Tn the spring of 1866 Mr. Chamberlain went
to Montana and tried his luck at mining, after
which he went to the Salmon river district in
Idaho, mining with about the same results. He
also engaged in the stock-raising business, and
became quite prominent in the general affairs of
his county; in fact, he was the first county clerk
after the organization of Lemhi county, in C869.
I l«' was clerk for Senator George L. Shoup. In
1872 Mr. Chamberlain began a course of in-
struction at Heald's Business College, San
Francisco, and afterward became superintend-
ent of the large ranch of C. S. Abbott in Monte-
rey county. At the expiration of two years he
engaged in independent ranching and dairying
in the Salinas valley, and in 1884 was elected
tax collector, holding the office for two years.
Tn 1888 he disposed of his Salinas valley inter-
ests and removed to the vicinity of Roseburg,
Douglas county, Ore., where he bought two
thousand two hundred acres of land, and en-
gaged in ranching, dairying and stock-raising.
The four years thus spent proved a losing ven-
ture, and Mr. Chamberlain returned to Salinas
for a year, and in 1895 located in Pacific Grove,
where he engaged in merchandising on a small
scale. In 1898 he was appointed postmaster by
President McKinley. and was reappointed in
May, 1902.
The wife of Mr, Chamberlain was formerly
Rhoda J. Hodges, a native of California. Of
this union there have been born three children,
Florence Aida and Harrison Morton and a
baby boy. Mr. Chamberlain is fraternally asso-
ciated with the Pacific Grove Lodge, F. & A.
M.; Salinas Chapter No. 69, R. A. M., and Wat-
sonville Commandery No. 47, K. T. He is also
connected with the Fairchild Post, G. A. R. Mr.
and Mrs. Chamberlain are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
PROF. CHARLES C. HILL.
The principal of the high school at Salinas is
the representative of an old Massachusetts fain
ily, and was born in Dundee, 111., in 1S70. His
father. Rev. D. D. Hill, is one of the well-
known Congregational ministers on the coast,
and was pastor of the church of that denom-
ination which he erected at Pasadena. He was a
courageous soldier in the Civil war. and partic
ipated in most of the important battles as a
volunteer in the Fifth Wisconsin Cavalr;
the two children born into his family. Edith L.
is a graduate of the- I. eland Stanford fjnivi
and, like her brother, is engaged in educational
work. Airs. Hill was formerly Louise Ran.
The education of Professor 1 [ill
in the public schools of [Hit 1 para
tory school in Beloit, Wis., whither his father
had in the meantime rerrn >ved. He can
I .os Angeles, Cal.. in 1 SSS, and was graduated
278
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from the Los Angeles Normal in 1890, and from
the Stanford University in 1895. Thus equipped,
he taught in the schools of Los Angeles and
Southern California for a time, and seven years
ago came to Salinas, where for four years he
was assistant principal of the high school. For
the last three years he has been principal of
the high school, an institution acknowledged to
be one of the best in the state, considering the
size of the town. Mr. Hill is singularly adapted
to his chosen work, and is one of the foremost
educators in this part of California. His the-
ories as to educational training are in accord
with the methods adopted in the most advanced
centers of learning, or are perhaps more wisely
conceived by the light of his own particular en-
vironment and individual experience. The in-
fluence of a strong and genial personality has
been an important factor in the accomplishment
of his success, and a pronounced sincerity and
sympathy, without which the efforts of the cul-
tivated master, however great, were vain.
In 1891 Professor Hill was united in mar-
riage with Mattie A. Williams, daughter of Mat-
thew Williams, one of the earliest and most
prominent farmers and stock-raisers in Monte-
rey county.
H. S. FLETCHER.
The Bank of Watsonville, of which H. S.
Fletcher is cashier, dates its inception from
1874, when it was incorporated with a capital of
$200,000 and the following officers: Charles
Ford, president: J. N. Besse, cashier; directors,
Charles Ford, John T. Porter, Godfrey M.
Bockius. Thomas Walker, Charles Moss, C. L.
Thomas and J. X. Besse: finance committee,
Charles Ford, Thomas Walker and J. T.
Porter: and auditing committee: Charles
Moss, Godfrey M. Bockius and C. L. Thomas.
1'ii'lcr the supervision of the directors, a
handsome brick block was erected on Main
treel opposite the park, and tin- first floor
• if this building was fitted up for the bank's
use, with a safety deposit vault, directors'
rooms, etc. The original stock was sub-
scribed by resilient s of Santa Cruz and Mon-
terey c< unities. Since [884 Godfre) M. Bockius
has held the office of president, and since 1888
the capital has been $100,000. In 1892 the di-
rectors were G. M. Bockius, Thomas Snodgrass,
( >wen Tuttle, Lucius Sanborn, W. G. Hudson,
Edmund White and H. S. Fletcher. Those now
officiating as directors are G. M. Bockius, W.
C. Waters. F. A. Kilburn. H. S. Fletcher, M. B.
Tuttle, L. F. Sanborn and W. R. Radcliff.
The president of the bank, who is one of the
oldest and most honored citizens of the Pajaro
valley, was born in Philadelphia in 1818 and re-
ceived an excellent education in his native city.
Attracted to California by the gold excitement,
in 1852 he landed in San Francisco and from
there he proceeded to Watsonville. At first he
engaged in the meat business, but other enter-
prises soon consumed his attention, including
large transfers in real estate, the development
of fine grain and fruit farms, the erection of a
residence and business block, and the manage-
ment of an important financial concern. His
high type of citizenship led the people of this
district to select him as their representative in
the assembly and he served in that body for a
term. Other offices held by him were those
of county judge and town trustee. The ample
means he now possesses have not come to him
through any chance combination of circum-
stances, but are the result of energy, discrim-
ination and forceful judgment. By his marriage
to Miss Harriet Rambo he has four children:
Edward S.; Mrs. Belle B. Fletcher: Godfrey
M., Jr., a rancher, and Charlotte S.
The cashier of the bank, H. S. Fletcher, was
born in Minnesota in 1854, and at twelve years
of age moved to Springfield, Mo., with his
father, Hezekiah Fletcher. Having completed
his education and looking around him for a fa-
vorable business opening, in 1877 ne decided to
come to California, and accordingly that year
found him in Watsonville. For three years he
was employed as clerk and deliveryman with
Charles Ford, after which he was made agent
of the Watsonville station. In 1880 he resigned
as agent to become postmaster, in which office
he continued for four years. On the expiration
of his term of office he became a bookkeeper in
tin- Bank of Watsonville and in 1885 was made
its cashier, which position he has since held, at
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
L'S1
the same time being a stockholder and director.
In connection with his position, lie acts as cash-
ier of the Watsonville Savings Bank. By his
marriage to Belle B. Bockius, daughter of the
president of the bank, he has five children: Har-
riet, Henry E., Priscilla, Godfrey B. and Belle.
HOX. JOHN JACOB SIMMLER.
No object lesson could be presented by the
student of history more striking than the trans-
formation wrought in California during the past
half century. Judge Simmler well remembers
the appearance of the country fifty years ago,
when, after a voyage of great hardship and peril,
he arrived in what is now one of the greatest
commonwealths of America. During the inter-
vening wars he has made his home principally
in San Luis Obispo, where he is a leading citizen
and retired business man.
In the city of Mulhausen, Alsace, France,
John Jacob Simmler was born July 18, 1826.
His father, George Simmler, in youth studied
under the famous educator, Pestalozzi, and after-
ward for thirty-one years was a professor in the
college at Mulhausen. At that time Charles
X was king of France and Alsace was one of
the most important departments of his kingdom,
but afterward the province became the property
of Germany. The city of Mulhausen (or Mul-
house, as it was usually called in France) has a
history extending back into the very remote
past when the little city on an island formed by
the 111 was a conspicuous center of art and let-
ters. Later a new town was built on the main-
land, which, through its manufactures of cotton
prints and muslins, acquired prominence as a
manufacturing center. It was in this citj that
John Jacob Simmler grew to manhood and re-
ceived his education in grammar and high
schools. On the last day of February, 1847, ne
left home and shipped for New* Orleans, with
the intention of going to Texas. Arriving at
his destination, he settled in the city of Houston,
but two years later removed to Waco, which at
the time contained only three houses. Four
months later he went to Colorado county, Tex.,
and For a year remained near Columbus (now
i ailed Frelsburg). While there he managed a
store owned by his brother. Next he went to
San Antonio by way of Austin, and remained in
that old Spanish town for two months during
1852.
From San Antonio Mr. Simmler came to Cali-
fornia across Mexico, spending sixty days on
horseback, with a party of six men, traveling
through a country infested by hostile savages.
Finally, arriving at Mazatlan, he shipped on
the Holloway, a sailing vessel bound for San
Francisco. LTnfortunately the ship drifted out
of its course and was lost for sixty days, during
which time, by reason of the scarcity of food,
a famine arose and the sufferings of the pas-
sengers were indescribable. Seven were thrown
overboard who had died of starvation. For days
before he landed Mr. Simmler had nothing but
beans to eat and only one bottle of water to
drink. At length land was sighted and the half-
starved men were put ashore. It proved to be
Point San Luis Obispo. All of the seventy pas-
sengers hastened off to the mines except Mr.
Simmler, who secured employment as cook for
Dr. Clements, near San Luis Obispo. This was
m August, 1852. Soon he turned his attention
to the painter's trade, working for Capt. John
Wilson, an Englishman at Los Osos rancho. A
year afterward he began farming on John Brice's
ranch, but lost everything in the venture.
St. Charles hotel, which was the first hotel
opened in San Luis Obispo, was started by Mr.
Simmler, who conducted it for eighteen months.
On the formation of the vigilance committee he
joined it, continuing in that work for six
months, after which he and Samuel Pollard car-
ried on a store for a year or more. Under Pres-
ident Grant, in 1871, he was appointed postmas-
ter of San Luis Obispo, the appointment being
renewed by Presidenl Hayes and President
Cleveland, so that he continued in the office for
eighteen years. < >n resigning the position he
had charge of a butcher shop for two years, and
later, on the organization of the Bank oi Cayu-
cos, he 1>. came its manager and cashier, a posi-
tion that he held for almost six years. Since
then he has been retired.
Owing to his service <>! about eighteen years
as justice ■•' th< 1 VTi Simmler came to be
known as "Judge," which title still is used
282
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his friends. Among the positions he has held
may be mentioned the following: postmaster;
justice of the peace and associate judge; road
master; census taker during his last term as
postmaster; deputy assessor and deputy tax col-
lector; school trustee; town trustee before the
incorporation of the city: councilman and the
first police judge after the city was incorpo-
rated. Politically he was a Democrat on first
coming to this country, but after the death of
President Lincoln he transferred his allegiance
to the Republican party, with which he has
since voted. At one time he was a member of
the Legion of Honor, and for twenty-five years
he has been connected with Chorro Lodge No.
168, I. O. O. F.
In 1859 Mr. Simmler married Mrs. Rosa
Butron de Canet, who was born in California,
and whose first husband was a Spaniard. No
children were born of their union; they had
nephews and nieces who were often in their
home and in whose welfare they took a warm
interest. After the death of his first wife Mr.
Simmler was again married, being united with
Mrs. Maria Lafranchi, of San Luis Obispo.
They continue to occupy the residence which
has been Mr. Simmler's home ever since he built
it in 1865. He has many warm friends in the
town and county, and by reason of his long
identification with the history of this locality
feels the deepest interest in its progress and
growth.
.!< ISIAH POTTER COREY.
An agriculturisl to whom the 'fertility of the
'Id Buena Vista ranch has brought a com-
fortable living and partially realized ambitions
is Josi.-'h Potter Corey, located on his farm of
thirty-five acres, modernly equipped, and ex-
oductive. Mr. Corey was born in
Essex, Vt, August 1;, [863, a son of Noah
1 of \ ermonl and one of the pio-
neers of California. The elder Corey came to
rnia at an early day. and Josiah was born
while his mother was • n a visil to her people in
mt. The father lived for a time in So-
noma county, and then removed to San Mateo
county, which continued to be his home for four
years. In 1876 he came to Monterey county
and at the end of three years returned to Bloom-
held, Sonoma county, for six years, and then
retired from active life to the farm in Monterey
county he now occupies.
Josiah Potter Corey lived at home until his
marriage, in March, 1892, with Grace Smith,
daughter of A. B. Smith, one of the old-timers
of California. He then bought ten acres of land
in the Salinas valley, which he improved and
lived upon for three years, and then disposed of
it and bought his present ranch of thirty-five
acres. In addition, he has leased two hundred
acres of adjoining land, and raises grain, iruit,
some stock, and engages in general farming. He
is a Republican in politics, but has never been
identified with any local office. Fraternally he
is associated with the Woodmen of the World.
Mr. Corey is liberal-minded and devoted to the
all-around improvement of his locality. He has
four children: Ethel, Harold, Isabelle and
Grace.
WILLIAM DeHART.
The White & DeHart Co., which was incor-
porated November 23, 1896, is one of the lead-
ing industries of Watsonville and the Pajaro
valley. Its inception may be attributed to the
enterprise and keen foresight of William De-
ilart and Edmund White, who conducted the
business in partnership for a considerable pe-
riod. In 1899 Mr. DeHart bought out his part-
ner's interest, since which time he has been
president of the company, and his son, Joseph,
secretary. LTnder their direction a warehouse
has been built, 40x100, and a boiler of one
hundred horse power has been added. From
their plant are turned out all kinds of fruit
boxes, berry crates and baskets, and they also
conduct a feed mill and general lumber mill.
The basket department has a capacity of twenty-
five thousand two and one-half pound baskets
per day, sixteen hundred apple boxes a day, and
in proportion. Muring the busy season
i mployment is furnished to as many as fifty
hands, all of whom, trained under his personal
oversight, have become skilled basket and box
makers. Redwood and pine lumber are used
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
uy:;
in the factory, obtained almost wholly from the
forests of this state. Near the factory two cot-
tages have been erected. It is the ambition of
both father and son to secure the highest suc-
cess for their enterprise, and they are justly
proud of its large output and the general de-
mand for its products.
When a child Mr. DeHart accompanied his
parents to Iowa and grew to manhood on a
farm. In 1862 he enlisted at Birmingham, that
state, in the Thirtieth Iowa Cavalry, but soon
re-enlistcd in the Marines. He participated in
the siege of Vicksburg and served principally on
the Mississippi river. At the close of the war
he returned to Iowa and learned the black-
smith's trade at Birmingham. On entering into
business for himself, he not only carried on a
shop, but also dealt in farming implements. On
selling out there he went to the then territory
of Washington, and after ten months, in 1869,
came to California, settling at Whiskey Hill,
Santa Cruz county. There he bought out L. P.
Helm's blacksmith shop, which he carried on
for six years. On selling that, he bought from
F. Williams one hundred and sixty acres, of
which he planted twenty-five acres in apricots,
prunes and peaches. This property he still
owns, but lias rented it to tenants since turning
his attention to the mill and basket manufactur-
ing business. The interest which Mr. DeHart
feels in matters connected with war days led
him, years ago, to identify himself with the
Grand Army of the Republic, and for some time
ne was active in its workings. He has also been
interested in the Odd Fellows and is connected
with both the lodge and encampment, in the
former of which he holds rank as past grand.
IK )N. II. W. BRIGGS.
.More than in any state in the Union, the vig-
orous prosperity of California is directly trace-
able to the sturdy characters and untiring per-
severance of its pioneers, many of whom risked
their lives oil the trackless, Indian-infested
plains, bringing hither eastern conservatism and
practical experience to tin aid of western chaos
and impetuosity. Enrolled among these noble
and self-sacrificing men is the name of lion. II.
W. Briggs, a resident of Pacific Grove, and for-
merly identified with innumerable enterprises
and developments of the state.
A native of Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., Mr.
Briggs was born August 25, 1819, a son of Mi-
chael Briggs, and grandson of Thomas Hawley
Briggs. The grandfather was born in Massa-
chusetts, whither had immigrated his English
Puritan ancestors, and he eventually removed
to Bennington county, Vt., where his son, Mi-
chael, was born. Michael Briggs removed from
Vermont to Rome, N. Y., and farmed in the
vicinity of the city for many years. Later he
located in Lake county. Ohio, where his death
occurred. He was an active and successful
farmer and business man, and his career was
further embellished by meritorious service in
the war of 1812. He married Olivia Water-
house, of Salisbury. Conn., representative of the
old Hawley family and the famous Connecticut
colony. Thomas Waterhouse, the father of Mrs.
Briggs, was a prominent physician, as was also
his son, Henry Waterhouse, professor of sur-
gery at the Vermont Medical Institute, at Bur-
lington, Vt., and author of many important
medical dissertations.
Judge II. W. Briggs was one in a family of
six children, two of whom are living, the other
son being Rev. M. C. Briggs. of San Francisco.
I te was reared in New York state until his eigh-
teenth year, and received his education in the
public schools. In 183? he removed to Lake
county, Ohio, whither his parents had in the
meantime taken up their abode, and after
teaching school for a time became associated
with the firm of Manning & Fay. map makers
and printers. In this capacity he visited every
county in the Mate, and in [840 went to Giles
county, Tenn., where he engaged in educational
work f'ir several years; principally at Beach
(".rove Seminary and Marshall Academy. After
removing to Madison county, Tenn., h< cast his
hi-i vote for W. H. Harrison, and :i
county in [840, became associated with the Odd
Fellows, of which he has since been a member.
In the meantime lie had married, and in [847
settled with his wife in Davis county, Iowa,
where lie purchased land and started the town of
■ which he was the first postmaster and
1>1
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
general merchant. He became foremost in po-
litical and other affairs of the embryo town, and
exerted an influence for progress. In 1851 he
was elected commissioner of Davis county, and
at the next election, in 1853, was elected county
judge, a very important and responsible office
al that time. For four years he disposed of the
various cases requiring adjustment in the
county, holding court every day, and to his spe-
cial credit be it said, but one case upon which
he had passed judgment was appealed to the
higher court.
Tn 1859 Judge Briggs outfitted and started
across the plains with his family, and, upon ar-
riving in Santa Clara in October of the same
year, purchased land upon which he settled and
where he engaged in farming. Among other
possessions he had a threshing machine, which
during the first season cut off the right leg of
its owner. Notwithstanding- this drawback, Mr.
Briggs continued to exercise large faith in the
future of his surroundings, a conclusion justified
by subsequent events. The fall following his
accident he was elected to the state legislature
on the Republican ticket, and directly after his
term of service was appointed registrar of the
United States land office at Visalia, Cal. While
discharging this responsibility he lived for six
years a: Yisalia. and in the meantime had charge
of a large mercantile house for J. M. Brown.
and later for R. E. Hyde, now president of the
Bank of Visalia. Tn 1868 he removed to Gilroy,
Santa Clara county, in charge of the business of
Air. Brown, whose interests had been trans-
ferred there, and Gilroy continued to be his
home for about nineteen years. In 1871 he
bought out the interest of Mr. Brown, and for
years continued the business independ-
ently, and at the same time served as postmaster
• if the lown.
While living in Gilroy Mr. Briggs organized
.1 homestead association railed the San Tusto
Homestead Association of Hollister, which as-
ion bought of Colonel I lollister the San
Tusto ranch of twenty-two thousand acres for
1, and laid out the town of Hollister on a
tract of one hundred and sixtv acres. Mr.
Briggs built the Hollister House, the first hotel
in the new town, and in other ways contributed
to the upbuilding of the place. In 1876 further
disaster came his way through the burning of
his Gilroy store, a loss of $12,000 being the
result. He afterward carried on a real estate
and insurance business in Gilroy until 1887,
when, owing to impaired health, and the severe
heat which affected his not yet healed leg, he
came to Pacific Grove, and has since made this
his home. He built one of the finest homes in
the town and engaged in the real-estate and in-
surance business, and was also a notary, until
February of 1900, and then availed himself of a
well earned opportunity to retire from active
business. He still owns much valuable prop-
erty here, and the town contains innumerable
reminders of his active interest in its welfare,
and unchanging devotion to its people and in-
stitutions. He was one of the organizers of the
town, and a member of the first board of city
trustees, and clerk of the board for many years.
As a politician of the most incorruptible kind
he has served the interests of his party in va-
rious ways, and has ever been to the fore in
county and state undertakings. He was a mem-
ber of the county commission for many years,
and was a delegate to county and state
conventions. As a school trustee he has faith-
fully labored to elevate the educational standard
of the district for nearly forty years. He is a
member of the Legion of Honor, and is par-
ticularly prominent among the Good Templars,
being always a stanch advocate of temperance.
In religion he is a Presbyterian, but as there
is no church of that denomination here he af-
filiates with the Congregational Church, in
which he is active as a teacher of the Bible class,
and in general church work.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Briggs
are: Mrs. M. B. Bern; Henry M., who is audi-
tor of Stanislaus county, Cal.; Walter F., who
lives at Riverside; and two who are deceased.
TAMES H. McDOUGALL.
That adverse conditions build up the strong
and break down the weak has found convincing
expression in the life of Air. McDougall, whose
dauntless spirit has surmounted many obstacles,
and drawn helpful lessons from disheartening
(jv^TT^Vfrj^^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
circumstances. His reputation as one of the
most substantial citizens of Salinas rests upon a
solid foundation of actual merit, upon honesty
of purpose, and never failing devotion to the
best interests of the town which has so profited
by his admirable citizenship. The Salinas City
Bank, of which he is president, was founded in
1873 by Hon. Jesse D. Carr, who held the po-
sition of president for many years. The follow-
ing president was A. B. Jackson, who continued
to advance the prosperity and uphold the finan-
cial standing of the bank between 1894 and
1900. During the regime of Mr. Jackson Mr.
McDougall was acting vice-president, and at
ihe death of the former in 1900, he was elected
to the responsible position which he now holds.
The Salinas City Bank enjoys the distinction of
being the oldest and largest bank in Monterey
county, and its standing among financial insti-
tutions in the state is such as is warranted by its
solidity and conservativeness.
A native of Scotland, Mr. McDougall was
born in Glasgow in 1836, and when six years of
age came with his parents to America, settling
in Lake county, 111. The father was a farmer,
and his son was reared to an appreciation of the
dignity of an agricultural life, and was educated
in the public schools of Lake county, 111. The
family removed to California in 1854, and set-
tled in Monterey county June 9 of the same
year, and James H. remained at home until
twenty-two years of age. Upon starting out for
himself he worked during the winters in a saw-
mill, and in the summer time followed a thresh-
ing machine, this combined occupation continu-
ing from 1857 until 1868. At the end of that
time he had by dint of hard work and economy
managed to save about $900, but this he was
unfortunate enough to lend to a man that
eventually left the country and omitted the for-
mality of leaving his address. Nothing daunted,
Mr. McDougall resumed the occupation of
again saving money, which was invested in the
supposed remunerative cattle business. The
dry season turned his brilliant prospects into
direst failure, and there was nothing to do but
to begin again at the bottom. By the time he
saved $300 he had arrived at the wisdom of in-
vesting in unincumbered real-estate, and the
property selected was valued at $600. Paying
$300 down he succeeded in finally selling his
land for $2,500, and this gave him the start he
so richly deserved. He then bought an inter-
est in a grocery and notion store in Salinas,
and this establishment had an increasing era of
prosperity for twenty odd years. While con-
ducting this store he was postmaster of the town
for twelve years. It would seem that having
once made fair inroads into success Mr. Mc-
Dougall has never lost his grip, but has steadily
increased not only his possessions but his
prestige as well. He has been prominent in
politics, and is a Republican all the time. Dur-
ing President Cleveland's first administration he
was county tax collector, and was re-elected
during his second term. He is secretary of the
Water and Light Company, although he does
not give the position much time, and has been
chief of the fire department for years. Large
city and county properties have come into his
possession from time to time, and besides sev-
eral farms, he owns the McDougall block, which
is one of the finest in the city. His comfort-
able home is one of the most convenient and
artistic in this part of the county.
In 1873 Mr. McDougall married Elizabeth
H. Bardin, of Blanco, Cal., and a native of Mis-
sissippi. Of this union there are two sons, of
whom J. Edgar is in the bank, and Charles B.
is with the Porter Irving dry-goods house in
Salinas.
WILLIAM A. TRAFTON.
The fact that Mr. Trafton has officiated for
several terms as president of the board of trus-
tees indicates his high standing as a citizen of
Watsonville, among whose native-born s<
holds a high position. The family of which he
is a member has been represented in California
for almost a half century and its members mean-
time have risen to stations of influence and pres-
tige in various Idealities. His father, George A..
of Canadian birth.
from his native land in 1X511, their destination
being the Pacific coast. During the journey,
while thej were on the plains, the grandfather,
David Trafton. was stricken with cholera and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
died. His widow completed the sad journey
with her children and settled in Watsoriville,
where her remaining- years were passed and
where her children grew to be progressive and
successful citizens.
While still a mere boy George A. Trafton
began to learn the mercantile business, which
he soon mastered in all of its branches. In later
years he formed an association with his brothers
as Trafton Bros., the firm dealing in hardware
and tinware. By a change of partners the firm
title became Trafton & Jennings. His interest
in this business he subsequently sold and on the
site of old Chinatown, about 1889. built a large
feed mill, where he began to handle grains of
all kinds. Shipments were made to San Fran-
cisco and eastern markets, and a large business
was built up. the successful organization of
which may be attributed to his cautious, keen
and shrewd financial ability. Through the ad-
mission to the partnership of his son, William
A., the firm name became George A. Trafton &
Son, and of recent years the son has had the
oversight of the grain business, the father de-
voting himself mainly to his mining interests,
which are large and reach into various sections
of the state. Besides the elegant residence of
Air. Trafton he has erected three substantial
business blocks on Main street, and in other re-
spects has contributed to the progress of his
home city- In Masonry he is connected with
the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and
has passed many of the chairs. Another organ-
ization with which he is identified is the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. By his marriage
to Melissa Matthis he had five children, namely:
Mrs. Jameson, deceased; William A.; Mrs. P. D.
Evans; Howard V., who in 1902 was elected
sheriff of Santa Cruz county for a term of four
years; and Mrs. James Tremble.
'Idle many changes made in Watsonville dur-
ing- the past thirty years; its rise from an insigni-
ficant village to a hustling town; the development
of its commercial interests; the growth of its ad-
jacent fruit-growing industries; the building up
of schools, churches, fraternal organizations and
general movements of a progressive nature, all
'if these have betii witnessed by William A.
["rafton. Hi-- Loyalt) to his native city is un-
questioned, and no one is better qualified than
he i'T efficient service on its board of trustees,
in which capacity he served for four years, and
was re-elected for a second term of four years
in 1901. For three years he has been serving
as president of the board. The experience
gained while filling a clerkship was later utilized
when he entered his father's mill as a partner
in the business, and he now enjoys a thorough
knowledge not only of milling, but of general
business principles which enable a man to suc-
ceed in whatever industr) he may enter. His
home is in Watsonville, and his wife, Annie, is
a daughter of Peter Cox, deceased, one of the
leading pioneers of the city. They have one
daughter, Merceil. In fraternal relations Mr.
Trafton has emulated his father's example by
identifying himself with Masonry, and is now a'
member of the blue lodge, chapter and com-
mandery, in which latter organization he holds
office as captain-general.
J. M. BARB REE.
During the years of his residence in Montere\
county, which covered the period from 1871
until his death thirty years later, Mr. Barbree
maintained an intimate relation with the agri-
cultural industry and was a contributor to the
growth and development of the county. He was
born in Kentucky February 17, 1837, and re-
ceived his education in the schools of that state,
although the fact of limited means rendered his
schooling less complete than he desired. At an
early age he began to be self-supporting, and
from that time forward made his way unaided
in the world. California was the theme of gen-
eral conversation in those days. He was a mere
child when gold was discovered on the Pacific
coast, and from that tune he often dreamed of
the west, its opportunities and its possibilities.
In 1859 he carried out a long-cherished ambi-
tion and crossed the plains to California, set-
tling in Alameda county. There he conducted a
hotel and livery business.
I »n coming to Monterey county Mr. Barbree
settled near Salinas, where lie purchased a farm
of one hundred and forty acres. In the cultiva-
tion of this land he was engaged for some years,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
L'S'I
and there laid the foundation of subsequent
prosperity. About 1888 he removed from there
to a farm near San Lucas, comprising three
hundred and twenty acres. As the years passed
by, he added to his property until he became
one of the large land owners of his neighbor-
hood, and at the time of his death was the pos-
sessor of thirteen hundred and sixty acres. By
his marriage to Jane Kell he had eight children,
namely: Jennie, deceased; Rose, wife of J. D.
Yeach; William R., of Monterey county; Emily,
Ann and Fannie, all three deceased; Belle, wife
of Luke Norton; and Joseph. The mother of
these children died July 6, 1882, while the father
survived her some years, entering into eternity
January 24, 1901. Among his former associates
lie is remembered as a man of great energy, tire-
loss perseverance, a determined will and an up-
right character — a man indeed whose citizenship
is of value to any community in which he_ may
reside.
The elder of the two surviving sons of Mr.
Barbree is William R., who was born April 23,
1869. Educated in public schools, the knowl-
edge there acquired and the information gained
from habits of close observation fitted him for
the intelligent discharge of his duties as a citi-
zen and a farmer. He remained with his father
until the latter's death and has since conducted
independent agricultural operations. At this
writing he owns one thousand acres of land,
which he devotes to the raising of stock and
of general farm products. In politics he is a
Democrat, supporting with his ballot the prin-
ciples of that party.
HON. JOSIAH MERRITT.
The first county judge of Monterey county
was born in Orange county, N. Y., near the
city of Newburgh, August 21, 1796, and was a
descendant of very early settlers of America.
After receiving a college education he took up
the study of law, was admitted to the bar, and
engaged in practice in New York City. Suc-
cess had already commenced to reward his ef-
forts when, inspired with a faith in the future of
the great unknown western regions, in 1845 ne
removed to Illinois. At the time the California
gold excitemenl turned the tide of emigration
still further westward, he, with many others,
started for the Pacific coast via Texas. In Jan-
uary, 1850, he arrived al Monterey, and the next
year took an active part in organizing Mon-
terey county, of which he was at that time
elected county judge, serving until 1854. He
was a member of the Texas Lodge of Masons,
the oldest in California, and during the Civil
war was a Union Democrat.
Shortly after he had settled in Monterey,
Judge Merritt married Juana Castro, eldest
daughter of Simeon Castro, judge of the first
instance under Mexican rule and one of the
most influential Spanish citizens of Monterey.
She was a sister of the general who led the
Mexican troops in the battle with the Ameri-
cans under General Fremont a few miles north-
east of Salinas. After retiring from the judge-
ship of the county, Judge Merritt resumed the
practice of the law, in which, and numerous
local enterprises, he continued to be engaged
until his death in 1869. The children who sur-
vived him were Joseph, Lavinia, Herlinda, Jen-
nie and Manuel R. He was a man possessing
many admirable traits, and his influence did
much toward the early building up of Monterey.
CAPT. MARCUS HARLOE.
For many generations the Harloe family has
been a race of shipbuilders. Captain Harloe's
father, Matthew Harloe, was for years an Eng-
lish revenue officer, but eventually, became a
citizen of the United States. He married a
daughter of William II. Taylor, a Scotch ship-
master of Campbelltown, Argyleshire, whose
ship was on one occasion seized by French pri-
vateers and he himself put to torture in order
that he might be forced to reveal the where-
abouts of the ship's gold. Fortunately, how-
ever, it was discovered that lie was a Mason,
whereupon he was, immediately released and re-
stored to his ship.
Of English, Irish and Scotch ancestry, Cap-
tain Harloe was horn in Ireland March 17. 1833.
In 1847 he came to ' the next year
shipped from >n a merchant
vessel Xew World hound for Liverpool. In
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1850 he rounded the Horn on the sailing ship
Wisconsin from New York to San Francisco,
from which point he shipped on another vessel.
Vs first male, he became connected with the
Sacramento river schooner. Eagle, in 185 1, and
the next year was chosen first officer on the
brig Walcott. On attaining his majority, in
[854, be became master of the schooner Louise,
sailing from San Francisco along the coast, en-
gaged in trading and freighting. In this vessel
he owned one-fourth interest, but disposed of
the same in 1856, and built the Black Prince,
a schooner, of which he was one-half owner and
continued its master until the latter part of
1859-
Returning east December 20, 1859, Captain
Harloe bought the schooner Wild Pigeon, in
Providence, R. I., and sailed from New York
for San Francisco March 23, i860, coming
through the Straits of Magellan and spending
1 me hundred and fifty days in the voyage. The
cargo carried by this vessel was the material for
the steamer, Salinas, the first ship built by the
Pacific Coast Steamship line. Reaching San
Francisco, the cargo was discharged at the foot
of Third street. The Wild Pigeon was then
taken by the captain into the Mexican trade.
At the opening of the Civil war he sold that
vessel and took charge of the tugboats, Monitor
and Merrimac, in San Francisco. In 1865 he
was elected harbormaster of San Francisco,
which position he filled for two years and nine
months, and then resumed tug-boating.
The first .identification of Captain Harloe with
Santa Barbara county as a resident was in 1867,
when he came here to settle the estate of Isaac
I Sparks, his father-in-law. In i860 he shipped
as master of the steamer Gussie, from San
Francisco to San Luis ( >bispo, and later for
three years commanded the steamship Com-
mander of the Holladay and Brenham line. His
H •- 1 po itii m iva - .is a master for the E'acific
Coast Steamship Company, commanding the
1 onstantine and Ventura. In [880, under Gov-
1 1 ""> Perkins, he was appointed chief
wharfinger at San Francisco, which office he
filled fni thre< years Vfterward he commanded
the steamship Santa Marie along the coast and
in the Sandwich Islands, since which time he
has been to some extent retired from a seafaring
life.
Since 1875 Captain Harloe's family have made
their home on the Huasna rancho, which com-
prises about nine thousand acres, and is utilized
for stock-raising and general farm purposes.
The property is a portion of a land grant se-
em ed ii\ Isaac J. Sparks from the Mexican gov-
ernment, and by him bequeathed to his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Harloe. The family home is one of
charming simplicity, combined with elegance.
The large library, the fine piano, and the cozy
furnishings indicate that the family have a taste
for literature, music and the refining influences
of life. Having received excellent advantages
in her girlhood, Airs. Harloe has acquired a cul-
ture which, combined with her amiable disposi-
tion and charm of manner, renders her a
valuable acquisition in the best society. Like
her husband, she descends from a seafaring
race, her mother, Mary Sparks, nee Avers, hav-
ing been a Scotch shipmaster's daughter. Cap-
tain and Mrs. Harloe are the parents of five
children now living, namely: Marcus S., wdio
is second officer of the steamship Oregon;
Archie M., now in Bakersfield, Cal.; William
Ceorge, a druggist in San Francisco; John D.,
a graduate of St. Mary's College; and Flora,
who in the family circle and among intimate
friends is best known as Cushie.
As a member of the Republican party Captain
Harloe has of late years been active in politics.
In 1889 ne was elected to the legislature and
during his service of one term was a member of
the committee on commerce and navigation.
For many years he served as school trustee and
for two years he was a supervisor of San Luis
Obispo county. During exciting campaigns he
does excellent work for his party and helps to
turn the tide toward victory. One of his hob-
bies has been the establishment of a union high
51 hool, the students for which shall lie the older
pupils in the district schools embracing several
districts, and he aided greatly in securing the
passage of the bill which rendered this excellent
plan practicable. It is a matter of some pride
with him that he holds the highest license ever
granted any master by the United States, this
permitting him to act as inspector or com-
// ~?/ l^Z3^-~^c^e^^^c-^f-^^ —
ilSTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
»»::
mander of ships in any ocean, and the pos-
session of such a document is added proof of
his ability in the management of ships. He fol-
lows the example of his ancestors not only in
regard to his occupation, but also in respect to
his fraternal connections, and is a stanch Mason,
holding membership in Arroyo Grande Lodge
No. 277, F. & A. M.; San Luis Obispo Chapter,
R. A. M., and San Luis Obispo Commandery
No. 27, K. T., at San Luis Obispo.
Since he landed in California, June 24, 1850,
Captain Harloe has been thoroughly imbued
with the spirit of western progress, and has
constantly maintained a close connection with
matters maritime and civic affairs as well. He
is one of that class of pioneers to whose energy,
keen judgment and wise discrimination the Cal-
ifornia of to-day is so greatly indebted.
WILLIAM VANDERHURST.
In the life of this successful banker of Salinas
are illustrated the results of perseverance and
energy, coupled with judicious management and
strict integrity. He is a citizen of whom any
community might well be proud, and the people
of Monterey county, fully appreciating his abil-
ity, accord him a place in the foremost ranks of
representative citizens and business men. Iden-
tified with the history of Salinas from the earli-
est period of its settlement, he has witnessed its
gradual growth, the development of its com-
mercial interests and the gradual increase of its
population by the removal hither of men of en-
terprise, intelligence and high standing.
The early years of the life of Judge Vander-
hurst gave no indication of a successful future.
His parents. Michael M. and Emma (Sones)
Yanderhurst, natives respectively of Amster-
dam, Holland, and North Carolina, were liv-
ing at Columbia, Marion county, Miss., at the
time he was born, in 1833, but later they moved
to Camden, where they resided a few years, and
then moved to Canton, Miss. Doubtless the
father, who was a man of great perseverance,
would have attained success had his life been
spared, as he was regarded as a prudent and re-
sourceful merchant, but his death occurred in
1839, w'iilc he was still a young man. The son,
a boy of six years, was thus deprived of a father's
care and guidance during the years of his youth.
At the age of sixteen he secured employment
in a store, but he was not satisfied to remain in
Mississippi, and saved his earnings in order to
pay his transportation elsewhere. On the last
day of the year 1852 he left his old home on the
long journey to California, and arrived in San
Francisco February 5, 1853. He went to the
southern mines in the vicinity of Jamestown and
later mined at Gold Hill on the middle fork of
the American river.
During the latter part of 1858 Judge Vander-
hurst embarked in merchandising at Watson-
ville, where he remained until 1868, and then
moved to Salinas. At that time there were only
two houses in the place, one of these being a
small frame building, while the other is now
utilized as the dining room of the Abbott hotel.
Somewhat similar was his experience in Wat-
sonville and King City, in the latter of which
he built the first house that the place boasted.
The first man to invest largely in Salinas was
S. W. Conklin, for many years the senior mem-
ber of Conklin & Samuels. The next to in-
vest largely in real estate and merchandise was
Mr. Yanderhurst, who founded the mercantile
house of Vanderhurst, Sanborn & Co., and
erected the structure in which the firm has en-
gaged in business for about thirty-four years.
The history of this firm is a history of
Salinas itself. With the growth of the town
the firm prospered. Some idea of its develop-
ment may be gained from its large storehouses
and fine stock of goods. On the incorporation
of the firm under the title of the Vanderhurst-
Sanborn Company, Mr. Vanderhurst was
chosen president, and continued in that capacity
for many years. Indeed, the high standing of the
firm, the reputation which the house gained for
reliable dealings and honorable methods of con-
ducting business, was largely due to his capable
supervision and his integrity of character. Al-
luding to his success, the publishers of the Mid-
winter Fair edition of the Gonzales Tribune
state: "Of William Yanderhurst, the head of the
house, we may, wc think, be permitted to say,
without the least disparagement to the capacity,
energy and enterprise of any ether business man
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the city, that had Sir Walter Scott known the
hard struggle and vicissitudes of his early life,
he could not have had a better example in mind
when he wrote : 'There is no life of a man, fully
recorded, but is a heroic power of its sort,
rhymed or unrhymed;' nor yet Bulwer when he
wrote: 'In the lexicon of youth, which fate re-
serves for a bright manhood, there is no such
word as fail.' "
December 3, 1856, in Monterey county, oc-
curred the marriage of William Vanderhurst to
Jane, daughter of Joseph Hatch, of Wisconsin.
Born of their union are the following-named
children: Alice E., deceased; Estella, formerly
the wife of Edward Evatt, but now deceased;
William M., of Salinas; Robert Lee, of Seattle,
Wash.; Francis, deceased; George B., of San
Francisco; Mary A.; Lillian M.; John C, de-
ceased; and Albert Sidney. The eldest son, Wil-
liam M., is a graduate of the Salinas schools
and has always made this city his home. For a
time he was a member of the firm of G. W.
Hatch & Co., and after the death of Mr. Hatch
he purchased the latter's interest from the heirs,
since which time he has been sole proprietor of
the business. In addition to a full line of furni-
ture, carpets, wall paper, curtains, etc., he con-
ducts an undertaking establishment. With his
foreman, he spent several months in the best
undertaking establishments of San Francisco,
where they gave special attention to the art of
embalming. His store and warerooms are on
Alain street in the Odd Fellows' building. In
1890 he married a daughter of Rev. Joseph
Emery, the then pastor of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church South, of Salinas.
Masonry has always had a stanch friend and
admirer in Judge Vanderhurst, and he has
served as master of Salinas Lodge No. 204,
1 '. & A. M.; is also a member of Salinas Chap-
ter No. 59, R. A. M.; and Watsonville Com-
mandcry No. 22, K. T. From an early age he
has been a believer in Democratic principles.
niv adherence to tin- party was doubtless
due to the locality in which he was reared, but
attaining manhood and removing to an-
ection of the country he saw no reason
for changing his views, and still remains stead-
last and true to the principles of JefTersonian
Democracy. Never an office-seeker, and pre-
ferring rather the quiet paths of private busi-
ness to the excitement of public life, he has
at no time been a candidate for office, and the
only position which he has ever filled was that
of mayor of Salinas. However, he has always
been interested in local affairs, and has had a
firm faith in the future of his home city. He
was one of the most ardent champions of the
removal of the county-seat from Monterey to
Salinas, which question was decided by vote of
the people in November, 1872. In matters con-
nected with the removal and the establishment
of the new county-seat, his influence was con-
stantly felt and the benefit of his counsel appre-
ciated. The Bank of Monterey County was or-
ganized under his management in 1890. As
president, he has since guided its policy and
superintended its investments, thereby placing
the concern upon a solid financial basis and
gaining for it the confidence of the people of
the city and county.
The title of "judge" was conferred upon Mr.
Vanderhurst many years ago by his fellow-citi-
zens and has always clung to him since. There
is scarcely a business man of Monterey county
who has not formed his acquaintance, and every-
where the greatest confidence is reposed in his
judgment and advice. From the period of his
earliest residence here he has identified himself
with every interest of the county, social, busi-
ness, financial and educational, and is justly re-
garded as one of her substantial men of affairs
and public-spirited citizens.
BENJAMIN HITCHCOCK.
Men possessing the fundamental characteris-
tics of which Benjamin Hitchcock is heir have
ever been regarded as the bulwarks of the com-
munities in which they have lived. With as-
sets partaking rather of the mental than the
material, he has forged his way to a competence,
and to an honored place among the agricultur-
ists of the Salinas district. Born in Compton,
Shelby county, East Canada, August 17, 1835,
he is a son <>i Hiram ( >. and Louise (Osgood)
I [itchcock, the latter of whom is still living, and
is eighty-seven years of age. Hiram O. Hitch-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cock was a native of Vermont, and went to
Canada when a young man. where he engaged
in farming np to the time of his death at the
age of seventy-five years. He was a fairly
successful man, was the representative of an old
and honored family, and he had the satisfaction
of clearing a farm from the rough, and thereon
establishing a home containing comfort if not
luxury.
As the oldest of the children born to his pa-
tents. ;t fell to the lot of Benjamin Hitchcock
to materially aid in the clearing of the Canadian
farm, and to contribute his share towards the
general maintenance. Of an ambitious nature,
he recognized the limitations by which he was
surrounded, and this desire for larger things
resulted in his removal to California in 1855.
He journeyed here by way of the isthmus, and
during the first winter worked in the mines of
Nevada county, and the following spring went
to the north fork of the American river. In
Sonoma county he worked on a ranch for two
or three years, and from this it is inferred that
his mining experiences were those of the aver-
age, rather the exceptional being. In Marin
county he managed a ranch for a year for John
Abbott, after which he went to Alama as fore-
man for C. R. Abbott for two years. In the
fall of 1866 he came to Monterey county and
conducted a large dairying enterprise for C. S.
Abbott, and at the expiration of five years lived
for two or three years on the farm of his father-
in-law. He (hen bought his present ranch of
two hundred acres at $30 per acre, and here he
has since conducted general fanning, grain and
stock raising. He is a director of the Salinas
Creamery, and his enterprise and public spirit-
edness have found outlets in various business
and social directions. Since casting his presi-
dential vote for Fremont he has voted the Re-
publican ticket, but has never desired or ac-
cepted official recognition. Fraternally he is a
charter member of the Salinas Lodge No. 210,
F. & A. M., having joined the Masons in 1868.
Mrs. Hitchcock was Agnes, a daughter of
John Abbott, a native of Canada, and an over-
land California pioneer of '52. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hitchcock have been born two children, of
whom Elba Ellsworth is with his father on the
ranch; and Dona M. is the wife of George
Dougherty of San Pedro, Cal.
HON. CHARLES H. JOHNSON.
On the fertile island of Guernsey, off the coast
of Normandy, the Johnson family were living
during the latter part of the eighteenth century.
There was born and reared Charles H. Johnson,
Sr., who for many years during his early life
was an officer in the French navy. When the
battle of Waterloo with its fatal consequences
had given a death blow to the imperial hopes of
Napoleon, this officer, compelled to seek another
occupation, crossed the ocean to America and
settled in Baltimore, Md., where he married a
daughter of William Green, of an old Irish
family. Their son and the father's namesake
was born in Baltimore in 1826, and received
his education principally in Asbury College, but,
owing to poor health, was obliged to discon-
tinue his studies before the completion of his
collegiate course. Travel being deemed advis-
able, he was sent to Europe with an uncle, who
was agent for an East India house.
The first independent venture with which Mr.
Johnson was associated began in 1847, when he
and John Finlev fitted out a ship for the purpose
of trading along the west coast of South Amer-
ica. The Rhone sailed from Baltimore Decem-
ber 22, 1847, visited the various ports on the
west coast of South America, and arrived at
Honolulu July 18, 1848. While there, the own-
ers received word that gold had been discovered
in California. At once their plans were cha
Instead of disposing of their goods in Honolulu,
they purchased a large addition to their car-",
and set sail for San Francisco, where they ar-
rived August 11, their vessel being the first
merchantman to enter the harbor of the Golden
Gate after the publication in California
treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The cargo of
the Rhone brought its owners $100,000, and
with this .1111. nun as a capital, the firm of Fin-
ley, Johnson & ( '. >. was established being the
first large house started in the city. Their pros-
perity exceeded their most dazzling hopes. For
a time everything went well. Heavy importa-
tion-; were being constantly received from South
flSTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
America. Mexico and the Sandwich Islands.
Large warehouses were built and crowded with
valuable stock. The owners were among the
wealthiest men in the city, when, suddenly, as
- seemed assured, everything was swept
away. Old timers will recall vividly the great
fire of May 4, 1850, with its disastrous conse-
quences. The firm of Finley, Johnson & Co.
were among the heaviest losers, and to add to
their misfortunes, no insurance could be ob-
tained.
However, with a faith and courage that mis-
fortune could not subdue, the owners of the
business began once more. Their credit being
good, they were enabled to purchase stock, and
soon ships were pouring in their cargoes as be-
fore. Stores were rebuilt, business revived and
prosperity again seemed assured. Once more
the demon of fire swept away in a moment the
labor of months, and this second fire was even
more destructive than the first, involving a total
loss of $500,000. Not permitting themselves to
be disheartened by this adversity, the members
of the company again put up buildings, and this
time they were declared by experts to be fire-
proof, but they met the fate of their predeces-
sors. May 4, 185 1, on the anniversary of the
first fire, eighteen blocks of business houses
were destroyed by fire, involving a loss of al-
most $12,000,000, Finley, Johnson & Co. losing
not only their new buildings, but also $250,000
/vorth of merchandise just received. The com-
plication of disasters so greatly reduced their re-
sources that they settled with their creditors
and retired from business.
During the early '50s Mr. Johnson removed
to Monterey, where he was for a time officer
at the port and later deputy collector of cus-
toms for the pert of Monterey, haying charge
ofthec -nth. While filling the latter
position, he took advantage of favorable open-
in-- for investments in San Luis Obispo county
and purchased large tracts of land. In 1856 he
settled permanently in San Luis Obispo county,
where In- has since managed his real-estate in-
terests. Some frame buildings that he erected
Luis Obispo burned down in 1898, but he
has since replaced them with substantial brick
buildings. His holdings include large tracts in
the Chorro valley, where he has a section of
fine land.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a Democrat. Dur-
ing i860 and 1 86 1 he served in the state legis-
lature, where he introduced several bills. His
popularity was great and his name was favor-
ably mentioned for congress. Indeed, he would
without doubt have been elected had it not
been for the Civil war, which started factions
before unknown. For eleven years he served as
chairman of the town board, and it was largely
due to his efforts that the city was incor-
porated, under act of congress, in 1867. In the
same year he drafted the bill to settle the town
titles to the actual occupants and secured its
passage by the legislature, thus preventing any
litigation. For many years, while serving as
school trustee, he was able to promote the edu-
cational interests of the city. Through the sys-
tem of breakwater which he started at Port
Harford, a good harbor was made possible
there, which in itself is of the greatest benefit
to the county. In i860 he took up his home on
a ranch near town, where he erected a large
adobe residence and made other improvements.
Since then he has made his home on this place.
Years ago he brought some cuttings of grape
vines from Los Angeles, which he set out, and
now has the oldest vineyard in the county.
Added to his other abilities Mr. Johnson has
a taste for literature and wields a ready pen.
In 1882 he wrote a history of San Luis Obispo
county, which was published in the San Luis
Tribune. At different times he has contributed
articles to local papers, and often assumed the
editorial chair of the Tribune when it was un-
der the administration of Walter Murray, its
founder. Additional weight is given to his writ-
ings from the fact that he has been identified
with the county for a longer period than almost
any other man now resident here. Besides his
fondness for literature, he has another "hobby,"
love of travel. During his early life he traveled
much and widely, thereby acquiring a fund of
cosmopolitan information whose value cannot
be overestimated. In later years he has retained
his fondness for a study of life in other lands
and with other people. During 1894 he made
a tour of the world, at which time he visited not
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I'll 7
only the points seen in his voyages nearly forty
years before, but also traveled through Great
Britain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy,
Germany, India, China and Japan.
JACOB A. BLACKBURN.
The life which this narrative sketches began
in Springfield, Ohio, June 12, 1823, and
closed in Watsonville, Cal., January 23, 1893.
Within these seventy years is a record of much
accomplished for the benefit of his fellow-citi-
zens, many improvements introduced of lasting
value to the Pajaro valley and substantial inter-
ests established that left his family in comfort-
able circumstances at his death. He was a son
of Joseph and Margaret (Drew) Blackburn, and
a descendant of a colonial family, maintaining a
keen pride in the fact that his grandfather bore
a valiant part in the Revolutionary war and
endured all the hardships of that memorable
winter at Valley Forge. His father, too, was a
man of patriotic spirit and bore arms in the sec-
ond struggle with England.
At the time'Jacob A. Blackburn was a small
child his father, who was engaged in the cattle
and transportation business, met death by ac-
cidentally drowning. The mother later became
Mrs. Bell and in 1838 moved to Henderson
countv. 111. When her son was nineteen years
of age he secured employment on a Mississippi
river flatboat and met with a degree of success
that, instead of satisfying him, made him am-
bitious to secure larger returns. At the time
of the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast he
felt the time had come for a change and so de-
cided to seek his fortune in the great west. In
the spring of 1849, in company with a party in
charge of Colonel Finley, he outfitted for Cali-
fornia. The expedition consisted of light
wagons, witli no extra merchandise. Conse-
quently they were able to make as much as
twenty-five miles a day, and thus reached their
destination in ninety days. In many respects
they were more fortunate than most overland
travelers, for they were unmolested by Indians
and suffered no greater hardships than scarcity
of water and the difficulty of crossing swollen
streams.
On his arrival, in August of 1849, Mr. Black-
burn began mining on the Yuba river, but soon
went to Santa Cruz, where he landed November
26, same year. The town was of special interest
to him, as being the home of his brother, the
late Judge William Blackburn, who became the
first alcalde under the municipal government
and later held office as county judge. Shortly
after his arrival Mr. Blackburn purchased a saw-
mill, and this he conducted until 1852, when he
embarked in the general mercantile business in
Watsonville as a partner of L. Godchaux. their
store, which was one of tiie first in the village,
occupying the present site of the postoffice, on
the corner of Peck and Main streets. The net
gains of the first year, $20,000, were so gratify-
ing that he enlarged the business and increased
the stock. At the same time he associated him-
self with his brother in raising potatoes, which
industry had been conducted with remarkable
success in this locality during preceding years.
However, in 1853 everyone who could buy or
rent land determined to raise potatoes and there
was an overproduction, so that the losses were
heavy. Not only did Mr. Blackburn lose per-
sonally in his potato ventures, but he also ex-
perienced heavy losses through selling large
quantities of goods on credit to the potato plant-
ers, relying upon the prospects of an abundant
crop at fair prices. Thus the losses of 1853
wiped out his gratifying gains of the preceding
year.
Selling out to his brother James, in 1855, Mr.
Blackburn returned to Santa Cruz and acquired
real estate in Blackburn gulch by laying school
warrants on the land. In 1858 he purchased
one-third interest of one of the twelve heirs of
the Roderigucz estate in the celebrated Pajaro
valley, which made him the possessor of valuable
land adjoining Watsonville, as well as one-thir-
ty-sixth interest in the town. Here he settled in
1862 and ever afterward made his home. The
previous year he planted an orchard which is
still in fine bearing condition, witli trees from
twelve to fifteen inches in diameter. Many-
orchards were planted in early days, but there
being no railroad- 1 ir 1 'ill'' Fa< ilities f< >r h
the fruit rotted on the trees, and so the land
was gradually turned over to the more profitable
1".IS
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cultivation of grain. However, Mr. Blackburn
persisted in cultivating his orchards, believing
that as the region became populated and rail-
roads were built there would be a demand for
fruit. Another matter on which he insisted was
the raising of the finest qualities, and few ac-
complished more in this direction than did he.
The years passed by and it seemed as if the
world would not soon hear of the Pajaro valley
apples, but by chance they were brought before
buyers. When the apples of the Santa Clara
valley became affected by insects L. G. Soreso-
vich sent from San Jose to buy up fruit in the
Pajaro valley and thus the fine quality of the
products became known.
Forming an association with James Waters,
in 1867 Mr. Blackburn established the Pajaro
A'alley Nursery, and for several years did all he
could to sell a high grade of fruit trees, setting
out apple orchards and berry gardens. Many
varieties were brought from the east to test
their adaptability to California climate and soil,
and some of these have since become standard
grades. In the introduction of walnut, chestnut,
pecan and sassafras trees, he was a pioneer, and
the importance of his work cannot be ad-
equately estimated by one not familiar with the
subject. One thousand acres of land in Santa
Barbara county which he purchased and on
which for years he conducted stock-raising and
general farming are yet owned by his heirs.
In addition he owned valuable property in Wat-
sonville and was a silent partner in the mer-
cantile business conducted by C. J. Averrett.
The marriage of Mr. Blackburn in 1854
united him with Arminda Short, whose father,
Stephen Short, was a pioneer of California.
Born of their marriage were the following chil-
dren:Harry, who died at twenty-two years, while
he was serving as districl deputy for State Sen-
ator Thomas Beck; Mary, who resides with her
mother; Lula. who married Charles J. Averrett
and has three children, Harry, Florence and
I h irhas, who died al three j ears "f age;
and Frank, a merchant, who married Minnie
Hudson and has one child, Charis
The important personal interests of Mr.
b irn did not prevent him from interesting
himself in affair- affecting the prosperity of his
city and commonwealth and the welfare of his
fellowmen. His service of twelve years as a
member of the board of supervisors covered an
important period in the county's history and
was productive of good along various lines. A
friend of the public-school system, during his
service of a quarter of a century in the office
of school trustee he introduced many improve-
ments, promoted the grade of scholarship, se-
cured the adoption of modern text books, and in
other ways proved himself a man of enterprise
as well as a believer in education for all. Dur-
ing the existence of the Order of Red Men he
was connected with that organization, and he
was also active in the work of the Odd Fellows.
While not identifying himself with any denom-
ination, he was a liberal giver to religious and
charitable movements and a contributor to the
erection of houses of worship in various parts
of the valley.
SILAS B. CALL.
San Luis Obispo contains innumerable re-
minders of the meritorious career of Silas B.
Call, who for many years was one of the suc-
cessful operators, in its busy marts of trade, and
accumulated large worldly recompense through
unremitting industry and business sagacity. He
was born in Newport, N. H., where he spent
the early part of his life, and where his father,
Stephen, also a native of New Hampshire, was
a very successful man and large land owner.
The elder Call was well and favorably known
in his native state, where his four score years
were passed, and he was the largest taxpayer in
Sullivan county. Of English descent, his fam-
ily was first represented in America by three
brothers who emigrated from England and set-
tled in the east, and his father. Nathan, the
paternal grandfather of Silas B.. removed at a
ver\ early da} to New Hampshire. Stephen
Call married into a family intimately connected
with the Revolutionary w"ar. for the father of
his wife, formerly Pauline Dunham, fought at
the battles of Monmouth and Brandywine.
There were six sons and two daughters born
to M, and Mrs. Call, of whom Silas B. was the
poungesl One of the sons, Dial, lives near
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Newport, N. H., and is a farmer by occupation,
while Henry and Nathan live at Santa Cruz,
Cal., having settled there in 1855. James was a
soldier during the Civil war, but since 1866 has
never been heard from, and it is generally sup-
posed that he is dead. George is in Sheridan
county, Ore. One sister, Mrs. Hannah Ainger,
is now deceased, while the other, Mrs. R. Gun-
nison, lives in Iowa.
Notwithstanding his father's prosperous con-
dition, Silas B. Call was reared to an apprecia-
tion of the dignity of labor, and of the honor
attached to independence and business ability.
When fifteen years of age he began to learn the
harness and saddle trade with Edward Wheeler,
of Newport, which gentleman was the author
of the Newport History. At the expiration
of five years Silas had qualified as a master me-
chanic, and upon starting out to make his own
way went to Lowell, Mass., where he found em-
ployment and remained one year. Not being
favorably impressed with the business chances
in the staid and conservative New England town
he set out for the west, locating first in Santa
Cruz. Cal., working one year for a Mr. Peter-
son. In the fall of 1861 he came to San Luis
Obispo and established a saddle and harness
business, which, from a small beginning, grad-
ually assumed substantial and permanent pro-
portions. The continuous success of his enter-
prise gained for him recognition among the
commercial factors of the place, and the large
patronage enabled him to make numerous ad-
vantageous investments in town and county.
He became the possessor of several business
bouses on Monterey street, and his activities
extended into various avenues remote from his
saddlery business. He died May 26, 1880, at
the age of forty-two. Had he lived to be an
older man, he would doubtless have instituted
even larger successes. As it was, he stood very
high in the public regard, and his unquestioned
integrity and liberality was a matter of pride
with all who knew him.
The many interests of Mr. Call have been car-
ried on since his death by his widow, who was
before her marriage Emeline Lunccforde,
daughter of William Lunceforde, a successful
farmer of Illinois. Mr. Lunceforde married
Mrs. Mary Trent Holdaway, of East Tennessee.
They resided near Lebanon. St. Clair county,
III, until 1852, when they with their four chil-
dren, William T., Nancy E., Sarah M. and Cyn-
thia M., started for the west, arriving in Cali-
fornia in 1854, settling in El Dorado county
and engaging in farming and stock-raising. He
was prosperous, enterprising and public-spirited
and was entitled to the distinction accorded
bravery because of his participation in the In-
dian wars. In 186 1 Mr. Lunceforde and family
came to San Luis Obispo county, where the
father and mother spent their closing days. All
of the children still survive them; William T.
and Sarah M. reside in San Bernardino, Cyn-
thia M. in Santa Barbara county, and Nancy E.
(Mrs. Call) in San Luis Obispo. Of the chil-
dren born to Mr. and and Mrs. Call, there were
three sons and one daughter. Silas. Reuben
and Stephen Albert are living at home, and
Lena is the wife of W. R. Spence, formerly of
San Francisco, now a resident of San Luis
Obispo. Ralph, the youngest, died at the age
of seven. By a former marriage to Cyrus
Snell, Mrs. Call had one daughter, Rhoda, who
is the widow of Charles H. Reed. Mrs. Call
inherits the estate of her husband, including the
large stores on Monterey street. Since his
death she has erected a fine brick building,
where was formerly a frame structure. Another
fine property owned by Mrs. Call is that occu-
pied by the hardware store of C. H. Reed Com-
pany. The family residence is one of the most
delightful and homelike in the town, and Mrs.
Call is a genial and hospitable acquisition to the
social life of the community.
TRUMAN ANDREWS.
With the innumerable throng of eastern men
whom the discovery .if -did drew to California
tame Mr. Andrews, a pioneer of 1850. He was
born in Utica, Oneida county, X. V.. in 1822.
and was a son of Edwunand Ellen (Van Vlaeck)
Andrews. When a bo; I the common
-ehnnls of Utica. where he received advantages
perhaps better than those accordi
of thai day. 1 1' •• as ; oung man when the
whole world . I 1>y the news that
HISTORICAL AND I ',[<>< iUAPHICAL RECORD.
gold had been found in California. With all
the enthusiasm of youth, lie determined to seek
a fortune for himself beyond the mountains.
Arriving- in the state after a long and wearisome
journey, he proceeded to the mines near Co-
lumbia, but did not find the life of a miner as
alluring and satisfactory as he had anticipated.
Turning his attention to other pursuits, in 1852
he went to Santa Clara county and took up five
hundred acres of raw land just outside of the
city of San Jose. The excellent pasturage af-
forded by the land and its close proximity to the
city rendered it especially suited for dairy pur-
poses, and accordingly he gave himself to that
occupation. He was the pioneer dairyman of
San Jose and was well known through all that
vicinity. After a time, however, the land be-
came too valuable to be retained for dairy pur-
poses, and he accordingly disposed of it at a
handsome profit over the cost price.
In 18S2 Mr. Andrews came to San Luis
Obispo county and bought one thousand acres
from Col. W. W. Hollister. In this way he be-
came the proprietor of the now well known
Sycamore ranch, on which he established the
Oak Hill dairy. Having found the dairy busi-
ness profitable in his former home, he took it
up with the advantage of his previous expe-
rience, and continued to conduct the dairy dur-
ing the remainder of his life. It was his aim,
as a dairyman, to produce only the finest quality
of butter and cheese. No inferior article was
permitted to leave the ranch. His dealings with
others, in a business way, were always honor-
able and fair. Xo deceit or trickery ever entered
n business transaction or was permitted
by him. Through all of Los Osos valley he
was known as an honest and honorable man,
and hence- his death, which occurred March 28,
1N02. was mourned as a public loss. Ii was the
united testimony of the people that a good man
had gone from aim mg them.
< Ine of the improvements For which Mr. \n-
st stanchly stood was the securing of
gi Mid roads i< >r San I ,uis I ibispo count 5 . and
during his service of many years as overseer he
imself largel) to bringing about the re-
1 greatly desired by him. In his political
views he always voted the Republican ticket.
His marriage in 1847 united him with Miss El-
len Otis, a native of Ontario county, N. Y. Six
children were born of their union, namely: Otis,
who operates a farm near Redding, Cal. ;
Charles, whose home is in Oakland, this state;
George, who operates a portion of the old
homestead; Fred and Bert, who are also ranch-
ers; and Mary C, wife of E. H. Crawford, of
San Luis Obispo. Since the death of Mr. An-
drews his wife has maintained a general super-
vision of the property which comprises ten hun-
dred and thirty acres, partly in grain, partly de-
voted to grazing purposes, and the balance
utilized for the dairv.
JOHN T. KENT.
Ever since settling in Monterey county Mr.
Kent has made his home on a farm nine miles
from San Lucas, on the old Los Angeles stage
route. Through diligent application he has ac-
quired five hundred and sixty acres of land,
which, with three hundred and twenty acres
owned by his sons, makes eight hundred and
eighty acres in one body, the improvement of
which is carried forward under the keen super-
vision of father and sons. While general farm-
ing is conducted to some extent, the crops
raised are used principally for the feeding of
the stock, for Mr. Kent believes that more rev-
enue is to be derived from the raising of cat-
tle, horses and hogs than from the sale of the
crops in the open markets.
The early home of Mr. Kent is far removed
from the home of his later years. He was born
in Halifax county. Nova Scotia, August 29,
1843, ancl grew to manhood on a farm, receiv-
ing such advantages as local schools afforded.
in [867 he went to West: Cambridge, Mass., and
\ months worked out, after which he
went from Boston to New York and there
boarded the vessel Rising Sun for California.
After a tedious voyage he reached the isthmus,
crossing which he took passage on a Pacific
ocean ship and finally anchored in San Fran-
His firsl location in the far west was near
San Mateo, where he spent a few months on a
ranch. Later lie spent two years as an employe
in .1 sawmill at Santa Cruz, and then worked al
PKDRO ZABALA
tSTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Felton for a year. On his return to Santa Cruz
he secured employment in the powder mill,
where he remained for a year. From there, in
May of 1872, he came to Monterey county and
settled on the farm he now owns. This he se-
cured by taking up a homestead and pre-emp-
tion claim. The year before coming here he
married Miss Cynthia Phillips, of Summit
county, Ohio. They are the parents of seven
children, namely: Hattie, who is engaged in
teaching school; Henry A., John S., Merrill C,
Persis A., Alfred and Pearl A. For six years
Mr. Kent held the position of roadmaster and
his service proved helpful to the best interests
of the community in the matter of good roads.
In politics he supports Democratic principles.
PEDRO ZABALA.
As far as lies in the power of any one indi-
vidual, Pedro Zabala has illustrated in his life
the force and control of circumstances which
characterized for generations the race from
which he springs, and which national traits
brought under the fluttering flag of Spain the
sunniest isles of the ocean, the richest de-
pendencies in the world, and the most illustrious
promoters of artistic, literary, commercial and
maritime supremacy. Of all the different parts
of Spain which strove in friendly rivalry to in-
crease her prestige and add to her glory, none
attained to greater renown than did the people
of Castile, nor does any name convey to the
remembering world more of romance, grandeur,
pride of birth or splendid culture. As far as
descent is concerned Mr. Zabala is entitled to
special consideration apart from his standing,
for he is the only remaining Castilian in this
part of the state, who has distinguished him-
self by conspicuous success. _
Nor must it be supposed that any special and
protecting fortune directed the way to the
large worldly possessions and the present leis-
ure from active business life spent in his
beautiful home in Salinas, for Mr. Zabala has
hewn imt ol the hard mck of adverse cir-
cumstances the model of his own life
structure. lie was born in the Province of
Biscay, Spain, in 1825, and at an early age be-
came an orphan and dependent upon his own
brain and ability. He acquired a public school
education in his native land, and when twenty-
one years old departed from the shores of
Spain for the less tried opportunities of South
America. The mercantile business in which
he engaged for a year being not entirely sat-
isfying, he followed the inclination of thou-
sands who had heard of the ready fortunes
awaiting the ambitious in the gold fields of Cal-
ifornia, and landed in Monterey in October of
1849. His already mature judgment separated
the transitory gain of mining from the per-
manent advantage of more legitimate business,
and he therefore embarked upon a mercantile
business in which he wras engaged for eight
years in Monterey. With the solid backing of
this experience he then located in Salinas City,
which at the time had but a few adobe build-
ings and shacks, and was surrounded by new
and undeveloped country. With keen discern-
ment he anticipated the future which is to-
day, and as proof of his faith invested heavily
iu land, principally in the country, where huge
ranches could be purchased at a nominal price.
This property has since increased in value with
startling rapidity, and the owner therefore has
the advantage to which he is entitled by reason
of his foresight and ability to purchase. Shut
the very early days his chief occupation has
been that of stock raising, and for many years
his large herds roamed at will over his meadows
and uplands, and brought in correspondingly
large returns from a financial standpoint. In
the meantime the innate refinement, culti-
vated mind, moral courage and appreciation
of the rights of those with whom he was thrown
in contact, raised up for Mr. Zabala hosts of
friends, and to-daj his successes and personal
qualifications are responsible for his enviable
standing in the community. Tactful, genial
and unostentatious, he extends a 1110. 1 kindl)
hospitality, and is a gentleman of the old school.
While living in Monterey Mr. Zabala married
Anita, daughter of W. 1'. Ilartnell. also one
of the pioneers of Monti rey county. Mr. Ilart-
nell was of English birth, and in his native
country was a very prosperous merchant. In
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the interests of a large mercantile house in
Liverpool he came to America in 1822, but
once arriving in California he was so impressed
with the superior advantages to be found here
that he never returned to England. He filled
many important positions here, was appraiser
of goods in the custom house for several years,
and was the first assessor of Monterey county.
The first also to translate the laws from Span-
ish into English, he was appointed by Spain
to gather and report statistics as to the num-
ber and condition of the missions in California,
and a copy of his reports and letters was pre-
served in a book which is now one of the treas-
ured possessions of Mr. Zabala. To Mr. and
Mrs. Zabala have been born the following chil-
dren: Pedro, who is one of the most capable
attorneys of Salinas and Monterey county;
William and Adelberto, who have charge of the
extensive ranch and other business affairs of
their father; John L., who is a physician in
San Francisco; Ana, Manuela, Teresa and Vir-
ginia. The stanch friend of education, Mr. Za-
bala has given his children every advantage
within his power, and all are a credit to the
care which has been so lavishly bestowed upon
them. Among the most interesting possessions
of this early pioneer is the passport which was
made out when he desired to come to this
country, and which is dated December. 1848,
and signed by Blanco Encalado, governor of
Valparaiso. Like all passports, it contained a
full description of the traveler, height, color of
eyes and hair, and business occupation.
Through some oversight it was not taken up at
the North American port, and it is of exceed-
ing' rarity and value and probably the only one
in the state.
R. E. JACK.
To the permanent settlement of the west the
citizenship of the east has made heavy contri-
butions. Prom the densely populated regions
of the Atlantic coast settlers have been drawn
to Hi.- promise and fertility of the Pacific coast
environments. Mr. Jack came across the con-
tinent from Maine to California and in this state,
-ii far remote from his early home, he has spent
the active years of his life. He was born near
the Kennebec river in Maine in September,
1841, and received his education principally in
Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kent's Hill, Ken-
nebec county, from which he was graduated in
.i860. When twenty-one years of age he went
to New York City, where he secured employ-
ment with the shipping and commission house
of William J. Dewey & Co.
During the Civil war Mr. Jack was a member
of the New York militia at the time of Lee's
raid on the Susquehanna. He was a volunteer
in the Fifty-sixth New York Infantry, and sixty
days after he had enlisted in that regiment the
negro riot broke out in New York City, which
called his company into active service. Among
the several important engagements in which he
took part was the battle of Gettysburg. After
retiring from the army he came to California
and at once engaged in sheep-raising with Col.
W. W. Hollister, the two purchasing the
Cholame ranch, in the northeastern part of San
Luis Obispo county, and extending over the
boundary line into Monterey county. At that
time the ranch consisted of twenty-eight thou-
sand acres, but its dimensions were later in-
creased to fifty thousand acres. At the death of
Colonel Hollister, his interests were purchased
by Mr. Jack, who continues to operate the ranch
as a sheep and cattle range and has become
known as the largest wool-grower of Central
California.
In 1870 Mr. Jack married Miss Nellie Hol-
lister, whose father, Joseph Hubbard Hollister,
was one of the wealthy pioneers of San Luis
Obispo county. Born of their union are two
sons and two daughters, namely: R. E., Jr.,
who is a student in the California University;
Howard V., Gertrude M. and Ethel E. Since
1871 the family home has been in San Luis
Obispo.
In connection with William D. Beebee and
others, Mr. Jack took an active part in the or-
ganization of the County Bank of San Luis
Obispo. For a time this institution had a pros-
perous existence. but the long-prevailing
drought which affected every industry of this
region so crippled the hank's resources that it
was forced to go into the receiver's hands,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
through no fault or mismanagement, however,
on the part of the officers, who were exonerated
from all blame by those familiar with the cir-
cumstances. Fraternally Mr. Jack is connected
with the Knight Templar Masons. In politics
he has been one of the leaders of the Republi-
can party, and has served as member of both
the county and state central committees. At
one time he served as president of the city coun-
cil, and in 1892 he was a delegate to the national
Republican convention of Minneapolis, which
nominated Benjamin Harrison for president.
HENRY WILEY.
The transformation wrought in California
during- the past forty or fifty years is due to the
energy and patient perseverance of the pioneers,
men who, leaving comfortable homes in the east,
identified themselves with the newer west, and
out of its crudity evolved the present-day civ-
ilization. Among these men mention belongs
to Henry Wiley, a retired farmer and capitalist
of Watsonville, who has assisted in bringing
the unimproved land of this region under culti-
vation to apples and other fruits, and whose
success may be attributed to his wise judgment
and business ability.
Mr. Wiley was born in < ienesee county, N.
Y., in 1831, and is a son of Samuel Wiley, a
farmer. He was reared on the home farm and
made a success in agricultural pursuits, but, not
being satisfied with the location or climate, he
determined to seek the opportunities of the far
west. During 1857 he made the long voyage to
California, where he arrived in the fall of that
year. For four years he engaged in farming
on rented land, after which he bought a squat-
ters' right in Monterey county, consisting of
seventy-five acres near Watsonville. After a
year he disposed of that place and bought from
Mr. Clark' forty-seven acres and from Mr.
Lopus thirty acres. Few improvements had
been made on the tract, and he at once sel aboul
the task of clearing and cultivating the land,
which he brought under cultivation to apples.
Later he bought seven acres from Judge G. M.
Bockius, and this he also sel mil to apples. His
next purchase consisted of thirty acres, bought
of K. F. Redman, and this he also planted in
apple trees. Some of his apple orchards are
fifteen years old, while others were planted
eight years ago, and all arc in a fine bearing-
condition. As an indication of the profitable
cultivation of the land, it may be stated that Mr.
Wiley received $5,600 from sixty acres, selling
the apples on the trees. Among the various
qualities raised he considers the Newtown pip-
pin the most profitable, and a large number of
these trees may be found in his orchards. His
home is in Watsonville, where he bought the
Owen Tuttle place on West Third street and
rebuilt and remodeled the house into a hand-
some modern residence.
April 2, 1855, before leaving New York
state, Mr. Wiley married Miss Sarah J. Cathers,
sister of the late James Cathers, of Santa Cruz
county. They became the parents of six chil-
dren, namely: Mary J., Mrs. G. W. Johnson,
deceased; Margaret, Mrs. Edgar Lewis; Lizzie,
at home; Olive, wife of C. H. Gray, of Phila-
delphia; Grace, at home; and Henry, who died
at twenty-two years of age.
ALBERT ROSELIP.
From boyhood until death Mr. Roselip was a
resident of California, having come to this state
with his parents at the age of twelve years. A
native of Berlin, Germany, he received his pri-
mary education in the schools of that city, and
afterward gained an English education in Cali-
fornia. From an early age he was familiar with
ranching and on selecting his life work he chose
that with which he was best acquainted and to
which he also seemed besl adapted. As a
rancher in Contra Costa county he gained an
independent foothold and later was similarly en-
gaged in Monterey county for three years.
During 1877 he came to San Luis Obispo
county. He was forty years of age. and in the
prime of his activity and usefulness. For some
time after removing t<> this count} he was en-
gaged in the Steele ranch. In [883 he pur-
chased fifty-three acres of the Steele tra
Edna and settled on that pi I md was
raw.
No attempt had been made at improvement,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and the task before him was one requiring
energy, industry and patience. Soon, however,
as a result of his enterprise, he had placed the
land under cultivation and made the necessary
improvements. He then leased other tracts
until he was cultivating large holdings, having
charge of almost two thousand acres altogether,
the larger part of which was devoted to the
raising of wheat. Included in his possessions
was a ranch near Shandon, San Luis Obispo
county, while he also farmed a large tract near
Creston. In addition to his other interests, he
owned a threshing outfit, which was in demand
in every part of the county, doing as much
threshing as any machine in the county. Con-
stantly he endeavored to improve his home
place, and by the development of a water sys-
tem, the setting out of numerous shade trees
and the building of a substantial house, he made
of it a valuable property. All of this is espe-
cially noteworthy when it is remembered that he
began wholly without means, and worked his
way forward to prosperity by his unaided ef-
forts. It is to such men as he that California
owes the development of its material resources,
which had remained dormant during the long
period of Spanish and Mexican rule.
Neither of the great political parties received
Mr. Roselip's support, as he preferred to be in-
dependent. For some years he served as a trus-
tee of the Edna school. In 1874 he married
Miss Laura L. Rassette, who was born in Napa
county, this state, and is a woman of much abil-
ity, having, since her husband's death in 1893,
not only maintained a careful supervision of her
home and (rained their seven children to man-
hood and womanhood, but she has also super-
intended the home ranch with judgment, secur-
ing from it a neat income each year and main-
taining its improvements at the high standard
established by Mr. Roselip.
A. R. BOOTH.
The period of Mr. Booth's residence in San
Luis Obispo count) dates from 1879. How-
cver, for almost twenty years prior to that time
lie had been identified with the far west and had
time traveled much through the Pacific
coast region, following various lines of business
and also acquiring mining interests. He came
to the west from Michigan, where he was born
at Mount Clemens in 1835, and where his boy-
hood years were passed in various towns. His
father, Rev. John Booth, was a native of Eng-
land and accompanied his parents to America
in childhood, early settling in Michigan, where
he was a pioneer preacher. In the family of
John and Jane A. (Wisdom) Booth there were
ten children, of whom A. R. was next to the
youngest. When a boy he had few advantages
save such as his own industry rendered possible.
From an early age he was self-supporting, and
one of the first enterprises in which he was in-
terested was a drug store at Fenton, Mich.,
where he remained until his removal to the
west.
In 1858 Mr. Booth went to The Dalles, Ore.,
and for a time engaged in ranching, after which
he was connected with different enterprises in
Oregon. Washington and Idaho, even going as
far north as British Columbia. He opened and
conducted a drug store at Boise City, Idaho,
and later was proprietor of a similar business at
the mining camp of Tuscarora, Nev. The year
1879 found him in San Luis Obispo, Cal.. where
he opened a drug store and for ten years re-
mained proprietor of the same, as senior mem-
ber of the firm of Booth & Latimer. In 1889
he came to Paso Robles and opened a drug
store at this place, which he conducted until
1894. Meantime he had also sold his interest
in the store at San Luis Obispo to Mr. Lati-
mer. The next enterprise in which he became
interested was the real estate and insurance
business, the handling of all kinds of city and
country property, acting as agent for many of
the large ranches, and representing many of the
best insurance companies. In addition, he was
agent for the Town Site Company, the Paso
Robles hotel, and Blackburn Bros. At this
writing he handles almost all of the real estate in
the city, to the building up of which he has been
a constant contributor. Associated with Hon.
1 ). \Y. James, lie lias done much to develop the
northern part of San Luis Obispo county and
has been especially helpful in the grading of
country roads.
WII.I.IAM GRISWUI.I)
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
309
In the organization of the Paso Robles Lodge
of Masons Mr. Booth was one of the most ac-
tive workers. He was interested in forming
the stock association which erected the building
in which the lodge now meets, also acted as the
second master of the lodge. He has risen to
higher degrees in the order than those of the
blue lodge, being a member of San Luis Obispo
Chapter No. 27, R. A. M.; and San Luis Com-
mandery No. 209, K. T. The Paso Robles Im-
provement Club numbered him among its or-
ganizers, and he has been one of its active
workers. Believing most thoroughly in Re-
publican principles, he has been a local leader of
the party and has served as a member of the
county central committee. His service in the
party received a fitting recognition in January,
1900, when he was appointed postmaster at Paso
Robles, and this office he still holds.
While living in Nevada, in 1878, Mr. Booth
married Mrs. Susie Raynor. They have four
children, namely: Frederick G., who is a med-
ical student in San Francisco; Frank J., who is
a student in the State University at Berkeley,
where he is taking a course in mechanical engi-
neering; Eugene L., at home; and Clara J.
WILLIAM GRISWOLD.
During his long connection with the vicinity
of San Lucas, Monterey county, Judge Gris-
wold has been associated with many enterprises
for the benefit of the village and the advance-
ment of the general welfare. He was born in
Catskill, N. Y., November 15, 1847, and was
reared on a farm in Delaware county, meantime
attending the district schools and also acquir-
ing a thorough knowledge of agricultural pur-
suits. Not content to remain in the east, at
nineteen years of age he came to California
and settled in the Salinas valley, where he was
employed by Messrs. Abbott and Hitchcock for
five years. The following year he was in the
employ of John G. Armstrong. With the means
he had thus accumulated he invested in one
hundred and sixty acres of land and established
a postoffice, known as Griswold, on his ranch,
where he made his home from 1874 until 1887.
Meantime he had become a man of influence
in his community. His advice was often sought
by people in the adjustment of difficult claims
or the purchase of property. From 1878 to
1887 he filled the office of justice of the peace,
and his service was eminently satisfactory to all
concerned.
On leaving the ranch Judge Griswold came
to San Lucas and embarked in the mercantile
business, building up a fair trade among the
people of the locality, who soon came to appre-
ciate his fair business dealings and reliability as
a merchant. During much of the time he has
lived in San Lucas he has filled the office of
postmaster, having served prior to Cleveland's
administration and also six years under Presi-
dent McKinley. An ardent Republican, he as-
sisted in organizing the first Republican club
in Monterey county, started during the first ad-
ministration of President Grant, and from that
time to this he has never wavered in his alle-
giance to the party of his choice. In 1882 he
was initiated into the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows at Salinas and retained his mem-
bership there for some time, but is now con-
nected with the King City Lodge. In the Order
of Knights of Pythias he is a charter mem-
ber at San Lucas and the present district dep-
uty. It is noteworthy that he held the office
of master of finance fourteen terms and that of
exchequer for six years. Six times he was
elected to represent the lodge in the grand
lodge of the state, and at this writing he is cap-
tain of the Uniform Rank. His homestead con-
sists of twelve hundred acres in one body, with
the improvements that have been made by him
since the place came under his ownership. In
1882 he married Samantha Baldwin, by whom
he had two children, one dying in infancy, and
the other, Ruth, being with her father in the
family home. Airs. Griswold died September
30, 1 90 1.
K. F. REDMAN.
The home of Mr. Redman is one of the sub-
stantial residences of Watsonville and presents
an attractive appearance to the passer-by. with
its finely kept grounds ornamented with palms,
shrubbery and flowers, and with its neat rows
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD.
of fruit trees and its gardens of berries. Besides
this residence he is the owner of ranching prop-
erty and valuable fruit orchards. He has always
been interested in fruit-raising and takes a just
pride in the success which this industry has
gained in the Pajaro valley.
In Nelson county, Ky., Mr. Redman was born
in 1828, a son of Richard Redman. When a
boy he accompanied the family to Missouri and
settled on a farm, where he grew to manhood.
He can scarcely recall when he first became in-
terested in horticulture. The industry always
possessed a special charm for him. The soil and
climate in Missouri were adapted to fruit-rais-
ing, especially to peaches, and he was anxious
to try his luck in the industry, but his father
preferred to devote the land to the cattle busi-
ness. Once, when a boy, he asked his father
if he might plant some peach pits and grow
peaches, but was told to go away and play and
not tn persist in such desires, as the cattle
would eat up the trees. However, the lad had
a determined will and persisted until consent
was given. The pits were planted and in three
years the trees showed a gratifying growth.
Soon he had peaches for the family and for
neighbors.
Accompanying a party of westward-bound
emigrants, in 1847 Mr. Redman crossed the
plains to Oregon, which was then attracting
many home-seekers. For two years he tried
mining, in which he met with success, but when
an attempt was made to dam up the American
river, he decided further work was unwise, and
so returned to Missouri. Buying a large tract
of land, he paid cash for a portion and gave his
note fur the balance. Soon he had the land
under cultivation and was able to pay for the
entire tract. I fowever, though his surroundings
were favorable in .Missouri, he never forgot Cal-
ifornia, and in [864 again crossed the plains,
having disposed of his Missouri property.
\ftrr visiting various places, Mr. Redman
0 the Pajaro valley and in 1865 purchased
iln Isaac Williams ranch. Mere he planted one
of the rirsl orchards in the valley, which, under
his wise supervision and oversight, was devel-
oped into a good-bearing orchard. This ranch
he still owns, lie has set out one hundred and
twenty acres in trees, besides sixty acres west
of Watsonville, of which fifty acres are in trees.
In all of his work he had the assistance and
cheerful co-operation of his wife, Matilda (Fer-
rell) Redman, in whose death, February, 1899,
at seventy-seven years of age, the family suffered
a deep bereavement. Their children arc: Mrs.
Sarah Tuttle; James; Mrs. Mary Oliver; K.
Fayette, Jr., who occupies the Lake avenue
ranch; Lavina, at home; Christy G., who has
charge of the sixty-acre ranch; and Oda, a
teacher in Watsonville. The family stand high
among the people of their home city, and Mr.
Redman is a contributor to measures of merit.
At no rime has he aspired to office, although he
consented to occupy the office of councilman,
and in this position was able to promote the in-
terests of the city by championing enterprises of
unquestioned value to the city's further develop-
ment.
MANUEL R. MERRITT.
Perhaps there is no resident of Monterey
county more familiar with its resources than
Mr. Merritt. who, having spent his entire life
within its boundaries, is well qualified to judge
concerning its prospects and advantages. He
was born in Monterey. June 8. 1855. and is a
son of the late Judge Josiah Merritt. When he
was fourteen his father died, and he left school
for the purpose of making his own way in the
world. Hearing his brother speak of printing-
offices, he decided to seek employment in one,
and very soon he was at work in the composing
room of the Monterey Republican, where he
thoroughly learned the printer's trade. When
only eighteen years of age he became editor of
the Monterey Herald, publishing it in connec-
tion with E. Curtis, later on the editorial staff
of the San Francisco Chronicle. At the same
time he was connected with the Castroville
Argus. On selling out his newspaper interests
in 1878, he embarked in the mercantile business
at Castroville. where he built up a very large
and prosperous mercantile business. During
the eight years he was at the head of that store
he also served as county supervisor, justice of
the peace and postmaster. The store at Castro-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ville was eventually sold to Whitcher & Co., in
order that he might devote his attention to his
Monterey interests.
In 1890 Mr. Merritt came to Salinas, where
he now resides. For eight years he had charge
of the county assessor's office under W. A. An-
derson. On retiring from that position, he es-
tablished himself in the abstract business, and
is now known as an expert in this line, his suc-
cess in searching records and bringing down ab-
stracts being little short of remarkable. In ad-
dition, he has been engaged in the real-estate
and insurance business, in which lines he has
built up excellent patronage. While living in
Castroville, in 1877, he married Miss Lizzie
Townsend, a native of Alameda county, Cal.,
and daughter of an architect there. They have
three sons, Robert, Roy and Herbert.
Scarcely a local convention of the Democratic
party has been held in years in which Mr". Mer-
ritt has not been a leading figure. For six years
he acted as chairman of the county Democratic
central committee, and in 1896 he acted as a
presidential elector for Bryan. On numerous
occasions he has been chosen to represent his
party in state conventions. It fell to his lot to
act as chairman of one of the most noted Demo-
cratic conventions ever held in the state, this
being at the time of the congressional fight,
when all of the prominent lawyers of the state
and the leading statesmen, including Stephen
M. White, were present. Fraternally, he is con-
nected with the Independent Order of For-
esters, the Druids and the Native Sons of the
Golden West, in all of which he is past presi-
dent.
JOSEPH HUBBARD HOLLISTER.
Early in 1802 John Hollister moved from
Connecticut to Ohio, where, in Licking county,
he made for himself a new home in what was
then the midst of the frontier. There he mar-
ried Philena Hubbard, daughter of a prominent
farmer. They became the parents of a large
family, who inherited the sterling traits of the
parents and became honored citizens in various
communities. One of their sons was Joseph
Hubbard, who was born in Licking county,
Ohio, March 9, 1820. With a brother, in 1853
he crossed the plains to California, driving the
first flock of sheep ever brought from the east.
Selling out at a profit, he returned to the east
in 1856. In the spring of 1858 he again started
west with sheep, this time being in partnership
with Colonel Peters. At Boonville, Mo., he met
for the first time J. W. Cooper, whose subse-
quent history was closely interwoven with his
own. Cooper, having formerly worked for
Colonel Peters, was introduced by him to .Mr.
Hollister, who was so pleased with his appear-
ance that he engaged him to buy sheep for the
westward trip. About the 1st of July, 1858, the
train moved on its way, along the old Santa Fe
trail through New Mexico and Arizona. Un-
fortunately the sheep became lame and progress
was very slow. Frequent halts were necessary.
November 10 they arrived at Las Vegas. From
there they proceeded to Sabina, where they
crossed the Rio Grande. The train camped
along from place to place until Fort Thorn was
reached, and there they met twelve Indian chiefs
at a great feast, the close of which was marked
by the smoking of the pipe of peace. To the
credit of the Indians be it said that they ad-
hered to the treaty they thus made and never
molested the sheep. However, there were many
other hardships and trials, and in later years
Mr. Cooper often stated he could not have en-
dured the strain of the trip had it not been for
"that noble, high-minded man, Hubbard Hol-
lister, whom 1 loved as a brother. He had more
sunshine in his presence, more nobility of char-
acter, more of the milk of human kindness, more
generosity and more loyalty than one often
meets in this world."
One of the heaviest of the reverses that met
the men was the loss of almost sixteen thousand
head of sheep. They crossed the Colorado river
at Fort Yuma, and thence proceeded into
Lower California and from there into San
county, arriving at San Gabriel January 5, i860.
Near Los Nietos they leased a ranch for a short
lime, thence moved to rancho San Dimas, now
occupied by the town of Pomona. About this
time Mr. Hollister returned to Ohio for his
family, returning with them January 1, 1861.
The flocks were then moved to the San Fer
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nando valley near Cahuenga, and in the sum-
mer following were moved to higher lands,
where the) thrived well. The business then
began to be remunerative, bringing the part-
served returns for al! the hardships they
had endured. May S, 1863, the flock, consist-
ing of eleven thousand and five hundred sheep,
was moved to Lompoc, Mr. Hollister and Mr.
Cooper making Canada Honda their headquar-
ters. During the fall of 1863 the Lompoc and
Mission Vieja de la Purissima ranchos were
purchased for $60,000, Hubbard Hollister being
a partner with J. \V. Cooper, Albert and Thomas
B. Dibblee, and Col. W. W. Hollister. When
the facts of the purchase became known, the
San Francisco Bulletin insisted that the pur-
chasers "were a set of blockheads," but. on the
contrary, the investment proved a most fortu-
nate one. In the twelve years following the
men purchased about one hundred and sixty-
live thousand acres in Santa Barbara county
alone, including the ranchos Santa Rosa, Lom-
poc, San Julian, Salsipuedes, etc. During 1866
Hubbard Hollister purchased the Chorro and
San Lusita ranches in San Luis Obispo county
and moved there with his family, after which,
although still in partnership, he was more or
less separated from the friends who had grown
to hold him in such high esteem and by whose
side he had labored for so many years. On his
home ranch in San Luis Obispo county he died
January 5, 1873. His death was a deep be-
reavement not only to his family, but to his
circle of intimate friends and associates. His
long-time friend. J. W. Cooper, says of him:
"Like all the Hollister brothers, Hubbard was
an ideal man. If lie had any faults, they were
never apparent It would take a large number
ges, if I proposed to attempt a mere enu-
meration <>i the most conspicuous good acts of
this noble man's life. To the sick he was the
most lender and attentive nurse. His mere
presence in the room was most potent, and a
■all .hi an invalid, with a little of his cheery,
hopeful and sunshiny ronversation, did as much
1 .!- iln doctor's prescription. On that long
journej across the plains, if one of the party was
ill. il was Hubbard Hollister who insisted mi
musing the invalid back to health. If a man
was over-weary, it was Hubbard Hollister who
insisted on doing an extra amount of work in
order to lighten the other's task. If a person
was in any trouble, he had but to call on Hub-
bard Hollister, and the call for aid was never
in vain. He was truly one of God's noblemen.
I was in intimate relations with the man for fif-
teen years, and I never had one harsh or angry
word with him. The more I was with him the
more I loved him. He was one of those rare
men one meets but occasionally in a lifetime."
June 18, 1843, Hubbard Hollister married
Ellen, daughter of Joseph Mossman, of Dres-
den, Ohio. They became the parents of five
children, four now living, namely: Mrs. Phineas
Banning, of Los Angeles; Mrs. R. E. Jack, of
San Luis Obispo; Mrs. Sherman P. Stowe, of
Santa Barbara; and John H., the only son.
Mrs. Hollister died on the Chorro ranch in
ALBERT PFISTER.
In the capacity of cashier of the Citizens
Bank of Paso Robles, Mr. Pfister is known to
the majority of the residents of San Luis Obispo
county, and is everywhere recognized as a keen
financier and capable business man. He is a
son of Joseph Pfister, a pioneer of 1850 in Cal-
ifornia and was born in Colusa county, this
-tate. in 1850. When a boy much of his time
was spent in Contra Costa county, and he at-
tended the public schools there and in San Fran-
cisco. On starting out for himself, he selected
the occupation of mechanical engineer, which
he followed about ten years.
In 1887, when Paso Robles was in its in-
fancy, Mr. Pfister came to the new town. Look-
ing around for a suitable investment, he selected
a ranch two miles east of town, and on this he
located. During the next eleven years he im-
proved the property and devoted it largely to
the raising of stock. Meantime he had formed
connections with other business interests. In
[893 lie was elected a director of the Citizens
Bank of Paso Robles, and in 1899 was chosen
cashier of the institution, which position he has
since filled, devoting his attention closely to a
general supervision of the hank and to an over-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
SI J
sight of its investments, loans, etc. He is a
member of the California Hankers' Association.
Ten years after he came to Paso Robles he be-
came identified with a new industry, being an
organizer of the firm of Pfister, Ladd & Co.,
dealers in hardware and agricultural imple-
ments. Another investment which he has made
is the purchase of one-half interest in a ranch
of which his brother, Paul Pfister, is the man-
ager. At the time of the organization of the
Paso Robles Improvement Club he was deeply
interested in the movement and has since been
connected with the club and a member of its
executive committee.
Few men in Paso Robles have acquired a rep-
utation more extended than that of Mr. Pfister.
His honorable course in business, excellent
financial talent and tact in the management of
affairs have won for him the confidence of the
community and have given him a high place in
the regard of all with whom business or social
relations bring him into contact. Fraternally
he is connected with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, while in politics he gives his
support to the Republican party.
MARK ELBERG.
< )\ving to the long period of his residence
in San Luis Ubispo county and his close iden-
tification with its ranching interests, Mr. Elberg
has become known among a large circle of ac-
quaintances in the central coast regions of Cali-
fornia. Like many other men who have helped
to develop this state, he is of foreign birth
and lineage. Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, is
his native place, and August 28, 1847, the date
of his birth. His education was such as the
common schools of Germany afforded. In
1870, after the treaty between Germany and
Denmark, he went to the latter country and
enlisted in the Danish army, where he served
for six months. However, the life was not
congenial to him, and he decided to seek an-
other sphere of activity.
During 1871 Mr. Elberg landed in Quebec,
and from there proceeded overland to Cali-
fornia, where he settled in San Mateo county
and secured employment in a sawmill at Red-
wood City. The following year he took up
farm pursuits, settling on a ranch near Salinas,
Monterey county, where he remained two years.
The year 1874 found him in San Luis Obispo
county, of which he has since been a resident.
His first purchase here comprised one hun-
dred acres near the city of San Luis Obispo,
and a later venture was the renting of the War-
den and Gibson ranch, where he farmed for
two years on a somewhat extensive scale. Go-
ing to the southern part of the county in 1876,
he leased two thousand acres, associated with
Tiyson Brothers. The agricultural operations
which they started were the first attempted in
that part of the country and met with success
larger than was expected. From this ranch,
in 1880 they harvested twenty-seven thousand
sacks of wheat.
On dissolving this partnership Mr. Elberg
in 1880 settled on a ranch of four hundred and
fifty acres in Los Osos valley. The land was
raw and unimproved, but he discerned possi-
bilities in the soil that had been overlooked by
others, and he at once set to work to place
the tract in a condition where profits might
be expected from its cultivation. At this
writing he has three hundred acres under the
plow, and raises excellent crops of beans, bar-
ley, oats and wheat. The house which he
erected on the ranch is one of the most sub-
stantial in the county, and is furnished with
a regard for the comfort and well-being of the
family. In addition to the raising of various
farm products, Mr. Elberg makes a specialty
of the dairy business, having a herd of twenty-
five head of dairy cows. The butter which
he manufactures commands a ready sale in
the markets. In addition to the cows on his
place, he has other stock, noticeably a number
of large horses for draft work and several
fine roadsters. The excellent condition of his
ranch and the many valuable improvements he
has made since coming hero in 1880 speak vol-
umes for his determination, perseverance and
industry. Indeed, it was only by the constant
exercise of these traits through all of the past
twenty or more years that he has been able
to bring his homestead into its present rmpi
condition and mrarke .inches
in Los Osos valley.
:!16
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
That flourishing local enterprise, the San Luis
Co-operative Store, numbers Mr. Elberg among
its directors. Ever since becoming a citizen
of the United States he has voted the Demo-
cratic ticket. His interest in public schools
led to his acceptance of the office of school
trustee, in which capacity he rendered efficient
service for many years. He was also presi-
dent of the high school board for a year. In
1882 he married Philipena Peterson, daughter
of H. L. Peterson, and a native of California.
They are the parents of a daughter and three
sons, namely: Ellen E., who is taking a special
course in music in San Francisco; Henry, who
is a student in the Mount Tamalpais Military
Academy at San Rafael, Cal.; Edward and Ar-
thur. In 1900 Mr. Elberg took a merited va-
cation from the management of his ranch and,
accompanied by his daughter, returned to
Europe, where he enjoyed a visit among his
old associates and friends in Denmark and
Germany, and also visited Paris and other
points of interest on the continent.
FRANK F. KELLOGG.
The history of the Kellogg family in Cali-
fornia dates from 1849, when Giles P. Kellogg
undertook the long voyage around the Horn
and arrived at the Golden Gate after a tedious
trip of seven months. He was of eastern birth
and parentage, born in Springfield, Mass., in
1823, but was reared principally in Connecticut.
Imbued with the spirit of enterprise that has
always characterized the people of New Eng-
land, early in life he determined to venture his
all in the then unknown west. With a party
of acquaintances, he bought a vessel, Henry
Lee, which was fitted out with provisions and
other necessaries, and in which the voyage was
made to San Francisco. Like all newcomers, it
was his ambition to try his luck in the mines,
but, unlike many, he was successful in locating
two excellent claims. Later he turned his at-
tention to photography and still later became in-
1 Tested in the dairy business.
I »uring the fall of 1867 Giles P. Kellogg and
his brother-in-law, Charles Laird, bought seven
thousand acres, forming a part of the old Spence
ranch, and situated at Chualar, Monterey
county. Settling on this property, he began to
build up a stock and dairy business, and also
gave some attention to placing the land under
cultivation. In those days the country was
practically uninhabited, and the only signs of
life hereabouts were when the old stage coach
passed by on its infrequent trips to the towns.
To him, as to all pioneers, it was a happy day
when settlers began to come in, lands were
bought, houses built, and an era of prosperity
begun for the region where he made his home.
With the exception of the last months of his life,
he remained a constant resident of this ranch, de-
voting himself to its improvement and convert-
ing it into a source of profit. His death oc-
curred May 28, 1892, when he was nearly sev-
enty years of age. In politics he was a Repub-
lican, keenly alive to the issues of the age and
thoroughly devoted to the principles for which
his party stands. Fraternally he was associated
with the Masons and Odd Fellows.
By the marriage of Giles P. Kellogg and Ma-
linda Laird three children were born, but the
only survivor is Edwin D. Kellogg, an employe
in the custom-house at San Francisco. The
second marriage of Giles P. Kellogg was solem-
nized in San Francisco August 11, 1865, and
united him with Miss Emelissa Frisbie, who
was born in Oneida county, N. Y. They be-
came the parents of two children, Frank F. and
Carrie J. The latter is the widow of Frank M.
Dunshee and, with her two children, resides at
Santa Barbara. Frank F. Kellogg was born in
Petaluma county, Cal., August 24, 1866, and
was only one year old when the family settled
on the ranch at Chualar, Monterey county.
Here he grew to manhood and has since made
his home, carrying on the business established
by his father and engaging with fair success in
stock-raising and general farming. Under his
supervision are one thousand acres of land, a
portion of which is in pasturage for his herds of
cattle and horses. A feature of his pursuits is
the dairy industry, and at this writing he has
aboul sixt) milch cows on his farm. In his work-
lie has brought to bear modern methods and has
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
zr,
proved himself to be progressive, energetic and
resourceful, interested in nil that tends to im-
prove farming- interests in his community.
While as yet Frank F. Kellogg has not been
active in politics, he has strong convictions re-
garding the issues before cur nation and gives
iiis support to the Republican party. In Ma-
sonry he is a member of the blue lodge at Sa-
linas. His marriage took place June i, 1893,
and united him with Hannah Anderson, by
whom he has three children, Mildred D., Helen
C. and Frank L. The family have many friends
throughout Monterey county, and are highly
regarded anions; their acquaintances and associ-
ates.
HON. JOHN H. HOLLISTER.
During the greater part of his life Mr. Hol-
lister has been a resident of San Luis Obispo
county. He was born in Newark, Ohio, No-
vember 27, 1856, and accompanied his parents
10 California when four years of age. His edu-
cation was obtained primarily in public schools,
after which he took the scientific course in the
California State University at Berkeley, and
was graduated with honors. On his return
home he took up cattle raising on a part of the
Chorro ranch. In 1882 he bought seventeen
thousand acres of Las Chimincas rancho, in the
eastern part of San Luis Obispo county, retain-
ing, however, his home on the Chorro ranch.
As a partner of Frank Adams, he conducted a
large business in cattle-raising on his large
ranch until 1891, when he sold the tract. Dur-
ing 1887, with Mr. Adams, he bought the Santa
Rosa ranch in Pima county, Ariz., and stocked
the place with five thousand head of cattle. By
sinking a well one thousand feet, they secured
an abundance of water for their stock. Fpr a
time the business nourished, but finally a great
drought came and the cattle died on the prai-
ries. An enterprise that promised well was thus
brought to an unfortunate end.
Since boyhood Mr. llollister has been inter-
ested in dairying and has made a specialty of
the manufacture of butter. In the buying and
selling of cattle he iias also been a large opera-
tor, and his judgment concerning stock is sel-
dom al fault. In iSi)fi he settled on a portion
of the Corral de Piedra rancho, consisting of .
one thousand acres, and here he carries on gen-
eral farming and dairying. With a herd of one
hundred dairv cows, he produces a fine grade of
butter, known throughout the central coast as
the J. H. Hollister creamery butter, for which
there is a constant demand at fair prices. Be-
sides his various ranch interests, he owns prop-
erty in San Luis Obispo.
From the time of attaining his majority, Mr.
Hollister has voted with the Republicans. When
twenty-three years of age he was elected county
supervisor, being the youngest member the
board has ever had. During his two years of
service, the board refunded the bonded debt of
the county. In 1882 he was elected to the legis-
lature from San Luis Obispo county, and served
from January, 1883, until January, 1885. Sev-
eral bills that were of great value marked his
work as a legislator. He was the author of an
act to exterminate fruit-tree pests and to pre-
vent disease in fruit trees, which became a law.
He also introduced the bill to establish the state
board of horticulture and to appropriate money
for the expenses thereof. To him belongs the
credit for the act to protect the dairy interests
of the state and known as the anti-oleomar-
garine law. He introduced an act providing for
the return to the government of the remaining
lands held by the railroads.
Since 1872 Air. llollister has been a member
of the California National Guard, and has held
commissions from the rank of sergeant-major to
that of major. For fourteen years he was a
member of the staff of the First Brigade. Fra-
ternally he is connected with King David Lodge
No. 209, F. & A. M.: and San Luis Chapter
No. 62, R. A. M. In 1883 he was knighted in
the Ventura Commandery No. 18, K. T, and
later became an organizer of San Luis Com-
mandery No. 2J. lie i- also a member of the
Fraternal Brotherhood and the W Imen of
the World. In 1S81 he married Flora M..
daughter oi Judge I. C. Stocking. Seven chil-
dren were born of their union, but one of these,
Ellen, died in 1887. when live years of age.
Those now living are: John II.. Jr.; William
M.. Marv B., Mora J., FeltOil S. and Ida G.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
REV. P. HASSETT.
The history of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic
Church of Watsonville dates back to 1864, when
the parish was divided and Father Russell
began to hold services at Watsonville. Though
the village was very small at that time, there
were in the vicinity quite a number of Roman
Catholic families, and so the new organization
started under encouraging- circumstances. Im-
mediately after coming here he began to erect a
house of worship, but this was not completed
until 1869, under the ministry of Father Ma-
honey. The structure had a capacity of four
hundred and fifty, and was, at the time of build-
ing, one of the most attractive and substantial
in the central coast regions.
In 1879 Father M. Marrion became rector of
the church and he continued until 1897, when
Father P. Hassett was chosen for the position.
The latter was born in county Tipperary, Ire-
land, in 1872, a son of Michael Hassett. Giving
evidence of fine talents, it was decided that the
best possible advantages should be bestowed
upon him, and it may be said with justice that
he availed himself of these to the utmost, prov-
ing a diligent student. In 1896, shortly after
his graduation from All Hallows' College, he
crossed the ocean to America, and then pro-
ceeded across the continent to California, where
he was appointed assistant to Father McNamee,
of Santa Cruz. During his incumbency of this
position, which he held until coming to Watson-
\ille, he gained a knowledge of California cus-
toms and American life, and thus was thor-
oughly qualified to meet any emergency that
might arise in future work.
Shortly after his arrival in Watsonville,
Father Hassett began to take steps looking to-
ward the erection of a new church, more com-
modious than the one in use. The sympathy of
his parishioners was aroused, contributions
i" How in, and the work of building was
taken up. The beautiful and modern brick
structure thai was erected was consecrated to
the service of Cod in 1902. In every respect it
1- worthy of the prosperous city of Watsonville
and the faithful labors of priest and parishioners.
eating capacity is about six hundred and
fifty. Improvements of modern description
have been introduced and the latest and most
approved methods of church architecture fol-
lowed. The credit for the attractive church is
given by the parishioners to their pastor, Father
Hassett, in whom they place the fullest confi-
dence, and whose wise course as a leader proves
that the trust is not misplaced.
IRA VAN GORDON.
Very few of the men now living in California
came to the state at a period antedating the ar-
rival of Mr. Van Gordon, who merits distinction
as a pioneer of 1846. The family of which he is
a member came from Holland in an early day.
His grandfather, a native of New York, was
seriously wounded during his service in the
Revolutionary war. The father, Gilbert, who
was born in Pennsylvania in 1779, served in the
war of 1812. By his marriage to Lucinda Ives,
daughter of Benajah Ives, also of Pennsylvania,
he had eleven children, Ira being the eldest of
these. When seventeen years of age he went
from Tioga county, Pa., where he was born
February 12, 1820, to Berrien county, Mich.,
where for two years he worked at a salary of
$15 a month. Next, going to Bond county, 111.,
he farmed on rented land. While living in Il-
linois, in 1841, he married Miss Rebecca Har-
lan, a native of Indiana.
Accompanied by his family, Mr. Van Gordon
came to California in 1846 and settled at the
Santa Clara Mission. For three months he
served as a soldier under John C. Fremont,
after which he went to the San Jose Mission
and from there to the redwoods near Oakland.
In 1848 his wife died. Two sons born of that
marriage are now living, Jerome and George.
After his wife's death Mr. Van Gordon took his
children to the mines, and they were cared for
by an aunt while he mined. On the return of
winter he went to the mission, and later planted
three acres of onions, which he sold on the
ground for $3,000. Going from there to Los
Angeles county, he entered the grape industry,
in which he prospered. From 1854 to 1855 he
engaged in stock-raising in San Diego county.
From there he drove two hundred and sixty
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
319
head of cattle and forty horses to Tulare county,
where he took up government land and carried
on a cattle business for eleven years.
Settling in San Luis Obispo county in 1868,
Mr. Van Gordon bought 4,468 acres of the San
Simeon ranch and established a dairy of two
hundred cows. Much of the land was given over
to the raising of hay, grain, potatoes, cabbage
and fruit. His first home on the ranch was an
adobe house, but in 1870 he erected a com-
modious residence which he provided with
every comfort. His second marriage was sol-
emnized in Tulare county, this state, and united
him with Miss Agnes Mary Balaam, who was
born in Arkansas, of English ancestry. Six
children were born of this union, namely: Gil-
bert, Ira, Sarah, Ann V., Sherman and Earl. In
1886 Mrs. Van Gordon passed away, and since
then he has made his home with his son, Gilbert.
At the organization of the Grange he was one
of its charter members. Politically he favored
the Republican party. No resident of San Luis
Obispo county is more highly honored than he,
and while he has now reached an age when he
can no longer engage actively in business, yet
he still keeps posted concerning public affairs
and shows the same interest in the progress of
his county that he evidenced during the earlier
vears of his residence here.
GILBERT VAN GORDON.
The interests with which Mr. Van Gordon is
identified are of a varied nature and indicate his
adaptability to different enterprises and the re-
sourcefulness of his mind. As cashier of the
San Luis Commercial Bank Agency at Cam-
bria, he is closely connected with the finan-
cial interests of San Luis Obispo county; while
his prominence and influence in the Republican
party have been recognized in his appointment
to the office of postmaster of Cambria. In ad-
dition, he has stock and ranching interests.
A native of Tulare county, Cal., born in 1861,
Gilbert Van Gordon was six years of age when
his father, Ira Van Gordon, brought the fam-
ily to San Luis Obispo county. He grew to
manhood in this part of the state, and was given
excellent public-school and collegiate advan-
tages. Possessing a disposition in which energy
formed an important factor, while still a youth
he began to acquire stock and ranch interests,
and his ambition to succeed has always been a
noticeable feature of his character. Dairying
has always formed a leading industry of San
Luis Obispo county, and he chose it as his spe-
cial line of activity. On a part of the San
Simeon ranch he engaged in stock-raising and
dairying, and kept about one hundred and fifty
dairy cows, his specialty being graded stock.
At the time of his election to the cashiership of
the bank he moved into town in 1899, and the
following year his responsibilities were increased
by his appointment as postmaster of Cambria,
under President McKinley. Another enterprise
in which he was interested and the organization
of which resulted from his efforts was the Home
Creamery Association. He was its president
and continued in the position until the cream-
ery was burned down in 1899.
While Mr. Van Gordon cannot be called a
partisan, yet he is known to be one of the most
active local workers in the Republican party,
and his appointment as postmaster was a just
tribute to his successful work in the party.
Fraternally he is connected with San Simeon
Lodge No. 196, F. & A. M.; and Hesperian
Lodge No. 181, I. O. O. F. and in the latter he
is past noble grand. By his marriage to Miss
M. H. Arbuckle, he has two children, Horace
J. and Evelyn.
J. ANDRESEN.
The secretary of the Wahrlich-Cornett Com-
pany, of Salinas and Soledad, is one of the well-
known business men and honored citizens ot
Salinas. It is worthy of note that he and the
president of the company, William Wahrlich,
came from the same city, Vpenrade, a place of
about six thousand inhabitants, lying north of
Schleswig, in the Prussian province of Schles-
wig-Holstein. Around in this part of the prov-
ince the Danish language was heard more fre-
quently than the German, owing to the close
proximity of Denmark and the similarity of the
pations and interests of the people in the
two adjacent countries. He was born in 1848
320
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and while still very young was left an orphan,
without means, and so at an age when most
hoys are in school he was forced to begin to
earn his livelihood. The privations and hard-
ships he endured had a beneficial effect in de-
veloping traits of self-reliance, industry and per-
severance, which were the foundation stones for
the achievement of his subsequent success. As
a clerk in a store in Apenrade he gained a thor-
ough knowledge of the mercantile business, con-
tinuing in the occupation three years in that
town, and he also worked for two years with a
firm of ships7 commission merchants.
By way of the isthmus Mr. Andresen came
to California in 1867, and the following year
went from San Francisco to Placer county,
where he made his home about twenty years,
engaged in general farming and stock-raising.
In 1893 he removed to Salinas and bought an
interest in the Wahrlich-Cornett Mercantile
Company, of which he is now secretary. Some
years before this he had spent a short time in
Salinas, and was then connected with the gas
and water company. During his first sojourn
in this city he was married, in 1881, to Miss M.
C. Hansen, a native of Denmark. By a former
marriage with Ingeborg B. Crogh, there was
one son, Peter, who resides in Salinas.
The tastes and inclinations of Mr. Andresen
have never been in the line of politics, and,
while he votes the Democratic ticket, he has
never been a partisan nor active in the conduct
of local municipal affairs. Fraternally he is
ted with the Dania Society and the An-
cient < Irder of United Workmen.
SINGLETON W. WILSON.
The Bank of San Luis Obispo dates its or-
ganization back to a period when the county of
the same name had as yet no bank within its
1 >rganized during 1873, it has there-
| n in 1 > isti m 1 Eor about thirty years.
During this period it has maintained the confi-
dence of depositors .-111(1 the general public;
this, too. notwithstanding the trying times when
droughts devastated all the surrounding country
n and long-continued strin
in the money market. The former head
of the institution was J. P. Andrews, who has
since become president of the Andrews Banking
Company of the same city. For some years
past J. L. Crittenden has served as president,
and Singleton \V. Wilson has filled the office of
cashier.
Mr. Wilson was born in St. Louis, Mo., in
1845, a son °f Singleton and Mary (Barn Wil-
son, natives respectively of Shelbyville, Ky.,
and Baltimore, Md. The father, who was a
promising young lawyer, died in 1847; nacl he
lived, undoubtedly he would have attained emi-
nence at the bar. Seme years after her hus-
band's death, Mrs. Wilson was again married,
becoming the wife of James B. Colt, a brother of
Samuel Colt, the famous inventor of the revolv-
ing pistol. Their marriage took place in St.
Louis, after which, in 1852, they removed to
Hartford, Conn., and in the latter city S. W.
Wilson remained until i860, meantime attending
the public schools. At the age of fifteen he re-
turned to St. Louis and secured employment as
shipping clerk in a wholesale grocery. The next
year, at the opening of the Civil war, he en-
listed in the Confederate army, joining the ar-
tillery service under General Thompson. In the
battle of Springfield he was with General Price's
corps. With his regiment he was despatched
across the Mississippi river to take part in the
battle of Pittsburg Landing, but reached there
too late to join in the engagement. Afterward
he took part in the battles of Corinth, Holly
Springs. Black river, and the siege of Vicksburg.
lasting forty-five days. During that siege he
fell into the hands of northern troops, by whom
he was taken prisoner, but later released on
parole. He then went to the northern part of
Mississippi, but there met with the misfortune
of again suffering capture by the enemy, and he
was then taken to St. Louis as a prisoner of
war. Later he was transferred to Camp Mor-
ton .it Indianapolis, Ind.. where he remained
until the close of the war.
Returning to St. Louis. Mr. Wilson soon
went from there to New Orleans and secured a
position as bookkeeper for Hayes, Russell &
i'm. wholesale grocers, with whom he remained
in that city for two years. Next he went back-
to St. Louis and became bookkeeper for Rus-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sell, Hayes & Co., who conducted a business in
St. Louis under a slightly different title from
that in New Orleans. In 1873 ne resigned his
position and came to California. At that time
the sheep business was attracting hundreds of
men, who were inspired by the successes of the
sheep princes of the state. He was among the
number who had great faith in the industry.
Accordingly he bought a large flock and estab-
lished himself in the business near Fresno. For
a time all went well, but the drought of 1876
and 1877 caused an entire loss, and he retired
permanently from stock-raising. In January,
1876, he came to San Luis Obispo and soon
afterward was appointed deputy county clerk
and auditor. In 1S80 he was elected auditor,
which office he filled until 1889. In February of
the last-named year he entered the Bank of San
Luis Obispo as bookkeeper, and in April, 1890,
was promoted to be cashier, which position he
has since filled. His attention has been given
so closely to banking affairs that he has had no
leisure to participate in politics. However, he
may always be relied upon to cast a Democratic
ticket at local or national elections. Fraternally
he is connected with the Foresters and Royal
Arcanum.
In Richmond, Mo., December 16, 1869, Mr.
Wilson married Miss Lucy E. Allen, daughter
of Henry and Ann (Reeves) Allen, of Missouri,
her father having been a prominent citizen.
Three children comprise the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Wilson, namely: Roberta, who is the wife
of W. L. Rogers, an attorney in San Francisco;
Florence B., at home; and Norman, Singleton,
who is engaged in the coffee business in San
Salvador, Central America.
JAMES CASS.
Few of the men now living in San Luis
Obispo county came to California at a period
earlier than Mr. Cass, who belongs to the heroic
band of "forty-niners," and arrived in San Fran-
cisco on the 8th of July of that memorable year.
He was born in Somerset, England, November
24, 1824, and is the only child of James and 1 [ar-
riel Cass. At the age of ten years he shipped
as a sailor, and in 1836 he came to the United
States, after which he sailed along the coast of
this country until 1841. An interval of a year
followed during which he attended school in
England. On resuming a seafaring life, he was
made mate of the brig Trio, of New York.
After the discovery of gold in California Mr.
Cass came to the Pacific coast on the Orpheus,
and secured employment on the Olevia, running
on the Sacramento river, for which he was paid
$150 per month. In September, 1849, he went
to the mines at Coloma, and thence to Drv
Town, where he mined in the winter and sailed
on the river in the summer. On account of ill-
ness he was obliged to discontinue mining, and
so became a pilot on the river, for which he
received $250 a month. As soon as he had re-
gained his health he resumed mining, and in two
weeks took out $2,500. His next venture was
the organization of the Boston store on Dry
creek, two and one-half miles north of the Q
ranch, in which business he was associated with
Joseph Crackborn, Charles Samons and Levi
Shepherd. The store was opened November 1.
1850, but in June of the next year he sold his
interest in the establishment.
The first purchase of ranch land made by Mr.
Cass was in 1851, when he bought one hundred
and sixty acres and embarked in agriculture.
However, knowing little about the occupation,
and being harassed by unlooked-for difficulties
(chief among which were the floods), he failed
to make a success of the undertaking. He then
opened a store at Mule Town, in which he soon
took Walden Lords as a partner. Six months
later they sold the store and each took up a
quarter-section of government land, on which
they engaged in raising hogs. This venture,
like the previous agricultural undertaking,
proved a failure, hi November. 1867. Mr. Cass
sold out and came to Cayucos, San Luis Obispo
county, where he took up throe hundred and
twenty acres of government land, one and
half miles from tin- village. Two years after-
ward In-' -"Id Mir -Li. is and 1 Mid, and, with I ap
tain Ingalls, built a wharf, in which he still
owns a half interest and i- m tnager.
Me has done much for the upbuilding of Cayu
cos. This little village owes much to hi- con-
stant interest in its well-being. X" movement
322
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has ever been proposed for its progress which
lias failed to secure his sympathy and active co-
operation, [ndeed, he has always been in the
forefront in proposing plans to promote the
welfare of the people and to aid in developing
local resources. Notwithstanding the hardships
of existence during the early years of his resi-
dence in California, he is still a robust man,
and his interest in life and its activities is no
less keen than when, a young man of twenty-
five years, he entered the Golden Gate of the
Sunset Land.
As an instance of the ingenuity which Mr.
Cass possesses it may be stated that, having had
much experience with the destructive work of
the teredo, he set himself to the task of invent-
ing a pile preserver, and this he has patented.
The system has been adopted, not only in his
own wharf, but in others along the coast, and
has proved the means of preserving the piles for
years. In this way he has not only saved his
company heavy expenses, but has also given a
valuable invention to the world. Other in-
stances might be enumerated in proof of his
genius in devising needed articles, but the above
is sufficient to show the ingenious bent of his
nature.
In 1854 Mr. Cass married Mary, daughter of
William Stone, of England. She died in 1858,
leaving four children, Sarah, Charles A., Emily
and Henry K. His second wife bore the maiden
name of Mary McMurry, and was born in New
York. A daughter, Rosa M., was born of this
union. The family occupy a comfortable home
nol far from the store and wharf owned by Mr.
Cass. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar
Mason and has passed through all the chairs of
the Odd Fellows.
R. H. WILLEY.
This prominent attorne) of Monterey and Pa
cific drove comes of an early dating English an
cestry. As indicative of the moral and intel
lectual standing of the family, it is only
necessary in slate that the direel line of descenl
for four generations have been ministers in the
Moravian church, ami men of exemplary char-
acter ami broad usefulness.
In keeping with the example of his forefath-
ers, I )r. J. M. Willey, the father of R. H., left
to his children the heritage of a noble name, and
the memory of a life spent near the heart of the
best that the world has to offer of art and music,
and the impressive science of his great pro-
fession. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and
was graduated from the Royal College of his na-
tive city, thereafter attaining to enviable dis-
tinction as a physician and surgeon. During
the devastating famine and plague ending with
1850, he served in the English service as a vol-
unteer surgeon, and with the termination of his
services in this capacity came to America and
located in New York City, where he became a
dramatic and art critic. In a few years he lo-
cated in Natchez, Miss., coining to California in
1864. In San Francisco he practiced his pro-
fession up to the time of his death in 1886, at
the age of sixty-four years. He was greatly be-
loved by all who knew him, and his devotion to
the fine and beautiful things of life amounted
almost to a passion. His wife, formerly Maria
Miller, was also a native of Ireland, and died in
San Francisco in 1895, at the age of seventy
years.
Although born in New York City in 1852,
R. H. Willey was reared in the north of Eng-
land by an uncle and aunt, the former of whom
was a minister in the Moravian church. The
youth was educated in the private school of the
church, and upon returning to the United States
in 1870, joined his family in San Francisco,
whither his father had in the meantime removed.
1 laving decided to devote his life to the practice
of law, he entered the office of Hayes, Stanley
& Hayes, of San Francisco, and was admitted to
the bar of Napa county in the spring of 1877.
After two years' practice he was admitted to the
supreme and federal courts, and in 1879 came
to Monterey, then a town of a thousand inhab-
itants. No more interested and helpful spec-
tator of the city's growth has advanced its inter-
ests or helped to establish its professional
prestige. Ml of the organizations effected here
have been under his personal supervision, in-
cluding the incorporation of tin Montere)
Si reel Railway and the Electric Light Com-
pany, as well as the organization of the bank.
/^#fc
/^rt?^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
A like service lias been performed for various
enterprises at Pacific Grove, where Mr. Willey
is known and appreciated for his reliability, and
devotion to the best interests of his clients. He
is a Democrat in national politics, and a mem-
ber of the county central committee.
In 1877 Mr. Willey married in Napa county
Susan C. Clark, a native of California. Of this
union there are three children, John, Rena, and
Robert. The two sons are now employed in
t he civil engineering department of the South-
ern Pacific Railroad.
HORATIO M. WARDEN.
In a very early period of American history a
representative of the Warden family emigrated
from England and settled in Vermont. Gabriel
Warden, who was born at Burlington, that state,
served as a captain in the war with England,
and was a man of great patriotism and valor.
Some years after the war he removed to Ohio
and settled near Granville, Licking county,
where he and his wife, Mary (Seelyi Warden,
remained until death. The Seely family was also
from Vermontj where a brother of Mrs. Warden
became a very wealthy and prominent farmer.
There were eleven children in the family of
Gabriel Warden, and the next to the youngest
was Horatio M., born near Granville, Ohio, in
1828. When he was almost twenty years of age,
in 1847, ne became connected with a brother,
L. M., in the buying and selling of cattle; these
he drove in large numbers to Chicago, which at
the time was a small village on the frontier.
In the spring of 1850 the two brothers started
for California, across the plains. As far as Coun-
cil Bluffs they drove a herd of cattle and horses,
but there they exchanged them for mules, which
they drove to Salt Lake City, in company with
Tom Williams, a prominent Mormon, carrying
the Salt Lake mail. For three weeks they re-
mained among the Mormons, who showed them
every courtesy. With a train of pack mules they
left Salt Lake and crossed the desert to P
ville (then called Hangtown), Gal., where they
began the exciting occupation <>f mining. Some
what later the)- mined on the American river
below Michigan Bluff, where they made some
good finds. Xext they went to Sacrament., and
organized the Sacramento and Marysville stage
line, and for some years continued in business
as operators of the same. A later venture was
the establishment of a stage line between Au-
burn, Yankee Jims. Michigan Bluff, Illinois
Town and Iowa Hill, in Placer county. In 1856
they embarked in the stock business in Napa
county, where they continued some years, hav-
ing their share of successes and reverses.
During 1867 H. V. Warden came to
Luis Obispo county, where he now makes his
home. Settling in Los Osos valley, he bought
three thousand acres of raw land that formed a
portion of the Wilson tract or Los Osos rancho.
At first he stocked his place exclusively with
sheep, of which at times he had as many as six
thousand head. Later he bought a large num-
ber of head of cattle and became interested in
this branch of the stock business. Under the
name of Highland rancho. his property has be-
come well known throughout the county, its
special claim to distinction being the fine qual-
ity of butter that is shipped from the ranch to
the markets. Three dairies form a conspicuous
feature of the place, in the management of which
the owner finds his time closely occupied. An
average of six thi msand p. iunds of butter is man-
ufactured every month, all being of the best
quality. Of the three thousand acres originally
comprising Highland rancho. a portion has re
cently been sold, and the present acrea
seventeen hundred. Several hundred acres are
farmed, and hay, barley and other products are
raised. However. In far the larger port
the land is utilized for the pasturage of the
stock, for which purpose it is well adapted. The
cattle are principally thoroughbred Shorthorns
and Durhams, man) of them registered. Both
draught horses and roadsters are t.> be found
on the ranch, besides a good grade of hogs.
The ranch residence, the first frame house
erected in Los < >sos valle;
house in the entire count} and is handsomely
furnished and finished throughout with all mod-
ern improvements.
The management of his dairy and ran.
■den's activi-
ties. 1 I '
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tered under his judicious care and wise over-
sight. With C. II. Phillips, in 1872, he estab-
lished the first bank that was started in San
Luis Obispo county. The business was con-
ducted under the firm title of Warden & Phil-
lips, with Mr. Warden as president and Mr.
Phillips as cashier, and for many years a general
banking business was conducted, under the con-
servative and wise supervision of the principal
owner. In 1898 he built the Warden block in
San Luis Obispo, which he still owns, besides
having other real estate here. The growth of
the city owes much to his energy and exertions.
The duties of a public-spirited citizen are never
neglected by him. Especially has he been active
in the building of schools and churches, for he
believes these to be the two greatest factors of
modern civilization, and is of the opinion that
too much cannot be done to foster their growth.
Together with two school trustees, he gave per-
sonal notes which rendered possible the building
of the first schoolhouse in San Luis Obispo
county, and for many years he occupied the
office of trustee in this same school. Politically
he is a stanch Republican and is a- member of
the county central committee, besides an attend-
ant at all important meetings of his party. In
[880 lie served as a county supervisor. In 1886
he was the unanimous choice of his party for
candidate to the general assembly. Frequently
he has been a delegate to county and state con-
ventions. In fraternal relations he is connected
with the San Luis Obispo lodge of Masons and
is past noble grand of the Odd Fellows. His
1 marriage took place in 1882 and united
him with Miss Queenie Parr, a native of Iowa
daughter of Mrs. Loraine (Page) Parr.
1 hildren were born of their union,namely:
Queenie M.. Horatio M., Jr., and Mary Loraine.
The youngest was called hence March 17, 1902,
aged fourteen year-, two months and ten days.
EDWARD WHITE.
[Tie name which Mr. White bears is one
which has been long and honorably associated
with thi California. 1 lis father, Will-
iam F. White, a pioneer of the Pajaro valley,
'I i lint) i .inn-rick, Ireland, in 1X16,
"ii of Edward and Ellen (( iriffin) White.
When four years of age he was brought to
America by his parents and settled in Chenango
Point (now Binghamton), N. Y., but later re-
moved to Susquehanna county, Pa., where the
parents attained to advanced years and passed
away. The mother was a sister of Gerald Grif-
fin, the poet (born 1803, died 1840). Through
successive generations it has been noticeable
that many of the family have inherited eloquence
of speech, others have inherited the power to
express thoughts in vivid and rhythmic language
such as the Irish poet used, while still others
have shown commercial talents of a high order.
The education of William F. White was com-
pleted in Oxford (N. Y.) Academy. He became
a commercial traveler for a New York firm and
traveled through the southern states. On one
of his trips he met Frances J. Russell of Sa-
vannah, Ga., whom he afterward married. About
the time of their marriage the gold fever broke
out and he and his wife decided to join the
argonauts for the far west. Proceeding to New
York, they secured passage with Captain Hamil-
ton and in January of 1849 started around Cape
Horn for San Francisco. On board were some
three hundred passengers, among whom Mrs.
White was the only woman. They endured the
hardships of a voyage of six months, during
which water failed and the passengers were put
on a limited supply. Incipient rebellion arose,
but was promptly suppressed, and in June the
ship entered the harbor of the Golden Gate.
Among the passengers were many college stu-
dents, wholly unused to hardships and illy fitted
to cope with the difficulties confronting pioneers
of the coast. Some of these, finding only a few
small buildings instead of a "Golden" city, did
not leave the vessel, but applied to the captain
for work to defray the expenses of the return
journey. As the crew had all deserted for the
mines, the captain was obliged to take such
help as he could get, and so availed himself of
the ex-students and outfitted his vessel for the
long return journey.
It had not been Mr. White's intention to fol-
low mining, and he at once embarked in mer-
cantile pursuits with D. J. I Hiver and J. R. Mc-
Glynn. In [852 lie sold his interest and pur-
.1 pari of the Sul Si 1'ue.les rancho, in
HISTOKK \L AND MM )( ikAI 'J i l< AL RECORD.
connection with E. Kelley, E. Casserly, J. R.
Vlcl rlyiin, VV. W. Stowe, William Davidson and
Mr. Blair, a tract of thirty-two thousand acres
being bought for .$40,000. Subsequently the
land was divided and W. F. White became owner
of three thousand shares. On this estate he
erected the first substantial house built in the
vicinity. As there were no sawmills in this
country, the lumber used in the construction of
the house was brought from Maine. On the
land he had cattle and conducted a dairy, con-
tinuing for some years, then retiring to San
Francisco. The ranch is now owned by Judge
G, M. Bockius.
To a man of Air. White's active temperament
and patriotic spirit an interest in local politics
and national problems was characteristic and
constant. In 1878 he was elected a member of
the constitutional convention, and later received
from Governor Irwin an appointment as bank
commissioner of the state. He died at his resi-
dence in Oakland, CaL. in May, [890, aged sev-
enty-four years. His widow is still living and
makes her home with her daughters in San
Francisco. Their children were named as fol-
lows: Ellen (who died in infancy); Mary, Ed-
ward, Stephen M., Ellen, Genevieve, Rhoda,
Lillie and Fannie.
The second son, Hon. Stephen Mallory
White, was born in San Francisco in 1853, and
received his education in Santa Clara College,
graduating in 1872. lie studied law with Hon.
Charles B. Younger of Santa Cruz and was ad-
mitted to the state bar in 1873. after which he
went td Los Angeles to practice. Old lawyers,
remembering the days of their youth, can imag-
ine his position, among strangers, without in-
fluence or prestige, yet undertaking the difficult
feat of gaining a foothold. There was much in
his favor, as he was an eloquent speaker, a fluent
writer and a quick debater. Yet even with these
talents there seemed no opening. For six
months he struggled along, then decided it was
useless to wail longer and began to think of re-
moving elsewhere. After his mind was fully
made up to investigate other towns, a man in-
vited him to deliver an address al the celebration
of St. Patrick's day, March 17. Having decided
i" leave, he first declined: but, on being impor-
tuned, consented to remain and speak. At the
conclusion of his able address to a very large
assembly he was congratulated by hundreds and
was told by many that he had opened a road to
tame. This event changed his entire future. He
remained, soon won a case, and from that day
on had as large a practice as he could handle.
An honorable service as district attorney was
followed by his election to the United States
senate, where his efforts in behalf of the San
Pedro harbor bill gave him national promi-
nence. The arduous work of the office under-
mined his health and while still a young man
he died in February of 1899. His wife,
Hortense, nee Lacriste, is the mother of four
children. William. Gerald, Hortense E. and Es-
telle.
The eldest son of William F. White was Ed-
ward White, born in San Francisco June 25,
; 85 i . and educated in Santa Clara College. In
1874 he began for himself by renting farm land
and later bought Calabasa rancho of two thou-
sand acres, where lie engaged in the dairy busi-
ness and developed a fruit industry. At this
writing eight hundred acres of the tract are in
his possession. Much of the property is set out
in apples, apricots, cherries and various small
fruits, and there is also a dairy of fifty Durham
cows. In 1889 he moved his family to Watson-
ville. where he has since made his home. His
wife, Annie, is a daughter of John Rovse, a
pioneer of Pajaro valley, and they have six chil-
dren. Edward, Jr., Ellen, Stephen, Lucille, Ray-
mond and William. Another son was lost in
infancy. The family are members of the Ro-
man Catholic Church.
Associated with William Dehart, under the
firm (itle of White ,K: Dehart, in [895 Mr. White
established a large lumber mill, but this was
soon developed into a box manufactory, his
interest in which he recently sold. In Novem-
ber of 1800 he was elected county supervisor
and at ibis writing he is also a trustee of the
Agnew insane asylum, under appointment
Governor Gage [Tie reputation which his
father established has been maintained by him-
self, and in ever) resp< t hi >ved himself
an able business man. a capable financier and a
progressh e citi
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ANDREW YORK.
The man best known between Paso Robles
and the coast is Andrew York, proprietor of the
Ascension winery, temptingly located on the
trail of weary travelers as they proceed across
(he mountains to the ocean. No tourist in these
parts but has heard of the unstinted hospitality
tendered the hungry and thirsty by this genial
high mountain host, and all are warm in praise
of both his commodities and resort. A Hoosier
by birth and early training, Mr. York was born
in Monroe county. Ind., March 3, 1833, his
father," Pleasant York, having settled there in
early manhood. In 1852 he removed to La
Salle county. III, and engaged in farming and
stock-raising on two hundred and forty acres of
land. Afterward he was fortunate enough to
discover coal on his possessions, and thereupon
opened up the coal mine which resulted in the
formation of the Streeter Mining Company.
1 lis death, in 1868. removed a man prominent
in the affairs of early and later Illinois, and who
at one time served as deputy sheriff of his
county. At first a Jacksonian Democrat, he
was later as stanch a Lincoln Republican. He-
married Rachel McPheatridge, a native of Ten-
nessee, and who bore him nine sons and one
daughter, all of whom attained maturity, An-
drew being the fifth. Of the sons. John Milton
was county clerk for fourteen years, and after-
ward served as county recorder.
Equipped with a common-school education,
Andrew York started across the plains March
27, 1854, and on the way helped to drive seven
hundred cattle and fifty head of mules and
horses. Thus he and his brother, E. M., worked
their w i\ over the plains, and this brother is at
hi living in Napa county, Cal., engaged in
the raising of prunes. Mr. York engaged in
gold mining in Nevada county for a couple of
and then went to St. Helena, Napa
county, where he mined and farmed for two
Later he returned east to Illinois and
ouri, and at St. Joseph, in the latter state,
bought one hundred and twenty acres of land,
from which he removed to Ottawa county, and
farmed. In the spring of [865 he again started
' luit on account of the Indian war
stopped at Nebraska City, and from there
freighted between Julcsburg and Fort Kearney
in the employ of the government. At the ex-
piration of a year he sold his freighting outfit
and went to the Cherokee Nation, and on the
present site of Baxter took up a claim for one
hundred and sixty acres of land, which he oper-
ated with modest success for a few months. In
Texas lie experimented on sixty acres of land in
Fannin county. Later Mr. York bought two
hundred acres of land in Newton county, Mo.,
and sold the same the year that he came to Cal-
ifornia in 1874. On the coast, at the mouth of
Torro creek, in San Luis Obispo county, he be-
gan a genera! farming enterprise in 1877, and in
1882 came to his present ranch of one hundred
and twelve acres, where he has since conducted
extensive wine making enterprises. Thirty
acres are under grapes, although he is obliged
to buy grapes in considerable quantities from
outside growers. In 1884 he turned out thirty
barrels, or fifteen hundred gallons; in 1885 the
output was seven thousand gallons; in 1886,
forty thousand gallons; in 1901, thirty-six thou-
sand gallons; and in 1902, forty thousand gal-
lons. On hand all the time are between twenty
and fifty thousand gallons. To local trade Mr.
York contributes about twenty thousand gallons
a year. He has greatly improved his place, has
erected the Ascension winery, and has the most
advanced ideas for conducting an enterprise of
such extensive proportions.
After coming to California Mr. York married
Louisa Long. Of the children born to Mr. and
Mrs. York. James is engaged in conducting an
apiary and farm in this comity: Thomas has a
ranch of one hundred and sixty acres: Walter is
the manager and half owner of a winery; Eliza-
beth is the wife of Al Hazard: ami Ida is now
Mrs. Nelson, of Healdsburg, Cal. The present
wife of Mr. York was formerly Mrs. Hnlda Mat-
thews, and of this union there is one son, Silas,
who is interested with his father in the winery
business, and one daughter, Mrs. Lulu Peterson.
B) her former husband, Mrs. York had two chil-
dren, Oda Priest, now Mrs. Edward Gamble, liv-
ing near Templeton : and Justus Priest, a resident
of Pleasant valle\ in Colorado. Mr. York was a
member of the state militia for several years,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and has been variously interested in affairs out-
side of his winery in ibis county. He is a Dem-
ocrat in political preference, but has never been
among those seeking- political honors.
B. IVERSON.
The possibilities of Salinas have called forth
the most creditable ambitions of a few men
who were destined to make their way in the
commercial world, and whose strength of char-
acter and conservative judgment have served
as the fundamental growth of the common-
wealth. This has been emphatically true of
J. B. Iverson, whose well directed energies have
not only placed him among the men of wealth
of the town, but have invested him with an en-
viable reputation for business sagacity and in-
tegrity, tested during- the passing of many years.
A native son of Denmark, Mr. Iverson was
born at Apenrade, October 3, 1835. a son of
Jesse and Hannah (Rump) Iverson, natives of
the same Danish province. The father, who
was a blacksmith during his active life, eventu-
ally came to America and Salinas, where he
died October 15, 1890, the death of his wife
having occurred July 13, 1881. J. B. Iverson
received the common-school education accorded
the youth of his neighborhood, and at twenty-
two years of age he enlisted for military service
in the Danish army, serving for sixteen months.
From boyhood days he had familiarized himself
with the blacksmith's trade, which he subse-
quently followed in his native land. When
twenty-eight years of age he immigrated to
America and came to San Francisco, and for
the following five years worked for Henry
Smith, twelve miles from Oakland. He then
removed to Watsonville, where he was employed
for three months, reaching Salinas City in 1868.
At the time Salinas was a mere apology of a
town and contained but few inhabitants, its
special need being the infusion of such enter-
prise as was embodied in the future calculations
of Mr. Iverson. In partnership with his
brother, E. P. Iverson, he started an agricul-
tural implement manufacturing shop, located
where Sanborn & Ford now carry on their
hardware business. As the town increased they
branched out and did a large business, and
turned out heavy team and farm wagons, fam-
ily buggies, sulkies, plows, harrows, and any
number of labor saving devices. In time they
became the largest manufacturers of their kind
in Monterey county, and their present business
is conducted on Gabilan street, to which they
removed in 1873.
The Water & Light Company, of which Mr.
Iverson is president, was started by James Ho-
gen and Joseph Enright, and after a fitful career
Mr. Iverson and Air. Yanderhurst took hold
of it, and made it what it is today. For several
years Mr. Iverson has been president of the
company; nor does this represent the extent
of his responsibility, for he is vice-president of
the Monterey County Bank, of which he
was one of the organizers, and is also vari-
ously interested in financial enterprises in the
town and county. He is the possessor of two
ranches in Monterey county, both of which are
well stocked with horses and cattle. In fraternal
circles Mr. Iverson is chiefly known as a promi-
nent Odd Fellow, which organization he joined
in 1869. He is a member of the Encampment
and Canton, and has been treasurer for the
former since 1879. It was mainly through his
efforts that the Odd Fellows" hall was erected
in Salinas, and he has been president of the Hall
Association ever since it was started. He is one
of the most substantial of the pioneers who have
encompassed the upbuilding of this town and
county, and richly deserves the success which
has come his way, and the good will of his
associates.
E. P. IVERSON.
Among the pioneers whose association with
California began at a period antedating the
'70s, mention belongs to E. P. Iverson. He
merits recognition among the pioneers of Sa-
linas, for he came to this then hamlet in 1868.
He was then a young man. Inning Keen born in
1844, and possessed the energy and cheerful op-
timism of youth. With these qualities, but with-
out means or influential friends, he wa
In fight the battle of life with a sure hop( of
victory. In 1867 he came to California, and.
after spending some months in Alameda
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county, began to clerk for his brother, J. B.,
in Salinas. Ten years later the two formed a
partnership and in mi that day to this the firm
of [verson Brothers has been one of the most
influential and progressive in the city of Salinas.
They manufacture heavy team and farm wagons,
family carriages, buggies, sulkies, plows, har-
rows, etc., and conduct the largest business in
their line in Monterey county. Both brothers
have wielded great influence in local affairs.
J. B. has been a director of the Monterey
County Agricultural Association and president
of the Salinas Gas, Electric Light and Water
Company; while E. P. has officiated as a mem-
ber of the city council and school trustee. In
politics both are believers in Democratic princi-
ples, and fraternally they belong to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
The marriage of E. P. Iverson and Karen
Lund, a native of Denmark, was solemnized in
Salinas in 1871. They are the parents of five
children: Jesse B., at home; Martin, who is
employed in Soledad; John F., who is now in
San Francisco; Cora L., wife of C. Thorup, of
Salinas, and Effie C.
Mcdowell reid venable.
The genealogy of the Venable family is traced
back to a very early period in the settlement
of Virginia. Its members were prominent even
among the unusually brilliant coterie of states-
men whose names give luster to the annals of
1 In ( lid Dominion in the colonial period. Sev-
eral successive generations resided at the home-
stead, which for miles around was known as
State llill and which was maintained with elc-
■ m. , until the T vastating days of the Civil war
wroughl ruin throughoul all that region. Judge
Venable's great-grandfather, who was a member
of the burgess, had two sons, one of whom.
Richard X., became a prominent lawyer, while
the other, Abraham, served as United States
senator from \ irginia. Richard, son of Richard
X„ became a planter in Virginia, and married
Magdaline McCampbell, by whom he had live
children. She was horn in Lexington, Rock-
bridge county. Va., and was of Scotch Irish
parentage.
The fourth among the five children compris-
ing the family, McDowell Reid Venable, was
born in Charlotte county. Va., in 1836. Pri-
marily educated in common schools, he later
had the advantage of attendance at Hampden
Sidney College in Prince Edward county and
also took lectures in law at the University of
Virginia. Reared under southern influences,
he gave his sympathies unreservedly to the Con-
federacy and at the opening of the Civil war
enlisted in the Richmond Howitzers in the
Army of Northern Virginia, under Gen. Robert
E. Lee. June 10, 1861, he participated in the
battle of Bethel. Among the later engagements
in which he bore a part were those around
Richmond, at Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Mal-
vern Hill. Cedar Mountain, the second battle
of .Manassas, at Antietam (where he was
wounded and reported among the dead), South
Mountain, Harper's Ferry and Fredericksburg.
After the battle of Antietam he was promoted
to be second lieutenant, and later became first
lieutenant of the Engineers' Corps, in which
capacity he was stationed at Shreveport,
La., during the closing period of the war.
Under Gen. Kirby Smith he also saw- active
service through Arkansas and Texas. When
the war closed he was acting as captain of the
Engineers' Corps, in charge of pontoon bridges.
For about a year after the war he remained
in Texas, and then returned to his Virginia
home, resuming the pursuits of civic life. For
two years he engaged in the practice of law. but
his health had been seriously undermined by
the hardships of army service and a change of
climate was deemed necessary. For this reason
he came to California in 1868. After one year
in San Jose he came to San Luis Obispo, where
he has since been a participant in public af-
fairs and a promoter of local industries. From
1872 until 1880 he held office as county judge,
filling the position with a fidelity ami tact that
commanded universal respect. In 1K72 he was
chosen a delegate to the national Democratic
convention at Baltimore, Md., which nominated
Horace Greeley for president. A further honor
was tendered him when, in 1886, he was chosen
to represent this district in the state legislature.
His interest in educational matters led him to
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
333
accept the office of school trustee and for many
years he served as president of the board. The
office of president of the San Luis Obispo
Board of Trade was also long held by him.
On the organization of the Commercial Bank
of San Luis Obispo, in 1888, Judge Venable be-
came one of the original stockholders and direc-
tors, and was chosen to occupy the responsible
position of president, Mr. Brunner of San Fran-
cisco being made vice-president. Since then
he has remained at the head of the institution.
The bank has a paid-up capital of $200,000 and
is recognized as one of the strongest financial
concerns in Central California. The reputation
it has gained for strength is due in large meas-
ure to the conservative spirit shown by the
president, his care in making investments, and
his integrity of character, which has never been
questioned. Indeed, the qualities he possesses
seem to be those best adapted for the banking
business, and "the right man for the right place"
may be said of him in his capacity of president.
Though far removed from the scenes of his
youth, Judge Venable has never forgotten the
associates of boyhood, and especially has he
borne in mind those who shared with him the
hardships and perils of forced marches and fierce
struggles with the enemy. It is an unusual oc-
currence that of his friends (about thirty in
number) who fought in the Confederate army,
almost every one came to California and more
than twenty gained for themselves prominence
and success as attorneys or jurists. In 1872
Judge Venable married Miss Alice Watkins,
daughter of G. M. Watkins, of Montgomery
county, Md. They are the parents of five
daughters, namely: Catherine Ralston, Alice
McDonald, Edna Louise, Magdaline and Reida
McDonald.
WILLIAM WAHRLICH.
The city of Salinas is the abode of a large
number of men who were thrown upon their
own resources at an early age and whose nat-
ural abilities were strengthened by contact with
the world, thus gaining for them the esteem
of associates and financial success. Included in
this list is Mr. Wahrlich, president of the Wahr-
Iich-Cornett Company, which has its principal
headquarters in Salinas, but also operates a
branch house in Soledad. The firm have their
Salinas store in the McDougall building on
Main street, and thus enjoy the advantages of a
central location, in the best part of the city.
Employment is furnished In about fifteen per-
sons, whose courtes) to customers, combined
with the genial characters and well known up-
rightness of the heads of the firm, have given
the store popularity throughout this vicinity.
A large stock is carried that embraces all the
features of a modern department store, and the
proprietors, buying in large quantities, are able
to sell at particularly reasonable prices, yet en-
joy a fair profit as compensation for their own
efforts.
The founder of this large business was born
in Schleswig, Germany, in 1855, and received
an excellent education in German schools. On
the evening of the day that he was twenty years
old he arrived in Salinas, and here he has since
made his home. At once he secured employ-
ment with the Vanderhurst-Sanborn Company,
syith whom he remained for five years as clerk,
meantime acquiring a thorough knowledge of the
mercantile business in all of its details. Fortified
by this knowledge, but with very limited means
at his command, in 18S0 he established a small
grocery business. His experience and general
business talent enabled him to conduct the en-
terprise successfully from the first, and the store
received a constantly increasing patronage.
Later Mr. Cornett was admitted to partnership
and in 1895 the firm was incorporated under its
present title, with Mr. Wahrlich as president
and J. Andresen secretary. Among the direc-
tors of the company is J. P.. Iverson, one of the
most influential business men of Salinas.
In 1S80 Mr. Wahrlich married Miss Christine
Krough, a native of Denmark, and of their
union was born one son, Carl, who is now living
in San Francisco. A man who gives his atten-
tion so closely to business interests as does Mr.
Wahrlich could scarcely he expected to par-
ticipate in public affair.'-, and it is not surprising
that he take- no pari in politics However, he
keeps well posted concerning national qui
and advocates the pi : by the Dem-
33-1
IIIST< )RICAL AND UK (GRAPHICAL KLC< >Kl>.
ocratic party. If he has had no time for pol-
itics, still less has he had leisure to participate
in fraternal society matters, and is not associ-
ated with any of these various organizations.
losely than do most, he has confined his
attention to the building up of his business, and
the result fully justifies the time and thought
lie has given to the attainment of success.
LUCIAN SANBORN.
Few name- are more inseparably associated
with the history of Monterey and Santa Cruz
counties than that of Lucian Sanborn, who as
merchant, bank director and general promoter
of important enterprises proved the value of his
citizenship and the integrity of his character.
Perhaps in Salinas he was best known as a mem-
ber of the firm of Vanderhurst, Sanborn & Co.,
Incorporated, which has conducted a large and
successful business for the past thirty-five or
more years; however, this enterprise did not
represent the limit of his activities, for he was
also a member of the Ford-Sanborn Company,
which established branch stores in different
parts of the state and built up a reputation sec-
ond to no firm in its part of California.
In his native town of Merchantsport, Me.,
Lucian Sanborn received such advantages as
the common schools afforded; these being but
limited, the broad knowledge that he acquired
was the result of self-culture in later years rather
than any special advantages that fell to his lot
in youth. During the excitement caused by the
discovery of sold in California, in 1849, he was
among the argonauts who sought fortune on the
Pacific coast, but, failing to meet with the
hoped-for success in the mines, he went to Wat-
sonville, and soon afterward started in business
with Dr. Ford, forming the firm of Ford &
Sanborn, general merchants. The subsequent
of his life were marked by great activity
ami uniform success. Although lie started out
with 11.. means, his resolute will and iron deter
mination broughl him prosperitj at an earlier
in it comes to mOSl self-made men. With
a keen intuition, rare foresight and sound judg
liH'iit, lie was fitted t<i conduct mercantile pur-
suits with skill and efficiency, and every firm
with which he was identified owed much to his
sagai ity and energy. He became a heavy stock-
holder in the Monterey County Bank and served
as -in- of its directors, besides which he had
stock in other banks. Until his death, which
occurred in 1899 at seventy-six years of age,
lie led an active business life, giving his entire
attention to the management of his commercial
interests, and finding all the recreation he de-
sired in the companionship of his wife (formerly
Caroline Scott) and son and daughter.
The only son of Lucian Sanborn is L. W.
Sanborn, secretary of the Ford-Sanborn Com-
pany, and a young man of marked executive
ability. Born and educated in San Francisco,
after he had completed school he was connected
with some of the largest firms in his native city,
and t litis acquired a broad and deep commercial
education and experience which has proved of
the greatest value to him since. He moved
to this city in 1889 and has since made his home
here. Politically he advocates Republican prin-
ciples, but politics appeals less to him than busi-
ness, and his time, thought and attention are
concentrated upon the varied business interests
which he has inherited and acquired.
WILLIAM SHIPSEY.
In addition to having held the office of mayor
of San Luis Obispo from 1898 to 1902, Mr.
Shipsey is regarded as one of the best author-
ities on law in the county. He was born in
Ireland, and was reared and educated for the
greater part in and near the city of Cork. His
earliest aspirations were turned toward
telegraphy as a means of support, and to this
i nd lie perfected himself in this occupation
while still in his native land. When eighteen
years of age, in [869, he came to the United
States and settled in Monterey county, and aft-
erward completed his education in St. Mary's
College. San Francisco, graduating in 187^ with
the degree of 1'.. S. lie thereafter turned his at-
tention to the mercantile business in Monterey,
but nol finding this congenial he decided to
read law. and entered the office of Judge Greg-
ory in Salinas. I luring his residence in Salinas,
where lie remained until 1876. lie served as dep-
S. W. FOR KM AN
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
337
uty clerk of Monterey county, and after re-
luming- to San Luis Obispo, he again entered
the office of Judge Gregory, and was admitted
to the bar of California in 1877.
In 1878 Mr. Shipsey located in Salinas and
formed a partnership with Judge Gregory, an
association amicably and satisfactorily contin-
ued until his removal to San Francisco in 1882.
While in the latter city he was for a time part-
ner of Judge William J. Graves and was associa-
ated with D. M. Delmas. In 1884 he located in
San Luis Obispo, which has since been his home.
In 1890 Mr.Shipsey married Annie Barrie and of
this union there are five children, viz: Edward,
William, Jr., Margaret, Kathline and Helen.
Mr. Shipsey has one brother, Edward, who is
a physician in Ireland, another brother who is
a merchant in the old country, and a brother,
Thomas Jacob, also a physician, who died after
immigrating to the United States. Mr. Shipsey
owes his position as head of municipal affairs
in San Luis Obispo to his acknowledged ex-
ecutive and general ability. His administration
has given satisfaction to the constituents who
placed him in office, and his tactful handling of
important public responsibilities and complica-
tions has won him the appreciation and ap-
proval of the best element of the opposite party.
SOLOMON W. FOREMAN.
For many years before his death Mr. Fore-
man owned and occupied a large ranch near
the city of San Luis Obispo, in Los Osos
valley. He was born near New Phila-
delphia, Ohio, in 1823, and was a son of Jacob
ami .Mary Foreman, natives of Pennsylvania,
of German descent, and early settlers of Ohio.
For years they made their home at New Phila-
delphia and when finally they passed away their
bodies were laid to rest in the cemetery at
that town. Solomon W. Foreman was a self-
made man and his education was so thorough
that he was enabled to teach school with more
than ordinary success. Having considerable
natural ability along the line of civil engineer-
ing, he took up that study, and for some years
before his marriage he traveled over the coun-
try, employing himself in that occupation.
With the customary outfit of oxen and mule
teams, in 1859 -^lr- Foreman crossed the plains
to California, being accompanied by his wife
and four children. Nothing occurred to mar
the pleasure of the trip, which they thoroughly-
enjoyed. The strange surroundings, the con-
stant changes, the camping out at night and
eating beside the camp fire, with the hearty
appetite which only the fresh air of mountains
and plains can induce — all of this afterward
formed one of the happiest memories of Mr.
Foreman's well-stored mind. They took two
cows with them, so there was no want of an
abundance of milk and butter. On the Fourth
of July, 1859, tnev camped at Independence-
Rock, on the Sweetwater, and from there pro-
ceeded to Grass valley, in Nevada county,
where they settled. From the surveyor-gen-
eral of the United States Mr. Foreman received
contracts for the survey of portions of Nevada.
In 1864 he went to San Francisco, where he-
took a government contract to survey Santa
Cruz. In 1867 he came to San Luis Obispo
county and took up government land. How-
ever, he still continued his chosen occupation
and surveyed in various parts of the county;
also, in the capacity of deputy United Stati -
surveyor, he surveyed portions of Arizona, Ne-
vada and California. To him belongs the credit
of originating the plan for the Florence canal
in Arizona, the construction of which he super-
intended.
About 1874 Mr. Foreman purchased a
ranch in Los Osos valley, and twelve years
later he established his permanent home on
this place, giving up the occupation in which
he had been so successful and hoping that in
the quiet life of a farmer he could regain his
health, which had been injured by overwork.
However, he was nol a man contenl
idle, so his life on the ranch was a busy one,
and he made a number of important imp
ments. In 1878 he was a partner ol Ml
ford in the hardware business in San Luis
Obispo. From the age of twenty-one lie was
identified with the Masonic order and was
nected with King David Lodge No. _>,«,. 1".
& V M. Politically lie was a Republican from
tlie time he attained bis majority.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The marriage of Air. Foreman occurred in
1850 and united him with Margaret Price, a
native of Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas
and Anna (McGee) Price. During her hus-
band's lifetime she was his devoted helpmate
and since his death she has wisely and judi-
ciously conducted the home ranch of two hun-
dred and fifty-three acres, superintending the gen-
eral work with acknowledged ability. Her con-
nection with church work has continued through
many years. She was the first member of the
San Luis Obispo Methodist Episcopal Church,
the first contributor to the Sunday-school, and
has been a constant worker in the same. Nine
children were born of her marriage, namely:
Mary, wife of J. W. Flint; Julia, deceased;
Emma, who is the widow of Judge W. H. Ben-
son, of Florence, Ariz., now resides in Los
Angeles; Abbie, wife of Leslie Jacox; Alice,
who married Charles Lemon, of Florence,
Ariz.; Kate, wife of Albert Barker, county treas-
urer of Pinal county, Ariz. ; Anna, wife of Frank
Schilling, a resident of Colorado; Harry and
Mabel, who died when three years old. Besides
rearing her children, Mrs. Foreman has also
cared for a granddaughter, Alice Truesdale, who
is the daughter of Julia (Foreman) Wobcken.
Death entered the home and removed Mr.
Foreman from the midst of his family, August
12, 1888, after a useful life covering sixty-six
years, eight months and fourteen days. It is
not too much to say that his death was mourned
as a general loss. San Luis Obispo county
lost a typical citizen, one who had started in
life with nothing but his own talents and up-
right character, and who achieved success
through energy and perseverance. Not only
was he successful in business, but also in that
which he valued more, in 'gaining the respect
ind confidence of his fellow men. When he
passed away the county was deprived of a val-
uable promoter of its prosperity. Benevolence
was one of his leading traits. No man was
turned away unaided when it was in his power
to help him. His heart was large, but his
chanties unostentatious and quietly given.
Undoubtedly his happiest hours were those
[Hiu in his home, surrounded by his family,
for he was essentially a domestic man, and cared
little for public affairs or official honors. That
his thoughts often, in his absence from home,
dwelt upon his family, is set forth in the fol-
lowing poem, which he composed while in the
mines near Nevada City, Cal., and sent to his
wife and two children, Margaret, Mary and
May, who were living in Winfield, Ohio, Sep-
tember 18, 1852.
-TO THE LOVED ONES AT HOME, M. M.
AND M."
Do they miss me at home, do they miss me?
'Twould be assurance most dear,
To know at this moment, some loved one
Were saying, "I wish he were here;"
To feel that the group at the fireside
Were thinking of me as I roam.
Oh, yes, 'twould be joy beyond measure.
To know that they miss me at home.
When twilight approaches the
That ever was sacred to song,
Does some one repeat my name over.
And sigh that I tarry so long?
And is there a chord in the music
That's missed when my voice is away;
And a chord in each heart that maketh
Regret at my wearisome stay?
Do they place me at the table a chair,
When evening's home pleasures are nigh?
When the lamps are lit in the parlor.
When the stars look down from the sky,
And when the "good nights" are repeated.
When all are preparing to sleep,
Do they think of the absent and waft me
A whisper — "good night" o'er the deep?
Do they miss me at home do they miss me,
At morning, at noon, or at night,
Are joys less eagerly welcomed
Are pleasures less hailed than before,
Because one is missed from the circle
Because I am with them no more?
O, yes! their hearts and their voices,
Are calling me back as I roam;
And their eyes are grown weary with weeping.
And watch but to welcome me home.
Loved ones, — ye shall not wait me much longer.
I'll hurry me back over seas —
For how can I tarry when followed
By watchings and prayers like these?
Mountains and deserts now part us,
Yet wearisome frettings are vain,
The invincible fate that parted
Will assuredly unite us again.
HON. GEORGE STEELE.
Through a long period of residence in San
Luis ( »bispo county, continuing from the fall
of 1866 until his death, October 21, 1901, Judge
Steele acquired a thoroughly knowledge of local
resources and formed a wide acquaintance
among the people of the central coast region.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He was born in Delhi, Delaware county, N. Y.,
May 14, 1825, being a son of Nathaniel and
Damaris (Johnson) Steele, natives respectively
of Connecticut and New York. His paternal
ancestors were for several generations identified
with the early growth of Connecticut, from
which state the paternal grandfather removed
to New York and made settlement in Delaware
county. During the days before railroads had
revolutionized our modes of travel, Nathaniel
Steele owned and operated a stage line running
between Kingston and Delhi, and he was also
proprietor of the finest hotel in all of Delaware
county, besides being a successful farmer and
well-known business man. Accompanied by his
wife, he came to California in 1856, and seven
years later he died in Marin county, when sev-
enty-six years of age. His wife had died in
1862. They were the parents of nine children,
all but one of whom are deceased.
When about eleven years of age, in 1836,
George Steele accompanied his parents to
Lorain county, Ohio, where he afterward at-
tended public schools. His education was com-
pleted in Oberiin (Ohio) College. In company
with his cousin, R. E. Steele, in 1855 he came
to California, via the isthmus. From San Fran-
cisco he proceeded to the mines and spent a
year, then went to Marin county and rented a
large tract of land, in which his cousin also had
an interest. Later they were joined by his
brothers and were associated in building up one
of the pioneer dairy industries of the county.
On their ranch was a large herd of milch cows,
and the cheese and butter manufactured were
of the finest quality. In 1864 his brothers
moved from Marin to San Mateo county, and
he, being elected county judge of Marin county,
removed to San Rafael, the county seat, where
he remained until his removal to San Luis
Obispo county. On his arrival here he bought
a tract of forty-eight thousand acres, all raw
land, comprising portions of the ranchos Corral
de Piedra, Pizmo and Bolsa de Ghemisal, all of
which were old Spanish land grants. \ few
small adobe buildings formed the only attempl
at improvement which had been made. In part-
nership with his brothers, I. C. and E. W., and a
O msin. R. E., under the firm title of Steele
Brothers, he at once began to bring the land
int.. fitting condition for the management of a
stock ranch. A large herd of milch cows were
driven down from San Mateo county, and thus
the first dairy in San Luis Obispo county was
established.
Soon the products of the ranch began to be
known through, nil Central California. Large
shipments of cheese and butter were made, bear-
ing the brand of Steele Brothers. Prosperity
rewarded the constant exertions of the brothers,
and they continued together harmoniously for
a long term of years. At last, one by one, they
withdrew from the business, and in 1880 the
partnership was dissolved. Afterward Judge
Steele engaged in general farming and stock-
raising on his portion of the ranch, and estab-
lished an extensive agricultural business. The
property now bears little resemblance to the bar-
ren tract that he purchased years ago. A neat
ranch house has been built; other buildings
have been put up as needed; and the attractive-
ness of the place has been greatly heightened
by the grove of eucalyptus trees which the judge
planted near the house. At one time he owned
land where the village of Edna now stands.
When the railroads were built through the
county, he donated ground for the depot and
gave the right of way for both roads.
Always a stanch Republican, Judge Steele
was a leader of his party, and took a prominent
part in political campaigns. In 1882 he was
elected to the California state senate. lie was
elected for a second term in the fall of 1884.
receiving a majorit) of seven hundred, which
was the largest majority received by any mem
ber of the senate. During his second term he
introduced a bill in favor of the temperance
laws, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of
liquors in the state. Uiother resolution intro-
duced by him was in favor oi woman's suffrage.
In the fall of 1886 lie was elected for a third
term. During the summer of the same year he
sat in an extra session called by Governor
Stoneman to pass an irrigation law. I lis service
as a senator r< highest credit upon
his ability and faithfulness, and was in every re-
spect gratifying to his constituents. While a
member of that body he ei .■'■ rOOlOte
340
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
measures uf unquestioned benefit to the people,
and was especially interested in such bills as
promised to promote the welfare of the people
of his district. Devotion to duty was the key-
note of his work as a legislator. At other
times he was called to various positions of honor
and trust. In 1878-79 he was elected a member
of the constitutional convention which met at
Sacramento. He also was a member of the state
central committee of his party and a delegate to
state conventions. His political views never
were allowed to degenerate ipto narrow parti-
sanship; he was a citizen first and a politician
afterward. His force of character and inde-
fatigable energy were at the service of his fellow-
men in all vital issues and for the promotion
of every worthy movement. With true public
spirit he maintained an unceasing interest in the
affairs of his county and state, well illustrating
that better quality in men which delights in the
upbuilding of commonwealths.
In 1868 Judge Steele married Delia M. Day,
daughter of Norman and Julia A. Day. By a
strange coincidence Mr. and Mrs. Steele were
from adjoining townships in Ohio, yet they
never met until she came to San Luis Obispo
county in 1867. They had no children of their
own, but adopted two, one of whom is now the
wife of A. T. Mason, and the other, Frederick P.
Collins, died in 1902.
WILLIAM AUGUSTUS SANBORN.
Prom the extreme eastern terminus of the
[ Fnited States to its remote western borders rep-
resents the change of location made by W. A.
Sanborn, one of Watsonville's most influential
citizens. Me was born al Machiasport. Wash-
ington county, Me., July i. 1843. being a son
of William and Hannah (Tobie) Sanborn. When
he was three years of age his mother died and
later he was placed on a farm, but four years
of that life caused him to decide that any change
would lie for the better and he welcomed any
hope of getting away. I lis father, who was
quite ill with asthma, wished to join two sons in
( alifornia, and so purchased a ticket around the
Horn. The boy, not having money enough to
buy a ticket, shipped as cabin boy and thus
worked his passage. After a voyage of one hun-
dred and thirty-four days they anchored in
San Francisco in 1857, and there took passage
on a freight vessel for Watsonville. There be-
ing no wharf at that time, the vessel anchored in
Monterey bay and was unloaded by surf-boats.
The passengers as well as the freight were car-
ried from the surf boats to land on the backs
of Indians. Among the passengers on this trip
was a woman who weighed two hundred pounds.
For a moment the Indian looked at her du-
biously; then, faithful to his duty, he backed up
in the water body deep; she mounted and was
landed safely on shore.
On his arrival in Watsonville William A. San-
born joined his brothers, Lucian and Newman,
who had settled here earlier in the '50s and were
carrying on a blacksmith's shop. They were
also associated with Charles Ford in the mer-
cantile business. Their father was much bene-
fited by the change of climate, although he never
regained his health sufficiently to resume work.
He died in 1865 at the age of sixty-five years.
For a short time William A. Sanborn attended
school in Santa Cruz, after which he began to
work on a dairy ranch, later going to a sawmill,
and then to the powder mills of Santa Cruz and
Marin counties. Having saved enough to buy
a team, he embarked in the teaming business,
but the experience of a few years convinced
him there was little to be made in the occupa-
tion. His next venture was renting land and
raising potatoes and grain. Four years of this
work enabled him to accumulate enough to buy
eighty-seven acres of the E. S. Goldstein ranch,
one-half mile west of Watsonville, for which
he paid $100 and $125 per acre, the price vary-
ing some on account of a difference in the soil.
For a few years he devoted himself to clearing
the land from debt. About 1882 he began set-
ting out trees, planting one hundred Bellefleurs
and one hundred of other varieties. However,
though some of the trees grew and seemed to
flourish, they have all proved either unprofitable
or not suited to the climate; with the exception
oi the Bellefleur, which thrived and flourished
under conditions that brought decay to other
varieties. Por this reason he took out many
of the grades and now has eighteen hundred
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3 1 1
and eighteen trees in fine bearing condition, six
hundred and forty of which have only been
bearing since 1900. During 1901 he set out
four hundred and eleven trees. In addition, he
raises pears and apricots, as well as the finest
peaches in the valley.
Experience has proved to Mr. Sanborn that
the sediment land along the river is the best
for apples and, indeed, for all fruit. One must
see some of the fruit raised there to really un-
derstand and appreciate its size and fine qual-
ity. The size of the Bellefleurs is shown by the
fact that forty-five apples have often filled a box
1 2X 1 2x22, weighing net forty-six and three-
fourths pounds. The average price is $1 per
box. From the products of thirty acres of trees
he received $10,675 m two years (1901-02),
which figures will convince the most skeptical
as to the value of his orchard. The crop never
fails. Occasionally, of course, a tree dies, but
this happens rarely, the most of the trees being
sturdy, healthy and flourishing.
In addition to fruit-raising Mr. Sanborn de-
votes considerable attention to beets, of which
the average is twenty-eight tons per acre for
thirteen acres, for which he is paid $4.50 per
ton. Large quantities of barley, wheat and
beans are also raised on the farm. At this writ-
ing he owns fifty-four acres, of all of which he
maintains a general supervision, although leav-
ing to others much of the manual work. Since
practically retiring from active labors, he has
made -his home at No. 152 East Third street,
Watsonville, where, in his attractive and com-
modious home, he enjoys all of the comforts of
life and finds his greatest pleasure in the society
of his family. His wife, Jennie, is a daughter
1 if Daniel Ross, an early settler of Santa Cruz.
With them at home is one of their daughters,
Carrie C. The other daughters are married,
Willa \ugusta being the wife of E. A. Kumle,
while Anna Ethel married Clarence Walker,
both of Watsonville. Mrs. Kumle is the mother
nf three children, Alvin, Jennie and Chester.
Since [864 Mr. Sanborn ha- been a member of
•he [ndependenl < irder of Odd Fellows and he
is also associated with the Vncienl Order of
United Workmen. All through his busy life
he has kepi in touch with the problems before
our nation, has kept himself posted concerning
tariff, free trade, currency, and the many other
issues confronted in various epochs of our na-
tional history. His opinions on the subject of
protection have led him to ally himself with
the Republican party. Among the people of
Watsonville he has a host of friends, who have
been drawn to him by his hearty and genial
friendship, his enterprise and business ability.
He has a pleasant word for everyone he meets,
whether rich or poor, old or young, and hence
his friends are as numerous as his acquaintances
in the thriving city where he makes his home.
W. H. SPENCER.
Among the legal practitioners who have ma-
terially increased the professional prestige of
San Luis Obispo county, none is more typically
representative of western enterprise and eastern
conservatism than W. II. Spencer, familiarly
known as Judge Spencer. As long ago a- June
15, 1879, he came to San Luis Obispo with little
backing save his own ability. In the years that
have intervened he has built up an enviable
reputation as a lawyer and citizen, and few im-
portant cases before the courts for many years
past, but have elicited his services <>n one side
or the other. The ancestral heritage of the
Spencers is an enviable one, and the strong and
predominating Scottish traits have not been lost
with the passing of years. The first American
representative was the paternal great-grand-
father, who left Scotland after the war of 1745.
and settled lit is supposed) in Virginia. Two
of his sons, one of whom was the paternal
grandfather, left their plows to shoulder
muskets on the battle fields of the Revolution,
,-md as privates followed the hosts who com-
prised the colonial army. The father of Judge
Spencer was horn in Bourbon county, Ky.. and.
ntation in that
was a civil engineer bj occupation. Through
his marriage with Miss Brool Clark
county. Ky., he became identified with a prom-
inent Virginia family of English descent. Mrs.
r being a dauj
She had one brother. Roger, wl
ticipated in both the Mexican and Civil wars.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
One of the sons of Mrs. Spencer, Robert Ed-
ward, is now living on a ranch in Texas.
Judge Spencer was born in Clark county, Ky.,
but was reared and partially educated in Lexing-
ton, Fayette county, of the same state. When
about sixteen years of age he entered Bethany
College in West Virginia, from which institu-
tion he was graduated in the class of 1870, two
years later graduating from the University of
Kentucky. Having determined to enter upon
the study of law, he entered the office of Gen.
John B. Houston, of Lexington, and in 1874
went to Fort Scott, Kans., and practiced law
until 1879. Not content with the prospects of
permanent residence in the Kansas town, he
looked around for more certain possibilities and
broader fields, both of which materialized in the
wake of his earnest efforts after coming to San
Luis Obispo.
In 1 88 1 Judge Spencer was united in marriage
in this county with Maggie Bouldin, whose
father, Judge Robert Bouldin, occupied the
lunch 111 Virginia, and came to California in
1874. In political affiliation Mr. Spencer is a
Democrat, and though active in the support of
his party has never sought or desired official
recognition. Besides his legal erudition he has
much to justify the esteem and popularity which
is his in the community, for added to genial
and optimistic personality are the manners of
the southern gentleman combined with the sin-
cerity of the north, and a tactful consideration
for all with whom he comes in contact.
JACOB H. ORCUTT.
Numbered among the pioneers of San Luis
Obispo county is Mr. ( Ircutt, whose resilience
here dates from ( tctober, [869. Born in Chau-
tauqua county, X. Y., in 1835, at an early age
he wni to Rockford, 111., and there had the ad-
vantage of study in a commercial college. For
years the remote regions of the west had been
the theme of conversation among people in
every walk of life. Mam had crossed I he plains
in' California, ami m .1 a lew 1 if these had sent
back glowing reports of success. To an am-
bitious young man. tins seemed the opportunity
desired, ami the perils and hardships of an over-
land trip were lost sight of in the hoped-for suc-
cesses which the future held out.
In 1866 Mr. Orcutt fitted out a freighting out-
fit and started on his westward journey. At
first he worked in Colorado, having secured
employment as a freighter between Julesburg
and Cheyenne as far as Denver and to George-
town. A more startling change from the quiet
existence of an Illinois home could scarcely be
imagined. All was new and unfamiliar, and
there was much to daunt the courage of even a
brave man. He remembers well having wit-
nessed the Plum creek massacre by the Indians,
when the savages wreaked their vengeance on
the whites for injuries perpetrated or imagined.
After freighting for a year, Mr. Orcutt secured
a contract for grading work on the Union Pa-
cific Railroad, and for three years he continued
in this work, having his headquarters in a camp
near the scene of his labors.
Having completed the contract, Mr. Orcutt
came to California, and after a few months in
Sacramento he came to San Luis Obispo county
in the fall of 1869. He inspected the country
as far south as Los Angeles, traveling overland
by stage. His first location was at Guadaloupe.
where he rented land for ten cents an acre, and
embarked in the sheep industry on the open
range. He had charge of the original Guada-
loupe ranch of eleven leagues (48,884 acres) and
kept on the land about three thousand head of
sheep. In 1872 he rented twenty-one thousand
acres at Los Alamos, Santa Barbara county.
and driving his sheep across the mountains, soon
became extensively engaged in the breeding and
raising of stock. The uniform prosperity that
rewarded his efforts enabled him to increase his
flock to eleven thousand sheep. In April. 1874,
he disposed of all his sheep interests, and in
June bought the Major Jackson ranch of two
hundred and sixty acres near San Luis Obispo.
The property had no improvements other than a
small adobe house and a small orchard. The
land was raw and uncultivated. To Mr. Orcutt
is due great credit for the transformation that
has been wrought. Laurel ranch (for by this
name the property is best known) has claims to
notice surpassed by no property in the state.
The fact that no frost ever descends upon the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHIl \[. RECORD.
valley wonderfully enhances the value of lands
here. In his orchard he not only has various
deciduous fruits, but a number of fine navel
orange and lemon trees as well, while in his
garden there are tomato vines four years old.
A number of shade trees increase the homelike
effect of the surroundings. At a distance may
be seen the Santa Lucia range of mountains,
and a spring which has its rise in the mountains
furnishes plenty of water for domestic and irri-
gation purposes, a stone reservoir having been
built by Mr. Orcutt. The stock business is one
of his leading occupations. On his place there
are Jersey and Durham cattle of registered
stock and fine strains, also standard-bred horses
and over five hundred head of Poland-China
hogs. To his original acreage he has added un-
til he now has four hundred and sixty-four
acres.
By his first marriage Mr. Orcutt has a daugh-
ter, Cora, and by his second wife, who was
Rhoda Fisher, he has a daughter, Minnie F.,
who is a graduate of the San Luis Obispo high
school. Since becoming identified with San
Luis Obispo county he has assisted in the de-
velopment of a number of enterprises. He was
a stockholder in the San Luis Obispo Gas As-
sociation and a director in the Race Track
Association, which he assisted in organizing.
Politically he votes with the Republican party.
In fraternal relations he is connected with
Chorro Lodge No. 168, I. O. O. F., in which he
is past noble grand; he is also a member of the
state grand lodge and a charter member of San
Luis Lodge No. 210, of the Rebekahs. At the
opening of the Civil war, he enlisted in Com-
pany II, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois In-
Fantry, and was assigned to the western
department, his service being entirely upon the
frontier. Some years ago he was honored with
the office of commander of Fred Steele Posl Mo,
70, G. A. R., and he is now past commander
of the Central California Veterans' Association.
His home being only one mile south of the
eiiv of San Luis Obispo, Mr. Orcutt naturally
keeps posted concerning the progress of the
town and the welfare of its people. Personally,
he is a man of fine qualities, possessing the
genial, heart)- and friendly manner which always
characterizes men who have been much on the
frontier. One of his characteristics is his
attachment to his friends. Beginning life in
humble circumstances, he is always in sympathy
with young men who are struggling to make
a place for themselves, and more than one owes
him a debt of gratitude for a kindly act or as-
sistance that was given just when needed. \
true friend, a patriotic citizen, a genial com-
panion, Jacob H. Orcutt is respected wherever
1!' IN. GEORGE PARDEE.
Not alone through his labors in the develop-
ment of land in the Pajaro valley, but also
through his identification with many movements
looking toward the progress of Watsonville and
through his able service as a member of the
state legislature, is Mr. Pardee entitled to the
respect of his fellow-citizens. I fe was born in
Herkimer county, X. V.. November 28, 1829,
being a son of Bela and Mary (Thayer) Pardee.
In his native county and in Oneida county, same
state, he grew to manhood and acquired a com-
prehensive knowledge of agricultural pursuits
as conducted in the east. While he made gen-
eral farming his principal occupation, he did
not limit himself to it. but conducted an im-
portant dairy business.
From New York via the isthmus Mr. Pardee
came to California in 1854 and at once
in the lone valley, Amador county, where he
followed gardening and fanning. In those days
the raising of watermelons was a very imp
industr) and he devoted some attention to it
there. The fall of 1S56 found him in t!
jaro valley, where, with Messrs. White, Kidder,
ECnowles and others, he purchased one thousand
I the Rodriguez ranch. This wa
divided and Mr. Pardee with George H. White
received one hundred and fifty acres, on which
for ten years the two men raised grain, po-
I itoes and general pr
( »n selling "lit his ranch interests Mr.
nmission merchant, buyin
shipping to San Frani is< - In those la; - there
Grain ami p
.here Indians were
344
riSTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hired to carry the bags on their backs to the
surf. There the) were transferred to surf boats,
which were nearly covered, having only a small
opening through which the bags were thrown
in. When the boat was filled the opening was
covered with canvas. By means of horses on
shore, connected with a pulley line fastened to a
buoy which was anchored by the awaiting ves-
sel, the surf boat was drawn out to the ship. Of
course when the surf was running high, it was
impossible to load. Even under the most for-
tunate conditions, two days were required for
the loading of a small vessel. To those of the
present generation such a mode seems an-
tiquated and it is difficult to realize that but a
comparatively few years have passed since the
present-day improvements were introduced.
Were it necessary now to have recourse to such
a primitive process, not an Indian could be
found to carry the bags, for the red men have
disappeared from their once favorite haunts.
After twenty years in the commission busi-
ness Mr. Pardee entered into insurance as a
representative of the Firemen's Fund. He as-
sisted in the organization of the Watsonville
Gas Company and for years acted as its secre-
tary. Shortly after settling in Watsonville he
erected the residence at No. 22 East Fourth
street, where he has since made his home. Be-
sides his service as member of the legislature,
to which he was elected in 1867 on the Repub-
lican ticket, he has held office as city and school
trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the
local lodge. [. O. O. F., in which he is past
grand, and is also a member of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen, in which he has been
financial secretary. Since the organization of
the Presbyterian Church he has been one of its
active workers and a trustee of the eon
tion.
The first wife of VIr. Pardee was Faith Ris-
don. who died in 1S71 at tin age of thirty-four.
Mi second wife, Alice Snow, died at thirty-five
Two children were bi irn of the union :
1 lertrude, who died 1 1 ars ; and
I . who is assoi iated as an accountant
with Spreckels >\ Co. Hie present wife of \h
1 bore the maiden name of Minnie Minerva
and the) have two children, ' leorge M.
and Lamira T. The family stand high in Wat-
sonville and have many friends among the most
cultured people of the city.
HON. THOMAS RENISON.
( If Air. Renison it may be said that he has not
only recognized opportunities, but created them,
and that while filling the positions of trust which
the confidence of the people and his own ability
have brought his way, he has not only main-
tained former standards, but has raised condi-
tions within reach of his superior ideas of justice
and municipal purity. For many years active in
the arena of politics, he has through the inevita-
ble fretful strife and animosity preserved a poise
and equilibrium consistent with a retention of
principle, and has therefore inspired respect in
the immediate wake of antagonism. As one of
the most astute lawyers in Monterey county,
and at present one of the firm of Renison &
Feliz, he has handled some of the most impor-
tant legal complications in Salinas and vicinity,
and has won an extended patronage by reason
of his wide understanding of law and adjustive
ability. The present mayor of Salinas, Mr. Ren-
ison has made his administration a worth) one,
his election having occurred in 1900, for a term
of two years.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Renison was born
in 1S50, and was educated in the common
schools of his country, graduating from the
Model school, which is equivalent to the Ameri-
can high school. At the age of eighteen he im-
migrated to the United States, arriving in San
Francisco in 1868. After investigating the pros-
pects in San Francisco and Oakland for a few
months, he came to Salinas, and has since been
;n increasingly potent factor in the upbuilding
of the town, ever returning after intervals of
residence in other parts of the county. For a
short time lie lived in Gonzales, and while there
embarked upon a journalistic venture, establish
ing the Gonzales Tribune, which he ran for two
years, in connection with his law practice, hav-
ing been admitted to the bar in 1881. Subse-
quentl) he sold the paper and returned to
Salinas, bringing with him Mrs. Renison. whom
he married in Gonzales, and who is a native of
fot/St
HISTORICAL AND BI< (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
341
Canada and before her marriage Rebecca Kidd.
( )n the Democratic ticket Mr. Renison was
elected to the state legislature in 1887, and re-
elected in 1889, and one of his chief accomplish-
ments in the interests of the people was a reso-
lution addressed to congress asking that United
States senators be elected by the people. The
resolution was introduced during his first term
of office and met with defeat, but was carried
during the second term. In 1880 he was police
judge and justice of the peace, and while study-
ing law was deputy district attorney under J. A.
Wall. During all the campaigns he has never
failed to stump the county, and for years was
chairman of the county central committee. At
the Fresno convention he was nominated one
of the presidential electors for President Cleve-
land, but resigned the honor in favor of Hon.
William Graves of Ran Luis Obispo. Frater-
nally Mr. Renison is associated with Salinas
Lodge No. 204. F. & A. M.; Salinas Chapter
Xo. 59, R. A. M.; Commandery No. 22. the
Salinas Grove No. 101, United Ancient Order
of Druids, of which he is past arch, and Salinas
Lodge No. 614. B. P. O. E.
In 1896 Mr. Renison built one of the most
pleasant homes of the city, and which is the
scene of much gracious hospitality, geniality
and good fellowship. To Mr. and Mrs. Renison
have been born two daughters: Mabel, who is
the wife of Walter Raley, of the firm of Raley,
Chapman & Co., wholesale commission mer-
chants; and Genevieve, who is living at home.
WILLIAM L. BEEBEE.
Whoever labors to secure the development of
his country, striving to bring out its latent re-
sources; who is devoted to the general welfare
of the people; who seeks to promote the cause
of justice and in the course of a long life ad-
vances, directly or indirectly, our commercial,
educational and agricultural growth, he it is
who earns a place as a public benefactor and is
entitled to mention in the pages of history. Such
is the character and such the record of William
I . Beebee, one of the earliest pioneers of Cali-
fornia and one to whose determination, perse
verance and energy not a little of the state's de-
velopment may be attributed.
The story of the life of Mr. Beebee is one of
interest, and, were he alive to narrate it, the
scenes that he witnessed during his active ca-
reer in California, the hardships that he endured
and the obstacles that he surmounted, would
make a large volume. His biography dates from
November 21, 1829. when he was born in Os-
wego, N. Y, in the home of William L. and
Mary (Douglass) Beebee, natives of New York
state. In 1834 the family removed to Cleveland.
Ohio, where it was the father's intention to
engage in the mercantile business, but about a
year after his arrival he died of malaria. The
widow, with her two sons and a daughter, re-
turned to her father's home in Auburn. N. Y.
When William L. Beebee was a boy of four-
teen he was taken into the office of an uncle in
Philadelphia, with whom he remained, in that
city and New York, for two years. Our lives are
fashioned strangely, and often a seemingly un-
important event changes the entire tenor of our
existence. It proved so with Mr. Beebee.
When James K. Polk became president of the
United States he appointed William G. More-
house consul to Valparaiso, and that gentleman
gave Mr. Beebee an opportunity to accompany
him. Being young and possessing a love of ad-
venture, he quickly accepted. In November,
1846. he sailed on the bark Hortensia from
Baltimore, the other passengers on the boat
being Consul Morehouse, with his wife and
child; Henry D. Cook, who became governor
of Washington under President Grant, and two
young Californians. When the ship had
reached the latitude of the Bermudas a fierce
storm arose and for six da\s the vessel was at
the mercy of the waves. Each hour the passen
gers expected to be their Iasl on earth. When
al Iasl the si, inn subsided, the ship was left
without masts and with a hole in her bow. A
jury mast was hastil) rigged up and the vessel's
head was turned in the direction of the island of
St. Thomas, in the West Indies. Finally they
n ai hed that island in safety. Learning tha
British had a regular line sailing from South-
ampton i" < hagres, and from Panama to Val
the} availed themselves of this knowl-
348
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
edge, and proceeded to Chagres on a small pilot
boal thai they chartered. The trip from Chagres
to Panama consumed a week, and was made
partly on muleback and partly by poling up the
Chagres river.
No vessel was ready to start from Panama,
and they were obliged to remain at that un-
healthful point for ten days, when they took
passage on the regular steamer for Valparaiso.
The latter city proved to be one of great inter-
est to the traveler. It was full of life and en-
terprise, reminding him in that respect of his
former home in the north, although in every
other respect it was radically different. Several
opportunities to secure office work came to him,
but nothing that seemed to offer special induce-
ments, so after some months in that town and
Santiago he decided to seek an opening else-
where. One day there appeared in the port of
Valparaiso the United States storeship South-
ampton, among whose officers was Lieutenant
Commander Thornton and Executive Officer
Worden. They invited Air. Beebee to accom-
pany them to California, and he accepted their
invitation gladly. He became well acquainted
with Air. Worden during the voyage and learned
that he was weary of a seafaring life. It would
have seemed then that he would not continue
in the service long enough to achieve an undy-
ing fame as commander of the Monitor in the
famous battle between that vessel and the Mer-
rimac.
August 25, 1847, the ship anchored at Monte
rey, Cal., where Mr. Beebee found considerable
sickness and he himself fell a victim to what
was known as the Monterey fever. Wishing to
go to San Jose, he secured the desired oppor-
tunity on board the Malacadel, an unseaworthy
craft, which did not reach Sausalito until Sep-
tember. He went ashore at Verba Buena, and
there met Joseph S. Ruckle, from whom he
thai his former Eellow-passenger, Henry
10k, was in partnership with Mr. Ruckle at
San Jose. Accepting an offer of a clerk-hip
in thai house, he soon gained a thorough knowl-
edge of San Jose and its surroundings. His
111 was such that he had Erequenl opportu-
of traveling through California, in which
soon acquired a thorough knowledge of
the west. On one of these trips he accompanied
a party of Mexicans on an elk hunt to the San
Joaquin river. Frequently he traveled along the
bay of San Francisco and speculated upon the
city that would some day be planted there, real-
izing that the excellent harbor would be util-
ized for the landing of ships from ail over the
world. However, neither he nor any of the
old pioneers ever imagined that this future city
would be founded on the sand hills by the bleak
mountain side, in what would seem the least de-
sirable position possible. Indeed, those very
sand hills were cordially disliked by every trav-
eler, for they impeded his progress and ob-
structed his view. Scarcely any one dreamed of
investing a penny in such lands. However. Mr.
Beebee did buy a lot there for $16.75, which he
sold in 1849 for $1,600.
When gold was discovered, Mr. Beebee was
one of the first to reach the mines, and he met
with some success in his search for gold. In
the fall of 1848 he went to Verba Buena, and in
the spring of the next year he came to San Luis
Obispo county with Samuel A. Pollard. The
two men opened a store and, on the corner of
Monterey and Chorro streets, put up what was
the first store building in San Luis Obispo.
Their customers were principally ranchers from
the adjoining country, some of them coming
from points as far distant as forty miles. A
few year- later Mr. Beebee withdrew from the
firm and settled on a ranch eight miles south of
San Luis Obispo, where he met with success for
some years. Unfortunately, during the drought
of 1864-65. he lost fifteen hundred head of cattle,
and this so changed his opinion of stock-raising
that he soon sold the ranch of twelve hundred
acres to Steele Brothers.
At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Beebee
was a stanch supporter of the Union and he
afterward became a leader in the Republican
partv. Governor Stanford recognized his prom-
inence by appointing him judge of San Luis
Obispo county. At the expiration of a year he
v as regularly elected to the office, and re-elected
at the end of the term. I >n selling his ranch he
had returned to town, and in i860, with John
Harford and L. Schwartz, he embarked in the
lumber business, Mr. Schwartz doing the buy-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a-iy
ing of timber, Mr. Harford the shipping, while
he had charge of the selling. The three men
were well fitted to attain success, each possess-
ing qualities that would promote the prosperity
of the enterprise in which they had embarked.
However, it was perhaps most largely due to
Mr. Beebee's wise course as manager that the
business became so large and profitable. Their
trade aggregated as much as ten million feet of
lumber per year. Indeed, they practically con-
trolled the lumber trade in this part of Califor-
nia, and they also had extensive interests in the
shipping which touched at Port Harford. In
addition to the headquarters at San Luis Obispo,
they owned yards at Cayucos, where they were
interested in the wharf as members of the firm
of James Cass & Co. After having managed
the business for fifteen years, Mr. Beebee placed
it in a condition permitting his gradual retire-
ment, although to the last he maintained a close
oversight of all his moneyed interests. He
owned interests in several schooners engaged in
the coast and foreign trade and one of these
(which was among the largest of that day) bore
his name, lie aided in organizing the Bank of
San Luis Obispo, in which he was a stockholder,
and he was also vice-president of the First Na-
tional Bank. Among his other interests was the
ownership of a dairy ranch of five hundred acres
fifteen miles from San Luis Obispo.
Through all of his active life Mr. Beebee never
lost his fondness for travel, and while during
the pressure of business activities iie was not
able to gratify this feeling, as soon as he had re-
tired he gave himself up to this favorite recrea-
tion. In 1886 he visited Alaska. The next year
he made a tour of Europe, while in 1888 he
visited Yellowstone Park and studied the won-
ders of nature there. He was twice married, and
his second wife, who was Arietta S. Beswick,
survives him. By his first wife, who bore the
maiden name of Alida St. Clair, he had two
children: William D. and Addie I'.., who died
at seven years of age.
During the last three years of his life Mr.
Beebee suffered almost constantly. I lis health
was gradually undermined, and three times he
was stricken with apoplexy. The last stroke
proved fatal, and resulted in his death June 1.
1899, at the age of sixty-nine years, six months
and ten days. The funeral services were held in
the Pioneers' Hall, San Francisco, under the
auspices of the Pioneers Society of California,
with which he had lung been connected as an
honored and active member. Thus passed from
among us one who, during his last years, seemed
like a connecting link between the remote past
and the prosperous present, one whose arrival
in California antedated the famous emigration
of 1849, and whose history for more than a half
century was intimately associated with the
growth of this state. All along the Pacific coast
there were men who heard of his death with
sorrow and who regarded it as a personal be-
reavement. Especially in San Luis Obispo
county was the loss keenly felt, for it was here
that his greatest work was accomplished and his
most fruitful years passed.
The only son of Mr, Beebee is William D..
who was born in San Luis Obispo, Cal., in
1876. in the house that is still his home. Prima-
rily educated in local schools, he was later sent
to St. Matthew's in San Mateo, of which A. L.
Brewer was principal, and in 1896 he was grad-
uated from that institution. For a time after
leaving college he was connected with the bank,
and, since its affairs have been closed up. he
has given his attention to the management of
the property inherited from his father, and also
to the several vessels he owns, plying in foreign
waters between Honolulu and Australia. In
1898 he was united in marriage with Odulia M.
Estudillo, a member of an old family of Califor-
nia, to whose history reference is made else-
where in this volume. The) have three children:
Enide E., Eulalia F. and William L.
IK )N. GE< do ,1' 1 r. RADCLIFF.
The position held by Mr. Radcliff, that of
postmastei at Watsonville, came to him by ap-
pointment in [902, .1^ the successor of B \ ' '-
borne. Former incumbents of the office were
A. B. Hawkins. George I'.. Card, EL S. Fletcher,
('. O. Cummings and Edward Martin, b
the first incumbent of thi I The
building occupii I "N ""
Main street in the Peck block, and situ
:!.-,()
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of 1897 has been a second-class office. In Jan-
uary of 1901 a free delivery system was estab-
lished, and two rural routes are also a part of
the present modern system. Connected with
the office are Mrs. Radcliff. assistant post-
master: Eva B. Osborne, Frank Brandon and
I high W. Judd, clerks; Ray Wycoff, substitute;
Harry Bridgewater and Clark Hockabout, city
carriers, and O. A. Schuchard, substitute; rural
delivery, George W. Post, who travels twenty-
seven and one-half miles between 11:40 a. m.
and 4:00 p. m., so that the people in rural dis-
tricts may receive their mail and daily papers
promptly; S. B. Atkinson, who travels daily to
Valencia and Corralitos, delivering to people all
along that route; II. Covell, substitute rural
carrier; and C. E. Hoyt, mail carrier to trains.
Under the oversight and supervision of the post-
master all of the work is conducted with system
and dispatch. For the convenience of the peo-
ple, and in order that they may be correctly in-
formed as to the mail service, he has issued a
printed list giving time of receipt and delivery of
mail, time of collection in boxes, etc.. which has
been of benefit to business men as well as the
general public. There are six deliveries of mail
daily. In all of the work the general supervision
of a master mind is observable, and many trib-
utes of praise have been bestowed upon the
postmaster for his prompt and ready conduct
of affairs. Further decided improvements are
contemplated for the office.
\ native of California, Mr. Radcliff was born
in Grass Valley, Nevada county, February 6,
[868, and is a son of Philip Radcliff. The lat-
ter was born on the Isle of Man and in early
■ >d came to the United States, settling in
[bledo, Ohio, where lie followed the occupa-
11 f -1 mining engineer. In 1858 he removed
t.i Michigan and from there came to California
via Panama, accompanied by his wife. Catherine
idson), whom he married in Philadelphia,
Pa, < hi settling in Nevada county he took up
upation of mining engineer and con-
tinued al thi >ami until his death, which oc-
1 in 1S77, al the age of fifty-two years.
The education of G ! idcliff was se-
cured in the grammar school of his native town,
he came to Watsonville and entered
upon an apprenticeship in the office of the Paja-
ronian, of which his brother, W. R. Radcliff, was
then and is yet the editor and proprietor.
Through the energy and ability displayed in the
work he soon rose to the position of manager
of the office, and as such has continued after
entering public life. Receiving in 1899 the nom-
ination as representative from this district to
the state legislature, as the candidate of the Re-
publican party, he was successful in winning the
election, and served for two and one-half terms,
the latter one-half term being on special session
work in 1901. Prior to this he had gained legis-
lative experience by serving as journal clerk and
clerk of the senate committee on banks and
banking in the legislature. In 1890 he was
elected city clerk and assessor, which office he
filled with the same fidelity characteristic of his
entire public service. In fraternal orders he has
maintained an interest, and has been elected to
prominent positions in various organizations.
As president of the Eagles and an active worker
in the Woodmen of the World, he is associated
with two leading organizations of Watsonville.
In March, 1887, he became a member of the Na-
tive Sons of the Golden West, in which he has
filled all the chairs up to and including that
of district deputy grand president of the Grand
Parlor of the state, and also served two years
as a grand trustee of the order in the state,
declining further re-election. He and his wife,
who was formerly Florence Huss of Grass Val-
ley, are prominent in the most select social
circles of their city and have many friends both
Inn- and in their former home in Nevada county.
JOHN WHICHER.
The county clerk of San Luis Obispo county
is of eastern birth and parentage, but has spent
his life, from his earliest recollection, west of
the Mississippi river. His father was one of
the early settlers of the now populous city of
Des Moines. Iowa, and for some years was
identified with its business interests. In every
place where he made his home he became
known as a man of integrity and intelligence.
His loyalty to the government he proved in
early life, when he enlisted for service during
(P>AUw^?$i.^7 l^u^M^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the I '.lack Hawk war. At the opening of the
Civil war he gave his sympathy enthusiastically
to the Union and proved his patriotism by en-
listing in the Fourth Iowa Infantry, afterward
holding a commission as lieutenant. The last
years of his life were passed in Colorado, and
he died and was buried in Pueblo in 1884. His
wife, Rachel, was a daughter of Dr. James Hol-
inan. .if Richmond, Ind., and a niece of Hon.
William Holman, for some years a member
of Congress from Indiana. Mrs. Whicher made
her home with her son John (the sole survivor
of her family of eight children) until her death,
which occurred April 18, 1902. Her oldest
son, James S., was in command of the Sec-
ond Indiana Battery during the Civil war, and
afterward settled in St. Louis. Mo., where he
was killed during the cyclone a few years ago.
In Urbana, Ohio, John Whicher was born
on the 4th of July, 1855. When two years of
age he was taken by his parents to Des Moines,
Iowa, where he received his education primarily
in public schools. Later he took a course of
study in Keokuk Business College. While
still a boy he became ambitious to make his
own way in the world, and at fifteen he secured
employment in a printing office, where he re-
mained some years. In 1879 he left home
and went to Denver, Colo. The following year
found him in Leadville. which had recently
gained a world-wide fame through the discov-
ery of its mines. During the four years he
spent in that mining camp he gained sufficient
knowledge of the town to be positive that he
did not wish to settle there permanently. He
dates his residence in California from 1886,
when he arrived in Los Angeles. The spring
of the same year witnessed his arrival in San
Luis Obispo, where he has since made his home.
For a time he was employed in the office of
the Tribune, but resigned that position in
order to enter upon his official duties. In
1894 he was elected county clerk, and his dis-
charge of the duties was so satisfactory to the
people that they chose him to be his own suc-
cessor in 1898. Accuracy and system are said
to be two of the leading characteristics of Mr.
Whicher, and these qualities admirably adapt
him for the successful discharge of his duties
as county clerk, a position that calls for care-
ful attention to detail on the part of its incum-
bent. That his administration of the office
has been pleasing to the people his re-election
abundantly proves. The people of the county
place the greatest confidence in his honorable
character and executive ability. A few years
since, when the County Bank failed, he was
chosen to act as manager in the closing up of
its affairs, and still serves in this capacity, hav-
ing meantime devoted considerable time to
this important work.
In Des Moines, Iowa, December 13, 1882.
Mr. Whicher married Miss Isabel Hoffman,
who was born and reared in that city. In his
political views he has always adhered to Repub-
lican principles, and his elections to office have
been as the candidate of this party. The Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks number him
among their number. He is also high in the
ranks of Masonry, being worshipful master in
King David Lodge No. 209, F. & A. M.; past
high priest in San Luis Chapter No. 62. R. A.
M.; and past eminent commander of San Luis
Obispo Commandery No. 27, K. T.
DR. J. M. McCURRY.
One of the most versatile and successful of
the professional men in San Luis Obispo county
is Dr. James M. McCurry, who has a large den
tal practice throughout the county, and a
than passing reputation as a sculptor and d< 1
otee of the fine arts. In 1859 he was burn in Al-
legheny City. Pa., where he was educated prima-
rily in the public schools, and spent the greater
part of his youth. His father, John T. McCurry,
served in the Union army during the Civil war.
and as a soldier in the Twenty-second Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry participated in the bat-
tles of Antietam, South Mountain and many
others of large and small importance, hi this
army service he was not alone as far as kith
or kin were concerned, for a brother foug
his side in the same regiment, and with him
.shared the terrible vi war. On the
maternal side tin- doctor is related to another
old Pennsylvania family, for the name of Cole-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
baugh has for man) years been familiar to the
\, r\ old residents of the stair.
\, an aid to future independence. Dr. Mc-
Curry learned the trade of stone and marble cut-
ting and carving, but his early evinced talent.
and also the generall) unhealthy nature of the
work, led him to regard his attainments in this
direction rather as an accomplishment than as
a practical present means of livelihood. He
therefore decided in favor of dental work, and
after removing to what is now the state of
W'a-liington he practiced dentistry for several
years. In 1895 he went to ?an Francisco and in
1 Sun entered the College of Physicians and Sur-
geons, from which he was graduated in the den-
tal department in the class of 1900. Meantime,
in 1898, he permanently located in San Luis
( )bispo, and has since become one of the fore-
most lental practitioners of the county.
The marriage of Dr. McCurry and Alice F.
Hammond occurred in Allegheny City in 1881,
and of this union there are three children. Har-
old lames, Nellie A. and Lillian. Dr. McCurry
is politically affiliated with the Republican party,
although he was one of the organizers of the
American party. From the standpoint of office-
holding he does not entertain aspirations, but is
nevertheless a conscientious and painstaking
voter. As a sculptor he has grasped the essen-
tials of this remarkable and interesting art, and
has evoked out of marble many fine productions.
He has completed busts of President McKinley,
Admiral Dewey, and many other men promi-
nently before the public, and now has a design
in progress for the McKinley monument.
CHARLES C. REED.
Located on a portion of the great Buena Vista
ranch in Monterey county is the twenty-two
acre ranch belonging t.> Charles C. Reed, one
of the thrifty and successful agriculturists of
this productive valley. Though his responsibil-
ity is not as large as that of many of his neigh-
Mr. Reed make- a good living for him-
self and little family, and the care and neatness
evident from a survey of hi- property denote not
only enterprise bul progress, lie is making a
specialty of beets and poultry, and engages in
general farming and a little stock raising.
A native 1 >f West Virginia, Mr. Reed was born
August 24. 1854, a sou of William Reed, also a
native of the Old Dominion state, and who was
.1 farmer up to the time of his untimely death at
the age of thirty-six years. At the time of his
death Charles C. was eleven years of age. and
the boy remained with his mother until her sec-
ond marriage, at which time he was fifteen and
inclined to start out in the world for himself.
He learned the carpenter's trade in the vicinity
of his home, and thereafter combined farming
with his trade, usually working for the surround-
ing farmers. He came to California in 1876,
'locating in Sonoma count}', where he worked as
a carpenter for about three years, and then ran
a very large ranch on shares for two years.
Subsequently he ran a very large ranch on
shares for about eleven years, and in 181)4
bought his present home of twenty-two acres.
The wife of Mr. Reed was formerly Fannie
Dillon, a native of California, and of this union
there have been born four children, the oldest
of whom died young. Etta, William E. and
Emma are living at home. Mr. Reed is a Demo-
crat in political affiliation, but has never desired
or sought political recognition. Mrs. Reed is
a member of the Catholic Church.
J. 11. MENKE.
One of the soundest and most conservative
financial institutions of Monterey county is the
First National Bank of Salinas, of which that
popular and progressive German-American, J.
II. Menke, is the president and propelling force.
In his effort to elevate the standard of his town
lie has donated liberally to all worthy causes,
and has lent the weight of his influence on the
side of advancement. He is the owner of the
Salinas brewery, and has from time to time be-
come the possessor of various city and country
properties, including several farms in this
count v. Possessing a splendid knowledge of
finance and a shrewd, level business head, he
has made the best of his opportunities in the
west, and has, besides, the satisfaction of know-
ing that all who know him wish him well, and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
355
rejoice in the strict integrity which has charac-
terized all of his dealings.
Until his seventeenth year Air. Menke lived
and studied at the public schools of his native
town of Hanover, Germany, where he was born
in 1848. Of an expansive turn of mind, he early
formed a decision to conduct his future opera-
tions in the new world, and upon arriving
in Xew York found employment in the establish-
ment of a ship chandler for three years and a
half. He came to San Francisco in 1869. and
worked for three years in a grocery store, after
which he removed to Santa Cruz and was vari-
ously employed until he settled in Salinas in
1874. With the money earned through his own
efforts and frugality in America he purchased
a half interest in the old Salinas brewery, and
conducted the same with his partner, Mr. Lurz,
until the death of the latter in 1889. Mr. Menke
then purchased the remaining half of the brew-
cr\, and that year erected a new place fur the
conduct of his business, his handsome and com-
modious residence being close at hand. In 1892
he established the bank of which he is now
president, and which has since enjoyed an un-
interrupted era of prosperity.
In 1879 Mr. Menke married Emma Tholcke,
a native of Germany, and of this union there
are the following children: William, who is in
his father's bank; Litha, Emma, Henry, Mamie
and Carl. Mr. Menke is politically a Democrat,
and is a member of the city council. Fraternally
he is a member and treasurer of the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of
Pythias.
TIMOTHY COWLES.
Although during the period of the '50s Cali-
fornia attracted many men of doubtful reputa-
tion, it has been the glory of the state that it
also attracted thousands of young men, sturdy
of frame, energetic of will, upright in life and
honest in every transaction. To this latter class
belongs Timothy Cowles. a pioneer of 1851, and
now a retired rancher residing in Watsonville.
He was born in Peacham, Vt., April 26, 1814,
being a son of Timothy and Susan (Fairchild)
Cowles, and of Danish descent. It is worthy
of note that he is the fifth in direct line bearing
the name of Timothy. He learned the hatter's
trade under his father and some years later he
and a younger brother took up the hat business,
which enabled them to support themselves and
aid in maintaining the large family. However, in
1850, when a tariff was placed on fur and silk,
the business could no longer be conducted
profitably, and was then discontinued.
At that time California was the Eldorado of
many a dream on the part of energetic young
men in the east. Mr. Cowles sought his father's
advice on the subject, and when advised to go
he at once proceeded to New York, took pas-
sage on a vessel fur Nicaragua, and landed at
San Francisco Thanksgiving Day, 1851, and the
next day proceeded to Yuba. That place wit-
nessed his first efforts as a miner, but after five
months he proceeded to Placerville and in the
fall of 1852 became a miner in a notorious min-
ing camp that was called Maquelumne Hill. The
first sight he witnessed there was a crowd of wo-
men fighting in the streets. There were no
churches or orders there at the time, but it
was his privilege to assist in the building of
the Congregational Church there, and he was
elected deacon of the congregation. Strange
as it may seem, a large congregation attended
the services and the movement proved of the
greatest benefit to the morals of the camp.
A Masonic lodge had been started there and
in 1856 he was initiated into Masonry there,
following the example of his father, who had
been made a Mason in 1824. While at the
camp he officiated both as junior and senior
warden of the lodge and was recognized as one
of its ablest workers. Besides mining he worked
in sawmills and took contracts for cutting large
tracts of timber for the mills. In 1854 he re-
moved to Calavares, where he combined mining
with vegetable gardening. October 3, 1866, he
settled in Antioch, where he took up one hun-
dred and sixty acres, but this claim he subse-
quently lost.
Going to San Francisco Mr. Cowles happened
i Rev. Mr. Starr, from whom he learned
that a large dairy ranch was about to be estab
lished near San Juan. Mo went there and in
July, 1868, secured the position of man.!.
356
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the San Justo dairy, owned by Flint, Bixby &
Co. At firsl the dairy had only eighteen cows,
but under his supervision it was increased to two
hundred and fifty cows, and so popular were the
products that butter bearing the brand of the
San Justo dairy was sold for $1.10 a roll. In the
fall of 1877 he came to the Pajaro valley and
purchased ninety-seven acres, comprising what
is known as Ward's ranch. In addition he
rented pasture land for his stock, which included
one -hundred and fifty head of hogs. For ten
years he followed general farming and stock
raising, meantime also setting out three hundred
apple trees, erecting a neat house and other
buildings, and finally, in 1887, selling the prop-
erty for almost double what he had paid for it.
He then bought a home in Watsonville, where
he has since resided. In 1848 he married Cyn-
thia, daughter of James and Jeane (McPhee)
Shaw, natives of Edinburgh, Scotland. She died
February 19, 1884, leaving three children,
namely: Horace H., who resides on a ranch;
Hortense C. who is the widow of A. S. Weston:
and Caroline M., who presides over her father's
home and ministers to the comfort and happi-
ness of his declining years. Although past
eighty-eight years old, Mr. Cowles is hale and
active, and spends his time in wood carving,
having turned out some fine cabinets and doing
considerable work in this line.
R. G. FLINT.
In disposing of the western opportunities
which have come his way, R. G. Flint, one of
the substantial citizens of San Miguel, has dis-
played characteristic enterprise. He was born
in London. ( )ntario, Canada. February 27, 1862,
and was reared and educated in his northern
home. His father. Pirney, one of the pioneers
to whom the present western prosperity is due,
came from his native home in England when a
boy, accompanied by his parents. He was one
of the earlier enthusiasts to appreciate the min-
ing possibilities on the coast, and after crossing
the plains with ox-teams and wagons in 1848,
was more successful than the average in wrest-
ing from the hidden stores of the earth a liveli-
hood and even competence. He located in Sac-
ramento county and filed on land which was
never proved up, and where he was naturalized
as an American citizen. Eventually he worked
at his trade, that of stone mason, but in later
3 ears removed from San Francisco to his old
home in Canada, where he raised fruit on his
farm and where he died at the age of sixty-
sex-en years. His wife, Ann (Elson) Flint was
born in Canada, and was the mother of two sons
and six daughters, of whom R. G. was the
second.
At the age of twenty-one years R. G. Flint
located on the Nacinimento ranch, which was
a large one. and represented a large responsibil-
ity. At first a farm hand, he rapidly arose in the
confidence of the management, and after serving
as foreman, creditably maintained the position
of manager. Thus he remained with the ranch
for thirteen years, acquiring in the meantime
a wide knowledge of ranching affairs in the west.
In 1895 he engaged in the butcher business in
San Miguel, and after a time was able to buy
out the people who owned the business, and con-
duct it himself on a larger scale. At the pres-
ent time he owns, but leases, the shop and
slaughter yard. For a time he engaged in an
extensive ranching business, owning six hun-
dred and sixty acres of land on the Nacinimento
river, which has since been disposed of. At the
present time he is engaged in loaning money,
and in looking after his many interests in the
town and county.
The pleasant and commodious residence
erected by Mr. Flint is occupied by his wife and
child, the former of whom is Anna, daughter of
George Davis, one of the California '49ers. Mr.
Davis crossed the plains with ox-teams, and was
fortunate in securing employment with the Hud-
son Bay Company, with whom he remained for
several years. He lived for a time in Oregon,
and for some years in Santa Cruz, but of late
years has made his home in San Miguel. ( »ne
child, Ethel, has been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Flint. Mr. Flint is interested to some extent
in quick silver mining. He is a Republican in
national politics, and was made a citizen of the
United States in 1886. With his wife he is a
member of the Episcopal Church.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
■:,:,
DENNIS FILIPPONI.
From his native country, Switzerland, Mr.
Filipponi crossed the ocean to America in 1869
and at New York took passage on a ship bound
for the Isthmus of Panama, thence proceeded
to San Francisco, where he arrived on the 25th
of March. His first months in California were
spent at San Jose, after which he procured work
in a sawmill in Sonoma county and later, for
several years, was employed as a dairyman in
Marin county. During 1873 he came to San
Luis Obispo county and rented a dairy at
Morro, which he conducted for thirteen years.
In the meantime he invested his savings in his
present ranch, consisting of six hundred and
sixty-three acres, and forming a part of the old
grant known as Los Osos rancho. This prop-
erty has been his home since August, 1889.
On taking possession of the ranch, one of his
first improvements was the building of fences
to inclose the tract. Other improvements were
made from time to time, as the owner's means
permitted. Being familiar with the dairy busi-
ness and knowing it to be a profitable industry,
under favorable circumstances, he decided to
turn his attention to it, and accordingly put up
the necessary buildings. From sixty to seventy-
five cows were milked and the dairy averaged
75 pounds of butter per day. Unfortunately, the
dry season of 1898 proved ruinous to the busi-
ness, and it became necessary for him to reduce
by one-half the number of his cows. He then
turned his attention to general farming, and to
the raising of lima beans and barley. Of both
cattle and horses he kept a good grade, and
indeed the ranch is one of the best conducted in
the neighborhood. In 1901 he added to' his
estate two hundred and thirty-two acres, join-
ing his first purchase on the southeast.
As a Republican Mr. Filipponi takes an active
part in local matters and is a member of the
county central committee for San Luis Obispo
county. For six years he served as a director
of the Los Osos school, and during that time
assisted in organizing the school library. Frater-
nally he is a member of King David Lodge No.
162, F. & A. M.; San Luis Obispo Chapter
No. 62, R. A. M.; and San Luis Commandery
No. 27. K. T., and is interested in everything
pertaining to Masonry. While living in North-
ern California he was for several years a director
in the Dairyman's Union of San Francisco, and
was a charter member of the same. At the same
time he was a stockholder in the Bank of Swit-
zerland at San Francisco. Included in his pos-
sessions are other lands besides his ranch in
San Luis Obispo county. Indeed, his present
prosperity proves that he merits commendation,
for he came from his native land wholly without
means and with the added disadvantage of not
understanding American customs and people.
His children, of whom there are eight, were
born in San Luis Obispo county and are being
prepared, by careful home training, for positions
of usefulness in the world.
OTTO STOESSER.
From the time of settling at Watsonville, in
April, 1853, until his death, which occurred May
18, 1902, Mr. Stoesser wras one of the most
influential business men and citizens of the place.
Emphatically a man of work, he was never idle,
but continued to be one of the most enterprising
and active men of the Pajaro valley. No enter-
prise of merit was projected that failed to re-
ceive his substantial encouragement; and every
plan for the promotion of the public welfare had
the benefit of his keen judgment and wise co-
operation. A man of broad and charitable views,
he aided every movement for the advancement of
education, morality or the well-being of the
community. During the many years of his con-
nection with the mercantile interests of Watson-
ville he conducted his affairs so wisely and ener-
getically that at the time of his death he was
the largest taxpayer in the city. This good for-
tune did not come to him by luck or chance, but
was the result of legitimate business investment
and careful management.
A glimpse over the life-record of Mr. Stoesser
shows that he was born in Gaggennau, near
Baden-Baden, in the grand duchy of Baden,
Germany, November iS, [825, and was a son
of Dominick Stoesser. Seeking a home in the
new world, lie landed in New York June 25,
1846, and from there went to Norfolk, Va.,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where he worked for one and one-half years.
From that time until 1850 he visited a number
of places along the Atlantic seaboard, and
worked for a short time successively in Wil-
mington, N. C, Columbia and Danville, Pa.
His last employer in the east was John Hagan,
at No. 308 Market street, Philadelphia. Re-
signing that position February 22, 1850, he
started for California, and on the 27th embarked
on the Zenobia for San Francisco. The voyage
around the Horn was tedious, varied only by a
few stops, including four days at Valparaiso.
August 13 he landed in San Francisco, where he
found work with M. L. Wyun, manufacturer of
Wynn's golden syrup. While there he witnessed
the celebration incident to the admission of Cal-
ifornia into the Union. Next he went to Burns'
Diggins, near Agua Fria, where he had little
luck at mining. December 25 found him again
in San Francisco, with only $4.85. The first
employment he was able to secure was that of
cabin boy (or flunkey, as they were then called)
on board the steamer Columbia, bound for Pan-
ama, to which point he went, returning on the
same vessel in March, 185 1. Again he tried
mining on the Feather river and later at Rich
Par mines, but the work proved a failure and
he was discouraged from all further attempts.
On his return to San Francisco he started to
work as a cabin boy, but seeing a sign in a res-
taurant window. "Wanted, a dish-washer," he
went into the restaurant, secured the work and
stayed there ten days. He was then made sec-
ond pastry baker in a restaurant on Kearny
street, but twenty-four days after he went there
the restaurant was burned. Soon he found sim-
ilar employment, and in time received large
pay. March 2, 1853, he was induced by Dr.
Vandeburgh to go to Santa Cruz and engage in
merchandising, so brought a stock of goods via
the steamer Major Tompkins and opened a
store on Front street, near the old Santa Cruz
house.
\i the end of a month Mr. Stoesser packed his
goods in three wagons and started for Watson-
ville, where he arrived April m, 1853. On a lot
adjoining the present store he opened up head-
quarters and three months later bought out his
partner, Dr. Vandeburgh. Later he built a
house next his store, but this he moved to Rod-
riguez street, and in 1873 built the present
double store, two stories high, which he con-
ducted until his death. He was a stockholder in
the Pajaro Valley Bank and owned a large farm
near town, also valuable city property, includ-
ing his elegant residence On the corner of Third
and Rodriguez streets. For thirty years he was
treasurer of Watsonville. holding the office by
successive re-elections until he finally declined
to serve longer. He was never a candidate for
any other position, preferring to devote himself
to business matters; but, had he expressed a
willingness to serve in any position, it would
have been his, such was his popularity among
the people of the valley. The only organization
to which he belonged was the Santa Cruz
County Pioneers, of which he served as vice-
president for some years. He assisted in organ-
izing the first fire department in Watsonville and
maintained his interest in the department
through all his life.
Though passed from the scene of his labors.
Mr. Stoesser is not forgotten, and his influence
will not cease as long as there are public-spir-
ited men who remember with gratitude the en-
terprising efforts of this pioneer. Having won
his daily bread by the most strenuous exertions
in early days, he always felt a keen sympathy
with the working people, and was exceedingly
considerate of his own employes. It was said
that a position with him always meant "for life
or during good behavior." From boyhood until
death he bore an unsullied reputation, as an hon-
est, liberal-minded and conscientious man. His
illness was of brief duration, lasting only during
two weeks, at the end of which he passed away
iike a peaceful dropping into sleep. In his last
days he could look back over the past without
remorse, and forward into the future without
fear, with the profound comfort of a life well
spent, ami the unwavering consolation of having
done his full duty on every occasion where time
with its changes has called him.
In 1861 Mr. Stoesser married Elizabeth J.
Doran, daughter of Edward and Julia (O'Far-
rell) Doran. They became the parents of two
children, Julia M. and Otto D. The son was
born in Watsonville in 1868 and married Kath-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
36]
erine, daughter of Capt. Thomas Leminan, of
San Francisco. Since the death of his father
lie has had charge of the estate and conducts the
business, giving promise by his keen business
acumen and wise judgment of equaling his
father in financial success. The family are
members of the Roman Catholic Church, from
which Mr. Stoesser was conveyed to his last
resting place in Valley cemetery, the body being
followed by one of the longest processions
known in the history of Pajaro valley.
THOMAS J. FIELD.
The vice-president of the Bank of Monterey
is one of the men of whom his adopted city is
justly proud. On the paternal farm near New
Frankfort. Scott county. Ind., where he was born
June 3, 1848. he acquired that independence
and appreciation of outside opportunities usu-
ally engendered while rising early in the morn-
ing, working hard from dawn to sunset, and
getting an education which, because of its in-
termittent nature, becomes a prized privilege
rather than a stern duty. His father, Moses,
was born in Ohio, and lived in both Kentucky
and Indiana, in which latter state he is still
living in Bloomington, at the age of eighty-
three years.
At the age of eighteen Mr. Field left the home
surroundings and went to railroading in Ken-
tucky, continuing the same occupation after re-
moving to California January 2, 1875. For eight
years he was associated with the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad, his headquarters during that time
being in San Francisco. His services became of
value to the company, and he was promoted to
the more responsible position of right of way
agent, his duties in this capacity covering a
period of five or six years. He then became
identified with the Pacific Improvement Com-
pany as general man, and in 1892 was one of the
incorporators of the Bank of Monterey, of which
he has since been vice-president and general
manager. His business interests are by no
means limited to the bank, but extend to vari-
ous important enterprises, among them being
the Del Monte. Monterey & Pacific Grove
Street Railway Company, of which he is presi-
dent and manager. Included in his possessions
is considerable valuable real estate in Monterey
and San Francisco. He is president and one
of the incorporators of the Oak Creek Land &
Water Company, of Kern county, Cal., which
company owns seven thousand acres of land.
In addition he has large mining interests in
11 Dorado and Calaveras counties, and man-
ages a large group of prospects and mines.
Through his marriage with Catalina Dan-
glada, in 1882, Mr. Field became allied with
a prominent old Spanish family of Monterey
county, owning large ranches in this part of the
state of which Mr. Field has charge. Mrs. Field
in her own right is a large landed proprietor,
and her husband has shown great sagacity in
the management of her estate. To Mr. and Mrs.
Field have been born two children: Antoinette,
a student at Notre Dame College; and Stephen
J., a student at St. Mary's College. Mr. Field
is a Republican in political affiliation, and he has
been active in local affairs, although he is
naturally averse to official recognition. For
eighteen years he has been supervisor of the
county, and at the expiration of his present term
will have served five terms in all (twenty years I.
Once a member of the board, his services were
so satisfactory that he was petitioned by both
parties to continue in the office. A part of the
time he has been chairman of the board, and
during his administration numerous improve-
ments were instituted of more than passing in-
terest and importance.
Mr. Field is one of the mosl prominent men
in Monterey, and his efforts have been directed
towards things lasting and permanently bene-
ficial to the community.
FRANK W. FREEMAN.
Not long after the discovery of gold in Cali-
fornia William D. Freeman determined to seek
a home for himself and famih in the far west,
lie was «'f eastern descent and was born in
Chautauqua county. X. Y.. in 1827. Ai the time
lie started on the long journey, in 1S54. he was
twenty-seven years 0 impanying him
was his wife. Mary Freeman (nee Halsti
native of Canada. While thev were en route to
362
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the coast and were passing through Polk county,
Iowa, a son was born to them, whom they
named Frank W. The latter was therefore an
infant when brought to California and remem-
bers no other home than this state. He was
one of twelve children who attained maturity.
ten of whom are still living, all in California.
In 1878 Mr. Freeman came to San Luis
Obispo county, where he has since made his
home. His first location was on Toro creek,
but in the fall of 1881 he bought his present
ranch of one hundred and sixty-three acres on
Morro creek. Since that time he has devoted
himself to general farming and dairying and
has become the owner of a herd of forty cows of
the best Jersey breeds. The butter manufac-
tured in his dairy is shipped to various points
in California, and by its excellent quality com-
mands a fair price and meets a ready sale. The
progressive spirit possessed by Mr. Freeman is
shown in the improvements which he has in-
troduced. He was the first to establish a pri-
vate water plant on Alorro creek. The system
which he has developed furnished, by means of
piping thirty-one hundred feet long, an abun-
dance of water for stock and dairy purposes, and
for running the cream separator. Another fact
which shows Mr. Freeman's progressive spirit
is his desire to own the best farm machinery.
For many years he had the only threshing ma-
chine in the northern part of the country, and
he now owns one of the finest makes of steam
threshers, which threshes from sixty-five to
seventy-five thousand sacks of grain per year.
Cattle, hogs and horses are to be seen on the
ranch. The property has been placed under
fence, and has also been subdivided into fields
by means of cross-fencing. In addition to all of
his other enterprises, he is engaged in the rais-
ing of poultry, his specialty being White Leg-
horns. 1 1 ere, as in other industries, he uses the
besl and latest methods, and is assisted greatly
]>v the adoption of the incubator system. At
this writing he has about twenty-five hundred
chickens, some of which are prepared for the
markets, while others are retained in order to
furnish the needed supply of eggs for domestic
use and for sale.
While Mr. Freeman is a Republican in na-
tional politics, he maintains an independent at-
titude in local matters, voting for the man rather
than the party. For years he served as a mem-
ber of the Excelsior school board. H'e was a
charter member of the San Luis Obispo Indus-
trial Union, in which he is now a stockholder.
For the past twenty years he has been connected
with the Odd Fellows. During his residence in
Marin county he was past noble grand of his
lodge. Among the local projects which owe
much to his forethought and generous aid may
be mentioned the Presbyterian Church at Morro.
Indeed, churches and schools always are sure of
his sympathy and influence, for he believes them
to be the bulwarks of our nation and the
foundation stones upon which our country's
greatness is being built. Besides his ranch on
Morro creek, he owns one hundred and sixty-
three acres near Santa Maria, Santa Barbara
county, upon which he has placed various im-
provements, including the sinking of a well one
hundred and sixty feet deep, giving an endless
supply of water.
November 25, 1878, Mr. Freeman married
Miss Elmira Blake, who was born in Minne-
sota, a daughter of Augustus Blake, and settled
in Marin county, Cal., in 1873. Four children
were born of this union, namely: Mary E.,
Daisy M., William Franklin and Frederick. His
elder daughter is a student in the California
State Normal at San Jose, where she is prepar-
ing for the teacher's profession.
SAMUEL GUTHRIE.
A man who has traveled much and observed
closely the habits and customs of different na-
tionalities naturally acquires the liberal spirit
of a cosmopolitan, and this is one of the leading
characteristics of Mr. Guthrie. As a representa-
tive of the mercantile interests of San Luis
Obispo county he has a circle of acquaintances
that is not limited to his own county, but ex-
tends through the central coast region. His
residence in California dates from 1871, while
since 1873 he has made his home in Cambria,
and is now a member of the mercantile house of
Lull, Guthrie & Co.
Scotland is Mr. Guthrie's native country, and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
303
his birth occurred in 1840. At the age of four-
teen years he went to Australia, where for seven-
teen years he was engaged in mercantile business
in Melbourne. In that remote and enterpris-
ing city he made many friends. However,
he was not wholly satisfied to make it his per-
manent home, believing that the United States
offered greater opportunities in many respects
than his island home. Accordingly in 1871 he
shipped from Melbourne to San Francisco, and
since that year has been a resident of California,
whose climate and people are so much to his
liking that he has no intention of ever seeking a
home elsewhere. During 1875 he was employed
by Grant, Lull & Co., as. a general bookkeeper,
which position lie filled so efficiently that two
years later he was promoted to be manager and
in 1883 became a partner in the firm. The part-
nership was dissolved in 1887, and during the
next two years he was employed in a wholesale
dry-goods house in San Francisco, but returned
to Cambria in 1889. at which time the organiza-
tion was effected of the present firm of Lull,
Guthrie & Co. During the years that have since
intervened Mr. Guthrie has given his personal
attention to the management of the business,
and the success which has rewarded his efforts
proves that he possesses genuine talent in mer-
cantile, enterprises. The store is the largest in
Cambria and has in stock a general line of mer-
chandise, valued at between $15,000 and $20,000.
In addition to the ownership of the store, the
linn has for years owned large tracts of land in
San Luis Obispo county, where they raise stock
for the markets.
The town of Cambria, with its various impor-
tant interests, its good schools, its churches, and
its surrounding country populated by enterpris-
ing ranchers and dairymen, owes much to the
energy of Mr. Guthrie. The establishment and
maintenance of a high-class store is always an
aid in the development of any village, and draws
into it the trade of farmers for miles around.
For this reason he is entitled to rank am- mil;
public-spirited citizens. However, this is by no
means his only claim to recognition. In other
ways lie lias assist ed in the building up of the
place. He was one of the organizers of the
Cambria Fire Company and has been its fore-
man ever since the organization. During the
quicksilver excitement he was employed as ac-
countant for the Oceanic Quicksilver Mining
Company.
No political party has ever received the al-
legiance of Mr. Guthrie, who prefers to be inde-
pendent, and casts his ballot for the men and
measures he believes to be best calculated to
promote the welfare of the people. It has never
been his ambition to occupy positions of official
responsibility, yet he has been active in assist-
ing such of his friends as are candidates for
office. Fraternally he is a member of San
Simeon Lodge No. 196, F. & A. M., of which
he is past master and present secretary. With
his wife, who was formerly Miss S. E. Woods,
of Oregon, and whom he married in 1879, he
holds a high place in the regard of the people,
and his genial manner makes him a welcomed
guest everywhere. As one of the early residents
in San Luis Obispo county and a man whose
energies have been devoted to the development
of the resources of Cambria, his name well de-
serves mention in this work and perpetuation
in the annals of the county.
JAMES D. FOWLER.
In these United States it is a matter of pride
that a large portion of the best and most promi-
nent citizens in different walks of life have risen
to distinction solely through their own efforts,
unaided by wealth, influential family, or circum-
stances over which they have no control. \
notable instance of the sterling worth which
overcomes obstacles and creates its own oppor-
tunities is presented in the career of James D.
Fowler, the postmaster of San Luis Obispo, and
one of the most honored men in the county.
In Glasgow, Howard county. Mo., where he
was born April 25. 1837. Mr. Fowler passed his
early years on the parental farm, where lie was
trained in the practical, useful things of life, and
inured to industry and, thrift ' r fam-
ily was represented in America al a period un-
certainly located, and the first emigrants sup
posedl) settled in Connecticut. The paternal
grandfather served in the Colonial army during
the Revolutionary war. and the father of Mr.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Fowler, together with his three brothers, served
with distinction in the war of 1812. When six-
teen rears of age. James D.. and his brother
Charles D., from whom he has rarely been
separated, started across the plains for Cali-
fornia, and settled in Santa Clara county. After
herding sheep for a couple of years he returned
to his old home in Missouri, and remained until
1859. During these three years Mr. Fowler
studied diligently at the district schools, and this
education was about all that he received during
his immature and struggling years. Neverthe-
less, in his humble environment of work and
recreation he gained much that the schools can-
not give, and in the light of subsequent study.
and keen observation of men and events, the
earlv educational shortcomings seem to have
been a spur to the attainments of later years.
Upon re-crossing the plains in 1859, Mr. Fowler
settled at San Jose and conducted a farm un-
til 1862, and that year paid his own way back
to Missouri, that he might assist in the struggle
between the north and south. His military
career was a worthy one, and prosecuted with all
the force of youthful enthusiasm for the cause
he deemed just, and as a member of the Ninth
Missouri Cavalry he served until July 13, 1865.
At first a private, he was afterwards made ser-
geant, and during the progress of the war par-
ticipated in Price's raid and all of the impor-
tant battles after '62. Although strictly to the
fore in all danger and privation, he was singu-
larly exempt from physical disability, and is
proud to say that during the whole of his service
he never missed a meal or a fight.
With the restoration of peace Mr. Fowler re-
turned to Missouri, and the following Febru-
ary returned to California and San Jose, where
he remained until 1860. He then took up his
residence in Monterey county, and while there
was appointed a member of the committee
formed to divide Monterey county and from
which was created San Benito county. In [876
he came to San Luis Obispo county and lo-
cated on the splendidly improved ranch which
he Still 1 >\\ ns al ( 'a\ UO IS, aboul twenty-one miles
an Luis I >bispO. Here lie developed and
improved his property, and entered upon Four-
teen years of practical and scientific agriculture
and horticulture, and now has one of the finest
ranches in the county. In 1804 Mr. Fowder came
to San Luis Obispo to reside, and during Presi-
dent McKinley's administration, beginning with
[898, lu was appointed postmaster of the town,
and has since admirably conducted the local af-
fairs of Uncle Sam.
In [865, at his old home in Missouri. Mr.
Fowler married Sarah Frances Pierce, daughter
of J. M. C. Pierce, member of an old and well
known A'irginia family. Of this union there
have been born four children, three of whom are
living: Ella, wife of Farrell C. Xickle, employed
in the government service in San Francisco;
Attelia. who is living at home; and James Rufus,
who is a graduate of the Dental College in San
Francisc. Although born an Abolitionist. Mr.
Fowler has been a Republican ever since his
first voting experience, but he has never been
prominently before the public in search of official
recognition. Since 1863 he has been associated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and has held all of the chairs, and is now serving
a- commander of the Fred Steele Post No. 70,
< >. A. R. He is a member of the Pioneers of
Santa Clara County. The esteem in which Mr.
Fowler is held among all classes of people in
San Luis Obispo, the admiration which his meri-
torious career elicits from all who appreciate
sterling worth and well directed effort; his cour-
age as a soldier, and his success as an agricul-
turist, are assuredly integral parts of the town
to which he acknowledges allegiance. The ele-
ments of popularity so unconsciously utilized
have won for him friends and his kindly per-
sonality, consideration and tact, have played an
important part in his struggle for ascendency.
JOSEPH W. GREGG.
F< >r many years the name of Joseph W. Gregg
has been a familiar one in the Carmel valley, and
his ranch of one thousand acres, located partly
in the valley and partly in the hills, and in close
proximity to the old Carmel Mission, has been
representative of all that was excellent as a
dairying and ranching center. A native of A ir-
ginia, Mr. Gregg was born December 8, [828,
a son of Aaron Gregg, also born in the Old
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Dominion. Aaron Gregg removed to the vi-
cinity of Newark, Licking county, Ohio, in
1830, and there bought a farm of which fifteen
acres was cleared, and upon which he cleared
one hundred and fifty acres. He was fairly suc-
cessful and lived to be seventy years of age. A
Whig, and afterward a Democrat, he took little
interest in political agitations, but was a de-
voted member and worker in the Methodist
Church. He married Elizabeth Fleming, also a
native of Virginia, and who lived to be seventy-
three years of age. She was a member of the
Methodist church, and the mother of six chil-
dren, of whom Joseph W. is third oldest. The
paternal grandfather, Joseph Gregg, was born in
England, and was a Quaker in religious belief.
After emigrating to America lie became a Vir-
ginia planter, and died at the age of sixty.
When two years of age Joseph W. Gregg
went with the rest of the family to Licking
county, Ohio, and there lived on the paternal
farm until seventeen. He then worked in three
different flouring mills in ( Miio, in one of which
he served an apprenticeship, and in the spring
of 1852 went to Charleston, Coles county, 111.,
where he superintended the building of a flour-
ing mill, a task requiring ten months, and then
built another mill requiring four months. March
20, 1853, he started for California via the Isth-
mus, arriving in Monterey May 4th of the same
year. He purchased a ranch in the Carmel val-
ley which was heavily timbered and covered
with brush, for which he paid $360, and of
which he cleared one hundred and sixty acres.
At the end of sixteen years he bought a squat-
ter's claim adjoining the hills, consisting of
about four hundred acres, and sold the same for
$7,000. For a time he lived in the city of
Monterey and loaned money with fair success,
and when ten months had expired purchased the
ranch of a thousand acres which has since been
In's home. Four hundred and fifty acres of this
land are in the valley, and the rest in the hills.
For years Mr. Gregg carried on a large dairy-
ing business, keeping on an average one hun-
dred and eighty cows. He is at present en-
gaged in general farming and stock-raising, and
has one of the neatest, most modernly equipped
and most productive ranches in the valley. He
estimates the worth of his property at $100,000.
In 1868 Mr. Gregg married Lola Soboranas,
of which union there were four children: Eliza-
beth, the wife of Oliver Thomas, of Monterey;
Lola M., the wife of William Garner, of Mon-
terey; Mary (known as Dallie), the wife of Wil-
liam D. Steadman. interested with his father-in-
law in the ranch; and Joseph. Mr. Gregg is a
stanch Republican, and has been school trustee
for nearly thirty-five years. He is honored and
respected by all who know him, and his success-
ful career is worthy of emulat on and admira-
tion.
THOMAS GRAVES.
It would be difficult to find a man more em-
phatically in accord with the true western spirit
of progress, or more keenly alive to the oppor-
tunities awaiting the industrious and intelligent
man of affairs in Monterey county than is
Thomas Graves, who has here built up a far-
reaching stock business, and identified himself
with the best undertakings in his district. Out
of his own varied experiences he has evolved
the theory that any young man with ambition
and correct ideas of life may attain unto his goal,
providing his diversions do not include gam-
bling, drinking and kindred destroyers of suc-
cess and happiness.
A representative of a fine old southern family
which was among the first to settle in Kentucky,
Mr. Graves was born in Marion county in 1837,
and is a son of George and Levina (M'attingly)
Graves, both born in Kentucky. When ten years
of age Thomas accompanied his parents to
Nodaway county. Mo., and two years later the
father crossed the plains to Sacramento, where
for a year In- engaged in the grain and hay busi-
ness, making as high as $1,000 a month. So
impressed was he with the advantages to be
found in the west, that he returned for his fam-
ily and belongings, and started from Missouri
upon his second trip across tin- plains. The
train that braved the dangers of the overland
trail was a small one. am! 1 bul five-
wagons and a lot of stock. \t tin- expiration
of five months they reached Mann da comity,
where the) lived for three years, and in [855
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
came to Monterey county, which was then very
wild and almost entirely uncultivated. They
found the resident Spaniards very hospitable and
friendly, but there was hardly a dozen white
families in the county at the time. The elder
Graves was a man of shrewd business sagacity,
and from the first he held tenaciously to his
principle of success. He leased the land upon
a portion of which Salinas now stands, but
which was not then associated with the thought
of a town, and as the years rolled by he became
the possessor of large ranches and correspond-
inglv large herds of cattle and horses, at one
time owning four hundred head of fine standard
horses. The balance of his life was spent in the
midst of his large successes, and he lived to the
ripe age of five and seventy years. His brother,
J. E. Graves, who is now in the mint in San
Francisco, was sheriff of Monterey county for
about sixteen years.
Thomas Graves was educated in the. public
schools of Kentucky, Missouri, and California,
and at the age of twenty-two married Sarah E.
Bryant, a native of Arkansas. His first inde-
pendent farming venture was conducted on a
small place about three miles west of where
Salinas now stands, and which was known as the
Johnson farm. Here he engaged principally in
stock-raising until 1875, when, after disposing
of his interests, he purchased the Tibadad ranch,
northeast of Salinas, and lived thereon until
1881. The next purchase of Mr. Graves was the
ranch of three thousand acres nine miles from
Gonzales, which he still owns, and which is
finely stocked. A still later acquisition is a
ranch of one thousand acres near Gonzales, and
he also owns several smaller farms in the county.
I mi the last six years he has lived in his pleas-
ant home in Salinas, enjoying to a certain extent
a respite from his long years of arduous toil.
Mr is ;i Democrat in politics, but, though often
urged to run for office, has ever declined to do
M>. He is a charter member of the Odd Fellows
a! Salinas, but, owing to ill health, abandoned
his association with the organization several
eat ago. 'I'" Mr. and Mrs. Graves have been
born five sons and one daughter: George YM.
who is a farmer and stockman in Montere)
county; John Burton, also a farmer in this
county; Frank, who is in the dairy business in
Merced county; J.E., who is in business with
Mr. Miller, the cattle king of California; and
William 1'... who is still at home and who is in-
terested with our subject in stock business; and
Lcvina. who is the wife of Mr. Hughes, of
Salinas.
S. B. GORDON, M. D.
Among professional men in Salinas none is
more in touch with the general spirit of progress
in the west than Dr. Gordon, widely known as
a proficient expounder of the best principles of
medical science, and for whom his friends pre-
dict a future of exceeding brightness. A native
son of the west, he was born in Monterey, Cak,
October 17, 1868, and is a son of S. B. Gordon,
one of the substantial and successful pioneers of
California, who died at Pacific Grove June 5,
1902. The elder Gordon came to California in
1852, and the next year to Monterey county.
where he was a large stock-raiser, and where he
became one of the progressive forces of his lo-
cality. As a stanch upholder of Democratic
principles he was elected to places of honor by
his fellow townsmen, serving two terms as a
member of the legislature and several terms as
supervisor. He was born in Georgia, and was a
large plantation owner, a portion of his land,
Gordon Mills, being the scene of the battle of
that name. Senator George B. Gordon, who
was also General Gordon, was a relative of the
family.
Dr. Gordon is the only physician in his fam-
ily, and his education was acquired in the public-
schools up to his sixteenth year. He then took
a two years' literary course at the University of
California, after which he went to New York
and was graduated from the medical department
of the University of New York in 1890. For
preliminary practice he located in Gonzales, and
was the first practicing physician of the town.
About four years ago he became permanently
identified with Salinas, since which time his
acknowledged professional skill, his genial per-
sonality, and many fine traits of character have
won him hosts of friends and the patronage of
mam of the most desirable families in the town.
'ch^t^^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
369
Although the youngest physician here, he has
inspired confidence to an unusual degree, his
treatment of complicated and apparently hope-
less cases being accountable to a large degree
for his present standing.
In 1892 Dr. Gordon married Maggie Cox, a
native of Watsonviile, Cal, and of this union
there is one daughter, Lucile M., who is seven
years old. Dr. Gordon is a Democrat po-
litically, and for six years, beginning with 1893,
served as public administrator of Monterey
ci unity. He is fraternally popular ami widely
known, and is associated with the Blue Lodge
of Masons, the Commandery at Watsonviile, the
Chapter at Salinas, and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, besides eight or nine other
lodges.
TRUMAN BROOKS.
In disposing of the chances that have come
his way, Truman Brooks, born in Sutter county,
( 'ah. and at present manager and sole proprietor
of the Paso Robles Bottling Company, has
evinced both discretion and sound business
judgment, and has won an enviable place among
the upbuilders of his locality. An ineffectual
attempt to represent the family in California in
1849 was made by the paternal grandfather
Brooks, who. in his attempt to brave the dan-
gers of the plains, succumbed to deprivations
and exposure. More successful was his son,
J. C. Brooks, a native fanner of Iowa, near Fort
Madison, who came across in 1854, settling at
indwell's Bar, among the placer mines. Here
he mined a little and ran a dairy, afterward re-
moving to Sutter county, later to Shasta county,
and eventually to Colusa county, from where he
removed to his present home in Lompoc, where
he has bought land and is engaged in chicken
raising and the fruit industry. Ilis wife. Miriam
(Haskell) Brooks, was born in Iowa, and i-
the mother of four smis and two daughters, of
whom Truman is the fourth.
After finishing his education in the public
schools, Truman Brooks attended Pierce's
Christian College, at College City, Colusa
county, and afterward engaged in ranching and
purchasing mules until his twenty-third year.
Later on he rented a farm four years, then
turned his attention to carpentering, and in time
engaging in the grocery business in Fresno. At
Templeton he purchased forty acres of land,
which was soon after .-old. and he then came to
Paso Robles and engaged in the building busi-
ness for a few years. With the savings of his
industry he was enabled to purchase a half in-
terest in the Paso Robles Bottling Company,
and in 1898, when the business was closed out
by the sheriff, Mr. Brooks became the sole pur-
chaser. Although he did not have the money
to pay for the other half interest, his credit was
such that a bank in the town advanced the
money, and he succeeded in paying up every
cent at the end of two years. He has succeeded
in building up a fine business, which brings in
large yearly returns and shows no diminution.
In addition, he handles the only ice business in
the city, and is agent for the Union Ice Com-
pany of San Francisco. In connection with his
other interests he has a winery, and his com-
modities are known all over this part of the state.
He ships a considerable amount of the justly
popular mineral water to the surrounding towns,
and runs a team with his goods across the moun-
tains to Cambria and San Simeon, Cal. Last
year he disposed of seven thousand gallons of
the mineral water, and in connection with it
manufactures all kinds of soda drinks, the whole
plant being valued at $4,000.
In Fresno. Cal.. .Mr. Brooks married Phoebe
Speegle, a native of Castroville, Cal.. and daugh-
ter of A. Jackson Speegle, a native of New
England. Mr. Speegle came n, San Miguel
when he was a boy, having crossed the plains
with a party from the Missouri river, ami since
then has cared entirely for himself. In fact, he
lias looked out for himself since lie was four
teen years of age. and deserves a greal deal of
credit for having so well managed his chances.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mr-.
Brooks, Truman, Jr., and Vivian Loraine, both
of whom are living at home. Mr. Brool
Democrat in politics, has been eit\ trustee and
treasurer for two terms, and is now chairman of
the board. He is a member ami treasurer of the
lire department. Frat< mall; ' > is issociated
with the Independent Ordei Id Fellows,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
370
the Rebekahs and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. _____
M. E. GONZALES, M. D.
A justifiable pride of inheritance is one of the
chief characteristics of Dr. Gonzales, of Monterey
county. He was born in the city of Monterey,
Inly 26, 1848, and comes of a distinguished
Mexican family of Castilian extraction. His
parents were Theodore and Guadaloupe V. de
( ronzales. The father came to Monterey county
when its present prosperity was undreamed of.
In the midst of the undeveloped conditions he
reared his family and established a reputation
for integrity and enterprise. In time his pos-
sessions came to be among the largest in the
county. His ranch, Rincon de la Punta del
Monte, comprised fifteen thousand acres and
was known far and wide. Two of his sons, M.
E. and Alfred, are large land owners of Gon-
zales and influential citizens.
As a boy M. E. Gonzales was given the ad-
vantages of study in Santa Clara College. In
his youth he learned the printer's trade. At the
age of seventeen he was given complete charge
of his father's ranch. Three years later he ac-
quired his first mercantile knowledge, at which
time he bought out the business of Pulasky &
Co., and for several years conducted the same,
meeting with success. At the age of thirty
vears he began to study medicine and in 1883
was graduated from the Cooper Medical Col-
lege of San Francisco. The town of Gonzales
was so named by him in 1874 ami was laid out
by himself and brother after having been sur-
veyed by Charles C. Healey. About the same
time he began the development of his fine ranch
in the vicinity of the town and containing fifteen
thousand three hundred and forty-five acres of
land. < >riginally destitute "i" any improvements.
ii is now "lie mi' the best properties in the
county, with water canals, ditches, fine resi-
lience, substantial barns and general buildings.
Two thousand and live hundred acres are de-
voted t<> dairies, the balance being for grain and
beets, which latter are sold to the Spreckels
sugar concern. All of the land is rented to
tenants, Dr. Gonzales receiving one-fourth of
■ rops as his rental.
In addition to other enterprises Dr. Gonzales
is president of the Bank of Gonzales and treas-
urer of the Gonzales water works. He was
formerly a director of the Race Track Associa-
tion. The science of medicine appeals to him
with particular force and has often been of use
10 him in caring for some unfortunate whose
condition of helplessness appealed to his kindly
heart. However, he has not engaged in prac-
tice, the management of his estate consuming
his time and thought. Fond of travel, he has
found pleasure and recreation in frequent trips
to Europe and kindred diversions. Although
essentially a citizen of San Francisco, where he
spends the greater part of his winters, he never-
theless sojourns during part of each summer at
his beautiful ranch near Gonzales, in the county
to which he owes the allegiance of a native-born
son, and the prestige of which he has materially
augmented. In San Francisco he married Edia,
daughter of Christopher Wesphal, a capitalist of
San Francisco. Of this union there is a daugh-
ter, at present finishing her education in France.
A stanch Republican in politics, Dr. Gonzales
has been a delegate to numerous conventions,
notably the national convention held in Cincin-
nati, July 11. 1876. at which time R. 1'.. I laves
was nominated for the presidency.
Personally, Dr. Gonzales is a man of broad
education, an intelligent traveler, familiar with
the historical, artistic and general attractions
awaiting the keen observer of European customs
and peoples.
MISS BERSABE GONZALES.
I he record of the Gonzales family in Santa
Cruz is typical of the county's growth and de
velopment. Before any attempt had been made
to cultivate the land or build up villages, and
while the Indians were still the sole inhabitants
of the central coast regions, at such an early
period as this Francisco Gonzales, a native of
Mexico and a descendant of an ancient Castilian
Family, came to the county of Santa Cruz to act
as administrator of the missions. Previous to
this no white man had been engaged in thai
capacit) or as a teacher in the institutions. It
was then during the early part of the nineteenth
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
371
-century, and he continued to reside in Santa
Cruz until his death, in 1833, at the age of sev-
enty years. While living' here he became the
owner of the Pascadoro ranch, which he stocked
with thousands of cattle and horses.
Among the children of Francisco and Gracia
(Rodriguez) Gonzales was Filipe Gonzales, who
was born in Santa Cruz August 24. 1822. His
education was obtained at the old mission of
Santa Cruz, and he grew to manhood under the
primeval conditions that existed in California,
during the early half of the nineteenth century.
On the death of his father he succeeded to the
ownership of large herds of cattle and horses,
and for some time continued on the large tract
which had been his childhood home. From
there he removed to the Pajaro valley in 1852
and afterward engaged in general farming until
his death, which occurred August 21, 1892.
Among the Castilian residents of the valley he
was a leader, and his influence among Ameri-
cans was equally great, many of them remem-
bering with gratitude his kindness to them when
they came to the valley, friendless and without
means. Indeed, he proved himself a benefactor
to many a poor and struggling young man. am-
bitious to succeed, inn seemingly unable to get
a foothold in his new home.
In 1852 Filipe Gonzales married Carmen,
daughter of Sebastian Rodriguez, the latter a
pioneer of the '30s in Santa Cruz county, where
he built an adobe house on the north side of
what is now Watsonville, and moved his family
to the new home from Monterey county in 1833.
The subsequent years of his life were passed in
the vicinity of Watsonville. and he acquired the
ownership of several leagues of land extending
from the bay to the creek, in the Pajaro valley.
In religion he was a Roman Catholic. 1 >n his
death he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Filipe
( ionzales, who afterward had charge of the estate
and devoted it to grain and general farm prod-
ucts. The wife of Filipe (ion/ales was born in
[828, and died in 1 S77. Two children were born
of their union, of whom the sole survivor is Miss
Bersabe. She continues to reside al the old home-
stead, 1 iCCUpying a residence thai stands near the
old abode which was for so long the home of her
ancestors. The homestead is now in her name
and under her direct supervision, although
rented to tenants, by whom it is used for gen-
eral farming purposes. In religious belief she
is a devoted member of the Roman Catholic
Church.
G C. GINGG.
A native son of California who is conducting
a profitable and up-to-date retail and wholesale
butchering establishment in San Luis Obispo
is G C. Gingg, who in his undertaking is ably
assisted by his brother and sister and father.
This family live together in a most amicable
manner, and constitute a combination of busi-
ness and social enjoyment rarely witnessed.
Born in California June 25, 1873, Mr. Gingg is
the representative of a prominent Swiss family
first represented in America by Jacob ( ringg,
the father of G. C. who was a butcher in his
native land, and came to this country when quite
young, settling in Newark, X. J. About 1868
he sought the larger possibilities of California.
and after locating in San Francisco engaged in
his former occupation with considerable success.
branching out into a retail and wholesale buy-
ing and shipping trade, lie came to San Luis
I >bispo in 1892, and has since been an honored
resident of this thriving town. lie married
Johanna Gerken, anil of this union there have
been born three children, two sons and one
daughter.
At a very earl) age G C. Gingg became
familiar with his father's business, and while at-
tending the public schools assisted as a clerk in
the store. Eventually the famil) combine. 1 their
energies to make a success of a large who]
and retail business which has no superior in the
town, and is undoubtedly without a peer in the
rounty. The firm have their private slaughter-
ing house, and are at present pushing the whole-
sale department of their trade. The elder I lingg
is a man of enterprise and good business judg-
ment, traits shared and emphasized in his sou
G. C, who is virtually the head and manager of
the concern. The father is fraternal
with the Ancient < >rder of United Workmen and
the Fraternal Brotherhood. He is a Republican
in political affiliation. G, C. Gingg has never
372
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
married, and lives with the rest of the family.
The family was broken into by the death of the
mother since coming to San Luis Obispo. Mr.
Gingg, whose name heads this sketch, is fra-
ternally associated with the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Brother-
hood, and he is identified with the Native Sons
of the Golden West. The Gingg market and
its attachments command the confidence of the
business community of San Luis Obispo, and
is regarded as a necessary adjunct to the com-
mercial supremacy.
ALEXANDER C. GIBSON.
Through his connection with various impor-
tant interests, Mr. Gibson is well known to the
people of San Luis Obispo county and particu-
larly to the residents of Los Osos valley, where
he has made his home since 1871. Of Irish birth
and parentage, he was born in the city of Bel-
fast in 1S57, and was about eleven years of age
when he came to the United States with his
father, Robert J. Gibson. The first location of
the family was in Marin county, Cal., but after
three years there they removed in 1871 to San
Luis Obispo county, where the parents re-
mained until their death.
The estate of Robert J. Gibson included one
thousand acres of land, of which three hundred
and fifty-seven acres became the property of
Alexander C. The latter had received a fair
education in district schools and from an early
age had been an indispensable assistant to the
work of the home farm. The first flax raised in
San Luis Obispo county came from this ranch.
Next an attempt was made to raise wheat, but
the crop was destroyed by rust. A subsequent
experiment was made with oats and barley, both
of which were found to thrive well, and have
since been produced in large quantities. The
bottom land is used for corn, beans, potatoes
and pumpkins, all of which are successfully
grown.
A dairy industry was established on the ranch
in [876, and Mr. Gibson has since given close
attention to building up a model dairy. He
keeps about forty milch cows, mostly Durhams.
and all of line strains. At the head of his stock
he has an imported thoroughbred Durham bull.
In the management of the ranch and the dairy-
Mr. Gibson finds his time fully occupied. It is
his aim to be satisfied with nothing but the
best, hence he labors constantly to improve his
land. The success that has rewarded his efforts
proves what can lie accomplished by a man of
industry in such a climate and such a soil as
San Luis Obispo county offers. At one time
it was supposed that the soil here was not fer-
tile, and that the land could never be utilized
except for stock-raising purposes, but the suc-
cess of such men as Mr. Gibson in the raising
of grain and vegetables proves that the opinion
fi irmerly held was erroneous.
In intervals, when the work of the farm per-
mits. Mr. Gibson writes articles for the county
newspapers. These are upon various subjects,
but mostly humorous, and the 110111 de plume of
Will Lye under which he writes is well known
in all this section of the country. He is a direc-
tor of the San Luis Obispo Agricultural Asso-
ciation, under whose auspices a county fair is
held each fall. Another matter of importance
in which he was interested and which he took
an active part in securing was the extension of
the coast line for the valley. At this writing he
is advocating a road to start from San Luis
Obispo and connect with the McKittrick oil
district and Bakersfield, which will furnish a
means of transportation between localities now
scarcely accessible to one another. Politically
he is a Republican and has rendered his party
valuable service as a member of the county
central committee and' a delegate to county con-
ventions. February 4. 1902, he married Miss
Flora Brophy of Templeton, daughter of John
and Clara (Ritchie) Brophy, residents of Tem-
pleton.
Like the majority of men now living in San
Luis Obispo county. Mr. Gibson has had stock
interests. For seven years he was engaged in
raising sheep, and had a flock of several thou-
sand head on the Camatti and Huer-Huero
ranchos. All of the sheep were merinos and were
raised both for the wool and the mutton. The
Huer-Huero was in years past one of the large
ranchos of California, embracing forty-eight
thousand acres and adjoining the Santa Ysabel
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
rancho. It was particularly adapted ior the pas-
turage of sheep and was used exclusively for that
purpose. Finally the land was divided into
farms and within two years thirty-four thousand
acres were sold to a desirable class of settlers.
On the ranch owned by Mr. Gibson there is
a copper mine, owned by the Los Osos Copper
Company, in which he is a stockholder and
director. During the past few years $3,000 has
been spent in placing this mine upon a paying-
basis, and good ore has been secured. Plans
are now being made for the future development
of the mine, which is now bonded by the United
States surveyor-general. In common with most
prospectors, the owners of this mine have not
found the road to fortune an easy one. One of
their most serious setbacks was the caving in
of the mine during a season of protracted rains
that caused the timber to give way. However,
everything looks hopeful at this writing and
work will soon resume.
CAPT. THOMAS T. TIDBALL.
Patriotism is a prominent characteristic of the
Tidball family. Not only has Captain Tidball
himself rendered valued service to the country,
but other members of the family have been
equally loyal and valorous. His maternal grand-
father was a Revolutionary soldier, and the
spirit that led him forth to do battle for the col-
onies caused his four grandsons to enlist in the
Union army during the Civil war. One of these
commanded the Fifty-ninth New York Infantry
at numerous engagements; another, Joseph L.,
was a captain in the regular army and at the out-
break of the Civil war became a recruiting offi-
cer; another brother held rank as first lieuten-
ant and regimental quartermaster in the Fifty-
ninth New York Infantry.
Near Allegheny City, Pa., Captain Tidball was
born October 2, 1826, being a son of Joseph
and Eliza K. (Lynn) Tidball. When he was
a year old his parents settled in Holmes county,
Ohio, where they remained until 1838, and then
settled in Mansfield, same state. There the son
learned the hatter"s trade under his father's in-
struction, and later he also acquired a knowl-
edge of the printing business. In 1846 he en-
listed in Company A, Third Ohio Infantry, for
service in the Mexican war. With his regiment
he proceeded to Mexico and thence still further
southwest. After fourteen months as a private
he was honorably discharged and returned to
Mansfield, where he secured work as a clerk in
a warehouse. In 1849, in company with a friend,
he started for California. At Independence. Mo.,
they joined a party westward bound, it being the
agreement that they were to pay $75 for their
passage to California. However, when they
reached the Platte river he and his partner
bought a ferry for $50 and remained behind
after their companions had proceeded on the
way. In a little more than a week they had
cleared $150. With this welcome addition to
their funds they again started westward, over-
taking their former companions and proceeding
via Salt Lake, where they saw Brigham Young.
Thence they walked to the present site of San
Bernardino, where they arrived weary and hun-
gry. Going on to Los Angeles, they took a
boat to San Francisco, where they arrived with
$10 in their combined possessions.
A few days later Mr. Tidbail secured work as
a wood chopper at $5 per cord. He then bought
an axe and some provisions on credit from a
man he had never seen before, and for six weeks
engaged in cutting wood, soon making enough
to repay his accommodating creditor. His next
venture was at Placerville, where he tried his
luck at mining. From there he went further up
the Feather river, where he remained for six
months. For two years he engaged in ranch-
ing near Sacramento, and then fur six months
lie was interested in a store at Jackson, Cal. At
the expiration of that time he returned to Indi-
ana with a partner, expecting to buy cattle and
drive them across the plains. However, on ac
count of sickness, the project was abandoned.
For two years he edited a paper at Albion, hid.,
and while there married Helen M. Hill. Three
children were born of their union. Inn May and
Minnie died in girlhood. The only one now liv-
ing is Nellie 11.. wife of John I ». Hall, and
mother of four children, John J.. Helen II..
Stella and Charles S.
During 1857 Captain Tidball came to Cali-
fornia via the water route and settled in Santa
:;i
HISTi tRICAL AND BK )GR VPHICAL REO >RD.
Cruz, where he was employed on a paper when
the Civil war broke out. Inspired with the pa-
triotic spirit of his ancestors, he at once raised
.1 company of eighty men. which was mustered
into the I'nited States service at Sacramento,
with himself as captain. Ordered to Southern
California, they remained several weeks near
the coast, and then marched to Fort Yuma to
suppress the Apaches, who were on one of their
customary fierce outbreaks. About the ist of
October they were sent to San Pedro, and on
the ist of February were ordered to Tucson,
Ariz., from which point they proceeded after the
Apaches. They were obliged to be cautious in
their pursuits, as they had a cunning foe to deal
with. For five nights they traveled on foot,
sleeping in the daytime. Xo camp fire.-, were
built, lest the Indians might see the smoke.
There were only twenty-five white men in Com-
pany K, the balance of the one hundred and
four men being Indians or Mexicans. < hi the
morning of the fifth day they surprised the In-
dians, killing eighty of the braves, and capturing
eighteen women and children, also sixty-six
horses and some government property. The
expedition had been one of great hardship, but
the successful termination caused the soldiers to
forgel their annoyances, and all rejoiced at the
fortunate outcome. They had traveled about
one hundred and eighty miles, with pack-trains
to carry supplies, and had crossed one stream
thirty-six times. It was just at break of day
when the) surprised the Indians, who were in
the act of building a camp fire. With the loss
i f onhj one man, the expedition returned to Tuc-
son, bringing with them their prisoners of war
and tin- booty taken in the battle.
From ["ucson Captain Tidball was ordered to
the Rocky mountains, where lie had command
of a post a' Bowie, \ri/,. for sixteen months.
During that time he commanded an expedition
t • > the San Carlos reservation, and meanwhile
killed thirty or more hostile savages, including
the chief of the tribe. Frequently he went on
scouting expeditions, and more than once
the deserl on foot. Mustered out of
the service November 30, [864, he then returned
to Santa Cruz, and in the fall of [865 was
elected county clerk. \t the expiration of his
term of two years he was appointed internal
revenue collector of the second district. Re-
signing two years later, he moved to Tulare
county and ranched there for a year. His next
location was on the Cooper ranch in Salinas
valley, where he spent three years. In 1870 he
came to Jolon and opened a store in partner-
ship with Mr. Dutton. Two years later he
erected a building, which he utilized as a hotel
and store. Me also conducted feed yards, and
has served as postmaster, while at this writing
in. postoffice is in charge of his wife. For six-
teen years he has been a notary public. His
political affiliations are with the Republican
party, among whose members in Monterey
count} he occupies a leading position. In 1853
Ik was made a Mason and has since been identi-
fied with the fraternity, being now past master
of the lodges at Santa Cruz and Castroville.
At the first meeting of the legislative body of-
Arizona, its members adopted a resolution com-
mending Captain Tidball for his services in the
Apache outbreaks, and the letter forwarded to
him from the legislature was cherished by him
a- indicative of the appreciation in which his
labors were held. He also received recognition
in another manner no less acceptable than the
former, this being in his promotion to major
and brevet-major in the army, which honor his
faithful and intelligent services amply merited.
WILLIAM T. GILKEY.
The name of William T. Gilkey is worthy of
enrollment among the very early settlers of
Monterey county who foresaw its great possi-
bilities and put their shoulder to the wheel to
develop the chances by which they were sur-
rounded, lie was born in Wayne county. X. Y..
April 8. 1821, and when only six years of age
was taken by his parents to Wayne county,
Mich., where he was retired oil a farm until his
'■nth year. His first business experience
was gained as a clerk in. a store in Illinois, said
store being located in a tiny hamlet rejoicing
in the name of Joliet, now known as one of the
largest and most prosperous towns in the state.
From Joliet he returned to Michigan, and in
I li troil engaged in the mercantile business for a
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37?
couple of years, afterward working in an hotel
for about four years. From 1847 t0 ^5° he
lived in Lansing, Mich., and during that time
had a hand in the initial undertakings of that
embryo town. He built the first house on the
section of school land upon which Lansing
eventually arose, and when the capitol of t In-
state was removed there he was employed by
the government to clear the ground and set out
trees. At the expiration of his government
service he came to California in 1850, starting
from Lansing April 18th and arriving in San
Francisco August 18th.
In Tuolumne county, Cal., Mr. Gilkey en-
gaged in mining for a time, and from September,
1850, to April,' 1851, lived at Fine Gold Gulch,
Madera county, where he experienced little suc-
cess. With three partners he engaged in the
mercantile business at Savage Hill for a short
time, and then returned overland for his wife and
son. in Michigan, the trip consuming six
months. Upon again locating in California he
engaged in ranching and the hotel business in
Jamestown, or Mountain Pass, and at the end
of a year began to team at Skulls Flats, and also
engaged in building and mining. This venture
proved unsuccessful, and in the fall of 1859 ne
settled 011 his present ranch of one hundred
ai res, which was pre-empted from the govern-
ment for $1.25 an acre, and is mostly hill
land. In politics Mr. Gilkey was a Democrat
until the organization of the Republican party
in 1855. since which time he has been a stanch
upholder of the latter's principles and issues.
He has served as horticultural commissioner for
the district for eight years. For eighteen years
he has been principal correspondent for the de-
partment of agriculture, and he is a correspon-
dent for the Orange Judd Farmer. For twenty
years he was a member of the Grange.
November 2, 1844, Mr. Gilkey married Mary
Dayton, and the same day cast his presidential
vote for James K. Polk. Mrs. Gilkey is a native
of Xew York state, and was born July 21, 1826.
When eleven years of age she removed with the
rest of her family to Detroit. Mich., and after-
ward to Birmingham, same state. She is the
mother of nine children, four of whom died
young. Jerome B. lives in San Jose, Cal.; Rosie
D. is the wife of T. J. Clapp; Caleb B. is a car-
penter and rancher of Parkfield; William J. is
a farmer and teamster of Watsonville; and Mary
R. died at the age of twenty-three years. Al-
though one of the oldest residents of his lo-
cality. Mr. Gilkey is a remarkably well preserved
man. and the only real grievance that reminds
him of the passing of years is rheumatism in one
of his legs. He is the living representative of
seven generations, that he himself has seen. He
and his wife are full of life and spirits, and of
them it may be said that they have grown old
gracefully, and have seen the happy as well as
dark side of life.
FRANK E. CAUSE.
Various industries engage the attention of the
residents of Monterey county, but there are
comparatively few who follow the occupation of
bee-raising, which is being successfully pursued
by Mr. Cause on his ranch, three and one-half
miles northeast of Jolon. Through a long ex-
perience in the bee business he has gained an
accurate knowledge of all its details and is con-
sidered one of the authorities of Monterey
comity in everything bearing upon the subject
of apiaries.
In Richmond. Ind.. Mr. Cause was born Sep-
tember 1. 1862. At nine years of age he accom-
panied hi> parents t<> [owa and settled on a farm
near West Libert}-. For several subsequent
years he attended the public schools of West
Liberty, after which he carried on his studies in
the college at Iowa City. 1 )n leaving school he
trawled through the south and west, with a
view to settling in some favorable location. In
1888 he came to Montere) county and pre-emp-
ted otic hundred and sixty acres as a horn
claim. To this tract he has since added and now
owns two hundred acres. In [896 he entered
the bee industry, with which his name is now
closel) associated. Since then he has had his
share of reverses, hut he has not allowed
to discourage him. During the dry year. [898,
he lost ninety-three out of one hundn
nil's, which was certainly a discoui
rience. However, in spite of these and other
drawbacks, he has persistently pushed forward
HISTORICAL A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in the work, and now has one hundred and fifty
colonies, these resulting from seven swarms of
wild bees secured in the mountains. Besides his
bee industry, lie is the owner of ten acres in a
fine orchard of peaches, apples, prunes and al-
monds, the care of which requires considerable
time on his part.
The marriage of Mr. Cause occurred Feb-
ruary 5, 1902, and united him with Mattie B.
Starr, of Salinas, a successful schoolteacher and
popular young lady. In fraternal relations Air.
dause is connected with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, and in politics is a supporter
of Republican principles.
WILBER M. GARDXER.
The junior member of the law firm of Martin
& < Gardner, of Santa Cruz, was born near Elgin.
111., March 22, 1861, and is a son of Alexander
and Eliza (Bacon) Gardner. The advantages of-
fered by public schools were supplemented by a
course of study in Elgin Academy. When a
young man he secured a clerkship in Hamp-
shire, 111., and remained in that town until
forced to resign his position on account of con-
stant trouble with rheumatism. Acting upon
the advice of his physician, he determined to
seek relief in the genial climate of California.
1 )uring 1882 he came to San Francisco and
later spent a short time in Stockton, where
within three weeks his weight had increased
from one hundred and twenty-seven to one hun-
dred and forty-two pounds.
Employment in the harvest fields of Butte
county was followed by work as a sewing ma-
chine agent, but while thus engaged Mr. Gard-
ner suffered a relapse and in the spring of 1883
came to Santa Cruz. For two years he was in
a serious condition and practically an invalid.
Had the climate been less healthful he would
have succumbed to the disease, but it supple-
mented medical assistance and eventually he re-
gained his health. Ik- then took up the Stud)
of shorthand and became principal in the short-
hand department of Chestnutwoods Business
1 ollege. 1 loing to Los Angeles in [887, h.
found employment as stenographer, and for two
years was with the San Pedro Lumber Com
pany in that capacity. < )n his return to Santa
Cruz in 1880 he opened a school of shorthand
and at the same time took up the study of law.
In 1 80. 1 the Republicans elected him justice of
the peace, which position he filled for eight
years. Meantime, in 1898, he was admitted to
the bar and the following year embarked in the
practice of law, which he has since conducted at
Santa Cruz. Fraternally he is connected with
the Knights of Pythias and Rathbone Sisters,
and in religious views he is liberal. September
8, 1890, he married Miss Mamie E. Norriss,
daughter of James A. Norriss, formerly of Lon-
don, England, later of Monterey county, Cal.
They have two daughters, Cymbeline and Cle-
onice.
NOAH H1LDEBRAXT.
A transplanted southerner who has success-
fully manipulated his chances in San Miguel is
N. Hildebrant, owner and proprietor of a large
soda water manufactory and agent for the Union
Ice Company. He was born in Carroll county.
Md.. December 20. 1831), and is a son of Jacob
and Nancy (Vance) Hildebrant. natives also of
Maryland. When a young man Jacob Hilde-
brant removed from Maryland to Virginia, and
at different times owned land in Illinois, Mis-
souri and other middle western states, eventu-
ally settling in Cass county. Mo., where he died
at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Of the
three sons and five daughters born to his mar-
riage all are living, of whom N. Hildebrant is
the third.
Owing to his father's migratory disposition,
the early life of Mr. Hildebrant was somewhat
unsettled, but he nevertheless managed to ac-
quire a practical education in the public schools
of the states in which the family lived. Up to
[859 he assisted his father with the care and
management of the farms, and during that year
branched out into an independent farming expe-
rience with more or less satisfactory results. In
[862 lie engaged in the soda manufacturing
business in Boonville, Mo., and in 1883 located
at Gilroy, Cal., where he continued his former
occupation until transferring his business inter
ests to San Miguel in 1883. Since then he has
fybtu; vc.ae«4**JLv
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been an interested and active participator in the
events of his adopted town, and has acquired a
reputation for business judgment and unques-
tioned integrity. He is the owner of a residence
as well as his business plant, the latter of which
is valued at $10,000. and brings in a yearly profit
of about $5,000. Mr. Hildebrant is also agent
for the John Wieland firm of brewers, as well
as the California Bottling Company of San
Francisco. He ships large quantities of goods
all over this part of the state, and is one of the
most active in the line in California. As a Re-
publican of the true blue order he has promoted
the interests of his friends, but has himself never
desired or worked for public office.
In Missouri Mr. Hildebrant married Martha
Story, a native of St. Louis, and daughter of
Joseph Story, a native of Indiana. An adopted
daughter, Xadine, claims the attention of Mrs.
Hildebrant, who has no children of her own.
HON. JOHN K. ALEXANDER. LL. D.
The bench and bar of Central California have
many able representatives, men who stand high
in their profession because of deep study of the
best authorities on law, and men who stand
high on the bench by reason of their impartial
judgment and their freedom from personal
prejudice. Of these various attorneys and jurists
none has a higher rank than Judge Alexander,
of Monterey county. His record is that 'of a
.killed lawyer and learned judge, and during his
long service on the bench he gained the confi-
dence of the people to an extent not often sur-
passed. While filling the office of judge of tin-
superior court, he devoted his entire attention to
a faithful and wise discharge of his duties, and
so successful was he in this respect that the
highest praise was bestowed upon him b) men
whose experience and knowledge qualified them
to rightly estimate his services.
The early years of Judge Alexander were
passed in Brandon, Rankin county, Miss., where
he was born in 1839. At the age of fifteen he
accompanied his mother, brother and sister to
California and joined his father, who had pre-
ceded them five years. The latter attained the
age of eighty-six years and died on Laurel ranch
mar Menlo Park, Cal.; the mother is still liv-
ing. After coming to this state he became a
pupil in the Sacramento grammar school, but
in 1857 left school and began to work in a gold
mine in Calaveras county. The money thus
earned represented his first efforts toward an
independent livelihi >< id. After a year he returned
to Sacramento and entered the high school, from
which he was graduated two years later. For
one term he acted as vice-principal of the
school, and at the same time gained his primary
knowledge of the law by studying in the office
of George R. Moore, later being with the firm
of Harrison cc Estee. From boyhood the law
had been his ambition, and its successful prac-
tice was the object of his early childish aspira-
tions. However, he was not blind to the de-
mands it made upon a man, but he realized seri-
ously that he who would succeed in the profes-
sion must bring to it a clear mind, indomitable
determination and a good education. October
7, 1862, he was admitted to practice in the su-
preme court of the state upon motion of Morris
Al. Estee, after an examination in open court.
The following year he formed a partnership
with his former preceptor. Mr. Moore, which
continued until the latter's death. In alluding
to this partnership, a gentleman acquainted with
both has written: "Mr. Moore, who had watched
with interest his partner's studious and pains-
taking qualities, had perfect confidence in his
competence and threw the burden of business
upon him. This was of immense service to him.
He came to owe much 1- Mr. Moore, whose ad
vice and prompting greatlj aided and stimulated
his labors while lie studied and was also
advantage to him at the bar."
A partnership of two year> with Hon. John
W. Armstrong, which had been formed soon
alter Mr. Moore's death, was terminated in 1870
by the election of Judge Alexander to the office
of district attorney. ( >n the expiration
term, he allowed himself the first vac;:
his active life, and returned to the home of his
childhood, where he renewed the associal
the past ( m his return he entered into partner-
ship witli Hoi man, the eminent law-
yer, writer and compiler, and this continued
until, by reason of ill health. Judge Alexander
:S2
III h-UH \L AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was obliged to seek a more genial climate. This
inspired his removal to Salinas in 1874. and
here he lias since made his home, engaging in
the practice of law, except during the period of
his judicial service. In 1879 he was induced to
become a candidate for the office of superior
judge, having been nominated by the Demo-
cratic county convention, and in addition thereto
he was urged to accept the nomination by one
hundred of the best citizens of the county, irre-
spective of political ties. His ideal of a judge
was the highest. In his reply to the request of
the one hundred citizens he said: "To assume
the judicial ermine and wear it worthily re-
quires the abandonment of all party bias and per-
sonal prejudice, a possession of educational
qualifications, clean hands and a pure heart." In
this concise summary he gave the attributes of
the ideal jurist, and when he was elected it was
his highest ambition to reach this ideal. That he
met the approbation of the people was proved
by his re-election in 1884, on the Democratic
ticket, although the county and state both were
Republican.
Although quiet and modest, with unassum-
ing manner. Judge Alexander possesses a depth
of knowledge and a clearness of judgment that
has always made him recognized as a power by
his associates. As a judge he was careful and
methodical, yet a man of dispatch. Few of his
decisions were reversed, although many appeals
were taken to higher courts. His charge to the
jury in the murder trial of the People vs. lams,
which is given in full in the California reports,
is considered a very able legal paper and was
highly complimented by the supreme court, in
affirming his decision. His charge to the jury in
the case of E. T. Simmons vs. Pacific Improve-
ment Company, for $100,000 damages, is consid-
ered one of the ablest statements of law on the
subject of Probable Cause that ever emanated
from an American jurist, and is a masterpiece
of logic and clear, concise Erfglish. After the
separation of San Benito from Monterey county,
lie was appointed a member of the committee to
adjudicate the indebtedness of the counties, a
position requiring the wisest judgment and
greatest tact. In July, [888, the degree of
1 .[.. I >. was conferred upon him by the Los An-
geles University. He is a member of the San
Francisco Bar Association. Fraternally he is
past master of Salinas Lodge Xo. 204. F. &
A. M., and past high priest of Salinas Chapter
No. 59, R. A. M. August 2, 1865. he married
Miss Sallie B. Carothers, of Petaluma, and they
have two sons and one daughter. Personally
he is dignified and somewhat reserved, yet those
who know him best find him a genial comrade
and entertaining companion, with a fund of quiet
humor as well as a store of diversified knowl-
edge accumulated during his active and event-
fur life.
DR. S. HELGESEN.
While ranking among the foremost of the
women who are devoted to the amelioration of
human suffering on the coast, Dr. Helgesen
represents also the cultured and resourceful of
the daughters of Norway, in which country she
was born June 20, 1865. The best blood handed
down from the maritime Norsemen flows
through the veins of those who bear the name of
Helgesen, and their representatives have been
invariably people of intellectual attainments and
more than ordinary talent. Helga Helgesen.
the father of the doctor, was a general merchant
in Norway, and he also owned several farms,
which he improved with profit to himself and
credit to the community in which he lived. He
was- a great temperance worker, and spent a
great deal of time and money in promoting the
cause he deemed just. He was a member of the
Lutheran Church, and lived to be eighty years
1 if age. I'lie paternal grandfather, Hlawer Kack-
ver, was born in Norway, and like his son was
a farmer and public spirited man. Phernella
(Johnson) Helgesen, the mother of Dr. Helge-
sen. was the daughter of Berrier Johnson, who
was known as a prominent Norwegian politi-
cian, and who lived to be nearly eighty years
old. She was the mother of two daughters and
two s, ,iis, of whom the doctor is second young-
est.
When two years of age Dr. Helgesen was
deprived of the care of her mother by death.
and her early training fell into other hands. As
a child she was studious and industrious, as best
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3s:5
illustrated by the fact thai at the age of four-
Ken she had graduated from the public schools,
her education having been aided by the instruc-
tion of a private tutor. Nevertheless she con-
tinued to study after her school days were
ended, and it has been her habit to add to her
general information whenever opportunity
offered. In her native country she graduated
as a nurse and dentist, after which she studied
for a couple of years in Germany, before engag-
ing in practice. Equipped with diplomas and
various marks of appreciation from her father-
land she came to America in 1887, and after
studying for a time in Xew York City settled
in Minneapolis, Minn., where she studied and
practiced for five years, graduating from the
Hamlin University of Minneapolis, April 4,
1 Si )_'. For the following two years she prac-
ticed as a medical missionary in Hong Kong,
and the interior of China, having journeyed to
the Orient via Norway, and stopped at various
representative European cities en route.
< (wing to the injurious effects of the Chinese
climate on her health. Dr. Helgesen came to
California in 1896, settling in Templeton, as a
possibly desirable field for professional practice.
The wisdom of her choice has been repeatedly
demonstrated, and while it is true that she has
no competition, it is evident that in any city or
any clime this gifted and large hearted disciple
of .Esculapius would make herself a necessary
adjunct to the community. As evidence of her
success she is the possessor of considerable cits-
property besides .her own residence. As an ad-
vocate of the rights of women and of temper-
ance, she wields an influence for all-around
development, and she is associated with the
Fraternal Brotherhood as member and exami-
ner, as well as with the Humane Society. Dr.
Helgesen has a large place in her heart for the
dumb members of creation, and hundreds of in-
teresting wild birds come to her home for the
food and drink that she thoughtfully provide-.
Among her most constant and valued compan-
ions are a dog of unusual intelligence and devo
tion, and a feathered songster of the eanar\
species with a wonderful gift for song. The
doctor has many friends and appreciators in her
adopted town, and -lie has won a position com-
mensurate with her tine and womanly traits, her
erudite command of her profession, and that
breadth of mind which dictates an interest in all
that is worth) and developing.
JOHN A. Ill Un IM.
The present home of Mr. Ilersom. in the
Jolon valley. .Monterey county, is far removed
from the place of his birth and the scene of his
boyhood experiences. He was born in Maine,
near the city of Waterville. January 7, 1837, and
grew to manhood on a farm. As a youth he
often heard stories of the mining discoveries in
California, and the rumors that came to him
from the distant west were enticing to his am-
bitious hopes. His first trip to California was
made in 1861, when he came via steamer and the
isthmus. Like the majority of newcomers of
those days, he turned his attention to mining.
A number of claims were discovered and devel-
oped by him, and in general he met with fair
success. Much of the time he worked near Co-
lumbia. Tuolumne county, Inn he was also for
a time at Aurora. New. being there when that
camp was first settled.
On his return to the east in [865 Mr. Hersom
took up agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he mar-
ried Ellen Moore. 1>\ whom he has three chil-
dren, John R., Lottie H. and Charles l .
Though fairly prosperous in Maine, he was not
satisfied. The charm of California clung to him
and impelled him. finally, to dispose of his east-
ern property and bring his family to the I
coast. In 1S77 he brought them to Salinas and
purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty
acres, whereon he lived lor three years. From
there he removed to the Jolon valle\ and set
tied on a tract of unimproved property, but
shortly afterward moved to the place near Jolon
where he now lives. With his sons
owns aboul one thousand acre-, of which three
hundred acres have been el- ' fann-
ing pursuit- are conducted by the father and
-on-, who also successfully engage in raising
cattle .1!;
of the Democratic party, and give their ballot
to the men and measures for which the party
.md pushing
:;s i
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
agriculturists, they occupy a high position
among the people of the valley, and arc es-
teemed wherever known.
ANGUS M. HARD IE.
Born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1839, Mr.
Hardie was ten years of age when he came to
America with his parents, Thomas and Ellen
(McPherson) Hardie. Until 1856 he remained
near Galena, 111., but at that time he came to
California via the Panama route and proceeded
from San Francisco to Grizzly Flats. Eldorado
county, where he engaged in mining. At the
time of the Frazer river excitement, he joined
miners in that locality, but soon returned to
California. Again in 1859 ne went to tne Frazer
river region, and not only carried on mining,
but also had a mercantile store there. During
the winter of 1860-61 he went with a party into
British Columbia, and was one of the discov-
erers of the Caribou mines, where he remained
until 1866, meantime making a trip to Central
America and back to his native land. In the
fall of 1866 he went back to Eldorado county,
I al., and resumed work in the mines.
The residence of Air. Hardie in San Luis
Obispo comity dates from September, 1867,
when he came to Cayucos and purchased a
squatter*s claim on Cayucos creek. On that
tract he began the life of a farmer and stock-
raiser and later acquired dairy interests, which
became extensive and important. He made his
home on that ranch until 1887, when he bought
the property in Cayucos where he now resides.
\t one tune he was superintendent of the Lock-
hart quicksilver mine, also the Libertal and the
Oceanview on Pine mountain. In the midst of
all his other work he has continued his inter-
est in politics and ha- been active in the Repub-
lican party. Several times he has served as a
member of the county central committee, and
he has frequently been a delegate to state and
count) conventions. From 1869 to 1871 he
served as a county supervisor. In 1874 he was
his party's candidate for county treasurer. In
1S70 In- was elected county assessor, and filled
that position for two terms, or seven years. Af-
ter his appointment as road master at Cayucos,
in August. 1872, he was instrumental in securing
Letter roads for the locality, and thereby proved
of great benefit to his town. For sixteen years
he served as a trustee of the Cayucos school dis-
trict. For the past five years he has been post-
master at Cayucos. being the present incumbent
of the office.
The marriage of Mr. Hardie, in 1866, united
him with Agnes Innis. who was born near his
native locality in Scotland. They became the
parents of seven children, namely: Frank W. ;
Maggie, wife of \Y. S. Lewis, of Paso Robles;
Angus K.; Bruce, deceased; John L. ; DeRoy,
and Nellie R. In the establishing of the oldest
Masonic lodge in San Luis Obispo county,
which is San Simeon Lodge No. 176, Mr. Har-
die bore an active part, and he has since been
connected with the same, besides holding mem-
bership in San Luis Chapter No. 52, R. A. M.,
and San Luis Commandery No. 27, K. T. He
is past master of the blue lodge. Both churches
and schools have received the benefit of his sym-
pathy and influence. He was one of the original
promoters of the San Luis Obispo County Fair
Association and did much to advance the wel-
fare of the same. The credit of having exhib-
ited the first collection of products from this
county in San Diego belongs to him and J. F.
Beckett, who took a fine exhibit there in 1885
and for two weeks showed visitors and the resi-
dents of the city the high quality of the products
of San Luis Obispo county. During the mid-
winter fair in San Francisco, he had charge of
the exhibit from this county and served as
county commissioner. He is known as one of
the prominent pioneers of his county, and, while
he has never gained wealth for himself, he has
accumulated a competency and has gained that
which is better, a high place in the regard of
his fellowmen.
RICHARD HOLOIIAX.
Besides an honored name and the example
of an upright, well directed life. Richard Holo-
han left a legacy to those nearest him of a farm
of one hundred and twelve acres in the Pajaro
valley, one of the garden spots of California.
This well known early settler was born and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGR AI'TT HAL RECORD.
reared in Ireland, and immigrated to the United
States in 1869, locating in Watsonville. Shortly
after he purchased the farm bearing his name
two and a half miles from Watsonville, upon
which he lived and prospered until the time of
his death in 1884. He married Catherine Lynch,
also a native of Ireland, and who died in Cali-
fornia in 1884, leaving five children: James B.,
Alice C, George W., Oscar J., and Stewart P.
The farm upon which Mr. Holohan lived for
so many years is now owned by his sons, all
of whom are capable managers, and maintain
and even elevate the standard established by
their father. They are engaged in general farm-
ing, and are obliged to employ a number of
men to aid in the work around the ranch.
About one hundred acres are set out in orchard,
principally apple trees, and twenty acres are de-
voted to the cultivation of strawberries. The
brothers Holohan produce about the finest fruit
to be found in the valley, and as practical hor-
ticulturists they have no superiors in this part
of the state.
JOHN HUNTER.
As the owner and occupant of a ranch two
miles southeast of Salinas, Monterey county,
Mr. Hunter is a prominent figure in the locality
known as Confederate Corners, and is here en-
gaged in general ranching pursuits and in the
raising of poultry. Much of his life has been
passed in California, as he was only ten year- of
age when his father brought the family across
the plains to seek a new home amid the then
crude and unpromising conditions of the far
west. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, De-
cember 1, 1S48, and was one of six children,
three of whom, Mary, Libbie and Joseph, re-
main on the old family homestead, while William
occupies a ranch adjoining the home property.
Another son. George, died at the age of twenty-
seven years.
The father of John Hunter was George Hun-
ter, a native of Scotland, who crossed the ocean
to America at sixteen years of age, and for some
years made his home in Iowa. When gold was
discovered in California he was our of the thou-
sands who soughl this Eldorado in search of
gold. During 1850 he came for the first time
to the west, but made only a short stay at the
time. Returning to Iowa, he resumed the ordi-
nal} pursuits of life, and nothing occurred for
a few years to break' the even tenor of his life.
However, his mind dwelt often on the west, and
in 1858, having disposed of his property in Iowa.
he started with his family across the plains.
On arriving in California he settled in Vallejo,
where he spent the ten ensuing years. The
year 1868 found him in Monterey county, where
he settled on a ranch near the then mere hamlet
of Salinas. The balance of his life was devoted
to agricultural pursuits, and through his indus-
try he accumulated a comfortable competence.
At the time of his death in 1808 he was seventy-
three years of age. During the early period of
his life he was an active worker in the Presby-
terian Church, in which faith he was reared in
his Scotch home. He did not take any part in
politics and never desired office for himself, but
was always willing to aid any of his friend-
seeking official positions. While living in Iowa
lie married Rachel A. Scott, who was born in
Kentucky and was a lady of excellent family
and fine education, in whose companionship
and co-operation his life was singularly blessed.
Her death occurred when she was seventy-four
years of age.
One of the most vivid recollections of John
Hunter's childhood is that of the Ion-' trip to
California and the settlement on the lonel;
ranch, far removed from congenial associates.
His boyhood was one of constant work. His
advantages in an educational way were rrn
but being a man of observation and partiality
for reading he has overcome the lack of thor-
ough schooling. \- a boy In- toiled early and
late, assisting his father in the development of
the farm and in the converting of the raw land
into a desirable homestead; and his present
home is onl\ a short distance from the place
where the yeai
his marriage to Man l >d I
[owa, he has two daughters, Edna and Beulah.
Like his father, he ha- never cared for positions
al prominenci . hi- tastes being domestic
tiring, but he has con ' times
,resent the Democratic party as a di
186
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to various local conventions and has always been
interested in the workings of his party. Frater-
nally he is associated with the local lodge of
Odd Fellows. In addition to general ranching
he has made a specialty of poultry raising,
which branch of farming he finds profitable and
pleasant, gaining from it a desirable addition to
his annual income. As a farmer he is ener-
getic, capable and progressive, and is therefore
deserving of the gratifying degree of success
which has rewarded his efforts.
M. HUGHES.
The title of pioneer is justly merited b) Mr.
Hughes, for he came to Salinas when the town
was but a few months old and has ever since
been identified with its business interests. The
lives of the early settlers of Monterey county
were one unbroken record of hardships and pri-
vations, but those who have survived to the
present day, find in the comforts of the present,
ample compensation for the deprivations of the
past. Among them none has taken a deeper
interest than Mr. Hughes in the development
of local resources and the promotion of individ-
ual prosperity. While working to secure a com-
petence for himself, he has at the same time
endeavored to advance the general well-being,
and his interest is that of a public-spirited and
li iyal citizen.
From Ireland, where he was born in 1836,
Mr. Hughes accompanied his parents to Penn-
sylvania when lie was nine years of age, and
later he removed with them to Beloit, Wis. In
the latter city his education was completed in
the common schools and his apprenticeship
to the trade of harness-maker and saddler was
served. When read) to start out in the world
for himself, his aspirations turned westward,
where In- believed opportunities were greater
than in his home neighborhood. In 1862 he
journeyed by team over the plains to California.
taking six months for the trip. Arriving in
Placerville, he remained there a short time, but
63 moved to Monterey, which at that time
1 count) si at of Montere) count) . 1 ipen
ing a shop, he began work at his trade. How-
ever, when Salinas was started he decided it
might prove a better location for business pur-
poses, and in 1868 he came to the new town.
His harness shop was the second business
house built in Salinas and occupied the present
site of the store of Ford & Sanborn. Of the
development of Salinas from its earliest stages
he has been an interested witness, and no one
takes greater pride than does he in its excellent
public schools, its substantial business houses,
its efficient newspapers, its modern improve-,
merits, including water-works, gas and electric
light plants, and its comfortable homes.
The marriage of Mr. Hughes took place in
Monterey in 1864 and united him with Mar-
garet McDougall, sister of J. H. McDougall,
who is president of the Salinas Bank. They are
tlie parents of ten children living, namely:
Thomas D., Annie, James M., Maggie, Mary,
John A., Ellen. William, Andrew and Ralph.
For the past thirty-three years Mr. Hughes has
been associated with the Independent Order of
< '< 1 < 1 Fellows, but has no other fraternal con-
nections. Ever since becoming a voter he has
championed the principles of the Republican
part)-, and given his allegiance- to its measures
ami men. As a member of the city council, he
favored plans fur the building up of his home
city and proved himself a progressive citizen;
while his service on the school board was char-
acterized by a desire to advance the standard
of education and increase the advantages which
are offered to the boys and girls of Salinas. In
[902 he was elected supervisor of district No. J
Ei ir a term of four vears.
.MARK A. HUDSI >N.
There are lew men in Montere) or the sur-
rounding counties who have a more extensive
acquaintance than has Mark A. Hudson, one
«.f the ven large land owners and employers of
1.1" n in tlie Pajaro valley, and agent for the
Pacific Steamship Company at Watsonville. A
native of Jefferson county, Iowa. Mr. Hudson
was born April 30, T845, and is of English de
scent and parentage. His father. Mark, and his
grandparents, John and Emma Hudson, wen
born in England, and came to tin- United Stale-
in 1816. They settled in Utica, X. Y., and in
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:;-:
1822 removed to Detroit, Mich., where the
grandfather applied his trade of blacksmith, and
where the grandparents died at the ages re-
spectively of eighty-one and eighty-four years.
.Mark Hudson, the father of Mark A., also
learned the trade of blacksmith in his youth,
and followed the same before removing to Iowa.
In the town of Libertyville, in the latter state,
he established a little shop, and had every pros-
pect of a promising and successful career. While
on a trip to New Orleans he died by drowning
at Vicksburg, in December, 1844, at the un-
timely age of thirty years. After his death his
widow returned to Iowa, where Mark A. and
his twin sister were born the following April.
The mother was formerly Anna E. Baldwin,
a native of England, and who came to the
United States when nine years of age. Mrs.
Hudson remained in Iowa until 1849, an£l came
to California in 1852 with her second husband,
Nehemiah Davis, and five children. The) sel
tied at Biddle's Bar, Butte county, Cal, and
removed to Michigan Bluffs in the spring of
1853. About 1858 they came to Monterey
county, where Mrs. Hudson bought a tract of
land comprising four hundred acres, upon which
she lived until her death in Watsonville at the
age of seventy-one years. She was a good busi-
ness woman, and managed to invest the large
estate left by her husband to good advantage.
She bought her land in this county for $10 an
acre, and it increased enormously in value un-
der improvement. Of the children born to Mark
Hudson and his wife, Hon. William George
is represented in the following biograph) ;
Victoria is the widow of John Burland of Wat-
sonville; Jemima is the wife of Robert Burland
of this county, the twin of Mark A. Hudson is
Ann, the wife of Al White, superintendent of
tin water-works at Watsonville.
When seven years of age Mark A. Hudson
came to California with his mother, and he re-
mained at home and attended the public schools
until 1865. That year he returned to the east
and entered Bryant & Stratton Business College
in Detroit, Mich., ami upon graduating al the
end of three years received a life scholarship.
While in Detroit he bought soldiers' land w.11
rants in 1872. the land being located in Iowa
and Nebraska, which, had Mr. Hudson retained
it, would have made him a millionaire. The
climate was too cold for his residence in these
states, so he sold Ids land cheap, and the day
of his marriage in Windsor, Canada, July 17,
1867, took the train for California, where he
became agent for the Pacific Steamship Com-
pany at Watsonville, his term of service com-
mencing in June. 1868. and continuing up to
the present time. Mr. Hudson is the oldest man
in the employ of the Steamship Company, and
his lengthy service is the best indication of his
faithfulness and many-sided ability. With his
family he lives on the ten acres owned by the
Steamship Company, and which contains the
landing place for the steamers, known as Hud-
son's Landing. Air. Hudson is a Republican in
political affiliation, and fraternally he is asso-
ciated with the Red Men. and Watsonville
Lodge No. 110, F. & A. M.
The wife of Mr. Hudson was formerly Emma
Firby, a native of Ann ^.rbor, Mich., and born
September 6, 1845. Her parents, Thomas and
Elizabeth (Cheesman) Firby, were born in Eng-
land, and came to the 1 Inited States when young,
the former being engaged in the soap and furni-
ture business with successful results. The par-
ents Firby died at the ages respectively of sev-
enty-three and forty-one years. I'o Mr. and
Mrs. Hudson have been born four children:
Adelaide, the wife of James D. Trafton; Thomas
F., a rancher of this township: Mildred F... wife
of Frank Blackburn; and Wallace Mark, who
died at the age of three years. Mrs Hudson is
a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Hud
son is very popular with all classes in W
ville and the surrounding county, and has many
friends all over this part of the state. He is
rotund and jolly, and his happ) optimism creates
an atmosphere in which it is pleasant to dwell.
TTOX. WILLIAM GE( IRGE HUDS< >N.
The reputation created and sustained by Hon.
William ge Hudson most
admirable of any of the ; 1 - and
ranchers of the Pajaro valley, and his death,
November [6, 1901 ty-two
years and nim fl a void among the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
conservative element of the community. Mr.
Hudson appeared upon the horizon of California
possibilities in r852, his family settling for a
Biswell's Bar, and living between 1853
and 1859 in Michigan Bluff. Placer county. He
.in in Michigan in 1S38, a son of Mark
and Anna E. (Baldwin) Hudson, and grandson
of John and Emma Hudson, the grandparents
being natives of England, and immigrants to
the United States as early as 1816. The father
and grandfather were blacksmiths, and the latter
died from drowning while on a visit with his
wife and children to New Orleans, in December,
1844. His wife was afterward married to Ne-
hemiah Davis, with whom she went to Cali-
fornia in 1852, and she subsequently became
the owner of a large tract of land in the Pajaro
valley. She was an excellent business woman,
and invested the estate left by her husband to
i xcellent advantage, hive children were born
to her through her first marriage, of whom Hon.
William George was the oldest. Victoria is the
widow of John Burland, of Watson ville; Jemima
is the wife of Robert Burland, of this county;
and Mark A. and Ann are twins, the latter
being the wife of Al White, superintendent of the
water works of Watsonville.
From the time of his majority Hon. William
George Hudson made his home in the Pajaro
valley, to which he removed with his mother in
and where he bought land amounting to
three hundred acres, which is now in the posses-
sion of his widow. He was engaged in dairying
and grain-raising for the first years of his resi-
dence here, and later set out an orchard of
twenty acres. In time great responsibilities
came his way. induced by his superior business
1 cutive ability. He was .1 director in the
Bank of Watsonville, and of the Watsonville
Savings Bank, and he was a director and vice-
president of the Rajaro Valle) Board of Trade.
Hi va also vici president and a director of the
Watsonville Creamery. For man) years he was
deputy assessor of Pajaro township, but persis-
tently refused to accept other office until [894,
when lie \\a> nominated for the assembly, served
during the session of [895, and was re-elected
iiv a majorit) of two hundred and two Republi-
ears later, at the same time
Bryan carried the county by two hundred and
eighty-five votes.
In 1876 Mr. Hudson was united in marriage
with Luella Kittredge, born in Massachusetts
October 12, 1849, a daughter of Henry and
Mar) (Gallier) Kittredge, natives respectively
of Massachusetts and Maine. The father died
at the age of thirty-five, while the mother came
to California in 1867, and settled in Solano
county, but at present is living with the widow
(if Mr. Hudson. Five children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Hudson: William George, an at-
torney of Watsonville; Thomas Swan, manager
of his mother's ranch; Mabel E. ; Robert Henry
and Frederick Cass. Mabel, Robert and Fred-
erick are living at home. Mr. Hudson was one
of the conservative and reliable men adapted to
the developing conditions of the west, and he
left the impress of his strength and ability upon
the institutions and people with whom he came
in contact. He belonged to Watsonville Lodge
Xo. no, F. & A. M.; Temple Chapter No. 41,
R. A. M.; Watsonville Commandery No. 22.
K. T; was past master of lodge, past high priest
of chapter, and prelate of commandery for a
number of years, and at the time of his death
held the office of generalissimo. In the memory
of those who knew and honored him. there is
no fanner, politician, or citizen of whom his
1 ounty had greater need.
HAZEN HOY'
Much more than passing mention is due the
career of Hazen Hoyt, for many years one of the
foremost ranchers and orchardists of the Pajaro
valley, and substantially identified with its ma-
terial and moral growth. The death of this
honored pioneer. July o. 1002. called forth in-
numerable expressions of regret from those who
had come to regard him as an integral part of
the community, and hosts of friends gathered to
pa) a tribute of respect to one whose character
and attainments were worthy of admiration and
emulation.
Like so many who have received their most
emphatic impetus among the conditions of the
law west. Mr. lloyi was reared on a farm, and
his youth was filled with struggle and depriva
SAMUEL morki.a:
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tn hi. His birth occurred on the farm in Bolton,
Canada, February 10, 1831, a son of Amherst
and Sallie (Chapman) Hoyt, natives of Massa-
chusetts, the former born July 12, 1789,
and died November 16, 1842; while the lat-
ter was born August 30, 1793, and died
November 16, 1851. On both sides of the fam-
ily the ancestry is English. Eventually the par-
ents removed from their Canadian home to
Fremont county, Iowa, and Hazen remained
under the paternal rout until 1852, in which year
he crossed the plains and experimented for a
time with mining in Placerville. His next ven-
ture was the purchase of a farm of six hundred
acres near Yacaville, Solano county, Cal., upon
which he lived until disposing of his property in
1881. For the following two years he engaged
with moderate success in the real-estate business
in San Francisco, and in the spring of 1883
bought his present home of seventy-five acres
in the Pajaro valley. Originally devoted exclu-
sively to grain, this ranch was later planted in
apples, four thousand trees being placed on
forty acres of ground, the chief varieties being
bell-flowers and Newton pippins.
Mrs. Hoyt was formerly Phebe Root, a native
of La Porte county, Ind., a. daughter of Josiah
and Nancy (Green) Root, natives of Connecti-
cut, and married in New York. The Root fam-
ily crossed the plains about 1853 and settled in
Sonoma county, where the father died at the
age of seventy-two, and the mother at the age
of fifty years. Mr. and Airs. Hoyt were the
parents of eight children, the order of their birth
being as follows: Asahel, a rancher and manu-
facturer: Ernest, who is in the employ of his
brother Asahel: Esther, who became the wife of
C. W. Clough, of Watsonville : Wallace, a ranch-
er near Castroville; Chester, who manages the
home place and his own ranch in this county.
Corell, living at home: Claude, in the: news-
paper business in Watsonville; and an infant
who is deceased. Mr. Hoyt was a stanch be-
liever in Republican principles, although he
could in no sense be called a politician, although
he served for eighl years as public adminis-
trator. \s aie liis family, he was a member and
active worker in the Christian Church, of which
he was an elder and liberal contributor, Mr.
Hoyt was a generous and liberal-hearted man,
and many unostentatious kindnesses are attrib-
uted to him. He was very successful from a
material standpoint, and his personal attributes
were in accord with sterling western citizenship.
SAMUEL MORELAND.
This pioneer of the Pajaro valley was born in
county Donegal. Ireland, and was a son of Sam-
uel and Mary (Patton) Moreland. When twelve
years of age he accompanied his parents to the
United States and settled near Saginaw, Mich.,
where they spent their remaining years. At an
early age he began to earn his own livelihood.
his first effort in that direction being as an em-
ploye in a saw mill. Tn time he became an ex-
pert engineer and secured steady employment
at fair wages. Having thus accumulated a neat
little sum, he decided to come to California and
purchase property in the state of whose attrac-
tions he had so often heard. Crossing the plains
in 1857, he came to Monterey county and bought
of Atherton and Spring one hundred and eighty
and three-fourths acres in the beautiful Pajaro
valley, three miles from Watsonville. The fact
that the land was unimproved did not discourage
him. With an ambitious spirit and cheerful faith
in the future he began to work and after 'years
of untiring application brought the land under
a high state of cultivation. A neat set ~<i farm
buildings added to the value of the ranch, while
the large crops of grain and vegetables raised
each year offered abundant testimony to his
skill as an agriculturist and his industiw as a
man. To some extent he also engaged in cattle
raising, although this occupation was supple-
mentary ti ' general farming. 1 fad his lift
spared to old age, undoubtedly he would have
become one of the wealthiest men in the rich
and fertile Pajaro valley; but he died in 1875.
when he was fort) one years and six months of
age, just at a time when he was read'.
the fruition of his high ' '"• the
land lefl by him to his widow has increased in
value to such an extent that his estate has
,f ihe most important for miles
around, and furnishes constant evidence of his
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
keen foresight and wise judgment in making the
investment.
The marriage of Mr. Moreland, in 1866,
united him with Margaret S. Loftus, who was
born in county Clare, Ireland, being a daughter
of Patrick and Kittie (Flannery) Loftus, repre-
sentatives of very prominent families of the
county. After her mother's death, the father
brought the family to Hartford, Conn., and there
his death occurred. When a young lady, Miss
Loftus learned of the beautiful climate of Cali-
fornia and having friends in Santa Cruz decided
to join them. Shortly after her arrival she met
Mr. Moreland, whom she later married. Three
children were born of their union, but two died
in infancy and the third, Mary Josephine, when
nineteen years of age. The latter was a young
lady of great promise and talent, being an ex-
cellent artist, a fluent writer and possessing
poetic gifts. When sixteen she began to write
poetry and some of her poems have since been
published by her mother, in a souvenir edition,
for presentation to friends. Her education was
gained principally in Notre Dame College of
San Jose, and it was during her attendance there
that she was taken ill with measles and soon
passed away.
The home of Mrs. Moreland is at No. 323
Rodriguez street, Watsonville. In 1899 she
superintended the construction of a handsome
building, costing $27,400, which she erected as a
memorial to her husband. It had been her hope
that her daughter might be spared to take
charge of the school and promote its success
for" years to come, but this hope was doomed
to disappointment. The school is known as the
Moreland Notre Dame Academy and offers
special inducements to parents desiring their
children to receive a thorough classical, scien-
tific and commercial education. Special atten-
tion is given to moral training, refined manners
and physical comfort. The building is equipped
with the best heating and ventilating apparatus.
a- well as other modern improvements. Rates
ery reasonable, thus affording peopl< in
moderate circumstances an opportunity to edu-
cate their children which otherwise would be
denied them. The school is a branch of the
pioneer < ollege of Notre Dame. San Jose.
Without doubt it will achieve a success in the
future worthy of the high aims of its founder.
Under the supervision of the Mother Superior
the children are carefully and wisely trained for
the responsibilities of life. In the building there-
are accommodations for twenty-five boarders,
in addition to which many children from the
neighborhood attend as day pupils, thus neces-
sitating the employment of a corps of proficient
teachers, each of whom is thoroughly prepared
to teach her special branch. Surrounding the
stately building there are beautiful and well-
kept grounds, whose attractions are enhanced by
the many varieties of flowers. All in all, the
high training given and the attractive appear-
ance of the school justify the citizens of Watson-
ville in maintaining a keen pride in this rising
institution.
F. K. HOUGHTON.
Preceded by years of experience as a practical
rancher, F. K. Houghton assumed control of
the Park Hotel, San Miguel, July 14, T9°2- his
new venture being heralded with many predic-
tions of success by those who were familiar with
the personal characteristics of the new incum-
bent. So far his expectations have been real-
ized to a gratifying extent, and his town and
the traveling public are doubtless the gainers
by the change of occupation. A native of this
state, Mr. Houghton was born March 29, 1858,
and was educated for the greater part in San
Francisco. His father. Samuel, a native of
Virginia, was an extensive stock raiser in his
native state, and after removing to the vicinity
of Albany. Ore., in 1865, operated the first fern-
boat across the river. Owing to the trying cli-
mate he came to San Francisco, where he en-
gaged in extensive stock-buying operations, and
in 1874 located in San Miguel, where he bought
a large tract of land, where he had on hand about
ten thousand sheep and from one hundred to
two hundred cattle. He lived to be seventy-six
years of age. and died in 1S07. His wife, for-
merly Caroline Elizabeth Jenks, was born in
England, and came to America with her parents
when very young. Sin- is tin mother of six
children, of whom F. K. is second.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
393
From earliest boyhood F. K. Houghton was
associated with stuck affairs, and as he grew to
maturity became of great assistance to his father.
Upon the paternal ranch a specialty was made of
draft horses, and large numbers were reared
every year, besides various kinds of stock. In
fact, Mr. Houghton has been a stock man all
his life, prior to engaging in the hotel business.
His ranch of two hundred and forty acres in
Monterey county is devoted to hay and grain,
and is well improved and productive. Mr.
Houghton is a Democrat in political affiliation,
but aside from the formality of casting his vote
has attended strictly to his stock-raising and
hotel business.
Through his marriage with Annie Kitchen, Mr.
Houghton became -allied with another family
long associated with California, George Kitchen,
the father of Mrs. Houghton, having crossed the
plains with ox-teams in the days of gold, and
located near Paso Robles, where he had large
farming interests. His death occurred in Gon-
zales, Cal. Four children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Houghton: Pearl, Charles, Nellie
and William.
J. J. HANDLEY.
During his active career in Santa Cruz county,
J. J. Handley was known as a conscientious citi-
zen and practical, enterprising farmer. A native
of New York state, he was born in 1856, and
was but eight years of age when his parents
brought him to this county. He was reared to
agricultural pursuits, and received a fair educa-
tion in the public schools, after which he worked
on several farms in the neighborhood of his
father's home. In 1881 he became enrolled
among the land owners of the county through
his purchase of one hundred and twenty acres
of land, upon which his wife now lives, and
upon which he lived until his removal to San
Francisco in [900. He did not long remain in
the northern city, for his death occurred Sep-
tember 7. 1900. He was a .stanch upholder of
Democratic issues and principles, and held va-
rious local offices, among them being that of
trustee For many years. His name was a well-
known one, and in Ins life lie maintained the im-
pression of success established by his father,
John Handley, who worked in the first tannery
in Santa Cruz county.
Mr. and Mrs. Handley were the parents of six
children, viz.: Josephine, Sarah, Edward, Wil-
liam, Margaret and Ellen. Mrs. Handley, whose
marriage occurred in Santa Cruz, July 31, 1870,
was born in Ireland, and is Catherine, daughter
of Patrick and Bridget (Diela) Dolen. Mrs.
Handley has a pleasant home on the farm and
is engaged in general farming and stock raising.
N. H. HAIGHT, M. D.
Though a comparatively new comer to Pa-
cific Grove. Dr. Haight has already made his
professional ability and general worth felt in the
community, and is meeting with the success due
so conscientious and painstaking an exponent
of medical science. A native of Washtenaw
county, Mich., he was born December 7, 1864,
a son of Ira C. and Alzora E. (Greene) Haight,
the latter of whom is still living with her chil-
dren at Redlands.
Ira C. Haight was born in Steuben county,
X". Y., and in his early life was a teacher by pro-
fession. When comparatively young he came
west to Illinois and Michigan, and in the border
ruffian times was identified with such men as
Jim Love and John Brown. He subsequently
turned his attention to the mercantile business,
in which he was engaged for the greater part of
his life, although he was an extensive grower of
oranges in Florida. In 1875 he came to Cali-
fornia and bought a ranch which was then prai-
rie, but which is now Brockton Square, one of
the finest residence parts of Riverside. For
many years he engaged in the cultivation of
citrus fruits, and in 1888 moved to Redlands.
and became active in the upbuilding of that
town. He was postmaster of Redlands during
Benjamin Harrison's administration, and was
president of the Haighl Fruit Company, of
which his son. 1.. G., was manager. He died
in the city for whose interest he had so zealously
labored in 1807. at the age of sixty-seven years.
Dr. Haight was one in a family of four chil-
dren, and was nine years of age when the fam-
ilv fortunes were shifted lo California. He was
394
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
educated in the public schools, and studied med-
icine in Riverside with Drs. Ways and Sherman,
eventually entering the Hahnemann Medical
College of Chicago, from which he was gradu-
ated in the class of 1890. For the following
eighteen months he was resident physician at
the college hospital, and then located in Red-
lands, in partnership with Dr. Hill for a year,
and for two years practiced in Oakland. After
removing to Sacramento, an arduous practice re-
sulted in impaired health, and, in search of rest
and recreation, he came to Pacific Grove in
February of 1898. So impressed was he with
the climatic and general advantages that he de-
cided to make this his permanent home, and his
subsequent recognition in both Monterey and
Pacific Grove has more than justified his deci-
sion.
In 1891 Dr. Haight married Sarah Van Siclin,
who was head nurse in Hahnemann Hospital,
Chicago, and whose term of service expired on
the same day. as the doctor's, which was also
their wedding day. A Republican in politics,
Dr. Haight has never sought or accepted official
responsibility, evidenced particularly while liv-
ing in Sacramento, when he refused to honor his
appointment to the board of health. While liv-
ing in Oakland he delivered a course of lectures
before the nurses of the training department of
Fabiola PTospital.
PATRICK JORDAN.
I he oldest and most successful merchant now
in business in Castroville is also one of the
town's influential and prominent citizens, and
ars has been identified with its substantial
growth. A Californian by adoption, he was born
near Quebec, Canada, November 14, 1842, upon
the farm of three hundred acres owned and oc-
cupied b) his parents. lames and Catherine
(Bulger) Jordan. The father went to Canada
from Ireland in 1832, married, cleared his farm,
and prospered, an 1 lived to be eighty-two years
of age. His wife, who died at the age of forty-
is the mother of twelve children, one of
whom died in infancy. The children were, Mi-
chael, a resident of San Francisco; Patrick;
Margaret, living in Canada: Mary; Moses, a
rancher in Monterey county: John; Catherine,
the wife of Walter Gray, of San Francisco;
James, the owner of the old homestead in Can-
ada; Sarah; Bridget; and Anna, deceased at the
age of sixteen.
Patrick Jordan lived in Canada until his re-
moval to California in 1869, during which year
he found employment on a Santa Clara county
ranch, remaining there for three years. His
association with Castroville was inaugurated in
1873, when he embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness on a small scale, but was soon able to in-
crease his business to meet the growing demand
for his commodities. He sustained a severe loss
in 1890 through the burning of his store, but
a larger and more modern edifice was soon
erected in its place, the dimensions thereof being
25x60 feet. The store is well stocked with mer-
chandise in demand by a cosmopolitan popula-
tion, and a large share of the success of the
enterprise is directly traceable to the genial man-
ner, tact, obligingness and progressiveness of
the enterprising owner.
The interests of Mr. Jordan have been by no
means confined to his mercantile business. He
is a stockholder and director in the First Na-
tional Bank of Salinas, and one of the organizers
of the co-operative creamery, of which he has
been treasurer since its start in 1897. He is
the possessor of one hundred acres of ranch
land adjoining the village of Castroville, and has
other property in the town. He has served for
four years as county supervisor, and has ren-
dered efficient work- as a member of the school
board. The marriage of Mr. Jordan and Jane
Whalen, a native of West Canada, occurred in
1873. Of this union there is one son. lames P.
JOHN JORDAN.
The little village of Castroville has two mem-
bers of the Jordan family who have contributed
their share towards building up its mercantile
and industrial prestige, and who are esteemed
for their business sagacity and devotion to the
public welfare. Both havi achieved more than
■ d success, both are large property own-
ers and men of sterling worth and unquestioned
integrity. Patrick, whose biography precedes
HISTORICAL AN!) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:;:);.
this, is the oldest merchant in the village, and
John, who is the owner and manager of a
blacksmithing and machine shop, carriage and
agricultural implement business, has a trade by
no means local in its extent.
A native of Canada, John Jordan was born
February 6, 1851, a son of James and Catherine
(Bulger) Jordan, natives of Ireland, and mar-
ried in Canada. Mr. Jordan is the sixth of the
eleven children born to his parents, and he re-
mained on the home farm, upon which his father
located in 1832, until he had attained his ma-
jority. He then served an apprenticeship of
three years to a carriage-maker, and having
learned his trade opened a carriage shop in part-
nership with his brother-in-law, a wheelwright,
at St. Claire, Canada. Afterward he conducted a
blacksmith shop at Greenville, at the foot of
Moosehead lake, and after two years began to
spend his winters in the lumber camps of Maine
and his summers in the little shop. In Septem-
ber of 1878 he came to Castroville and worked
at his trade for about two years and a half, then
spent a month in Walla Walla, Wash., later
starting a repair shop in San Francisco, where
he remained for a year. For a year also he was
a street car conductor in San Francisco, and
then returned to Castroville and rented the shop
in which he is now doing business. At the end
of four years he was able to buy the shop out-
right, and this was the beginning of his property
possession in the town. He now owns on Main
street a business lot 200x385 feet; a business
block 50x60 feet in dimensions; the house, lot
and barn, the lot 50x150 feet, upon which he
lives; and two other business properties on the
same street. He has a very large business, and
sells implements, wagons, buggies, coal, wood
and feed and has the most desirable and respon-
sible repair trade anywhere around.
September 11, 1888, Mr. Jordan married Anna
Cullen, a native of Canada, and a former school-
mate. Of this union there have been born six
children: Mary, James, Anna, Dennis, John Jo-
seph (who died November 9, 1902) and Mar-
garet. The children arc all living at home, and
all are to be given every advantage which their
father's position and affluence permits of. Mr.
Jordan is a Democrat in politics, and is a mem-
ber of the school board. He has the true west-
ern grit and determination, and there is no guess-
work in connection with his continued success.
W. G JOHNSON.
A resume of the careers which are contrib-
uting to the best interests of San Luis Obispo
would be incomplete without due mention of the
earnest efforts of W. G Johnson, the marshal of
the city. The entire life of Mr. Johnson has
been passed this side of the Rocky mountains,
and he was born in Sacramento, Cal, in March
of 1864. When but two years of age his family
removed to the northern pait of the state, and
in 1867 came to San Luis Obispo county, where
his father, Jerry J. Johnson, settled on a ranch
close to the city, and engaged in stock-raising
and a general cattle business. The elder John-
son was born in Virginia, and came to California
many years ago. On the maternal side Mr.
Johnson is connected with an ancestry intimately
connected with the wars of the country, for his
mother, formerly Rebecca Gray, a native of Mis-
souri, was daughter to a soldier of the Black
Hawk war, granddaughter of a hero of the war
of 1812, and niece of a patriot of the Civil war.
Mrs. Johnson became the mother of three sons,
and of these O. G lives in San Jose and Jeff is
in the stock business in Arizona.
W. G. Johnson was educated in the public
schools, and has gained much of knowledge
from the experiences of later years. He has fol-
lowed farming and stock-raising as a preferred
occupation, and therein has been successful. He
has also entered actively into political affairs,
and as a stanch Democrat has rendered his party
valued service. In April of 1900 he was elected
city marshal by a large majority, and in April,
1902, was re-elected for a second term. His
management of the important responsibility has
given satisfaction.
Mrs. Johnson was, before her marriage, Miss
A I. Triplett, a native daughter of California.
She is the mother of one child, Leroy. Mr.
Johnson is keenly interested in all that pertains
to the upbuilding of this part of the state, and
his liberal tendencies and sound good judgment
render his opinion and council worthy of con-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sideration. He is a member of the Native Sons
of the Golden West.
JBSSEN & PETERSEN.
The proprietors of the Eclipse livery stable are
among the well-known business men of Wat-
sonville. While they have not long been at the
head of their present business, having purchased
it from W. H. Kennedy in 1901, they have al-
ready established a reputation for reliability and
upright transactions. In their stable they have
about thirty horses, and vehicles of every kind
necessary for the trade to which they cater. The
senior member of the firm, Mr. Jessen, was born
in Germany in 1867, and is a son of Jess and
Christine (Storm) Jessen. Accompanying his par-
ents, he came to the United States in 1875, and
settled in California. With them on the voyage
were the other children of the family. Conrad,
Cecil, Henry L. and George. After completing
his education he learned the tailor's trade, which
he followed for some years in Watsonville.
From that occupation he turned his attention to
the livery business, which he now conducts. He
has never been active in politics, and while in-
clining to the Democratic party is nevertheless
independent in his views and opinions. His wife,
Thorkilda, is a daughter of Capt. Ludwig An-
derson, and was born in China.
The junior member of the firm, Nels Petersen,
was born in Denmark, October 29, i860, and
is a son of Peter O. Petersen. With other mem-
bers of the family he came to the United States
in 1880 and settled in Wisconsin, wdiere his
father followed the blacksmith's trade, dying at
the age of eighty-two years. Surviving him are
six children, namely: Mrs. Hans Jensen; Rob-
ert, Hans Claus, Nels and Christ. Nels learned
the cooper's trade and after coming to America,
in 1880. settled in Wisconsin. A year later he
went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he resided
for a year. During 1884 he came to California
and established his home in Watsonville, but
soon afterward went to Corralitos, where he ran
an engine for the paper mill for five months.
A subsequent journey took him to the then ter-
ritory of Washington. < )n his return to Cali-
fornia lie settled in Santa Cruz county, where he
lias since made his home. For two seasons he
worked in the redwood forests, cutting trees for
James Linscott. For man}- years he also en-
gaged in baling hay during the season, and for
a short time he conducted farm pursuits. Since
June 12, 1901, he has been connected with Mr.
Jessen in the livery business, and has already
established a trade that is assuming gratifying
proportions in return for the care and energy
of the proprietors. In politics he is independent
and in religious faith is a believer in the doc-
trines of the Lutheran Church. His wife, whom
he married in 1891, was formerly Mary Ander-
son, and was born in China during one of the
voyages of her father, Capt. Ludwig Ander-
son, who was a well-known sea captain.
MISS ISABELLE M. JENKINS.
Under the supervision of Miss Jenkins as
librarian, the Watsonville free library has be-
come one of the attractions of this progressive
city. When the movement was first projected
to establish a reading room she was deeply in-
terested and gave her enthusiastic support to the
enterprise. The initial steps were taken by the
W. C. T. U., whose members were aroused by
the suggestion of Mrs. Mary E. Tuttle that they
establish a reading room. By arduous efforts
they secured a few books, gained a few7 sub-
scriptions to periodicals and rented a room.
Soon they were encouraged by a gift from the
Odd Fellows lodge of their small library. An-
other encouragement was a tax of seven cents
on the $100. Since then there have been several
donations, notably a gift of $250 from the heirs
of the Ford estate, and they now have thirty-
three hundred and twenty-five volumes in the
library, which since 1896 has been conducted as
a free institution for the public, with Miss Jen-
kins as librarian.
Reviewing the history of the Jenkins ancestry,
we find that Benjamin Jenkins, a native of Eng-
land, served as sea captain in early life and
traveled to many ports and through many seas.
After coming to America he married Clara
Rogers and settled on a farm. He lived to be
eighty-four, and his wife was only one year his
junior at the lime of death. Their children were
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.so ;
Marion, Edmund P., Samuel, Benjamin, Clara,
Theodora and Henrietta. Of these Edmund P.
Jenkins was born at Fairlee, Vt., May 26, 1814,
and grew to manhood on a New Hampshire
farm. At the age of twenty-four he moved to
Maine, where he learned engineering, and at
this occupation he secured employment in Law-
rence, Mass. In 1861 he came via the isthmus
to San Francisco, thence to Sacramento, and
from there to Mariposa county, where he ran a
stationary engine for two years. Returning to
Massachusetts, he worked at his trade. How-
ever, having once basked in the delightful coast
climate, he was never again satisfied with New
England. As soon as practicable he returned
to California, bringing with him his three sons
and buying a ranch in Monterey county, after
which he sent for the balance of his family to
join him. On selling his ranch he retired to
Watsonville, where he built a residence and has
since made his home. His wife died in 1884, at
the age of sixty-two years. They were the par-
ents of the following-named children: Edmund
P., Jr., Samuel (who died in infancy), Samuel
Rogers, Frederick E., Charles M.. Benjamin F.,
George B. and Isabelle M. In politics Mr. Jen-
kins is a stanch Democrat. In religious views
he is liberal, a friend to all movements for the
upbuilding of the race.
The oldest son in the Jenkins family, Edmund
P., Jr., served as a member of the Twelfth Mas-
sachusetts Regiment during the Civil war, and
died at fifty years of age; his wife bore the
maiden name of Mamie Thompson. S. Rogers
married Sarah Deo and has two children, Fred-
erick E. and Isabelle M. The fourth son of the
family, Frederick E., married Frances Amidon
and has three children, Eugene, Walter and
Ralph. The fifth son, Charles M., married Emma
Thompson and has two children, Lottie B. and
Jesse. The sixth son, Benjamin F., died at
twenty-eight years of age, leaving a wife and one
son, Stanley. George B., the youngest son,
married Kate Brown, who lives in Newman, Cal.
In girlhood Miss Jenkins showed a remark-
able musical talent and gave special attention to
its development, making a specialty of vocal
music. Her singing was so expressive, clear and
sweet that a constant demand was made on her
for choir work, concerts and various public en-
tertainments. As a result of overwork and con-
stant use of the vocal organs, a throat trouble
developed which forced her to give up what had
been one of the chief pleasures of her life. She
maintains a deep interest in art and literature
and is recognized as one of Watsonville's most
cultured women.
WILLIAM W. JAMES.
Although a native of Lincoln county, Mo.,
where he was born January 24, 1849, William
W. James, the present postmaster of Monterey,
was little more than an infant when his parents
crossed the plains, in 1850, in search of larger
opportunities on the coast. His father, Dr. F.
W. James, was a native of St. Charles county,
Mo., and after arriving in California established
a practice in Nevada City. Not entirely satis-
fied with the west, he returned to Missouri in
1853, located in Montgomery county, and prac-
ticed medicine until removing to San Jose,
Cal., in January, 1864. In 1885, when seventy-
eight years of age, he withdrew from profes-
sional ranks, and has since lived a retired life.
During the war of the Rebellion he was post
surgeon at New Florence, Mo.
At a comparatively early age William W.
James learned the tinner's and plumbing trade
in Watsonville, Cal., serving his apprenticeship
from 1872 until 1874. He then came to Monte-
rey and opened a tin and plumbing establish-
ment, conducting the same until disposing of his
business in the fall of 1891. He was for a time
bookkeeper and cashier of the California State
Savings Bank in Monterey, assuming the cash-
iership after the former cashier had resigned
and left things in a deplorable condition. Mr.
James succeeded in straightening up the finances
of the institution in about a year, and then went
into the real-estate and insurance business,
founding what is now the Monterey Investment
Company, of which he is secretary. He was ap-
pointed postmaster of Monterey June 20, 1897,
by President McKinley, and was reappointed
in January, 1902, by President Roosevelt. He
has valiantly served the interests of the Repub-
lican party for many years, and has held the local
:ral and biographical record.
offices oi deput) assessor, deputy county clerk
and registrar of voters ever since he came here.
He is fraternally connected with the Independ-
ent ( >rder of Odd Fellows, having joined that
organization in 1872.
Mrs. fames was formerly Alice Cox, a native
of I »liio. To Mr. and Mrs, James have been
born four children, viz.: Elton K., who is de-
ceased; William F., an attorney of San Jose;
Charles E., a resident of Los Angeles; and
Edgar E., who is at home. Mr. James enjoys
to an exceptional degree the confidence of his
fellow townsmen, and has many friends who re-
joice in his fortunate disposal of opportunities.
PHILIP KAETZEL.
The well-conducted book and stationery store
111 San Luis Obispo, owned and managed by
Philip Kaetzel, is one of the popular and inter-
esting places in town, the two causes contrib-
uting to its success being the complete line of
needed commodities, and the personality of the
typical old-time Californian who dispenses his
wares with so much geniality and good-will.
Although not one of the earliest settlers, hav-
ing arrived in the state in 1862, few have more
intelligently observed the conditions in different
parts of the west than has Mr. Kaetzel. He was
born in Columbus, Ohio, where were spent his
early days, and where he attended the public
schools until his fourteenth year. This was the
beginning of a life of extreme independence and
varied accomplishments, for in the fashioning of
bis career no particularly favored genius guided
his way or helped him with money or influ-
ence. lie first went to work in a bucket and
tub factory and eventually learned the trade,
after which he apprenticed as a stone cutter,
but never made practical application of the lat-
ter trade. In the meantime, while making buck-
ets and cutting stone, he was listening intently
to rumors of the wonderful possibilities of the
far west, and mentally planned to some time
avail himself of the improvemenl over his pres
cut condition. An unlooked-for chance of car-
rying out his designs came in 1862, when a boy
friend. Fred Keimell, proposed to come to Cali-
fornia, and Mr. Kaetzel decided to accompany
him. Notwithstanding the solicitations of his
family and friends, he started out with a party
to cross the plains in wragons and with teams,
and were he to narrate all of the thrilling ex-
periences that fell to his lot, the covers of a
large book would hardly enclose them. Mr.
Kaetzel finally reached Sacramento, and for two
\ears engaged in hauling freight to Carson and
Virginia City. In 1864 he went to San Joaquin
county and purchased a government claim, upon
w Inch he lived for a year, and then went to
Cambria, on the way passing through where
San Luis Obispo now stands, but which was
then waving fields, and apples growing on the
land where his store now is located.
At Cambria Air. Kaetzel worked for a time
at the carpenter's trade and then went into the
wagon business, and an interesting fact con-
nected with his life in that town is that he made
with his own hands the first wagon built in
Cambria. From i86q until 1882 he continued
to make wagons, and during the latter-named
year he was elected treasurer of San Luis Obispo
county on the Democratic ticket. At the expi-
ration of his term of service he resumed his
former occupation where Dorsey & McCabe
are now doing business, and in 1891 assumed
charge of a branch of the Commercial Bank,
located at Cambria. For seven years he cred-
itably maintained the banking position, and two
years ago resigned from the same to take up
the business in which he is now engaged.
In Sacramento Mr. Kaetzel married Sarah
jane Scott, whose father came to California in
the same band of travelers with her husband,
and who was formerly a large real-estate owner
in Des Moines. Iowa. One son has been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Kaetzel. C. Paul, who is a pop-
ular young attorney of San Luis Obispo. Fra-
ternally Mr. Kaetzel is associated with the ( Idd
Fellows, and ha- been for the past thirty years.
and he is also a Royal Arch Mason. He is a
man who ha- profited by his many experiences,
and has learned to reason calmly in regard to
people and events. His wide knowledge of
human nature and his innate courtesy and desire
to please have been invaluable to him in the
prosecution of his many interests.
A./?J2^^<^2^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
401
M. D. BURNETT.
One of the best known of the pioneers who
have wrested success from the stored fertility of
Solano and San Luis Obispo counties is M. D.
Burnett, owner of large city and country prop-
erties, and formerly engaged in extensive grain
and stock-raising enterprises. A native of the
vicinity of Hopkinsville, Ky., he was born Sep-
tember 25, 1829, and remained in his native
state until twenty-six years of age. His father,
Patrick Henry Burnett, was born in Virginia,
and removed with his father to Kentucky when
twelve years old, settling in Christian county,
where he farmed and planted, and where his
death occurred in 1874, at the age of seventy
years. His father, Cornelius, was born, reared
and married in Virginia, and died in Kentucky.
Patrick Henry Burnett married Maria Bur-
bridge, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of
Elijah Burbridge, a Virginian, who removed to
Kentucky, ami remained there until death. Nine
children were born of this union, and of the
second marriage of Mr. Burnett two children
were born.
The youth of Mr. Burnett was uneventfully
passed in Kentucky, where he attended the dis-
trict schools and assisted his father with the care
of the farm. In company with a man who was
an enthusiastic admirer of California, he started
across the plains from Kentucky with teams and
wagons. May 9, 1856, and arrived at his destina-
tion August 1, same year. He settled in So-
lano county, where he bought land, securing
title thereto because of swamps and overflow.
Himself and brother owned three hundred and
twenty acres which they divided, and afterward
Mr. Burnett bought the two hundred and forty-
acres adjoining, both of which tracts he still
owns. In 1888 he removed to San Luis Obispo
county and bought fifty-five acres of land, one-
half of which was planted in fruit, but afterwards
dug up the trees because the investment proved
an unprofitable one. He is at present raising
wheat, barley, and hay, and considerable stock.
October 1, 1863, Mr. Burnett married Han-
nah Reid, born in Tennessee, and daughter
of William Reid, a native of Kentucky, and
later a farmer in Alabama, Tennessee and Ar-
kansas. Mr. Reid came to California in 1857,
settling in Yolo county, where he bought three
hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which
he eventually died. Four children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Burnett, three sons and
one daughter, of whom William is a graduate
of the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College and is
now a practicing physician at Santa Rosa, Cal. ;
Cornelius is the manager of his father's ranch
in Solano county, Cal.; Oliver lives in Mon-
tana; and Lenora is at home. The second mar-
riage of Mr. Burnett was contracted in San
Francisco, July 4, 1885, and united him with
Mrs. Mary Campbell. Mr. Burnett is a Dem-
ocrat in political preference, and his political
activity extends to all of his sons. He has been
a member of the county central committee, and
is a trustee and clerk of the school board.
William Churchman, father of Mrs. Burnett,
was born near Evansville, Ind., in 1825, and was
a son of Henry Churchman, also a native of
Indiana. When a young man William Church-
man moved to Ohio and while living there mar-
ried Martha Augustine, by whom he had eleven
children. In 1853 he crossed the plains to Cal-
ifornia with his wife and two children and settled
in Petaluma, where he was the first justice of
peace in the place. When the county seat was
moved to Santa Rosa he moved also. He held
the office of superior judge of Sonoma county
for twelve years while living in Santa Rosa. He
died in the last named city in 1870, aged forty-
five years; his wife also died in Santa Rosa, in
1868.
J. D. KALAR.
A fair type of the conscientious and painstak-
ing western man of affairs, Mr. Kalar, of Salinas,
lias made his own way in the world, independent
of the aid of friends. He was born near West
Virginia in 1866, a son of John and Elizabeth
(Parsons) Kalar, the former for years a farmer
in Monterey county, but at present retired and
living at Salinas. On the maternal side Mr.
Kalar comes of a family not only long lived,
but of prominence in the early days of Virginia.
The paternal grandfather. Job Parsons, served
in the war of 1N12, and lived to be a hundred
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years old. A brother of Mrs. Kalar was a cap-
tain in the Confederate army during the Civil
war.
The only child in his father's family, J. D.
Kalar was educated in the public schools and
given such advantages as the family means ren-
dered possible. At the age of twenty-one he
embarked in business with a grocery firm.
During President Cleveland's first administra-
tion, from 1885 to March of 1891, he was assist-
ant in the postoffice at Salinas, and later entered
Heald's Business College in San Francisco,
from which he was graduated. For the two
following years he was employed in the Salinas
warehouse, and then became a deputy in the
office of the county clerk, having been appointed
to fill a position resigned by the former incum-
bent. In 1898 his popularity was demonstrated
when he ran for the office and was elected by
the largest majority (ten hundred and forty-
seven votes) given any candidate on any ticket.
February 22, 1897, Mr. Kalar married Mar-
guerite O. Hern, whose mother is proprietor of
a hotel. Fraternally Mr. Kalar is associated
with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. He is popular in Sa-
linas and has the respect and good will of all
who know him.
EDWARD W. KIRK.
The raising of stock has engaged the attention
of Mr. Kirk since he came to Monterey county.
At the present writing he occupies and owns a
ranch of seven hundred and twelve acres in the
Jolon valley, of which tract one hundred and
seventy-five acres are tillable. Under his super-
vision, and for the proper conduct of his stock-
raising interests, he has twenty-six hundred
acres, thus securing abundant pasturage for his
cattle and hogs. It has been his experience, as
that of most farmers in his locality, that the
stock business forms a desirable source of rev-
enue and can be conducted with' more profit
than can the raising of cereals for the markets.
Fifteen miles north of Montreal, Canada, Mr.
Kirk was born, in 1854, and there the first
eighteen years of his life were uneventfully
passed. On coming to the States he spent a
short time in Rutland, Vt., where he secured
employment and saved a considerable part of
his earnings. After four years he went to Bos-
ton, and from there took ship for California.
Flis arrival in Los Angeles was in June, 1876.
However, he did not remain in this state at the
time, but accompanied a surveying party to
Arizona and assisted in laying out the town of
Flagstaff. There were fifty men in the party
and they spent two months far from civilization,
beset by constant dangers, for the Apaches, who
were in close proximity to them, were a fierce
and bloodthirsty nation. It had been Mr. Kirk's
intention to engage in mining in Arizona and
also to open up a ranch, but the hostility of the
Indians rendered such a step inadvisable, and
accordingly the party disbanded in Prescott, and
he returned to Los Angeles. For sixty days he
was employed in the boring of an artesian well
at Pomona, after which he went to San Fran-
cisco and for eighteen months was employed
near there as foreman on a ranch. His next ven-
ture was the teaming and drayage business in
San Francisco, which he followed for seven
years. On selling out there he came to Mon-
terey county and pre-empted a quarter section of
land at the head of Jolon valley. During the
nine years spent on that ranch he was not only
engaged in raising stock, but also became in-
terested in the bee business and had a growing
apiary. To his original tract one hundred and
sixty acres were added, thus giving him a ranch
one-half section in extent. From there he came
to his present property near Jolon, where he and
his family have a neat country home. In 1882
he married Marian Baker, by whom he has
three children, Edmund, Ruby and Lucille. The
family are identified with the Roman Catholic
Church, and in politics Mr. Kirk is a believer in
and supporter of Republican principles.
CAPT. THOMAS G. LAMBERT.
1 hie of the many interesting men of Monterey
is Capt. Thomas G. Lambert, for years one of
the potent upbuilders of this beautiful town,
but erstwhile a seasoned salt with many years
of practical experience upon the deep, and a
whaler whose unerring aim has terminated the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
40".
watery career of hundreds of members of the
monster finny tribe. Born on the island of
Martha's Vineyard, in 1826, he comes of a fam-
ily associated with this historic piece of land
since about 1662. Reared among intensely
nautical surroundings, it was not surprising that
his gaze was directed to the horizon of the water
rather than that of land, and that when sixteen
years of age he embarked upon a long contem-
plated career amid the fascinations and dangers
of the sea. On board the whaler John Coggs-
vvell, he set out for Honolulu, via the Horn,
and arrived at the Sandwich Islands as a non-
commissioned officer. For two years he en-
gaged in whaling in the waters surrounding the
islands, and in 1849 made a trip in the same
vessel in which he had left Atlantic shores. Ar-
riving in the spring of 1850, he again set out
in the fall of the same year in the ship Ame-
thyst, whaling along the South American coast,
and making the ports of Peru and Chile. This
trip lasted forty-four months and eight days,
and during that time the catch comprised forty-
seven sperm whales, which, when rendered,
yielded two thousand four hundred and fifty-
eight barrels of oil, the market price of which
was $126,000. A stalwart man, Mr. Lambert
became an expert in the use of the harpoon, and
won the favor of his captain to such an extent
that the good man recommended him to the po-
sition of chief mate for the ship Enterprise, from
Nantucket, Mass. Thus advanced, he boarded
the vessel in Chile and remained with her for the
remainder of her trip to the eastern port, which
they reached in 1854. Mr. Lambert then as-
sumed charge of the ship John Milton, from
Boston to San Francisco, heavily laden with
merchandise, and made the journey in one hun-
dred and thirty-eight days. After that he sailed
along the Pacific coast for several years, and
during that time commanded four different ves-
sels, and made thirty-two trips up and down the
coast on the steamer Senator.
In 1869 Captain Lambert abandoned the sea
for the more peaceful existence of a land
dweller, and settled in Monterey as a desirable
permanent residence. For a couple of years he
was identified with the Lambert & Snively Lum-
ber Company, and since then has conducted a
general lumber and milling business. In 1886
he established the Monterey Planing Mill, and
the following year formed the Monterey Mill &
Lumber Company, of which he became president
and manager. Aside from his general business
he has entered enthusiastically into every effort
of note for the general improvement of condi-
tions in his adopted town, and has been partic-
ularly prominent as a politician. As a stanch
Republican he helped to organize the Republican
party in San Francisco in 1855, and has ever
since voted that ticket. For seventeen years he
was president of the Monterey City Republican
Club, and is a member of the county central
committee, and has been a delegate to numer-
ous state and county conventions. Fraternally
he is associated with the Monterey Lodge No.
217, F. & A. M., and is one of the organizers of
the lodge. He was the first master thereof, and
has been installed eighteen times, twelve times
as master. He is also a member of the Chapter
No. 59, R. A. M., and of the Watsonville Com-
mandery No. 22, K. T. He is one the foremost
promoters of a movement to erect a monument
to John Drake Sloat, and meetings for the fur-
therance of this design are held at his home.
For thirty-three years he has been government
custodian of the old custom-house, and by his
faithfulness to trusts imposed, and his unques-
tioned ability and devotion to whatsoever re-
_sponsibility came his way, has incurred the last-
ing good will of all with whom he has been
associated. Mrs. Lambert was formerly Sarah
Masters.
JOSIAH W. LAM BORN.
Occupying a position of respect among the
business men of Watsonville is Josiah W. Lam-
born, a native of Howard county, Ind.. born
November 14, 1845, to the union of Thomas
and Laura (Morris) Lamborn. When a young
man his father had learned the shoemaker's
trade, but prior to 1850 he purchased a farm
and thereafter gave his attention to agricultural
pursuits. In the cultivation of his land, caring
for his family, and enjoying the occasional rec-
reations and vacations that form so pleasurable
a part of existence, his life was tranquilly
m
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
passed. After many useful years he passed
from earth in 1870.
Like most farmer boys, Josiah W. Lamborn
alternated work on the farm in summers with at-
tendance at school during the winter months.
In 1862, fired by an ambition to serve his coun-
try, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-eighth
Infantry, and went with his regiment to the
front, where he remained until the close of the
war. Among the many engagements in which
he bore a part was that in front of Richmond,
where (as in other battles) he had several nar-
row escapes. Bullets penetrated his hat and
clothing, but not once was he wounded. On
his return home he served an apprenticeship to
the carpenter's trade at Lafayette, and when his
time had expired traveled as a journeyman
through Illinois. Iowa and Missouri, thence to
Kansas, and from there to Leadville, Colo.,
where in 1878 he began to take contracts. Dur-
ing the six years he made that city his head-
quarters he had contracts for many buildings
there and in the vicinity. When the boom at
Leadville had to some degree subsided, he left
the town and went to Salt Lake City, Utah,
where he remained a year. From there he pro-
ceeded to Butte, Mont., where he remained for
seven years, meantime having charge of the con-
struction of many important public buildings
and private residences. From there he returned
to Utah and spent four years in Ogden, busily
engaged at his trade.
Since 1893 Mr. Lamborn has made Watson-
ville his home and has found this thriving mar-
ket town of the Pajaro valley a pleasant place of
residence, not only from a climatic standpoint,
but also with regard to business possibilities.
When the people saw the character of his work,
they began to give him contracts and since then
he has led a busy life. Among the residences
he erected are those for Warren Porter, John
fohnson and L. J. Hopkins, also one on Sud-
den street for himself. A number of business
structures owe their substantial appearance to
the reliability of his work as contractor. As an
evidence of his energy, it may be stated that
during [901 he built seven houses, remodeled
several others, and erected a business block.
employing about twelve men all of the year.
By his marriage to Airs. Martha J. (Case)
Weightman, a native of New York state, Mr.
Lamborn has a daughter, Eva, now a student
in the Watsonville schools. In fraternal rela-
tions he is connected with the Odd Fellows and
the Knights of Pythias, holding his member-
ship in the latter order in Montana, where he
passed all of the chairs and became a member
of the grand lodge.
MARK L. LANDRUM.
Peach Tree valley, twenty miles long and av-
eraging three-quarters of a mile wide, lying be-
tween two low mountains, and running parallel
with Salinas valley, is one of the garden spots
of Monterey county, and fortunate the posses-
sors of land therein. Hither came Mark L.
Landrum in 1869, his brother, Joseph, joining
him two years later, and their names are asso
ciated with all that is enterprising, both as re-
gards farming and stock:raising and typical
western citizenship.
A native of Forsythe county, Ga., Mark L.
Landrum was born May 17, 1847, and was
reared on his father's southern farm until thir-
teen years of age. James H. Landrum. the
father, came to California in 1850, and after
two years of mining and prospecting returned
to Georgia, remained there three years and then
returned to California and prepared a home for
his family in Stanislaus county. He was joined
by his wife and children in i860, during which
year he settled on government land near Knight
Ferry, and in 1869 established a ferry across the
San Joaquin near Sycamore Bend. He was
thus employed for the rest of his life, and his
death occurred in 1872, at the age of sixty-one
years. His wife was formerly Gatsey Castle-
berry, and she bore him eleven children, six of
whom are living: William M., one of the pioneer
raisers of Angora goats in Texas; Meredith,
deceased in Stockton in 1884; John, deceased in
1856; James, deceased in Georgia in 1855, at
the age of eighteen years; Nancy J., Mrs. James
ves. who died in 1881 ; Mary. Mrs. K.
(I. Williams, who died in 1900; Sarah, the
widow of Joshua Henderson, of Stockton; Jo-
seph, living with Mark L.. and who was born
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
405
April 21, 1844; Mark L., Noah D. and Benja-
min C.
When Mark L. Landrum came to the Peach
Tree valley it was a very lonely place, and the
industries represented here were few and far
between. There was a log cabin on the Peach
Tree ranch, but no water fit for drinking pur-
poses, and not until 1871 did the late arrival
succeed in striking at all desirable water. Two
miles and a half below the ranch William Lan-
drum had his Angora goat settlement, and four
miles on the other side was a sheep camp, the
end of the valley at the south being taken up
with the sheep ranch of Jake Luther. These
were the only inhabitants of Peach Tree valley.
In 1874 the brothers Landrum homesteaded
one hundred and sixty acres of land apiece, and
later purchased the quarter section upon which
their home now stands. They now own twelve
hundred acres of land, and are engaged in farm-
ing and stock-raising, horses, cattle and mules
being raised in numbers. The fertility of the
soil may be judged of when it is known that
twenty-one hundred pounds of wheat to the acre
is by no means an unusual yield. The location
is altogether desirable, for, in addition to the
agricultural possibilities of the soil, oil has
been discovered in the surrounding hills only
one hundred feet below the surface. These wells
are as yet undeveloped, but it is predicted that
the new resource will add materially to the value
of the surrounding property.
January 26, 1887, Mark L. Landrum mar-
ried, and his wife died December 22. 1899, at
the age of thirty-nine. She was a native of
San Francisco, and was the mother of five chil-
dren, viz.: John S., William K., Dorothy, Gat-
sey and Mark L., Jr. Mr. Landrum has been
prominent in Peach Tree politics, and he is one
of the most enthusiastic Populists in the county.
He lias been postmaster of Peach Tree for the
past twenty-five years, notary public for sixteen
years, and. beginning with 1876, served as jus-
tice of the peace for six years. He is associated
with Lodge No. 353. I. O. O. F., of King City;
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of
which he is past master. He is the friend and
promoter of education, and has been a scl 1
director for many years, being at present clerk
of the board. He was the first assessor who
had the influence and determination to get suf-
ficient money to build a schoolhouse, and has
in many ways stimulated interest in this most
necessary department of community develop-
ment.
HON. JULIUS LEE.
The identification of Judge Lee with the law
history of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties
has continued ever since 1859, when he came to
the Pacific coast, leaving the old associations
of his southern home and setting sail upon an
unknown sea into an unknown future. He
was born in Granby, near Hartford. Conn..
May 25, 1829, and in childhood moved to
Hiram, Ohio, with his parents, Hiram and Julia
(Pomeroy) Lee. The desire of his parents, aided
by his own ambition, enabled him to gain advan-
tages not at all common in those days. In
1853 he was graduated from Allegheny (Pa.)
College, after which he acted as principal of
public schools for two years. A better opening
then came to him as professor of Greek and
Latin in Washington College, in Tennessee,
near Natchez, Miss. Resigning the position a
year later, he took up the study of law with Hon.
Thomas A. Marshall, of Vicksburg. and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1857. For two years he
continued in Vicksburg and on coming to Cali-
fornia via the isthmus he shipped via the Horn
the valuable library he had accumulated. Ar-
riving in San Francisco June 30. 1850. he soon
afterward came to Monterey, where he opened
an office. Shorly afterward a vacancy occurred
in the office of district attorney and he was
elected to fill the same, after which he was
regularly elected to the office.
During 1862 Judge Lee established his home
in Wats. >n ville. where he has handled some of
the most important land and civil cases ever
tried in this and adjoining counties. The Re-
publican partv, of which he is a member, at
one time tendered him the office of superior
fudge, but the pressure of his private practice
was so great that he declined the position, fn
1902 he practically retired from the profession,
although he still occasionally acts in consulta-
106
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion. In 1867 he married Marcella, daughter of
O. D. Elmore, and by her he has a son, Elmore
Julius. She was born in Elmira, N. Y., and was
quite young when her father settled in Watson-
ville, where she was a school teacher during
early days.
TOM LEE.
Of all places in the United States, the art of
the landscape gardener is best appreciated in
California, where the opportunities for the exer-
cise of his genius and ingenuity are so manifold
and varied. Men of this occupation, whose
work in the past has contributed to the glory of
the show places of Europe, find in the advan-
tages of climate and soil, of sunshine and gen-
eral environment on the coast, a never-ending
outlet for the highest development of their de-
lightful and fascinating art. Among those whose
qifts in this direction have brought them their
most desired expectation is Tom Lee, presiding
head of the grounds of the Del Monte Hotel at
Monterey, without doubt the most beautiful and
extensive hotel and grounds in the United
States. One hundred and fifty acres are under
cultivation, of which the greater part is under
natural timber, and admirably adjustable to the
plans of the landscape gardener. The drives,
greenhouses and innumerable efforts at orna-
mentation are due to the skill of Mr. Lee. who
has had charge of his large responsibility since
1894, and has therefore had ample time to get
under way his plans for the future.
P.orn in England. February 26, 1857, Mr. Lee
began to learn his trade at the age of sixteen,
.•ind was thus employed in his native land until
1884. Arriving in America, he spent a couple
of years in San Francisco, and during that time
had charge of the grounds of Timothy Hopkins.
For a short time in tSSo he was in the Bell con-
servatories at Sacramento, and in December,
[886, came to the Del Mont,: Hotel, first as
foreman, and in 1804 was promoted to the posi
tion of general manager of the entire grounds
Before coming to America Mr. Lee married
Elizabeth MeArthur, a native of Scotland, ami
of this union there are live children: Maria.
Mice. Alfred William. Frances Isabelle, and
Thomas, Jr. Mr. Lee is a Republican in political
affiliation, and he has been a member of tin
Republican committee for two years, and is now
serving his second term as trustee of the Del
Monte school district. Fraternally he is associ-
ated with the Masons and the Independent Or-
der of Foresters. The family are members of the
Episcopal Church. Mr. Lee is a liberal-minded
ami progressive member of the community, ami
lias made many friends since identifying his for-
tunes with the coast.
T. LEWIS.
The subdividing of the large ranches that
once characterized Santa Cruz and Monterey
counties into the small tracts that are now used
for apple orchards or berry gardens has made
necessary the services of competent surveyors,
and in this line of work Mr. Lewis has the bene-
fit of thorough training and long experience.
In point of activity, he is the oldest civil engi-
neer in Santa Cruz county. During 1888 he
erected a residence in Watsonville and moved
from his farm into the city, since which time he
has given his time to professional work. He is
recognized as an authority on maps and bound-
ary lines, and his opinion is often sought in the
settlement of disputed points.
In Wilmington, Del, J. J. Lewis was horn to
the union of Enoch and Lydia (Jackson) Lewis,
both Quakers. For some years his father was
1 ngaged as a teacher of mathematics in Phila-
delphia and other cities, after which he aban-
doned the schoolroom for the outdoor life of a
farmer. lie died in 1856 and his wife in [846
When a boy J. J. Lewis studied surveying and
at eighteen was ready to embark in the occupa-
tion, but at the time it seemed advisable for him
to take up the management of the home farm.
From Philadelphia he came to California in
1S51 ami remained four and one-half years,
meantime working at the carpenter's trade in
San Jose. On his return to the east lie re-
mained for a while in Philadelphia and then
: toved to Minnesota, where he followed sm\e\
ing in addition to farming. A later place of
residence was in Illinois. During 1875 he sold
his farm and came to California, buying a farm
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
of thirty-four acres northeast of Watsonville.
While living in Watsonville he met with a deep
bereavement in the loss of his wife, nee Margaret
Wilde, of Minnesota, who died at thirty-one
years, leaving six children. The eldest of the
family was only thirteen, while the youngest
never knew a mother's love. With such help as
the oldest children could give him, he took up
the care of the family and carefully trained them
until they were able to care for themselves. The
youngest, Margaret, died when five months old.
The others are Mrs. Edith Rider; Mrs. Alice
Webb; William E., who is now in Alaska;
Frank, a bookkeeper; and Charles B., a civil
engineer.
Among the innovations made by Mr. Lewis
was that of raising watermelons for^the market,
in which business he was the pioneer. Since then
many others have taken up the work and find
it profitable. Besides farming he engaged in
gardening, set out apple orchards, raised water-
melons and also carried on work in the raising
of peas, to which he planted five acres. From
ten acres, he shipped one year, before the ist
of October, two thousand dollars' worth of prod-
ucts, which shows the possibilities of the melon
industry in this soil. In 1888 he sold his farm
and moved into Watsonville, where he built and
owns two houses. For some years he served as
deputy county surveyor and also filled the office
of school trustee.
EDWARD E. LITTLEFIELD.
A native son of California whose efforts have
reflected credit upon Monterey county is Ed-
ward E. Littlefield, partner of William E. Bent-
ley in a general farming and stock-raising enter-
prise on fifteen hundred acres of the old Buena
Vista ranch. He enjoys the advantage of being
a nephew of Hiram Corey, whose influence and
help have invariably resulted in good to his
friends and associates. Mr. Littlefield was born
at Bloomfield, Sonoma county, Cal., May 16,
1866. His father, Charles Littlefield. a native
of Michigan, came to California and located at
Bloomfield, where he engaged in the sheep and
livery business, and where he married. 1 [e is al
present living at Eureka, Humboldt county,
Cal., is sixty-five years of age, and has charge
of a successful livery business. He married
Sarah Corey, a native of Canada, and sister of
Hiram Corey, mentioned in another part of this
work. Mrs. Littlefield died in 1870, leaving four
small children to the care of their father. Of
these, Emma is the wife of G. A. Daugherty, of
Salinas ; Warren is assistant cashier of the Mon-
terey County Bank of Salinas; and Rose is the
wife of B. Y. Sargent, an attorney of Salinas
and superior judge of Monterey county.
Edward E. Littlefield was the second in his
father's family, and was four years old when his
mother died. It was her especial wish that her
brother Hiram should assume the bringing up
of Edward and his sisters, and the latter re-
mained in the home of Mr. Corey until their
marriage. In his home they were tenderlv
reared by their aunt, who was a beautiful char-
acter, and treated them as she would her own
children. They had special private teachers, and
were given every advantage possible under the
circumstances. When fourteen vears old. Ed-
ward E. entered the University of the Pacific,
remaining there for two years, and after that
worked for his uncle by the month, the farm
comprising eight thousand acres. Upon the
dispi isal of the farm to a company in 1889. which
company returned five thousand acres, Mr. Lit-
tlefield rented a part of it, and again worked for
his uncle for four years. He then rented a farm
for six years, and in 1891 he leased the present
farm in partnership with his cousin, Mr. Bentley.
The wife of Mr. Littlefield is Emma, the
daughter of Joseph Snyder, of Salinas. Of this
union there are four children, Everett Austin,
Blanche Corey, Charles Marvin and Emma Mil-
dred. Mr. Littlefield is a Republican, and is at
present a school trustee. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church.
B. F. NORRIS.
For the past nine years Mr. Norris has been
successfully conducting a meat-market in King
City, and he has come to be regarded as one of
the reliable business men n\ the town. He was
born in Garnet, \11dersou county, Kans.. in
1 Si hi, and is a son of Flias Norris, who is spend-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in"- the later years of an industrious life with
his son. The family came to California in 1875.
and settled in Sonoma county, where they lived
for many years. B. F. Norris left his father's
home in 1878, determined to become independ-
ent financially, and in quest of a desirable loca-
tion traveled extensively through different parts
of the state. He chanced in King City in 1885,
where he took up the government land near San
Ardo which he still owns. Here he raises cattle
for his market in King City. His efforts to
succeed have been more than realized, for he has
a large trade, and is highly esteemed by all who
know him. Considerable reaj-estate has come
into his possession from time to time, and he
still owns a number of valuable town lots. He
is fraternally a Knight of Pythias, and is a mem-
ber and past chancellor of Lodge No. 54 at San
Lucas.
On the maternal side, the family with which
Mr. Norris is connected is of special interest, his
mother having been a Miss Pattie, descendant
of Tames O. Pattie, who, with his father, crossed
the plains to California in 1824. The undertak-
ing at the time was so remarkable that E. H.
Flint, in a book entitled "Personal Narratives of
Tames O. Pattie, of Kentucky." gives a detailed
account of the expedition of the father and son,
the book, which was published in 1833, being of
a most graphic and interesting nature. These
early and venturesome travelers started from St
Louis in 1824, and crossed the Missouri river
Time 20th of the same year, reaching Council
Bluffs June 30th. After reaching the Pacific
ocean James O. made his way to Vera Cruz,
Mexico, on the return trip, having been six
\cars ;n covering the ground over which he
journeyed. They were made captives, and in
the enforced absence from those who were near
and dear to them, the tireless father and boon
companion was stricken with death. John A.
Pattie, the brother of James O., was the father
of Mrs. \. J. Norris, the mother of 1',. F. Mrs.
Norris' grandfather settled in Kentucky in 1781.
taking up land on the south side of the Ken-
tucky river.
In January. [894, Mr. Norris married Mary
and of this union there is one child.
Walter B., who is six years old. In national pol
itics Mr. Norris is a Democrat, but usually votes
for the man he thinks best qualified for the posi-
tion at stake. He is broad-minded and liberal in
his estimate of people and events, and is one
of the progressive influences of his county.
HENRY NELSON.
A representative son of Sweden who has par-
tially realized his expectations in regard to Cal-
ifornia is Henry Nelson, the owner of a one
hundred and twelve acre ranch near Paso
Robles, and who is extensively engaged in
the cultivation of wheat, and the raising of
cattle, horses and hogs. To his work Mr.
Nelson brings the thoroughness characteristic
of his people, and the neatness and thrift evi-
dent from a survey of his property suggests a
continuation of his present prosperity.
Born in Sweden, near Roben, December 25,
1834. Mr. Nelson is a son of Nels Nelson, a man
of considerable importance in his native land,
and who was engaged in the combined occupa-
tions of charcoal burning and cattle raising.
He lived to be seventy-one years of age, and set
for his children an example of industry and
economy. He married Maria Henderson, daugh-
ter of Henry Henderson, a Swedish farmer, who
died when his daughter was a child. Four sons
and five daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Kelson, of whom Henry is the youngest but
one.
Owing to the number of mouths to be fed in
the Nelson family, it fell to the lot of the chil-
dren to assist in the general support, and it thus
happened that Henry, like the rest, had little
chance of acquiring an education. He came to
the United States in 1868, settling in Boone
county, Iowa, where he bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land, and engaged in general
Farming and stock raising. Not entirely satis-
fied with the prospects in Iowa. Mr. Nelson
wisely concluded to come to the coast, and it
is safe to surmise that he has never regretted
this determination. With him from Sweden Mr.
Kelson brought his wife, who was formerly Jo-
hanna, of Sweden, a daughter of John Olson, a
n umfacturer of charcoal in Sweden, in which
countn In's death occurred. Three daughters
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
411
and two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Nelson: Tilda, wife of W. A. Wilmer, living in
San .Miguel. Cal. ; Emma, wife of Yietor Ander-
son, a farmer near Paso Robles; Hilma, at
home; Andrew Edward, living in Washington;
and Martin, who is with his parents. Mr. Nel-
son is a member of the Lutheran Church, and
in politics is a Republican.
ROBERT J. HAZARD.
In the fall of 1877 M)r. Hazard bought two
claims of one hundred and sixty acres each, of
government land, situated on Old creek, San
Luis Obispo county. At a later date he added
to the property until he acquired four hundred
and eighty acres, the extent of his present pos-
sessions. Immediately after settling upon the
farm he established a dairy, which he has since
conducted, finding the business a profitable ad-
dition to general farming. In addition, he has
devoted attention to the culture of a vineyard,
in which he has planted twenty acres and from
which he makes large shipments of grapes to the
market. Another valuable adjunct of his farm
is the orchard of apricots, peaches and English
walnuts. The property lies six miles from Cay-
ucos, which is the postofhce address of the
owner.
A pioneer of 1850 in California. Mr. Hazard
was born in Greenwich, R. I., in 1826, being a
son of Thomas T. and Esther L. (Tillinghast)
Hazard. His father was for years one the lead-
ing public men of Rhode Island, where his entire
life was passed. His claim to recognition was
not based solely upon his service in the war of
1812. Many other things contributed to his
popularity. In the Democratic party he was a
power in his state, and for eighteen years he
served as a member of the state senate, elected
on the Democratic ticket. The first Jeffersonian
Club ever organized in Rhode Island was the
result mi' his influence and efforts. < me of his
brothers, Jeffery, was lieutenant-governor of
Rhode Island. Tin- Hazard famil) is of Eng
lish and Scotch descent ami has been identified
with Rhode Island from the firs! .1!" iis history,
the original emigrant- having come with Roger
Williams, being driven out from Plymouth col
ony on account of their religion. The Tillinghast
family came to this country from England, and
Mr. Hazard's grandfather, Thomas Tillinghast,
a native of England, held a colonel's commission
during the Revolutionary war, and was said to
be the best recruiting officer in the colonial
army.
At the age of sixteen Mr. Hazard went to
Narragansett Pier and from 1842 to 1850 he re-
mained in New York City, leaving there in
January of the last-named year, en route for
California, via the Isthmus of Panama to San
Francisco. His first work was as a miner in Tuol-
umne county, and at intervals during the next
fifteen years he followed mining. In 1853 he
went to Victoria, Australia, and engaged in min-
ing for gold there and in New South Wales for
nine months. Next he visited Peru and crossed
the Andes to the Amazon river, but did not find
the rich mines he sought. Returning to Cali-
fornia, he mined in Eldorado and other counties.
The fall of 1867 found him in San Luis Obispo
county, where he began farm operations in
Green valley. A year after his arrival he located
a mill above Cayucos and started the first dairy
at this place. Under the firm name of Hazard
Brothers, a large dairy business was built up,
and shipments of butter were made in barrels via
schooner to San Francisco and other markets.
From the Green valley Mr. Hazard removed to
the Osos valley, where he engaged in stock-
raising, and from the latter valley he came in
his present location in Old Creek Central dis-
trict. '
Since coming to San Puis ( tbispo county it
has been Mr. Hazard's aim to contribute his
quota to the development of local resources and
to aid in the public welfare. While he has no
inclination toward public life or official service,
yet he keeps posted concerning national ques-
tions. In local matters, where the character of
the man is more important than his opinions on
tariff, expansion, the silver standard, etc., he
votes independently. For many wars he was a
director in the Central school district, and he-
has assisted in building schools in five different
districts. Fratemall) he i- a member of ( .1.11
! os I odge No. 300^ [. O. < >. F. In [856 he
married .Miss Eli abi th Fi ye, .1 nativi •
II-.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
many. They have five children, namely: Mary
L.. Mrs. R. Swain; Thomas T.; Robert D., who
remains on the homestead; John, who lives in
Grass valley; and Elizabeth M., Mrs. Kestel.
HERBERT NELSON.
With his partner, R. G. Flint, of San Miguel,
Mr. Nelson is engaged in the largest meat and
general cattle business for miles around. He
has been a resident of Paso Robles since 1898,
and is one of the town's most thrifty citizens.
His youth was spent in Grafton county, N. H.,
where he was born March 31, 1852. a son of
Nathan and Mary (Paddleford) Nelson, natives
of New Hampshire, the former born in 1812.
The family was established in New Hampshire
by the paternal great-grandfather, Robert Nel-
son, who was born in Shannon, Scotland, and
came to the United States with his parents when
four years of age, settling in Grafton county,
N. H. The grandfather, Robert, was a native of
(he same state, and both grandfather and great-
grandfather lived to advanced ages, the latter
attaining to ninety-two years. The old home-
stead reverted eventually to Nathan Nelson,
who farmed and raised stock on the four hun-
dred acres, and died in the midst of considerable
success and prosperity. On the maternal side
Herbert Nelson is identified with another old
New Hampshire family, in fact one of the old-
est families in the state. Philip Paddleford, the
father of Mrs. Nelson, was a farmer and stock-
raiser, who justly cherished a pride of birth re-
sulting from his Puritan ancestry. Of the six
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson all at-
tained maturity.
Herbert Nelson was the third in a family con-
sisting nf the two daughters and four sons, and
in his youth had hut seant educational opportu-
nities. Nevertheless, later application has rem-
edied the earlier deficiencies in schooling. At
tin- age of seventeen he became an employe of
the Mclndoe Lumber Company, at Mclndoe
Falls, \ t , and -11 apt was he at comprehending
the intricacies of the business that his rapid
promotion was a foregone conclusion. During
the latter part of the Four years' service with
the lumber company he was engaged in super-
intending the loading of the cars, and he laid
out additional yards for the company at Mount
Tom, Mass.
Arriving in California, Mr. Nelson settled in
San Francisco, and as a preliminary to better
tilings drove a milk wagon for what is now the
Guadaloupe Dairy, and at the end of eighteen
months was able to buy a half interest in the
grocery and meat business of Sommers & Co.,
which was then managed under the firm name
of Dickson & Nelson. After eight or nine years
in that business. Mr. Nelson sold out and re-
moved to Monterey county, where he bought
three hundred and twenty acres of land, of which
he still owns one hundred and sixty acres. His
land has been greatly improved, equipped with
modern appliances, and has proved profitable
and fertile. Two houses have been erected
thereon, as well as large barns and convenient
outhouses. In 1893 Mr. Nelson came to San
Miguel and ran a stage from there to Cholame,
a distance of thirty-three miles, continuing the
same for a period of four years. The year 1898
found him permanently located in Paso Robles,
where he has since engaged in a retail and
wholesale meat business with Mr. Flint, he.
however, being the general manager. Many
things have come their way to stimulate unusu-
ally successful trade, among others being the re-
construction of the coast line of the Southern
Pacific Railroad, when they furnished meats to
all the workmen. They ship to nearly all the
small towns in the vicinity, and have a slaught-
ering house of their own. which is strictly. mod-
ern. Incidentally Mr. Nelson engages in buying
and selling stock outside of general business.
and has thus added to his annual income. The
firm have the only butchering business in the
town, and are able to maintain two shops here.
The pleasant home purchased by Mr. Nelson
mi Oak street is presided over by Mrs. Lizzie
Nelson, who was formerly Lizzie Pippy, a native
of San Francisco and daughter of Harry Pippy.
for many years captain on the high seas. Mr.
Pippj was born in Nova Scotia and eventually
retired to San Francisco, where his death oc-
curred. He was a warm friend of Captains
Howe and Williston. Two children were bom
to .Mr. and Mrs. Nelson. Mary and Alice, both
LSK tRICAL A!
(GRAPHICAL REC( >UI
nf win mi are living with their parents. Air.
Nelson is a Republican in political affiliation,
and lias served the communit) as citj trustee for
one term of four years.
JOSEPH K. OLIVER.
Conchology, the study of shells, for which
California offers such exceptional opportunities,
has a most enthusiastic and practical advocate in
Joseph K. Oliver, probably the most expert in
his line in the west. At first looked upon as
little more than ornamental objects, shells were
studied without reference to the animals of
which they formed the framework or skeleton,
but with the rise of geology and the dicovery
that of all fossils shells are able to furnish the
mosl definite information regarding the several
strata, and consequently the history of bygone
times, the shell and its occupant were viewed
from an entirely different standpoint, and re-
garded as a composite whole. Reduced thus to
a science, conchology commands the attention
of scientific minds of the very highest order,
who determine within certain bounds whether
a stratum is the remains of a land surface, a
fresh water deposit, or the bed of a sea, as well
as other calculi of equal value in the realms of
knowledge.
Years of practical experience as an educator
and student preceded the present important role
of Mr. Oliver as a contributor of valuable scien-
tific facts, duly recognized in the leading jour-
nals of the country. He was born in Juniata
county. Pa., in 1863, a son of B. F. and M.
( diver, and lived in his native county until 1881.
His student life must have been characterized
by strenuous activity, for he not only qualified
as a teacher along general lines, but while yet
in his teens had a sufficient knowledge of art to
make his services as an instructor in ready de-
mand. In Nebraska he taught one year in the
I >odge county public schools, and for the follow-
ing three years was an instructor in art, penman-
ship and business forms in the Western Normal
< College. In 1884 he became associated with the
art department of tin- Kansas Normal College
at Fori Scott, and for nine years was head of
what was the largest department of the kind in
the central states. During this period he added
to his knowledge of art by studying a couple
of years in Germany and Italy, attending also
the Paris Exposition of 1889. In 1891 he was
elected associate principal of the academical de-
partment of the University of the Pacific at Pa-
cific Grove, of which his brother was president,
and remained in that capacity for three years.
Air. Oliver became permanently interested in
conchology in 1894, during which year he came
to Monterey, and has since conducted his in-
vestigations from this city. In 1898, in partner-
ship with his brother, J. H. Oliver, he estab-
lished the Los Angeles Curio and Shell Novelty
Company, with headquarters on East Second
street. Los Angeles, where are carried for re-
tail and wholesale trade all manner of shell
goods, moss and flower books, and innumerable
objects of interest possible only in like surround-
ings. The firm are the largest dealers in abo-
lone shells and sea urchins in the world, their an-
nual sales amounting to forty-five thousand ur-
chins and fifty tons of shells. They are now-
preparing to fill a contract for twenty-five tons
of the shells in six months! In addition. Air.
* diver has the most complete line of curios.
shells and Indian relics on the coast, and is sur-
prisingly conversant with their respective merits
and historical and scientific value.
In 1890, in Fort Scott, Kan., Mr. Oliver mar-
ried Annie Bishop, a former pupil, and of this
union there is one son, Alyron Angelo, now ten
years of age. .Mr. ( Hiver has by no means
confined his activities to his chosen occupation,
but has entered enthusiastically into all efforts
at general improvement of the town, particularly
as regards educational and intellectual advance-
ment. For many years he has been a member
of the school board, and is ex-president thereof
and he was prominent!) connected with the
organization of the Progressive Association, of
which he is now president. Fraternally he is
connected with the Pacific Grove Lodge, F. &
A. M., and he is chief ranger of the Independ-
ent Order of Foresters. \s a member of the
Presbyterian Church Mr. ( Hiver has been set n
tary of the local board and superintendent 01
the Sunday school, which he has built up from
an attendance of tw eh e to thai 1 if 1 >\ er a hun-
Ill
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dred. step b) step, aided solely by his own
ability and resourcefulness, he has risen to an
enviable position among the scientists of the
country and the citizens of the west.
J. A. PATTEN.
The name of J. A. Patten, one of the promi-
nent merchants of San Luis Obispo, is asso-
ciated with the labor organization known as the
Industrial Commercial Union. Following close
upon the failure of the Farmers' Grange, Mr.
Patten, whose broad socialistic tendencies rec-
ognized an opening for the betterment of labor
conditions, organized in 1896 the above-men-
tioned society of mutual help, which has stores
in different parts of" the state, and is fast going
beyond the boundaries of the most sanguine
expectations of its originator. According to the
plan thought out by Mr. Patten anyone, how-
ever meagre his resources, can become a stock-
holder in the society by investing as low as $10,
and by so doing can get his goods at as reason-
able a figure as can the man who has a thousand
dollars' worth of stock. This enables purchasers
to lay in a stock of necessities and general goods
at the lowest possible figure consistent with
reasonable profit, and the success of the under-
taking, in the face of the opposition necessarily
encountered from regular dealers, argues that
it is not only a possibility, but a permanent
benefit.
The Patten family were early settiers in New
^ 1 >rk state and Illinois, and in the latter state
James Patten, the father of J. A., at one time
ten acres of land in the heart of Chicago.
I Ce was an enterprising stockman and farmer,
and served all through the Civil war as a veter-
inary surgeon. On the maternal side Mr. Patten
claims French descent, his mother, formerly
Miss Coyea, belonging to a family who were
great traders along the Mississippi river. J. A.
Patten was born in Cherry Valley, 111., in [859,
and penl his youth in Illinois. Wisconsin and
Iowa, in which states he attended the public
and picked up a great deal of practical
information. When quite young he learned to
l>e a telegrapher in Chicago, and at the age of
had qualified to fight his own battles.
For a time he engaged as shipping clerk with
the wholesale rubber house of E. B. Preston
& Co., and later went to Dakota, where he en-
gaged in the grain business. Owing to some-
what impaired health Mr. Patten resolved to
come to California in 1888, and after settling in
this town became bookkeeper for Thomas Pat-
terson. He was later deputy treasurer of San
Luis Obispo county, and afterwards kept books
for Crocker Brothers. Since organizing the In-
dustrial Commercial Lnion Mr. Patten has
superintended the store of the union in San Luis
Obispo. This work takes up the greater part of
his time, and his common sense business ideas
are incorporated into every department of the
vast enterprise.
In South Dakota Mr. Patten married Dora
M. Terrill, who was born in Wisconsin, and
whose father and brothers served the Union
cause during the Civil war, the former in the
capacity of commissioned officer. The uncle of
Mrs. Patten, Edwin Terrill, has been county
treasurer of Waupaca county. Wis., for over
thirty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Patten has been
born one son, Lloyd H.
WILLIAM O'BRTFX.
In the business which he conducts, that of
dealer in granite and marble. Mr. O'Brien was
the pioneer at Watsonville, to which city he
came in 1895. During the years that have since
elapsed he has established a large trade, ex-
tending a distance of four hundred miles
through the surrounding country. His special-
ties are Italian and Vermont marble and Ver-
mont granite, while he also is building up a con-
siderable trade in California granite. Among
the most important contracts he has had may
be mentioned those for the monument of C. P.
Nance at Salinas, the vaults of J. Rogers,
William Lund and Peter Cox. besides many
equally fine, but smaller. Another market for
his marble and granite is in use for substantial
business blocks. An example of this is to lie
seen in the Ford block, with its front of marble.
He is the owner of considerable property, in-
cluding a beautiful residence on the corner of
Fourth and Marchant streets, Watsonville.
co.
^/Z^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Elmira, N. Y., is Mr. 0*Brien's native town.
and October II, 1869, the date of his birth. His
father, John O'Brien, a native of Ireland, came
to the United States in his boyhood and settled
in Elmira, where he learned the trade of marble
and granite cutting and polishing. Later he
bought out the men who had employed him,
and ever since then has conducted business in
the same line, occupying the same yards where
lie gained his primary knowledge of the busi-
ness. It was under the supervision of this capa-
ble and efficient workman that his son. William,
learned the business, and not a little of his suc-
cess may be attributed to the fact that his knowl-
edge of the trade is thorough and accurate. At
the age of twenty lie began to work as a jour-
neyman and continued in the east until 1895,
when he settled in Watsonville. His life here
has been pleasant and prosperous, its only sor-
row having been the loss of his wife, nee
Georgia Brown, who was born in Penn Yan,
N. Y., and died at Watsonville in 190 1, when
only twenty-nine years of age. Her body was
taken back to New York and interred in the
cemetery near her former home. Three chil-
dren survive her, Ethel, Mabel and William.
GEORGE W. LULL.
The name of Air. Lull is inseparably inter-
woven with the history of the village of Cambria,
as well as the larger possibilities of San Luis
Obispo county. He was of eastern birth, the
descendant of a colonial family of New England,
and was born on the family homestead in New
Hampshire May 28, 1830. At the time of the
discovery of gold in California, he was just en-
tering manhood, and was eager, ambitious and
fearless. With a desire to see more of the
world than was possible in his own home neigh-
borhood, he made the long trip to the coast, and
was so pleased with the opportunities offered by
the west that in 1857 he settled in the state.
Associated with G. E Grant, of Oakland, he
embarked in the stock business at Mission del
Lorros. During the early part of the *6os he
came to Cambria. Together with Mr. Grant,
he engaged in the stock business on San Sim-
eon creek. For a time all went well, but a dry
season destroyed the labor of the preceding
years and caused a heavy loss of stock. Not
long after the Civil war closed, he and Mr.
Grant built a store on San Simeon creek and
later put up a store in Cambria, which was the
first building ever erected in this village. It
will thus be seen that he is entitled to the title
of pioneer. The county itself was very sparsely
populated at that time. The nearest neighbor
was often miles distant. L'nder these circum-
stances he set himself to work to aid in promot-
ing the growth of Cambria and the progress of
the county. In a short time he dissolved his
partnership with Mr. Grant, becoming the sole
owner of the business.
After the fire in Cambria, the firm of Lull,
( itithrie & Co. was organized and at a later date
Mr. Minor was admitted into the partnership,
without, however, making any change in the
firm name. Scarcely a movement was projected
tor the benefit of the village or outlying countrv
which failed to receive the warm sympathy and
active support of Mr. Lull. His name was at
the head of every enterprise. His counsel was
given to those who sought the benefit of his
wide experience. Hi's ability as a financier was
used not only for his personal benefit, but also
to enhance the prosperity of his home town.
Large herds of stock and large holdings of land
gradually came into his possession, as a result
of his wise judgment in investments and in the
carrying forward of important enterprises.
While Cambria was still known as Santa Rosa
he was appointed postmaster, being the first to
i ccupy the office. He always took a warm in-
terest in Masonry and during his last years was
a member of San Simeon Lodge No. 196, F.
& A. M.
A useful life covering nearly sixty-nine years
was brought to a close April 16. 1899. when
Mr. Lull died in San Francisco. His bod) was
interred in Cypress Lawn cemetery in San
Mateo count)-, the funeral being conducted with
Masonic honors, lie was twice married. His
first wife who was Miss Golf, a native of Lynn,
Mass., died in early womanhood, leaving one
daughter, Lizzie, now Mrs. Avery, of Lynn. In
1863 Mr. Lull was united in marriage with Mrs.
.Mary L. Inman, who survives him, and has
IISTi IRICAL AND l!I< (GRAPHIC \l. REO iRD
charge of the various interests they had ac-
quired. To her first marriage were born two
daughters, one of whom is the wife of R. A.
Minor, while the other married W. X. Water-
man. A grandson of Mr. Lull. George Howe,
was a member of the Third Artillery, serving in
the Philippine Islands, where he died May 27,
1000. His remains were brought to the United
States and conveyed to Lynn, Mass.. for inter-
ment. An adopted grandson, George S. Lull,
has also seen active service in the Philippines.
where he made an excellent record as a member
of Company K, First California Regiment. Since
his honorable discharge from the army and his
return to the United States he has taken up the
study of law, with the intention of making it his
life work. He was a student of Stanford Uni-
versity for two years before going to the Phil-
ippines.
In summing up the history of Mr. Lull, it
may be said that he was one of the best-known
pioneers of San Luis Obispo county. He had
reason to regard this county with special affec-
tion, for his ample means were almost wholly
acquired here. When he came to California he
had but twenty-five cents with which to face the
future in a strange country, among strangers.
His large estate represented his unaided efforts
after coming west, and proves what it is possible
for a man to accomplish here who possesses en-
durance, patience, foresight, energy and a calm
and wise judgment.
JOHN W. PATTON.
The keen and far-seeing judgment which led
Mr. Patton to cast in his destiny with that of the
far west in the early ami untried days of adven-
ture also led him to make investments in prop-
erty, large tracts of which he purchased in the
days when prices of realty were low. l'\ this
course of action he became Miie nf the extensive
laud owners "i Montere) county, and at bis
death ranked mong the county's successful men.
A native of Pennsylvania, born in 1833, he was
a small child when his parents removed to Wis-
consin, and there he became inured to the hard-
ships m{ frontier life while still a mere boy. An
he grew into manhood, the habits of self reliance
and ambition, noticeable in bis later years, began
to influence him toward independent thought
and action, and impelled him, in 1859, to seek
a home across the mountains in the Pacific coast
region. With a party of home-seekers he trav-
eled overland to California, with ox-teams, and
first settled in San Bernardino county, where
lie remained until the spring of 1862. At that
time he came to Monterey county and settled in
the Salinas valley, buying one hundred and sixt)
acres of land now occupied by Mr. Sterling.
Few improvements had been made on the prop-
erty, but during the five years he lived there
he brought a large part under cultivation,
erected some buildings, and made other im-
provements of permanent value.
After making his home in Natividad for many
years, in 1889 Mr. Patton came to Salinas.
Here his last days were spent in retirement
from business cares, excepting such as were
connected with the ownership of large tracts of
land. His landed possessions aggregated three
thousand acres, of which seven hundred were
devoted to general agricultural purposes, while
the balance afforded pasturage for his herds of
stock. Included in his stock were a number of
fine milch cows, for he added dairying to his
other interests. All of his success was achieved
by his own exertions. Through no royal road
he won his way to fortune. Like all pioneers,
he suffered numberless hardships and discom-
forts ere he had surrounded his family with the
comforts of existence. His neighbors were few
in the old days, and few" men passed his ranch
except those who were traveling in the old stage
coach and who stopped at his place for rest and
refreshment. With the exception of these
glimpses of the outside world, he was isolated
from the great centers of commerce and prog-
ress, but he kept on his way quietly and perse-
veringly, and in the end won the recognition his
efforts deserved. By his marriage to Cornelia
Stewart he had six children, three of whom,
Mice. William and May, reside in Salinas. Em-
ma is the wife of John 1',. Sterling and Mum
married Roy Alexander. The fourth child. Jud-
son. died at thirteen years of age. Mrs. Patton
died in 1 Sow. and her husband survived her two
years, passing away March 9, tool. In the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
419
affections of their children and acquaintances
their memory has a permanent abiding place,
and their names will be cherished as long as
those remain who came within reach of their
kindly and genial hospitality and friendly spirit.
R. W. PUTNAM.
In line of descent from Rufus Putnam of Mas-
sachusetts and from other men honorably asso-
ciated with the early history of America, Mr.
Putnam was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1853. His
connection with California dates from 1874.
when he first came to the state. From that time
to this, with the exception of seven years (1879-
1886) spent in Honolulu engaged in plantation
pursuits, he has continued a resident of this
state. On his return from the Pacific islands
he purchased and settled upon a ranch at Tem-
pleton. About the same time (1886) Paso
Robles began its existence as a town. In 1887
he embarked in the real estate business with
W. J. Sherman, under the firm name of Sherman
& Putnam, and the two continued together in
Paso Robles until the death of Mr. Sherman in
1891. The firm title was then changed to Put-
nam & Hood and continued as such until 1896.
During the period from 1887 to 1896 Mr. Put-
nam was intimately associated with the platting
of lots in the new town and with the improve-
ment of the same by the erection of neat cottages
or commodious residences. As a real estate
agent his advice was daily sought in matters
connected with the buying or selling of land,
and his opinion was valued by reason of his
thorough acquaintance with every phase of the
business.
Under the administration of President Cleve-
land, Mr. Putnam was appointed postmaster at
Paso Robles and filled the office for four years,
retiring after the election of President McKin-
ley. He then took up the study of law and in
April, 1900, was admitted to the bar before the
superior court. Since then he has carried on
a general practice in all the courts and is meet-
ing with the success which his talents and thor-
ough mastery of the profession merit. In addi-
tion to his private practice he is attorney for the
Salinas Valley Merchants' Association. He was
one of the organizers and served as a director
of a company that projected the plan of building
a railroad from Paso Robles to Cayucos. While
a member of the firm of Putnam & Hood, he and"
his partner built the reservoir for the city water
works, graded all the streets of Paso Robles and
were the lessees and managers of the street car
line for two years.
In 1899 tne Paso Robles Improvement Club
was organized by Mr. Putnam, in connection
with Frank Sparks, A. R. Booth, E. M. Bennett,
Albert Pfister, E. Brendlin and E. C. Watkins.
At the first election Mr. Putnam was chosen
president of the club and he has been re-elected
for each succeeding term. The object of the or-
ganization is to improve the city and promote
its interests. Every citizen of the town appre-
ciates the work already accomplished by the
club, and without doubt its future will be richly
fruitful of results, tn the lasting benefit of local
interests. On the organization of the Paso
Robles Board of Trade, April 10, 1891, Mr. Put-
nam was chosen its secretary and continued
active in the board during its existence. In 1895
he was a delegate to the state convention of the
Democratic party, and frequently he has served
in the same capacity in county conventions. In
1890 he was his party's candidate for county
recorder. During the entire existence of the
county central committee he has been one of
its members and for three years served as its
chairman. Fraternally he is connected with the
San Luis Lodge of Elks. His marriage occurred
in San Francisco in 1872, and united him with
Miss Mary L. Davidson, a native of New York
state. They are the parents of three children,
namely: Charles G., who is an attorney; George
W. and Ruby F.
ERNEST M. PAYNE.
As one of the foremost hardware merchants
in San Luis Obispo, and as supervisor of the
third district, Mr. Payne is exerting a progres-
sive influence in the town, and has withal an
enviable reputation For integrity and sobriety.
A native son of the county, he was born near
Cambria in 1870, and when a small child moved
to San Luis ( >bispO, which has ever since been
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bis home. His father. George M. Payne, is a
native of Illinois, and was engaged in the liver)
business in this town for nearly twenty-five
years, during which time he served as postmas-
ter under President Cleveland's administration.
He subsequently removed to Oregon, and has
since been connected with business in that state.
He married Martha .Mills, a native of Missouri.
and who died when her son Ernest was a small
child.
When sixteen years of age Ernest M. Payne
undertook to become financially independent
by learning the plumber's trade, having accom-
plished which he worked here at his chosen oc-
cupation for about ten years. He then went east
and attended a plumbing school in New York,
graduating therefrom in the summer of 1879.
For the following two years he worked at his
trade in New York City. Two years ago he
returned to the familiar surroundings of San
Luis Obispo and bought out the hardware enter-
prise of Hewitt & Sutlift, which he has since
built up and added new stock and appointments.
He receives a large patronage from those who
desire good goods and fair treatment, and his
store is one of the busy centers of activity in
the town.
A Democrat in national and local politics, Mr.
Payne was elected supervisor of the third dis-
trict at the last election, and is giving general
satisfaction in the discharge of his responsibil-
ities in that direction. He is fraternally allied
with the Woodmen of the World, and has twice
been president of the San Luis Obispo Parlor,
Native S..ns of the Golden West. Mr. Payne
enjoys the respect and liking of all who know
him, and he is considered a distinct acquisition
to the best interests of San Luis Obispo.
HERMAN J. O. PRINZ.
This retired builder and lumber merchant of
Monterey was born in Prussia, Germany, No-
vember 6, [841, and had considerable business
experience before coming to America. His
father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by
trade, and while still a youth the sun became
familiar with tools and all kinds of carpenter
work. At the age of nineteen he went to Paris,
France, and worked at his trade for a couple of
years, and in London was similarly employed for
a year and a half. In 1868 he came to the United
States, landing in New York harbor in June,
and thereafter went to Milwaukee, Wis., where
he found employment in a car-building concern.
At the expiration of six or seven years he re-
moved to Cheyenne, and after ten months came
ti California, locating in Monterey July _>_>. 1874.
Here he built cars for the narrow gauge railroad
running between Monterey and Salinas, and in
November of the same year opened a small shop
of his own where be turned out general carpen-
ter work. Gradually he worked up a large trade
and had a number of important contracts,
among others being those for the erection of the
first buildings of Pacific Grove.
In 1880 Mr. Prinz gave up his large carpenter
business in Monterey and bought out a lumber
company in the city, in connection with the
management of which he built a small planing
mill, subsequently replaced by a larger one.
These combined interests proved a source of
large profit, and after many years of business
activity the owner thereof sold out his business
July 1, 1901, and has since lived a retired life.
As evidence of his abiding faith in the future
of his adopted locality he has invested heavily
in town and county property, his acquisitions
including a half interest in the Metropole Hotel,
many valuable town lots, and one hundred and
fourteen acres of land between Monterey and
Pacific Grove, which will be sold for residence
lots and is therefore of great value.
A stanch Republican. Mr. Prinz has been very
active in years past, and filled the position of
city trustee for two terms. He is fraternally
connected with the Monterey Lodge No. 219,
F. & A. M., having joined that organization
twenty-six years ago. Mr. Prinz married in
London, England, in 1867, Lora Martin, a na-
tive of London, and who died January 20, 1902.
He is a fair example of the successful western
business man. and has an enviable reputation in
the world of business. In [898 he took a pleas
ure trip of four months, and visited London.
Berlin, Paris, Jerusalem and other points of in-
terest, both in Europe and the H0I3 Laud.
I
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
123
JOHN EDMUND TRAFTON.
This extensive land owner and dairyman of
the Pajaro valley was born at Stanstead, Can-
ada, half a mile from the Vermont line, July 18,
1837, and when three years of age was taken
to Missouri with his parents. At the age of
fifteen his life was overshadowed by the death
of his father on the overland trail near Fort
Kearney, and at the age of nineteen he em-
barked upon an independent career upon a
squatter's right in this valley, which has since
been made to appreciate the value of his services
as business man, farmer and citizen.
David Trafton, the father of John Edmund,
was born and reared in Maine. About 1827 he
removed to Canada, where he married Sarah
W lbury, a native of Vermont. In 1840 he
settled in Boone county, Mo., where he engaged
in the mercantile and hotel business at Roche-
port until 1852. During that year the family
joined a caravan bound for the western sea
coast, but when near Fort Kearney the father
was taken ill with cholera, from which he never
recovered. His family profited somewhat by
his government services during the Mexican
war. for which they received a land bounty.
He was fifty-seven years of age at the time of
his death, was a Democrat in political prefer-
ence, and was fairly successful in his business
life. He was of German ancestry, and his
father was also a native of Maine. After the
disaster of her husband's death, Mrs. Trafton
courageously took up the burden of life with
her children and continued her journey to Sacra-
mento. There she engaged in the hotel busi-
ness for a short time, but eventually settled on
a ranch near the city, upon which she lived until
coming to the Pajaro valley, where her death
occurred in 1891. at the age of eighty years.
She was a remarkable pioneer mother, and was
very active up to the final illness which caused
her death. A member of the Presbyterian
Church, she was very high minded, and reared
her six children to ways of usefulness and
honor. Phoebe A. is the widow of C O. Sill-
man, of Santa Cruz, Cal.; Charles D. is a
rancher in the Pajaro valley; George A. is en-
gaged in the feed business at Watsonville; Mary
Emma is the wife of Mr. Willoughby of Santa
Cruz; and Walter T., a druggist of Watsonville,
died at the age of twenty-seven years.
I" l&75 Jonn Edmund Trafton sold his squat-
ter's claim in the Pajaro valley, and bought three
hundred acres of the land which he now owns,
to which he soon after added another three
hundred acres. Besides this, which is all in one
body, he owns two hundred and thirty acres
located in another part of the valley for which
he paid $250 an acre seven years ago. This
latter purchase he rents out for $20 an acre.
At the present time he farms about five hun-
dred acres, and keeps a dairy of one hun-
dred and twenty-five cows, mostly Holsteins.
He has been prominent in the affairs of the
valley, but though an active and stanch Demo-
crat has never been willing to hold any kind
of office. He was one of the organizers and
is a director of the Pajaro Valley Bank at Wat-
sonville. In addition he was an organizer, is
a director and has always been president of the
Watsonville Creamery Company, a very suc-
cessful enterprise, to which he sells his milk.
Mr. Trafton is fraternally associated with the
Watsonville Lodge \To. no. F. & A. M.; Chap-
ter Xo. 41. R. A. M.; and Commandery No.
22, K. T., at Watsonville, which he joined in
1883.
R( )BERT PORTER.
The splendidly equipped ranch and beautiful
home of Robert Porter is situated in the Blanco
district, three and a half miles southwest of Sa
linas. This prominent cattle man and farmer
was born in the Quebec Province, Canada, Jan-
uary 4, 1854. his father. Thomas Porter, being a
native of the same province. The father was a
blacksmith by trade, and lived on the line of the
Xew York ec Canada Railroad, his untimely and
unfortunate death occurring when he was only
thirty-five years of age. lie married EJlen
Woodrow, a native of Ireland, who came to
Canada when she was six years of age. She
contracted a second marriage when her son,
Robert, was ten yean ol age, ami died in On-
tario al the age of sixt) four years. She was a
member of the Presbyterian Church ami the
I IST< >KICAL AND IlIOCRAI'llKAI. KI-'.Ci tkD.
mother of six children, of whom Robert was
third.
Robert Porter was four years of age when his
father died, and thereafter he lived with his
mother until her second marriage, when he
was placed with a farmer in the neighborhood,
who gave him clothes and board in return for
his small services. At a later period he was
allowed to attend the district school in the win-
ter time, and worked hard in the fields during
the summer season. After living with this
farmer for six or seven years he engaged in the
lumber business in Canada, and was thus iden-
tified with a large lumbering concern for three
years. In 1874 he came to the vicinity of where
he now lives, first having investigated the con-
ditions in Butte county. Cal. For a time he
worked by the month in this valley, and then
leased two hundred acres of land for three years,
afterward purchasing one hundred and thirty-
four acres of his present ranch. To this he added
from time to time, and now has a hundred and
sixty-seven acres in the home ranch. P>esides
this, he owns a thousand acres of mountain
pasture land. He is engaged in extensive dairy-
ing and raises principally Durham cattle. He is
very prominent in his section, and has one of the
best paying properties to be found in the
locality.
Mrs. Porter was formerly Margaret L., daugh-
ter of James Bardin, and was born in the Salinas
valley, May 15, 1861. She has two hundred and
seventv-six acres of land left her by her father,
some of which is bottom land. To Mr. and
Mrs. Porter have been born three children,
James Thomas, Eva Blanche and Leslie Robert.
The children are living at home.
SHELLEY PICKLES.
That Air. Tickles is a master engineer and
machinisl and thoroughl) reliable man is evi-
di need b) the fact that he has been chief engi-
neer of the Del Monte Hotel ever since 1892.
I luring the ten years thus employed he has dis-
charged his large responsibility with great credit,
and is considered one of the best in his line on
oast. To the unitiated the enormity of his
task is hardly understood, but to those who have
traversed the extent of the giant hostelry, a faint
perception may be had of the number of steam
pipes and general mechanical apparatus involved
in the conduct of the business of the hotel. Four
or five men are employed under the chief en-
gineer, yet he is personally responsible for the
safety and well being of the hundreds of guests
who yearly throng to this ideal coast retreat.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Pickles was
born October 12, 1864. and when five years of
age removed with his parents to St. Louis,
where the father engaged in the hardware busi-
ness. The home was in Kirkwood, a suburb of
St. Louis, in the public schools of which town
Shelley Pickles received his preliminary educa-
tion. When eighteen years of age he entered the
machine shop of the Central iron works at St.
Louis, and after serving an apprenticeship of
four years, continued to follow his trade in the
Missouri city until 1886. He then located in
San Francisco, Cal., and was employed in the
iron works until 1 802, in which year he became
associated with the Del Monte Hotel at Mon-
terey.
Since coming to Monterey Mr. Pickles has
married Edith Clark, of which union there is one
son, Horace, now four years old. Air. Pickles
is a Democrat in politics, and is fraternally a
member of the Woodmen of America.
DAVID W. POTTER.
One of the busiest places in the little village
of San Lucas is the blacksmith establishment
of David -W. Potter, who, while catering to a
substantial trade extending for miles around,
has found time also to fill many offices of trust
and responsibility in the neighborhood. He is
a native son of Monterey county, and was born
near Salinas, October 16, 1857.
Andrew P. Potter, the father of David W..
came to California in 1853, the journey overland
b\ team consuming the greater part of six
months. He located in Monterey county .mi the
farm now occupied by his son, and which he
bought from the government soon after his
arrival. At the present time he is hale and
hearty, although summers and winters amount-
ing to seventy-three have passed over his head.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
49!>
1 [e has been industrious and frugal, and lias
set a good example for those starting out in
life without money or influence.
After finishing his education at the Business
College at Santa Cruz, David W. Potter applied
himself to learning the blacksmith's trade at
Salinas, completing his trade at the end of two
years. He then engaged in running a threshing
machine through the country, and at the same
time managed a blacksmith shop at Blanco. He
also engaged in farming on a considerable scale,
and was fairly successful in these various
occupations. He became permanently identified
with San Lucas in 1891, during which year he
started a little shop and began to manufacture
wagons, and to do general repair work and
blacksmithing for the surrounding farmers and
citizens.
October 16, 1899, Mr. Potter wras united in
marriage with Ellnora Harris, a native of North
Dakota, and of this union there are two children,
Willis and Allis. Mr. Potter is independent in
politics, and believes in voting for the best man.
That he is appreciated by his fellow townsmen
is evidenced by the fact that he has been repeat-
edly called to office. He served as justice of the
peace from 1892 until 1900, and has been a
notary public from 1897 until the present time.
For many years he has rendered valuable service
as a member of the school board, and he was
elected trustee in 1901, and re-elected in 1902
for three years. He is one of the progressive
men of the town, and enjoys the confidence and
esteem of all who know him.
A. G. PINHO.
The proprietor of the largest barber shop in
San Luis Obispo is a native of Fayal, one of the
group of the Western Islands, and was born
November 17, 1854. His father, also. A. ( ',.
Pinho, was born in Oporto, Portugal, and by
occupation was a navigator and sea-faring man,
eventually becoming captain of a sailing ves-
sel. His last voyage and last command was the
Newsboy, which was lost in a storm off the
coast of Florida. The sea captain's wife was
Catherine, daughter of Antonio Y. Sylva. who
also was born in Portugal, and who was a man-
ufacturer of straw matting at Fayal, the enter-
prise being the only one of its kind on the isle.
Signor Sylva was a successful man and acquired
considerable wealth, his age at the time of his
death being seventy-eight. ( )f the children born
to the captain and his wife one is deceased, and
of the four remaining A. G. is the oldest.
In his island home Mr. Pinho was educated
in the public schools, at the Lyceum, and at a
private school. His business career was inaugu-
rated as a clerk in a general store on the isle of
Tercerira, also one of the Western Islands,
and at the end of a year and a half he made a
systematic tour of the islands, studying the pen-
pie and their customs. He came to America in
1870. settling in Boston. Mass.. and afterward
removing to Rutland. Vt, where he lived for
a couple of years. Upon returning to Boston
he followed his trade of barber and also traveled
extensively through the east, seeking a desirable
permanent location. He eventually settled in
Fall River, Mass., where he opened a barber
shop, but this was soon after disposed of at a
profit, after which he located in New Bedford,
Mass. In 1883 he came to San Luis Obispo
and opened up the finest and largest shop in
the town, and from a comparatively insecure be-
ginning, and with naught to aid him save the
mastery of his trade, has worked up a patronage
among the exclusive people of the town.
Since establishing his success in San Luis
Obispo Mr. Pinho has been called upon to iden-
tify himself in various ways with the representa-
tive undertakings of the town, not the least of
which has been the fire department, of which he
has been treasurer for the past fifteen years.
He is a member of the exempt firemen of this
city, also a member of the board of trustees.
and is fraternally associated with various orders,
among others being the Odd Fellows Encamp-
ment, the Elks, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and the Royal Arcanum. The Por-
tuguese societies with which he is identified are
the U R. E. S.'s, the I. D. E. S.'s and the 1'.. L.'s,
which was a local organization. He is a Repub-
lican in politics, and a member of the Catholic
Church.
In Boston, Mass., Mr. Pinho was united in
marriage with Frances Coster, and of this union
126
iII-ImUHAI. AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
there arc two children, Mabel and Mamie. Mr.
Pinho has many friends in San Luis Obispo, and
is regarded as a thoroughly adaptive representa-
tive from foreign shores.
W. C. PHILLIPS.
Many of the notable public and private build-
ings in different parts of the country are due to
the constructive and designing skill of W. C.
Phillips, the only authorized architect of San
Luis Obispo. A native of Niagara county,
N. Y., he was born November 15, 1856, a son of
James C. Phillips, a farmer in New York state
all his life. The elder Phillips valiantly served
his country during the Civil war for four years,
and. enlisting as a private, became first lieuten-
ant of the Ninety-fourth Xew York Volunteers.
IK- did not long survive his admirable war rec-
ord, his death occurring the year after the res-
toration of peace. His wife was formerly Louise
A. Foster, a native of Orwell, Yt, and W. I .
Phillips was her only child. Mr. Phillips had
been married before, and of that union there
were two children.
In addition to a common-school education.
Mr. Phillips has always been a great reader,
and at the present time has a large fund of in-
formation gained through the medium of books
and observation. At the age of eighteen years
he went to a paint shop and learned the trade of
painting, and after an apprenticeship of eighteen
months spent five years in a machine shop. In
1879 he removed to Omaha, Neb. II is health
having failed from close confinement in the
shop, he spent three months on the Pawnee
reservation, later settling there as one of the
pioneers of the reservation, which continued to
be his home until 1805. He then came to San
Luis 1 >bispo and began to follow his trade, and
has since been identified with building interests
in various parts of the slate and county. Nearly
all of the important structures throughout the
countr) have been either planned or approved
by him. and at the present time he has all the
work thai he can possibly turn out. He planned
the Guadaloupe school building, the Warden
block in San Luis Obispo, the Beebee block,
the court house at Fullerton, Neb., four brick
buildings in Arroyo Grande, besides many resi-
dences in different parts of this and other states.
In Nebraska Mr. Phillips married Lucy E.
Swayne, a native of New York, and daughter
of W. M. Swayne, a native of England, and a
builder by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips
have one child, Gladys, who is living at home.
Mr. Phillips is a Republican in political affilia-
tion, but has never been before the public as an
aspirant for office. He is one of the enterprising
citizens of the town, and his success is a matter
of pride to his many friends and associates
THOMAS E. PHILLIPS.
The name of Phillips is associated with the
earliest growth of King City, and especially with
the pioneer livery business here and the erec-
tion of the first barn in the place. It is also rec-
ognized that the Phillips boys are worthy suc-
cessors of their capable and energetic father,
being sober, industrious, and exceedingly pop-
ular with their patrons and friends. Thomas F.
Phillips was born in Brazil, Clay county, Ind.,
in 1874. His father, John Phillips, one of the
best known of the upbuilders of King City,
was born in Wales, and came to America with
his parents when four years of age. The family
settled in ( )hio, and in the course of time John
tendered his services in the Civil war, as a mem-
ber of Company A, One Hundred and Fifth
Ohio Infantry, under Capt. Daniel B. Stam-
baugh. He enlisted August 5, 1862, and was
honorably discharged June 3, 1865, near Wash-
ington, D. C, having served for nearly three
years. While living in the east he engaged in
coal mining, after the war settled in Clay county,
lnd., where he married Sarah Ann McDonald,
and reared a family of four children, the sons,
Thomas and John, now in King City, being the
only survivors.
The Phillips family came to California in
1874, and settled at Marysville, then went to
Plymouth, Amador county, where the) lived
until they came to King City in 1886. While
living at Marysville and Plymouth, the elder
Phillips engaged in gold mining with considera-
ble success, and at King City opened the livery
business of which his sons are now making such
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
427
a success, and of which they took possession
after his death, June 22, 1899. He was a Re-
publican in politics, as are his sons, and father
and sons were associated with the Lodge No.
158, I. O. O. F., of King City. John Phillips
was entitled to vast credit for the success which
rewarded his effort to make a name and place
for himself in the west, and only the strictest
application to business and duty could havp
spanned the distance traveled between the time
when he arrived in King City with $500 in his
pocket and the time of his death, when he was
the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of
land, several town lots, and $3,000 in money.
For several terms he was a school trustee of
his adopted city, and in other ways was identified
with the making of improvements and the gen-
eral upbuilding. His wife, who died at Plym-
outh, Amador county, Cal., October 6, 1883, was
of Scotch descent, and was formerly Sarali Ann
McDonald.
Since their father's death, the Phillips boys
have built a fine barn for their livery business,
and have a suitable collection of rigs and good
horses. Originally the enterprise was started
to accommodate the stage route and travelers
through the country, and to a certain extent a
large share of patronage comes from these di-
rections. The sons have rented out their land,
and devote all of their time to the livery.
Thomas Phillips has been prominent in Repub-
lican affairs, has been constable for two years,
and is now district deputy under Sheriff Keif.
Lie is a member of the Foresters of America.
November 5. 1901, he married Marian Hollen-
beck, of King City, and they have a son, Law-
rence, born September 20, 1902.
JAMES ALBERT PELL.
In the spring of 1880 the two families then
residing in Pacific Grove were surprised by the
appearance in their quiet midst of a newcomer,
who was none other than James Albert Pell,
the presenl funeral director and justice of the
peace. The stranger happened to be adaptive,
and was not at all daunted by the absence of
encouraging prospects li was not long before
he was driving the stage from Pacific Grovi to
Monterey, and later met the trains for J. O.
Johnson for about five years. Afterward he was
employed by the Pacific Improvement Company
in the superintendent's office and El Carmelo
Hotel about three years. The meat market busi-
ness engaged his attention for a time, and he
eventually launched out into the business of
funeral director and undertaker, at a still later
day adding furniture to his undertaking stock.
In the intervening years he has managed to se-
cure a comfortable profit from these combined
activities, and is now among the best known
of the pioneers of the town.
A native of Canada, near the Vermont line,
Mr. Pell was born September 13, 1852, a son
of James G. Pell, also a native of Canada, and a
farmer by occupation. Mr. Pell is still living
in his native land, and is at present about ninety
years of age. The family was first represented in
America by the paternal grandfather of James
\lliert Pell, who was none other than Major
George Pell. The latter immigrated to the
United States with his brother, William, who
was captain in the army, and served in the war
of 1812; he lived to be one hundred and five
years old. James G. Pell married Mary E.
Kemp, a native of Vermont, and who died while
young in Canada, leaving three children, of
whom George A. was the twin of James Albert,
and Mary E. is the wife of Herbert E. Titamore,
a rancher of Monterey county, who is men-
tioned al length in another part of this work.
When sixteen years of age, James Albert Pell
went to Massachusetts and drove a stage over
the Hoosac mountains for a Boston firm for two
years, and then returned to the home farm,
where he lived until removing to California in
the spring of 1878. On the coast he settled at
Salinas, Monterey county, and worked at any-
thing that lie could find to do. and in the spring
of [880 came to Pacific (".rove, as heretofore
stated. A stanch Republican, lie has been quite
active at times for hi- friends, and his own fit-
ness [or office lias found an outlet as justice of
the peace, a position maintained for a term of
four years, and to which he was again elected
November 4, ioo_\ for four years more. Fra-
ternal!) he is associated with the Independent
Ordei of < 1, id Fellows, the Benevolent Protec-
l->
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
live ( Irder of Elks, and the Foresters. Mr. Fell
has the distinct advantage of being the only
undertaker in the town, and he also has the
advantage of keeping abreast of the times as
to the improvements and innovations in his
chosen art of embalming and caring for the
dead. He owns a good horse, and has every
reason to congratulate himself upon his choice
of location and his deserved popularity with the
classes of society comprising the community of
Pacific Grove. His family live in a pleasant and
cozy home in the town, which is presided over
by Airs. Pell, who was formerly Adel Affron, a
native of Xew York state, and whom he married
in 1890. Four children are the result of this
union: Grace Affron, Philip Sheridan, Charles
Gibbons and James A.. Jr.
ALEXANDER PATERSON.
The influences which tended to mold the
character of Air. Paterson in his youth were
such as clustered around the city of Aberdeen.
Scotland. He was born in the Orkney Islands.
Scotland, in 1848. He served an apprenticeship
of five years to the carpenter's trade. With a
firm faith in the opportunities offered by the
United States, in 1870 he crossed the ocean
and settled in Boston, Mass.. where he secured
work as a builder. In 1875 he came to Cali-
fornia, and for a few months was employed on
a safe deposit building in San Francisco. His
first association with San Luis Obispo county,
where he now lives, was in October, 1875, when
he began to work in the quicksilver mine at
Pine mountain, near Cambria. Eighteen months
were spent in that employment. In January.
1S77. lie purchased a squatter's claim on San
Simeon creek, ami at mice entered Upon the life
of a rancher, making a specialty of stock-raising.
The ranch of eleven hundred acres which he still
owns has been improved under his constant su-
pervision and painstaking industry. Needed
buildings have been erected, fences have been
built, and the tract has been transformed from
,1 raw waste of land to an improved ranch. The
-landing on the farm was erected b) Mi
Paterson and proves his skill as a carpenter.
In order that his children might have desira
ble educational advantages, in 1890 Mr. Pater-
son moved to Cambria, where he now makes his
home. In a shop which he built he carries on
a general business as as undertaker and house
repairer, and dairy supplies, and he also does
a small amount of building in the town. Until
the burning down of the Home and Cambria
creameries he remained a stockholder in both.
AYhile living in town and conducting a business
here, lie does not neglect his ranch but gives
considerable time to its oversight and still
keeps a number of head of stock on the land.
As president of the Cambria Republican Club,
Air. Paterson is at the head of an organization
that accomplishes much for the promotion of
Republican principles in the locality. He is also
a member of the county central committee, and
in September. 1900, he was a delegate to the
congressional convention at Santa Barbara. Fra-
ternally he is master of San Simeon Lodge No.
196, I". X A. M., and also a member of the state
-rand lodge. In 1879 he. was united in marriage
with Miss Emma, daughter of F. P. Gross, of
Cambria. They are the parents of four children,
namely: Mary I.. Emma Jane, Alexander F. and
Ormond. There is no principle of which Mr.
Paterson is a firmer advocate than the impor-
tance of a high standard of education. His
service as a school trustee has given him an
opportunity to do much for the improving of
the schools. In the organization of the Union
high school at Cambria he was an active factor.
It is his ambition to give his children excellent
advantages. His older daughter is a graduate
of the San Jose Normal School and is now
teaching school, while the second daughter, who
is a graduate of the Santa Clara high school, i-
in her second year at the State University at
Berkeley.
GE< >RGE W. PARS' >NS.
Typical of all that is best in western enterprise
is the career of George W. Parsons, one of the
mosl extensive grain dealers in this part of Cali-
fornia, and a resident of Templeton since 1899.
There are probably few men on the coast
more thoroughly conversant with all depart-
ments of the -rain business, or who appreciate
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
k". i
to a greater extent the admirable possibilities
in this direction available to residents this side
of the Rockies. A native of Coles county, 111.,
Mr. Parsons was born December II, i860, a son
of William and Jane J. (Kshow) Parsons, na-
tives respectively of Iowa and Ohio.
William Parsons removed to Illinois when a
young man, and October 7, 1867, started out
over the plains in a train of one hundred and ten
wagons, and comprising four hundred people.
He himself had three wagons, four horses and
lour yoke of cattle, and consumed in the jour-
ney seven months. This particular band of gold
seekers had a great deal of trouble with the
Indians, and their trip was interspersed with in-
cidents interesting or dangerous, as the case
might be. Mr. Parsons settled in Clackamas
county, Ore., and bought one hundred and sixh
acres of land, upon which he lived and to a mod-
erate extent prospered for twenty-five years.
The three sons and two daughters born to Mr.
and Mrs. Parsons were reared on the Oregon
farm, and all are now living, George W. being
the second youngest. Thomas J. is resident
manager of the Del Monte Milling Company at
San Francisco, while L. PI. is a farmer in the
state of Washington.
Until his twenty-fifth year Mr. Parsons lived
in Oregon with his father, and then engaged
in the logging, saw mill and general lumber
business for about seven years. Afterward he
had charge of a gang of men on the Northern
Pacific Railroad, employed to do repair work,
and in 1895 removed to San Francisco and
engaged in the milling business for the Del
Monte Milling Company. He was general miller
in their establishment for six years, and in 1899
came to Templeton, which has since been his
home, and where he is still manager for the Del
Monte Milling Company's branch affairs. He
buys and sells enormous quantities of grain for
the company, and on his own responsibility han-
dles all kinds of fire and life insurance. During
i'liu lie bought four thousand eight hundred
tons of wheat, and during 1902 he will buy about
three thousand tons.
While in ( ire-' mi. Mr. Parsons was united in
marriage with Nettie Brand, a native of ( )regon,
and daughter of Matthew Brand, a native of
Dundee, Scotland. Mr. Brand is a blacksmith
by trade who came to the United States when
a young man, and homesteaded a ranch near
Portland, Ore., on the Columbia river, about
1852. He subsequently returned to his native
Scotland, and has not been in America for a
number of years. Four interesting children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Parsons: George L.,
Ora L., Florence and Ethel. Mr. Parsons owns
a fine residence in the town, and has about
eight acres under prunes. He is quite active
in Democratic polities, and is fraternally con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows.
W. E. PARKER.
The combined responsibilities of agent fi ir
the Wells-Fargo Express Company, and man-
ager of the Western Union Telegraph Company
at Monterey are ably discharged by Mr. Parker,
who is a native son of California, and was born
in Dutch Flat, Placer county, January 17, 1865.
When eleven years of age, in 1876, he removed
with his parents to a ranch in the Salinas val-
ley, Monterey county, after which he completed
his education in the public schools at Castro-
ville. At the age of sixteen he entered the
employ of Dr. Parker, a druggist in the latter
town, and was thus employed until appointed
agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company
in 1883, at the same time receiving the appoint-
ment of assistant postmaster of the town. In
1886 he was sent to Houston, Tex., in the inter-
ests of the Wells-Fargo Company, ami while in
the southern state was located at different points
for a year. He then came back to California
and located at Monterey, as assistant to the
general agent of the express company, and for
the past few years has held the position of gen-
eral agent.
In November, 1900, Mr. Parker was made
agent and manager oi the Western Union Tele-
graph office at Monterey, and during all these
years litis most creditably acquitted himself in
tin- discharge of his important duties. Mrs.
Parker was formerly Clara I >. Wright, who was
horn in Illinois, and of this union there are three
sons, Ralph, Fee \lloi and Will II. Mr. Parker
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is a stanch defender of Republican interests, and
has been very active for his party, for several
years holding the office of city clerk. Frater-
nally he is identified with the Lodge No. 217,
F. & A. M., and with the Independent Order of
Foresters. He has been chief of the Monterey
fire department since its organization in 1889,
at the time of the incorporation of the town.
He is possessed of many fine personal attributes,
including tact and geniality, and numbers among
his friends and associates many of the most
desirable people in the locality in which he-
lives.
CHRISTIAN PALMTAG.
Occupying a prominent position among the
residents of Watsonville was Christian Palmtag,
who for many years and until his death prose-
cuted business pursuits in this part of the state.
1 le was born in Baden. Germanv. a son of Fred-
erick and Christiana Palmtag, and received a
fair education in the schools of his native land.
Like most German boys, he was taken out of
school at fourteen years of age in order to
iearn a trade, the occupation in which he was
apprenticed being that of a silk dyer. In 1854
he crossed the ocean to the United States, and
for a time was employed in Camden, N. J., later
going to Philadelphia. During his residence in
tlie latter city he married Fredericka Gerber,
w hi > was born in Baden and had been his school-
mate in childhood days. She was a daughter
of George and Marie Gerber, residents of that
1 .Id ( ierman city.
\fter iu's marriage Mr. Palmtag removed to
( ihio ai into the grocery business.
However, the most diligent efforts only sei Hi' d
[or him the barest livelihood, and, discontented
with prospects there, in iSo_> he soughl the
broader opportunities of California. After cross
ing the plains, lie engaged in mining on Dutch
Flats, Little York river, being interested with
his brother Fred. Later lie began to farm in the
Sacramento valley, ami then came to Watson
ville, where in [868 he bought the George
Adam- brewery. At that time the plant was
.-mall and the business not upon a substantial
basis. Lnder his supervision the plant was en-
larged to a capacity of sixteen barrels, and at
the same time he established a demand for his
products, his sales extending to. Salinas. Hol-
lister and Santa Cruz. The Pajaro Valley brew-
cry, of which he continued to be proprietor until
his death, was placed upon a substantial basis
financially and brought to him a gratifying rev-
enue. While still in the prime of life, at forty-
eight years, he died in 1881, his death occurring
in the handsome residence which he had erected
and which is now occupied by his widow. Since
his death the brewery has been conducted by
his son, William, who has enlarged the plant
to a capacity of thirty barrels.
In the family of Christian Palmtag there were
the following sons and daughters: William, who
married Fronia Rowe and by that union had
five children, Christie (deceased), Elmer, Clif-
ford, Chester and Harold (the latter twins);
Fred, who died at thirty-one years of age, leav-
ing his wife, Mrs. Sadie (Rhodhouse) Palmtag.
and one child, Fredericka; Kittie (deceased);
Lena (deceased): Charles, assistant cashier of
the Pajaro Valley Bank, and who married Grace
Lee, by whom he has three children. Alvin 1...
Lloyd and Raymond; and Albert, wdio married
Katie Sherer and has a daughter, Louise. Dur-
ing his earlier life Mr. Palmtag was actively
associated with the Masons and took a deep
interest in the work of the order. While he
was averse to filling public positions and pre-
ferred to devote himself exclusively to business
matters, he consented at one time to fill the
office of town trustee. At all times he gave his
influence to measures he believed to be for the
benefit of the city and valley where he made his
home.
CHARLES HEXRY RFED.
The sixth son of Irvin Reed, born at Zanes-
ville, Ohio, in [810, and his wife. Mar) Mif-
flin Evens, horn near Baltimore, Maryland, in
[813, Charles Henry Reed was born at Rich-
mond, hid.. September [2, 1S48, and died at
San Luis Obispo. Cal.. June 17. 1901. In many
respects Mr. Reed was the architect of his own
fortune. In [862, during the Civil war. when
men were enlisting in the army, he became
dn^a Jn
[ISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
433
imbued with the spirit of the times and went to
Indianapolis to enlist there because the recruit-
ing officer in Richmond declined to take him.
He met with no better success in Indianapolis,
and after one night in a box car he was glad
in return to the parental farm. He attended the
public and private schools in Richmond, then
went to Earlham College, in the vicinity, and
later was a student of the University of Michi-
gan at Ann Arbor.
At the age of twenty-one Air. Reed began
work as a clerk in his father's hardware and im-
plement store in Richmond. He soon became
a partner and continued in the business for
several years. Then for a couple of years he was
a grain buyer. In 1882 he moved to San Luis
Obispo, Cal., and established the vehicle, hard-
ware and implement firm of C. H. Reed & Co.
The business was a success from the start and
he retained the management of it until his
death. The next year he opened a branch store
at San Miguel, a near-by town, but before the
business got fairly started this store and its con-
tents were destroyed by fire. December 5, 1884,
he married Mary Rhoda Snell. ( If this union
there were two children. Irvin and Rhoda Ra-
mona. Being interested in agriculture, like his
father before him. he bought a small farm at
the edge of town, and there he made his home
until he died. Although he continued to man-
age his business, he found time to modernize
the house that was built in 1810, to set out an
orchard of orange and lemon trees and to irri-
gate it with water from a fine spring on his
mountain side. After leaving, the orchard, the
water nourished a beautiful flower garden in the
front of his house and fed a fountain there be-
fore disappearing in a ravine a little further on.
Xext he bought a large piece of virgin land and
when his plans for planting it were completed he
organized the Nipoma Orchard and Packing
Company, and as the manager of this company
Ik converted a desert waste into a veritable gar-
den. His example has been Followed by the
mam prosperous fruit growers now in San Luis
Obispo county.
Before leaving his native city, Mr. Reed joined
.1 Masonic lodge, and be was the leading spirit
in organizing a lodge of Knights Templar in
the town of his adoption. Amidst his many
business cares he found lime to take an active
interest in politics. He was a Republican, and
as chairman of the county central committee
lie was instrumental in winning and keeping his
county in the Republican fold, which no one
before him had been able to do. As a member
of the city council of San Luis Obispo he dis-
charged his duties with, such fairness to all that
he gained the respect of his political opponents.
He was a man of liberal views and large busi-
ness capacity, generous to a fault, and the honor
which pervaded his every walk of life was ac-
centuated by care and devotion to his family.
To know him was to admire him and be his
friend
WILLIAM R. DODGE.
The various enterprises which at different
times have engaged the attention of Mr. Dodge
have proved less attractive to him than the oc-
cupation of a rancher, which he now follows.
Though born and reared in a city, and more
familiar with metropolitan customs than rural
pursuits, since he came to Monterey county and
took up farm work be has proved that the selec-
tion of a calling was not a mistake. The raising
of cereals adapted to his locality receive due
attention from him, and he has made of agricul-
ture a science, hence is meeting with the suc-
cess his intelligent efforts deserve.
In San Francisco, where lie was born June
12, 1864, Mr. Dodge received such advantages
as the public schools afforded. The education
there obtained was supplemented by a course
of study in Santa Clara College. His com-
mercial education was gained in McClure's Col-
lege at Oakland, (hi the completion of his
studies he secured employment as a book'
which he followed for a time. With the means
tints secured lie opened a grocer) business in
Oakland, where he remained for two years.
However, lie was not entirel) satisfied with the
outlook and looked around him for a mo
vorable opening. Deciding that agriculture
presented more .attractions than business pur-
suits, in tSSS he came to the Jolon valley, where
he has since engaged in general [arming. He
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is the owner of six hundred acres of land, a
part of which is under cultivation and adapted
to the raising of products for which the soil
is suited. So closely has he given his thought
and care to ranching that he has not partici-
pated in public affairs to any extent, aside from
voting the Republican ticket and supporting
the candidates of that party. In fraternal rela-
tions he is associated with the Ancient Order of
United Workmen.
P. K. WAITERS, M. D.
The Watsonville Sanatorium, one of the best
equipped institutions of the kind in Santa Cruz
county, represents the advanced thought and
■splendid professional research of its founder and
present proprietor,. Dr. P. K. Watters. The
success of Dr. Watters is rooted in an inquiring
mind and in judgment capable of forming its
own conclusions, regardless of established prec-
edents. These admirable characteristics became
apparent at a very early age, and materially in-
fluenced the general education which preceded
his professional acquirements. He was born in
Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1854. and. after
graduating at the academy of that place, entered
the medical department of the Iowa State Uni-
versity, from which he was graduated in 1879.
Tiie first general practice of Dr. Watters was
conducted in St. Paul, Neb., where he worked
up a large patronage, and was accorded the
appreciation due so earnest and competent a
practitioner. As time went on the limitations
of tiie place became more and more apparent,
so, in search of broader fields, he came west to
on, and settled in Eugene, Lane county, in
1888. Although successful during the five years
of his residence in the northwest, he was tempted
further .south by the climatic and other advan-
and upon removing to Watsonville began
a general medical and surgical practice. Keeiih
alive to the best interests of any community in
which he lived, he was nol slow to realize the
handicap to doctors and patients owing to the
absence of an institution where scientific care
could be obtained and operations pet foi mi d
under favorable circumstances. Determining to
provide foi this ru cessity, he purchased a build-
ing on Third street, where was inaugurated a
private hospital, well supplied with operating
rooms, modern surgical instruments and trained
attendants. The wisdom of his departure was
not slow of confirmation, for in a very short time
the quarters were entirely inadequate, and by
1897 he built a new building at No. 129 Third
street. As may be supposed, the new structure
was a vast improvement upon the old, and no
appliance known to surgical science was omitted,
nor any detail overlooked to facilitate the most
antiseptic and careful surgical operations. So
large was the patronage accorded this ideal
hospital that even these quarters were insuffi-
cient to supply the demand, a fact met by Dr.
Watters with a ready solution. He purchased
an adjoining tract of land comprising forty feet
frontage, and the present building, comprising
twenty-two rooms, was erected in 1902. A
training school for nurses has been inaugurated
in connection with the institution, including lec-
tures from physicians upon subjects necessary
for the education of the nurses, in addition to
their practical experience in caring for the sick.
The efforts of Dr. Watters are by no means
confined to the management of the hospital, for
he has a large outside practice of more than
local dimensions. He has had remarkable suc-
cess in the alleviation and cure of the many dis-
tressing diseases which visit humanity, and en-
joys, to an exceptional degree, confidence in his
professional skill and in his integrity as a man.
In keeping with his efforts to explore all the by-
w ays of medicine and surgery, he took a special
course in the latter science at Rush Medical
College in 1891, and in 1893 took a course at
the San Francisco Polytechnic Institute. He is
a member of the Tri-county Medical Society, the
California State Medical Society and the Amer-
ican Medical Association. Owing to the indi-
viduality of his methods he is regarded rather
as a leader than follower, and the present influ-
ence which he wields is destined to increase with
his own ever widening knowledge. Although a
prominent member of various fraternal organ-
izations, hi' is unable to attend with any regu-
larity, owing to the many professional demands
upon his time, lie is a member of the Pajaro
Lodge No. no, F. & A. M; Watsonville Chap-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
43J
ter, R. A. M., and Watsonville Commands
22, K. T.
S. V. WRIGHT.
The San Luis Obispo bar numbers among its
junior members several bright young lawyers,
but none whose brief professional experience
evidences more strength than does that of S.
V. Wright. Born in Savannah, Andrew county,
Mo., August 29. 1874, he is the second of the
three children born to Samuel P. and Nancy J.
(Vaughan) Wright, natives of Indiana. Samuel
P. Wright was a farmer in early life, and as a
young man he carried mail in Kansas, later en-
gaging in the mercantile business in Savannah,
Aln.. in both of which places he was a pioneer.
Hoping to add to his opportunities, he crossed
the plains in a wagon in i860, and for two or
three years engaged in gold mining, meeting
with the success of the average rather than that
of the exceptional miner. He returned to Mis-
souri in 1863, but 1877 found him again in Cali-
fornia, where he lived in San Luis Obispo a
retired life until his death in 1881. at the age
of fifty-nine years. His wife was a native of
Perry county. Ind., a daughter of Nicholas
Vaughan, a native of New York state. Mr.
Vaughan was a man of diversified gifts, and de-
voted his active life to preaching the gospel,
piloting boats on the Mississippi, and in man-
aging an hotel in Cannelton, Ind., in which town
his death occurred at the age of eighty-nine
years. Three children were born to Samuel P.
Wright, and of these Anna L. is the oldest, while
the youngest. Charles F., lives with his mother
in Santa Clara county, Cal.
Obtaining his rudimentary education in the
public schools, Mr. Wright graduated from Le-
land Stanford University in 1805. with the de-
gree of A. 1',. For the foil, .wing year and a half
he remained at the university to study law, after
which service he found he was equipped for the
exacting and arduous work of teaching, which
he followed for eight months with developing
results to his pupils and himself. In November,
1897, he entered the office o I \ Dorn as dep-
uty district attorney, and was appointed deputy
count} clerk September 1, [898. In January,
1899, he opened a law office in the San Luis
Obispo Bank building, and during eight months
of 1901-2 engage. 1 in educational work in Los
Alamos, Cal. Notwithstanding his educational
work, Mr. Wright has maintained his law office
in San Luis Obispo since 1898. He is fraternalh
associated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and the \. 0. U. D. He is active in
Republican politics, and is manager for his
mother's residence property in this town. At
Arroyo Grande, Cal., Mr. Wright married Maud
L. Grieb, daughter of Conrad Grieb, a prosper-
ous and successful fanner and fruit raiser of the
Arroyo Grande valley, who came from Germany
when a young man and settled on his farm of
two hundred acres of rich bottom and hill land
in said valley in San Luis Obispo county.
E. C. WATKINS.
Although a comparatively young man, hav-
ing been born in California in 1861, E. C. Wat-
kins has achieved large results in a business way,
and is at present the most extensive grocer in
Paso Robles. To the example of an ambitious
and far-sighted father Mr. Watkins is indebted
for the early aspirations which spurred him on
to make the best of his opportunities. The
elder Watkins. Edmund by name, broughl a
fund of shrewd business sagacity with him when
he emigrated from his native city of Liverpool,
England, and engaged in stock-raising in So
noma county. Cal. He had large ideas of ln-
favorite occupation, and in [862 bought the
Suey ranch of eight thousand five hundred acres,
for which he paid $16,000. and upon which he
raised thousand- of sheep In those early days
of wool raising possibilities in Sonoma count)
he set the example of raising the best kind, and
imported sheep in liberal numbers from Vus
tralia, the headquarters for the most exclusive
sheep industry in the world. Inter. -led with
him in the business was Mr. Roberts, of San
Francisco, whose man ime.
Both men were much interested in elevating
the standard 0 ( horses, and accom-
plished much b ing their desii
the first horse fair held in California. Mr. Wat-
L3G
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
kins imported from England, for Hood & Beal,
some fine specimens of horse flesh, among which
was "England's Glory," and in 1861 he brought
over "Lady Edgerton." a thoroughbred, who
afterward attained a great reputation in horse
circles. After coming to this country he made
several trips back to England, each time bring-
ing back something to improve the ranch, and
help in making it an ideal of its kind. When
he disposed of the ranch, in 1872, twelve thou-
sand sheep were grazing on its fertile meadows,
and he realized $127,000 on the sale. Mr. Wat-
kins is at present living in San Luis Obispo,
and is interested both in a dairy and an apprais-
ing business, his customers in the latter capacity
being for the greater part San Francisco men.
He married Maria Priest, a native of London,
England, and who bore him six sons and four
daughters, of whom E. C. is the oldest.
At the age of sixteen E. C. Watkins engaged
in the wool grading and sorting business in the
woolen mills in San Francisco, and in 1886
located in San Luis Obispo, where he opened a
stationery store, carrying also a full line of Jap-
anese goods. At the end of a year this business
enterprise came to grief through the Andrews
Hotel fire, and he lost all that he had in the
world. He then removed to Cholame, San Luis
Obispo county, and homesteaded a tract of land,
of which he eventually proved up three hundred
and twenty acres. For four years he engaged
in a general merchandise business in the village,
and at the same time was justice of the peace
and postmaster, and an influential member of
the community. In 1897 he located in Paso
Robles and started a grocery business on a
small scale on Pine street, and his unquestioned
success has proved the wisdom of this departure.
The marriage of Mr. Watkins and Louise Day
occurred in San Francisco, Cal., Mrs. Watkins
being a native of Chicago. 111., and a daughter
of Thomas Day, an engraver who came to Cal-
ifornia in the early '70s, and died in San Fran-
cisco al the age of sixty-five years. Mr. and
Airs. Watkins are the parents of one son, Ray-
mond D., who is at home. Mr. Watkins is ac-
tively interested in promoting the interests of
the Democratic party in his county, and has
member of the county central commit-
tee, of which he was secretary during one con-
vention.
H. H. WAITE.
\t the head of the largest and best equipped
planing mill, machine shop and foundry in San
Luis Obispo county, and one of the largest in
the state, Mr. Waite has been a public factor in
the development of the resources of the county,
and of remarkable assistance in the employing
of labor, and in stimulating general trade. He
is personally an example of the value of perse-
verance in the face of difficulty and discourage-
ment, for trials and obstacles have come his way
and found him courageous and persistent in
overcoming them. A native of Ohio, Mr. Waite
was born November 21, 1845, a son of Ezra and
Experience (Felt) Waite, natives respectively of
New York state and Vermont. Ezra Waite was
reared in New York state, and during his active
life engaged in farming in Ohio, in which state
his death occurred in Huron county at the age
of seventy-eight years. To himself and wife
were born six children, only two now living,
II. H. being the youngest of all.
The head of the present large foundry enter-
prise was educated in the public schools of Ohio,
and served his mechanical apprenticeship in
Nbrwalk, Ohio. When thirty years of age he
came to California and settled at Merced, Cal.,
in the San Joaquin valley, thereafter removing
to Oakland, where he started a planing mill, and
was working up a good business when the mill
burned to the ground, unfortunately not being
insured. He then removed to Los Alamos, re-
mained there for three years, and later came to
San Luis Obispo, where he started a planing
mill and machine shop, since so remarkably
successful. He is engaged in the manufacture
of house furnishings, water and oil tanks, and
commodities in that line, and the steam shop
supplies wind mills, horse powers; engines and
all manner of brass and iron castings. Although
starting in a small way, and without any outside
influence or help whatever, Mr. Waite has built
up a business valued at $20,000. and which does
an annual business of $50,000.
In San Luis Obispo Mr. Waite married B. L.
,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ryan, a native of Vermont. Mr. Waite is fra-
ternally connected with the bine lodge of Ma-
sons, and he is politically a Republican, but has
never entertained aspirations for office. He is
one of the substantial men of this county, and
fills a conspicuous place in its upbuilding.
HIRAM JACOB WOOD.
During the long period of his identification
with the building business in Watsonville, Mr.
Wood has had charge of the construction of
many of the most notable structures in the city,
and thereby has not only advanced his own rep-
utation as a contractor, but has also promoted
the progress of the city. He was born in New
York City January 21, 1847, ancl 's a son °f
Abraham Chase and Charlotte A. (Robinson)
Wood. His father, a native of Orange county,
N. Y., spent the years of early manhood in New
York City, where he was connected with an ice
business. In 1853 he came to California and
prospected in the mining regions of the state.
The year 1858 witnessed his arrival in Monterey
county, where for a few years he conducted ag-
ricultural pursuits. On selling out there he
removed to Watsonville and engaged in team-
ing. Fond of horses, he gained a local reputa-
tion through his expertness in breaking colts,
and his services were frequently in requisition
along this line. His death occurred in August,
1900, at the age of seventy-six years and six
months, and his wife died at the age of seventy-
two years and six months, her demise occur-
ring the year before his own. They were the
parents of two sons, the elder of whom, John
\\\, died in 1868 at the age of twenty-five years.
While a resident of Monterey county in 1861
the father was initiated into Masonry and some
years before, while still living in New York, he
became identified with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. The codes of both these organiza-
tions he always lived up to and regarded with
loyalty.
In company with his mother and brother,
Hiram J. Wood came to California December
30, 1866, settling in San Francisco, where he
received a public-school education. There, too,
he gained his early knowledge of the carpenter's
trade. In 1868 he went to San Juan and worked
at his trade there for four years, coming to Wat-
sonville from there in November of 1872. His
first employment was as a journeyman for James
Waters, with whom he remained for four years.
He then began in the building business for him-
self, his first contract being for a house on the
east side of the plaza for Jerome Porter, but
now owned by S. H. Fletcher. One of his re-
cent contracts was for the Moreland Notre
Dame Academy, and to him is due the credit
for its graceful effects and substantial work.
Many of the best residences in Watsonville and
the Pajaro valley were built by him. At times he
has employed as many as twenty men a day
in the carrying out of his contracts, and now
furnishes steady employment to several men in
his line of work. Besides building for others,
he erected his own home on Walker street and
one for his father.
By the marriage of Hiram J. Wood to Annie
Ross, daughter of Asa Ross, of Santa Rosa, and
a native of Missouri, five children were born,
namely: Jesse C, a plumber, who married Car-
rie B. Judd; Lottie B., a teacher; Annie May,
wife of H. L. Towle; Estella H. and Leona
Gertrude.
L. V. WILLITS.
Ever since coming to Watsonville, Mr. Willits
has been interested in the buying and selling of
fine horses. Indeed, when he first came here,
in 1875, it was with a car load of thoroughbreds.
On his ranch have been raised some of the
finest draft horses in the central coast region.
On his first trip he brought the noted stallion,
Adolf, of French-Belgian stock, and costing
$1,800; also a mare of the same stock. Some-
what later he purchased the Percheron stallion,
Brezoles, in Illinois, at a cost of $2,500. The
reputation of these stallions has not been lim-
ited to Santa Cruz county, but has extended
throughout the state. To-day a descendant of
the Percheron, Van, is considered one of the
finest horses in the Pajaro valley. For his home
.Mr. Willits bought the Wbodworth propi
Rodriguez street, and as In for his
stock he bought the M. Xealy ranch of sixty
138
[STORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
acres. At first he devoted his ranch to pasturage
and the raising of grain for feed, but eventually
he set out twenty-nine acres in apples. A por-
tion of this tract he lias sold and has purchased
other property, so that lie now owns forty-seven
acres in one body.
Near Richmond, Wayne county, Ind., Mr.
Willits was born in 1831. His father. William,
moved to Mercer county. 111., in 1834, and there
the son passed the year cf boyhood, meantime
gaining a general idea of farming. He can
scarcely remember when he first began to be
interested in stock. He has always been a lover
of fine horses, and on attaining maturity began
to buy and raise as good specimens as could be
obtained with his limited means. Subsequently
he entered exclusively into the business of rais-
ing thoroughbreds. His object in coming to
California was to enjoy the beautiful climate, as,
from a financial point of view, his business could
lie conducted as profitably in the east, but he
lias never regretted the move and has no desire
tn return to his old home. Since coming to
Watsonville he has served two terms as a mem-
ber of the board of town trustees.
While living in Illinois Mr. Willits married
Livonia A. Davis, who was born in Ohio and
grew to womanhood in Illinois. Four children
were born of their union, but two died in in-
fancy, the others being Ralph W., of Watson-
ville. and Charles D., of San Francisco. Among
the best social circles of \\ atsonville Mrs. Wil-
lits has a high position, and her work in con-
nection with the W. C. T. U. and the establish-
ment of its free library is especially worthy of
praise, being of a character beneficial to the
young people of the city and permanently up-
lifting in its nature.
H. WESSEL.
Tii the people in and near Templeton the
name of H. Wessel i> familiar, for he has made
tiis home in this village since 1891 and has been
intimately connected with many local enter
prises, lie was born in Holstein, Germany, in
[835, and is a son of I Lartwig and Telsche 1 I'm
gel i Wessel, also natives of Germany. In [852
the familv came to the United States and Milled
en a farm about twelve miles from Davenport,
Iowa. On that place the father conducted gen-
eral farm pursuits for many years and there he
died at the age of eighty-five years. His wife
was eighty-two at the time of her death. Both
were strong and robust and continued in good
health until shortly before death.
The first occupation of Mr. Wessel after com-
ing to America was as clerk in a store at Daven-
port. He continued in that city until 1868, when
he moved to Belle Plaine, Iowa, and there en-
gaged in selling hardware and agricultural im-
plements. Five years were spent in Belle Plaine,
after which he returned to the home farm and
remained there until his removal to California
in 1891. While living in Belle Plaine he was
proprietor of a canning factory for a time and
also operated a steam grist mill for four years.
< )n his arrival in Templeton, Cal., he became
interested in the banking business and bought
stock in the Bank of Templeton. of which he
served as president for several years. Among
other investments he made here may be men-
tioned the buying of land and the planting of
a prune orchard of thirty acres, now in bearing
condition. In addition he owns two ranches
near Templeton, also the largest residence in
town. For some years he has bought grain for
San Francisco firms and ships to that city.
In 1867 Mr. Wessel married Miss Margaret
NTagelj by whom he has four children, Paulina.
Etta, Frank and Harry. It has never been his
desire to hold official positions. Several times
his friends have nominated him for some office.
but almost invariably he has declined to serve,
preferring to devote himself to his personal
affairs, and having no taste for politics. While
living in Iowa he served as a supervisor of Ben-
ton county and he also consented to act as
township clerk of Iowa township and accepted
the office of school director, filling the latter
position nine years. Since attaining his majority
he has always given his support to the Repub-
lican party.
When a hoy Mr. Wessel had few advantage-;,
lie came to America with a fair German educa-
tion, but lacking .almost wholly a knowledge of
the English language. Hence his first few years
in this country were exceptionally difficult, but
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as time passed by he was rewarded for his pains-
taking efforts, industry and perseverance, and
at the time he left Iowa for California he was
in comfortable circumstances. Integrity and
uprightness have been the foundation stones on
which his character has been built, and he stands
high as a representative German-American citi-
zen of San Luis Obispo county.
CHARLES WERNER.
Among the prominent German-Americans
who contributed to the pioneer development of
Monterey county, Charles Werner occupied a
conspicuous place, for he possessed to a large
degree the traits of character upon which mate-
rial success is founded. If he failed to carry to
a finish some of his most cherished desires, he
left his unfinished work in hands which had
developed under his training. Three of the sons
of Mr. Werner, who inherit his aptitude and per-
severance, are among the most substantial of
the residents of the Pajaro valley, and have,
since the death of their father, April 23, 1887,
worked together to adjust his affairs, and relieve
whatever of obligation he may have been unable
to meet. These sons maintain a creamery of
their own, and operate a large dairy of sixty
cows.
Charles Werner was born in Prussia, Ger-
many, May 14, 1821, and was reared on a farm,
subsequently serving an apprenticeship to a
brewer. Equipped with a common-school edu-
cation, a useful knowledge of farming and
his trade, he came to the United States
about 1852, and at Kenton, 111., owned and
operated a small distillery until May 18, 1863.
Before leaving his native land, September 8,
1850, he married Emelia Workmann, a native
of Prussia, and who was born December 26,
1830. Of this union there have been born five
children, viz: Emelia, who died in infancy;
Charles, who died at the age of six years; Ernest,
Herman and Rudolph C. After disposing of his
brewing interests in Illinois, Mr. Werner came
to California in 1863, leaving his wife and chil-
dren behind until the following year. On the
coast he operated the distillery in San Fran-
cisco until 1869, and after selling out came to
Monterey county and purchased one hundred
and sixty-five acres of land, now owned by Ids
widow. He later purchased one hundred and
seventy-five acres, and at a still later period
bought two hundred and forty acres in San Mo-
sells Canon. When he first came here he built
a small distillery on his ranch, but only operated
the same until about 1884-5. Thereafter he de-
voted all of his time to his ranches, but although
he was an indefatigable worker, was unable to
pay for all of his land. Mr. Werner was a
Democrat in politics, but never sought or
accepted official recognition. His widow and
sons live on the original farm, where their
model dairy and extensive general farming
operations are carried on. The sons are un-
married, and are politically Democrats.
RICHARD R. WELCH.
An intimate identification with the early build-
ing interests of Watsonville was maintained by
Mr. Welch, who came to this place in i860 and
soon afterward erected the first brick building
in the town, a structure now owned by O. D.
Stoesser. For more than forty years afterward
he followed the mason's trade, though at the
same time he had other and varied interests,
many of them being of an important nature.
Finally, in 1902, he retired from business, and
is now enjoying the fruits of his many and ardu-
ous years of labor.
London, England, is the native city of Mr.
Welch, and June 6, 1833, tne date of his birth.
His parents were Robert and Catherine (Heron)
Welch, the former of whom died in 1841, and the
latter is yet living in England. When a boy he
attended the London schools. At the age of
eighteen years he left his native country and
crossed the ocean to America, settling in Sing
Sing, Westchester county. N. Y., and there
learned the mason's trade. During 1855 he
removed to Milwaukee. Wis., where he began
to take contracts for masonry and plastering.
Returning to New York in 1859, ne planned to
locate in the east permanently, but instead was
led to change his plans, and in i860 sought the
opportunities of California. \t first he worked
as a journeyman in East Oakland, which was
.Ill
ST( )RICAL AND BI( (GRAPHICAL RE
)RD.
then known as San Antonio. A later place of
employment was San Jose, whence he came to
\\ atsonville.
All of the pioneer brick work done in Watson-
ville was the handiwork of Air. Welch, and the
brick used in this city was, until 1890, manu-
factured entirely in Santa Cruz county. In addi-
tion to contracts in Watsonville, he was fre-
quently called to Santa Cruz, and for more than
forty years held a position among the leading
masons in the county. His present attractive
homestead in Watsonville consists of a two-
acre tract forming a part of the old Rodriguez
estate. This he has improved with a neat resi-
dence, fruit trees and shrubbery, and in this
pleasant home many of his happiest hours are
spent. Recently he sold the rear end of the lot
facing on East Third street. He was first mar-
ried in Milwaukee to Bridget .Murphy, a native
of Ireland. After her death, which occurred
when she was twenty-three years of age, he was
united with Bridget Tully, also a native of Ire-
land. They are the parents of a daughter, .Mary
Ellen, who married J. F. Aston, an undertaker
of Watsonville.
FREDERICK E. WEFERLING.
While he is scarcely yet in the prime of life,
Mr. Weferling has already demonstrated his
ability as a rancher and is proving that he pos-
sesses the qualities necessary to success in any
occupation of life. As his name indicates, he
is of German lineage. His father, William
Weferling. was a native of German) and immi-
grated to the United States in early manhood,
Milling in Illinois. Somewhat later he removed
10 Wisconsin and established his home in Black-
hawk, where his son Frederick was born Octo-
ber i<), 1872. Trior to leaving his native land he
had served as an inspector of sugar-beet facto-
ries and was therefore familiar with this busi-
ness in all of its details. Both in Illinois and
Wisconsin he became identified with sugar-beet
industries, and it was for tlu purpose of engag
ing in the industry under more favorable cli-
matic conditions thai he settled in California
aboul 1 S74. His first location was in Santa
Cruz county, where he started a sugar-beet fac-
tory. Instead of reaping the large success he
had sanguinely expected, he was unsuccessful
and lost his all in the venture. The experience
was so discouraging that he has not since iden-
tified himself with the business, but since 1881
has made his home on a ranch in the Jolon val-
ley. Although now seventy-four years of age,
he is energetic, capable and resourceful, and ac-
complishes much more than many men of his
age. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, and
has always remained true to the religion of
his forefathers.
The earliest recollections of Frederick E. We-
ferling cluster about California, where he was
brought by his parents in infancy. His educa-
tion was secured in common schools and is of
a practical nature, qualifying him for the respon-
sible duties of the workaday world. In 1888 he
married Myrtle Edwards, by whom he has a son.
Frederick E., Jr. He owns one hundred and
sixty acres near Lockwood, besides which he is
now taking charge of his father's farm. Though
not a partisan, he has independent and pro-
nounced views on all questions pertaining to
the public welfare, and endeavors to discharge
every duty owed to his count}-, state and coun-
try- For three years he has acceptably filled the
position of clerk of the board of trustees, and
meantime has been an influential factor in the
workings of this bod) .
STEPHEN T. FOSTER.
The family represented by Stephen T. Foster
of Monterey comity was established in Califor-
nia during the pioneer days and has since been
honorably associated with important interests,
chiefly agricultural. Andrew Jackson Foster was
born in Keokuk. Iowa, and there learned the
blacksmith's trade under his father. William
Foster. At eighteen years of age he went to
Ohio, where he followed his trade for a short
time. Proceeding to the far west, he settled in
( ,rass Valley, Colo., and secured employment
in the mines. After a short time in that locality,
in [857 he came to California and settled in
Santa Clara county, where he took' up work at
his trade. The years of his resilience there
were busily bm uneventfully passed. From
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPI IK AI. RECORD.
there he went to Santa Rosa, then to Pleas-
ant* >n, Alameda county, where he remained for
four years. His next and last location was in
Monterey count}-, where he homesteaded one
hundred and sixty acres and engaged in the
improvement and development of his place.
The land was in the vicinity of Piney. At first
settlers were few and neighbors there were none.
Alter some years, however, people began to be
attracted by the remarkable prospects offered by
this region and the population of the county
increased rapidly. With its subsequent increase
in number of inhabitants and consequent in-
crease in the price of land, his own fortunes
brightened, and at the time of his death, No-
vember 12, 1900, he was numbered among the
well-to-do ranchers of his locality.
In Santa Rosa, in 1867, occurred the marriage
of Andrew J. and Mary M. (Cockrell) Foster.
Bom of their union were the following children:
Arthur E., who is a member of the United
States navy and served on the steamship Ben-
nington during the Spanish-American war;
Anna and William, who died in infancy; Ste-
phen T., of Monterey county; Charles F., who
is serving in the United States navy; Robert B.,
a rancher in Monterey county; Bessie M., Stella
and Agnes, all at home. Of these children
Stephen T., who forms the subject of this nar-
rative, was born April 24, 1876, and has been
practically a lifelong resident of Monterey-
county, for at the time he came here with his
parents he was only seven years of age. The
ranch upon which he makes his home consists
of eight hundred acres, of which one hundred
acres are under cultivation, the balance being
utilized for pasturage for the stock. A specialty
is made of stock-raising, in which .Mr. Foster
has met with more than usual success and has
attained a position among the successful stock-
men of Monterey county. On his place may be
seen between one hundred and one hundred and
fifty head of cattle, besides which he also has
horses and hogs in considerable numbers. The
property is under the direct managemenl of Mr.
Foster, who, although a young man. keeps the
land in a state of cultivation surpassed by none.
The location of the property is convenient, be-
ing on the Arroyo Seco river, near the postofnce
of Piney, and eighteen miles from Soledad. It
is the aim of the manager to keep abreast with
all modern improvements in ranching, and hence
we find him making constant improvements in
the buildings, method of cultivation and system
of stock-raising, all of which changes in time
prove to be successful and wise. Without doubt
the future years contain many successes for Mr.
Foster in the line of activity upon which he has
entered and in which he has already met a grati-
fying degree of prosperity.
DAVID F. NEWSOM.
As the proprietor of Xewsom's Arroyo
Grande warm springs, in San Luis Obispo
county, Mr. Newsom became well known
throughout the central coast regions of Califor-
nia. The resort which he established and con-
ducted for many years possesses unquestioned
merits. A more appropriate and charming loca-
tion could not be found. Within easy access is
the ocean beach, with its surf-bathing, clamming
and fishing, and with one of the finest drives in
the state. The climate is ideal, spring and fall
being the only seasons. While the climate and
the surroundings are conducive to the restoration
of health, the waters are also health-giving, and
are particularly valuable in the treatment of cer-
tain specific diseases. The analysis of the water,
given herewith, indicates its curative properties:
Sodium Chloride 4. 10
Sodium Carbonate 1. 75
Sodium Sulphate 3 9-
Potassium Carbonate 15
Potassium Sulphate 2.90
Magnesium Carbonate 6.4]
Magnesium Sulphate -'.-47
Calcium Carbonate 8.25
Calcium Sulphate 85
Ferrous Carbonate 3.98
Alumina 33
Silica 2.0.;
Organic Matter 2;
Temperature of water. 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is scarcely anyone now living in San
Luis Obispo county who wa arly as
1853. Mr. Newsom often referred to hi- firs!
meal in San Luis I >ber 28, [853.
The restaurant adjoi mission and
was patronized on that occasion b) repi
tives of no less than itionalities. He
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
witnessed the development of the town and
county, the growth of their interests and the ex-
pansion of their resources, and in all of this
progress he bore a share. Of southern birth and
parentage, he was born in Petersburg, Va., Sep-
tember 5, 1832, a son of David R. and Mirah
(Robinson) Newsom. His education was ob-
tained in public schools and in Wake Forest
College, but was abruptly terminated by his
father's failure in business when he was a youth
of fifteen years. In March, 1849, he went to
New York City, and for two years was appren-
ticed to the brass-finishing trade. Returning to
Virginia in 1851, he was employed as clerk in a
store.
In 1853 Mr. Newsom came via Panama to
California, arriving in San Francisco October
16, and coming to San Luis Obispo five days
later. The journey between the two towns con-
sumed two days. Soon after arriving here he
was appointed county clerk by the court, and
at the expiration of the term was elected to the
office, which he held for three and one-half
years, until June, 1857. During his term he
opened the various count}- books and put them
in good shape for systematic entries. In 1857
he went north through ( tregon and opened a
general mercantile store at Olympia, Wash.,
where he was associated with Messrs. Wilson
and Dunlap. The first general store in Belling-
ham Bay, Wash., was opened by him in April,
1858, and proved a most successful venture.
Closing the store in December, 1858, he went
to Fort Hope, on the Fraser river in British
Columbia, where he carried on a store for six
months. From there he started to return to San
Francisco, but on his arrival at San Juan Island
he found Captain Pickett with sixty-three
United States soldiers endeavoring to prevent
the arrest of certain individuals by the English.
In the meantime three English men-of-war were
anchored in the bay and the officers had issued
for Captain Pickett's arrest for trespass-
ing on Her Majesty's domains. However, when
Captain Pickett received the orders, he stated
that he would fighf as long as he had a man
left. A detachment of five hundred soldiers was
1 to assist him, and when General Scott
arrived he was allowed to depart in peace. Dur-
ing the excitement Mr. Newsom organized a
company of sharpshooters, which formed a part
of the command under Captain Pickett. Subse-
quently arrangements were made for the joint
occupation of the island, and two magistrates
were chosen to represent the different factions.
Mr. Newsom was honored by being chosen the
American magistrate. In this way a temporary
compromise was effected. The title to San Juan
archipelago was decided at Geneva in favor of
the United States sixteen years afterward.
During the period of his residence on the is-
land, Mr. Newsom was in charge of the sutler's
store, and also, with two others, established the
San Juan lime works. The year 1861 found him
again in San Luis Obispo county, where his first
venture was as a rancher on the Virde ranch.
In 1862 he was elected justice of the peace,
which office he held for two years, and at the
same time he served as deputy county clerk.
Coming to Arroyo Grande valley in 1864, he
was chosen the first teacher for the public school
of this district and also acted as justice of the
peace. In the fall of the same year he moved to
a part of the Santa Manuela rancho, containing
the Arroyo Grande warm springs. From the
first he has been interested in the development
of the springs. To prove their curative proper-
ties, he brought patients from county hospitals
and others in poor health, and gave them the
benefit of systematic treatment, the result being
so favorable as to convince all of the value of
the waters. Afterward he erected fourteen cot-
tages for tourists, and also gave free camping
privileges. When he started the resort and re-
fused to allow any saloons on the land, people
predicted a failure, but he proved that it is pos-
sible to conduct a successful health resort with-
out selling liquors on the land. His ranch com-
prises twelve hundred acres. Dairying is one
of the principal industries. Thirty dairy cows
are kept, and butter and cheese are manufac-
tured for the market. Large quantities of hay
are sold. The raising of walnuts, almonds and
deciduous fruits, and an orchard of olives and
citrus fruits, form another important feature of
the ranch. Turkeys and chickens are raised in
large quantities for the markets, and a flock of
seventy-five Angora goats furnishes a valuable
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
44f>
addition to the profit-bringing accessories of the
ranch. Another enterprise in which Mr. New-
som was interested as a promoter and owner
was the Newsom tannery. All of these manifold
interests prove him to have been a man of abil-
ity and keen judgment, who was able to multiply
many fold the original capital of $15 with which
he came to California.
For more than thirty years Mr. Newsom
adhered to the principles of the Democratic
party, but during later life he maintained an in-
dependence of views and ballot. After coming
to the Arroyo Grande district he was a trustee
of the public schools. He was also a stock-
holder and the secretary of the Arroyo Grande
flour mill. While employed in the county
clerk's office, he was ex-officio county super-
intendent of schools and in 1854 established the
present system of public schools. From that
time until his death he was a friend of the
schools and promoted their progress in every
way possible. Fraternally he was connected
with the Masons and Knights of Pythias. After
the organization of Labor Exchange No. 41,
he was one of its stockholders. In 1863 he
married Anita, daughter of F. Z. Branch, and a
native of the Arroyo Grande valley. They be-
came the parents of twelve children, namely:
David, Edward, Alary, Eliza, Anna, Alexander,
Louisa, Michael, Ruth, Belle, William and Rob-
ert. The death of Mr. Newsom occurred Janu-
ary 1, 1902. Nine of his children are still living
with their mother, on the ranch where they were
horn, and three are living in Bakersfield, one
son and one daughter being married
S \MUEL B. LONG.
In his capacity of hotelkeeper at King City,
Mr. Long has acquired an enviable reputation
for hospitality, geniality, and correct under-
standing of the requirements of the temporar)
and permanent guests who visit his hostelry.
His association with this growing town began
in [894, at which time he purchased the San Lo-
renzo Hotel (now the Vendome), where he has
since provided excellent accommodations, in-
cluding clean, well-kept rooms, and a table satis-
fying to the inner man.
The youth and early manhood of Mr. Long
was spent in Louisville, Kv.. where he was born
in 1832, a son of Ernest and Mary (Bateman 1
Long, natives respectively of Tennessee and
Kentucky. The father settled at an early day in
Kentucky, where he engaged in agricultural
pursuits, in later life removing to Indiana, where
his death took place in 1843. IK was survived
by his wife, who died in California in 1876.
Samuel B. Long left Indiana Alarch 7, 1852,
and crossed the plains with ox-teams, by way of
Sibley Cut, and arrived at Stockton, San Joaquin
county, Cal., October 20, 1S52. At the Kansas
river, Kans., the little party fell in with another
train of emigrants, and at Volcano there was a
party of twelve, with four bull teams. Here the
travelers separated to their respective destina-
tions. Mr. Long repairing to Rich Gulch, where
he mined for six months, afterward spending the
same length of time at Stockton. He then
located in Santa Clara county, where he bought
a farm, improved the same, and lived upon it in
comfort for about five years.
When Mr. Long first took up his residence in
San Jose, that town had a population of about
four hundred and seventy-five, and the surround-
ings were of an exceedingly wild nature. From
1859 until 1875 he made this his headquarters,
and during the greater part of the time he was
engaged in teaming from the silver mines and
Redwood, meeting with many exciting experi-
ences as he passed through the unsettled and at
times dangerous country. Upon selling his
teaming outfit he engaged in the hotel business
at Madrone, then at San. Ardo, and later at San
Lucas, and was during this time enabled to
demonstrate his special fitness for his chosen
occupation: Thus encouraged he came to King
( in. of which he has since been an honored
citizen.
In 1858, at Stockton. Mr. Long married Mar-
garet Hitchcock, daughter of Silas Hitchcock,
who came to California in [846 from Selby
county, Mo. Mrs. Long, who died in 1S82. was
the mother of seven children: Josephine, who
is now the wife of Mr. Nicholas, 01 Sai
John, who is a merchant at New Earth; Mr-~.
Eliza Hubbs, of San -t, who is in
business with his father: Nelly, who married
1 Mi
flSTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
James Brown, of San Jose, and two other chil-
dren now deceased. In national politics Mr.
Long' is a Democrat, and his first presidential
vote was cast for Buchanan.
DAVID WEBSTER.
This representative rancher of Monterey
county was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, October
13, 1835, and was the second oldest of the eleven
children born to David and Agnes (Mewer)
Webster, the latter of whom died of cancer
when fifty years of age. David Webster was
also a native of Ayrshire, and was a weaver
by trade. In 1842 he removed from his native
land to Maset township, Middlesex county. Can-
ada, where he worked at his trade, but event-
ually bought the farm upon which he died at
the age of eighty-nine years and five months.
He was a man of keen mental alertness, and
up to his eighty-sixth year possessed practically
unimpaired faculties. A member of the Presby-
terian Church, as was also his wife, he was a
profound student of the Bible, and was also well
posted on current events.
The Scottish memories of David Webster are
very indistinct, for he was but seven years of
age when the family moved to Canada. Owing
to the largeness of the family dependent upon
the resources of the father, it became necessary
for him to assist with the support of his brothers
and sisters as soon as his strength permitted.
When twenty-five years of age he rented a farm
in the vicinity of his home, but after a time
bought the same and lived thereon until 1867.
He was ambitious to succeed, and also desired
to see more of the world, and finally decided
that California held about as many inducements
as an}- place that he knew of. Arriving in Mon-
terey county, he leased one hundred and forty
acres of land on the Cooper tract, near Castro-
ville, upon which he lived until 1893. although
111 1890 he had purchased the one hundred and
thirty-one acres which comprises his present
ranch. He has been very successful in his
adopted state, and like most who come from the
far north, has naught but keen appreciation for
the delight ful climate and infinite resources by
which he is surrounded.
The year before removing from Canada to
California, Mr. Webster married Elizabeth War-
nock, also a native of Scotland. Of this union
there are three children, of whom David is liv-
ing at home; Elizabeth Mary is the wife of
Adam Thompson of Monterey; and Agnes died
at the age of twenty-seven years. Mr. Webster
is a Republican in politics, and has contributed
his share toward promoting the local interests
of his party. Himself and wife are devoted
members of the United Presbyterian Church.
C.'A. YOUNGLOVE.
The foremost horseshoer of San Luis Obispo
spent the years of his youth and early manhood
in the state of Wisconsin, where he was born
March 18, 1862. His father, George Younglove,
who was born in New York state and was a mill-
wright by trade, came to California in 1894.
Up to the time of his death, in 1899, at the aye
of seventy-nine years, he enjoyed the leisure
earned by years of patient application to busi-
ness. In his young manhood he married Caro-
line Hale, also born in New York, and a daugh-
ter of a New York farmer and blacksmith. Mrs.
Younglove died in Wisconsin, leaving three
sons and three daughters, all of whom are
grown, C. A. being the youngest.
After completing such education in the public
schools as his leisure permitted, C. A. Young-
love learned the horseshoeing trade, and prac-
ticed the same in Wisconsin for a few years.
Not satisfied with the prospects for permanent
residence and business in his native state, and
having heard glowing accounts of the chances
beyond the Rockies, he came to California in
1885, and has since been devoted to his trade.
He became associated with San Luis Obispo
in 1888, and at the present time his shop con-
stitutes about the busiest place in the town.
Success has attended his efforts, and he is a
property owner to the extent of having pur-
chased his pleasant home, besides other town
property.
While living in Wisconsin Mr. Younglove
was united in marriage with Mary Warren, who
was born in New York state, a daughter of Dr.
Warren, who practiced medicine in Wisconsin
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-! i;
for the greater part of his professional life. Mr.
Younglove is a Republican in politics, and his
activity in the interests of his party is worthy of
practical appreciation and support. At one time
he was a candidate for sheriff before the Repub-
lican convention and lacked only a few votes of
receiving the nomination. Fraternally he is
associated with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, and the Foresters of America. Mr.
Younglove is one of the enterprising and liberal-
minded men of the town, and richly deserves
his past and present success.
CHARLES U. MARGETTS.
The president of the Templeton Milling Com-
pany at Templeton, San Luis Obispo county,
has made his home in California ever since he
crossed the ocean from England in October,
1875. He was born in Northamptonshire in
1848 and was about twenty-seven years of age
when he came via New York from his native
land to the far west. His first location in Cali-
fornia was near Hollister. San Benito county,
where he was employed as a sheep-herder for
nineteen months. Next, in partnership with his
brother-in-law. R. J. Rogers, under the firm
name of Rogers & Margetts, he began in the
sheep business, buying a small bunch of sheep,
and becoming in time among the most exten-
sive sheep-raisers in Monterey county. The
headquarters of the firm were on San Lorenzo
creek, where they kept their flocks. From 1876
until 1882, Mr. Margetts gave his entire time
to superintending the business, but during the
latter year the firm was dissolved, and he went
to the Corica plains in San Luis Obispo county,
there establishing a ranch which he stills owns.
Here, as in San Luis Obispo county, he became
a large sheep-raiser, and he still has six hundred
head. In addition, he farms twenty-five hundred
acres of leased land.
The present home of Mr. Margetts is at Nine
Oaks, a -mall farm near Templeton, where he
established his home in 1804. The name of the
homestead is derived from the fact that near the
house stands a very large oak with nine limbs.
Tn 1897 Mr. Margetts became a stockholder
in the building of the Templeton flour mill, of
which he was president and manager, and in
December, 1899. he was made president and
manager of the entire plant. The mill is built
on the roller system and is provided with all
modern equipments, which enables it to turn
out forty barrels every twelve hours. A spe-
cialty is made of bakery flour and one of the
best-known products of the mill is the Victor)
brand, which has a ready sale in the markets.
The interest which Mr. Margetts maintains
in educational affairs is constant and has led
to his acceptance of the office of trustee of the
Templeton school, in which position he has con-
tinued for years. Other offices, however, he has
steadfastly refused to accept. His views are in
accord with the Republican party and he always
votes that ticket. Since 1883 he has been a
member of Salinas Lodge, I. O. O. F. His first
marriage took place in 1881 and united him
with Miss Eleanor H. Jennings, who was born
in York. England. She died at Templeton, Cal.,
in August, 1898, leaving four children, namely:
Amy, Percy, Frances and Ethel. In 1899 Mr.
Margetts was united in marriage with Mrs. Jo-
sephine Matthews, who by a previous marriage
was the mother of a son, Walter Matthews.
Beginning in life for himself without any
means, the present position of Mr. Margetts is
due to his individual efforts, hard work and
good business qualifications. An industrious
and intelligent man. lie has always commanded
the respect of the community, and belongs tn
that class of progressive workers who form a
country's best citizens." By industry and wise
judgment he has accumulated a competency and
is able to surround his family with the comforts
of life. Justly he is given a position among
the most honored men of Templeton,
WILLIAM I. McGOWAN.
The farm owned and managed by William I.
McGowan in the Pajaro valley, consists of
ninety-three acres purchased rfrom his father.
The land is all in the wonderfully productive
valley, and from a pat tl) improv 1 d condition
has 1h en transform! ■'
a profitable and encouraging investment, \
new house on modern lines add- to the general
1 t8
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
effectiveness of the landscape, and a barn of con-
venient size stores the aftermath of the harvests.
In 1891 Mr. McGowan put out fifteen acres in
apples, and in 1896 put out thirty acres in Belle-
fleurs, and in 1898 added thirty acres more of
the latter-named trees. Xor do these commodi-
ties represent the extent of the usefulness of the
land, for between the trees are annually raised
large crops of beets and potatoes.-
A native of Gloucester county, X. J.. Mr. Mc-
Gowan was born January 4. 1861, a son of John
and Elizabeth Jane (Jarvis) McGowan. the latter
of whom died in California at the age of forty-
four years, leaving six children, of whom
William J. is second. The other children are as
follows: James, a rancher in this county; Sarah,
the wife of C. W. Seevers, a merchant of Wat-
sonville; Robert H.. a rancher in Monterey
county: Matthew J., also a rancher; and Hugh
T., the owner of the old homestead. John Mc-
Gowan was reared on a small farm in his native
country of Ireland, and after the death of his
father at a comparatively early age, the son as-
sumed charge of the homestead and cared for
the family. As a young man he came to Xew
Jersey about' 1 844, and, in order to start an
independent farming enterprise worked out as
a farm hand, and thus managed to save some
money. When able, he bought a small farm of
twenty acres upon which he lived for twenty
years, and after disposing of this property in
1864, came to the Pajaro valley and was em-
ployed by the farmers located there. In time
he rented a small farm, and finally bought erne
hundred and seventy-two acres, one hundred
and forty-two of which are in the valley, and
thirty acres in the hills. lie engaged in general
tanning and stock-raising, and kept adding to
In'- land until he had five hundred and sixty
acres in one tract, and ninety-three in another
ranch. < >t this propert) t\w hundred and eighty
acres have been divided among his soib. to
able co-operation lie attributed much of
his success in later life. Mr. McGowan was not
an active Democrat, hut had stanch faith in the
tenets of his chosen party, lie was a member
of the Episcopal Church, and contributed un-
stintingb toward it- maintenance and charities.
Up to three month- before his death, which
occurred March 5, 1901, he was able to attend
to his work, and was in the full possession of
his faculties.
When but three years of age William J. Mc-
Gowan came to the farm upon which he now
lives, and up to his twenty-seventh year he
worked at home for his father. He then bought
the ranch which he now works, and to which he
brought his wife, formerly Sarah M., daughter
of C. D. Trafton, and who was born in Wat-
sonville, Cal. Live children have been born to
Mr. and Mr-. McGowan: Charles Wilford,
eleven years of age and living at home; an in-
fant now deceased; Clarence O., Lester Donald
and Myrtle Estelle. Like his father, Mr. Mc-
Gowan is a Democrat, but he has never been
heard of as an aspirant for office. With his wife-
he is a member of the Episcopal Church, and at
the death of his father took his place as vestry-
man, a position maintained for many years by
the older man. He is popular and well known
in the Pajaro valley, and is one of the very
successful and enterprising horticulturists.
L. M. McMANUS.
San Luis Obispo is to be congratulated be-
cause of the presence in its midst of a so thor-
oughly enterprising and practical business man
as L. M. McManus, proprietor of the San Luis
Jewelry Company, the largest jewelry establish-
ment in the county, and one of the largest in this
part of the state. It were possible to visit many
towns of greater commercial pretensions and
older claims to consideration, and yet rarely
find so complete a stock of jewelry, diamonds
and other precious stones, cut glass and articles
«.f virtu, as is to be found in the show cases oi
this finely equipped store. The selections have
been made with discretion and taste, and are
sufficiently varied under each head to meet the
demands of the most exacting.
\- one of those who has wrested a compe
tence and standing out of his own appreciation
of opportunities, Mr. McManus is entitled to
the credit SO readily accorded by all who are
familiar with his earlier struggles with adversity.
II. was born in Minneapolis, Minn., in [864, .1
-on of ('. G. McManus. a native of Xew York
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
44!)
state, and at present a resident of San Luis
Obispo. He married a Miss Walrath, who also
was a native of New York. The paternal grand-
father, McManus, was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary war. When but thirteen years of age
L. M. McManus temporarily suspended his edu-
cation in the public schools, because of the
necessity for beginning to think about his own
support. He therefore started in to learn the
jeweler's trade in Chicago, and after completing
the same continued to work thereat for some
time in Chicago. In the fall of 1886 he came to
Ventura. Cal., and established a jewelry store,
which, from a small beginning, assumed large
proportions as the business ability and enterprise
of the owner became known and recognized.
However, he thought to improve even upon so
successful a business, and rightfully conjectured
that San Luis Obispo offered superior induce-
ments for his location here.
The marriage of Mr. McManus and Emma
Penny, a native of Minnesota, and of English
descent, was solemnized in 1885, and of this
union there are three children, Mable, Charles,
and Raymore. Mr. McManus is popular and
well known fraternally, is chief patriarch of the
Encampment, and a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Foresters and the Woodmen of the
World. He enjoys an enviable reputation in
San Luis Obispo, and is possessed of the ster-
ling traits of character which insure the highest
citizenship.
CHARLES M. MARTIN.
During the entire period since 1874 Mr. Mar-
tin has made his home in San Luis Obispo
county and has been identified with the ranch-
ing interests of Los Osos valley, where he owns
a finely improved farm. Ever since he came to
this locality he has contributed to its develop-
ment and progress, bearing an active part in
matters pertaining to the public welfare. About
two years after his arrival he assisted in build-
ing the first school house in Los Osos valley.
From that time to the present he has worked
tn promote local educational affairs, and as a
member of the school board of his district has
rendered efficient service for twenty years. Be-
fore roads had been opened, he placed himself
on record as a stanch champion of these neces-
sary improvements, the making of which has
been of such value to business men throughout
the county, and he also favored the building of
the railroads.
Mr. Martin was born in England in 1841, and
was sixteen years of age when he accompanied
an uncle to the United States, settling in Cen-
ter county, Pa. From there he removed to Albe-
marle county, Ya., in 1867 and settled upon a
tract of land, from which he improved a farm.
Prior to removing to Virginia he had been a
participant in the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted
in Company H. Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Infan-
try, and went to the front under Colonel Hoff-
man. For some time he was assigned to the
First Army Corps, but in 1864 became con-
nected with the Fifth Corps, continuing, how-
ever, with the army of the Potomac as before.
At the expiration of his term of service he again
enlisted in the same company, and continued at
the front until the war was at an end. Among
the most famous engagements in which he par-
ticipated were those at Gettysburg. Antietam
and Appomattox Courthouse. He was mustered
out at Philadelphia in July. 1865. and returned
to his home with a record as a soldier of which
lie might well be proud.
On coming to California in 1872. Mr. Martin
secured employment on a dairy near San Jose,
where he remained for eighteen months. In
the fall of 1874 he removed to Los Osos valley
and the following year bought the farm of
eighty acres which lie still owns and occupies.
There was little about the land to attract an
ordinary observer. No improvements had hem
made, no fences built, no trees planted, and no
house erected. The fine shade trees that add so
much to tlie appearance of the farm were planted
by Mr. Martin after coming here. In fact, all
of the improvements have been made under his
personal supervision. The entire trad is under
fence. A wind mill has been put up and wain is
piped over the entire place.both for domestic use
and for the convenience of the stock. The land
is under the plow, and much of it is in barley
and wheat. The dairy cows are of the finest
strains, and there are also a number of good
ORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
horses on the farm. So busy is Mr. Martin with
the management of the property that he has
little leisure for participation in politics, al-
though he is an active Republican and never
fails to cast his ballot at all elections. On the
organization of Fred Steele Post No. 70, G.
A. R., he became one of its charter members,
and has since been interested in its work.
The marriage of Mr. Martin occurred in
Pennsylvania in 1867 and united him with Miss
Rachel Bateman. They are the parents of eight
children, all of whom except the two eldest
were born in California. They are named as
follows: Fannie, wife of James Wiley, of San
Francisco; Clara, wife of C. W. Peterson, of
Salinas: Isabel, wife of Thomas J. Burnett, of
San Francisco; Charles Edward, Nellie. Ward.
Albright and Gorden.
WILLIAM H. MEADOWCROFT.
The enterprise in which Mr. Meadowcroft was
formerly interested has become known to the
people of Watsonville through the energy and
sagacity with which it was prosecuted. He is
known as the first white man to open and oper-
ate a laundry in this part of the state. About
1890 he came to Watsonville and on the east
side of the Pajaro river started in the laundry
business. Some one had made a previous effort
in the same line, but had failed. However, he
had persistence and patience, and succeeded in
convincing the people that the White Star Laun-
dry turned out only the highest class of work.
Soon the business increased to such an extent
that employment was furnished to about eight
assistants. Not only did he erect a business
house, hut he also owned five dwellings and
three stores which In- had built. In 1900 he
sold out there and crossed the river int.. Wat-
sonville proper, buying the corner of Second
and Rodriguez streets and building a house.
IK- also purchased the building that stood
where Second street connects with Main street,
and with others interested had the street opened
al a cost to him of $600. The building was then
1 ,,11.1 street and was remod
eled in!,, four stores, one being his laundry.
Encouraged by his success, other laundrii
since been started. His previous experience as
foreman of the American laundry in Sacramento
(which he held for seven years) admirably quali-
fied him for the management of a laundry of his
own, and enabled him to prosecute his work
here in Watsonville. Besides his business prop-
erty, he owns three houses on Rodriguez street
and two on the corner of First and Menker
streets. In November, 1902. Mr. Meadowcroft
sold his laundry and turned his attention to the
real-estate business, having opened an office at
No. 23 Second street. He has as an associate
C. W. Bridgewater, who served for a long period
as city marshal of Watsonville.
Mr. Meadowcroft is a native of California,
born at San Jose in 1858, and is a son of William
and Mary J. (Tomlinson) Meadowcroft. His
father is a California pioneer of 1853 and since
1882 has held the position of gardener of Golden
Gate Park in San Francisco. The mother served
as a matron of the Protestant Orphan Asylum of
San Francisco in 1853. Both have many friends
in the Golden Gate city, wdiere for so many
years they have made their home. William H.
Meadowcroft is connected with the Native Sons
of the Golden West, in which he has served
successively as third, second and first vice-presi-
dent, and is at present one of the trustees. Since
coming to Watsonville he has allied himself
with the Order of Eagles and has also done valu-
able work as a member of the Pajaro Valley
Fire Company. Associated with the Knights of
Pythias, he is master of arms in the local lodge,
and in the Uniform Rank holds office as first
lieutenant commissary of Major Wright's staff.
1 Ie and his wife, formerly Lizzie Arnold, and a
native of Baltimore. Md.. became the parents of
two children. Cornelia R. and Elizabeth C. hut
lost both of them by death.
LOUIS MARTI XELLI.
Xot alone in Central California, but also
through the entire state, the Pajaro valley is
noted as one of the richest in the west, and.
indeed, there are many expert judges who deem
m e, have no superior in the entire country.
/orth) .,111011- the orchards ot this valley
is the one owned and occupied hv Mr. Martin-
f^offi foe.
{fcvU>
HISTi >RICAL AND BI( (GRAPHICAL RE( I »RD.
4.-.;;
elli, situated one mile from Watsonville, which
gives to the family all the advantages of the
city together with those accruing from resi-
dence in the rural regions. In the homestead
there are seventy acres, comprising some of
the most fertile soil to be found in the valley,
and which, under the direct supervision of the
enterprising owner, have been made to repay his
labors an hundredfold.
Switzerland is Air. Martinelli's native country,
and August 13, 1826, the date of his birth. He
was second among five children, the others
being Martin, Rose, Tranquilla and Stephen.
the last named a resident of Watsonville. His
parents were Peter and Catherine Martinelli,
the former a contractor by occupation. The
schools of Switzerland afforded Mr. Martinelli
an excellent education, subsequent to attend-
ing which he turned his attention to the trade
of a stonemason. In 1847 he took part in a
civil war in Switzerland. In 1852, at the age of
twenty-six years, he came to the United States
with a party of twenty-four young men, he being
manager of the expedition. All of the men were
natives of Switzerland, ambitious, hopeful and
enthusiastic as to their future in the new world.
At this writing only five are living.
After a stop of five days in New York Mr.
Martinelli started for California, boarding a
four-master vessel which sailed around the Horn
and arrived in the harbor of San Francisco Oc-
tober 20, 1852. Proceeding at once to the mines,
he tried his luck in that occupation, but not
securing the great finds hoped for, he aban-
doned mining and turned his attention to the
ordinary pursuits of commerce. July of 1853
found him in Santa Cruz count), where he was
employed in laying the foundation for the first
house of worship erected in Watsonville, this
being the Baptist Church. For a short time
lie worked in the employ of S. P. Davis and
W. 1\ White. In 1861 he bought his present
farm near Watsonville, and this land he ha- since
transformed into one of the mosl fertile or-
chards in the valley. Besides his farm lie has
.some interests in Watsonville. In all of his
labors he has had the assistance and CO opera
tion of Martha P.eekcm, who was born in Rhode
Island and who became his wife in 1SO2. The
tour children of their 111
Alfred C. and Stella.
re Eugene, Agnes.
C. H. MANSFIELD.
The interests owned by Mr. Mansfield are
centered around Monterey county, where he
has long made his home. Since 1892 he has
resided on a farm of nine hundred acres, known
as Lowe Station from the fact that in the early
days the stages were accustomed to stop at this
point. Embraced within the farm are nine hun-
dred acres, much of which is under cultivation
to the usual farm products. However, the own-
ership of this farm does not represent the limit
of his interests and activities, for his landed pos-
sessions aggregate thirty-five hundred acres, a
large part of which is improved. Since 1869 he
has devoted his attention largely to the raising
of cattle, hogs and horses, and at this writing
owns five hundred head of cattle, much of which
is of a fine grade.
In Hancock county. ( )hio, Mr. Mansfield was
born December 6, 1835. His father, Amos W.
Mansfield, came to California in 1850 via the
overland route, and at first engaged in mining
and prospecting, but during the winter of 1851-
52 returned to Ohio for his family. His second
trip across the plains was made in the spring of
1852. when he brought his family overland in a
"prairie schooner," with ox-teams. In Febru-
ary of 1853 he arrived in Monterey, where he
secured employment at teaming and hauling
logs. In the fall of 1853 he moved to Santa
Cruz county and turned his attention to ranch-
ing, in which he continued until his death in
[883.
At twenty-one years of age ( '. II. Mansfield
started out in life for himself, having
viously gained considerable business experience
through assisting his father in a number of en-
terprises. Being most familiar with farming,
lie chose it for his occupation, and did not for
a time give am atti at 1 >ck business.
However, during [859, when he removed to
San Luis Obispo county, hi began to acquire
cattle interests, and has since made a specialty
1 raising. I mring the drj years of [863
and iNo| hi lost five hundred head of cattle
454
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from the effects of the drought, but with that
exception he was uniformly prospered. In the
fall of 1864 he enlisted as a private in Company
A, Eighth California Infantry, his term to be
for three years or until the expiration of the
war. Going with his company to San Francisco,
he there expected orders to be sent to Mexico,
but instead was retained in this state, remaining
in the camp until 1865, when he was honorably
discharged.
After a few years as a farmer in the vicinity
of Watsonville, in 1869 Mr. Mansfield came to
Monterey county and settled near Gorda, where
he became interested in the stock business in
the Pacific valley. His initial experience as a
stock-raiser was gained with stock bought from
James Prewitt, to which herd he has added from
time to time until he has acquired many head
of stock, of excellent grades. In 1872 he mar-
ried Mendocino M. Plaskett, by whom he has
six sons and four daughters, namely: Edwin E.,
Sallie, Asa C, Laura W., Jasper A., Walter P.,
Minnie M., Sherman, Belle and J. G. Blaine.
The political affiliations of Mr. Mansfield are
with the Republican party, of whose principles
he is a stanch supporter. In fraternal relations
he is connected with the Grand Army Post at
Salinas. As might be expected of a man so
energetic and capable, he holds a high position
among the people of Monterey county, and par-
ticularly among those of his own immediate
locality.
CHRISTOPHER MANN.
Though one of the most venerable of the old-
time settlers of Paja.ro township, Monterey
1 ounty, Christopher Mann is the embodiment of
hearty strength, and goes about his business
as orchardist with the enthusiasm we are wont
to assi iciate with much younger years. A native
oi the vicinity of Crawfordsville, Montgomery
county, Ind., he was bom May 10, 1827, and
spenl his youth and early manhood on farms
in the Hoosier state and in Missouri. Ac-
cording to the precedent established b) his
father, another Christopher, he is destined for
many mure years of usefulness, for the older
1 hristopher lived to be one hundred and twelve
years of age, was twice married, and reared
twenty-two children.
At the outbreak of the Mexican war Mr.
Mann was performing his duties on the paternal
farm in Missouri, and into his otherwise un-
eventful youth came the opportunity of serving
his country with valor and courage. At Inde-
pendence, Mo., he enlisted in Company A, First
Regiment Volunteers, and as a private partici-
pated in two battles in Sacramento county, and
experienced many of the dangers and vicissi-
tudes of western Indian warfare. For three
days he was obliged to live on atmosphere, ow-
ing to the absence of food in the Navajo coun-
try, but this trial was more than counteracted by
the exultation arising from being the first man
to jump the breastworks at Chowah. At the
close of the war in 1847 ne was duly discharged
at New Orleans, and upon returning to Inde-
pendence, Mo., engaged in farming on a forty-
acre farm presented him by his father. The
same year he married Eliza Haun, a native of
Independence, Mo., and who at the present time
is seventy years of age. Mrs. Mann, like her
husband, is hale and hearty, and is the mother
of one daughter, Frances, now the wife of
Thomas Robinson. She has also been a mother
to Jefferson L. Mann, a nephew, whom she
adopted when he was three days old, and who
is now county supervisor of Monterey county,
and engaged in farming with his uncle Christo-
pher.
In the spring of 1850 Mr. Mann started over-
land from Missouri with ox-teams, and upon
arriving in California settled in Santa Clara,
where lie bought a house and lot, and engaged
in teaming and the lumber business. He soon
afterward jumped a claim at Mountain View,
Santa Clara county, and after farming and team-
ing for si'\ oral wars s,.l,l his claim and brought
one hundred and fifty head of cattle to Green
Valley, Santa Cruz county. Here he squatted
on a large cattle range, and later bought one
hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity, upon
which he lived and prospered until a dry winter
killed off many cattle, and brought about large
losses in general. This doleful experience con-
vinced him of the utter futility of longer specu-
lating with the conditions in Santa Cruz county,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECOR]
ami he therefore came to the Pajaro valley in
1869, and bought one hundred acres of land at
$50 per acre. This property has been well im-
proved, and the second year of owning it Mr.
Mann set out an acre of trees, and later put
out one thousand prune trees. These were after-
ward dug up, and he sold fifty acres of land to
his brother. He at the present time has thirty-
eight of his forty acres under apples, most of
which are bearing, and incidentally he engages
in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Mann
is a Democrat in political affiliation, but has
never desired or accepted official recognition.
\\ ith his wife he is a member of the Christian
Church.
ABRAHAM P. COX.
On the old Cox farm, one of the familiar
landmarks of Santa Cruz county, located three
miles from Watsonville, Abraham P. Cox, one
of the most thrifty and promising of the present
day farmers of the Pajaro valley, was born De-
cember 28, 1867. The name which he bears and
honors has been a familiar one in the county
ever since hi1* father, Abraham, settled here in
1852. The elder Abraham was born in New
Jersey, April 25, 1823, and is a son of Peter and
Mary (Williamson) Cox. He was reared prin-
cipally in the state of Michigan, from where he
removed at the age of twenty-one to Wisconsin,
where lie lived for seven years. In 1851 he
started overland for California, and at the ex-
piration of three months of clanger and depri-
vation arrived at his goal in San Francisco. For
a year he tried his luck at mining, but being con-
vinced that many are called but few are chosen,
and that he was not likely to be among the
latter class, came to Santa Cruz in 1852, locating
on the farm now rented by his son. In 1855 he
was united in marriage with Rosella Willitts.
who was born in New York state and who died
in [898, leaving three children, of whom Rosella
is the wife of Mr. Baker, and Mary is the wife
of Mr. Soria.
For several years Abraham Cox has managed
his father's farm, and he at the present rents
the same, and conducts there, m a general farm-
ing business. lie is very successful, and is
among the progressive and wide-awake develop-
ers of the locality. Through his marriage with
Elizabeth Doyle, two children have been born to
him, Nora R. and Fred A.
B. FRANK MUM A.
The changing vicissitudes of life brought Mr.
Muma into intimate acquaintance with various
localities before he established his permanent
home in San Luis Obispo county in 1864. Ik-
was born in Fredericktown, Md., in 1826. but
his youthful years were passed principally in
Louisiana, where he made his home with an
uncle until he started out for himself and be-
came identified with the growing commonwealth
of California. During the progress of the Mex-
ican war, in 1846, he enlisted in Company F,
Third Indiana Infantry, and was ordered with
his regiment to the front, serving for fifteen
months.
. Coming to California by way of the isthmus,
Mr. Muma landed in San Francisco in October,
1 85 1. From that city he proceeded to the mines
at Downieville, Sierra county, and met with
fair success as a placer miner on the Yuba
and Feather rivers, where he remained several
years. Meantime he once visited Los Angeles,
which he found to be a small, straggling, unam-
bitious Spanish town, presenting the widest pos-
sible difference from the present bustling, pros-
perous and growing city. Another trip took
him as far north as Oregon and Washington,
finally he came to San Luis Obispo county,
which has since been his home. 1 le bought two
hundred and seventy acres, a part of the Pidros
Blancos rancho. The land he stocked with cat-
tle, and for some years he confined his atten-
tion to the raising of stock, but of late years
lie has followed dairying.
In the building up of San Luis Obispo Mr.
Muma has maintained a constant interest and
has acquired property holdings there. 1 lis identi-
fication with the Independent ( >rder of < )dd Fel-
lows covers many years, while he has bi
Mason for a half century, being now conn
with San Simeon Lodge Mo [96 l & V M..
and the chapter in New < Irleans, La. I lis mar
riage took place in 1873 a,l,i united him with
i:><;
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Miss Manlia Jarman, who was born in Wiscon-
sin, a laughter of John Jarman. They are the
parents of three children, all of whom are living,
namely: Susie. Irwin and Annie.
PAUL B. DEMARTINI.
While the state of California is a cosmopoli-
tan region, its population embracing representa-
tive- of almost every country of the world, there
are comparatively few Italians to be found in
its towns or upon its ranches. The late Paul B.
Demartini was a member of an ancient and hon-
orable family of the province of Genoa and was
himself a native of that part of Italy, born Feb-
ruary _'. 1850. When he was seven years of age
his father. Jerome, brought the family to New
York City, but six years later returned to Italy,
where he died. By occupation he was a candy
manufacturer and this industry his son studied
under his supervision, serving a regular appren-
ticeship. At eighteen years of age he started
out for himself, and two years later came to San
Francisco, where he secured employment as
clerk.
April 1, 1871, in New York City, occurred the
marriage of Paul B. Demartini and Miss Maria
Lerttora. who was born in Genoa, Italy. When
eleven years old she came to the United States
with her father, John, settling in New York. It
was lur father's intention to work in the mines,
where he Imped to sain a fortune, and hence he
1 ami to California in 1856, but before a realiza-
tion of his dreams had become possible he died
of yellow fever, leaving two children, John and
.Maria. Mis wife, who bore the maiden name
of Mfadelina Rezzaco, subsequently married
again and died at forty-five years of age. After
the death of their father the Lerttora children rc-
turned to New York, and there Mr. Demartini
and Miss Lerttora were united in marriage, their
wedding trip being a tour across the continent
i" San Francisco They reached their destina-
tion almost penniless, for the trip had been an
le for the young husband. With the
buoyancy of youth and of the Italian tempera-
ment, however, their stringent circumstances did
nol cause them any anxiety, but with faith in
me. they decided to go to the theater and
enjoy themselves, then start out with a will and
determination to succeed. As the days went
by, the two, working side by side and harmoni-
ously, accumulated a snug competence, and at
the same time gained and retained the confi-
dence of associates.
In company with M. J. Fontana, the Demar-
tini family arrived in Watsonville July 27, 1878.
The first venture in which Mr. Demartini was
interested was the starting of a grocery where
the Foresters' building now stands. From the
first his energy and wise judgment in buying his
stock were realized in an increasing trade, and
soon he was justified in enlarging the business
into a general store. In 1884 he disposed of the
business and bought from Mr. Pierson a ranch
in Monterey county, just across the Pajaro river.
This he planted to apples, which now form a
fine orchard. In 1888 he bought two lots on
Maple street, one of the best residence avenues
in the town, and here he built a commodious
house, besides acquiring other property of value.
In all of his labors he had the cheerful co-opera-
tion of his wife and not a little of his success was
due to her counsel and business ability. In the
home at Watsonville which he had erected and
which is still occupied by the family, his earthly
life came to an end May 19, 1897. Though he
was still in middle life at the time of his demise,
he had attained a success not always achieved
by men many years his senior. For twenty years
he was actively associated with the lodge of Odd
Fellows, in which he served as past grand. At
the time of his death he held office as chief of the
Watsonville fire department. Of his six children
George and Paul died when young. Joseph has
been employed since 1895 as bookkeeper for the
Loma Prieta Lumber Company at Opel. The
daughters, Lottie. Adeline and Amelia Fstella,
r< side with their mother.
MRS. E. DAVIS.
That the monopoly or even the greater part
of the credif for the pioneer development of
1 alifornia is due the male part of the population
has never been conceded by even the most prej-
udiced. That women were the abiding inspira-
tion of those uprooted from their original sur-
&C </(Jayt^J'
[IST< )RICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL REC( >RD.
459
foundings, and practically cast adrift amid new
and untried conditions, is a glory which must
forever overshadow anything that man may have
accomplished. Among these noble and self-
sacrificing women the name of Mrs. E. Davis
is entitled to more than passing mention, and
now, in the evening of her life, her friends and
all who are familiar with her career, insist that
she is entitled to unstinted praise and all possi-
ble honor.
A native of Mississippi, Mrs. Davis was born
February 25, 1830, and is a daughter of a hat
manufacturer by the name of Sumner, who even-
tually removed from his native state of Ken-
tucky to Mississippi, where he married and be-
came a planter on a large scale. In Crawford
county, Ark., he engaged in the same occupa-
tion, and, being an ambitious man, and full of
confidence in the west, he resolved to cross the
plains with his family, an undertaking of magni-
tude in those days, and as yet unheard of to any
extent. In fact, the family are supposed to be
the first to thus reach Oregon by way of the
overland trail with oxen and horses, and their
courage is something which inspired the admira-
tion of people who in no wise appreciate the ex-
tent of the dangers involved. Six months was
the time required to make this memorable trip,
and during its progress one man was acci-
dentally killed, and was buried at Independence
Rock.
After a winter in Oregon City, the travelers re-
moved to Sacramento county, Cal., and the same
year, 1843, Miss Sumner married George Davis,
the bride being at the time just past thirteen
years old. Mr. Davis was a native of New York
City, and crossed the plains as a trapper in 1841,
locating in Montana, where he engaged in an
extensive trade with the Indians, dealing prin-
cipally in buffalo hides and deer skins. This
wedding bears the distinction of being the first
marriage between white people ever consum-
mated in the state of California. Mr. Davis
bought property in Oregon Citj and there ran
a bakery, which trade lie had learned in the
east, and the young couple continued t<> live-
there for three years. In 1849 they settled in
Sacramento for a short time, and then removed
near Stockton, Cal., where they owned a ranch,
in connection with which was maintained an
inn, feed and horse stables, a combination which
proved very successful. The town was located
half way between Stockton and Sacramento, and
became the halting place for the hundreds of
miners who infested those parts, and who inva-
riably put up at the shelter provided by these
far-sighted dispensers of public hospitality.
In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Davis removed to a
farm four miles from the city of Santa Cruz, in
Santa Cruz county, and eight years later, in
1862, located on a ranch of one hundred and
sixty acres in the vicinity of San Miguel. This
ranch was utilized for an extensive stock and
sheep raising enterprise, which, owing to the
dry seasons of 1865-6, proved a most disastrous
failure. They then removed even closer to San
Miguel and homesteaded one hundred and sixty
acres, subsequently proved up on the same, ami
made that their home for twenty-eight years.
Here Mr. Davis died in 1891, at the age of sev-
enty-five years. Mrs. Davis still owns eighty
acres of the San Miguel ranch, which is devoted
for the most part to the cultivation of wheat.
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis,
David is living at home; Eliza, the wife of X.
Azbell, lives in the Indian valley; Joseph lives
on his mother's farm; Buchanan is a farmer in
this count?-; May is now the wife of R. B. Still;
Annie is the wife of R. G. Flint, of San Miguel;
Charles lives in San Miguel; and Elecay is liv-
ing at home.
GEORGE L. DAVIS.
Prominent among the ranchers to whom the
Salinas district has offered exceptional oppor-
tunities is George L. Davis, the owner of a
fine ranch of three hundred acres two and
a half miles southwest of Salinas. He comes of
a family established in this country by the pater-
nal grandfather. Thaddeus, win. was bom in Ire-
land and was a governmenl contractor and mill
man in both his native and adopted countries.
After locating in Canada he became an officer
in the government military service, and his
promising and useful life was cut short in middle
age.
Thaddeus Davis, the father of George L., was
!hll
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born in New York state in 1S11. and went to
Canada when a young man. In 1850 he started
across the plains and worked in the mines for
about three years, achieving fair results. He
then located on a ranch in Santa Clara county
and engaged in the stock business for a short
time, after which he bought a small place at
what is n.»w Riverside (then called Hilltown),
where his death occurred in 1.887. He was ,i
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and quite active therein. He married Nancy
Ann Hagar. a native of Canada, and of English
parentage, and who died at the home of her
son. George L., in 1900, at the age of seventy-
nine vears. her birth having occurred in 182 1.
Her grandfather lived to be one hundred years
old, and her grandmother died in California at
the age of eighty-six. Mrs. Davis, who was an
active member of the Baptist Church, was the
mother of six children, three of whom died
young, George L. being the oldest of those
living. A. Augusta is a widow living in San
Mateo county, Cal, and H. L. is a prominent
rancher of the Salinas district, and mentioned
at length in another part of this work.
George L. Davis was born on Lake Erie,
Ontario, Canada. April 16, 1838, and was four-
teen years of age when he came to California.
His first position here was as a clerk, in a store
for a year, after which he ran a ferry across the
river from Hilltown for several years. When
twenty years of age he engaged in the dairy
business with his brother, H. L., and about 1868
bought a part of the Chimesal ranch of five
hundred acres, where he carried on extensive
dairy enterprises. In 1880 he purchased his
present ranch of three hundred acres, advan-
tageously located in the Salinas valley, and at
tin- present time fitted with all modern machin-
ery and lain >r saving devices. He has since
devoted his ranch to general farming and stock
raising, and lias settled down to be a notable
and enterprising acquisition to the substantial
and reliable community of Salinas.
In July. 1901, Mr. Davis was united in mar-
riage with Ernestine Titus, (laughter of Benja-
min Titus. They have one child, George
Thomas, born June 2, [902. Mr. Davis is a
Republican in national politics, hut in local af-
fairs votes always for the best man. He was
postmaster of Hilltown for several years, and
was postmaster of Salinas before there was any
recognized town of that name. He has been
quite active in a political way for his friends, but
has never desired official recognition for him-
self. Since 1876 he has been a member of the
Odd Fellows.
A. MONTEITH.
That the successful hotel man is born and not
made is demonstrated in the career of A. Mon-
teith, owner and proprietor of the Alexander
Hotel in Paso Robles. and one of the hustling
business men of the place. Born in Scotland,
a I arch 7, 1857, he is a son of a Scot of Perth-
shire, who died when his son was six years of
age, and to whom and his wife were born three
other sons, John, James and Robert. Educated
in the public schools of his native land, Mr.
Monteith came to America in 1863, accompanied
by an aunt who lived in New York. At the age
of twenty-one years he went to the state of Ne-
vada, and for a time worked on a Nevada ranch.
In 1879 ne came to California and settled in
Nevada county, where he engaged in teaming
and freighting from Nevada City to near-by
towns. His freighting outfit was disposed of
in 1890 in favor of a stage line running from
Nevada City to Graniteville. a distance of thirty-
two miles, and during the nine years as owner
of this line he had many unique experiences
while transporting the mails for Uncle Sam.
Upon coming to Paso Robles, his brother Rob-
ert and himself bought the Alexander Hotel,
which property consists of seventy-five feel
frontage and is two stories in height. The hotel
has been great 1\ improved and modernized
under the present management, and is a paying
and popular investment.
In Marysville, Cal.. Mr. Monteith married
Emily Amberg, a native of Nevada county. Cal..
and of this union there have been born three
children, Eva, Minerva and Emily. Mr. Mon-
teith is interested in many public enterprises in
the city, and is especially enthusiastic in his
effort to improve the water system of the town.
\ stanch Republican, he has been prominent
HISTORICAL AND BTOGBAFTHCAF RECORD.
461
in promoting the interests of his party, and in
April, 1902, was appointed to fill an unexpired
term as trustee. Fraternally he is associated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and socially he is connected with the best people
in the city.
FRANCIS DOUD.
An Irish-American embodying the wit of his
own, with the enterprise and determination of
his adopted country; a hero of the Indian and
Mexican wars, and the oldest soldier on the
coast who served from '39 to 4.7; a rugged pio-
neer of '49; a business man whose wise invest-
ments and capacity for industry have resulted in
his possession of many ranches, stocked with the
best cattle in the west; and an upbuilder and
stockholder of many of the most important en-
terprises in Monterey, such is the record of
Francis Doud.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Doud was born Jan-
uary 20, 1820, and came to the United States in
1838, when eighteen years of age. The follow-
ing year he enlisted in Company A, Second
United States Infantry, and saw service in Flor-
ida for two years, under General Riley, during
the Indian campaign. He was subsequently
promoted to sergeant of Company A, and sta-
tioned at Fort Niagara, N. Y., until 1846,
during which year he accompanied his regiment
to Mexico under Generals Scott and Taylor,
and operated on the Vera Cruz and Monterey
lines as sergeant and color sergeant. In Mexico
he was wounded three times, and at Cerro
Gordo, where he distinguished himself for
bravery which won him a medal made from
Mexican guns, he was discharged for disability
in 1848, and stationed at Porota, Mexico, until
convalescent. The following year he married,
in New York City, Miss Kenna, who died in
Monterey in 1896, just after celebrating her
golden wedding. Directly after his marriage,
Mr. Doud and his wife boarded a ship, Orpheus,
under command of Captain Filmore, and bound
for San Francisco, which city they reached July
6, 1849. The winter of '50 was spent with indif-
ferent success in the mines of Mariposa county,
and thereafter Mr. Doud came to Monterey,
where he met his former commander. General
Riley, the then military governor of California.
He at once became associated with the commis-
sary department as civilian, acting in the capac-
ity of orderly to Generals Riley and Halleck, the
latter secretary of state, and was thus employed
until 1851.
At the end of his military service Mr. Doud
became interested in stock-raising and the
butchering business, and soon owned large
ranches all over Monterey county. He still con-
tinues to handle cattle, and owns several ranches
in the county. On an eminence overlooking the
bay Mr. Doud built, in the latter '60s, one of the
most desirable homes in the city, the view being
unexcelled. Here he has since lived. He is one
of the organizers and a director in the Bank of
Monterey, and the Monterey County Bank at
Salinas, and he owns a large interest in the Mon-
terey Electric Light Plant. He is treasurer of
the Monterey Progressive Association, and a
director in the Sloat Monument Association.
The addition known as the Doud tract, where
beautiful homes are in process of construction,
was laid out by Mr. Doud. and much valuable
property has passed into his hands and is now
owned by him. He is a member of the Society
of California Pioneers, and Pioneers of the Mex-
ican War, and for twenty-five years he has been
government custodian of the Monterey Military
Reservation. A stanch Republican in national
politics, he has never had time or inclination for
political office, but has nevertheless served on
the school board for over thirty years.
W. H. EVANS.
Whether as a rancher or as manager of a large
livery enterprise in Templeton, W. H. Evans
has evinced business ability, and has earned the
success which has crowned his western efforts.
He is one of the sons of * >hio who Fr
their lot with this section of California, of whose
exceptional possibilities he is a keen appreciator.
Born near Granville. Licking count) .
February _'<>. [864, he is a son of Nathan and
Adelia (Case) Evans, and grandson of John
Evans, the latter of whom was born in Vermont,
ami died in Ohio at the age of eighty-eighl
iti-i
HISTl )RICAL AND hl< >GRAPHICAL RECORD.
\ears. and at the lime had scarcely halt a dozen
white hairs in his head. The maternal grand-
father. Filo Case, was also born in Vermont.
and removed to ( >hio at a very early day, when
a young man. He died in the Buckeye state at
the age of seventy-seven years. There were but
two children born to Nathan Evans and his wife.
one daughter and one son, the former of whom.
Clara, is now Airs. Fred Wells, her husband
being a railroad man near Cleveland, Ohio.
After leaving the paternal homestead in Ohio.
W. II. Evans worked on the surrounding farms
by the month, and for fifteen years was em-
ployed by different land owners throughout
Ohio. During that time he managed to save up
$500. with which he started for California, in-
tent upon making the land of the rising sun his
future home. As a preliminary in his new loca-
tion he lived on a farm for a time, and then
engaged in the dairy business with considerable
success. In the fall of [901 he purchased the
livery business with which his name has since
been associated, and in connection with which he
still raises wheat and barley on two hundred and
seventy-five acres of rented land.
In San Luis Obispo, Cal. Air. Evans married
Jennie Gibson, a native of California, and daugh-
ter of Robert Gibson, who was born in Ireland,
and came to the United States when a young
man, settling in California, where the remainder
of his life was spent. One child has been born to
.Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Raymond, who is five years
of age. Mr. Evans is a Democrat in political
affiliation, and is fraternally associated with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is one
of the honored and popular citizens of Temple-
ton, and represents it- enterprising business ele-
ment.
E. V EATON.
Xo more satisfactory illustration of the self-
made and substantial business man exists in the
county than E. A. Eaton, a resident of Salinas,
.uid manager of the Ford & Sanborn mercantile
concern. The success .if \lr. Eaton is founded
upon an untiring capacity lor work, a genius for
detail, an unswerving integrity, and the kind of
authority which not only secures the best and
greatest amount of labor from employes, but in-
spires as well a profound respect for his ability
and personal worth.
A native son of California, Mr. Eaton was
born in San Francisco in i860, a son of Alex-
ander and Martha (LockwoodJ Eaton, the for-
mer of whom was a blacksmith in San Francisco,
and the latter came to California when a child,
in 1849. The preliminary education of Mr.
Eaton was acquired in the public schools of his
native town, but at the very early age of twelve-
he faced the problem of self-support, and his
schooling was temporarily abandoned for a
clerkship, with the drug firm of Painter & Cal-
vert During the three years that he remained
with the firm he gained a fair knowledge of the
business, and thus equipped he removed to Hol-
lister and engaged in the drug business on his
own account. Upon disposing of his drug inter-
ests he went into business with Mr. McMahon,
and for four years was a valuable assistant in the
management of the mercantile enterprise. Sub-
sequently he began with the firm of which he
is now the manager, and from the position of
bookkeeper at King City was elevated to the
general management of the local interests there.
For nine years he was identified with King City,
after which he was transferred to Salinas as as-
sistant general manager to Air. Yanderhurst,
and two years later, in 1898. assumed his present
responsible position as general manager of the
whole business.
The Ford & Sanborn mercantile concern, with
headquarters at Salinas, is one of the largest
mercantile establishments in California, and is
the outgrowth of Yanderhurst, Sanborn & Co.,
with which Air. Vanderhurst was connected for
over thirty years. Nearly everything in the mer-
cantile line is carried in stock, and the company
own tine brick buildings in Salinas, and have
many different stores in different parts of the
state, 'fhe organization is most perfect ami
complete, the different departments being under
different heads, the implement, grain, dry-goods.
grocery, and wagon and carriage departments
being conducted 1>\ men qualified accordingly.
In San Francisco, in 1882, Air. Eaton married
Fannie Fauntin. who was born in Oakland, Cal.,
her family being among the earl) settlers of the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
state. Of this union there are two children,
Edna and Alma. Although a firm believer in
Republican institutions, Mr. Eaton has never run
but for one ofhee, that of supervisor, in which
he was defeated. He is prominent fraternally,
and is affiliated with the Masons, Elks and the
Native Sons of the Golden West.
HIRAM COREY.
No name in Monterey county is more endur-
ingly associated with its substantial development
than that of Hiram Corey, owner of Las Palmas
ranch, three and a half miles south of Salinas,
and one of the large land owners and prosper-
ous citizens of this section. This honored citi-
zen was born in Stanbridge, Canada, March 7,
1 83 1, and is fourth among the nine children
born to Reuben and Melinda (Reynolds) Corey,
natives of New York and Vermont respectively.
Capt. Reuben Corey was reared en the pa-
ternal farm in Xew York state, and when a
young man removed to Canada, where he won
the rank of captain in her majesty's service.
About 1856 he removed to Bloomfield, Sonoma
county, Cal., purchasing a ranch of three hun-
dred acres, upon which he retired about 1865,
and where he died at the age of seventy-five
years. He was active in the Republican party,
and equally so in the Methodist Church, and,
considering his time and opportunities, was a
successful man. His wife, who lived to be sev-
enty-six years of age, was the mother of ten
children, namely. Pauline, the wife of Nelson
Bentley, and whose son, William, is mentioned
in another part of this work; Noah, a rancher
in this county; Hiram; Malinda, the wife of R.
Reynolds, living on the old Canadian home-
stead; Cynthia, the wife of Joseph Stocking;
Reuben, a rancher in San Jose; Addie, wife of
George Case; Minerva, Mrs. Jerry Hogan;
Sarah, wife of Charles Littlefield; ami Augusta,
wife of William Hall.
While still living in Canada Hiram Corey
worked for a time on the railroad, and January
1, 1852, accompanied his brother, Noah, to Cal-
ifornia by way of the isthmus, arriving at Clark's
Point February 26. 1851. For a time the broth-
ers engaged in contracting for supplies and
logs for a saw mill, and later leased a ranch and
supplied vegetables to the state prison. In De-
cember, 1853, tlle brothers went to San Fran-
cisco and borrowed a weather beaten schooner
with which to proceed south for provisions.
The journey was enlivened by a storm which
caused the men to abandon the craft, which
later went to pieces, and they owed their rescue
to a surveying party which happened along at
Point Eryes. After landing, they were con-
fronted by other dangers from grizzly bears,
and this circumstance caused them to return
to the surveying part)', with whom they set
out for San Francisco. The sea was still rough,
and storms along the coast rendered navigation
almost impossible. In desperation they were
obliged to once more head for shore, but not
before the vessel was dashed to pieces upon the
rocks. Hiram, who could swim, saved his own
life and that of his brother, and they afterward
walked back to the ranch which they had leased,
much the losers by their hazardous expedition.
Hiram thereafter worked in a saw mill for
about six months, and in the spring of 1853
the brothers went to Marin county and leased
a ranch of four hundred acres, upon which was
operated the first dairy with American cows
successfully conducted in this part of the state.
In 1862 this property was disposed of and Hiram
proceeded alone to Aurora, near Virginia City,
where he was superintendent of the Red. White
and Blue mines for five months, and through
his wise foresight the company then abandoned
the mines as not worthy of development. He
then went to the Owens River quartz mines and
located several claims for a New York com-
pany, and, being a warm friend of the superin-
tendent of the company, he was sent to Los
Angeles to make up the trains for transporting
the machinery the two hundred and fifty miles
to the mines. The wagons and machinery had
been shipped to San Pedro from San Francisco,
ami Mr. Corey purchased the cattle and made
up the train. The Indians were extremely
troublesome, and Mr. Corey assumed the re-
sponsibilit) of driving one team himself, encoun-
tering many obstacle on the way.
The lumber for the mines had to he rafted
fifty miles, and a mad had to be made to the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mines over which to convey the lumber. All
this was superintended by Mr. Corey, who was
familiar with the territory, having been in the
locality during 1862, when he camped with the
cavalry at Big Pine, and had a battle with the
Indians before they could locate the mines.
He staid with the regulars for six or eight
weeks at that time, and his perseverance re-
sulted in later valuable services to the company,
who relied upon his judgment and discretion.
Leaving the mines in Nevada, Mr. Corey
spent about two years on a leased ranch at
Point Eryes, seventy-five miles from San Fran-
cisco, and in October, 1872, leased the Buena
Vista ranch of seventy-seven hundred and twen-
t\ -five acres, the greater part of which is in the
Salinas valley. He then bought four hundred
and fifty dairy cattle from Nevada, and when
his five years' lease expired renewed the same
for seven years, adding to his original stock
five hundred cows. In 1883 the ranch passed
into his absolute possession, and remained his
property until its disposal by Mr. Corey, in
1889, to the Buena Vista Land Company, who
afterward forced him to take back two thousand
acres of the property. Subsequently he bought
back his present ranch of sixteen hundred
acres, which has been named Las Palmas, and
is not only the finest ranch in the county, but
one of the best in the state. Mr. Corey is
engaged principally in stock raising, and upon
his fertile meadow-s have grazed some of the
finest cattle and horses in California, their owner
being regarded as one of the best authorities on
the subject for many miles around.
In 1856 Mr. Corey married Rosana Frost, a
native of Essex, Yt. and who was a beautiful
character and an ideal helpmate. Mrs. Corey
had no children of her own, but lavished all
the love of her heart on three of the children
of her husband's sister, who were left orphans
at an early age. She died March 9, 1900, a firm
believer and worker in the Presbyterian Church.
The second marriage of Mr. Corey was with
Mrs. F.lfreda (Ead) Johnson, and was solemn-
I '.la\ -j.j. [901, Mrs. Corey being a daughter
of Joseph and Sarah (Nattress) Ead, natives of
England. Mr. and Mrs. Ead brought their
daughter to America and California in 1849,
settling in this county, where they are still liv-
ing and are nearly seventy years of age. Mrs.
Corey was born in Jo Daviess county, 111., and
married Thomas J. Johnson, by whom she had
one daughter, Pearl, her second marriage re-
sulting in another daughter, Augusta Eleanor.
Mr. Corey is a stanch supporter of the Republi-
can party, although he has never labored for
the interests of other than his friends. He was
one of the organizers and a director of the
Monterey County Bank, at Salinas, and has had
much to do with other enterprises in the town
and county of equal importance to its growth.
Although approaching the quiet evening of life,
he is still well and hearty, a successful, typically
western, and honored resident of this well fav-
ored coast country.
JOSE VICENTE ESTUDILLO.
During his long and active career, Jose Vi-
cente Estudillo exerted a lasting influence upon
the general affairs of San Luis Obispo county.
where for thirty-one years he engaged in stock-
raising on a scale compatible with large returns
and the general advantages of his surroundings.
The family owned San Joaquin ranch, one of
the finest in the country, and this was the spe-
cial pride of Mr. Estudillo. who spent his days
in its improvement, and gave to it his best
thought and untiring care. His death in 1803
removed one of the substantial men of the com-
munity, and one whom, in many respects, it
was difficult to find a substitute.
In his young manhood Mr. Estudillo found a
helpmate and sincere sympathizer in Eulalia D.
Zamorano, whom he married in San Diego
county, and who was born in that county. Mrs.
Estudillo, who still lives in San Luis Obispo, has
an interesting ancestry, and is a daughter of
Agustin Vicente Zamorano, a native of Florida.
The father eventually chose Mexico as his per-
manent home, and the woes of that once hapless
country were very deeply imbedded in his patri-
otic heart, lie was a lieutenant in the Sixth
Regiment, and at the time of the independence
V Mexico, in t8lO, he was active in defense of
the rights of his adopted country. He was am-
bitious of high political honors, and aspired to
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
461;
be governor, but bis premature death in 1842,
while still young in years, terminated what
promised to be a brilliant and resourceful ca-
reer. His aspiration for a seat among the
mighty and influential was in a sense inherited
from ancestors who had mingled with the kings
of Spain, and participated in the glory which
brilliant deeds and extended empire shed upon
the once world-envied throne. The paternal
grandfather. Gonzalo Zamorano, a native of
Spain, was treasurer to Charles III., king of
Spain, and his official capacity extended also to
the reign of Ferdinand VII.
Mrs. Estudillo has one brother and one sister
living in California, and she herself has spent
her entire life amid the multitudinous attrac-
tions of the state. She became the mother of
twelve children, namely: Joaquin J., Agustin
Y., Jose V., Eulalie D., Josefa R., Chonita M.,
Elena R., Enrique R., Jose G., Odulia M., Da-
linda F. (who died at the age of six years), and
Anais M.
JUDGE MARTIN EGAN.
In the city of Plattsburg, N. Y., where his
father had settled in 183 1, Judge Egan was born
in 1844. The family of which he is a member
has always displayed the utmost loyalty to our
country and has been stanchly Republican ever
since that party was organized. Indeed, his
father was one of the founders of the party in
his neighborhood and did considerable pioneer
work in bringing its principles before the peo-
ple for consideration and thoughtful study.
Naturally, he is also a believer in the Repub-
lican platform and upholds its principles by his
ballot. A military spirit is another characteristic
of the family, and he had two brothers who sig-
nificantly displayed the possession of this family
trait. One of them was a graduate of West
Point, and rose to tie rank of major in the reg-
ular army. Another brother, Michael, was also
a Union soldier during the war, and now resides
in Philadelphia.
On completing his education in Plattsburg
Academy. Martin Egan began to make his own
way in the world. Following in the footsteps of
his father, who was a merchant, he became inter-
ested in merchandising at Plattsburg, and re-
mained in that city until 1878, the date of his
arrival in California. Ever since then he has
made his home in San Luis Obispo, where for
years he had charge of the water works, mean-
time laying all the mains, pipes, etc. Since 1891
he has held office as justice of the peace, which
position he fills with the utmost fidelity. The
filling of this office has made him perhaps more
deeply interested in moral reform than he would
have been otherwise. He believes that boys
should be carefully trained when young, and
should be taught to leave whisky alone and
shun other evils which drag into hopeless ruin
so many of the brightest youths of the land.
While living in Plattsburg, N. Y., Judge Egan
there married Miss Mary A. South, who was
born and reared in New York state. Her father,
Lieut. Joseph South, enlisted in the Ninety-sixth
New York Infantry at the opening of the Civil
war and was killed in 1863 while in active serv-
ice. Judge and Mrs. Egan have six children,
namely: John, Mary, Emmett, Henry, Louisa
and Margaret.
JOSEPH EDGAR.
Practically all of the competence which Mr.
Edgar has gained and the position he has
reached is the result of his unaided efforts, for
when he and his parents arrived in California,
December 4, 1865, they were not only without
means, but lacked a knowledge of American
customs and people. They came direct from
their native country of Ireland and settled near
Tomales, Marin county, where the parents, John
and Eliza Edgar, with the assistance of then-
only son, set about the task of improving a farm
from a tract of raw land. Four years later the
father came to San Luis Obispo county and
bought a farm near Cambria, where he carried
on agricultural pursuits with a fair deg
success. On that place his death occurred June
28, 1884, when he was sixty-nine years 0
and his wife died in Vugust, 1NS0. aged 1 ■■
two. Their only living son is Joseph Edgar,
who at the time of crossing the ocean was
cell years of age. In 1869 he came to San Luis
Obispo county with his father, whom he after-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ward assisted in dairying for a number of years.
Before the death of his mother, Mr. Edgar
rented the old homestead and gave his attention
closely to the cultivation of the four hundred and
fifty acres forming the property. In 1888 he
removed to Los Osos valley, where he has since
made his home with his sister, Mrs. Nelson. His
property interests are constantly increasing in
importance and without doubt, unless accident
prevents, he will in time be numbered among
the most successful ranchers in all of the county.
Since he came here he has seen the transforma-
tion of the county and its gradual settlement by
a desirable class of people, all of which is as
gratifying to him as to other public-spirited men.
Included in his possessions is a small place just
outside of the city of San Luis Obispo. At the
organization of the Commercial Bank of San
I. nib < >bispo he was one of those who bore a
part in its establishment, and since 1898 he has
been a member of its board of directors. Polit-
ically he gives his support to the Democratic-
party. On one occasion he served as clerk of
the election board. He is especially interested
in educational work and for the past ten years
has been clerk of the Laguna school district.
JOHN F. FIEDLER.
No better proof were required of the popular-
ity of John F. Fiedler than the fact that he is
now serving his fourteenth year as recorder of
San Luis Obispo county. He was first elected
on the Republican ticket in 1888, has been re-
elected for five consecutive terms, and has come
to be regarded as a permanent acquisition to
the important political trusts of the county.
Hern in Columbia, Tuolumne county, Cal, in
1853, Mr. Fiedler spent his youth in San Fran-
cisco, where he was educated in the public
schools. His father, F. Fiedler, was engaged in
commercial enterprises all his life, and his integ-
rity and ability resulted in numerous large busi-
ness responsibilities. In the latter part of 1868
he removed his family from San Francisco to
New Almaden, Santa Clara county, where he
became superintendent of the quicksilver works
and where he remained until returning to San
Francisco in 1873. lie married Eugenia Si-
monds, who is now living in Marin county, Cal.,
and who became the mother of the following
children: John F.; Frederick, who is in busi-
ness in Marin county; James R. ; Mrs. Laura
Bohlman, Caroline L., Ida and Emma. Carrie
died when three years of age.
While his father was superintendent of the
quicksilver works in New Almaden, John F.
Fiedler made himself useful as a clerk in a store,
and when the family fortunes were again located
in San Francisco he Worked in a carriage estab-
lishment for three years. In Darwin, Inyo
county, he also engaged as a clerk in a mercan-
tile store, and in the latter part of 1881 removed
to Lake county, and engaged in business for a
couple of years. Thus fortified with plenty of
practical experience in the mercantile line, he-
started out in a little business of his own in Ar-
royo Grande, San Luis Obispo county, and suc-
ceeded fairly well as a dispenser of high-grade
groceries. His election as county recorder in
1888 put an end to his mercantile aspirations for
some years at least, and the responsible duties of
his office have since demanded his exclusive and
undivided attention.
Through his marriage, in 1882, with Almira
Parrish, a native of this county, Mr. Fiedler
secured a true helpmate and sympathizer in his
struggle to secure a name and place for himself
among the enterprising sons of the west. Two
sons have been born of this union, Ferdinand
F. and Eugene S. Mr. Fiedler is associated with
the Foresters of America, the Woodmen of the
World, and the Native Sons of the Golden
West
J. M. FELTS.
That adverse conditions build up the strong
and break down the weak is a truism empha-
sized in the life of J. M. Felts, at present en-
gaged in the real-estate and insurance business
in San Luis Obispo, and formerly an educator.
A native of Alabama, Mr. Felts was born Feb-
ruary 27, 1842, a son of a planter living in the
south, but of whose life or character he recalls
very little. The father was ambitious of larger
chances than confronted him the other side of
the Rockies, so started with his family for Cali-
HISTORICAL .VXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
4(59
fornia. but on the Missouri river, aboard the
steamer Saloody, met with an accident due to
explosion of the boat, which caused the deaths
of himself and wife a few months later, in Lex-
ington, Mo.
Left an orphan at the age of eight years, J.
M. Felts was at the mercy of his own resources,
and without a home of any kind. From his par-
ents he had imbibed an appreciation of the west,
and so continued his journey over the plains,
having secured the position of cattle driver with
a salary of $10 a month. That he was unusu-
ally thrift}' and enterprising is evidenced by the
fact that at the age of seventeen years he had
saved up $600, his sole thought in economizing
being the prospect of securing a good education.
Up to the age of fourteen he had been to school
but three months, and he afterward went to the
public schools and Hesperian College in Yolo
county, and the San Francisco Business Col-
lege, and subsequently taught school in Yolo
and Coluso counties. After removing to San
Luis Obispo county in 1879, he taught school,
was county superintendent of schools for eight
years, and served as assessor for eight years.
For three years he was principal of schools of
San Luis Obispo, and in 1902 engaged in the
real estate and insurance business.
In San Luis Obispo county Mr. Felts married
Jennie C. Blunt, daughter of Levi Blunt, a Mis-
souri farmer who came to California in the early
days, settled 'at Cambria, San Luis Obispo
county, and died at an advanced age. Five
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Felts,
viz.: Irene, the wife of H. H. Carpenter; Lola,
a resident of Seattle, Wash.; Charles and Wirt,
both at home; and Hattie, deceased. Mr. Felts
is a Democrat in political affiliation, and has
been active in local political undertakings.
FRITZ VORBECK.
In conducting his fanning enterprises in Mon
terey county Mr. Yorbeck has encountered the
average number of drawbacks, and it is to his
credit that he has profited by bis failures and
built thereon a solid foundation for the future.
lie rents a farm of four hundred acres near
Chualar, and is engaged in general farming and
stock-raising. Mr. Yorbeck is one of the sub-
stantial German-American farmers of the county,
and was born in Mellenburg, Germany, in 1823,
a son of John and Catherine Vorbeck, natives of
Germany and farmers by occupation. When
grown to manhood, he decided to spend his fu-
ture in America, and undertook the journey
hither by way of steamer to New York, and
thence by steamer around Cape Horn to San
Francisco.
The long trip was completed March 26, 1854,
at which time Mr. Yorbeck was just twenty-nine
years of age. For a time he worked as a dav
laborer in San Francisco, and then went to Ala-
meda county and worked on a farm for two
years. As an independent effort he started in
to farming near Haywards, and in spite of the
fact that his property did not yield sufficient re-
turns for labor invested, remained for nearly
twelve years. Hoping to better his prospects
and get on his feet again, he worked out on a
farm for four years, and came to Chualar in
1873. This has been his home ever since, and
he is an industrious and respected member of
the community. In national politics he is a Re-
publican, and votes for the man best fitted for
the official office.
Y. P. VILLEGAS.
The manifold advantages which await the in-
dustrious and enterprising in the central coast
regions are fully understood and appreciated by
Mr. Yillegas, who, as agent for the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company, has been an inter-
ested spectator of the growth of Soledad and
vicinity since 1876. In the meantime he lias
branched out into an exhaustive study of cli-
matic and other conditions here prevailing, and
as a historian has gained considerable promi
nence, bis diary containing 1 fine and graphic
description of the Salinas valley, and a pene-
trating and conclusive anal. LUses of
rainfall, both in this country and in Spain, as
well as in other portion of th< gl £>< His as-
sertions are backed up by proof gained through
years of practical experience, out of wh
has drawn certain deductions for the improve
ment of the valley, anion- others the well-re-
1:70
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
ceived and sensible idea of setting shade trees,
a few miles apart, and extending across the
valley in rows.
The family of which Mr. Villegas is a member
were among the very early pioneers of Mon-
terey county. He was born in Mexico in 1840,
and his parents, Francisco and Antonia O. De
Villegas, came to Monterey city in 1848. The
father was a rancher and stock-raiser, and in
carrying on his extensive enterprises was a great
factor in the development of this part of Cali-
fornia, owning at one time four thousand acres
of land. His son was educated at Santa Clara,
and during his early life had the typical frontier
experiences, at times engaging as cowboy,
rancher and miner. At the time that he became
agent of the Southern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany, Soledad was then the terminus of the rail-
road, and continued as such until 1886. The
original intention of Mr. Villegas was to devote
his life to the study of law, and he therefore
began with Judge Breen, and was under that
eminent jurist's instruction for a year and a half.
In 1868 he took up telegraphy, a line of occupa-
tion more in accord with his natural inclinations,
and therefore more congenial. He has been
identified with the development of Soledad, and
has exerted the weight of his influence in favor
of the highest possible educational advantages
for the town. Like his father before him. he is
a stanch Republican. He was elected justice of
the peace in San Juan township in 1876, and has
been notary public for twelve years.
In 1 861, at San Juan. Mr. Villegas married
Guadaloupe Salgado, and of this union there are
children. Of these, three are telegraph
operators, and the oldest son is postmaster of
Soledad. The family are devoted members of
the Catholic Church at Soledad.
CH \RI.KS UNDERWOOD.
The name of Charles Underwood is familiar
to most of the residents of Monterey county
and carries with it an impression of influence,
large undertakings and unquestioned integrity.
An extensive rancher and large city and country
property owner, he is indebted chiefly to his
own skillful handling of fickle fortune, and his
successful manipulation of the latent forces by
which he was surrounded. A native of Scho-
harie, N. Y., he was born May 10, 1828, and
was reared on the paternal farm until fifteen
years of age. His youthful spirit rebelled at
the limitations of an agricultural life and he put
to sea in a merchant vessel, entering with zest
into the life upon the deep. During his nine
years before the mast he spent three years upon
a war frigate, and eventually gave up his sea-
faring life in the east. Not content with condi-
tions there, he came to California by rail and
water, and at Redwood City became interested
in milling, continuing the same about nine years.
After leaving the milling business at Red-
wood, Mr. Underwood bought a one-third inter-
est in the Los Tularcitos rancho of twenty-eight
thousand acres and for several years engaged
in the sheep business. In 1868 he contested a
claim for the old Spanish grant commonly
known as Corral de Tierra. which finally re-
sulted, after eleven years of litigation, in judg-
ment for Mr. Underwood. In 1876 he went to
San Francisco and engaged in the piano busi-
ness and for three years sold pianos and organs
at wholesale, after which he came to Monterey,
and later assumed charge of his large farming
interests. He also overhauled and rebuilt the
Central Hotel, now managed by his son. While
assuming control of the hotel, he also con-
ducted his ranch, but eventually leased the hotel
and gave his entire attention to ranching. At
I lie present time he is devoted exclusively to his
ranch, wdiere he is breeding Hereford cattle, and
engaging in general farming. That his main-
lines of activity have resulted in gain is evi-
denced by his property holdings, which include
two store buildings in Monterey, several other
business and residence properties, besides his
improved ranch.
In 1856 Mr. Underwood married Catherine
Armstrong, a native of Ireland, and who came
to the United States with her parents when quite
young. To Mr. and Mrs. Underwood have been
born five children, two of whom are living.
namely: Margaret, wife of A. W. Brown, of
San Francisco; and Alexander R., lessee and
manager of the Central Hotel. Mr Underwood
1- a Republican in political affiliations, but ha-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
never been before the public as a politician or
office-holder. He is one of the broad-minded
and liberal upbuilders of this community, and
enjoys the confidence and respect due his per-
sonal attributes of character.
ALEXANDER R. UNDERWOOD.
The present manager and lessee of Central
Hotel at Monterey, Mr. Underwood was born
in California and is a son of Charles and Cath-
erine (Armstrong) Underwood, natives respec-
tively of Schoharie, N. Y., and Ireland. He was
educated in the Garden City Commercial Col-
lege at San Jose, at the San Jose Institute and
the Lincoln grammar school in San Francisco.
February 15, 1892, he accepted a position with
the state hospital, and remained with this insti-
tution, founded by Dr. Hatch, until his resigna-
tion in March of 1900. The same year he be-
came manager of Central Hotel, owned by his
lather, and has since conducted this place to the
satisfaction of all concerned. He is variously
identified with fraternal and social organizations,
and is a charter member of Salinas Lodge No.
614, B. P. O. E. : a member of Liberty Lodge
No. 299. F. & A. M.. at Santa Clara; Lodge
No. 643. I. O. F. ; also is connected with the
Union League Club of San Francisco and the
Native Sons of the Golden West. In politics he
is a Republican. Mrs. Underwood was formerly
Tulia E. Carter and is a native of San Jose.
MICHAEL TYNAN.
Under the able supervision of Mr. Tynan the
Monterey county farm has been conducted since
1891, and during that long period he has placed
the work on a systematic basis, intelligently
guiding and directing the whole. The sixty-five
acres comprising the farm receive careful at-
tention, so that each acre is made to produce
the greatest possible results in response to the
care and cultivation bestowed upon it. The in-
mates of the farm are treated with kindly con-
sideration, yet with firmness, and each, as Far
as possible, is expected to assist in certain du-
ties, thus giving them a personal interest in the
place which is their only home and causing them
to take a pride in its improvements and neat ap-
pearance.
The superintendent of the farm, Mr. Tynan,
was born near Buffalo, at Black Rock, N. Y.,
November 27, 1827. While he was a mere child
the family moved to Detroit, Mich., where his
father died. Later the widowed mother, accom-
panied by the two children, moved to Toronto.
Canada, but soon returned to Detroit, in which
city Michael began clerking in a grocery at the
age of fourteen years. Four years later he
began to follow the lakes and also worked 011
the St. Clair river, rising from a humble position
to the rank of captain uf the steamer Red
Jacket, in which capacity he continued for three
years. During the exciting days of 1850 he
crossed the plains to California, with horse-
teams, being captain of a party of nine men.
During the trip from Fort Leavenworth to
Hangtown (now Placerville) he experienced con-
siderable trouble with the Indians, but managed
to escape direct attack from them. On his ar-
rival in California he started a store at Diamond
Springs, where he remained two years as a
grocer. He was interested in a general store at
Ladies Valley, on the McCosmies river, at the
same time. His next venture was the building
of the Golden Exchange Hotel, which he con-
ducted until 1854. He then rented his hotel
and began mining, which occupation he fol-
lowed many years, meantime becoming the
owner of a valuable mine. A later business ven-
ture was the conducting of a livery business at
Lancha Plana. Amador county. During his
early days in California, while the honest peo-
ple in the state were endeavoring to maintain
themselves in safety against the Indians and
white desperadoes, he hail many thrilling expe-
riences, and more than once narrowly escaped
with his life. At one time he joined a companv
in Eldorado county, organized to drive the In-
dians away, and succeeded in accomplishing that
object, so that no further trouble was had with
the savages.
1 1111111- to Salinas in 1870. Mr. Tynan con-
ducted the Salinas hotel a short time, and then
erected what is now known as the Commercial
hotel, which lie still owns. This latter lie main-
tained until accepting his appointment I
m
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Monterey county farm in 1891. His marriage,
in 1852, united him with Miss Angeline Foster,
a native of Illinois, who died in 1882. Their
children arc Alon/.o, John, Clarence and Ger-
trude. While Mr. Tynan is not a partisan, but
on the other hand believes in supporting- the
best man for office, yet he is a believer in Dem-
ocratic principles, and at national elections sup-
ports his ticket uniformly. Some thirty-two
years ago he was made a Mason and ever since
he has retained his connection with the blue
lodge.
( IWEN S. TUTTLE.
The varied interests which have been under
the supervision of Mr. Tuttle have given him a
position of prominence among the business men
of Watsonville and the stock-raisers of the Pa-
jaro valley. He was born in Keokuk county,
Iowa, May 6, 1850, being a son of Daniel and
Mary E. (Pardoe) Tuttle. His grandfather.
Hiram Tuttle. a native of Washington county,
Pa., removed to Richland county, Ohio, in 1821,
and in 1838 established his home still further
toward the west, going to a farm in Iowa. Dan-
iel Tuttle was reared to agricultural activities
and in 1852 accompanied a party to California,
settling in Shasta county, where he conducted
a tavern. However, agriculture was his chosen
occupation, and in the fall of 1852 he came to
Santa Cruz county in search of a favorable
opening for farming. With others he took a
squatter's claim on the Amesta ranch, and this
place he stocked with cattle, the land affording
fine grazing in those days. For a time he had
control of five hundred acres, which afforded
linn abundant pasturage for his herds. There
being no saw mill near, he could not secure
lumber with which to build a house, so put up
a rude hut of split lumber. In addition t.. rac-
ing stock he engaged in general fanning and
also sel "tit a peach orchard.
For a few years all went well, but finally the
squatters were dispersed by law and their claims
were taken from them, lie made a test case oi
his property, but was oblige.] to submit, losing
all of his improvements. Forced to start anew,
lie bougrht a ranch of ninety acres, for which he
paid $33.33 an acre. In those days that was
considered a very high price, but since then
some of the same property has been sold for
from $100 to $1,000 an acre. About 1864 he
built a house near the river, but this he later
moved to First street, nearly one-half mile away.
When he first settled in the Pajaro valley, he
and Reuben Pardoe, with the assistance of a
negro, engaged in freighting from here to
Stockton, using for that purpose three eight-
mule teams. Considerable freighting was also
done to the coast. Mr. Tuttle was one of the
first to own and operate a threshing machine in
the valley. These were of the old style, with
five sweeps and three teams on each.
During the drought of 1864 Mr. Tuttle had
his large herd of cattle at Lonetree, in San
Benito county, but could not find sufficient pas-
turage for them there, and so sold all at $6 a
head (including the calves). The following year
such of the herd as had escaped the drought
were gathered together by a Cherokee, Joe
.Mateo, who put his brand on them and sold
them for $40 per head. In those days there \\ ere
no railroads, hence cattle could not be shipped
out of the country in times of drought. During
the early part of i860 Mr. Tuttle planted a
twenty-acre tract in apples, but these proved to
be of common stock and unmarketable, so the
trees were later dug up. Besides his other en-
terprises, he engaged extensively in raising p 1
tatoes and grain. In company with S. Yoacham,
he opened a meat market in Watsonville, in
which he was afterward succeeded by his son.
Owen S. Though averse to public office, he
consented to serve as town trustee and road
commissioner, and acted as a delegate to the
state convention at the time of the adoption of
the new constitution. At the time of his death.
M.i\ 31, [894, lie was seventy years of age. His
wife, who was born in 1826. died in 1896. Their
children were named as follows: Dr. Hiram P..
deceased; Owen S. : Mary E.. who married .1
S. Menasco; Emma, deceased: Frank G. and
Reuben S.
Since his earliest recollections Owen S. Tuttle
has been associated with Santa Cruz county.
\iMnii [880 he succeeded his father in the mar-
1 el md two years later bought out S. Yoacham.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
475
continuing to carry on the business until 1896,
when he leased the market to his son. George
A., and brother, R. S. Since then he has given
his attention mainly to farming and dealing in
stock. He owns the old homestead of sixty
acres adjoining the city limits. Fraternally he
is connected with the Foresters, Workmen,
lodge of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs. His
interest in educational matters has been shown
by his service as school trustee. For four years
he also held the office of city trustee.
February 7. 1872. Mr. Tuttlc married Edna
Andrews, who was born in Stephenson county,
111., February 10, 1857. and died August 10,
1877. Her father, George Andrews, was a Cali-
fornia pioneer from New York state. At her
death she left two sons: George A., who mar-
ried Benella Wilcox, and is now in charge of
the market at Watsonville; and D. Roy, who
married Maude Skinner and died in 1895. The
second marriage of Owen S. Tuttle united him
with Sarah, daughter of K. F. Redman, who
is represented elsewhere in this volume. The
children born of their union arc \llyer R., Edna
May and Ruth Clair.
HEM AN TOMPKINS.
The farm of Heman Tompkins, in Peach Tree.
Monterey county, consists of four thousand and
five hundred acres of desirable land, devoted for
the greater part to stock-raising, although gen-
eral farming is engaged in to some extent. As
far as the eye can reach may be seen stock of
various kinds grazing in the fertile and pro-
ductive meadows, and everywhere are to be
found innumerable evidences of the neatness,
thrift and successful management of the pros-
perous owner.
In his occupation Mr. Tompkins "is but fol-
lowing the example of his parents and the train-
ing of his youth, for his boyhood and early
manhood were spent in doing his share of work-
on the paternal farm in the slate of New York,
where he was born September to. 1833. 'When
arrived at twenty-one years of age. he started out
to make an independent livelihood, and selected
California as possessing the best possible
chances. Arriving, after a water journey by way
of Panama, he went to the mines in Eldorado
county, where he experienced the successes and
failures incident to that vocation. Then he went
to British Columbia and stayed there five years.
Returning to Eldorado county, he remained
there until 1S70. For the following two years
he lived on a farm in Wild Horse Canon, and
then pre-empted three hundred and twentv
acres of his present farm, to which was later
added enough land to make the forty-five hun-
dred acres now comprising the farm. The mar-
riage of Mr. Tompkins and Mary Nattrass oc-
curred in 1871, and Mrs. Tompkins has been of
great assistance to her husband in his life work.
PETER STORM.
One of the valuable farms of the Pajaro valley
is that owned and managed by Peter Storm,
who has found his greatest success in develop-
ing this fertile part of Monterey county. Feb-
ruary 4, 1854, Mr. Storm was born in Schles-
wig-Holstein. then a province of Denmark, but
now in Germany, and came to America with his
father, J. P. Storm, in 1867. The elder Storm
was also born in Schleswig. and was a farmer
and wheelwright in his native land. Tn June,
1867, he came to the Pajaro valley and rented
land for a year. Afterward he bought three
hundred acres of land, which he improved from
the wild, and lived thereon for the rest of his
farming days. While on a visit to Denmark-
he died in his seventieth year, and was buried
in the land where had lived so many of his
ancestors. He was very successful after coming
to California, for, in addition to his original
farm, he bought two others in the valley, one
of which contained two hundred acres and the
other one hundred acres. These were sold be-
fore his death, and the gain therefrom helped
to swell the fortune which resulted from his
wise investments and conservative management.
Peter Storm was thirteen years of age when
his father settled in the valley, and he worked
on the home farm and attended a private school
-lit six months. He then rented land from
his father and pendent farm-
ing and stock- raising enterprise, and in connec-
tion therewith worked on a threshing machine
\;r,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for three summers. For three years lie rented
a farm in the Salinas valley, but this venture
proved disastrous owing to drought, and Mr.
Storm lost about all that he had. For the fol-
lowing fifteen years he rented the old McCoskey
ranch of five hundred acres, ami while tints
employed was successful beyond his expecta-
tions. In [89] Ik- became a land owner in the
valley, purchasing his present ranch of two hun-
dred ami ten acres, one hundred ami ten of
which are in the valley, while the rest is hill
land for pasture and fanning. In 1800 he put
cut thirty acres in apples, and at the present
time the trees are just beginning to bear.
In 1883 Mr. Storm paid a visit of seven
months to his old home in Schleswig, and after
1 lis return married Hannah Christina Fisher,
also born in Schleswig. Of this union there
have been born nine children, three of win mi
died when young. Of the living children. Andy
Peter is attending the business college at Santa
Cruz; Anna, Maria, Jessie, Minnie and Emma
are attending school and living at home. Mr.
Storm follows his father's example as far as
politics is concerned, hut although a stanch
upholder of Democratic principles has never
mingled with local official affairs. He is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and is a con-
sistent ami enterprising citizen. Fraternally he
belongs to Watsonville Lodge Xo. 110, F. iv
A. M.: Temple Chapter Xo. 41, R. A. M.; and
Watsonville Commandery Xo. 22, K. T.
K IWA 11. TUTTLE.
( )ne "I I lie most enterprising and successful of
the far-sighted men whd have taken advantage
of the berry ami apple possibilities of the Pajaro
valley is towa IT. Tuttle, manager of an eight)
acre ranch aboul one mile from Watsonville.
Mr. Tuttle is one of the enthusiastic residents
of this valley, and his efforts here have
been praiseworthy. While his name is associ-
ated with the growth "i hi- locality, he is entitled
lo more than passing mention because nt his
association with the organization of the Pajaro
Board of Trade, in May, rooo. The pur-
die board is to unite all organizations
valley, ami is calculated to improve general con-
ditions, and elevate the already exceptional
standards. The helpful associations of the board
haw been realized by many of the fruit growers,
and the already large membership is constantly
increasing as its merits become known. For
their meetings and exhibits the association
has been tendered the club rooms and privileges
of the Pajaro Valley Wheelmen, who, for the
consideration ..f $200, have given up all right
thereto. At the exhibits are to lie found the
choicest samples of field, orchard and factory
production, and an interest is thus maintained
in all that is excellent and the best in its line.
Members and would-be members have the privi-
lege of meeting the officers of the board of
directors at their regular meetings the first Tues-
day each month, and every reasonable induce-
ment is held out to all wdio desire the benefits of
the association.
A native son of Iowa, Air. Tuttle was born in
Van Ruren county, February 23, 1868, a son of
1 >wen and Mary F. (Burns) Tuttle, natives re-
spectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Tut-
tle family has been well known in Massachusetts
for many years. A relative of Iowa H. evinced
his interest in the cause of education by present-
ing to Harvard College the ground upon which
the institution was built. Owen Tuttle became
associated with Iowa when twelve years of age,
having removed to the state with his parents.
In 1851 lie made a trip to California across the
plains with ox-teams, and was so well pleased
with the prospects that he brought his family
and located in Santa Cruz county, this being his
home until his death in July, 1899. ^e was :l
prominent Republican, and was school trustee
for sixteen years. < >f the nine children born to
himself and wife, the following are living:
Hiram l>.: Morris I'..: Emory O.; Anna Bell,
now Mrs. Radcliff; Nan I-:., the widow ,,f R. L.
Craig, and now president of the K. I.. Craig
Wholesale Grocer) Company, of Cos Angeles;
Delia, the wife of Dr. Schloss, of San Francisco;
and Victor II.
Iowa II. Tuttle wa- reared to farming, and
educated in the public schools. In June. [890,
la married I .ilhe d'xrrel, a native of ( >akland.
HISTORIl \L AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
three children, Urania, Lois and lone. Like his
father, Mr. Tuttle is a stanch Republican, and
he is fraternally connected with the Masons and
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was
president of the Watsonville McKinley Club
during- the last two elections, and has rendered
valuable service to the party which he repre-
sents. Air. Tuttle has a pleasant rural home
about a mile from Watsonville, and with his fam-
ily he is noted for his hospitality and social
prominence.
A. TOGNAZZINI.
Tlie qualities which bring success to a man,
when in a strange country and among a people
whose language is unfamiliar, are certainly of
no ordinary kind. The path to fortune is not
strewn with flowers, even under the most favor-
able circumstances; and in the life of Mr. Tog-
nazzini there were many obstacles to overcome
which do not impede the progress of most young
men. Hence the high degree of success he has
achieved merits especial consideration and
proves him to lie the possessor of unusual abil-
ity. Born of Swiss parents, in the city of Ticino,
Switzerland, May 27, 1846, he had no advan-
tages in boyhood, except that under his father's
oversight he was able to gain a thorough knowl-
edge of the dairy business, which afterward
proved most helpful. lie was the youngest of
five children and was given a common-school
education.
\itcr a journey of seventy-five days from
Switzerland, Mr. Tognazzini arrived in San
Francisco. His reason for seeking a home in
the far west was the favorable report he had
heard concerning its opportunities in the dairy
industry. Going to Marin count}-, lie secured
employment at $15 a. month, which amount was
soon doubled. In the fall of [866 he rented a
tract of land and one hundred cows from his
former employer, and with this start In- em
barked in the dairy business for himself. From
the first he was successful. In [868 he rented
fourteen hundred acres of land and bought one
hundred and fifty cows, investing in the stock
the pn iceeds ol the work of the two pre\ ions
\ ears. I', ,]■ sj\ \ ears he c. .111 inued Oil thi
place, meantime accumulating considerable
means. In 1872 he purchased a ranch near Cay-
ucos, San Luis Obispo county, and there he
made his home for some years. Before moving
to San Luis Obispo county, he gave the charge
of the Cayucos ranch to a nephew, who man-
aged the dairy of one hundred and fifty cows.
For five years after he came to this county he
rented two thousand acres, paying seven1
cents an acre. On every hand the prediction
was made that the venture would prove a fail-
ure, but such gloomy prognostications did not
daunt the one principally concerned. Indeed,
they served as spurs to inspire him with a
greater determination to succeed, and he was
able to prove the wisdom of his judgment in a
very short time.
In 18S1 Mr. Tognazzini bought thirty two
hundred acres near Santa Barbara, and stocked
the place with two hundred and fifty milch cows.
With a partner, in 1884, he purchased seven
thousand acres in Santa Barbara county, which
was divided into dairies. < )n his ranch one and
one-half miles northeast of Cayucos he built a
comfortable house, the homelike appearance of
which was enhanced by the presence of trees
and shrubs in considerable numbers. His pos-
sessions in the vicinity of Cayucos aggregate
almost two thousand acres, a portion of which
has been utilized for dairy purposes, while the
balance is planted to general farm products or
used for the pasturage of horses and other stocl
The marriage of Mr. Tognazzini took place in
San Francisco in [867 and united him with
Madeline Reghetti, a native of Switzerland.
Five children were horn of their union, three of
whom are living, namely: Virgil X.; Valerio,
an engineer, who received his diploma in Zurich,
Switzerland: and Clelia, wife of Romilio
cio, who is connected with the Commercial
Bant of San Luis ( Ibispo county. The children
h 1 n exi 'IK in advantagi s. not onlj in this
country, hut also in I
In the Masonic order Mr. Togna
tained hi thirtj to >nd degree. Politii .1
oted with the R
became an American citizen. While he was in
his old home in Europe, in [892, he was hon-
ored b\ his fellow -citizens, who elected hint to
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
478
the legislature. In 1897 he made a second trip
to Switzerland, in company with H. Brunner, of
San Francisco. Cal.. for the purpose of estab-
lishing the Swiss-American Bank of San Fran-
cisco, which they succeeded in doing, and the
bank is in a flourishing condition, having been
managed by several of the best financiers of San
Francisco. He is an officer in this bank. Henry
Brunner, who is one of its head men, was also
connected with him in the organization of the
Commercial Bank of San Luis Obispo, with
which he has since been associated as a stock-
holder. For the past few years he has been at
the head of the Pacific Land Company, one of
the most important enterprises of the central
coast region.
It will be readily recognized that Mr. Tog-
uazzini has attained a success greater than is
reached by many men, even though they are
persistent, industrious and persevering. This is
doubtless due to the fact that he has the qualities
just named, and has besides a well-balanced mind
and sound judgment. His foresight is remark-
able, hence his mistakes in investment's have
been few. Ranching would seem to demand
qualities very different from those necessary in
the banking business, yet he has been able to
follow both lines of work successfully, and is
no less proud of his success in dairying than of
his acknowledged fitness for affairs of finance.
PETER TOGNAZZINI.
Left fatherless when he was only five years of
age. Mr. Tognazzini was deprived of advantages
that he would have otherwise enjoyed. How-
ever, in spite of hardships and obstacles, in
spite of having to start for himself in a strange
country without friends, he has gained a suc-
cess that reflects credit upon his sterling Swiss
characteristics. Since 1869 he has lived in Cali-
fornia, having during that year emigrated from
Switzerland, where he was born in TS52. The
voyage was made via Boston and the Isthmus
of Panama to San Francisco, where he arrived
March 20. 1869. At first he worked in the em-
ploy of dairymen in Marin and Sonoma counties,
and thus gained a knowledge of the business, as
carried on in the west.
During 1873 Mr. Tognazzini came to San
Luis Obispo county, where he has since made
his home. Renting land on Little Cayucos
creek, he stocked it with a herd of dairy cows,
and from that small beginning he has built up a
large dairy business. As soon as he had the
necessary means, he purchased land. In 1880
he bought two hundred and twenty acres, to
which he later added two hundred acres. At
this writing he owns six hundred and fifteen
acres of fine land near Guadaloupe. of which in
jgoi he had two hundred and fifty acres in al-
falfa for his dairy cows. He was the first in all
the vicinity to attempt the raising of alfalfa,
and his success proved that his judgment was
not amiss in believing it would be a profitable
crop.
Since becoming a property owner Mr. Tog-
nazzini has given close attention to the improve-
ment of his land. He has planted trees, includ-
ing a number of fine palms. In 1800 he erected
a residence which is unrivaled among the homes
on the Little Cayucos. His dairy house is pro-
vided with the modern improvements. Between
one and two hundred cows of the Holstein breed
form the dairy, and the butter produced is of
such a fine quality that it has several times been
awarded premiums at county fairs. No one is
more familiar with the dairy business than Mr.
Tognazzini. and his thorough acquaintance with
the industry is proving financially profitable to
him. The dairymen throughout his county rec-
ognize in him one of the leading representatives
of their occupation, and his influence is every-
where acknowledged. He is a director of the
Dairymen's Union of San Francisco. As presi-
dent and a director of the Guadaloupe Creamery
Company at Guadaloupe and president of the
Union Creamery at Morro. he is closely asso-
ciated with two growing industries that are
proving helpful to their localities. These inter-
ests, while important and far-reaching, do not
represent the limit of Mr. Tognazzini's influ-
ence. In addition he is a director of the San
Luis Commercial Bank, the San Luis Obispo
Savings Bank of San Luis Obispo, and the
Swiss-American Bank of San Francisco.
Since coming to America and entering into
citizenship in our country Mr. Tognazzini has
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
479
been actively associated with local Republican
affairs. As a member of the county central
committee and as executive member from the
Cayucos district, he has done much to pro-
mote the welfare of his party here, and he also
represented his district as a delegate to the state
convention which nominated Hon. H. H. Mark-
ham for governor of California. For several
years he has been a school trustee.. Fraternally
he is connected with San Simeon Lodge No.
196, F. & A. M.; San Luis Obispo Chapter No.
62, R. A. M.; and San Luis Obispo Command-
ery No. 27, K. T. In the lodge he is a past
master and has been a delegate to the state
grand lodge. At the time the proposition was
made to build a railroad from Templeton to
Cayucos he was deeply interested in the project,
took a personal interest in the scheme and con-
tributed toward the fund for the making of the
survey. In 1881 he married Miss Mary Gaxi-
ola, by whom he has five children, Irene, Ro-
meo, Juliet, Mabel and Benjamin.
HERBERT E. T1TAMORE.
A typical Canadian who has found the change
from his somewhat bleak land to Monterey
county both a delightful and profitable one is
Herbert E. Titamore, engaged in raising grain
on one hundred and eighty acres of the old
Buena Vista ranch. Mr. Titamore, who brings
to his California tasks that enthuiasm so charac-
teristic of the northern reared, was born in Que-
bec Province, Canada, August 2, 1854. His
father, Abraham, spent his life on the frontier
of Canada, his farm being located at the spot
where the Fenians made their memorable raid
during 1866-8. The father was a man of im-
portance in his community, and for more than
fifty years was postmaster at St. Armand Cen-
ter, where he is still living at the age of seventy-
six. His wife, formerly Elizabeth Toof, was a
native of Canada, and her forefathers were
Pennsylvania Dutchmen.
When twenty years of age Herbert E. Tita-
more married and left the home of his youth,
living for a year on a rented farm. In the fall of
1867 he came to Monterey county and worked
for that venerable pioneer, Hiram Corey,
who owned the ranch upon which Mr. Tita-
more now lives. At the expiration of three
years he bought an interest in a ferry boat at
what is now Riverside, and during the following
five or six years manipulated the ferry during
the summer time and engaged in teaming dur-
ing the winter season. He then purchased five
or six hundred acres of land among the moun-
tains en the stock range, and for seven years
raised cattle and horses in large numbers. Af-
ter a trip east to his old home he leased about
four bundled acres of the old Corey ranch, lived
thereon for six years, and in 1901 bought
seventy-eight acres at the foot of the hills, the
same constituting a part of the old Buena Vista
ranch. He also purchased the three-quarters
of an acre upon which he lives, and besides
rents one hundred and ten acres, making in all
one hundred and eighty acres. This land is
mostly under grain, principally barley and oats.
At present he has thirty-six head of cattle and
fifteen horses. He is very successful, and is one
of the most practical and enterprising farmers
in the neighborhood.
November 11, [875, Mr. Titamore married
Mary E. Pell, a native of Canada. Four chil-
dren have been born of this union, namely,
Minard; Nettie, living at home; Frank, attend-
ing a mechanical school in San Francisco; and
Carl, at home. Mr. Titamore is a Republican,
and though not an office-seeker himself is often
active in the interests of his friends. The family
are members of the United Presbyterian
Church, of which Mr. Titamore is treasurer.
FRED THERWACHTER.
The fertility of the Pajaro valley has enabled
many a newcomer to California to realize his
expectations in regard to life on the coast.
Among the people thus favored may be men-
tioned Fred Therwachter, a pioneer of 1854,
and the owner and occupant of one hundred and
thirteen acres of rich bottom land near Watson-
ville, advantageously located on the bank of the
river. That this land is all that is claimed for
it is best illustrated by the guaranteed statement
that in iyoi fifty acres yielded ten hundred and
forty tons of sugar beets. General farming is
ISO
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
carried on with equal success on this model
farm, potatoes being raised in large quantities,
as well as a fair amount of fruit.
From his native land of Germany, where he
was born May 5. [833, Mr. Therwachter brought
the characteristic thrift and enterprise of his
countrymen. He inherits a liking for farming
from his parents, John and Mary (Hanke) Ther-
wachter, the former of whom died in 1852.
They were the parents also of Margaret, Cath-
erine and Caroline, as well as another son, all
of whom are living in America, and are making
their homes in either St. Louis or Xew York.
After arriving in America in 1850. Mr. Ther-
wachter investigated the farming and other con-
ditions in Xew York state, and during his four
vears' residence there mastered the trade of cab-
inet-making, which he failed to follow, owing
to the effect of necessary confinement upon his
impaired health. He came to California via
Central America in 1854, and for a year lived at
Soquel, and for five years engaged in mining
at Robinson's Ferry. Arriving in Watsonville
in 1858. he lived for two years in the town, and
in i860 purchased the farm upon which he has
since lived. In the meantime he has grown in
the esteem of his fellow townsmen, so that his
success includes that without which no truly
worthy man is satisfied, the confidence and hon-
orable appreciation of those by whom he is
surrounded.
October 13, 1862, Mr. Therwachter married
Catherine Swenney, a native of Cork, Ireland,
and of this union there have been born three
children, Carrie, Ella and Louise, trie latter of
whom is a school teacher in Santa Cruz county.
In politics Mr. Therwachter is a Republican.
JOHN 11. THOMPSON.
There are few of the ranchers in Edna district,
SaI] Luis < »bispo county, whose experiences in
California have covered a longer period of
vears or have been more diversified in nature
than those of Mr. Thompson, who is a pioneer
0f [854. lie was bom in Chautauqua county,
\. Y., in 1834, being a son of John Thompson,
who removed from Maine to New York in early
manhood and improved a large farm there. I In
the home farm near Ellington J. H. Thompson
passed the years of youth, meantime gaining
a thorough knowledge of agriculture and also
availing himself of advantages offered by the
district schools.
At the close of his long journey from New
York via the Isthmus of Panama to San Fran-
cisco, Mr. Thompson went into the lumber
camps of Butte county, Cak, and later engaged
in mining on the Yuba and Feather rivers.
Some years after his arrival in California he
accompanied a party of men to the island of
Cocos, southwest of Panama, where he spent
fourteen months in a fruitless search for the
hidden treasure to whose finding so many had
given years of toil in vain. On his return to
California he was for two years engaged in the
machine business at San Jose. During 1867
he went by stage from that city to Ventura
county and settled at New Jerusalem, now
known as El Rio. There he bought one hun-
dred acres of raw land, which he improved and
placed under cultivation to various products.
In 1869 he accepted a position as superintend-
ent of the old Patterson ranch, comprising five
thousand acres, and there he remained for eight
years. During the last seven years he rented
the property in partnership with H. L. Bush.
Making another removal, Mr. Thompson
went to Los Angeles county and bough) our
thousand acres of land where the village of Gar-
dena now stands. In this enterprise he had
II. L. Bush as a partner. They continued to
cultivate the land for some years, hut sold out
during the boom, receiving a fair price. I lis
residence in San Luis Obispo county dates from
1XN7, when he bought the Palace Yirde ranch
of eight hundred acres and there began the life
of a dairyman and farmer. About the sami
time he purchased a part of the Steele ranch,
which had originally been attached to an old
Spanish land grant. Shortly after coining to
this county he planted some walnut seeds, and
toda) this orchard of thirty acres is pointed out
to -Hangers as not only the first orchard of the
kind planted in the county, but also as one ol
the finest and most productive. Indeed, com
petent judges have declared it to be one of the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
finest producing orchards in the state of Cali-
fornia. In 1889 Mr. Thompson bought the
ranch of two hundred and fifty acres in the Edna
district where he has since made his home, ami
about the same time he also purchased one
hundred and forty-seven acres now planted in
fruits. Various departments of agriculture en-
gage his attention. He has not limited himself
to one industry, wisely believing that success
is enhanced by a variety of crops. A number
mi" standard-bred horses and cattle may be seen
mi his ranch, and stock-raising is an important
adjunct of his work. Two hundred and forty
acres of the farm are planted in beans, and
these and his walnuts are the special pride of
the owner, while he is also justly proud of the
fact that his land produces one hundred sacks
of barley per acre.
In 1867 Mr. Thompson married Celia I. Alex-
ander, horn in Nevada county, Cal., daughter
of Thomas ami Sarah Alexander, natives of
Ohio, and a sister of William Alexander, of
Los Angeles. Five children were born of their
union, Abbie, Henry, Jeannette, Frankie (de-
ceased) and Fred. During the Spanish-Ameri-
can war the son Henry enlisted in the service
and was sent out to the Philippines with the
Fourteenth Infantry. Later, while still at Ma-
nila, he was one of twelve who volunteered to
make the noted "bloody" run, so called because
of those who made it six were killed, he being
one of the six. He was a brave young man
and won a hero's reward, the gratitude of his
country and a place in the muster-roll of its
brave soldiers.
At no time in his life has Mr. Thompson con-
sented to hold office, yet he has been active in
local matters and has assisted in gaining local
Republican victories. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masons. Among the local
movements in which he was most deeply inter-
ested was the building of the Southern Pacific
Railroad through San Luis Obispo county, and
he aided in its construction from Santa Mar-
garita to Guadaloupe at the southern extremity
of the county. Other projects for the benefit
of the people have received his sympathy and
support, and no worthy movement has been
deprived of his encouragement and influence.
CHARLES A. TELLEEN.
Xo man has done m. ire for the upbuilding of
Templeton and its general improvement than
Air. Telleen, who came here from Iowa in the
Fall of 1887 and has since proved a valuable addi-
tion to the citizenship of the locality. A native
of Halland, Sweden, born in 1844. ]le was a
small child when his parents came to America
and settled in Rock Island, 111. The schools of
that city furnished him with the advantages of
an English education, which has sina been
broadened and extended by habits of close ob-
servation and study. On leaving Rock Island,
in 186). he went to Ottumwa, Iowa, and en-
gaged in the mercantile business, which he con-
tinued in the same city for eighteen years.
Coming to California in 1887, Mr. Telleen
identified himself with the newly established
town of Templeton. in San Luis Obispo county.
As a representative of the West Coast Land
Company, he began to buy and sell real estate
in and near Templeton, and his advice proved
of the greatest assistance to newcomers unfa-
miliar with the soil, opportunities and values.
He continued with the same firm until 1900,
but in the meantime he also did considerable
buying and selling for himself, and is now an
extensive dealer in real estate. Besides, he has
the agency for eleven fire insurance companies,
whose combined capital foots up into the mil-
lions.
In 1872 Mr. Telleen married Christina |bse-
phine Johnson, a native of Sweden. Their
only son. Andrew !•".., is being educated in the
well-known Swedish Lutheran institution of
learning at Rock Island. 111. Interested in all
that pertains to the progress of our nation, Mr.
Telleen is a believer in Republican principles
and works for the success of the party. For
some years he has rendered efficient service as
a member of the county central committee, with
which he is still connected. \t the time of the
organization of the t'itizens Bank of 1'aso Ro-
bles he was one of the |i'n,. [lasers of the charter
stock, which altogether capitalized the hank at
$100,000, and he has since been a director of
this flourishing institution, for years he has
officiated as treasurer and a trustee of the I.u-
■±62
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
theran Church, and his wife is also a member
of the same denomination.
CHRISTIAN S. SWENSON.
One of the pioneer fruit men of what is now
Prunedale, in the San Miguel Canon, Monterey
county, Mr. Swenson was born in Norway, Sep-
tember 9, 1826, and inherits the thrift, industry
and integrity characteristic of his Norse fore-
fathers. The active career of Mr. Swenson be-
gan when he was fourteen years of age, when
his countrymen's love of the sea prevailed over
land attractions, and he set out upon a life on
the deep. He saw much of the ports and storms
of the German ocean, and visited England,
France and Spain, and in 1850 went to Australia.
From Sydney he shipped in the bark Henry
Herbeck, of New York, bound for San Fran-
cisco, and upon arriving at his destination, Aug-
ust 2, 1851, went at once to the placer mines
at Gold Hill, in Placer county, where he was
fairly successful. In March, 1856, he landed at
Michigan Bluff, which continued to be his home
for twelve years, and where he accomplished
much for science, if not towards the lining of
his own pocket. He became much interested in
nitro-glycerine after the big explosion in San
Francisco in 1866, read up on it, fortified him-
self with a knowledge of chemistry, and then
concluded to introduce it into his mine. The
first pound of the explosive made in California
was made by Prof. James Howden and Mr.
Swenson, March 12, 1867, and when the latter
and two other men owned their claim at Michi-
gan Bluff, Mr. Swenson took the chemical there
and used it in their mines. He introduced it
in many of the surrounding mines also, and laid
before the Central Pacific Railroad Company
the plan of using it in the building of their
road, especially in making tunnels. He fear-
lessly carried the dread and powerful article
around with him before the boats, railroads or
teamsters could be persuaded to haul it, and was
very successful in promoting its proper utility
in connection with many lines of enterprise in
the west.
In 1868 Mr. Swenson disposed of his share
of the mining claim to his partners for $7,000,
and then engaged in the real estate business in
San Francisco, built houses, surveyed, and was
fairly successful for several years. However,
because of too heavy investments, he lost almost
everything. After the debris was cleared away,
he rented land in the vicinity of Prunedale for
the purpose of raising bees, but as an apiarist
he had to thank the northern climate for his
unsuccessful attempt. In 1885 he bought fifty-
two acres of land upon which he now lives, and
worked three days to build the road up to where
the house now stands. He cleared up his land
and began to plant orchard and still continued
to keep bees, but at the present time has only
about an hundred stands. The greater part of
his place is devoted to fruit, the main crop be-
ing apples, although a few almonds and prunes
have found their way into his orchards.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Swenson has
held some offices of a local nature, including
that of justice of the peace, during his life in
the mines. He was made a Mason in Michigan
Bluff, and is at present identified with Lodge
No. 204, at Salinas, having formerly been a
member of .Michigan City Lodge No. 47. Mr.
Swenson fills a unique and altogether desirable
place in the hearts and esteem of his fellow
townsmen, and is familiarly known as "Uncle
Swenson." In his youth he had few educational
advantages, for a sailor before the mast had
about all he could do without poring over
books. Later he devoted his spare time to read-
ing and study, and is now a well-informed man,
in touch with all matters of interest to humanity
in general.
WILLIAM SULLIVAN.
An Irish-American who is cultivating a faun
in the Pajaro valley with both credit and profit
is William Sullivan, who was born in Ireland in
1842, a son of Bert Sullivan, also a native of
Ireland and a farmer by occupation. In his na-
tive land William Sullivan was reared to farming
and was educated in the public schools. Not
content with the prospects by which he was sur-
rounded, he came to America when a young
man, and almost immediately crossed the con-
tinent to California. Arriving in Watsonville
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
485
in 1873, he worked on the narrow gauge rail-
road for F. A. Heenn, and was later identified
with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company
for twenty-three years. During that time he
made rapid strides in the line of promotion, and
eventually, as foreman, superintended the build-
ing of the broad gauge railroad between Wat-
sonville and Santa Cruz. Upon leaving the em-
ploy of the railroad Mr. Sullivan, in 1878, pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and seventy-five
acres five miles southwest of Watsonville and
on Monterey Bay, where he is engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, but devotes the
greater part of his farm to oats.
In 1882 Mr. Sullivan married Maggie Lain,
a native also of Ireland, and the mother of five
children, of whom four are living, Ellen, the
youngest, being deceased. The surviving chil-
dren, Bert, James, Mamie and Willie, are with
their parents. The family are members of the
Catholic Church.
JAMES I. KING.
To such an extent has Mr. King made a spe-
cialty of one industry that he is to-day known
as the largest onion raiser in the entire Pajaro
valley. He was born in Tazewell county, Va.,
January 5, 1857, being a son of Harvey King,
a native of the same locality. During 1870
the family came to California and settled near
Newhope, San Joaquin county, where the father
followed agricultural pursuits until his death,
in 1878, at the age of forty-eight years. Being
only a lad when the family came west, James
I. King has spent the larger part of his life
in California and is thoroughly in touch with
the industries and development of the coast
region. While still young he acquired a knowl-
edge of agriculture on the home farm and con-
tinued in general farming until his removal to
Watsonville in 1889. Buying a lot on Ford
street, he built a house, and has since made his
home here.
At the same time Mr. King bought a ranch
of twenty acres known as the J. J. Stratton
ranch, lying west of the city, along the Beach
road. The soil being very rich has responded
quickly to his skillful cultivation. In 1891 he
set out eight acres in Bellefleur apples, but
his specialty has been onions, of which he raises
twenty-nine varieties, the principal one being
the Silver Skins, a peculiarly choice and de-
sirable quality. For eight years or more he
has raised onions for C. C. Morse & Co. His
own land proving inadequate to the demand,
he has rented many acres, and in 1901 raised
three hundred and fifty-one sacks of onions
per acre, twenty-five acres averaging four hun-
dred sacks per acre. Already the J. I. King
onion fields are known far and wide. Photo-
graphs of his fields have appeared in many lead-
ing magazines, and periodicals have called at-
tention to his success along the line of his
specialty. By experience he has found that
the land will only bear successfully, to the same
crop, for four years, and therefore every fifth
year he plants to other products. The prepar-
ing of the land is done by himself, but much
of the manual labor is given over to Japanese
employes, of whom he has a number.
The marriage of Mr. King united him with
Kate Smith, daughter of Col. Robert Smith,
and a native of Tazewell county, \"a. Frater-
nally Mr. King is connected with the Masons
and both he and his wife are members 01 tli>
Eastern Star. In the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows he is actively associated with the
lodge, encampment, canton and Rebekahs, in
which last named Mrs. King is also an active
worker. In politics he supports the Demo-
cratic party. At this writing he is serving as
city trustee or councilman of Watsonville, in
which office he has endeavored to promote the
welfare of his fellow-citizens and support hum-.
ures for the benefit of the city.
FATHER PETER STOTERS.
To a greater extent than is given to many,
the childhood dream of Father Meters has been
realized, and as a si mi of the church he has been
enabled to exert a wide influence for good, and
to broaden the lives and intensif) the happi-
ness of the thousands with whom he has
in contact. An all-pervading peace and helpful-
ness radiates from the church at Salinas of which
he has been pastor since 1893, and by the mem-
186
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bers of which he is respected and beloved as
only a truly good and gifted man may hope to
be. Irrespective of creed or class, he enjoys
also the friendship and good will of the entire
community, and his work here is acknowledged
to be broad and uplifting. The parish of Sa-
linas was founded in 1878, and the residence at
about the same time, and the former was dedi-
cated in 1883 by Bishop Francis Mora. The
church has about eight hundred members and
worship is conducted in a brick structure, while
the residence is comfortable and commodious,
and the grounds laid out with care and attract-
ive to the eye.
A native of the vicinity of Cologne. Germany,
Father Stoters was born in the heart of the
wine district, and was educated in his native
land until his nineteenth year. In 1867 he im-
migrated to America, settling in St. Louis, but
soon went to California, continuing his educa-
tional training. After his ordination he was
assistant priest at the Cathedral of St. Yibiana,
and later in the same capacity at the church in
San Luis Obispo. He then was sent as rector
of the Church of St. Boniface at Anaheim; and
after the death of Father Sorrentini he was made
rector of tlie Church of the Sacred Heart at
Salinas.
JOSEPH C. STOCKING.
The distinction of being the oldest male resi-
dent of Morro, San Luis < Ibispo county, belongs
to Mr. Stocking, who came to this point in 1S71
from Sonoma county. He is a native of Penn-
sylvania, born January 6, 1826, but was reared
in Xew York and Illinois. From 1837 to 1850
he engaged in farming pursuits in Boone
count). 111. During the latter year, inspired by
tin- reports of the discover) of gold in Cali-
fornia, he determined to seek his fortune in the
west. The voyage was made via Panama and
he landed in San Francisco June 3, 1850. After
a few months at Marvsvillc. lie began mining in
Nevada county and later was similarly occupied
in Placer county. In [857 he settled in Bloom-
field, Sonoma county, where he carried on a
blacksmith's shop, following the trade in that
until his removal to San Luis Obispo
county. On his arrival in Morro he found only-
one family in the town, nor was the surrounding
country more than sparsely settled. With a firm
faith in future conditions, he began to work at
his trade of blacksmith and wheelwright, build-
ing a shop on the ground where he has since
engaged in business. With his earnings some
\ ears later he bought a ranch near Morro, since
which time he has not only followed his trade,
but also given some attention to farming and
dairying, and is therefore a very busy man.
For several years he has been a director in the
Industrial Union of San Luis Obispo, in which
he is also a stockholder.
During the more than thirty years of his resi-
dence in Morro Mr. Stocking has striven to ad-
vance the town's progress and promote the wel-
fare of its people. It is a fact recognized by all
the citizens that he may be relied upon to do his
part in forwarding any worthy movement. His
political views are independent. He is now
serving his third term as justice of the peace, to
which office he was elected on an independent
ticket. He is the only justice between Cambria
and San Luis ( Ibispo, and in the conduct of his
official work has displayed impartiality, tact and
an excellent knowledge of the law. For several
years he served as a trustee of the Morro school
district. No local movements appeal to him in
vain, when once he is convinced of their value,
and he is particularly interested in the building
of school houses and churches. Through his
instrumentality the organization of the Mono
Presbyterian Sunday-school was effected in
1 So 1 ( Chosen as its first superintendent, he has
filled the office ever since and has been deeply
interested in the upbuilding of the school. He
is a member of the San Luis ( Ibispo county
Sunday-school convention, which holds annual
meetings. A charter member of the .Mono
Presbyterian Church, he was one of the most
active in working for a house of worship and
served as a member of the building committee,
also the incorporation committee. Since the
organization of the church he has been one of
its elders.
In Sonoma county, in 1857. occurred the mar-
riage of Mr. Stocking to Miss C. E. Corey.
They became the parents of seven children, six
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of whom are living, George having died at the
age of twenty-seven. The others are: Frank
M.; Charles C; Anna T... wile of J. M. McKen-
non; Flora, wife of J. If. Hollister; Minnie M.
and Ernest, who are at home.
JAMES M. R( 1DGERS.
From the time of his settlement in Santa Cruz
county in 1867 until his death, which occurred
July 7. jqoi, Mr. Rodgers was associated with
tlie development and progress of the Pajaro val-
ley. Shortly after his arrival he bought a farm
of eighty acres and the subsequent years of his
life were busily passed in the cultivation of the
land .and the bringing of the place under a high
state of improvement. In the affectionate re-
gard of old associates he held a high place and
his memory is still fresh and green. The work
which he accomplished in the improving of his
land and the upbuilding of the valley's resources
entitle him to mention in the annals of the lo-
cality with which he was so long ami intimately
identified.
The family of which Mr. Rodgers was a mem-
ber has been identified with American history
ever since the colonial period, the first immi-
grant having come from England. A few years
after the close of the Revolution Joseph Rod-
gers, who served in that conflict, removed from
Virginia to Tennessee, and in the eastern part
of the latter state occurred the birth of William
Rodgers, a soldier in the war of 1812 and the
son of the Revolutionary hero. On taking up
the occupation of a planter he soon gained
prominence and acquired the ownership of a
large estate. In February of 1853, accompanied
by his brothers. Wiley, George, William D. and
Samuel A., the subject of this article started For
the far west, llis previous life has been un-
eventfully passed near KLnoxville, Tenn., where
he was born August 12. 1817. After landing
from a boat in St. I. •mis he started across thi
country to [ndepi ndi nee, Mo., \\ here he oul
fitted for the plains. The expedition of which
he was a member consisted of an ox-team, four
horses and seven men. They proceeded up the
Platte river and across the Rock) mountains,
thence to the llumboldl desert and I. arson's
^ll adow . From thi re via I tol Springs to the
Sierra Nevada mountains, thence to the Sacra-
mento river and down to Red Bluff, where thi .
enjoyed the sport of hunting and killed seven
bears. During their trip they had paid $160 for
two barrels of flour, which they bought in Utah
at the only point that provisions could be pur-
chased along the entire route.
The arrival of the expedition in Red Bl
curred September 4. 1852. Mr. Rodgers re-
mained in California until 1X55, when he
returned to his Tennessee home via Central
America, being a passenger on the first train
that crossed the isthmus. Landing at Baltimore
he took the train to Atlanta, Ga. Vmong his
fellow passengers was Jefferson Davis, with
whom he traveled during part of his journey and
whose friendship he ever afterward cherished.
When the war came on his possessions were
despoiled and his home laid waste. Wishing to
escape from the scene of devastation and car-
nage, he secured from General Thomas a per
mit for himself and family, and thus was en-
abled to proceed to New York, where he took
a si up for the Isthmus of Panama, thence up the
Pacific ocean, arriving in San Francisco in June
of 1864. For a time he engaged in the lumber
business a: Los Gatos, from which town he
came to Santa Cruz county and settled on Lake
avenue. His first presidential vote was cast for
William Henry Harrison and later he sustained
the principles of the Democratic party in na
tional affairs, but in local matters he was inde-
pendent, voting for the best man. irrespective
1 if political affiliations.
The wife of Mr. Rodgers was Formerly Mai
vina Galbraith, who was born in Ten
February 11. iSjS. and was a daughter of John
< lalbraith. The family of which she was a mem-
ber originated in Scotland. Her grandfather
Galbraith was a participant in the Revoluti
war, serving under General .Marion, and six
uncles
marriage to Mr. Rodgers nine children were
born, namel) e O., M. D.; 1
Luther. I hai I '• ie and
Alice. I in, Arthur, an attorney, is
now deceased and is survived by one child. Mil-
ducated as a
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
physician in New York and Philadelphia, is now-
living in San Francisco ; he married a San Fran-
cisco lady, and their only son, Walter, is an at-
torney. Mary is the wife of H. H. Coles, of
Santa Cruz county, and they have five children,
Florence, Herbert, Lillie, Ethel and Gertrude.
Luther is cashier of the Monterey County Bank.
Lizzie married F. H. Nohrden and has three
children, Elmer, Chester and Olive. Maggie is
the wife of H. L. Shideler, of Watsonville. Alice,
the wife of J S Brown, resides in San Fran-
cisco. Charles H. Rodgers was, like his brothers
and sisters, a native of Tennessee. By his mar-
riage to Josephine Jacobsen, a native of Flor-
ence, Neb., he has four children: Carroll J., H.
Alarion, Florence, and an infant daughter. The
family occupy a beautiful residence on Lake
avenue, in the suburbs of Watsonville.
J. D. ESTY.
The agricultural resources of Santa Cruz
county have brought a competence to Mr. Esty,
who owns a finely cultivated ranch of thirty-four
acres near Soquel. He was born in New Bruns-
wick, July 28, 1849, and is a son of J. B. and
Sarah (Kitchen) Esty, the former of whom was
a lawyer and farmer, and died in 1883. Of the
children born to these parents seven are living,
and besides J. D. there are George, Manda,
Sherman, Harriet, Eliza and Alwilda.
Until his eighteenth year Mr. Esty lived on
the home farm, but his growing ambitions were
not content with the limitations by which he
was surrounded. For three years he tried his
luck in the city of Boston, Mass., and there-
alter spent some time in Maine, in which state
he followed the trades of carpenter and black-
smith. In 1880 he came to California and lo-
cated on his present farm, one mile east of So-
quel, where he has since engaged in general
farming and stock-raising. .Mr. Esty is a large
and commanding man. well posted on current
events. A stanch supporter of the Republican
part}-, he is one of the best known politicians in
his neighborhood, and, in addition to filling a
term of six years as supervisor, has held various
other offices within the gift of his fellow-citi-
zens. Fraternally he is identified with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows.
In September, 1875, Mr. Esty was married to
Cora L. Lurano, who was born in Maine in
1857, and of their marriage there are two chil-
dren, Lee B. and Seward.
WILLIAM HENRY ELY.
Something of the steadfast determination of
the Revolutionary heroes appears in this pioneer
of Santa Cruz, and his career is not unlike what
might be predicted of one whose grandfather
was a soldier at Bunker Hill. James Ely, the
father of William Henry, and a son of that John
Ely who served on the above historic field, com-
bined the occupations of farmer, miller and
butcher, and, with his wife, Fannie (nee Hunt),
dwelt at Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., where
their son, William Henry, was born September
21, 1828. The mother died when her boy was
seven years of age, and subsequently the father
married Rebecca Knox, by whom he had two
sons. In 1842 he removed to Kendall county,
111., but soon afterward had the misfortune to
contract a cold while hunting deer (then plenti-
ful in the Prairie state). Erysipelas resulted,
causing his death when his son was a lad of
fourteen.
An uncle in Buffalo, N. Y, took charge of the
orphan boy, who took up the trade of a machin-
ist. On completing the same, he returned to
Illinois, where for three years he worked in a
woolen factory at Joliet. From the small salary
of $30 a month his wages were gradually raised
to just twice that amount, and people spoke of
him as a promising young man. Although al-
ways contented, whatever his lot, the active dis-
position and native mother wit which later en-
abled him to accumulate a fortune prompted
him to seek the new country of California, and
its golden fields, rumors of which had at that
time reached him. With a companion of his
own age, he started west March 2J, 1849. On
this journey through a country of hard travel.
they found further trials from the danger of
attacks from Indians and thievish white men,
both more numerous than congenial. At last,
after having buffeted with snow and rain, heat
HISTORICAL AND P.IOGRAPHTCA1. RECORD
and cold, they took up winter quarters on the
upper Missouri, minus money and minus most
of the other comfortable things of life.
The young traveler's efforts were favored with
a measure of success, as is usually the case
when one is determined and resolute. Borrow-
ing $20 from a friendly well-wisher, he bought
corn in the country and sold this at an advance
of $10 to emigrants passing through, continu-
ing- in this way until he had acquired $75. With
this money he bought an outfit and provisions
of the simplest sort. May 2, 1850, he took up
the line of march once more, with the watch-
word, "California or die." Passing over swollen
streams and tracts of country from which the
grass was so burned that the horses could make
but scant meals, they reached Fort Kearney,
where they found a store. Only things impera-
tively needed were bought, and for those a high
price was paid. Thence they pushed on to the
west, arriving at HJangtown July 27, of the same
year. They were weary and footsore from walk-
ing much of the way. ragged and shoeless, but
the strong constitution and stanch will pre-
vailed, and the persistent spirit of the young
travelers shone as undaunted as ever.
Meeting- an acquaintance of the year before.
Mr. Ely accepted an invitation to take dinner
with this friend, and then shouldered his blanket
ami ride, and walked to Georgetown, where he
secured work with Squire Lee at $200 a month.
As soon as he had earned money with which to
buy necessary provisions, etc., he started for the
north fork of the Yuba, where gold was said to
be plentiful. Instead of arriving at the desired
destination, he became lost in the mountains
and wandered for forty-eight hours without
food, sleeping on the rocks around which moun-
tain lions and Indians roamed. Finally he
reached a town and after a time arrived at the
gold fields, but when he was successful in strik-
ing- gold at Downieville, the coming of a freshet
washed away all of his gold and possessions. In
ulier of 1851 he left Downieville with
$2,550 and crossed the Goodrich mountains
(where the snow was four feet deep): he even-
tually reached Marysville and from there went
to the Green valley in Sonoma county. From
there he went to Tulare county, participating in
the Indian war. and remaining nine years. From
there he came to Santa Cruz. His next venture
was raising potatoes, but after having fifteen
thousand bushels ready for the market the price
dropped and they could not be sold at any
amount. Yet the same strong spirit which has
done so much to build up the city of Santa Cruz,
and which now enables him. at the age of sev-
enty-four, to keep hale and hearty and conduct
larg-e interests, was then his. He began cattle-
raising, on the shares, with Capt. John R.
Cooper, of Monterey, and thus succeeded in get-
ting a start. In a few years he found he had
acquired enough money to permit him to in-
dulge in a trip to the east. The voyage was
made to New York, where he took the overland
route to Cleveland. Ohio. There. February 6
1857. he married Mary Catherine, daughter of
Moses and Mary Ann Arner. and a native of
Cuyahoga county, Ohio. Their wedding trip
was a journey to the far west, where they still
abide, the bride of that day becoming the truly
noble woman, the loving wife and mother, and
the center of a large circle of enduring friends.
After engaging in the rattle business until
1869, Mr. Ely settled in Santa Cruz and em-
barked in merchandising. In 1883 he built a
house and a mill adjoining, on Front street.
where he conducted business until October 14.
1 901. He is the sole owner of the Fast Santa
Cruz Street Railway, which he built from Fast
Santa Cruz to Upper Plaza. In 1875 he erected
a three-story block where the courthouse now
stands. Later he sold the lot for $1 5.000 and
moved the building to Front street, where it
now stands. Sunnyside ranch, which he also
owns and has improved, comprises ninety acres
on Mission street. Tn politics he is a Democrat.
Though he has served the city as councilman, he
has never sought or desired office, preferring- to
devote himself to business pursuits. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, the lodge and
encampment of Odd Fellows, and in religious
views is liberal.
Mention musl be made of the children, all
honored members of society, whom Mr. and
Mrs. Ely have reared: One of the family, lames
Wesley died in boyhood, but the others were
to maturity. The oldest son. Frank Wil-
■mo
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ham, who is a merchmt of San Francisco, mar-
ried Emma Smith, and has two daughters,
Mabel and Vivian. Viola A. is the wife of Tru-
man Thayer, by whom she has three sons,
Homer W., < 'scar and Truvin W. Mendora I .
Mrs. A. L. Wright, lias three children. Howard
V, Beulah B. and Minnie .B. Lula ( )., Mrs. B.
J. Lloyd, deceased, was the mother of six chil-
dren. I Hive K., Myrtle B., Arthur W., Pearl M.,
Lewis C. and Leslie L. George Henry married
Sadie Ross and has four children. Ruby K.. Fay,
William R. and George F. Pearl May is the
wife of Edmund Dias and has four children.
Edmund J., Edith, Ethel and Pearl A. All of
the children haw gone into homes of their own
excepting Nellie May. who remains with her
parents and affectionately ministers to their
comfort in the twilight of their life.
OZRO M. ELLIS.
That merchants form the backbone of the
community is in no wise disproved by the enter-
prising career of < >zro M. Ellis, whose general
store in Soquel is regarded as one of the land-
marks of the town, and which has been supply-
ing the residents of the village and county with
necessary commodities with uninterrupted dili-
gence ever since 1887.
Mr. Ellis is one of the foremost among the
sons of Maine who found their greatest field of
usefulness in this county, and he was born May
29, 1838. His father, Isaac F. Ellis, was a
farmer during- his active life, and through his
marriage with Susan S. Powers, also a native of
Maine, reared to years of usefulness and matur-
ity several children, of whom the followii
living: Eva K. Lottie P., Lucj E., Edwin W.,
( >sceola, Eunice and < izn 1 M.
< In the little home farm in Maine 1 )zro M.
Ellis lived until his twenty-eighth year, after
which he engaged in the merchandise business
in Fori I airfield, Me., for sixteen years. 1 le
came to California in 1882 and located on a
ranch of sixty acres near Soquel, where he
fanned and raised stocl with fair suc< ess until
1887. Por the firsl years of his association with
intilc affairs in Sbqucl he carried a com
plete hue of hardware, bul in [895 devoted his
stock entirely to general merchandise, under the
firm name of O. M. Ellis Company.
The marriage of Mr. Ellis and E. A. Barnes
occurred in 1869, and the two children of the
family are Leslie L. and Bessie, the former of
whom is with his father in the store, while the
latter is the wife of Clarence E. Mason. Mr.
Ellis is a Republican and an ( >dd Fellow, and
he is deservedly popular and widely known in
the county. Possessing shrewd business sense
and a pronounced desire to please his many cus-
tomers, he is also discerning in the selection of
his stock, and manages to fill the all around
wants of his patrons.
JOSEPH D. ENRIGHT.
( me of the foremost dairymen of Santa Cruz
county, and also one of the best known citizens
in his neighborhood, Mr. Enright has a ranch
of one thousand acres eight miles west of Santa
Cruz, upon which is conducted a dairy un-
equalled for neatness and thrift. From 55,000
to 65,000 pounds of cheese tire manufactured
yearly, and a general farming industry main-
tained that yields its enterprising owner a hand-
some additional income. A prominent Republi-
can, Mr. Enright has taken an active part in the
political undertakings of his locality, and has
served as supervisor from [894 to [898. lie is
a member of the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, and has been a member of the Santa
Cruz band for the past twenty years.
\ native son of California, the boyhood days
of Mr. Enright were spent on his father's farm
in Santa Clara county, where he was bom De-
cember 7. [867, and where he received
'iminarx education in the public schools. James
Enright, who was born in Ireland, emigrated
from his native city of Cork to the United
States, anil in [846 crossed the plains, settling
in Santa Clara count}-, lie was a prosperous
farmer in the country of his adoption, and lived
on his well-improved property until his death
111 [894. He was a Democrat in politics, and a
communicant of the Roman Catholic Church.
To himself and wife, Margarel (Duncan) En-
right, were- born eleven children, of whom tin
foil, .wing are living: Mary V, Mrs. Rob 1 01
HISTORICAL A\n BIOGRAPHICAL RF.CORF).
191
Frances, Mrs. Murphy; Margaret, Mrs. Mc-
Comb; Ellen, a sister of the order of St. Domi-
nic; James E.; Joseph D.; John P..; and Mary L.
Mr. Enright received his education in the
public schools of Santa Clara ( '< illege, and be-
came an excellent fanner under his father's able
instruction. He became identified with Santa
Cruz county in [892, and his present success
would indicate that he had found a satisfactory
permanent place of residence. His wife. Anna
( Inkeep) Enright, is a native of Santa Cruz, and
was born in 1868. Two children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Enright, James and Merle.
WILLIAM WALLACE CLARK.
The appointment as chief of police of Santa
Cruz, which was tendered Mr. Clark May 5.
1902, on the expiration of the term of Mathew
Rawley, did not bring him into work that was
unfamiliar to him, as he had served a previous
term of two years in the office, having been ap-
pointed May 15, 1886, to succeed Joseph W.
Scott. His experience as deputy sheriff, which
position he held in addition to that of deput)
assessor, also proved helpful to him in bringing
him into acquaintance with the duties of the
more important office. His belief in Republi-
can principles has never narrowed into partisan-
ship, and in the discharge of his duties no politi-
cal motive is ever allowed to enter.
In Bureau county. 111.. .Mr. Clark was born
February 17, 1858, being a son of William Wal-
lace and Harriet M. (Drew) (lark. His father,
who was born in Danville, Caledonia county,
\'t., in 1825, was a se>n of James Clark by his
union with Mrs. Lucretia (Foss) Howard. In
his native town, in 1*47, W. W. Clark. Sr., mar-
ried a daughter of John and Eliza (Crow) Drew
Her grandfather, John Crow\ was the first white
man to settle in Buffalo, X. Y.. where be estab-
lished his home about [800. Going to that city
as a school teacher. John Drew eventually be-
came principal of the schools of that city, and
there met Miss (row. a native of that city. She
died at thirty-seven years, ami many years later
be passed avva) in Si. Loin's, when seventy years
old. Their daughter, I farriel M., began to teach
school at fifteen and continued in the occupation
until her marriage.
As early as 1853 W. W. Clark. Sr., came to
California via the isthmus and remained eight
months. Roth on the outgoing and returning
voyage lie experiem ed the clangers of shipwreck
and the suffering incident to the Panama fever.
< >n bis return east be settled in Bureau county,
111., where he helped to put up many buildings
and held various offices. The success of bis un-
dertakings enabled him to acquire a valuable
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which be-
later sold and moved to Kewanee, and there for
a year engaged in shipping cattle and hogs. His
next location was in Grinnell, Iowa, near which
city he bought three hundred ami thirty-three
acres of wild kind, the bringing .if which to a
high state of cultivation required his close a
tention for many years. ( )n the farm he erected
a residence that cost S2,ooo. Other substantial
buildings were also erected. All through his
work he made his motto, "The besl crop and
the best cattle." The farm was so highly cult;
vateil that its appearance and financial returns
charmed Horace ( ireeley to such an extent when
or, bis western tour that he returned to the east
and gave mt the famous advice, 'Ho west."
In spite of bis successes in Iowa Mr. Clark
never forgot the few- months he had spent in
California, and in the spring of 1874 be again
came to the coast, when he and his famih vis
ited friends and made a tour of inspectiot
all the places be visited none impressed him so
favorably as did Santa Cruz, and accordingly
he settled here, ^bout th
was that of building bridges at $3.50 a day,
after which lie began contracting for
building. Next be turned his atti
dairy business, at first renting a ranch and after
two years purchasing the property. 1...
spent a year on the More ranch, and tin
sinned contracting and also did some building
for himself. His last years were spent in retire-
ment and be died in [898. I U was a man of
charitable disposition, an earnest Christian, a
believer in tin b< anal facilities ai
hools. In bis family
there .,,, lildren: Adelaide S..
Who died at live and one ball' years; James, who
m
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lives at Stockton. Cal.; William W., Jr., of Santa
Cruz: Mary C. deceased; John F., who is en-
gaged in the drug business at Stockton; Gene-
vieve, deceased: Charles P.. a jeweler, who mar-
ried Harriet E. Bennett: Minnie C. deceased:
Warren S„ of Tulare; and Carlton B., deceased.
Besides rearing their large family of children
and fitting them for positions of honor, Mr. and
Mrs. Clark adopted several orphans for whom
they cared until old enough to fight life's battles
alone. One of these, Elbert W.. is a leading
physician of Grinnell, Iowa, and has officiated
as mayor of that city, and also as a trustee of
Towa College.
William W. Clark. Jr.. as a boy was interested
in farm work and he proved a capable assistant
to his father, both in Iowa and California. After
coming to Santa Cruz he was engaged in the
transfer and express business, continuing the
ame until he was appointed chief of police and
later was appointed deputy sheriff and deputy
or. He has not married, but makes his
home with his mother, whose declining years
his thoughtful attention renders pleasant and
happy. In religious views he is of the Congre-
gational faith and contributes to the mainte-
nance of that organization in Santa Cruz.
GEORGE BUTLER.
To George Butler belongs the unique distinc-
tion of being the most extensive cucumber
grower and shipper in the state of California.
On his well developed ranch, just west of Santa
Cruz, this succulent vegetable grows in its
I luxuriance, and the greenhouses, meas-
uring 800x600 feet, and covered with seven
thousand feet of glass, send forth shoot* which
in time yield a weekly average of from one hun-
dred to one hundred and fifty dozen. The San
1 rancisco market is not only supplied to a large
extent, but Boston, New York, Philadelphia.
Chicago, Salt Lake City and Portland, receive
large consignments during the entire year. In
addition. Mr. Butler is devoted to floriculture,
and his grounds and hot beds contain the rarest
examples of flowers to be found in any country.
He is a past master on the subject of these two
industries, as well as a successful and scientific
general agriculturist.
A native of Sussex. England. Mr. Butler was
born January 19. 1850, a son of Abraham and
Lucy (Almond) Butler, the latter of whom was
a descendant of the Archbishop of York, who
figured so prominently in English history at the
beginning of the fifteenth century. Abraham
Butler was also a native of Sussex, and in
his younger and middle life was extensively en-
gaged in fruit raising. At present he is retired
from active business life, and, at the age of
eighty-eight years, is enjoying the competence
acquired by his industry. All the children born
to Abraham and Lucy Butler are living, George
being the only one in America. Their names
are Lucy, William A.. Thomas, George and
Clara.
Previous to coming to America in 1890, Mr.
Butler acquired a common school education in
Sussex, supplemented by a business education
covering one year. He was married in 1876 to
Eliza Smith, who was born in London, England,
and who is the mother of one child. George P.
Mr. Butler landed in Canada from Europe, and
after a short sojourn in Halifax, came direct to
California, locating in the Sacramento valley.
Here he farmed and raised fruit with consider-
able success for ten years, locating on his pres-
ent place near Santa Cruz in 1900. He is very
industrious, has a thorough understanding of
his chosen occupations, and is possessed of per-
sonal attributes which win friends and increase
trade
JAMES A. BROWN.
James A. Brown, a retired and honored citi-
zen of Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz county, was
born in the state of Rhode Island, March 16,
1828, a son of Zoeth Brown, who. in his young
manhood, married a Miss Aldrich. To the par-
nits were born four children: Wilbur K. ;
Rhoda, now Mrs. Smith: Zoeth; and James A.
Zoeth Brown was a drayman in Providence,
R. 1.. and did so large a business thai he was
obliged to employ fifteen men
Equipped with a common school education
and some practical business experience, James
i/Xu^ce^ yf~&sCJLwt
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
A. Brown came to California in i S 5 r . by way of
Central America, landing in San Francisco,
where lie engaged in the draying business until
1894. In the latter year he came to Boulder
Creek, where he has since lived retired, and
where he owns a comfortable home and a small
orchard, lie has also invested money in other
town ami county property, and is one of the
well-to-do men of the community.
In Rhode Island, in 1841), Air. Brown was
united in marriage to Frances F. Stone, a na-
tive of Massachusetts. They became the parents
of nine children: Charles, deceased; Mary';
Emma; Julia; Sarah; Henry; Albert, deceased;
Frank, and Lillian. Mr. Brown is a Republican
in politics, but has never allied himself with
office seekers. Fraternally he is associated with
the Masons. He is much respected by all who
know him, and has man)- friends in his adopted
town.
JAMES WATERS.
Throughout the entire Pajaro valley no name
is more familiar to the people than that of Mr.
Waters, who as an early settler of Watson-
ville ami as a pioneer in the apple and straw-
berry industry has established a reputation both
enviable and merited. He is a descendant of a
colonial family of Maryland, his great-great-
grandfather receiving from Lord Baltimore
a grant of land that is still in the possession of
the family. His father, Joseph Waters, was born
on this old homestead, and from there moved to
Baltimore, where he followed the carpenter's
trade. The wife and mother, who was Elizabeth
lane Ayres, descended from Scotch forefathers,
and died in young womanhood, leaving a sou,
James, ami a daughter who died at seven years
of age.
In Somerset county, Md., James Waters was
born October t8, i-SjS. and as a boy attended
the public schools of Baltimore. I luring vaca
tion months he learned the carpenter's trade
under his father. In June. 1849, iu' embarked
on the brig, Osprey, for California via Cape
I loin, and after a long and tedious voyage ar-
,ed
Francisco I ebi uai j 1 . 1850. The
nent he secured netted him Si an
hour. After a year iu the city, during the spring
of 1851 he went to the mines on the south fork
of the American river, and later followed mining
in other parts of the state with fair success.
However, he soon tired of the uncertainty and
hardships of a miner's life and returned to his
trade in San Francisco." His first misfortune
came to him with the failure, in 1855, of the
banking house of Page, Bacon & Co., where
all of his savings were deposited. This left
him nothing but a claim on the bank, which he
sold for $500 and then came to Santa Cruz.
For a time he had charge of Major Hensley's
saw mills, located on the present site of the
powder mills. In 1857, in connection with
Thomas Beck, he began contracting and build-
ing- in Santa Cruz. A contract to rebuild the
Catholic church and parsonage brought him to
the Pajaro valley in 1859, and at once he was
favorably impressed with the surroundings and
prospects afforded settlers in this fair spot.
Close investigation deepened the first favor-
able impressions, and in 1S60 Mr. Waters
bought his present homestead in Watsonville
and embarked in the nursery business, which
he has since successfully conducted. For a time
he continued as a contractor and builder,
working as such in Watsonville and also
throughout Monterey county, but finally the
demands of the nursery business grew so
that he found it profitable to devote to it his
entire attention. In i860 he bought forty acres
and set out over two thousand apple
These were doing wall when in 1862 an -
flow of the river washed them away. 11 it
one tree being left in the large orchard. The
failure of this enterprise discouraged him and
he -old the place. However, he still cherished
a belief in apples as a profitable industry for
the valley, and after a time he determined to
make another effort. In [867, in company with
J. A. Blackburn, he sel out five acres to nursen
stock, the two continuing together until 1873,
when Mr. Waters purchased hi- partner's inter-
est. Some lime Iat< r lie bo
acres from Captain Sudden and moved the nur-
series to that tract, on the corner of Sudden and
Fourth streets, \\ atsom [lie \ shoi I tim
ward he purchased !ift\ acres adjoining the
19G
LISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Sudden tract, which he put out to strawberries.
After about eight years he planted the fifty acres
to orchard and it is now under cultivation to
apples. Finding twenty-seven acres not suffi-
cient for his nursery demands, lie purchased
fifty-two acres near the Pajaro depot, Monterey
county, and moved his plant there. Sinct then
he has purchased enough more land to irn reas<
the whole to eighty acres. The enterprise is
known as the Pajaro valley nurseries. The pres-
ent popular variety of strawberry, now so
universally grown, was originated by Mr.
Waters and named "Linda" in honor of his
wife. From his nursery have come nearly all
the trees in this ami adjoining counties. It has
been his ambition to propagate only the finest
grades of fruit, and as a result of his caution
in this respect there are today thousands of
acres of fine bearing trees which make Pajaro
valley fruits command the highest prices in the
market. Ik-sides shipments to San Diego and
other California points, fruit trees are shipped
1\ .Mr. Waters to < Iregon and even to Australia.
About 1875 he sent east and purchased a few
-1 raw berries of the Cinderella variety, the total
planted covering about five acres. He shipped
the first strawberries from Watsonvilie to San
Francisco. Finding the venture a success he
began to sell plants and since then has sup-
plied many hundred acres of various kinds of
strawberries. It is estimated that there are six
hundred acres in the valley at this writing. Be-
sides the fruit shipped from the valley many
tons are dried here every year by Thomas Beck,
the successful evaporator.
An idea of the vast importance of the apple
industry, whose inception may be attributed
to Mr. Waters, may be gained from the state-
ment that there are now in the Tajaro valley
875,600 apple trees. (,]' which 29,000 are in M'on-
lint) and 585,1 in Santa Cruz county.
In the Pajaro valley there are [,068,600 fruit
trees, with a total acreage of [5,600. The total
number of boxes of apples grown in 1901 was
[,500,000, from which deducting 375,000 For
waste there is left lor actual sale and use
[,125,000 boxes. In 1 lu orchard of J. V Black-
burn seventj one boxes of apples were grown
on a single Baldwin tree. On one hundred
Bellefleur trees in M. I!. Tuttle's orchard there
.. 1 n grown fifty boxes to the tree. The av< rage
number of boxes of apples grown on the trees
throughout the entire valley was eight boxes to
the tree < >f Newtown pippins the average weight
per box was fifty-one to fifty-six pounds, and
of Bellefleurs, forty-two to forty-six. The size
of boxes used was 93-4x14x22; and the cost of
picking, hauling, grading and packing, twenty
cents per box. The Newtown pippins, which are
the best winter apple grown, command from
Si to $1.30 per box, while the Bellefleurs, which
are unsurpassed for fall and early winter use,
command from ninety cents to a dollar a box.
the boxes being twenty-two inches long, eleven
and one-half inches wide and ten and one-half
inches deep, and many shipments have been
made by Mr. Waters where forty-five apples
filled the entire box. One special advantage
of the apple crop is that it never fails, but each
\car a large output of the finest grade is
shipped, both throughout the states and even
to Europe. In 1901 1.000 carloads were sent to
foreign and eastern points, four hundred, of
these going to Europe. During that same year
1.413.1)07 barrels of apples were shipped to Eu-
rope from the United States and five per cent
of these came from the Tajaro valley. Apples
and other fruits are also dried in large quanti-
ties and shipped to the east and abroad.
It must not be supposed, however, that the
apple industry represents the limit of the activ-
ities of the people of the Pajaro valley or the
limit of the proper cultivation of the soil. Dur-
ing lool there were raised twenty thousand
sacks (forty carloads) of beans, the price of
which was from $1.60 to S3 per hundred pounds;
over 50,000 sacks of onions, sold at one dollar
.! sack; 70.000 sacks of potatoes, seven hun-
dred and fifty acres being planted in these;
[50,000 sacks of oats, the price of which was
from eighty-five cents to a dollar per sack;
90,000 tons mi sugar beets, price $4.50 per ton,
representing a value of 8400,000: I, too acres in
berries, seventj per cent of which were straw-
berries, the shipments being four hundred car-
loads, value $200,000; 1. -'00 acres in prunes, of
which six hundred tons (dried) or lort\ carloads
were shipped to the markets: 1.000 acres in apri-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vr,
cots, shipments being 450 tons; and five hun-
dred acres in miscellaneous fruits not embraced
in the foregoing list. From this it may be easily
understood that the fruit growers of the Pajaro
valley are among the most prosperous in the
slate. All who are familiar with the markets
know that the products shipped from this sec-
tion command the highest market price, and the
simple mention of the name "Pajaro valley" at
once brings offers from would-be purchasers.
When it is realized that the credit for these re-
sults is largely due to the foresight and wise
judgment of Mr. Waters, the reader will under-
stand that the highest praise is due him, as well
as tlie esteem of the people who have so greatly
profited by his pioneer experiments.
September 0, 1861, Mr. Waters married Ma-
linda J. Short, daughter of Stephen Short, who
is represented on another page of this work.
They became the parents of three children:
kola, Mrs. James Walker, who died at twenty-
five years; Adella, at home; and Willie, who died
a' twelve years of age. The family are identified
with the Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Waters
officiates as a vestryman. Fraternally he is con-
nected with various Masonic bodies, and holds
office as past master of the lodge, past high
priest of the chapter and past eminent com-
mander of the commandery. His manifold
private interests have not caused him to neglect
his duties as a citizen. Always he aids in bene-
ficial movements in behalf of his adopted city.
He was one of the first trustees of Watsonville
and for one term acted as county supervisor.
In [888 he was honored by election as president
of the Pajaro Valley Horticultural Association,
in which office he rendered wise service many
years. En the incorporation of the Bank of
Watsonville he bore an active part, as also in the
Pajaro Valley Bank, of which he is now a stock-
holder ami director.
JOSEPH BOSTON.
Wli
Mr. Boston came to California few
Americans had as yet been attracted to its
shores, and the population consisted principally
of Spaniards and Indians. V the ship. Koine.
on which he had sailed from New York,
anchored in the harbor of this western coast,
the sighl thai greeted his r_\es must have been
strange and lonely indeed to one so recently
come from the chief city of the new world.
While he was horn in Philadelphia, his boyhood
years were principally passed in Xew- York,
where his father, Joseph Boston, Sr., was a
druggist and chemist. At his death the latter
was buried in the cemetery connected with his-
toric Trinity Church. The .son continued
time in Xew York City, and was employed as a
clerk in the drug store of Isaac Loman. 1
ever, during 1848. he set out upon the voyage
that was to remove him permanently and far
from the scenes of his boyhood. The Rome
carried a large stock of provisions for the gov-
ernment, and he was under official orders to
establish a supply store at Monterey for the sol-
diers. In pursuit of these orders he opened the
store and for two years conducted the same,
hut at the expiration of the time bought out his
employer. In 1850 he returned to Xew York
City and brought hack a stock of g Is valued
at $60,000, shipping to Monterey, where he
opened a store. The stock was so large that he
felt justified in opening a branch store at Santa
Cruz, in which venture he had E. L. Williams
as a partner, the firm title being Boston &
Williams.
On closing out the mercantile store. Mr. T.os-
ton embarked in the tannery business at Santa
Cruz, being associated with the firm of Kirhy,
Jones & Co., with offices in Santa ( Yuz and San
Francisco. To the supervision of the sales he
gave his attention closely and with such effi-
ciency that a large trade was established, tl
tent of the trade being increased through the
superior quality of leather tanned. Besides 1"
coming the owner of the old tannery, he ac-
quired other property, much of which is still
in the estate. While he was still in the prime
of life, at fifty years of age, his earth life ended
in [874. The home where his closing years
were passed and where Mrs. Bos on still I
is one of the most atti -
beauty being enhanced by a garden and
notabl) ile 1 ,pn mcl pine trees thai v ■
out in 1870.
I ],, '.,,1. ivl-h liared M - and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sorrows through many years and to whose
faithful co-operation and counsel much of his
success may be attributed, was Eliza C. Bull, a
native of Canandaigua, N. Y., and a daughter
of Joseph Bull, descended from a prominent
colonial family of New England. When she was
a girl her health was so poor that her family-
physician, Dr. Flint, said it would he impossible
for her to live a year unless a sunnier climate
would prove beneficial. Hoping that the needed
change could be secured in California, in 1861
she came to the coast, the voyage being made
on the ship Uncle Sam. which anchored in San
Francisco after seven weeks on the ocean. Her
brother Thomas was interested in the banking
business in San Francisco. Soon after her ar-
rival the influence of the delightful climate of
the Pacific coast began to be apparent in her
improved health, and today she is unusually
strong and vigorous for one of her years. Pos-
sessing mental ability of a high order, her ser-
vices have been in frequent request as a writer
and speaker. In addition, she has maintained a
deep interest in public affairs. For two years
she served as a school trustee, being the first
lady ever elected to any office in Santa Cruz
county, and her labors on the committee were
efficient and highly appreciated. In religion she
is identified with the Episcopal Church and
donated to this denomination the ground in
Santa Cruz on which their church was built.
In her family of five children three are living:
Mrs. C. II. Lymberv, Beatrice and Agnes.
ALEXANDER BEDELL.
The Bedell house, which was established in
189 |. has become one of tin popular hotels of
Santa Cruz, largely through the tactful manage-
ment, energy and wise judgment of Mr. and
Mrs. Bedell, who are the owners and proprie-
tors. Mr. Bedell was born at Bath, Grafton
county, X. II.. anil received a fair education in
local schools. The surroundings of his child-
home were at tractive. In the east tow-
ered Vlounl Washington and the Presidential
range of mountains whose lofty heights rose up-
ward toward the sky. In those days lew people
sought that locality to enjoy the charm of
scenery, hut since then it has become a popular
summer resort for eastern people, just as Santa
Cruz has attracted large numbers of people from
Central California. The influence of environ-
ment cannot be overestimated, and so to this
daw in a subtle way, Mr. Bedell still feels the in-
fluence of those early years in New Hampshire.
During early manhood he was employed in
lumber districts, and thus gained a thorough
knowledge of the lumber business.
Becoming interested in reports concerning
the prospects offered by California, in 1858 Mr.
Bedell came to the coast and located in Bear
Valley. First he was employed by ( ieneral Fre-
mont, who was conducting a mine there. For.
some eight months he remained in that place,
after which he mined in other regions, visiting,
at different times, most of the prominent mines
of the state. In 1859 he came to Santa Cruz.
At that time the greater part of Santa Cruz
county was heavily timbered with red wood and
pine. He began to take contracts P. cut wood
and furnish mills with timber. Later he became
associated with William Bard in the building of
a lumber mill at Corralitos. A large trade was
established. Shipments were made both north
and south. About 1894 Mr. Bedell's health
failed to such an extent that he felt obliged to
abandon the lumber business, and he then re-
built the house on Mission street. Santa Cruz,
where he had made his home for twenty-five
years. Through the enlargement of the build-
ing it was converted into a boarding house with
twenty-five guest rooms. Having a wide circle
of acquaintances, Mr. Bedell had no trouble in
securing guests for his house, and the capable
supervision of his wife has made the place one
of the most popular in the city, binding the
house insufficient to accommodate tho.se desir-
ing rooms, he bought a cottage of ten rooms,
which gave him the increased capacity needed.
All modern convenience- are 1.. be Found here,
including baths, electric lights, gas, etc. Rooms
are arranged en suite or single, a- preferred.
The cui>ine is faultless and the dining room ser-
vice, under the careful oversight of Mrs. Bedell.
is above criticism. Every effort is made to pro-
vide for the comfort and happiness of the guest,
and the lawns are made attractive, not only by
JA
/UUK<r>
7
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL KRCORD.
flowers and shrubbery, but also by tennis, cro-
quet, and other games of recreation
By the marriage of Air. Bedell to Miss Sarah
V Merrill, a native of Warren, N. II., three
children were born, but the daughter, Helen,
died in childhood. The older son, Orrin, is a
jeweler in Santa Cruz, and the younger son,
Roscoe, assists his parents in the management
of the Bedell house. In fraternal relations Mr.
Bedell is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
JULIUS A. TRESCONY.
The extensive enterprises in which Mr. Tres-
cony successfully engages have been rendered
possible by his own keen business talents as
well as by the shrewd foresight and wise invest-
ments of his father. The latter, Albert Tres-
cony, who is remembered as one of the most
capable pioneers of Monterey county, was of
Italian birth and parentage, but crossed the
ocean to America in young manhood, settling in
Memphis. Tenn. From there he went on a tour
of inspection to Mexico and in 1841 came on
horseback to California, establishing himself at
Monterey, where he followed the tinsmith's
trade. In addition to the regular trade, he did
considerable work in making pans for miners
and would often take a load of these by ox-
teams to the mining camps.
The first purchase made by Albert Trescony
consisted of one hundred and sixty acres where
Salinas now stands. There he carried on a
hotel and stage station. The year before the
railroad was brought to Salinas he disposed of
that property. In 1862 he bought from James
Mckinley what was known as the San Lucas
grant of land, comprising eight thousand and
eight hundred acres, and now occupied by his
son, Julius A. Somewhat later he acquired the'
San Bernardo grant, consisting of four thousand
four hundred and forty-four acres, and in 1885
lie became the owner of the San Benito grant of
six thousand acres. Another important pur-
chase that he made consisted of twenty-three
thousand acres oil the Cannel river, and he also
acquired three hundred acres near Salinas.
Through these various purchases he became the
owner of property aggregating forty-five thou-
sand acres of land, which fact is indicative of his
keen discrimination and foresight. Realizing
that land must advance in value, he believed he
was making no mistake to invest heavily, and
subsequent events have proved the wisdom of
his judgment.
Instead of holding the land as an investment,
Albert Trescony made it revenue-bearing from
the first. He stocked the ranches with sheep,
of which he had as many as twenty-five thou-
sand head. For some years the industry proved
profitable, but the memorable dry year proved
as disastrous to him as to other sheep-growers,
causing a loss of twenty-five hundred head of
his flock. However, it did not prove a total
loss, for he stored the pelts in the old mission at
Soledad and the following year sold them for
$2.50 each. That experience with the drought
convinced him that other stock might be han-
dled more safely than sheep, so he began to
raise cattle 'and horses, in which he afterward
engaged with gratifying success. Notwithstand-
ing the many activities of his life, he retained
his robust health to a very advanced age, and
enjoyed the full possession of his faculties until
his death, which occurred in 1892, at eighty
years of age. His wife, who was Catherine Cot-
ton, of California, died in 1866, leaving three
children, Julius A., of Monterey county; Mrs.
Rose Christal, of Monterey; and Teresa, who
married R. F. Johnson, also of Monterey.
In the city of Monterey, where he was born
August jy, 1858, Julius A. Trescony received
the rudiments of his education, and the knowl-
edge thus acquired was supplemented by attend-
ance at St. Mary's College in San Francisco.
For eighteen months alter leaving school he
acted as agent for the railroad al Santa Cruz.
In 1871; he came to his father's ranch near San
Lucas, Monterey county, where he has since
made his home. \t first he managed the place
for his father, but in 1SS1 he began for i
in the cattle, horse and sheep business. Five
years later he disposed of much of his stock,
in order that he might devote more attention
to general farming. Under his charge there
are now twenty thousand acres, of which fifteen
thousand are under cultivation. Twenty tenant
;02
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stand "ii different sections of the land,
and the land is leased for one-fourth of the crop,
red.at the station. At this writing he has
five hundred bead of cattle and a large number
ol horses, many of these being draft and stand-
ard-bred. His discrimination and energy have
aided him in making a success of the agricultural
business. ( )ctober 10, 1884, he married Kate M.
Aguirre, by whom lie has four children: Albert,
Lewis. Julius and Mary Mercedes. The family
are identified with the Roman Catholic Church.
In addition to his large personal responsibil-
ities, Mr. Trescony finds time to engage in local
movements and to discharge every duty de-
manded of a public-spirited citizen. One of his
most important duties is as a director of the
Agricultural Association, in the work of which
lie is deeply interested. In addition, he acts as
trustee of the Monterey custom-house. During
the years (893-96, inclusive, he held office as
.supervisor of Monterey county, and in many
ways, while acting in that capacity, was able to
promote the welfare of the people of the county.
His native county has in him a loyal citizen and
one who favors all plans for the advancement
of its residents. Fraternally he is connected with
the Elks and the Native Sons of the Golden
West, while in politics he adheres to the princi-
ples of the Republican party.
F. A. ANGELL.
The very early and latter-day mercantile su-
premacy of Soquel has been maintained by F.
A. Angell and his brother, Horatio Y., ever
since they came here in 1877, and their steady
ustomers are numbered among the most prom-
incut ol of the town and surround-
mnty. Among the foremost business men
of their district the) stand high, and both pos-
sess the substantial traits of character naturally
01 iated with the fundamental development of
communities.
In devoting his energies to mercantile affairs,
F. A. An-ell is following the precedent estab-
lished by his father, J. F., who in early life fol-
lowed his trade of mason in Holyoke, Mass., but
in later years devoted himself to the hotel and
livery business. The elder Angell was born in
Rhode Island, February 28. 1826, while his wife.
Levinia E. (Gillette) Angell. was born in 1828.
They were the parents of seven children besides
F. A., viz.: Josephine; Sarah; Naomi; Horatio;
Cora; and Medara, deceased. J. F. Angell was
a man of considerable ambition, and in 1851
came to California by way of Central America.
li icating in San Francisco. He later removed to
Nevada, and lived in Silver City until his death
in 1900.
The education of F. A. Angell was acquired
in Silver City, New. where he lived until twenty-
seven years of age. A later place of residence
was Iiawthorne, Nev., where he engaged in the
merchandise business for five years, and became
prominent in the general affairs of the town.
As before stated, he came to this city in 1877
and is at present one of the most successful
merchants in the county.
In 1876 Mr. Angell was united in marriage
with Mamie Gibbons, who died in 1895, and
who was the mother of three children, of whom
Thurman F. is deceased, the others being Clar-
ence G. and Joseph F. The second Mrs. Angell
was formerly Maggie Gibbons, a sister of the
first wife. Mr. Angell is a Democrat in political
affiliation, and fraternally is an Independent
Odd Fellow and Mason. Resides the store to
which he has for so many years devoted his
best energies, the firm have a store at Capitola,
where a full line of general merchandise, includ-
ing drugs, dry goods, crockery, hardware, gro-
ceries, grain, and paints and oils, are available,
the whole constituting a stock valued at
$10,000.
CHARLES
ANDERS* IN, M. D.
( if the four physicians who are engaged in
the practice of medicine in Santa Cruz at the
time of Dr. Anderson's arrival here in 1867.
none now remains, so that to him belongs the
distinction of being, in point of years of profes-
sional labor, the oldest physician in the city.
Equally true is the fact that he has been assidu-
ous in his devotion to his patients, careful in
diagnosis and accurate in the application of
remedial agencies. For some ten years he was
associated in pratice with Dr. Peabody, since
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which he has been alone. During the early
days his practice extended all through the
country, and many hardships attended him in
his effi irts t< i reach those in need of his care. The
beautiful pleasure drives of the present day were
undreamed of, and narrow paths, inaccessible
for buggies, restricted him to the use of a horse
and saddlebags, while many times he was even
forced to leave his faithful horse and traverse-
on foot the rocky and brushy pathways lying
between him and his destination. Many physi-
cians would refuse to make the sacrifice, but his
kindness of heart impelled him to answer every
appeal for help, without any consideration of
stormy nights, impassable roads and little hope
of any financial return for his services.
Xear Salem, Roanoke county, Va., Dr. An-
derson was born September 22, 1827, his par-
ents being Joseph and Christian (Brits) Ander
son, Virginians, who in 1837 settled in Morgan
county, hid., on a farm between Franklin and
Martinsville. It was in those then pioneer sur-
roundings that the boy gained his education and
faced the problem of selecting a life-calling.
With inclinations toward the medical profession,
he entered upon the study of medicine with
Drs. Mears and Bullard, and later continued
his studies in Central Indiana Medical College
(medical department of Asbury University),
from which he was graduated in the class of
1852. Meantime, to relieve his father of a por-
tion of the expense connected with his education
he had taught school. Immediately after grad-
uating he went to St. Anthony's Falls (now
Minneapolis), Minn., where he entered upon
professional practice in the then frontier town.
Shortly afterward he suggested to the commit-
tee who were to select an appropriate name for
the town, the present title, Minneapolis, "cit\
by the sky-tinted waters."
Ten years were spent in successful practice in
Minneapolis, but a desire to settle further west
led Dr. Anderson to remove to Carson City,
Xcv. After four years, in 1867, he came to 1 ali
fornia, desirous of settling in a warmer climate,
and a tour of the -tate. investigating a number
of prospective locations, led him to decide in
favor of Santa Cruz. In settling here he was
accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Maria (Howe)
Anderson, whom he had married in Beloit, Wis..
October 31, 1854, and who has shared with him
the esteem and confidence of acquaintance-..
Four children were born of their marriage:
Seddie; Carrie. Alls. Elmer S. Daniels; Maria,
who died in childhood; and Charles, a student
of the University of California and a graduate
of the Cooper Medical College (class of [895),
and at present physician at the State Institute
for the Insane at Agnew. .Mrs. Anderson is
identified with the Congregational Church.
while the doctor C liberal in his religious views.
Politically he is a supporter of Republican prin-
ciples. His interest in movements affecting the
public welfare led him to accept the office of
school trustee, which he filled for seven year-.
During his residence in Nevada he was surgeon-
general upon the military staff of Governor
Blaisdell. and since coming to Santa Cruz he has
been president of the city board of health and
United States examining physician for pensions.
Notwithstanding the many demands made
upon his time by his professional calls and his
local positions, Dr. Anderson has found leisure
to keep abreast with all the developments in
materia medica, and has frequently contributed
articles for the professional and general press.
Much of his work is preserved in library form,
suitable for reference. Habits of careful read-
ing, close observation and frequent writing have
made him a well-rounded man in every depart-
ment of human thought, with ta-
inclining him toward the study of his favorite
branches, geology, botany and zoology. In his
well-equipped library the visitor notices a cabi-
net of specimens which shows many unique and
rare examples along \parl from his
profession and from his interest in these spe-
cialties, he is possessed of other attr
worthy of admiral ion, and in all respects has
justly won the high position he now occupies.
J \c. >B PRIMER LEESE.
The ancestry of the I 1 Famil]
Germany, whei ne Jacob Leese came to
America with General Lafayette and shortly
afterward received severe injuries in the battle
0f Brand] v in< ; fe was carried from ;!
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I. S.dam Primer, a resident of Philadelphia.
After recovering from his wounds he married
Joanna Primer, a daughter of his rescuer, and
in 1800 settled at St. Clairsville, Ohio, where he
kept a hotel. His son. Jacob, was one among
six children and was born August 19, 1809. In
[825 his parents moved to Cincinnati and there
he joined them two years later, on the expira-
tion of his service as a merchant's apprentice.
In the fall of 1829 he started for Baton Rouge
to take charge of a business there, but while en
route to his destination, stopping at Memphis,
he strolled through the city and accidentally
picked up a newspaper in a hotel. There he
noticed an account of a hunting and trading ex-
pedition being fitted out for the Rocky moun-
tains by Capt. John Rogers and Calvin Coffee.
A desire for adventure and the hope of gaining
a fortune led him to join the expedition. About
February 1 he left Memphis for Fort Smith,
the headquarters of the expedition, and on his
arrival there presented himself to Captain
Rogers. The company was organized April 1,
1830, and consisted of forty-two men, under
command of Capt. Robert Bean.
After traveling across the great plains for
three months the party struck the cross-timbers
of Texas, where they took a northerly course
across the plains. About the latter part of
August they reached the Arkansas river, along
which they traveled to Pike's Peak. There they
spent a few days and then entered the moun-
tains. In November they established the camp
1 .ne hundred miles above Pike's Peak, but on
the _7th of that month the Indians massacred
two of their men, destroyed their winter quar-
ters and escaped with their provisions. They
then retreated to New Mexico. A few days
after reai hing New Mexico Mr. Leese entered
the store of Mr. St. Varan, of San Fernando,
with whom he made an agreement satisfactory
to each, ( ictober 27, [833, he left New Mexico
with a Spanish trading party and arrived at Los
Angeles December -'4. having there the good
te to meet Isaac Williams, an old associate
of the hunting expedition. June 1 he visited
Monterey, at that time the capital of California.
and here he formed some warm acquaintance-
others meeting General Figueroa,
who gave him a general passport as well as
letters to all the padres of the missions. It was
his intention to contract with the padres for all
the mules they had to sell, it being- his ambi-
tion to obtain control of the mule trade between
California and Xew Mexico. With the padres
of San Miguel and San Luis Obispo he made
arrangements to get one hundred mules even-
year at $14 each, $7 to be paid down and the
balance on his return. In this way he reached
Los Angeles in September with four hundred
and fifty mules and horses. In October he
started with nine men for the Mohave river,
intending to join the returning Mexican party,
but found on his arrival that they had passed a
few days before. Proceeding on his way, he met
with disaster in a short time by reason of an
attack from Indians, who stampeded their mules
so that they could collect only twenty-seven
head. About the same time he learned that the
New Mexicans, camped but a few hundred yards
above, had been attacked and five of their num-
ber massacred.
Thankful to escape with his life, Mr. Leese
returned to California. Until the spring of 1836
he engaged in commercial business in Los An-
geles. From there he went to Monterey ami
formed a connection with Capt. W. S. Hinckley
and Nathan Spear for the purpose of establish-
ing a business on the bay of San Francisco. On
his return to Los Angeles, he closed out his
business and left for the north, arriving at Santa
Barbara at the same time with a schooner which
had on board a new governor. Gen. Mariano
Chico. The two traveled to the capital to-
gether, and there the governor gave Mr. Leese
a letter to the authorities of San Francisco, em-
powering them to give him a grant of one hun-
dred yards of land anywhere on the bay of San
Francisco that he might wish to locate. This
letter he presented to the alcalde, with the state-
ment that lie desired to locate on the beach of
Yeiba Buena cove. After considerable discus-
sion and a second visit to the governor, the
desired space was secured, and he arrived at
Verba Buena July t. I lis house was finished
in time to celebrate the Fourth of July, and on
that day for the first time the stars and stripes
ivaved over the land of Verba Buena. It was
o^7 <&^r cy
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a memorable occasion. Vessels lying- in port
supplied bunting for decorations; bands gave
their sweetest music: among the sixty guests
was Gen. M. G. Vallejo, who proposed a toast
to Washington. Dancing and other amuse-
ments followed the banquet, and as Air. Leese
observed in his diary. "( >ur 4th ended on the
evening of the 5th."
April 1. 1837, Air. Leese married Rosalie
A'allejo, a sister of the general. Their eldest
child, Rosalie Leese. was the first born in
Yerba Buena. He continued in the commercial
business until August, 1841, when he sold out
t<> the Hudson Bay Company and removed to
Sonoma. fAvo years later he made an expedi-
tion to Oregon, taking with him eleven hundred
head of cattle. The trip consumed seventy days,
during which time he and his companions were
constantly annoyed by Indians lurking in am-
bush. When near Colusi they were attacked by
tlie savages, who killed some of their cattle. Ai
last, however, they readied Oregon in safety
and disposed of the stock at fair prices. The
return trip was made on one of the Hudson Bay
Company's vessels, the voyage from the mouth
of the Columbia to the bay of San Francisco
taking five days. From there Air. Leese re-
turned to Sonoma, and there remained until
June 1 J. 1846, when, through misrepresentation,
he fell under the displeasure of Colonel Fre-
mont, who caused his arrest. He was taken to
Sacramento and placed in close confinement,
together with General Vallejo and others, re-
maining there until August I, when all were
liberated by order of Captain Montgomery.
After his release Mr. Leese returned to Sonoma.
At the time of the discovery of gold he removed
to Monterey ami soon afterward made a voy-
age to China, returning with one of the richest
cargoes China had sent to our country up to
that date. The change which took place during
the fourteen months of his absence was re-
markable. When he left there were fourteen
vessels in the harbor, but when he returned in
[849 lie found four hundred ships, waxing the
flags of almost every country in the world, and
appearing "like a great forest of .lead trees," as
Air. I. rise expressed it. Nor was the change
noticeable only in the harbor. Land which had
been worth only $200 sold readily for as many
thousand. The tranquil quiet of Yerba Buena
was gone, having given place to noisy bustle
and reckless excitement. Men were delirious
over the discovery of gold and rushed madly
into speculation of every form. Fortunes were
madly staked and lost and won in an hour.
The subsequent years of Air. Leese's life
were quietly passed in Monterey, where he was
surrounded by the comforts to which his early
toil justified him. Like the majoril
he was a man of positive character, strong pur-
pose, high resolve and untiring perseverance.
Through all the toil and danger, the trials and
temptations which ever beset the path of the
pioneer, he carefully preserved the "image in
which he was created;" and his mild and digni-
fied manner, cheerful face and kindly manner
spoke to all of a life well, spent and a mind at
peace with all. His death occurred at the family
homestead February 1, 1892.
For facts contained in this article the writer
acknowledges indebtedness to "The'Hesperian,"
published in San Francisco in June of 1859.
DAVID LEESE.
In the old home of General Vallejo, his uncle,
David Leese was born at Sonoma, Cal., in 1846,
being a son of Jacob Primer Leese by his mar-
riage to Rosalie Vallejo, of an old Spanish fam-
ily. In the preceding biography the reader
will find the iife history of Jacob 1'. Leese, who
was 1 Hie of the well-known and resourceful Cali-
fornia pioneers, a man of tact, energy, ambition
and keen judgment, well fitted for the task of
carving a great state out of a then wilderness.
Almost the entire life of David Leese lias been
spent in Monterey county. He was tin.
of age when the family came here from Sonoma.
jusl aboul the time gold was discovered in Cali-
fornia. The schools in which be studied were
no! of high grade, but being a diligent pupil.
he acquired a fair education. In 1874 lie went
to Salinas, where he made bis home for seven
Returning from there to Monterey, he
spent three \ears in town, and then settled upon
tin ( ooper ranch, which is his present home.
September 8, 1875, he married Aliss Delia Mar-
HISTORICAL AND BIuGRAl'l 11CAL RECORD.
tin, who was born in Oakland, Cal. Her
father, William G. Martin, a native of Ken-
tucky and a connection of the Green and Boone
families, came to California in 1851, making the
journey across the plains with ox-teams. By
his marriage to Sarah A. Chapman he became
i onnected with an old Virginian family, founded
in America during colonial days. Nine chil-
dren were born to the marriage of David Leese
and 1 Hlia Martin. One of these died in infancy,
and another, Adelaide, died when nineteen years
old. Those now living are Herbert, Grace,
David W., Edith A., Delia O., Jessie F. and
Bertha.
Under the supervision of Mr. Leese there are
between ten and twelve hundred acres, much
under cultivation, and a large part well adapted
to pasturing stock. Fraternally Mr. Leese is
identified with the Masonic order at King City.
In politics he is a Republican, devoted to party
principles. For the past fifteen years he has held
the office of trustee, his last election being
without opposition, a fact that indicates his
popularity as a man and a citizen.
ROBERT E. HAMILTON.
The junior member of the firm of Parsons &
Hamilton, soap and glue manufacturers of
Santa Cruz, was born in Ireland, in March,
[856, a son of fsaac and Martha (McCormick)
Hamilton, the former of whom was a large
grain dealer in Ireland, and the father also of
William Hamilton, of Santa Cruz.
When Robert E. Hamilton landed in New
York, in 1874, he had to his credit eighteen
ol life, and assets composed chiefly of en-
thusiasm and adaptability. After engaging for
a year in the coal business in San Francisco, he
came to Santa Cruz in 1876, and for ten years
engaged in farming and stock-raising. His
soap manufacturing experience was inaugurated
in 1886, when, with Mr. Parsons, he began to
make soap of different kinds, including five dif-
ferent grades of laundrj soap. The plant covers
five acres of ground, and turns out about ten
>ap .1 rm mth. The glue man-
ufactured is by far the best in the state of Cali-
and forms an important item of revenue
id the firm.
The pleasant home of Mr. Hamilton is pre-
sided over by his wife, who was formerly Eliza-
beth F. Parsons, daughter of Henry Parsons,
of Santa Cruz. Of this union there is one child,
Henry, who is living at home. Mr. Hamilton
is a Republican in politics and has held various
positions of trust in the community, including
that of councilman for two years. He is frater-
nally connected with the Independent Order
Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Episcopal
Church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist
Church, lie has the respect and esteem of all
who know him, and is regarded as one of the
substantial business men of the town.
CAPT. GILBERT L. ANDERSON.
The connection of Captain Anderson with the
coast shipping service dates back to October,
1868, and has continued uninterruptedly to the
present time, when he is agent of the Pacific-
Coast Steamship Company, with office at Santa
Cruz. Of Scotch birth and parentage, born in
1834, in the land of the heather, he grew to
manhood on the bleak and icebound shores of
Prince Edward, where he gained a livelihood b}
clerking. During 1851J he arrived in California,
landing in San Francisco and proceeding from
there to Santa Clara count}', where he worked
for a short time on a ranch owned by James
Lick. A later location was near Watsonville,
where he bought a ranch, and, in order to pa)
for the same, worked on the Taylor ranch near
by. ( In selling his land he became interested
in the shipping of grain and produce at Pajaro,
which adjoins Watsonville. In the days of surf-
boat loading he became assistant agent to Ed-
ward Sanborn in the fall of 1868. Later he
acted in the same capacity for Captain Debney
and then for Mr. Post. In 1870 he went to
\pios to take charge of the shipping business
for Mr. Spreckels at thai point. When ii was
washed away, in 1880, he came to Santa Cruz,
which has since been his home and the center
Of his business activities.
At the time Captain Anderson became con
nected with the shipping business, the process
of loading vessels was unique. As it was im-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
500
possible for them to come to the shore, they
were anchored some little distance out at sea.
The freight to be shipped was carried on the
backs of Indians along the beach and through
the low water until the surfboats were reached,
when they were thrown into these small boats.
( hi the boat being loaded it was pulled by horse
power to the ship and taken thereon. ( >ne thou-
sand sacks of grain carried to the ship was con-
sidered an excellent record for one day's work.
Such a mode of loading seems crude and primi-
tive, but it was the best available at that time
and met the needs of the people. The wharf
at Santa Cruz was built by the South Coast
Narrow Gauge Railroad, and is twelve hundred
feet long and twelve feet deep at low tide, with
a rise of six feet. The broad and narrow gauge
tracks run from the Southern Pacific yards to
the end of the wharf, thus increasing the facili-
ties for shipment. From this wharf are shipped
all kinds of products, and the receipts are also
large and important. ( In either side of the wharf
may be seen fishermen following their calling,
and there are also deep water fishermen near
by. The pier furnishes a landing place for the
many pleasure steam yachts that sail out from
Santa Cruz or seek this charming resort from
other cities. The shipments from the wharf ag-
gregate about one thousand tons per month,
which indicates the large amount of business
transacted in the Pajaro valley and the excel-
lent crops raised throughout the count}-.
Besides his home in Santa Cruz, Captain An-
derson owns a ranch at Aptos. He married
Mary Moreland, a sister of the late Samuel
Moreland, of Watsonville. They are the par-
mi, of four children, namely: Robert, who is
a railroad man: Horace, who lives in San Luis
( >l>ispo county: Albert, who is freight agent at
Santa Cruz; and Mrs. Josie Gillian, of Santa
Cruz.
MRS. MARY E. FAGEN.
Some time before Horace Greeley gave his
dvice, "Go we-1, young man." there wire
turd) young men who were braving the dan-
;ers of the mountains and deserts, and seeking
heir fortunes in the mines of the Pacific coast
egion. The discovery of gold was the lode-
stone which drew John B. Perry to the west in
1850, but his ventures in mining resulted so dis-
astrously to his health that he relinquished min-
ing and removed to Santa Cruz. A carpenter
by trade, he built many of the first houses in
this place, and also erected a home for his fam-
ily, for whom he sent back east in 1853. His
wife, Elizabeth, nee Green, and their children,
Mary E., Charles C. and Alphonso P., joined
him in his new location. The daughter, who
was born in Sandwich, Mass.. taught a private
school in the front room of her father's house
when she was only fifteen years of age, having
about twenty-five pupils. Later she was en-
gaged as assistant to Mrs. Fliza Farnham in
teaching the first public school in this city.
March 4, 1859, Miss Mary F. Perry became
the wife of Albion P. Jordan, a son of Capt.
Peter Jordan, who served in the war of 1812.
Having learned the engineer's trade, in 1849
Mr. Jordan came to California and secured em-
ployment as engineer on a steamboat plying
from Sacramento to San Francisco. While thus
employed he met I. E. Davis, who was likewise
an engineer. By chance these two men learned
of a place where lime could be found, and, test-
ing this in his engine, Mr. Jordan proved it to
be of fine quality. The discovery was of the
greatest importance, for hitherto no lime had
been used in California, there being supposed
to be none in the state, while to ship it from the
east was too expensive. The two young men
resigned their positions and startei
the locality where the lime was to be found.
Their journey was long and the weathi
ceedingly cold, but they were undaunted by
hardships and obstacles. They built a kiln at
the foothills near Redwood Cit) and there man-
ufactured the first lime made in the state. San
Francisco furnished a convenient market and an
extensive business was soon established which
brought a fortune to the partners. Removing
to Santa Cruz in [853, the) engaged in the same
business until 1S04. when the failure of Mr.
Jordan's health caused him to sell his interest
to H Cowell, the present owner. His death oc-
curred November 14, 1866. Mr. Davis survived
him many years, passing away September -•;.
510
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
J n the family of Albion P. Jordan there were
three children, but the eldest, Mary E., was
taken from the home by death when two and
one-half years of age. The other daughter. Ma-
rian A., married Herbert E. Cox and died at
thirty-eight years, leaving a daughter, Gertrude
|., who also died, August 12, 1902, aged sixteen
years and ten months. The only son, Peter A.
fordan, who is a wholesale grocer of San Fran-
cisco, married Blanche Hartwell. and lias three
children, Loraine, Albion P. and Marian E.
Mrs. Jordan became the wife of Pierce B.
Fagen, M. D., February 27, 1873, and their
wedded life was one of mutual happiness and
helpfulness until they were parted by the doc-
tor's death, in February of 1901. Dr. Fagen
was bom in New Lisbon, Columbiana county,
( Uiio, November 22, 1818, and was given excel-
lent educational advantages, being a graduate of
Ken 1 per College medical department of St.
Louis, Mo., besides the recipient of superior op-
portunities elsewhere. His first experience as a
practitioner was gained at Fort Des Moines,
Iowa, where he was the first physician. He as-
sisted in laying out and platting the city of Des
Moines and then bought an eighty-acre tract on
the west side of the city, which he laid nut in
lots. When gold was discovered in California
his attention was first attracted to the resources
of the west. 1 lisposing of his interests in Iowa,
he crossed the plains in 1850 and engaged in
mining at Nevada City and later in Placer
o unity, where he was one of the most influential
men of the day. After some nineteen years he
came to Santa Cruz, where he soon gained a
high reputation for professional skill. At the
same time he connected himself with leading
activities of the city, invested in real estate, acted
as trustee of the public schools, held the office
of coroner, and was an influential Mason and
Odd bellow. In addition, he served as presi-
dent and vice-president of both banks and was
,il 0 a director in each. His first marriage look
place in Des Moines in 184.) ami united him
with Melissa Hoxie, who died in Placer county,
Cal, The two son-, born of that union, Clar-
ence E. and Herbert I'. Fagen, are residents of
Santa Cruz county.
The success which was attained both by .Mr.
Jordan and Dr. Fagen was due not a little to the
counsel and co-operation of the woman who
proved to each a devoted and efficient compan-
ion. Her children, too. owed much to her wise
and thoughtful training. Both among the rich
and poor she has many friends. Her wise char-
ities find an outlet in the ministrations of the
Congregational Church, to which she belongs,
and also in private gifts, concerning which noth-
ing is known save by the recipient. She was
among the charter members of the church in
Santa Cruz and has always been especially ac-
tive in the Ladies' Aid Society of the congre-
gation, as well as in either movements for the
pn igress of the work.
JOHN KANE.
Since the time of establishing his home in
Santa Cruz county, in 18S4, Mr. Kane has made
his home upon his present farm near Watson
ville, and has maintained a careful supervision
of its seventy acres. No one within the Pajaro
valley has noted its progress with keener pleas-
ure than he. and to movements for the general
welfare he has been a generous contributor.
Realizing that the soil and climate are espe-
cially adapted to apples, lie has made a specialty
of that industry, and now has six thousand ap-
ple trees on his place, most of those being in
bearing condition.
The parents of Mr. Kane were John and Julia
(Desmont) Kane, natives of Ireland. In the oc-
cupation of a fanner the father devoted his
active years, and spent his entire life in his
native land with the exception of a few years
in the United States. In his family there are
two children, John and Mrs. Mary Brunne, the
latter a resident of Gilroy, Cal. The only son
in the family was born in county Cork, Ireland.
in 1830. and at the age of nineteen years crossed
the ocean to America, spending seven week-,
011 the water. Arriving in America he set-
tled in Boston. Mass., where he worked in a
paper mill for four years. However, he was not
entirely satisfied with conditions there and, at-
tracted by reports concerning California, de-
termined to try his fortune in the west. In 1857
he came to San Francisco via the isthmus, ar-
niSTt >kir.\i. A\'D r.inr.RATinrAL record.
51 I
riving at the Golden Gate May 15, 1857. His
first occupation in this state was under the
United States government. After four years in
that employment he secured work with the San
Francisco < las Company, with whom he re-
mained for ten years. In 1884 he came to Santa
Cruz county, where he has since conducted farm
pursuits and fruit-raising enterprises.
Since becoming a citizen of the United States
Mr. Kane has voted with the Democratic party.
However, he has not been active in public af-
fairs nor has he sought office at any time. By
his marriage to Mary llearlev, a native of
county Cork, Ireland, he has six living children,
namely: John, Julia, Daniel. Henry, Frank and
Maggie. The family are members of the Ro-
man Catholic Church.
MRS. MARY KERNS.
Five miles from Watsonville, on the Santa
Cruz road, lies one of the many valuable and
fertile farms of Santa Cruz county, the same
being the home property of Mrs. Kerns. Under
her supervision the work of fruit-growing is
carried forward with discrimination and wise
judgment, and the results are evidenced in the
gratifying returns from each year's crops. While
the land is rented, yet the general oversight
which she has always maintained has resulted
in a satisfactory system of raising and market-
ing the fruit. Sixty acres are tinder cultivation
to berries and ten acres tire in apples, while
the balance (forty acres) is in pasture and hay.
Noting facts concerning the life of Mrs.
Kerns, it may be stated that she was born in
county Cork, Ireland. January 6. 1S50, being a
daughter of Daniel and Mary 1 i Iriscoll) 1 )'Brien,
the hitter still a residenl of the old home land.
There are nine children in the family and it is
worthy of mention that till now living are well-
to-do and influential members of their several
communities. Those besides Mrs. Kerns are
Hannah, who is married and makes her home
in Santa Cruz; I >aniel, who still live- in Ireland;
Mrs. Margaret Shannon, -1 1 lakland, < lal.; Mrs.
\nn.i Lvnch, fohn, and Mrs. Ellen Lynch, the
At nineteen years of .age Miss Mary ( I'Brien
came to the United States and crossed the isth-
mus to California, arriving in San Francisco
November 24, [869. After three years in that
city, in 1872 she cann to Watsonville, and here.
on the 10th of June, of that year, became the
wife of Thomas Kerns, a pionei 1 of 1 alifornia
and a man possessing many tine traits of char-
acter, t if [rish birth and lineage, he was born
in 1832, ti son of Andrew and Margarel Kerns.
When thirteen years of age he came to tie-
United States and afterward attended school in
New York. During the excitement caused b)
the discover) of gold in California he decided
to seek his fortune in the far west, and accord
ingly in 1850 joined a party of emigrants who
took the long and perilous journey across the
plains. Arriving in San Francisco, he pro-
ceeded to Virginia City, where he kept a hotel.
His next location was at Watsonville, where
he settled during the latter part of the '50s.
The frontier environment of those days did not
bring discouragement to his soul, for he was
a man of dauntless resolution, fitted to cope
with circumstances that would have dampened
the enthusiasm of a less courageous man. Farm-
ing was his first occupation in this locality, but
later he became connected with business enter-
prises, and for four years made his headquarter-
in San Francisco. However, in 1873 ne re"
turned to Watsonville and resumed agricultural
pursuit.-. In [883 he bought the farm now oc
cupied by his widow and its one hundred and
eight) acre- he cultivated with diligence and
success. Mere ii wa- that his death occurred
in 1892. Through .all his long life he
believer in the doctrines of the Roman 1
lie Church, to which Mrs. Kerns also h
After coming to America hi identified I
with the Democratic party. In his
were six children, namely: Thomas, dd
Margaret; William, deceased; Mary, 1 atherine,
and Anna, ai home. The famih have many
friends among the people in the vicinity of
Watsonville, ami in their comfortable home
they frequently entertain and hospitabl
come the man] u |iiaintances Formed during
the vear- of their residence in
5 1 2
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
WILLIAM II. BIAS.
No greater evidence of popularity or eminent
fitness for important responsibility was required
of William H. Bias than the fact that he has
been successively elected to the office of county
treasurer of Santa Cruz since 1889. Prior to
the assumption of this trust he had considerable
experience in the undeveloped west, some of it
of a nature to test his mettle, especially when
identified with stage driving under adverse con-
ditions. An extremely optimistic nature has
lubricated whatever of friction has appeared
while carving his career out of raw materials,
minus influence or money, and innate grit and
determination to succeed have been observable
all along the line. Reared on the paternal farm
in Waukesha county, Wis., where he was born
May 17, 1841, he is one of the thirteen children
born to James and Jane (Seller) Bias. Of these
children seven are living, one of them being
John Bias, a prominent groceryman of Santa
Cruz.
Tames Bias was burn in England, and left his
home in Yorkshire when sixteen years of age,
immigrating to the United States. His native
patriotism was transferred to the country of his
adoption, and he served with distinction in the
Black Hawk war under Captain Kincade. For
this service he was given land now comprising
the site of Chicago, bul owing to the chills and
ague which aggravated susceptible citizens of
that early time and place he was obliged to sell
his property and remove to less afflicted parts.
Mis choice rested upon Waukesha county, Wis.,
where lie purchased a farm and lived for many
years. In 1879 himself and wife yielded to the
solicitations of their son, William II.. and came
to Santa Cruz, where they enjoyed freedom
from care and basked in the delights of this
well favored land. The lather died in [898, at
the age of eighty-six, bul the mother still lives,
and .11 the age of eight) nine possesses her fac
nit ies t' 1 an unusual degree.
Like Ins sire, William II. Bias started out on
his own responsibilit) when sixteen years of age,
lie was fortunate in finding wmk in a wholesale
grocery store in New York City, hut before he
aii I\ nil-It 1 wa\ was afflicted with the gold
craze which knows no antidote but actual ex-
perience. Almost out of pocket at the start, he
arrived at San Francisco completely destitute.
and was obliged to work at anything which of-
fered the wherewithal to live. Arriving at Santa
Cruz at the time that Davis & Jordan had
opened a large lime kiln, the first in this pail
of the state, he readily found, employment, and
learned to make harrels for the lime. Two
years later he became a contractor for this
firm, manufacturing barrels on a large scale for
five years, and then took the contract for the
firm of ( ilassell & Poland. Upon disposing of
1I1 is business he bought out the interest of C.
H. Lincoln in the San Lorenzo stables, and two
years later bought the Santa Cruz and Pesca-
dero stage line, which offered plenty of oppor-
tunities for adventure, and insight into wild
western ways. During those days there were
no particular roads, and the stage coach took
whatever course the judgment or inclination
of the driver dictated. Also there was no
such thing as schedule time, although the start
was generally effected about nine in the morn-
ing, and, all things being favorable, arrived at
Pescadero at four in the afternoon. But all this
was very uncertain, as was also the return trip
the next day. and the only accurate informa-
tion to be had about this stage line was that
the coaches arrived and departed. They were
four-horse concerns, and usually carried heavy
loads, for there were no railroads to relieve
traffic. Naturally there was much to ruffle the
spirits of travelers whose time was money, air!
to counteract the prevailing gloom Mr. Bias had
on tap a fund of stories and anecdotes war-
ranted to restore good humor and stimulate fra-
ternity, all of which made him immensely pop-
ular and glossed over the faults and misde-
meanors of the unreliable stage line.
\ftrr five years of stage life Mr. Bias em-
barked upon a mercantile business in Santa
Cruz with J. Ik Moulter, having bought out
\. R. Meserves. At the end of four years this
business was disposed of, for he had in the
meantime entered politics, and the duties of city
assessor and city clerk, succeeding I. I V Bailey,
necessitated the whole of his time. He Was
elected cit\ clerk four different terms, and re
HISTORICAL WD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
113
signed in 1889 to accept the office of treasurer,
since maintained by him with credit and gen-
eral satisfaction. He is a standi Republican,
and is fraternally identified with Masonic Lodg<
No. 38, the Royal Arch .Masons and the Knights
Templar; the Independent < )rder < )dd Fel-
lows, in which he has passed to the encamp-
ment; and the Knights of Pythias. In 1861 he
joined the first fire company organized in Santa
Cruz, and he was second lieutenant of the cele-
brated Butler Guards in 1864.
January 6, 1868, Mr. Bias married Louise P.
Anthony, daughter of Hon. William Anthony,
and who was born in Cayuga county, X. Y.,
and who came to California in 1854. To Mr.
and Mrs. Bias have been born the following
children: Herbert J., a graduate of Berkeley,
subsequently principal of the Santa Cruz Mis-
sion School, and who died Februarj 28, 1902,
at the age of twenty-nine; Florence, formerly
the wife of Mr. Crook, by whom she had one
son, Jackson 1'.., and now the wife of Robert
S. Brown, of San Francisco; Carrie Bell, the
wife of Edward McPherson, of Santa Cruz:
Ralph W., clerk in the Odd Fellows Rank of
San Francisco; Anna. living at home; and
Stanley Clayton, a student.
JOHN KENNAUGHt
Although at present engaged in farming and
stock-raising in the vicinity of Watsonville,
John Kennaugh has an established reputation
as a gold miner, won while spending twenty
years among the gold mines in the northern
part of the state. While harvesting luxurious
crops year after year in the Pajaro valley, he-
still owns valuable mining properties, from
which he receives noticeable additions to Ins
income.
A Manxman by birth and training, Mr. Ken
naugh was reared on the paternal farm in the
wig) Kennaugh, were also bom on the isle of
Man. and there -pent their entire lives. 1 if
their children, two sons arc in California, one
being a resident of Los Migclcs. Join, Ken
nauerh lived at home until twenty two years of
age, and while assisting around the home farm
attended the public schools as opportunity of-
fered. After landing in Boston, Mass., he
located in the northern part of California and
engaged in mining, principally in Yuba county,
in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In [883 he
came to Santa Cruz county and bought his
present farm of one hundred and thirty-three
acres, just west of Watsonville. lb
in general farming and stock-raising, and is
considered one of the enterprising agriculturists
of the county. In politics he is independent,
and believes in voting for the man best quali-
fied to serve the public interests.
October 29, 1879, Mr. Kennaugh was mar-
ried to Airs. D. (Willman) 1 low. who was the
widow of John Clow, b\ whom she had two
children, Elizabeth W. and Theodore |.
EDWARD KELLY.
Though a considerable period has elapsed
since the death of Mr. Kelly, he is not forgotten
by those with whom he formerly associated and
among whom the last years of his bus) life
were passed. Of Irish birth and parentage, lie
grew to manhood in the home of his father.
Edward Kelly. Sr., whom he accompanied to
the United States. For a number of years he
made his home near Joliet, 111., where his father
owned a farm. Utrai
concerning the productiveness of the soil and
the desirable climate, In 1 ame to 1 alifornia
about 1804 and at once established his home in
Santa. Cruz county. B\ occupation he was a
farmer and until his death, in 1NN5. [le carried
on general fanning pursuits together with the
raising of fruit.
Surviving Mr. Kelly are his wile and two
children, Edward and Mary. The former, who
is a graduate of Columbia Law School, is
a resident of New York. Mrs. Kelly was born
in Ireland in [843 and is a daughter of Dennis
and Mar) (McDermitt) McAleer. Her father,
who was a farmer b) occupation, died in [872,
and her mother, now mote than eighty years
of age, makes hei home with Mis. Kelly. I'"'
nee other daughters
in the family, . 0111, Mrs. Donnelly, is
514
HISTi >RICAL AND BK »GR M'llh \L REO >RD.
now a resident of Watsonville. It was during
1873 that Miss McAleer accompanied her
mother and sister to California and settled on
a farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres,
where she still resides. During the same year
.she became the wife of Mr. Kelly, and since
his death she has superintended the place per-
sonally. As a result of her wise oversight and
capable industry, the property has increased in
value and is known as one of the most valuable
fruit farms in the vicinity. A specialty is made
of apples, to which forty-five acres are planted.
Like others in the Pajaro valley, she has found
the Bellefleurs and Newtown Pippins to be the
most desirable varieties, and hence has made
these her specialties, each year shipping large
quantities of the finest grades of these apples
to the markets, where a fair price is always
paid for the same.
BENJAMIN K. KNIGHT,
Now serving his fourth year as district attorney
of Santa Cruz county, is one of the youngest
and most promising of the men who have
filled this position, and he is also one of the
most erudite of the native sons who are pro-
moting the legal prestige of the community.
He was born in this county August 28, [874,
1 -.in of Dr. 1'.. Knight, ami grandson of Ben-
jamin and Amy (Ballou) Knight. The grand-
parents were horn in Rhode Island, in which
state had settled the immigrating New Eng-
land ancestors many years before, and the
■ family, no less representative .if eastern
tradition and conservative worth, claimed
anion-- its members immediate associates ol
Roger Williams. The grandfather was a ma-
chinist by trade, and while on a mining expe-
dition to California in [850, built the first log
house on the site of Nevada City. Two years
later he returned to Rhode Island, but in [872
came with his wife to the coast, his remaining
vears being spent at the home of his son. Dr.
i;. Knight. There his death occurred in [883,
at the age of eighty years, his wife surviving
him until 1895, at the good old age of ninet}
one Hieir children were: Obadiah M., Marc}
G, Mary 11., Noah M., Dr. Benjamin, Amy,
Lucina, Thomas and Lucretia.
Mr. Benjamin Knight was born in Mansfield.
Tolland county. Conn., October 16. 1836, and
was educated at the Providence Conference
Seminary, at East Greenwich, R. 1. Previous
to the Civil war he had engaged in teaching,
and had begun to study medicine with Drs.
Howard < >kie and Wilcox, hut with the demand
for his services as a soldier he enlisted in Com-
pany I, First Massachusetts Cavalry, and served
twenty-one months. His regiment was princi-
pally engaged in South Carolina, and after the
cessation of hostilities he returned to his former
honie and resumed his previous occupations.
The same year as his graduation from the Har-
vard .Medical School, he married, April S, [869,
Lvdia A. Killey, daughter of James E. Killey,
of Manton, R. I., and forthwith started out on
a wedding trip to Santa Cruz, Cal. Possessed
of remarkable general ability, Dr. Knight has
not only built up a large and lucrative prac-
tice, but has proved himself a politician of large
resource and unquestioned popularity. He ac-
complished good results while a member of the
city school board, and in 1879 was the unsuc-
cessful candidate for the assembly. This slight
disappointment was more than counteracted in
1882, when he was elected joint senator from
Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey coun-
ties, ami he further served as senator in [-883,
was in the extra session of March, 1884, the
regular session of 1805, and the extra session
of 1885, held during July, August and Septem-
ber. He was elected president pro tern, at the
regular session of 1885, and also served as
chairman of the hospital committee, later being
appointed by Governor Stoneman a- one of the
live commissioners who located the Agnew Asy-
lum, lie was also chairman of the finance com-
mittee 01 the session of 18S5. Dr. Knight is
a man of great public spirit, large heart, and
high professional standing, lie is fraternally
connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows
and the United Workmen, and is a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic. To himself
and wife have been born four children, viz:
Edith, the wife of \\ . E. I lodge ami the mothi 1
1 ii 1 .ue si .11. ( !harles I'. I lodge: Ida. the wife ol
HENRY C. TOLLK1
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL REl < iRD.
J. I'. Stack; B. K.; and Mary A., deceased at
the age of seven.
After completing the course at the grammar
school, Benjamin 1\. Knight entered the law-
office of Carl E. Lindsay, and was admitted to
the bar September .2, 181)5. Not content with
the grammar school training, he attended a
law school for a few months, and finally grad
nated from the law department of the Ann
Arbor College (Michigan) in 1895. Returning
to Santa Cruz, he entered the law office with
Mr. Lindsay, which association was most ami-
cably and satisfactorily continued up to the time
that .Mr. Knight succeeded Air. Lindsay as dis-
trict attorney. Mr. Knight is variousl} asso-
ciated with the fraternal and social organizations
in the city, is secretary of the Elks Club, and a
member and past president of the Native Sons
of the Golden West. fraternally he is con-
nected with the Knights of Pythias, the For-
esters and the Eagles, and lie is a member and
regular attendant of the Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Knight, who was formerly Helen Bliss of
San lose, is the mother of two children. Benja-
min 11. and .Marion.
HENRY C. TOLLETT.
The splendidly equipped farm which was for-
merly the pride of its owner, Henry C. Tollett,
and which comprises one hundred and eleven
acres adjoining the city limits of Salinas on the
southwest, is a monument to the tireless indus-
try and wise management of this well remem-
bered ami widely regretted pioneer. To enumer-
ate the many excellencies to be found on this
fine property were to run the gamut of the lat-
est agricultural improvements in machinery and
manner of harvesting, with the additional ad-
vantages of a tine rural residence, good fences,
barns, well-kept lawns, and a beautiful hedge
running along the road. Mr. Tollett, whose
demise August 12, [899, removed one of the
sterling and helpful residents of the county, was
born in Arkansas in iS.|<i, and was the oldest
son in a family of eight children, a sister being
older than himself. lie came of a fainib foi
many years identified with the farming in!
of Arkansas, and he himself was reared on his
father's farm, and received such education at
the public schools as his small leisure and nu-
merous home duties permitted of. lie came to
California in iXoj. and bought the farm which
is now occupied by his family. In [879 he mar-
ried Maggie R. Archer, who was born in Illi-
nois, a daughter of George Archer, who came
to California in 1858. Of this union there are
two children lain-, Hattie and Lester. For
the last twelve years of his life Mr. Tollett owned
and ran a threshing machine in Monterey
county, and while this was an addil
of revenue and a change from his regular farm
work, resulted in his eventual death, for he was
killed by the machine that he had for so long
successfully manipulated.
In early life Mr. Tollett was a member of the
Democratic party, but of late years he had be-
come in accord with the People's party, which
he did much to uphold and foster. Fraternally
he was associated with the < >dd Fellows and the
1'oresters, and the former organization took his
burial in hand, and invested it with the beautiful
and impressive ceremony with which this band
of co-workers bid farewell to their departed
comrades. At the time, the numerous friends
and associates who had known him in life and
appreciated his many manl) and fine tn
character constituted the largest following that
had ever wound itself through the streets of Sa-
linas in procession. ||:, :,..: resting place in
the I »dd Fellows' cemetery is marked by a fine
monument, appropriate^ inscribed.
Mrs. Tollett, who is carrying on the manage-
ment of her husband's farm, inherited in her
own right sevent) acres of land. Adjoining her
farm lives her brother: her mother died at the
age of eight} \ eat s, and her Fathi • died
She is a good business woman, and a typical rep-
resentative of tin enterprising and thrifty wife
of the prosperous California farmer.
ORLANDO J. LINO ILN.
To the energy, resourcefulness and capacity
of the postmaster, < Irlando J. Lincoln, the city
of Santa Cruz and its mail service owe much.
Mr. Lincoln was born in Washington, Lincoln
mow Knox) county, Me., January 20, 1847. and
HISTi iRICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was .1 son of Nathaniel Lincoln, of that town,
the latter being a second cousin of Abraham
Lincoln. At the age of fifteen he enlisted in the
Twenty-first Maine Infantry and accompanied
his regiment to the front, remaining until the
expiration of his term of service. Meantime
he had received a promotion to the rank of
corporal. Luring one of his engagements with
the Confederate forces at l'ort Hudson. La., he
was wounded, but. notwithstanding this, he
earnestly desired to re-enlist. Being unsuccess-
ful in this, as he was not accepted, he went to
Boston and there entered the service of the Met-
ropolitan Horse Street Car Company, of which
in time he rose to be superintendent, holding
tlie position for six years. About that time he
contracted a lung and bronchial trouble which
compelled him to resign all work and look for
a friendlier air and climate in that far west which
has since claimed him as its son.
Coming direct to Santa Cruz, in the year
1879, Mr. Lincoln seemed to find almost at
once the balm he was seeking; and now, in com-
mon with the many others who have added
111. ire and happier years to their earth existence
amid the perpetual flowers and fruits of this
climate, he enjoys not only vigorous physical
life, but also those chosen labors which have
added so much to the progress of his adopted
city. In 1883 he became deputy county as-
sessor and superintendent of the city water-
works, which positions he filled for eight years,
and later he held the office of city clerk for six
years.
During IS.).) Mr. Lincoln succeeded W. T.
Kearney as postmaster of Santa Cruz. With
characteristic energy he at once set about im-
proving the service, with such success that
where at that time but eight mails were re-
ceived and discharged in one day. he rtow has
till ecu daily mails. The services of five clerks
are employed to handle the mails and six car-
riers are engaged in delivery service, the office
having had free deliver}- since 1889. In connec
tion with the office there are two rural routes.
About [900, when the enterprising postmaster
attempted to establish a circuit of twent} three
miles, he found himself lacing the problem of
being responsible for having four miles of
mountain-grade road built. This he at once as-
sumed. The construction work was accom-
plished with the aid of landowners. Its success-
ful accomplishment makes it possible for a man
to deliver mail over the twenty-three miles, start-
in- a: one o'clock in the afternoon and return-
ing in time for the six o'clock evening mail for
San Francisco. B) this means the rural dis-
tricts can have their daily mail and papers, and
keep in close touch with friends and the world.
Mr. Lincoln chooses competent assistants, ami
with their aid has made the service at Santa
Cruz the equal of any in the state, and a source
of satisfaction to the residents and visitors in
the Flower City. The postoffice occupies a
building on Locust street, owned by F. A. I lihn.
and large and modern in all its details.
By the marriage of Mr. Lincoln to Miss
Sarah llurlin, who was reared and educated in
New England, Mr. Lincoln has two children:
Mabel, a teacher in the Santa Cruz schools: and
Robert, who is a student. The schools of this
city are of interest to Mr. Lincoln, who has been
an efficient member of the school board for
fourteen years, laboring for educational progress
and welfare. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and \\ allace Reynolds Post Xo. 32,
G. A. R., in which he has been commander and
senior post commander. In religious belief he
is a Congregationalist.
J. J. C. LEONARD.
The hotels of which Mr. Leonard is proprie-
tor are among the best known on the Pacific
coast, and enjoy a liberal patronage from the
visitors to Santa Cruz. Hotel St. George, which
is situated on Pacific avenue and Front street,
was opened June 1, 1807. and has since received
the highest commendation from the many who
have been its guests. The three-story building
is in itself unique ami attractive, constructed ot
cherry-red pressed brick, with large windows
surmounted bj brownstone caps, and with a
veranda running the entire length of tin main
frontage. The hotel is constructed in the patio
style, SO that al! apartments are light and airy.
Tlie main halls are heated b) steam, while lire-
place- with marble mantels adorn the suites For
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
guests. For lighting purposes, both gas and
electricity are used. In connection with most
of the suites are bath rooms with patent enamel
bathtubs. ( )ne of the features of the main office
is the tesselated floor, which is both novel in
design and elegant in execution, being laid in
minute stones of different colors. The hand-
somely furnished parlors on the second floor
are reached by elevator or by the marble stair-
way. All of the furniture for the hotel was
made in the east and is faultless in design and
perfect in its exhibition of harmonious effects.
The dining room and kitchen are situated in the
eastern end of the building, and from their win-
dows a fine view may lie had of Front street,
with a refreshing vista of trees and Mowers.
For private parties smaller dining rooms have
been furnished. In the entire management of
the hotel the comfort of the guest is made the
chief consideration, the proprietor being aided
along this line by a corps of trained and accom-
modating employes.
The Sea Beach Hotel became the property
of .Mr. Leonard in 1901 and is an attractive
building, with a capacity for two hundred
guests. It was purchased in 1880 by I). K.
Abell. who rebuilt it from a two-Story residence
to its present dimensions. Since then it has
been refitted by Mr. Leonard, who has trans-
formed it into one of the most beautiful seaside
hotels on the coast. Its broad verandas cover
four hundred and fifty feet, extending along
three sides of the building, and thus affording
the guests an unrivalled promenade. Its out-
look is perfect, (hie may look upon the waters
of the Monterey bay and the Santa Cruz cres-
cent beach with its attractive drive. The beauty
of beach ami ocean is enhanced by the nearer
perspective of brightly blooming flowers, and to
the guest on the veranda there floats from the
garden the odor of the rose and the heliotrope.
The poet has said. "A thing of beaut) is a joy
forever." and certainly in the minds of those
who have once enjoyed a visit to the Sea Beach
Hotel the memory of its attractions will forever
remain a delight. To those who are fond of
swimming the bathhouses afford convenient fa
cilities for this form of recreation. Lovers of
tennis find abundant opportunity for the enjo)
ment of their favorite game in the courts
around the hotel. Those who are fond of danc-
ing can avail themselves of the spacious dance
hall; and. indeed, there is no form of amuse-
ment and recreation whose devotees may not
enjoy its attractions. The location of the hotel
on Beach hill gives to the guests the benefit of
the invigorating sea breeze and the advantage of
elevation, as well as the healthful sunshine of
which Santa Cruz so justly boasts.
So popular have these two hotels !■
that during h;oj Mr. Leonard was unable to
accommodate all who wished or desired rooms
there. This fact alone furnishes sufficient tes-
timony as to the high character of the hotels
and their reputation among resorters. In con-
nection with both buildings there are stables,
where are kept on hand single and double car-
riages, surreys, phaetons, etc., together with the
popular tally-ho for parties wishing to drive
in the mountains or on the ocean boulevard.
Air. Leonard, to whose management the suc-
cess of these hotels may be attributed, was born
in Nebraska and in 1862 came to the coast with
in- lather, who died in Santa Cruz count}' in
iS-y. after having improved a ranch now owned
by F. A. Hilm. His first trip to the west was
made in 1854, when he tried his luck at mining.
Soon he returned to the east, and then made
another trip to California, later returning for
his family. J, J. ( '. Leonard has been connected
with the hotel business for a considerable p
and, as before stated, has been the less*
Hotel St. George since [897 and the owner of
Sea Beach Hotel since [901. lie is man:
has two sons, James Pope and Arthur 1
Leonard.
LAWRENCE L< )RENZEN.
In the management of the shipping wharf of
I Ienr\ ( owell Si 1 o . at Santa ( XUZ, M
renzen brings to be: tact and re-
sourcefulness which are prominent traits
character. The wharf is nine hundred fi
and eleven feet deep in the extreme end at low
tide, so that all freight can easily be loaded into
ne, vessels V ; onlj are the products of
the large lime, eem.nl and w 1 company
lllSTt (RICAL AND l;K (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
shipped from this wharf, but from there also are
sent to the metropolitan markets the dairy prod-
ucts of the comity and the wines produced bv
the li >cal trade.
The Lorenzen family is of German extraction.
Lawrence Lorenzen. Sr., came from Germany
to California in 1S4S and engaged in mining at
Gold Mill. Placer county. For a time he also
conducted general farming, besides which he
followed the trade of a ship carpenter. Return-
ing to Germany he remained there some years.
but, having once seen California, no other coun-
try seemed so desirable as a place of residence.
Accordingly he came back to the Pacific coast
and took up ship-carpentering and the building
of schooners at San Francisco. A later location
was at Davenport, where he built two schoon-
ers, the Undaunted and the R. B. Handy. The
latter part of his life was passed at Santa Cruz,
where he died at sixty-seven years of age. By
his marriage to Maria Peterson, who died in
1863. he had the following-named children:
Lawrence, of Santa Cruz; Annie, wife of W. H.
Bascowell; Coby, of < )akland; Mary, .Mrs. James
Peters; George, of Oakland; William, who
makes his home in San Francisco; and Emma,
Mrs. H. Eckelson.
In 1856, when two years of age, Lawrence
Lorenzen, Jr., accompanied his mother and sis-
ter to California. . His education was obtained
in the schools of Gold Hill and San Francisco.
At an early age he began to learn the ship-
carpenter's trade with his father, whom he as-
sisted in the building of the two schooners al
Davenport. He then worked as yard master for
the railroad company at Santa Cruz, remaining
there some seven years. A later experience was
in connection with railroad work in Mexico,
but after three months he became ill and. fear-
ing an attack of the fever so prevalent, he at
once returned to the states. For a time he
worked in the employ of the Canadian Pacific
Railroad in Canada, after which he spent two
years with the Northern Pacific Railroad ( om-
pany. From there he came to Santa Cruz and
accepted the position of wharfinger for Ileiuw
Cowell i\: Co., the duties of which position he
has since discharged with dispatch and fidelity.
with Clara Dabadie. daughter of Jean Baptiste
and Margaret (Gonzales) Dabadie. and a na-
tive daughter of Santa Cruz. Her father was
born and reared in Bordeaux, France, and there
learned the trade of a ship-carpenter, also
shipped to sea and became master of a vessel.
After coming to California he assisted in the
building of some of the very first vessels con-
structed on the Pacific coast. As captain he
had charge of the first vessel that ever sailed
into the port of Santa Cruz. In this city he
settled and engaged in building vessels. In
1846 he assisted in building the ship known as
Santa Cruz. Three years later he helped to
construct the ship Creole. His death occurred
in 1889, when he was seventy-four years of age.
He had married Margaret, daughter of Juan and
Grace (Rodriquez) Gonzales, the former having
been one of the earliest settlers of this localitv
and the owner of a large grant of land. Mrs.
Dabadie still makes her home in Santa Cruz,
where so much of her life has been passed and
among whose citizens she is held in high es-
teem. In her family are the following children:
Kate, Joseph. John. Isabelle, Laura, Clara
(Mrs. Lorenzen 1. Jennie and Gabriel. The chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen are Hiram A.,
Jennie Beatrice and Mark M. In fraternal rela-
tions Mr. Lorenzen is identified with the blue
lodge, chapter, commandery and Eastern Star.
of the Masonic order, and is also connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Ancient < >rder of United Workmen.
MARION T1K )\l \s Ri iWE.
The family of Rowe has been represented in
Monterey county for many years, or ever since
William H. Rowe, the father of Marion Thomas,
squatted on one of the old Spanish grants in
[853, and from then on was an important fac-
tor in the development of the resources of the
county. This old-time settler was born at
Plymouth, England, November 17, 1829, and as
early as thirteen years of age embarked on a
sailing vessel for America, working his passage
as a deck hand, \fter coming to San Francisco
in iN,x he worked in the mines up above Sacra-
ZEPHRIX HEBERT
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
523
conclusion that mining was not his forte, set-
tin I on the claim before mentioned, where he
lived until 1855-6. To better his prospects he
then removed to the upper part of the Pajaro
valley, where he was the very first settler. He
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land.
upon which he lived, and to which he added
from time to time until at the time of his death,
February 1, 1893. he owned one thousand acres
in the valley, as well as three hundred and forty
acres in the hills. At the present time, his prop-
erty, if together, would be valued at a million
dollars, but at the time of his death it was prob-
ably worth half that amount. He was a member
of the Christian Church, in which he was quite
active, and towards which he contributed gen-
erously. In politics he was a Democrat.
The wife of William H. Rowe was formerly
Rhoda Ann McFarland, a native of Missouri,
and an early settler in California. She also was
identified with the Christian Church, and was
the mother of eleven children, of whom nine
attained maturity. Ellen married J. R. Cassady,
of Watsonville; Cynthia Ann became the wife
of E. J. Mann, of Santa Cruz; Charles W. and
George W. 1 twins) are ranchers and live in
Watsonville; Marion Thomas is a resident of
Monterey county; Sophronia (deceased) was the
wife of William Palmtag, of Watsonville; James
II. is a rancher of Monterey county; Frank L.
is a rancher of this township; Minnie F. married
R. 1'. Quinn, engaged in the real-estate business
at Watsonville, and is now deceased.
Like his brothers, Marion Thomas Rowe was
reared on the home farm, where he was born
May 20, 1861. After his marriage he rented
fifty acres of land from his father, and after the
hitter's death he received a deed for the fifty
acres, and in addition received twenty-seven
acres adjoining his home. The greater part of
his land in under apples, principally Bellefleurs
and Newtown Pippins, and last year he sold the
crop on the trees of six acres for $500. The
orchard is now about eight years old. and is in
fine bearing condition.
The wife of Mr. Rowe was born in Denmark.
and before her marriage was Katie Monde, a
daughter of X. 1'. Bonde, with whom she came
to America when a child. Four children have
been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Rowe, viz: Mai,, I
Rhoda, Harris Elliott, Shirley Irving and
William Henry. Although a Democrat in na-
tional affairs, Mr. Rowe C very liberal as to
local politics, and believes in voting for tin besl
man. He served as deputj assessor for one
term, and has held several minor offices in the
community. Fraternally he is associated with
the Red Men. With his family he is a member
of the Christian Church.
cinan Z. HEBERT.
To an unusual extent Cheri Z. Hebert, owner
and manager of the Natividad ranch, six miles
northeast of Salinas, inherits the natural gifts
which made his father, Zephrin Hebert, one
of the most famous of the California pioneers
of the early '50s. The son was educated in the
public schools and Santa Clara College, and his
entire life has been spent on the extensive prop-
erty redeemed from uselessness by his far-
sighted and large-hearted father.
One of the most interesting, buoyant, and
commanding personalities upon the horizon of
the days of gold was Zephrin Hebert, who
as did others with little save his dauntless
courage and resourceful intellect, to conquer
and develop the latent possibilities of the coast.
'Id himself and contemporaries the dire n
sities of pioneership whetted their sensibilities
to the keenest edge, leaving them no alternative
in the battle for existence bul eternal vigilance
and desperate exertion. They knew little leisure,
and accepted the conditions and triumphed over
the obstacles in such manner that within lit-
tle more than half a century wonderful happen-
ings, unprecedented in the history of the world,
have followed in the wake of their prodigious
energy. An optimistic and humor loving nature
contributed much to the success of Mr. Hebert.
who saw in till situations, however strenuous
or dire, something redeeming anil often laugh-
able. Adventures crowded into his life, and left
their strengthening rather than weakening in-
fluence, so that adversit} proved his best friend.
A native ol dge, St. Martin par-
ish. La.. Mr. Hebert was born January 17, 1826,
and was the youngest of seven brothers and
52 I
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
two sisters bom to parents who were also
of Louisiana. His father was a farmer
and planter, and his estate was taken away from
him during; the war of the Rebellion. When fif-
teen years of age Zephrin relinquished his share
of the homestead to his brothers and sisters and
lived for a time in New Orleans, starting- for
California via Chagres and Panama in the
vear 1S50. He was the fortunate possessor
of $700, a sum which looked large indeed
until after walking- from Chagres to Panama
lie found that a ticket for San Francisco would
cost him $500. He therefore abandoned all
idea of a steamer passage, and embarked for
87; on the brig W. Brown, but was three
months at sea, often on very short allowances
of food and water.
This voyage was enlivened by many interest-
ing happenings, not the least of which being the
circumstance of the passengers taking matters
into their own hands and placing an obstrep-
erous and drunken captain in irons. Arriving
in San Francisco, Air. Htebert carefully ob-
served the entile and ofttimes dangerous con-
ditions by which he was surrounded, and re-
solved to have as little as possible to do with
things purely hazardous. Almost immediately
he secured work in a butcher shop and grocery
store at $jco per month, and later on engaged
in an independent business along the same line
on the corner of Jackson and Dupont streets.
This proved a successful venture, and after
making 83,000 he yielded to the solicitations of
his gold struck partner and joined him in an
( xpedition to the mines. The mind of Mr. He-
bert was far too conservative and well balanced
to be long impressed with the questionable
methods of mining, and the fact that their pack
mule ran away at the start, scattering their pans
and oilier paraphernalia along the trail, did not
strengthen his convictions in favor of mining.
The mines abandoned to more trustful souls,
Mr. Hebert returned to San Francisco and oper-
ated a butcher's stall, and subsequently started
a wholesale butcher lmsine-s. at the same time
dealing extensively in sheep with a partner by
the name of Sedgley.
Having purchased three thousand acres of
land al Natividad, Monterey county, Cal., in
1865, Mr. Hebert came to live on his property
in 1808. and was thereafter prominently identi-
fied with his locality up to the time of his death,
June 25, 1896, at the age of seventy-three years.
He was a Democrat in politics, but aside from
the formality of casting his vote was rarely heard
of in political circles. He was earnestly inter-
ested in all that had to do with the develop-
ment of the resources of Monterey county, and
had infinite faith in her possibilities of climate
and soil. He was a life member and one of the
organizers of the Monterey District Agricul-
tural Association, and was one of the founders
and a stockholder of the Salinas City Rank.
I [e was liberal in his views, but yet determined
and not easily changed, and he was remarkable
for his strength of character and influence over
those with whom he came in contact.
FRANK MATTISON.
The position of county assessor has been held
for a long period by this native son and popular
citizen of Santa Cruz. Of English parentage and
ancestry, he is a son of John S. Mattison, who
was born in Yorkshire in 1823 and accompanied
his parents to the United States at sixteen years
of age. The family settled in Penn Van. X. \\,
but he soon left home and started out to seek
an independent livelihood. Going to Chicago
he learned the trade of shoemaker. From that
city he removed to Michigan City, Ind., where
he married Delilah Miles, a native of Pennsyl-
vania. At the time of the discovery of gold in
[849 he came to California, arriving at Santa
Cruz on Christmas day. Like all newcomers lie
tried his luck at mining. However, the results
were nut encouraging- and thereupon he re-
sumed his trade. Coming to Santa Cruz he
started to work as a shoemaker, but soon found
that saddles were more in demand than shoes.
"With him to see was to act. and he promptly
sel "in for the woods, where he cut down trees
and constructed the wooden part of a saddle.
With no assistance except that of a Mexican ex-
perienced in pinking the leather, he sewed and
completed the saddles, for which he was paid
from 875 to Sioo each. His place of business
was on Mission street, where he rented a shop.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5'?;.
The proceeds of his business enterprise were
invested in a ranch, comprising ninety-six acres
and located near Soquel. To this place he
brought his young wife on their marriage, and
there he continued to make his home until he
died in 1890. His wife survived him six years
ami was sixty-seven years of age at the time of
her death. In their family were two sons,
namely: Frank, who was born in Santa Cruz
February 5, i860, and has always resided in this
city or vicinity; and Ralph, who lives on the
family homestead, owned by himself and
brother. During early days the father was an as-
sociate judge of Santa Cruz county. A member
of the Sons of Temperance, he did much work
in the interests of the prevention of the sale
of intoxicants. With his wife he assisted in
organizing the Congregational Church at So-
quel, and was contributor to the erection of its
house of worship.
The early days of Frank Mattison's life were
passed on the home farm and in work con-
nected with the same. ( )n coming to Santa
Cruz he formed a partnership with A. \Y. Bry-
ant and organized the firm of Bryant &: Mat-
tison, grocers. After three years in the gro-
cery business he was elected county assessor
to succeed T. V. Mathews, and has been re-
elected at the expiration of each term until 1902,
when he was the successful candidate for mem-
ber State Board of Equalization, fourth district.
This fact in itself is abundant proof of the high
and satisfactory character of his services. The
position which he holds is one of great respon-
sibility, but he has been equal to its every de-
mand and has proved himself to be the right
man in the right place. While his elections
have been on the Republican ticket, his friends
are by no means limited to that party, but in-
clude citizens of various political ties and alle-
giance.
The two children of Mr. Mattison are Lila E.
and Ruth, born of his marriage to Carrie A.
Peck, which, was solemnized November!), [883.
The father of Mrs. Mattison was E. G. Peck,
a native of Brownville, Jefferson county, X. Y..
burn in 1828, and a farmer in the east until
1850, when he accompanied a party of friends
across the plains to California. Following the
usual course of the pioneers of 1850, he en-
gaged in prospecting and mining. In addition
he also became interested in farming. Return-
ing east in 1857. he spent seven years at his old
home, but the failure of his health induced him
to return to the Pacific coast. On regaining
his strength he again went back east, but in
1871 for the third time came to California,
this time with the intention of spending his
remaining years in the enjoyment of the beauti-
ful climate of the coast. Settling near Soquel,
he remained there until death.
The liberality of thought and opinion which
is noticeable of Mr. Mattison in religious mat-
ters extends to other departments of life, and
leads him to extend the same charity to others
which he believes to be an inalienable right of
mankind. To one of his genial disposition a
connection with fraternal organizations is in-
evitable. In Masonry he is connected with blue
lodge, commanderv and chapter, and ranks as
past master of Lodge No. 38. The Foresters
have elected him to the office of chief ranger,
while the Odd Fellows honored him by election
to the position of chief patriarch of the en-
campment. Identified with the Native Sons of
the Golden West, he was grand president in
1899.
JAMES H. ROWE.
As an orchardist and rancher James 11. Row,
ranks among the most enterprising of those
who are maintaining the horticultural and agri
cultural prestige of the Pajaro valley. Hi
nounced abilities have reached out in several
directions, and lie lias lightened the burdens of
his fellow fanners by patenting a four-ro
cultivator, which is a decided success and which.
with one man and two horses, accomplisl
much work as ten men with the old-time hoe.
From this patent, taken out in 1898, Mr
gets a royalty, and this, added to the profits
of hi- large general harvests, makes him one of
the Yen sin-e. --in] men of In'- township.
The entire life of Mr. Rowe has beer
in Montere) county, and lie was born on the oh!
nship, February [8,
[866. I [is father, \\ illiam 1 1. Rowe. w
HIST< IRICAL AND V.U ^GRAPHICAL RECORD.
near London, England, November 17, 1829, and
came to America when thirteen years of age,
working his way on the vessel. He mined for
some time in California, and eventually became
the first settler of the Pajaro valley, at the time of
his death, February 1, 1893, owning more than
a thousand acres of land. James IT. Rowe was
reared on this splendid ranch, and when sixteen
vears of age began supporting himself by work-
ing out by the month. He owned a half inter-
est in a threshing machine before he was twenty
vears of age, and managed to save considerable
money from its use during the busy season. He
was ambitious of getting a good education, and
up to this time his chances had been compara-
tivelv limited. He finally succeeded entering
Washington College, at Irvington, Cal, from
which he graduated in the two years' course in
literature and business. To meet his expenses,
his father contributed a share of the money, and
the rest he made himself by doing janitor work.
The fall after his graduation he disposed of his
threshing machine, and the following January
became bookkeeper in the general merchandise
store of A. Lewis, at Watsonville. After re-
signing this position he became foreman for his
father on his stock farm in San Benito county,
ami after his marriage spent a season manag-
ing a threshing machine. In partnership with
his brother, Frank, he then started a meat mar-
ket in Watsonville, which venture proved a
most disastrous one and swallowed up consid-
erable money. For the following six months
he engaged in teaming, after which he assumed
charge of Iowa Turtle's hop yard at Watson-
ville. which yard contains thirty acres of hop
vines. During that time his father died and left
him one hundred and thirty-seven acres of land,
seventy-two acres of which are in the valley,
and the balance table and hill, hay and grain
land. Me al out took possession of his prop-
erty, and has since pul oil about four thousand
dollars' worth of improvements, and there made
his home. He is engaged principally in sugar-
culture and apple-raising, the former of
which he entered into verj extensively during
1 five years. One year he leased three
hundred .acres .and had four hundred acres under
beets. He started in to raise apples by setting
nut ten acres in Bellefleurs, Winesaps and New-
town Pippins, and in 1898 put out thirty acres
in Newtowns and Bellefleurs, and last year he
sold his entire apple crop on the trees for $650.
In connection with apple-raising Mr. Rowe
manages a threshing machine each season.
With his brother, George, he is now engaged
in the fruit-packing and shipping business in
Watsonville.
The first wife of Air. Rowe. who was formerly
Jennie Ryason, died leaving one son, William
Bryan, who is living at home. Of the union
of Mr. Rowe and Ida Reed, of San Jose, there
are no children. Airs. Rowe is a daughter of
Robert and Anna (Gregson)" Reed, the latter
of whom was the first white female child born
in the state of California. On this account Gen.
John Sutter offered to give her parents the kind
upon which Sacramento was afterward built if
they would name her after him. .Mrs. Reed is
living at the present time in San Jose, and is
fifty-seven years of age. For many years she
was a resident of San Luis Obispo count}.
A M<S. NELLIE M. CHOPE.
As an educator Airs. Chope not only ranks
among the first in Monterey county, but she is
well known among the teachers of the state.
In the profession to which- she has devoted her
life she is recognized as an expert. During the
past ten years there is perhaps no science that
has made greater development and advance than
pedagogy, and it has been the aim of all pro-
gressive teachers to keep pace with this ad-
vance, hence the life of an earnest, ambitous
teacher is one of intense application. Realizing
this fact, Mrs. Chope. in the capacity of county
superintendent of schools of Monterey county.
has endeavored to be of constant aid to capa-
ble, aspiring teachers, and in this way she lias
proved most helpful in securing a general ad-
vance in the schools. The people of the count}
are greatly indebted to her devotion to the wel-
fare of schools and teachers.
The primary education of .Mrs. Chope was
obtained in the village of Seville, near ( [eve
land, ( >hio, where she was born and where the
<^L
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
first ten years of her life were passed. From
there she went to Kansas with her parents, I. J.
and H. Richard, and four years later, in 1883,
settled in Alameda county, Cal., where she at-
tended high school. In 1887 she was graduated
from the California State Normal at San Jose,
of whose Alumni Association she was elected
vice-president at the meeting of 1901, held in
San Jose, and was further honored in 1002
by election to the office of president. From an
early age she engaged in teaching school, and
taught in Alameda and Santa Clara counties
about four years. After coming to Monterey
county, she was for six years principal of
the King City high school, resigning the posi-
tion in 1808, when she was elected superintend-
ent of the schools of Monterey county. In 1803
she became the wife of J. E. Chope, wdio was
born in Michigan and is now bookkeeper for
Cooper, Elroy & Co., of King- City.
Besides filling- her position, which necessarily
requires much of her time and thought, Mrs.
Chope is promoting educational work in other
ways, principally through the giving of lectures
on pedagogy and kindred topics, and also
through her participation in institute work. Be-
sides being president of the San Jose Normal
Alumni, she is vice-president of the California
State Teacher--' Association. The family of
which she is a member possesses more than or-
dinal-) ability. While she has become prominent
educationally, her sister. Mrs. J. IT Sheerer, has
been successfully conducting a large mercantile
business and has acquired a large fortune
through the exercise of wise judgment in the
management of her interests. Patriotism is
another family characteristic. Mrs. Chope's
great-grandfather was a Revolutionary hero and
for a time was confined as a prisoner on the
British man-of-war Jersey. Her grandfather
fought in the war of 1812, and her father was a
defender of the Union during the Civil war, and
her brother served in the Philippine war. I lei-
patriotic spirit is equally ardent, ami has led her
to adopt teaching as the profession in which
she can most surel) advance the prosperity of
our nation, tor no one doubts that the weal or
woe of our country depends upon the future
citizenship of those who are today under the in-
struction of our public-school teachers and
perintendents.
MICHAEL GAGNON.
This pioneer farmer, who has lived in Santa
Cruz county since 1852, was born in Canada,
August 16, 1822, and comes of ancestors also
devoted to tilling the soil. J lis parents, Francis
and Margaret (Belanger) Gagnon, were natives
of Canada, in which country they lived on a
farm for their entire lives. One of their chil-
dren, Peter, is still a resident of Canada, and is
the owner and manager of the home farm.
At the age of sixteen Michael Gagnon fol-
lowed a long-thought-out determination and
put to sea on a merchant' vessel, thereafter de-
voting several years of his life to this method
of livelihood. Beginning- with 1844 he sailed
for the greater part on the Pacific ocean, and
April 3, 1840, left Liverpool, landing in San
Francisco the following July. The winter of
1849 was spent in Oakland, and during the
spring of 1850 he went to Nevada City and en-
gaged in mining for a couple of years. His
experiences among the gold mines could not
have been particularly cheering, for in 1852 he
came to Santa Cruz county and bought his
present farm, on Lake avenue, near Watsonville.
He has thirty-four acres of land, part of which
comprises one of the finest orchards in Santa
Cruz county. There is also a grove of fifty
English walnut trees, which yield large and
gratifying returns every season.
In 1876 Mr. Gagnon married Mary J. Smiley,
who was born in Indiana and died in California
in 1871), leaving no children. \l
a Democrat in politics, and is the only charter
member of the Watsonville 1 odg< ol Masons
now living. lie is a member of the Pioneer
Association, and is niie of the must prominent
men of his locality. Mi >r In m lost
track of the association among which his
youth was passed, foi d 1886,
he has visited Canada, and renewed his ac-
quaintance with people and old familiar land-
marks. Fraternall) he belongs to Watsonville
Lodge No. no, F. & A. M.: Temple Chapter
Mo. ii, R. \ M.. (of which he is a charter mem-
530
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber), and is also identified with Watsonville
Commandery Xo. 22. K. I .
WILLIAM BURTON COOPER.
In the city of Watsonville, his native town,
Mr. Cooper is now connected with the firm of
Cooper & Malcom, while at the same time he
has held the office of city treasurer ever since
1897. Born here June 30, 1861, he is a son of
fames Alexander and Eliza (Morrow) Cooper.
His father, who was a native of Gettysburg, Pa.,
born in 1822. was a son of Thomas J. and
Margaret (Barr) Cooper, the former a merchant
by occupation. When a boy J. A. Cooper be-
came a clerk in his fathers store and thus
gained a thorough knowledge of the details of
mercantile affairs. Removing to Louisville,
Ky., he secured clerkships there and later in
Madison, Ind., and other places. During 1852
he came to California, where he hoped to attain
a success that seemed impossible in the east.
Having friends in Santa Cruz he decided to
come to that city, and was so pleased with the
climate that he looked around for a business
opening. After six months he and his brother,
Thomas S., bought a small stock of general mer-
chandise and came to Watsonville. There were
only a few houses in the town and they opened
the first store here. To the conservative an at-
tempt to embark in business at such a small in-
significant place might have seemed hazardous.
But the brothers being men of ambition and hav-
ing a boundless faith in the future of the rich Pa-
jaro valley, did nut hesitate a day. They rented a
small building where the Bank of Watsonville
now stands and later built a residence with a
store adjoining, where the business was con-
tinued until the death of James A. Cooper. He
was a successful man in business and as a citizen
-i 1 high.
At Xewville, Pa., in 1851. James A. Cooper
married Eliza, daughter of John S. and Rachel
(Talbot) Morrow. She accompanied her hus-
band via the isthmus, leaving Panama December
6, [851, and arriving in San Francisco January
O, [852. Three children were born of their
union: Thomas T., who died in boyhood; Wil
hani Burton, of Watsonville: and Florence, who
married William Malcom and has two children.
Madeleine and William F. Mrs. Cooper makes
her home in Watsonville and is interested in the
estate. In the schools of Watsonville William
Burton Cooper received his education. As a boy
he was employed in delivering telegrams, and
continued as a messenger for some years. On
the death of his uncle, Thomas S., in 1893.be
took charge of the estate, and in 1896 the two
estates, under his management, built the Cooper
block, where he and his partner, Mr. Malcom,
are engaged in the cigar, tobacco and stationery
business. Among the orgnizations with which
he is identified may be mentioned the Masons
and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
DR. J. A. CHAPPELL.
Those who have profited by his skill and
know (if his many admirable characteristics, pre-
dict for Dr. Chapped a continuance of the suc-
cess and prestige which he at present enjoys as
one of the youngest and at the same time most
proficient dentists in Salinas. He was born in
Santa Clara county, Cal.. in 1874, and is a son
of Thomas L. Chapped, one of the best-known
men in this county. The elder Chapped was
born in England, and in early life displayed the
perseverance and common sense for which his
countrymen are so well known. In his island
home he heard rumors of the quick and ready
fortunes to be had with little effort in the far
west, ami immigrated to California in 1850. At
present he has a fine farm at Buena Vista, Mon-
terey county, where for many years he has con-
ducted large stock-raising enterprises, and has
also engaged in mining on a pretentious scale.
He is a prominent Mason, and a believer in the
principles of the Republican party. His wife,
Emma (Manley) Chapped, is also a native of
I' ngland.
The education of Dr. Chapped was acquired
in the public schools and high school of Santa
Clara county, supplemented by a course at Pa-
cific University and the California State Uni-
versity. In [897 lie was graduated from the
Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, after
which he practiced for a short time in the ' >hio
city, and for one year in Philadelphia and Chi-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
531
cago. \ wisely thought-out plan resulted in
his return to the west and his location in Sali-
nas, where, at his fine office on Main street, he
is rapidly buildirfg up a large and appreciative
practice. In political affiliation he is a Republi-
can, and is fraternally associated with the
Knights i if Pythias. He is one of the popular
young professional men of the town, and has
a large circle of friends.
GEI )RGE D. CLARK.
One of the busiest and most enterprising men
in Monterey is George D. Clark, owner and
proprietor of a thriving blacksmith shop, and
purveyor to a large share of the resident and
transient population. He was born in Michi-
gan, March II, 1847, and was reared and edu-
cated in California. Many interesting happen-
ings are connected with his family, especially
his father. Abraham, and his grandfather, John.
The grandfather was a carpenter by trade, and
spent his life in Xew Jersey and Buffalo, X. V.
He built the first boat used on the old Buffalo
and Erie canal, and in this task was ably assisted
by his son, Abraham. About that time Abra-
ham was a member of the home band, and these
musicians were aboard the canal boat which in
[826 had General Lafayette as distinguished
guest. They escorted the general on his trip
through the country, and many were the stories
which they afterwards told of their association
with the noted man.
Abraham Clark learned the carpenter's trade
from his father, and married in Buffalo, after
which he removed to Michigan about 1835
and cleared a farm among' the timber on the
Huron river. Cor the lodging of himself and
little family he built a log house, and cultivated
eighty acres, upon which he lived until 1852.
During that year he crossed the plains and
worked in the mines of Sacramento county, but,
finding that his expectations fell far short of
realization, removed to Alameda count) and
rented a ranch until 1S55. lie then returned
io Michigan, leaving his two sons in charge of
the ranch in California, and brought his wile
and eight children back with him via Central
America, the fare being $150 for adults. The
expenses of travel were met with the money re-
ceived from the sale of the Michigan farm, and
so heavy were they that when Mr. (lark reached
Alameda county he had just $20 remaining.
Cor the following three years he experienced all
manner of hardships. There was no sale for his
potatoes, and during the last year people would
no; even pay the freight on them, so they were
left to rot in the pile. After this doleful experi-
ence Mr. Clark took up a claim in Mem
county, but on account of dangers from Indians
in Round valley he let that claim go, and went
in the mountains of Alameda county. I ■
eral years he engaged in general farming and
the cattle business. In 1S69 he sold out and
came to the Pajaro valley and rented the ranch
upon which his death occurred in 1868, lie
married Leah Courter. who was born in Xew
Jersey, and came of Dutch descent. Her death
occurred in Watsonville at the advanced age of
ninety-one years. Three of the sons of Abra-
ham Clark served in the Civil war. It is worthy
of note that of the ten children comprising his
family, nine are living, all in California. The
oldest of the number is the only one deceased,
and he was killed by accident. < >f those now
living, the oldest brother is seventy-three and
the oldest sister sixty-eight, while the you
is fifty years of age.
George D. (lark was eight years of age when
he accompanied his father to California, and he
remained at home until about eighteen, lie was
anxious to enlist in the ( ivil war at the 3
sixteen, but those in authorit) refused to accept
him, so he waited until 1865 and enlisted in the
First California Cavalry, serving in Arizona
until the close of the war, and being principally
engaged on escort duty, and in hunting rob
bets. After the war he remained at home until
twentj oiu years old, when he removed with the
ol the family to Watsonville. and there at-
tended a private school for two years, his op-
portunities in the past having been quite limited,
for tin 1 nticeship to a
blacksmith in Oakland, ami. after returning
a farm in the Pajaro valley with
his brothers, for several \cars he was a jour-
neyman blacksmith all over the state, and in
:,:;•.'
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
[886 located in Monterey and rented a shop,
which he eventually purchased.
At Monterey, Mr. Clark married Lavinia
Merritt, daughter of Josiah and Juanita (Castro)
Merritt, the former of whom was the first judge
of Monterey county. Of this union there is one
daughter, Juanita, who is now thirteen years of
age. Mr. Clark has been prominent in general
town affairs since he settled in Monterey, and as
a Republican has held the office of trustee for
four years. He is fraternally associated with
Pajaro Lodge Xo. 90, I. O. O. F.; Monterey
Lodge No. 180, K. of P., of which latter he is a
charter member. He is also identified with the
Grand Army of the Republic.
WILLIAM A. C< H >K.
This well known liveryman of San Luis
Obispo was born in Tioga county, Pa., and
when seven years of age removed with his
family to Steuben count), X. Y. There he at-
tended the public schools, and under the
influence of an admirable home training
developed the traits of character which have
since contributed to his success. Believing
that his largest opportunities lay beyond the
Rocky mountains he started out from Illinois in
1 85*). and crossed the plains by team and wagon,
the journey consuming the greater part of three
and a half months. In the party were his wife,
his three brothers, a brother-in-law and a
nephew. Arriving in Napa county he engaged
in farming and stock-raising for about five years,
but at the end of that time he had concluded
that the east was, after all. a good place to live
in. He therefore returned to his old Pennsyl-
vania home by way of the Nicaragua route in
the fall of 1864, and again resumed farming
under the old conditions. In [869 he dispi >sed 1 >i
his interests and removed to northern Missouri,
and at the expiration of three years was again
r, X'ew York following his old time occupation
of farming.
In 1874 .Mr. Cook determined to again try
his fortune in California, and. undertaking the
journey by rail, settled in San Puis < tbispo coun-
ty, and fanned for a leu years. For a time also
he ran a stage from San Puis < )bispo to Camb-
ria, and first became interested in the livery
business in Templeton, where he succeeded in
working up a good trade long before his five
years' residence in that tow'n had expired.
About three years ago he came to San Luis
1 Ibispo and purchased the livery which has
since netted him such satisfactory returns, and
to tin- upbuilding of which he has devoted his
best energies and business ability. He has a
most complete and modern equipment, and his
horses and equipages rank with larger establish-
ments of the kind in the more crowded centers
i if activity.
In 1855 Mr. Cook was united in marriage
with Lucinda Butler, who was born in New
York. ( If this union there were five children,
of whom only two are living. The daughter
Adalaide Florence married Frank Cox, a black-
smith of this place, and J. A. Cook married Nora
Cox and makes his home with his parents. Mr.
and Mrs. Cook took a child to raise when four
months old, named Emma Ellis Bott, who is
now the wife of W. F. Cook of San Luis Obispo.
Formerly Mr. Cook arhered to the principles
and issues of the Republican party, but when
the party failed to nominate James G. Blaine
for the presidency, he thought it no longer the
appreciator of true greatness, and has since
allied himself with the Peoples party. Frater-
nally he is a Mason, and is prominent among the
members of that order. He is a man who has
risen solely by his own efforts and as such en-
lists the approval and confidence of his fellow
townsmen. He is thoroughly reliable and pro-
gressive, and a future of much more emphatic
success is predicted for him.
J. D. COCHRAX.
The little town of Gonzales, with its
various lines of activity, has drawn within
its hospitable and ambitious limits many men
whose business capacity and generally fine
traits of citizenship would be a credit to any
communit) in the country. Foremost among
these is J. D. Cochran, farm and real estate
owner, meal markel merchant, and general pro-
moter of the city's most substantial interests.
A native of Marshall county. 111., In- was born
HISTi >Kh \I. AND BIOGRAPHICAL REO iRD
■■
in 1839, a son of Jacob Cochran, who was born
in Ohio, and later removed to Illinois. Under
his father's precept and example he learned to
be a practical and thrifty farmer, and acquired
a fair education at the public schools. Even-
tually he conducted a farm on independent lines
for a couple of years, in the meantime form-
in- plans which should be realized far from the
state of his birth. An opportunity presented it-
self in 1864, when, in company with his friend,
A. Wideman, he came to California via Panama,
arriving in San Francisco in February of the
same year. The friends repaired to Santa Cruz
county in search of employment, and for a year
courageously undertook whatever came their
way, their principal means of livelihood result-
ing from burning charcoal in the redwoods. Mr.
Cochran then went to San Jose and worked in
the harvest field during the summer, and in the
fall joined Mr. Wideman at Watsonville, and
from then on their association was never severed
until death claimed Mr. Wideman. Together
the comrades were employed b) Thomas Hild-
reth, with whom they remained for four years,
after which they formed a partnership in farming
and stock-raising, and for five years conducted
their affairs amicably and satisfactorily. At the
end of that time the profits were divided evenly,
and they found that they had reason t" congratu-
late themselves upon their consistent and wise
management. Mr. Cochran in 1876 opened the
butcher-shop which has since been a source of
profit to him, and which has resulted in his po-
sition as one of the foremost business men of
the place, in supplying a large and apprecia-
tive trade he uses a great many cattle, the great-
er part of which is supplied from his large and
valuble ranch in San Benito county. In politics
he is a Democrat, but has never been an office
seeker. Fraternally he i- associated with Gon-
zales Lodge X". 372, [.O.O. I .. "i which he is
treasurer, and one of the mosl prominenl mem-
bers. With his family lie attends the Baptist
Church.
In Gonzales, in 1875, Mr. Cochran married
Lena, daughter of I',. S. Starr, who was horn in
Indiana, and came to California with her par-
ents in the earl) '60s. Her father died aboul
inn. years ago, Inn her mother >till lives. Mr.
Cochran has a delightful home in Gorizal<
he and his wife have one son. John ]).. Jr., who
is now with a railroad surveying party.
DAVID M. CL( )UGH.
The worth) career of David M. Clough in
Pajaro township, Vlontere) county, was prolific
of public-spirited undertaking-, and resulted in
the accumulation of large landed estates, and
the establishment of an honored name. This
well-known pioneer was born in Xew Hamp-
shire, January 22, [824, and died in Montere)
county. May 29, [890. His youth was char-
acterized by the usual limitations which fell t.>
the farmer youth of his time and place, and his
education was acquired in the district schools
of his native state.
In 1850. at the age of twenty-six years, Mr.
Clough came to California and settled in Tuol-
umne county, where, for a period of two years,
he experienced the vicissitudes and succi
tlie average miner. Hie then renewed his
ciation with the occupation of his younger days,
and after settling on leased land in the vicinity
of Watsonville, was able in time to buy this
same land, which consisted of one hundred and
sixty-five acres. A portion of this was after
ward disposed of, and in time sevent;
were added from an adjoining farm, which com-
poses tlie present home ranch. .Mr. Clough was
led with many advances in the line oi
fruit raising and general fanning in the valley,
and among other thing- was the first t>> -
strawberries, apples, pears, peachi -
He experimented year after year, until his un-
derstanding oi horticulture was in accord with
the mosl advanced methods known at the time.
In the old days he kept a restaurant on the old
countrj road, and this was a popular meeting
place for all who chanced to pa-- b) . '
liberal enough to give the right of way for the
nigh his kind, and in even
waj fostered the growth of the valley. The
house now oci upii d b) his family was built by
him at an e> pei o, and constitutes one
Lnl and modern rural resich 11
the neighborhood. Besides the home ranch of
sevent) acres, which is all under fruit, there are
53 I
HIST* iRICAL AND BIOGR VI'IIK AL REC< >RD.
two hundred and seventy-five acres in the hills
one mile from the town, devoted entirely to gen-
eral farming and stock-raising. The fruit land
is valued at $500 an acre.
May 20, i860, Mr. Clough married Johanna
Leary, who was born in county Cork. Ireland,
March 17, 1836, and came to America in 1857.
Mrs. Clough lived in Boston, Mass.. for a couple
of years, and in 1 >ctober, 1859, came to Monte-
rev county, Cal, which has since been her
home. To Mr. and Mrs. Clough have been
born five sons and three daughters, viz.: Anna
who is living at home; Ella, who died in in-
fancy; John A., who is managing the home
ranch for his mother: Julia, who is living with
her mother; Johanna, formerly the wife of Mr.
Barker, of San Jose, and who died at the age of
thirty-three years; David E., who is with the
Del Monte flouring mills at San Francisco;
Louise, who is living at home; and Edwin P.,
who is assisting with the management of the
home ranch.
E. M. CARR.
No name in the vicinity of Templeton car-
ries with it greater weight or more sincere evi-
dences of appreciation and even affection than
does that of Judge E. M. Carr, generally re-
garded as the paternal head of the community,
lie was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y.,
March 11. 1835, and was reared to the arduous
life of farming, his early educational opportuni-
ties being on a par with other youths of his
neighborhood. His father, Peleg S., was also
a native of New York, born in 1794, and reared
to farming. In Wisconsin, to which he removed
in [839, he bought lour hundred and eight)
acn of land, which was improved, and consti-
tuted a Mire means of livelihood up to the time
.if his death iii [846, at the age of fifty-two years.
The paternal grandfather, Edward, was born in
Rhode Island, and when a young man removed
to New York, settling in Rensselaer county, of
which he was a pioneer, and where he died at
the age of ninet) two years. Like his ancestors
for many years back, he was a member of the
I'riends Church, and was a preacher in the
same, his father also filling a similar position.
Deborah (Goodrich) Carr. the mother of E. M..
was born in Berkshire county, Mass., a daugh-
ter of Uriah Goodrich, who removed from Mas-
sachusetts to western Xew York in his old age
and died there at the home of his son. < )f the
six sons and four daughters trained to years of
usefulness in the home of Peleg S. Carr and his
wife, Ezra S.j who died in Pasadena, Cal.. in
1894, was a practicing physician, at one time a
professor in the Slate University of California,
and between 1876 and 1880 superintendent of
public instruction. His wife, Jennie C. Carr,
is a well-known woman on the Coast, and is an
enthusiastic promoter of woman's rights. Nel-
son Carr, a pioneer of Sonoma county, whither
he removed in 1854, is at the present time eighty
years of age. John S. Carr died of cholera in
Wisconsin in 1850, and two of his brothers, S.
C. and J. C, are still residents of the Badger
state; both are successful, and the former is at
present lecturer of the Grange, of which he was
formerly master.
A somewhat hard struggle for existence char-
acterized the early life of E. M. Carr; at least,
it became imperative for him to start out on his
own responsibility at the age of sixteen. Subse-
quently he engaged in teaching school in Ala-
meda county, and at the same time looked after
the estate left his mother at the time of his
father's death. In 1855 he married, in Wiscon-
sin, S. L. Babcock, a native of New York state,
of which union there was one child. Sarah L.,
now the wife of L. A. Creasey, a carpenter and
builder of Ventura, Cal. In [858 Judge Carr
married Maria Dunbar, also a native of Xew
York, and the mother of two children. Maurice
C. and Dollie E. aged, respective!) thirty and
eleven years.
After completing teaching in Alameda county
Judge Carr came to the vicinity of Templeton
and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
land, which he improved ami lived upon, but
which was afterward disposed of at a profit.
fhe judge has improved five farms in this land
of sunshine and large possibility, and has there-
lore contributed his share towards the develop-
ment .if ils natural resources. At the present
1111011 whirh is the family residence, and which
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is devoted to fruit and grain. Republican poli-
tics have had a stanch supporter in Judge Carr,
who lias been justice of the peace for eight
years, and is now aspiring to the office of public
administrator, in all probability a foregone con-
clusion. An accident, in May, 1902, caused by
a runaway horse, caused him much suffering,
and left a scar upon his head and lace to remind
him of the fact that he was mercifully spared
for further usefulness, and further comfort to
his hosts of friends. The princely proportions
of Judge Carr are familiar to all the residents
1 if the county, and his erectness and substan-
tiality are typical of the character and attain-
ments winch have so well blended with the pro-
gressive surroundings of his life.
MICHAEL QUIRK.
Now a resident of Watsonville, where he owns
a comfortable home and other improved prop-
erty, Mr. Quirk was born in count) Tipperary,
Ireland, in 1S33, and is a son of John and Mary
I Kearney) Quirk, natives of Ireland. After hav-
ing attended private schools for some years, he
started out for himself at the age of sixteen and
crossed the ocean to New Orleans, whence he
proceeded to Cincinnati. Ohio. For six months
he served as an apprentice carpenter, but, not
liking the occupation, he went to St. Louis, Mo.,
and from there to Weston, Mo., where lie was
emplo'yed in the warehouse of Burns Brothers.
Two years later he joined the merchant train
of Halliday and Warner for Salt Lake City, with
the privilege of returning or going on west.
However, be was determined to seek a home
in California, and pursued his way onward
under the leadership of George Lord to San
Bernardino, from which point he proceeded to
l.os Angeles. On bis arrival, in July. 1856, be
secured employmenl a- teamster and stage
driver between that city and San Pedro.
Being of a very economical disposition, and
receiving good wages for his work as teamster.
Mr. Quirk soon saved up a considerable
amount, and after three years decided lie would
buy fanning property. Investigating different
locations with a view to a purchase, he came to
the Paiaro valley and was so Fascinated by the
climate, soil and prospects that he bought one
hundred acres of the Coreletus ranch. At once
he began to construct the necessary buildings.
Grain was bis principal product and he aver-
aged forty bags of wheat to the acre. During
1863 he set out eighty trees, some of which are
still in good bearing condition. About the
same time he bought two hundred and fifty-six
acres near tin- coast and put up the necessary
buildings on the land, after which he rented his
first ranch ami moved to the second farm. Here
he entered into grain and cattle raisin-. Such
was the energy with which be prosecuted his
work that no man raised larger crops of wheat.
oats, barley and beets, and in the line of cattle-
raising be also met with encouraging success.
Cattle of high grades were raised on his ranch
and sold for fair prices, notably the roan Dur-
bams, which he found best for general use; and
the Alderneys and Jerseys, which experienci
has proved to be best for butter. After long
and successful work as a rancher, in 1 S. 19 hi
retired, having previously built a neat residence
in Watsonville. where be also owns three Other
hi mses.
A few years after coming to America. Mr.
Quirk decided to expend his savings in a visit
to his old home in Ireland, and started on tin
voyage. However, by misrepresentation he had
been induced to ship on a vessel bound for
-■.nil: America, landing tin deceit too
return, he accompanied the vessel in its voyagi
and visited all the principal ports from Panama
to Valparaiso, the trip occupying from ( ii
[855, to June, [856. Immediately 1
turn be started across the continent 0
and hence the hoped tor trip was indctiniteh
postponed. In religious views be is connected
with the Roman Catholic I hurch. I lis wife,
Catherine, daughter of James Larkin, was bom
in Ireland, and became the mother of two chil-
dren, but both of these died in infancy. This
loss left tin m lonely, s, , t]1Cy decided to take
other children into their home, and have since
taken several from the Catholic Orphanage,
whom the) rean d and trained for useful
iio,is in the world. I lie la
leave them was Joseph Warrac, who is proud
to call them "father" and "mother," .and who
[CAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gives promise of becoming one of the mos
fluential men of the Pajaro valley.
HENRY F. LOEBER.
Twenty-five years ago Henry F. Loeber, then
a sturdy youngster of twelve, was lustily calling
newspapers cm the streets of San Francisco:
\\ hile rattling small change in his pockets and
hobnobbing with the wealth and poverty of the
town, he seems to have collected a few ideas
worthy of incorporation into successful careers.
The fact thai he is at present the owner of six
hundred and fort) acres of land in the Jolon
valley, and is also one of the most prominent
and influential members of his community,
would indicate that there was something doing
in the brain of the dispenser of news.
A native of Yolo county, Cal., Mr. Loeber
was born March 8, 1865. His father, Herman
Loeber, who was horn in Russia, and there
reared and educated, immigrated to the United
States about [845, and after living for a time in
Missouri, went to Mexico in the United States
army, serving during the war. In return for his
services he took up a soldier's chum after his
return to Missouri, and in 1850 came overland
to California, where for several years he en-
vrith fair success in mining. He managed
to save enough money to start a stock business
on the Yolo plains, near Davisville, but in 1868
went hack to mining, which, however, fell far
short of his expectations. Thereafter he lived
in San Francisco and ( lakland until taking up
his residence with his son, Henry F., in 1885.
lie is a Republican in politics and the present
asti i- of Lockwood, and though four score
pi rfi Tm- his dut) to the satisfac-
tion of all concerned. IK- voted the presidential
ticket for lame- 1\. I 'oik. I lis wife, formerl}
Hannah Griffin, was born in Ireland and died
age of twenty-eight, leaving four children,
of whom I lcin\ I
After running the paper route at North Bi ai h
for two and a half years, I lemy F. Loeber went to
Santa Maria and learned the blacksmith's trade,
■ an apprenticeship of three and one half
\ ears, lie then followed his trade in San Fran
0 fivi months, but ..win- to the asthma,
with which he was afflicted, was obliged to make
a change of location. Coming to the Jolon val-
ley, he homesteaded three hundred and twenty
acres of land, which he improved and still owns,
and to which he has added until he has six hun-
dred and fort}' acres, three hundred and twenty
in each ranch, llis wife also owns one hundred
and sixty acres. Of this property, that of Mr.
Loeber has two hundred and forty acres in pas-
ture, and two hundred and twenty in general
farming. The land belonging to Mrs. Loeber is
devoted to wheat and barley.
In 1889 Mr. Loeber married Regina Roth, a
native of ( iermany, and who came to the United
States when seventeen years of age. In 1884
she came to California and took up the home-
stead upon which the family now live, and which
she was obliged to reside on in order to hold.
Mr. and Mrs. Loeber are the parents of three
children. < >leta. Anna and Francis, all living at
home. Mr. Loeber is a Republican in politics,
but entertains very liberal ideas as to office
seekers and holders. He is broad-minded and
progressive, and wields an enviable influence in
all matters of importance in the locality. A
practical and scientific farmer, he is an appre-
ciator of the opportunities by which he is sur-
rounded, and has the faculty of turning them to
the best possible account.
ROBERT J. R( >GERS.
For many years Robert I. Rogers has been
known as one of the foremost sheep raisers bl
Monterey county, and also as one of the most
popular ami successful farmer citizens of this
favored part of the state. In his temperament
he embodies the sterling and adaptive traits of
his English ancestors, for many years associ
ated null Northampton, England, where lie was
born May 1, [838.
As a boj Mr. Rogers was destined to assume
the responsibility of self-support at a practical!}
early age. and when fifteen began clerking in a
grocery. At the end of seven years he repaired
to Birmingham and soon bought out his em-
ployer's business, which he continued alone for
about eighteen years. I bus equipped with large
fundamental experience, be came to \merica
DUNCAN McKINNON
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1876, and upon one hundred and sixty acres
of land now owned by Arthur Reynolds engaged
at once in the sheep business. In 1878 he moved
to section 21, across the road from where he
now lives, but soon bought three hundred and
twenty acres on section 16, which contained a
particularly fine and inexhaustible spring. In
lime he moved to another tract of government
land, ami in 1890 settled upon his present ranch,
which comprises eighteen hundred acre-, he
having sold sixteen hundred acres in 1899. For
eighteen years he engaged in the sheep business
with Charles Margetts and is still constantly
buying and selling sheep. His long and suc-
cessful association with this branch of stock-
raising has rendered him an authority in all
matters pertaining thereto.
In [868 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage
with Elizabeth A. Margetts, sister of his former
partner, and a native of Rugby, England. Four
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Rogers, viz.: Evelyn, the wife of George Grant,
of Spreckles; Margaret, at home; Robert G„
a school teacher, and living at home; ami
Gwendolin. Miss Margaret Rogers, the second
daughter in the family, is considered the finest
horsewoman in the west, and that is saying a
great deal. She was almost raised in the saddle,
and can break the worst kind of bucking
broncho horses without any assistance. With
the utmost ease she drives six or eight horses
hitched together in a manner that would win
admiration from the most experienced stage
driver of the old days. In addition to her
equestrian accomplishment Miss Rogers is men-
tally a very brilliant woman, accomplished in
various directions, and especially adept as a mu-
sician. A few years ago Hearst's San Francisco
Examiner sent a reporter to interview this in-
trepid rider, with the result that he produced
an article of absorbing interest, and which found
its way into many eastern papers. Miss Rogers
"wns a small band of cattle and horses, and is
withal an independent, splendid exponent of typ-
ical western womanhood. Mr. Rogers is proud of
his daughter, ami his neighbors and friends are
proud of him. lie is exceedingly liberal in his
ideas, and as a promoter of enterprise and prog-
ress in his neighborhood has no superior, lie
is a member of the Masons of King City, and
has been treasurer of the lodge for six years.
DUNCAN McKINNON.
Duncan McKinnon was born in York county,
Canada West, June 15, 1836. His parents were
natives of Scotland, and had emigrated from
there in May, 1835. During his early youth noth-
ing of importance happened until he was nine-
years of age, when his father was taken sick, and
after a lingering illness of one year died, leaving
his mother a widow with seven children, Duncan
being the oldest of three boys and three girls,
one girl being older than he. From that time
afterward be had, to a certain extent, to oversee
and manage the farm, which was small. He
worked hard, having little or no advantages for
education, what he did get being in the winter
months. After he had grown to be a man,
from that time until 1862 nothing happened of
any importance.
In the latter part of that year there was a
gold excitement in British Columbia. Mot br-
ing satisfied with the small place at home and
the slow way of making money on it, and desir-
ing to see more of the world, on the 7th of April
Mr. McKinnon started by rail for New York
and there, on the nth. took passage on the
.steamer. Northern Light, for Aspinwall. There
were one thousand persons on board the ship,
which arrived at its destination on the morning
of the 22i\. He crossed the isthmus on the
same day, went aboard the steamer, Golden Age,
and sailed that night for San Francisco, where
he arrived on the 5th of May. After remain-
ing there for a few days, he took steamer for
Portland, Ore., and thence went to Victoria,
A'ancouver's Island, reaching there about the
15th of May. He found many emigrants waiting
for better weather to start to the mines. He
remained on the island some days.
At that time the only road that was properl)
opened to the mines was |>\ \\-.y Westminster
and Lytton. Instead of taking that road, Mr.
McKinnon with twenty-one others chartered a
schooner to conve) them, and eight hundred
pounds of freight to each person, to Bentic
Arm. From there the) expected 1
540
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
,,], the river, a distance of forty miles, and
thence on Indian's hacks to Fort Alexander,
a farther distance of one hundred and twenty
miles. They also discovered that the contents
of the Indian packs would be all devoured be-
fore the) got to flu- end of their journey. The
schooner sailed from Victoria on the Est of
fune, and when a few days out one of the pas-
sengers was
taken sick' and in a
showed signs of smallpox, which it proved to be.
Sailing near the mainland, he was put ashore
at Fort Rupert, hut too late; he left the infec-
tion aboard. In a week three more were taken
down, hut all remained on board until the
schooner arrived at Bentic Arm, about June
15th. From there they hired Indians with
canoes to carry them and their provisions up
to the Ballacoula river forty miles. They had
to walk most of the way, and also had to wade
large branches of the river, which was high on
account of the snow melting in the mountains.
Some of the party were sick with smallpox at
the time, among whom were the subject of this
.sketch and William and Michael Lynn, also na-
tives of Canada, the latter not being of age.
M. Lynn became too ill to travel further. The
two brothers took their provisions and blankets,
and camped thirty miles from sea and ten miles
below where the Indians were to take them.
Mr. McKinnon, with the rest of the party,
arrived at the end <>i the canoe route, where
they remained for two days. The party then
started f«>r Fort Alexander, on Frazer river,
a. distance of two hundred and twenty miles
through an Indian country, little known to
while men. 1 ). McKinnon and D. McCollum,
who were both sick with smallpox, did not ac-
company the party. The former was so ill that
he lay in the w Is a month before he could
get*OUt of bed. I 'art of the time he could not
McCollum was not very sick. In the
meantime the Lynns, hearing that the other
party intended to -, | oul for Fort Alexander,
hired Indians with canoes ami started to over-
take them. While passing through a rapid por-
tion of the river, where a large tree had fallen
and which they passed around and were
ig their wa) back to the channel, tin pole
struck the tree, went under it and split in two.
William caught hold of the tree, while Michael
and the two Indians went under. The three got
hold of one-half of the boat and worked it
ashore. Michael went back to look for his
hi other, hut too late; the water had swept him
away, and Michael never saw him again. Will-
iam had all their money on his person. All
their provisions were also lost, and Michael
was left alone among Indians, without money
or food. There he remained until by chance
William Hood, of Santa Rosa. Cal., came to the
Bantict river with pack animals, intending to
make a road there. Lynn came up with his
part) to where Mr. McKinnon was. and stayed
there a few days. When the train left again for
Fort Alexander some time in August, both
went with it until they reached the Chiccotan
river, about one hundred and twenty miles from
the coast. There they took a contract for cut-
ting wood, it being too late to proceed to the
mines. They formed a copartnership, to con-
tinue while they remained in the mines.
When they had completed their contract.
Lynn went to Bentic Arm, while Mr. McKinnon
remained with Alexander McDonald, an old
Hudson Bay trader. Their intention was to
trade with the Indians. McDonald went down
to the coast with his mules to meet the steamer.
in order to get provisions and articles to trade
with, while McKinnon remained on the place.
The steamer not being in. he was detained four-
teen days, during which period snow fell so that
1r could not return for some time, and McKin-
non was left alone for about three mouths.
with no white man nearer than sixty miles. The
Indians got the smallpox and died by the thou-
sands. Being superstitious, they conceived the
white man to he an evil spirit, and acted in a
strange and deceitful manner, with murder in
their faces. One day they came and told him
that the other tribe had killed Robert McCloud,
his nearest neighbor, sixty miles distant, which
afterward proved to he true. McKinnon was in
danger of his life and he knew it, hut there was
no help. The snow was seven feet deep: he
could not walk on snowshoes, and to attempt
it would he death, as the Indians would follow
E-IISTi >RICAL AND BK (GRAPHICAL REO iRD.
511
see a white man again. One day, when they
were the worst, he happened to find a Catholic
prayer-book belonging to McDonald, who was
a Catholic. While looking it over he turned
to the picture of the Saviour on the Cross. The
Indians saw it and commenced to cross them-
selves. At once he saw his advantage. They
took him for a priest. As there were many
dying, there were many burials, at which he
had to officiate, and, lie confesses, in a very
awkward manner, being himself a Protestant.
The French priest, who went there with the
Hudson Bay Company, had taught the Indians.
It saved his life. McDonald returned and all
was well. Once after this he had a narrow
escape with his life from the Indians: at another
time he was chased 1>\ wolves to the shore of
the lake, where, finding a raft, he jumped aboard
and pushed it out. Being tired out, he spread
his blanket and went to sleep, and did not
awaken until the sun was shining the next
morning. It being a dangerous place to live in,
he hade McDonald good-bye and left with his
partner, Lynn, for the Caribou mines. On his
way thither he received news of the death of
his mother. The following year McDonald,
with eleven others, was killed by the same In-
dians.
They arrived at the mines in September, 1S63.
Like most of the miners they had high expecta-
tions and small returns, or, in other words, did
not make a "big strike." What they did make was
from the shoulder at hard work. They re-
mained at the mines until the fall of 1865, when
they left with the intention of going home to
Canada. They arrived at San Francisco on the
tst of November and put up at the What ( heer
House. The next day they secured passage on
the steamer to sail 1 in the [3th of the same
month. < In the morning (if that day the What
Cheer safe was robbed ami they lost all they
had. Woodward, the proprietor, refused to
make the loss good. I hej appealed to the law,
and beal him in the twelfth district court. I le
carried it up and kept them oul of il for two
1 the city for two months,
is taken sick'. I ,ynn and he
lership, the former go
the mines. McKinnon remained in the city
till May 5. [866, when he went to Santa Clara,
stopping at Cameron's hotel. After paying his
bill the next morning, he had but fifty cents left.
At that time breakfast was fifty cents and dinner
seventy-five cents, lie could not get his dinner.
He made up his mind that he must go to worl
at once. After breakfast he struck out towards
Alviso, came across an old farmer mending his
reaper, bade him good-day and asked for work.
The farmer looked at him and saw he had a
gold watch and ring. His face and hands looked
delicate after being sick all winter. The farmer
evidently took him for a gambler or some
scoundrel. McKinnon read his thoughts. Be-
ing the first time in his life that he had to work
for another, it hurt him. He went back to town,
got his mining suit and blanket, and started out
the second time. He had traveled a mile when
a man hailed him and asked him if he wanted
work. He said that was what he was looking
lor. lie worked for the man only half a day
when his work was done. Then he engaged
with another party at higher wages. Having a
thorough knowledge of farming and farming
machinery, he had no trouble in picking his
place in harvest. He ran a separator for Jonas
Statler. After harvest he rented Mr. Si
farm on the Lexington road. He finislh d
ing on the 26th of February. 1867, and on the
51I1 of March was on board steamer, boun 1 for
hi- old home in Canada. He arrived at Tore ito
on the 29th of March. His oldest brother and
sister were married: many of the yo
he was acquainted with were gone or married:
hi- mother was gone, and the old home had
lost its charms for him. lie sold his plai
in May left for California with his youngest
brother, Anthony. The) arrived in Santa Clara
in time to harvest his crop. He made well on
it, proving that farmers could make money
faster and surer than any other class in Califor-
nia, and that if the} would onl) apply the same
diligence, f. rethought, and study as others do in
business, they would be the wealthiest men in
the state.
Vfter harvest I >. McKinnon wen: to Monte-
rey county in search of land. He was favorably
,,1 w ii li ii for farming purposes, returned
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Santa Clara, and with his brother moved to
Monterey county on the 18th of October. 1867,
renting land from J. M. Soto, it being a part of
the Santa Rita rancho. They continued to farm
that and a part of the Sausal rancho until 1874.
In this year the) bought eleven hundred acre-,
of the Sausal rancho, paying $60,000 for it: and
afterwards bought three hundred and sixty-five
acres of the Santa Rita rancho. In March. [876,
he made one more trip to his native home, re-
turning to California in June.
January 1, 1877, Duncan McKinnon married
Miss Alice Maud Hebbron. second daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Hebbron, of Natividad, Mon-
terey county, formerly of London. England. Mr.
Hebbron is at present a prominent stockholder
in Monterey county. (< In the same day and at
the same place his eldest daughter. Miss 1,1a
C. was married to J. M. Walker, of Canada.)
Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon became the parents
of a son, born December 6. 1877, named Dun-
can Florent McKinnon; and one born May 12,
1880, named William Elmer McKinnon; and a
daughter, born January 1. 1885. named Ethel
Alice. In 1887 Mr. McKinnon was bereaved by
the death of his wife, and one year later by the
death of his daughter.
Duncan McKinnon bought out his brother in
January, 1881. His home place is beautifully
located within two and a half miles of Salinas,
the county seat of Monterey county. Santa
Rita ranch of three hundred and sixty-five acres
is farmed by his oldest son, Duncan. The home
ranch of eleven hundred acres is managed by his
roungesl -on. Elmer. They have the most im-
1 roved machinery on it. and are anion-- the first
farmers of the county.
DAVID Ri iDRICK.
A career worthy of emulation from many-
standpoints is that of David Rodrick, one of
the enthusiastic promoters of the enterprises of
Monterey, at the same time engaging for many
years in an extensive real estate business. Me
grew to manhood in Fairfield, Me., where ho
mi iii [845, and his first business experi
ence was acquired in Portsmouth, X. II., where
he lived for eight years, subsequently engaging
in the boot and shoe business in his native town
of Fairfield.
In 1876 Mr. Rodrick came to San Francisco
and associated himself with the wholesale coal
and iron firm of J. MacDonaugh & Co., and
afterward went to the mines of Tulare and
Placer counties, and became identified with the
development of several good properties. \
later responsibility was in connection with the
management of the barber shops of the Del
Monte Hotel, where he remained from 1885
until [887, and the following year he entered
into partnership with Dr. J. E. P. Heinz in the
purchase of sixty-five acres of land lying be-
tween the hotel and old Monterey. This prop-
erty was platted out in lots now known as the
Oak Grove addition, and is one of the most
beautiful and desirable residence localities along
the bay. The lots were all disposed of by sale
in [890, the venture proving a most advanta-
geous one for the promoters. Mr. Rodrick for
the following two years devoted his energies to
the hardware and general merchandise business,
and in connection therewith handled real estate.
Upon disposing of his store he increased his
real-estate enterprises, and built many private
structures, and to-day is the owner of some of
the most valuable property in the city. He also
has charge of the Loma Prieta lumber yard, and
is still interested in mining near Jacksonville,
where there are some particularly fine specimens
of low-grade ore. In 1902 he embarked again
in the hardware business and now has a -tore
on Alvardo street.
The many services rendered by Mr. Rodrick
in connection with the substantial upbuilding of
his adopted city have won him the appreciation
of all who rejoice in her abundant prosperity.
Me was one of the promoters of the Bank of
Monterey, of the electric light plant, ami was
for several wars a director for the street car
Ime. Me was also a promoter of the Monterey-
Power Company, which project failed owing to
arcity of water during the last five or six
years. \ Republican in national politics, he
served for six years on the town hoard of trus-
tees, and lor five years of that time was chair
man of the board. Fraternally he is asso
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with the Masonic Chapter and Commandery,
and the Ancient < trder of Odd Fellows.
WILLIAM R. COOLEY.
One of the most enviable careers identified
with Paso Robles is that of William R. Cooler,
'who is not only one of the most courteous and
energetic, but one of the most profoundly eru-
dite members of the San Luis Obispo county
bar, and who in less than ten years has acquired
a clientage ofttimes not secured by a lawyer in
twice that length of time. He was born in the
Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory, November
25, 1844, and from his father, F. Cooley, inherits
an aptitude for the legal profession. The elder
Cooley was a man of pronounced ability, and
was a native son of Michigan, of whom his
state might well be proud. He had an extended
practice in Santa Barbara county, Cal, and was
the first police judge appointed after the organ-
ization of the town of Santa Barbara, an office
maintained by him with credit until age com-
pelled his retirement. From Michigan he had
migrated to Kentucky when a boy, and his edu-
cation was completed at Frankfort College, in
that state. The last years of his life were spent
with his daughter in Sacramento county, where
his death occurred in 1892. His wife, Harriett
(Ross) Cooley, was born in North Carolina in
1832 and went to the Cherokee strip with her
parents at an early day. She was a member of
a Cherokee family and had six hundred and
forty acres of the land awarded to the Indians
of that tribe. Nine children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cooley, three sons and six daughters,
of whom William R. was the second youngest.
After completing his preliminary education in
the public schools and a private school of Los
Angeles, at which time Santa Barbara was an
adobe village, he entered Yates College, and was
admitted to the bar in 1893. He at once com-
menced to practice in Paso Robles, and has been
unusually successful. He has served for one
term as justice of the peace, and for the same
length of time as city recorder, declining the
nomination for a second term. He has a de-
lightful home on Pine street, Paso Robles, which
is presided over by his wife, formerly Annie
Hargan, and whom he married in Santa Bar-
bara. Mrs. Coole} is a native of Spring county,
Ind., the daughter of George W. Hargan, a
Kentucky farmer who came to California by
way of the plains during the early '60s, and set
tied in San Joaquin county. He later lived in
1 os \ngeles and Santa Barbara counties, even-
tually settling in Ventura county, where his
death occurred at the age of fifty-two years.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Ah
< "<>F\ : Emma, who is a compositor and type-
setter with the firm of Sanborn, Wale & Co., of
San Francisco: Maud, who is the wife of Alfred
Granger, a barber of San Francisco; Frank,
who is a tinner and plumber by trade; and Ed-
win, who is a resident of San Francisco.
HUGH ROSS, M. D.
A professional career which has been far-
reaching in its usefulness, multitudinous in its
experiences, bright with its distinguished friend-
ships in many lands, and of more than passing
mtere>t to all who have watched its develop-
ment, is that of Dr. Hugh Ross, a resident of
Paso Robles, and one of the foremost medical
homeopathic practitioners in San Luis Obispo
county. A native of London, England. Dr.
Ross was born March 3, 1845, a son of Alexan-
der and Mary (Coe) Ross, natives respectively
of Edinburgh, Scotland, and England. The pa-
ternal grandfather was born in Scotland, and
during his entjre actjve |;fe wag SUperintenden1
gardener for the Duke of Arthol. Alexander
Ro^s was receiver for the London Gas Light
Company, and in return for years of faithful
service was pensioned by the company up to the
time of his death at the age of eighty-six wars.
His wife, wdiose father was born in Wales, and
became a farmer in England, lived to be over
ninety years of age.
Up to his fourteenth year Dr. Ross lived in
England, and during that time attended a pri-
vate school, and took a course of lectures in the
Museum of Practical Geology, in Germain
Street, London, lie afterward took lectures in
composition, anatomy, chemistry and geologv
in I lannlton. ( anada, and als,, attended the
high school in the latter named town. March
54G
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
., t863, lie arrived in Detroit, Mich., thence pro-
ceeded to Springfield, 111., where he was made
a citizen of the United States before Judge
Treat. In Christian county, 111., Dr. Ross
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land,
up. m which he lived for a year or so, and, hav-
ing disposed of this property, began to study
medicine at Hahnemann College, Chicago, in
October, [874, and remained for a year, in the
fall of 1875 entering the Chicago Homeopathic
College, from which he received the degree of
M. I), in [886. He also took a special course
in physical diagnosis in the Cook County Hos-
pital, Chicago, and a course under Dr. Brown-
Sequard >m the nervous system. In October,
r88i, lie was appointed one of the judges of the
floral department of the Illinois State Fair at
Peoria. "The same year he removed to Huron.
S. D., and homesteaded four hundred and eighty
acres of land, but soon became convinced that
the change was unfortunate, both as far as land
and climate was concerned, and disposed of the
place at the end of seven years. In 1888 he re-
moved to Tacoma, Wash., and engaged in prac-
tice until the boom collapsed, and in 1895 came
to California, where he spent two years in look-
ing over the country, in search of a favorable ,
permanent locati* >n. Having decided in favor of
Paso Robles, he settled down to a professional
practice, and at the beginning of the Spanish-
American war departed, August 20, 1898, on the
troop ship Scandia, for the Philippine Islands.
Arriving in Manila, he was appointed surgeon
For the ship by General Otis, and subsequently
made two more trips to Manila, his second trip
being on the transport Centennial, and the third
on the W'viield, on both of which he 'served as
ship surgeon. He was discharged from the
Scandia December 22, 1898. and from the Wy-
[901 W bile in Manila he engaged
in an extended private practice, and worked in
connection with the Red Cross Society, but was
obliged to pay his own expenses during the
whole of his residence in the capitol city. In
addition to the many evidences of appreciation
from Manila, he has certificates of Illinois, Da
kota, Washington and various other states, and
also a certificate for examining the insane of
California. He is a member of the Homeopathic
State Medical Society, and of the Theosophical
Society, the latter founded in Xew York, with
headquarters at Madras, India. In the Spanish
Barracks at Manila, in 1000, Dr. Ross married
Etta Gabaretta, a native of Yokohama. Japan
They have one child.
JOSEPH ALBRIGHT.
A typical example of the opportunities af-
forded by the west is to be found in the life-
record of Joseph Albright, of Watsonville
Though a native of Ohio (born near Bucyrus in
1841), his early recollections arc of Iowa, to
which state his parents, John and Emma (Baker)
Albright, removed in an early day. From there,
in 1853, the family journeyed overland to Ore-
gon and settled in Clackamas county. There,
as previously, the father followed the occupation
of manufacturing brick. On his retirement from
business he was succeeded by his son, Joseph,
who carried forward the enterprise with praise-
worthy ambition and energy. However, when
the law of convict labor was passed, brick could
no longer be manufactured profitably, and he
therefore discontinued the business and in 1866
came to California, settling in Soqttel, Santa
Cruz county. For three years he engaged in
the manufacture of brick in that village, and
then nfoved to Y'atsonville, where he estab-
lished a brick yard at the extreme end of Sud-
den street. Later he rented land on the flats
from Mrs. William Blackburn and attempted to
establish a kiln, but found the combination of
clay not suitable, and so gave up the work.
The vanls in Watsonville were carried on until
[894. \\ lure they once stood may now he seen
some of the neat residences for which Watson-
ville is noted. The first house on the spot was
erected by Mr. Albright and utilized as a home
for his family. At a subsequent elate he built
three houses on the corner of Fourth and Rod-
riguez street, and still later built his present resi-
dence on Fourth street, which is an attractive
house with modern improvements.
On discontinuing the brick business Mr. Al-
bright turned his attention to farming and fruit-
raising. He bought sixty-seven acres and put
about forty acres under cultivation to straw-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
547
berries, and on which, in 1892, he planted thirty-
five acres in apple trees. However, he is now
best known through his success as a beet-raiser.
I lis own land being insufficient for his needs in
this direction, he has rented other property,
during 1901 renting one hundred and fifty acres
near Spreckels, in Monterey county. From one
hundred and thirty acres he gathered two thou-
sand seven hundred and eighty-five tons, being
an average of twenty-one tons per acre, for
which he received $4.50 per ton. This yield is
considered remarkable, but it proves what can
be produced from some of the California soil
when in the hands of a man of energy, sagacity
and prudence. 'While giving his attention
closely to business matters, Mr. Albright has
not neglected his duty as a citizen, but has al-
ways supported measures for the development
of the county and the benefit of the people.
Since 1875 he has been a member of the Chris-
tian Church and during much of that time has
held official positions in the congregation. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the local lodge,
t. O. O. F.. in which he is past grand.
The marriage of Mr. Albright united him with
Nancy Jane T.unton, who was born in Iowa and
reared in Oregon. Their children are named
as follows: William H., who for some years has
been an extensive strawberry raiser; Lena May,
Mrs. Frank Tuttle; Josephine, Mrs. G. H. Le-
land; -Myrtle, who married E. A. Kelly; Thomas
Joseph, a blacksmith by trade; and Orrel Etta,
who resides at home.
F. SANDS AUSTIN.
Under the supervision of Mr. Austin as man-
ager is conducted the business of the Loma
I'rieta Lumber Company of Watsonville, one of
the largest concerns of its kind in the entire
siaie. The origin of this compan) dates back
to the establishment, by the firm of Ford &
Sanborn, of a large mill in the southern part of
Santa Cruz county. At that time the mountains
were covered with a dense outgrowth of red-
wood and white pine, hence the location was es-
pecially favorable for a large lumber industry.
Choosing as the title of the firm the Watson-
ville Mill and Lumber Company, they embarked
in the business and soon built a narrow gauge
railroad from Aptos into the mountains. The
opening of other lumber districts gave them ad-
ditional territory and added prestige as a firm.
In November of 1883 the concern was merged
into the now well-known Loma I'rieta Lumber
Company, which controls seventy-five hundred
acres of land and has a railroad extending from
Loma Prieta four miles into the mountains.
During 1901 the mills were removed to Hinck-
ley ( iulch. where about two hundred men are
employed and about fort) thousand feet of lum-
ber cut per day. The company has lumber yards
and finishing mills at Santa Cruz, Capitola, Wat-
sonville, Hollister, Gilroy, San .Jose, Salinas,
Monterey and Pacific ( '.rove. Shipments are
made to the north, south and east, throughout
the state.
The officers of the company are as follows:
President, Timothy Hopkins, of San Francisco;
vice-president and general manager at San
Francisco. A. E. Bassett; treasurer. M. T.
Smith, of San Francisco; secretary. A. Wil-
liams, of Santa Cruz; agent, W. R. Porter, of
Watsonville; and F. Sands Austin, manager of
the yards at Watsonville. The mills in this city-
comprise the planing mills, sash and door fac-
tory, yards, etc., where employment is furnished
to about thirty-five men, and the work is con-
ducted under the oversight of William II. Ames,
superintendent. The plant covers about six
acres of ground, and from it lumber is shipped
to all of the surrounding country towns.
In Tioga county, Pa.. F. Sands Austin was
born August 2, 1855, a son of Benjamin and
Zenna (Culver) Austin. His education was ob-
tained in local schools. When seventeen years
of age he started out to make bis own way in
the world. His first experience was in a tan-
nery, after which he was employed in sawmills
and lumber camps in Pennsylvania. M the age
of twenty-six years he came to California and
settled in Santa Cruz county, where he was en-
gaged as teamster with the Watsonville Mill and
Lumber Company. When it was absorbed 1>\
the Loma Prieta Lumber Company, lie was
made manager of the lumber yards at \\
ville, and has since filled the position
satisfai tii m of :'•• offii ial of i1- company. A
■ ■
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man of sterling qualities, he has proved a valu-
able addition to the citizenship of Watsonville
and has taken his part in promoting- measures
for the benefit of the city. Since coming here
he has become a property owner and has re-
centl) erected a modern residence on Maple
street. Fraternally he is connected with the
: idge and chapter of Masonry, and is past
chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. His first
wife was Laura Foster, who died at twenty-two
years of age. Afterward he was united with Mrs.
Emily (Cook) Wannicke, who was born while
her father. Captain Conk, was en route to Japan,
i Cook was a seafaring man of some
prominence, and his daughter's earliest recol-
lections are of voyages with her parents on the
I 'antic ocean.
PERRY Al. ANDREWS.
"Nothing succeeds like success," is the motto
which lias inspired the efforts of Mr. Andrews
in his operations as a contractor and builder at
Watsonville. lie was born in Fort Wayne,
hid., April 15, 1864, and in boyhood went to
Missouri with his father. William Andrews, a
builder by trade. The latter removed to Cali-
fornia in 1882 and settled in San Diego, where
he was engaged in the building business. His
death, the result of an accident, occurred in that
city when he was sixty-two years of age. Dur-
ing his residence in Missouri, Perry M. An-
drews learned the carpenter's trade. His first
independent experience at the trade was in Da-
kota, where he worked as a journeyman in
Rapid City. After three years he took up con-
tracting there.
< >n coming to I lalifornia Mr. Andrews visited
various points and did considerable prospect-
ing, after which he chose Watsonville as his
home. In this decision he was influenced both
by the line climate and by the prospects for a
large amount of building. Taking up work as
a journeyman, he was s,„,,i made foreman for
S. J. Jennings, ami as Midi had charge of the
building of the Pajaro Valley Bank, the Odd
Fellows Building and other substantial struc-
tures. Later he formed a partnership with S. I.
Jennings in the building business. They had
the contract for the Christian Church, and when
it was burned took charge of the rebuilding. In
a subsequent association with Mr. Christiansen
he built many of the best residences of the lo-
cality. In 1806 he started out alone and has
since had contracts for many of the finest resi-
dences erected in this city and vicinity, besides
several business blocks, among which may be
mentioned the Bockius Block, the Alexander
Building and the remodeling and rebuilding of
the Charles Ford Company business block. lie
built the modern house in which his family re-
side. During the past six years he has averaged
about nine men a daw and has had as many as
twenty men employed steadily during one year.
It surely speaks much for his ability and reputa-
tion as a builder that, since coming to Watson-
ville, he has not been without work for twenty-
four hours, but usually has contracts taken for
many months in advance.
The marriage of Mr. Andrews united him
with Miss ( )la Nevenhuysen, daughter of Frank
Nevenhuysen, of Watsonville, and they have one
child, Gladys Marie. At one time Mr. Andrews
was chief of the local fire department and is now
first assistant. In fraternal relations he is con-
nected with the blue lodge, chapter and Eastern
Star of Masonry, the lodge of ( )dd Fellows, of
which he is past grand, and also belongs to the
Encampment and the Independent Order 01
Foresters.
LYMAN BREWER.
Since 1892 a resident of Paso Robles, Mr.
Brewer has creditably associated himself with
various worthy enterprises in his adopted city,
and has come to lie regarded as an influential
ami progressive citizen. He was born in Buf-
falo, X. Y., July 31, 1859, and his father, F. H.
Brewer, was a native of Norwich. Conn. The
elder Brewer was for many years engaged as a
il mercantile broker and agent in Buffalo,
X. Y.. and is now living a retired life in Mystic.
Conn., and is about sixty-five years of age. He
married Rebecca Holmes, a native <>f Troy,
X. V.. and of this union there have been born
five children four daughters and one son. Ly-
man Brewer being the oldest of the family.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
551
During his youth in Connecticut Mr. Brewer
attended the public schools, and graduated from
the high school of Mystic, that state, this train-
ing being supplemented by four years at the
academ) of San .Mateo, Cal. For ten years he
engaged as a telegraph operator and station
agent along the line of the Southern Pacific
Railroad, and in [892 as assistant cashier of the
Citizens' Bank, with which institution he was
connected for seven years. At the present time
he is engaged with the Wells-Fargo Express
Company, and also handles fire insurance. For
two years he has been justice of the peace, and
ever since his first voting days has been inter-
ested in maintaining the integrity of the Re-
publican part\. For eight years he has been a
member 'if the school board, and during three
years of that time was chairman of the board.
In 1896 he was made president of the city board,
continuing in that capacity for four years. Fra-
ternally he is popular and well known, and is
associated with the Independent Order of ( >dd
Fellows ami the Masonic blue lodge.
in San Francisco Mr. Brewer was united in
marriage with Eva Cross, a native of that city,
and daughter of Thomas J. Cross, a native of
Pennsylvania. Mr. Cross has been engaged in
mining in California for many years, but al the
present time is living on a ranch near Napa,
this slate. Four children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Brewer: Irene. Ruth, Fred II.
and Lyman.
SAMUEL FRANKLIN CEIL.
Corporative and criminal law in California
has no interpreter more lucid than Samuel
Franklin Geil, of Salinas, who for nearly thirty
v. ars has been identified with the professional
growth of the Pacific coast. A splendid type
of the strong and gifted in human endeavor,
with a mind attuned to justice and broadened by
association with all sorts and conditions of men,
he has been a magnet around which have ceil
tered many of the most thrilling legal battles in
tin- arena of the state. A remarkable showing
is tlir fact that out of ncaih forty cases up for
murder, six have resulted in conviction, and of
the people .barged with felonies of less gravity,
he has secured the release of many more than
one hundred and fifty. The cases of Azbell,
I'rewitt and 1 lawes were widely read all over
the country.
Of German descent, Mr. ( ieil represents a
family which located in Pennsylvania nearly two
centuries ago. He was born in New Britain.
Bucks county, Pa., September 28, 1841, and re-
ceived a common-school and academic educa-
tion. In fulfilment of an ambitious plan cher-
ished from childhood, in 1859 ne went to Cleve-
land, Ohio, and entered the law office of Her-
rick & Barlow, combining his studies there with
the usual course at the Ohio State and Law
College, from which he was graduated May 26,
1862, his admittance to the bar occurring Sep-
tember 26 of the same year. With the culmina-
tion of hostilities between the north and south
in 1861, he served for a short time in the Second
Ohio Cavalry, but on the nth of December of
the same year his resignation was accepted by-
General Buell and he received an honorable dis-
charge. In search of a desirable field for a loca-
tion, Mr. Geil selected the west, and arrived in
San Francisco via Nicaragua in December of
1862. From that city he proceeded to Mon-
terey, where early in 1863 he opened a law office.
In the fall of the same year he was nominated
on the Democratic ticket for district attorney,
and was elected by a large majority in a strongly
Republican locality. During his service in this
capacity he laid the foundation of one of the
largest practices ever established in the interior
of California, and handled with credit cases
which attracted by their importance the atten-
tion of the surrounding country.
In the meantime the county seat bad been
removed to Salinas and hither he came in [873,
opening a law office. The same year he was
appointed to till the office of district atto
made vacant by the death of the former incuhl
bent. During the unexpired tei m he pro
and secured the conviction of the desperate
Miguel Moreno, of the Vasquez band of robbers
and murderers. \ n -of his term
be formed a partnership of shorl duration witli
lion. 1'. K. Woodside, ex clerk of the supreme
court of California, and between 1S75 and [880
engaged in an independent practice. Following
552
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this he was for nine years a partner of Hon.
II. V. Morehouse, a promising lawyer, who has
since gained a reputation throughout the state
as an orator. Since 1890 he has practiced alone
and his prestige has increased with the passing
years, while his work has proved an inspiration
to many an aspirant for legal honors. For the
past twenty years he has been attorney for the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company and for five
years has been attorney for the Spreckels Sugar
Company. At this writing the greater part of
his time is given up to corporation practice. An
analysis of the cause of Mr. Geil's success would
be superfluous, for no two cases are in any way
parallel, save in the matter of brain force and in
the ability to grasp the opportunities by which
one is surrounded. The supreme gift is neither
talent nor genius, but lies along the path trod by
Mr. Geil and consists in being able to use to
thi best of one's ability the gifts with which one
is endowed.
At Monterey in 1866. while serving his first
term as district attorney, Mr. Geil married Jo-
sefa Sanchez, representative of the Castro fam-
ily, so prominently identified with the early
of California. During the many years
ot his association with the Masonic order Mr.
Geil has served for three years as high priest
of Salinas Chapter Xo. 59, R. A. M., and is
also a Knight Templar and a Noble of the
Mystic Shrine. In addition he is connected with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
GE< »RGE R. BUTLER.
A visitor to the gallery of Mr. Butler in Sa-
linas finds much to interest and awaken admira-
tion. It needs but a glance around the studio
to convince the stranger that he is gazing upon
irk of an artist, and such indeed Mr. But-
ler is. having inherited a love of art from many
mil;- generations of his family. For years
In has given hi- attention to art in photography,
a result the products of his galler\ lose
nothing by comparison with the work of leading
phers throughout the state.
Mr. Ihuler was born in San Francisco in 1861
and received his education in the public schools
of that city. His parents, F. and Anna M.
(Bennett) Butler, were natives respectively of
New York and Delaware. During the exciting
days of 1849 the father left the east to seek his
fortune in the mines of the coast, but soon he
commenced work at the occupation in which he
had previously engaged, that of an architect. It
is said that he was the first architect to conn? to
California. His services in that capacity were
in constant demand and many of the fine build-
ings put up in San Francisco in early days were
designed by him. He continued in the business
until about 1880. when he died.
From early boyhood George R. Butler was
interested in everything pertaining to art, espe-
cially as evinced in the science of photography.
His training in the occupation was gained under
the supervision of some of the leading photog-
raphers of San Francisco, with whom he re-
mained for some time after he had acquired a
thorough technical and practical knowledge of
the business. About 1893 he came to Salinas
and established the business which he has since
conducted, his patronage not being limited to
his home city, but extending through various
parts of Monterey count)'. He was accompa-
nied to Salinas by his wife, formerly Sadie How-
ard, whom he married in San Francisco, and
who was born and educated in that city. While
not active in politics, he is a stanch Republican,
and never fails to cast his vote for the men and
measures advocated by this party. The Wood-
men of the World and the Ancient Order of
United Workmen number him among their
members, and he is likewise associated with the
Native Sons of the Golden West and the Benev-
olent and Protective Order of Elks.
HANS PETER BRASSELL.
Noteworthy among the citizens of California
who came from the thrifty little peninsula of
Denmark i- Mr. Brassell, a successful horticul-
turist residing in Watsonville. lie was born in
[848 and at an early age lost his mother 1>\
death. When a boy he learned the blacksmith's
trade under the oversight of his father, Andrew
Daniel Brassell, and in r86g came to California,
where he worked as a journeyman in various
places. I luring 187.4 he settled in Watsonville
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
553
and purchased from J. J. Lund a shop and cor-
ner lot on Alain and Fourth streets, where he
soon established a growing trade. In 1877 his
father joined him in this city, where he died one
year later, at sixty-five years of age.
About 1882 Mr. Brassell extended his busi-
ness interests by building a feed mill, which is
operated by a steam plant, the water being fur-
nished by his own water works. The mill was
equipped with two sets of rollers. In the rear
of his lot on Fourth street he built a large
house. In 1892 he rented his present business
location For a blacksmith's shop. Business con-
tinued to be prosperous, but June 28, 1901, he
sustained a severe loss in the burning of the
mill and store. However, undaunted by the
catastrophe, he at once rebuilt. Previous to this
he had purchased fifty-one and one-third acres
of the Salsepuedes rancho in Santa Cruz county
and in 1892 he set out one thousand apple trees
on the place, also one thousand prune trees.
The following year he added to the size of the
orchard by planting one thousand apple and one
thousand prune trees, all of which arc now in
fine bearing condition. In addition, he set out
oranges, lemons, apricots and other fruits. Of
recent years he has found the demand for Pa-
jaro valley apples and apricots so great that he
is replacing the prunes with these trees, and he
is also adding to the size of his orange grove,
having ascertained by experience that the cli-
mate suits this fruit. Every improvement has
been made that will in any way promote the
value 'if the land and increase its productive-
ness. Among the people of the valley he is con-
sidered an authority in matters pertaining to
horticulture.
Si mie years ago Mr. Brassell purchased the
old Christian Church and this he now rents for
school purposes pending the erection of the new
high seln ml building. With the exception of
two terms as town trustee, he has not consented
to hold office, lie is connected with the For-
esters and blue lodge of Masonry and with his
family attends the Presbyterian Church. His
wife, formerly Mary I'.uinly, was horn in that
part of Denmark which now belongs to Ger-
many. She is a lady of amiable disposition,
greal energy and an active member of the East-
ern Star, in which order she has many friends.
Six children have been born of their union, one
of whom died in infancy, and Clara when five
years of age. Those living are Edmund II..
who is a bookkeeper on Spreckels ranch No. 1:
Nellie, Bertha .-11111 Helen.
CYRUS W. BRIDGEWATER.
During his service for eight terms as city
marshal of Watsonville Mr. Bridgewater has
won the confidence of all the best citizens, and
his faithful service is appreciated by them. He
was born in Cass county, 111.. February id. [843,
am! grew to boyhood on the farm of his par-
ents, John and Belinda (Haynes) Bridgewater.
When the newly opened territory of Kansas was
attracting thousands by reason of its intimate
connection with events culminating in the Civil
war, the family identified themselves with the
anti-slavery party in Lynn county, Kans., where
they settled during 1857. A part of the farm
they purchased was in Lynn county, and the
balance in Bates county, Mo.
The father died in 1862 at fifty years of age,
and during the same year the son enlisted for
service in the Union army, becoming a member
of Company F, Sixth lxansa> Cavalry. After
two years of faithful service in the ranks he was
promoted to be second corporal, and served as
such until the end of the struggle. Much of his
service was on the frontier, where he partici-
pated in several skirmishes, but escaped being
wounded or imprisoned. On his return from
the war he bought a farm in Bates county. .Mo.,
where he followed farming ami cattle-raising,
and met with fair success. However, the cli-
mate diil not prove satisfactory and when he
learned through a friend of the ideal climate to
he found in California lie decided to spend the
remainder of his days upon the Pacific coast.
Selling out in 1875, he came west the next year
ami settled in the thriving city of Watsonville,
in the heart of tin- Pajaro valley. I'm' a few-
years he engaged in teaming and jobbing, after
which he was employed as engineer in a mill
mi Main street. The latter position he resigned
on securing an appointment as night watchman.
\ihi en rig as watchman for four years, he
554
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was elected city marshal and has been re-elected
eight consecutive times. This appointment
comes to him from the people, irrespective of
-. he being independent in his views and
not identified with any party. In religion, as in
politics, he lias not associated himself with any-
particular organization. For many years he has
been an officer in the Knights of Pythias, and
he is also connected with the Eagles.
The first wife of Mr. Bridgewater was Eliza-
beth Perry, of Brown county, 111., who died at
twenty-nine years. Three children were born
of their union: William L., who is a plumber
in Watsonville; Ethel, deceased: and James H.,
a business man of Redwood City. The present
Mrs. Bridgewater was Emma Shankman, daugh-
ter of James Shankman, and a native of Ken-
tucky. To their union two children were born,
namely: Edgar, who is a druggist; and Harry,
who is employed as a mail carrier.
FRANK R. BRADBURY.
The business interests of Watsonville have an
energetic and efficient representative in Mr.
Bradbury, who is a dealer in paints, oils, var-
nishes, brushes, all kinds of wall and decorative
papers, as well as a contractor for painting, pa-
pering, decorating' and calcimining. In his store
he carries samples of fifteen hundred kinds of
paper manufactured by Alfred Peats & Co., for
whom he is sole agent in this town. He is also
the only representative here of the famous Patten
paint. Immediately after coming to Watson-
ville, in 1S04, he started in business along his
presenl line. I lis ability as a decorator was
ignize 1 and he has built up an impor-
tant trade and added to his stock until it is now
complete and modern. Among the contract-
tor decorating that have been awarded him are
those for the Presbyterian Church. Judge Lee's
building and tin I ooper block, also the resi-
of J. T. Bates, 1 I I Rogers, ' '. Tuttle,
Mrs. Nugent and James Rogers, besides many
in adjoining counties. I lis place of business is
on thi' corner of Bradbury and Waters street-,
while hi- residence (built by himself I stands on
Lincoln
Mr. Bradbur) was born in Baltimore, ML, in
1855, and is a son of John T. Bradbury, an in-
fluential statesman, who died while filling the
office of consul in South Africa. The son was
rean d in Baltimore and there learned the dec-
orating- business. For two years he studied in
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in his
native city, after which he acted as assistant with
Dr. Gardner in the regular army. For three
years he was stationed in Arizona, principally at
Forts Lowell and Thomas. From there he went
to San Francisco, and, instead of completing his
medical education, he took up the decorator's
trade. For a year he was employed by < \. W.
('lark & Co., the leading decorators of the Pa-
cific coast at that time. Two years later he em-
barked in business for himself and in 1894 came
to Watsonville, where he has built up an in-
creasing and profitable trade.
By his marriage to Martha Keith, of Balti-
more. Md., Mr. Bradbury has two children,
Ethel Terrell and Frank. The daughter is not
only one of the bright students of the high
school, but already has gained considerable
prominence as an artist, and some of her works
have received favorable criticism from experts.
In religious views Mr. Bradbury is liberal. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Eagles, \\ 1
men of the World, American Federation of
Labor, and the League of Education
BENJAMIN BROOKS.
Ever since the year 1635 the Brooks family
has been identified with American history, at
which time they settled in New York. Man) of
tlie earl) representatives of the name were ship
masters and owned merchantmen that were en-
gaged in trade with the West Indies. Benjamin
S. Brooks was the son of a wealthy ship owner
and was given excellent advantages in his youth.
At an early age his talents seemed to point in
the direction of the law. ami he entered that
profession with high ambitions and aspirations.
In 1840 he joined the throngs who sought the
far west. Bowever, it was not his intention to
engage in the exciting search for gold, but to
follow his profession, and he settled ill San
Francisco, of which city he was long an hon-
ored and successful attorney. Not only was he
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
connected as lawyer with nearly all of the lead-
ing land eases in San Francisco, but also with
many in other parts of the state, and few attor-
neys were as well informed as lie regarding all
the intricacies of claims, titles, etc. Besides
being an able lawyer, he was also a successful
business man, and in the management of his
various interests accumulated wealth.. Had he
sought office, he could have secured almost any
position within the gift of his party (the Repub-
lican), but he was not a politician and preferred
to concentrate his attention upon professional
duties. At the time of his death, which oc-
curred in San Francisco in 1883, he was about
sixt} years of age. Twice married, his first wife
was a New York lady who descended from Eng-
lish ancestry. By that marriage he had one son,
Benjamin, while by a later marriage he had a
-on, William, who is now manager of the Land
Department of the Spring Valley Water Com-
pany of San Francisco.
Benjamin Brooks was born in New York
City, October 25, 1842. When about seven
years of age his father came to California, and
his early education was obtained in the noted
academy of Fairfield, Conn, lie was thirteen
when he first arrived in California, and afterward
he attended the public schools in San Francisco.
Intending to enter the profession of law, he
studied in his father's office and elsewhere, and
was admitted to practice. Gen. John C. Fre-
mont, who was a warm personal friend as well
as a client of his father, offered him a position
in connection with the Union Pacific Railroad,
of which the general was a promoter. Return-
ing to San Francisco in 1865, he resumed the
practice of law, and later accepted a position in
the custom house there. For some five years
afterward he was with the Southern Pacific Rail-
road, being connected with Mr. Stubbs in the
freight department, this being the gentler
cently selected to have the general management
of the freight department of the great railroad
combine.
During 1885 Mr. Brooks came to San Luis
< )bispo, where lie now resides. Ever since com-
ing here he has been owner and proprietor of
the San Luis Obispo Tribu ic, which under his
ing Republican organs of Central California.
About eight years ago he established a daily
paper, which he has since conducted, and which
h;is a large circulation throughout this region.
There is -re evenl in the life of Mr. Brooks
which i- worth)- of considerable note, and that
is his connection with the first cable-car enter-
prise in the United States. While living in San
Francisco, he was a member of a company that
secured the first franchise for a cable line in San
Francisco and. indeed, in the United State-.
That mode of transportation was wholly new to
the people. It was known that London had a
very crude line which was operated for a short
distance in that city, but no other effort had
been made to utilize the principle which forms
the basis of the cable system. Many of the
leading financiers of San Francisco looked with
suspicion upon the plan, for they regarded it as
impracticable. Air. Brooks devised the firs)
cable grip and labored constantly in perfecting
the system and interesting people, but failed to
get a sufficient amount of money subscribed
Finally he sold his interest in the company and
afterward the cable line was built which opened
up all the western part of San Francisco, fol
lowing the line- of travel ho had mapped out.
In [867 Mr. Brooks married Miss Mary Ella
Steele, daughter of Hon. John I'.. Steele, who
was a member of congress Erom Xew York,
and a niece of Judge George Steele, one of the
1( ading men of San 1 an- 1 Ibispi 1 o ■ 1 1 1 r, \ ; alsi 1 1 if
Gen. Fred Steele, who was an officer in the
Civil war.
Xot only through hi- paper, Inn a1- 1
sonally, Mr. Brooks gives his influence to the
Republican party. As a member of the county
and -tale central committees he has tilled with
ristic tidelitx ever) trust reposed in him.
An active and interested Mason, he i- com
with the blue lodge, chapter and commandery in
San Luis Obispo, and is also 1 membei
Eastern Mar. 1 h< lndep< ■ 0 ol For-
esters; San l.ms < ibispo Lodge \To. 322, B. I'.
( >. I-:.; and San Luis Obispo Council No. ii-'.s.
Royal Arcanum, number him anion- then
members, and he has be< 11 the incurnbi
various offices in all. Besides his other infr
he assisted in tin organi ation of the San Luis
556
HISTORICAL AND UIOGR API 1 1CA1 . RECORD.
Building and Loan Association, and for years
has served as its president. Indeed, its large and
noteworthy success may be attributed mainly
to his wise oversight and judicious supervision
Socially he is a man of genial manner and pos-
sesses the tact, intelligence and good fellowship
that always attract strong friendships; added
to which is a personality that impresses and
charms the whole combining to make him one
of the city's most influential and popular citi-
zens.
HENRY B( )SSE.
With the sterling traits for which the German
nation is noted the world over, Mr. Bosse has
worked his way forward to an encouraging de-
gree of success: this, too, although he came to
the United States with a very limited knowledge
of the English language and without any means
whatever. He is a native of Hanover, Germany,
born December 7, 1844, and came to our coun-
try in [867. For eighteen months he was em-
ployed in Muskingum county, ( >hio, but believ-
ing that other portions of the country offered
idvantages, he sought a new- location.
In the fall of 1868 he went to Xew York, where
he boarded a ship bound for the Isthmus of
Panama. Arriving there, he crossed to the Pa-
cific ocean, and then sailed up the ocean to San
Francisco. His first location in California was
in Monterey county, where he secured employ-
ment and remained for a year, working on a
dairy ranch.
Since [869 Mr. Bosse has made his home in
San Puis ( Ibispo county. In 1870 he obtained
employment with Steele Brothers, and during
the next fourteen years he remained with the
nployers, meantime saving his earnings in
order thai he mighl be in a position to start out
for himself. He was said to be the best cheese
maker on the ranch and was head man in this
capacity with his employers. With George
as a partner, in [884 he bought a one-half
interest in the I >so Flacka ranch, and for the
next six years he carried on two dairies with
one hundred and liiu cows. At a later date he
purchased the other hall interest in the ranch
1 1 orge Steele, so that at this writina
he owns four hundred and ninety acres of val-
uable land. This acreage does not represent the
limit of his holdings, for he has several lots in
town. In 1890 he bought twenty-two and one-
half acres in the Arroyo Grande valley, which
he set out in walnuts, apricots and copies, and
now has a fine orchard in excelp'it condition.
Numbered among his other interests is his posi-
tion as a director in the Andrews Banking Com-
pany, of which he is a stockholder. Ever since
becoming a citizen of the United States he has
voted with the Republican party and stanchly
upheld its principles. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Odd Fellows lodge at Arroyo
Grande, in which he is past noble grand. In
[889 lie married Miss Katie Grieb, who was
born in Germany. They have two daughters,
Nellie and Mav. '
A. WILLIAM BIXBY, M. 1).
The principles of the eclectic school of medi-
cine have an able exponent in Dr. Bixby, of
Watsonville. Not alone the fact of his long
residence in his present locality, but especially
because of his acknowledged skill in the diag-
nosis and treatment of disease in its varied
forms, he has gained a position high in the con-
fidence of the people. Nor is his influence lim-
ited to his home city and county. Through the
publication of various articles in medical jour-
nals, he has reached ami influenced practitioners
all over the country, and has been helpful in
bringing to the attention of physicians of other
schools the value of that of which he is a dis-
ciple.
Porn at Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio,
Dr. Bixby grew to manhood in -Missouri and
received an excellent education in the Missouri
Slate Normal at Ixirksvillc. An initial experi-
ence in the science of medicine was -lined in
tiie Missouri Medical College, where he was
trained in the principles of allopathy. However,
with that desire for broad knowledge which has
ever characterized him, he investigated othei
systems of medicine, and found himself espe
ciallv drawn toward the then new principles of
become a student of the system, and accord
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ingly entered the American Medical College at
St. Louis, where the partiality he had felt to-
ward the eclectic school was deepened and
strengthened by a constantly increasing famil-
iarity with the success of its theories, as ex-
emplified in active practice and clinical work.
In 1877 he received the degree of M. D. from
this well-known institution.
Opening an office at McPherson, Kans., Dr.
Bixby remained there four years, meantime
building up the largest medical practice in the
county and also acquiring, with his brother, H.
H., the ownership of a drug store. The success
of his work as physician may he judged from the
fact that, during an epidemic of typhoid fever in
McPherson.he lost only one case out of seventy-
five that he treated. In 1881 he accepted the chair
of theory and practice in the California Medical
College of San Francisco, and. on resigning that
position, in the fall of 1882, came to Watson-
ville, then a village with only one-half of its
present population. At once he began in gen-
eral practice, making a specialty of diseases of
women and children and chronic troubles, to
which he has since devoted much of his time.
At first his practice was small, but as lie be-
came known to the people of the Pajaro valley
and as the population increased, calls for his
services and aid became numerous, and be is
now the one of the busiest physicians of the
towns near the coast. With the exception of
a lew- years when he had a drug store, his en-
tire attention has been given to practice, and
when not engaged in visiting patients or in
consultation work, he has worked assiduously
in tile preparation of articles pertaining to ther-
apeutics and in keeping posted concerning all
advances made in materia medica.
A thorough knowledge of measures calcu-
lated to promote the public health make- the
services of Dr. Bixb) very valuable in his office
of member of the Watsonville Board of Health.
Another important office which he nows tills
is that of member of the state lunacy commis-
sion for Watsonville. to which he was appointed
by the state commissioners of lunacy. For five
years he acted as surgeon for tin Southern Pa-
cific Railroad at Watsonville, and he is now
officiating- as medical examiner for a numbei ol
life insurance companies. While believing thor-
oughly in eclecticism, he recognizes the valua-
ble points in other schools, and numbers among
his friends many practioners of these old sys-
tems, with whom he has often consulted in dif-
ficult cases. Always, however, in bis own prac-
tice, it is his aim to follow eclecticism, which
endeavors to cull from homeopathy and allo-
pathy their most meritorious theories, and com
bine them into one harmonious school. Since
1880 he has been a member of the National
Eclectic Association, and a- few years ago he
was honored with election as president of the
California Eclectic Society. At this writing he
is medical examiner for the Watsonville lodges
of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, also
the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden
West, and in addition to being an active mem-
ber of the two organizations first named is con-
nected with Pajaro Lodge No. no. F. & A. M.,
Watsonville Chapter, R. A. M., and Watsonville
Commandery No. 22, K. T.
LEWIS L. BARTHOLOMEW-
The long period of his residence in California,
which dates from 1S5. 1. enables Mr. Bartholo-
mew to l>e denominated a pioneer of' this Mate.
A native of New York state, bom in Erie county
in 1835. lie was reared in Jackson comity, Mich.,
and attended the district schools of his day and
locality. Shortly after the Mormons opened
up Utah, he migrated thither in 184S. and be-
gan to engage in ranching pursuits. The hard
ships of life on the frontier fell to his lot. Tile
task of improving a ranch and making it re-
munerative was exceedinglj arduous. Finally,
in [859, deciding that the surroundings would
be more favorable further west, be came oxer-
land to California, settling in the then barren
wilderness of S.m Bernardino county. During
the same war be removed to San Josi
engaged in farming. From there, in the fall
r»79, he 1 .mi.
and established himself on a ranch near \de
laida. The next year be boughl eighl hundred
acres, forming a pari of tin \lorro } Cayucos
rancho, on Torn, creek. Since [880 he has mad
this propert) his home and has devoted himself
HISTORICAL AND \\\< >< iKAI'HICAL RECORD
to its improvement. Two fine springs furnish
a large supply of water, thus solving the most
difficult problem that confronts California farm-
ers. The presence of these springs adapts the
ranch excellentl) to dairy purposes, and it is
principally utilized as such. The dairy cows are
of the 1km Jerse) strains, hence the butter finds
a read\' sale at all seasons.
On first becoming a citizen of the United
States Mr. Bartholomew identified himself with
the Republican party! but later his views under-
went a change and he then cast in his allegiance
with the Populists. As a trustee of the Fairview
school district, his work has been acceptable,
and during his service in that position he was
instrumental in having the well bored for the
school. Both he and his son are stockholders
in the San Luis Industrial Union, which has
proved one of the most profitable local enter-
prises in the county. While living in Utah he
married Miss Clarinda Robinson, who was born
and reared in Michigan. Five children were
born of their union, one of whom died in her
twenty-first year, and two, Mrs. Howard and
Mrs. Curry, are widows. The oldest child is
Lewis U. Jr. Anion-- the young men of the
count}' the son already takes a prominent posi-
tion, possessing those qualities which usually
bring their owner a large measure of success.
Mail}' of the progressive movements of the
county have enlisted his influence and energy,
among them being the Alliance mill at San
Miguel, in which he is a stockholder, and the
San Luis "Reasoner," in which he also has an
I' >ll\ J. in lYSEN.
Situated two miles from Salinas, the home-
: Mr. Boysen has all the advantages to
he derived from juxtaposition with a thriving
county-seat. The improvements noticeable on
the place have been made since it became the
propert} of tin present owner, in the fall of [884,
im to he a man 1 >. entei pi ise ami
progressive spirit. A portion of the threi
dred acres is under cultivation to the various
farm produi is -p. ciall) adapted to tin
while the balance is devoted to the pasturage
of stock, for Mr. Boysen, like many of the farm-
ers of Monterey county, finds the stock business
a profitable adjunct of general farming.
( »n the farm in Denmark where he was born
in [848, Mr. Boysen passed the years of boy-
hood, meantime spending the winter months
in the school room. At fourteen years of age
lie began to make his own way in the world, and
ever since then he has been self-supporting. In
the spring of 1867 he came to America, pro-
ceeding directly to California and settling in
Watsonville. To pay the expenses of the trip
from Denmark he borrowed S200 and the first
money earned in his new location was applied
toward the payment of this debt. As soon as
his indebtedness had been cancelled, he began
to save his earnings, hoping to become a land
owner ill the near future. For five years he
worked in the employ of others and then began
ranching for himself. In the fall of 1873 he
married Gretha 1'eterson. whose co-operation
has assisted him in all of his efforts. Four
children were born of their union, but two died
in infancy. The two now living are J. J and
Andrew.
During 1884 Mr. Boysen purchased the ranch
where he now resides, and two years later he
moved to the place, since which time he has
devoted himself closely to its cultivation, giv-
ing his attention to cultivating its acres and
caring for his stock. Though loyal to his
adopted country and fond of the state where
he lives, he is not a partisan politician, nor has
he mingled in public affairs at any time, his
interest being merely that of the puhlic-spirited
citizen wdio favors plans for the general welfare
and prosperity.
W. C. BENNETT.
The largest and most perfectly appointed
drug establishment in Paso Robles is the prop-
ert) of W. C. Bennett, who has a thorough mas-
ter} of his chosen occupation, and is b
a citizen of many attainments and varied inter-
ests. Ik- was born in \ anl'.urcu count}', Mich..
Iul\ 7. 18(4. his father. George Ik. being a na-
tive of Devonshire, England. He came to
America in 1855. at the time being seventeen
El
**
ty
HST-i" fWZsL£y
[ISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
561
years of age, and settled in Hillsdale county,
Mich., where he engaged as a millwright. For
thirty years he lived at Allegan. Grand Rapids
and Kalamazoo, that state, and in [887 set-
tled in Paso Robles, (ah. where he is at pres-
ent assisting his sun in his drug business. Mis
wife, Jane (I '.rain) Bennett, was born in Bir-
mingham, England, her father. Richard, being
also a native of England, lie was a brick ma-
sun and contractor, and built many of the tall
chimneys throughout England. He came to the
United States in 1864, and died in Michigan,
at the age of eighty-six years. Seven children
were born to George H. Bennett and his wife,
four sons and three daughters, of whom \Y. C.
is the fourth.
After completing his education in the public
schools W. C. Bennett graduated from the Alle-
gan (Mich.) College in 1880. and was afterward
apprenticed to a pharmacist, in time perfecting
his trade knowledge at an eastern college. For
five or six years he engaged in clerking in drug-
stores, and in June of 1885 came to California,
sealing in Tulare county, becoming clerk and
manager of a store at Traver. At the expira-
tion of three years, or in 1883, he came to Paso
Robles and started a drug business of his own.
the new enterprise being inaugurated under
auspicious circumstances. January I, 1889. He
has been very successful, ami besides his skill
as a druggist has many things in his favor,
among others being a genial anil optimistic
disposition, plenty of tact, and a pronounced de-
sire to please. His store is up to date in fur-
nishings and general supplies, and is one of the
busiest places in the growing town.
The marriage of Mr. Bennett and Dove Mc-
Cubbin occurred in Fresno county. Mrs. Ben-
nett being a native of Hancock county. Ilk, a
daughter of Thomas I',. McCubbin, at present
living a retired life in Illinois. Two children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, of whom
Clifford, the oldest, is eleven years old, while
Lorina died at the age of three months. Mr.
Bennett has many interests aside from his regu-
lar business, and as a relaxation from business
cares may go to his farm of eighty acres, or
his Farm of three hundred and sixt\ acres, where
are raised grain ami fruit, lie is interested in
the Citizens Bank of Paso Robles, of which
he is vice-president, and he owns business ami
residence property aside from that in which his
store is located. His residence, located on the
corner of Spring and Seventeenth street, is a
pleasant and commodious one, and his home
is the center of extended hospitality and good
fellowship.
WILLIAM CASEY.
In agriculture, which Mr. Cascv is making
his occupation in life, he is meeting with a fair
degree of success and at the same time is pro-
moting the general development of Monterey
count)- through his energetic application and
intelligent efforts. Since he came to his pres-
ent ranch near San Lucas he has worked inde-
fatigable and with gratifying results, and at
this writing cultivates about twelve hundred
acres of land, most of which is utilized in the
raising of grain. A feature of his farm is the
raising of stock', his specialty being cattle and
horses of good grades. Thirteen hundred and
sixty acres of land are used for grazing pur-
poses, thus affording ample pasturage for his
herds.
The fact that Mr. Casey is a member of the
Native Sons of the Golden West indicates that
he is a native Californian. He was born in Cas-
Lroville, Monterey county, March 2, 1863. and
af six years of age accompanied his father, [ere
miah Casey, to Long Valley, where he grew to
manhood and received common-school advan-
tages. < (n selecting an occupation he chose
that of agriculture and has since devoted his
attention to the same. In [890 he removed from
Long Valley to San Ardo, Monterey county,
and for three years made his home on a ranch
there, after which he settled <>n the propert)
where he now resides. In [890 he was united
in marriage with Miss Katie Hoalton, by whom
Ik has four children, Ada, Mary, William and
Henry. The famil} are connected with the Ro
man Catholic Church of San Ardo, and con-
tribute to its maintenance, a- well as to chari-
ties under its control and supervision. The
success which Mr. Case\ lias al reach attained
is a hopeful indication ol future prospects, For
.<;-.'
[ISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he i- -nil a young man. with life and its
tunitics before him, and there is little
that his energy, perseverance and sagac
brine him a fair measure of success.
I. Q. BUFFINGT* >N.
The
life of Mr. Buffington has been
passed in California, and since [870 his home
has been in San Luis ( )bispo county. His
father, Abram C. Buffington, a pioneer of [849,
now living in Los Angeles, has been identified
with the progress of the state during the past
half century and has witnessed its remarkable
development from a rough mining region to
(>ne of the Eoremosl states of the Union. While
the family were making their home in Nevada
county, Cab. the subject of this sketch was born
in [850, and he was reared in that and .Marin
counties, receiving his education in district
schools. In early manhood he bought land
from James Cass on Little Cayucos creek and
established a dairy. At a later date he added
to bis property until his possessions finally ag-
gregated four hundred and eighty acres, the
larger part of which was used for the pasturage
of his stock. In his herd he bad sixty milch
cows and forty head of young animals. The
stock was of the best Jersey strains.
To the acquisitions of land he had previousl)
made. Mr. Buffington added in [890 by the pur-
chase of the Knuckalls farm of two hundred and
six acres, lying on Old creek, and ad-
joining his other land. This gave him a total
acreage of seven hundred and fifty-six. Since
[890 he lias resided on the Knuckalls place.
where he has built a good bouse, substantial
buildings and barn. \n orchard of bear-
in- trees adds to the value of the property and
contributes to the transformation of the place
into one of the ideal countr) homes of San Luis
Obispo county. At this writing he farms one
hundred acres and has a dairy of fort) 1 0
When the life of Mr. Buffington is viewed
from the standpoint of a citizen, we find him
1 man desirous of discharging every duty
es his community. While he is a worker
for prominence in local affairs. By his contribu-
tions of money he assisted in building the tele-
graph line from San Luis Obispo to Cayucos.
I lis service .as a trustee of Central school dis-
trict proved helpful to the best interests of the
district from an educational standpoint. In
1 NX 1 he was one of the ten charter members
of the Presbyterian Church of Cayucos, in
which he has since officiated as a ruling elder
and is now superintendent of the Sunday school.
If there is anything for which Mr. Buffington
may be said to stand especially as a citizen, it
is for good churches and good schools. He
believes the prosperity of our nation is depend-
ent upon these two forces, and that they should
therefore be guarded and fostered by all who
love their country. Another principle for which
he labors and of which he is an earnest cham-
pion is the temperance cause. For many years
lie was chaplain of the lodge of Good Templars
at Cayucos. and in other ways he has promoted
prohibition principles. In 1870 he married Miss
Mary Cook, a sister of Mrs. Xeil Stewart, of
San Luis Obispo county. They became the
parents of nine children, six of whom are living.
namely: Arthur \Y.. Alexander C. Abram S..
Marietta. Elizabeth J. ami Grace H. Those
deceased are Mary I-"... William A. and
lames < >.
in the i
.f the
-iii,
M. 11. BR< )i >KS.
With the laudable object of improving the
educational opportunities of his sons, Mr.
Brooks has moved into town, and is at present
living a retired life in Paso Robles. All of his
active life litis been spent 011 a farm, and he has
not entirely abandoned the idea of ending his
days on the broad expanse of his well-improved
farm of three hundred and twenty acres in the
vicinity of this town. lie is a westerner by
birth, having been born in Linn county, Ore.,
Ma) JO, [855, in which county be received
-nch education as his arduous home duties per-
mitted. I lis father, Joshua Brooks, was a man
of considerable ambition, and in order to find
the best possible place to conduct his farming
enterprises moved around the country more
than do most men thus employed. I le was born
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
563
in Huron county, ( >hio, and from there removed
to Iowa, later taking up his residence in Texas,
which large and resourceful slate was his home
for ten years. In 1850 he crossed the plains
to Linn county, ( )re., where he farmed with
average success, and in 1SS1 came to San Luis
( )bispo county from Colusa county, and set-
tled near Paso Rubles, where he died in 1890,
at the age of seventy years. He was a devout
member of the Raptist Church, and after his
removal to California was ordained as a min-
ister in that denomination, and from that time
till his death was active in that work. His wife.
Mary (Hackley) Brooks, was born in Indiana,
a daughter of George Hackley. The latter was
also somewhat of a migrator, removing from
Kentucky to Indiana, and from there to Ore-
gon in 1852, going by way of ox-teams in a
train of emigrants.
M. H. Brooks is the oldest of four daugh-
ters and three sons born to his parents. He
was- reared to farming and to the assumption
of early responsibility. In i860 he came to
Sutter county, Cal.. with his parents, settling
on rented land until 1881. He then came to the
vicinity of what is now Paso Rubles, but which
then had no suspicion of a town, and bought
three hundred and twenty acres of land, and
raised thereon wheat and grain. His years of
toil have resulted in a goodly share of worldly
possessions, some of which consist of stock in
the Bank of Paso Robles and in the Farmers'
Alliance, a business association in this city, of
which lie is a director. He is fraternally associ
ated with the blue lodge and chapter of the
Masonic order, and with the Independent Order
of ( kid Fellows. Politically a Democrat, he has
chosen rather to devote his energies to the per-
haps slow but sure methods of farming in pref-
erence to the uncertainties and annoyances of
political office.
To the common sense ami helpful attributes
of his wife Mr. Brooks correctly attributes a
g 11) share of his success in life, for Mrs.
Brooks i< a woman of whom her family and
friends are indeed proud. She was one of the
children born in [ohn Sawyer, a West Virginia
blacksmith, and in her youth was christened
the oil fields of Volcano, W. Va., settling near
Paso Robles, where his death occurred in 1900,
at the age of seventy-nine years. To Mr. and
Mrs. Brooks have been born two bright and
interesting sons, John Clinton and Charles El-
bert, aged respectivel} twelve and ten years.
Their parents approve of a thorough education
for the boys, and are prepared to give them
ever}- advantage within their power.
JOHN H. BRAY.
An English-American who has impressed hi,
worth upon the community of Long Valley,
Monterey count}, is John 11. lira}-, the owner of
many acres of land, and the promoter of the
general prosperity of this part of the county.
He was born in Cornwall, England, August 2j,
1851, and when nineteen years of age left the
paternal farm and embarked for the more pro-
lific chances to be found in America. He lived
for a time in New Jersey, and then tried his
luck for a couple of years in Michigan. The
further west he went the better he liked it, so
in 1873 he decided to go wa\ to the coast. For
seven years he worked in the New Idria mines
of San Benito county. Cal.. then spent a year on
the farm where he now lives. Still intent upon
making his fortune in mining, he went to
Nevada, but after three years of experimenting
decided that after all the life agricultural had its
compensations and particular benefits, so re-
turned' to his former home on the farm. This
was in 1885, and he has since been a part of tli ■
progressive farming district which has yielded
him more than expected returns.
The farm of Mr. Bray consists of seven hun-
dred and twenty acres, one hundred and sixty
acre- of which are comprised in the hom<
erty. The watering facilities are excellent, and
the owner is engaged in general farming, and
makes a specialt) of cattle, hogs and chickens.
Mr. Bray is a Republican in politic-, an
been deputy assessor four years, and road com-
missioner for several years. lie is fraternally
connected with the tndependen i »rdei
bellows and is a charter member ai
organizers of the Knights of Pythias in !
rev county, in which organization
:,c, i
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
representative to the grand lodge, being the first
in fill thai impi irtant position.
The wife of Mr. Bray was formerly Nellie
Smith, of England, and who died in California
March 28, 1891, in her forty-fifth year. Mrs.
Bray was the mother of four children, viz.: Bes-
sie, John, Albert and Nellie X. Mr. Bray is a
practical farmer and good business man, and his
common sense idea- on public questions are ap-
preciated and considered.
WILLIAM A. BAKER.
The ambitious nature of William A. Baker
has found an outlet in many lands and in many
occupations, and the fact that to-day he is an
agriculturist in the Jolon district, one of the
fertile spots of Monterey county, is but another
proof of the universal appreciation of the solace
and peace offered by mother nature to the
world-worn sons of men.
From a father who was a ship carpenter Mr.
Baker acquired earl) notions of life on the rag-
ing main, and when ten years of age set out as
a cabin boy on the bark 11. Snow. While still
very young he visited lor long periods Italy.
Spain and other countries on the way to the
Orient, taking on loads principally at the ports
of Hon-- Long and Shanghai, and delivering
them in England. After a few years of sea--;
ing he became an accomplished tar. and familiar
with all things of a nautical nature. He was
then engaged with his father in the ship build-
ing yards in Maine, and under the able instruc-
tion of his sire became familiar with the con-
struction as well as management of ocean craft.
For the following years he was a carpenter
aboard different vessels, and with the breaking
out of the Civil war left his ship in New York
City and enlisted in the battalion of engineers,
Compan) K. and served until the close of the
war as a carpenter and repair man. The war
ended, he settled in Whitestone, X. Y.. and fol-
lowed the carpi literS trade until [866.
in tin spring of [866 Mr. Baker started over-
land io Fori Bridge, and during the winter
d in the vicinity and herded slock. In the
spring 'if 1867 he renewed his journey west, at
n Los \.ngeles, From where
he went to Wilmington, and for a year managed
the old National Hotel, the only one in the
place, lie then went to Eureka for the winter,
and in the spring to Stockton, where he worked
in a wagon shop for a couple of years. From
[881 until [886 he acted in the capacity of
bridge foreman for the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company at Chico, Butte county, Cal., and
in the latter part of 1886 came to Monterey
county and bought eighty acres of his present
ranch in the Jolon district. At the end of four
years he added to his possession forty acres,
and in 1890 leased the ranch and went to Pa-
lermo as bridge foreman, remaining until 1896.
In the meantime he had bought an addition to
his ranch, of one hundred and sixty acres ad-
joining, and since quitting the railroad business
has lived and prospered in his country home.
He now owns two hundred and eighty acres,
devoted principally to wheat, and to the culti-
vation of a small orchard.
July 30. 1871, Mr. Baker married Susan J.
Crooker, who was born near Bath, Me., April
18. 1843, and who came to California with her
father in 1850. They located in Marin county,
where Mrs. Baker lived until her marriage. < )i
litis union there has been born one daughter,
Ida. the wife of Ira Young. Mr. Baker is a
Republican, but all his political labors are in
the interest of friends, as he himself cares noth-
ing tor office. Fraternally he is connected with
the Oreville Lodge No. 103. F. & A. M.
\BK \I1A.\1 COSTELLO.
Through his connection with various official
positions Mr. ( ostello is well known to the peo-
ple of his home town, Watsonville, and is inter-
ested in movements for the benefit of his native
California. He was born at Gilroy, Santa 1 lara
count), January 7. [869, and was the only child
born to the union of form Costello and KniiK
S. Ames. His father, who deserves recognition
among the self-sacrificing pioneers of the '50s.
was a native of Elmira, X. Y.. and at an earh
age wenl as Far wesl as Illinois. He became the
and aLo followed the carpenter's trade. Willi
a hope of finding a favorable location on the
?fa€£z^2¥.7%s.
'^e^cfjiy
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Pacific coast, in 1852 he came with others over
the plains with ox-teams, and arrived in Port-
land. < Ire., after three months en route. His
first wife was Wealth)- A. Farnam, daughter of
Truman Farnam, but she died in 1855, leaving
two daughters. The elder, Clarissa, died in
childhood; the younger, Ella, is the wife of
William T. Eipper.
Coming to California in 1853, John Costello
followed the carpenter's trade for a short time in
San Francisco, and then was similarly occupied
at San Jose for two years. ( hi settling at Gil-
roy, he rented land in the Pacheco mountains
and embarked in the eattle and sheep business.
For some years all went well. His flocks and
herds Hnurished and brought good prices in the
market. However, the drought of 1863 affected
him injuriously, as it did all stock-raisers in the
west, and so many of his head of stock died that
the profits of previous years were swallowed up
in the losses of that unfortunate period. Dis-
couraged as to agricultural and stock-raising
prospects, he decided to resume work as a car-
penter, and so settled in Gilroy, where he found
employment. Soon he became interested in the
fruit business and bought a small ranch in the
valley. During 1888 he came to Santa Cruz
county and ten years later retired from active
business. At that time he settled in Watson-
ville. where his death occurred when eighty-
three years of age. A man of energy and judg-
ment, he accumulated considerable means after
coming west, and in spite of the many discour-
agements and reverses that met him at different
points in his career, he left a competence at his
demise. Since then his widow, who was for-
merly Mrs. Sarah Hatch, and who became Mr.
( ostello's third wife, has made her home with
her stepson, Abraham, in Watsonville.
During his boyhood Abraham Costello be-
came familiar with ranch pursuits and learned
the best methods to be pursued in the raising
of fruit. Later he took up the painter's trade,
but has not followed it to any great extent, as
his attention has so far been largely given to his
duties as deputy constable, constable, deput)
marshal and deputy sheriff, which various offices
he has held about eight years. He is a member
of the Eagles and the Native Sons of the < rolden
"West and is also connect
Union.
with the Lab
WALLACE M. PENCE.
Among the members of the legal profession
in Salinas, Wallace M. Pence is not only one of
the most prominent and successful, but he is as
well one of the most cultured and wideh read
men in Monterey county. A native of Oquawka,
Henderson county. 111., he was born March 2J .
i860, a son of R. T. and Elizabeth (Co
Pence, the latter a descendant of an old Quaker
family of Pennsylvania. < hi the paternal side.
Mr. Pence is of Pennsylvania-Dutch extraction,
and his father was one of the early and success-
ful farmers of Henderson county, 111., of which
he had the distinction of being the first judge.
The education of Mr. Pence was acquired in
the public schools and the Western Normal
School at Shenandoah. Iowa, from which he
was graduated in 1884 with the degrees of Bach-
elor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. He sub-
sequently taught school in the same cotleg< Eoi
a year, after which he removed to California
and engaged in educational work in Creston
and Cayucos, San Luis Obispo county, and in
Guadaloupe, Santa Barbara county. At the
expiration of two years he had decided upon
the profession of law for a life work, and to
strengthen the foundation upon which to build
his knowledge of the same, entered the Univer-
sity of Kansas, where he took a complete course
in the unusually short time of two years. Upon
returning to California he farmed for two
at Parkfield, and while there became interested
in polities, and served as county deput) ass
Upon locating in Salinas in [892 he i\
mitted to practice before the bar of the supreme
court of the state, and this has since been bis
preferred field of activity. The majority of the
important cases requiring adjustment have been
brought to him. and be has an extensive and
wealthy clientage throughout this entire section.
His responsibilities extend t>> the management
of the Monterey Abstract Company, in which
he owns most of the stock, and i> the chief pro-
pelling force. A Republican in politics, he
lends the weighl of his influence on the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
municipal purity, and in all ways endeavors to
the standard of his adopted town. He
is prominent in the Baptist Church and is super-
intendent of the Sunday-school.
[anuar) 4. [893, Mr. fence married Carrie
IV. man, daughter of an attorney who died
re her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Pence
have been born two sons, Juarez Beeman and
Harold Titus.
WILLIAM CALLIHAN.
There are very few citizens now living" in Wat-
sonville who have been identified with the his-
tory of the town for a longer period than has
William Callihan. one of the honored pioneers
of the Pajaro valley. He was born in Harris-
burg, Pa., in 18J9. a son of Thomas and Rosella
Callihan. Educated in the schools of his native
city, he was prepared by thorough schooling
and careful home training for such responsibili-
ties as life had in store for him. When in his
early manhood he went to Illinois, where he se-
cured employment in the smelters at Galena.
However, to an ambitious mind the narrow and
restricted opportunities of that city seemed to
illy repay the arduous labors of days and weeks,
so he regarded the discovery of gold in Cali-
fornia as affording the opening he so greatly
desired. I hiring 1850 he came to this new
country and tried his luck at mining in Eldorado
county.
It was during December of 1852 that Mr.
Callihan settled in Watson ville. That same
year had proved remarkably profitable for po
lato raisers and he at once decided to engage m
the industry for himself. From J. R. Hill he
rented some land on the hanks of the Pajaro
river and began to plant and cultivate his crop.
\> it happened, however, almost every settler
had decided to raise potatoes, so in 1853 the
countrj was flooded with potatoes. Every one
had them to sell, and no one wanted to buy.
This overproduction entailed a serious loss
upon all and it was years before some of the
ranchers recovered from the disastrous results
of that long remembered potato season. Mr.
Callihan nol onl) lost his work, but monej be
te 1 ould iii il dispone of his crop.
During 1854 he returned to the mines, but at
the expiration of a year resumed potato-raising.
selling one hundred and sixty sacks, for which
he received three and one-half cents a pound.
His crop had to he hauled to the coast, then
taken by means of a coast boat to a vessel
(there being no wharf), and thus at large ex-
pense transported to San Francisco. Besides
potatoes he raised grain and beans. Somewhat
later he began to buy and sell as a commission
man. and with the means thus gained he in-
vested in city and country property. By slow
and steady advance, without speculation of any
kind, he amassed a competence, and has suffi-
cient to prove every comfort for his remaining
years.
Among the local enterprises which owe much
to the presence and aid of Mr. Callihan may be
mentioned the Watsonville Gas Company, or-
ganized in 1 87 1, with the following officers:
Henry Jackson, president; George Pardee, sec-
retary; A. Louis, treasurer: and L. Sanborn,
C. Ford, G. Traftoii, L. Alyn and W. Callihan,
directors. At a subsequent election of officers
Mr. Callihan was chosen president, and while
holding that position he had charge of the dis-
posing of the company's stock.
ROBERT W. EATON.
To live in the midst of the unequaled fertility
of the Pajaro valley is to have a broad outlook,
and to aspire to great things. Here, as else-
where, there are specialties in horticulture and
agriculture, ami he who. can so marshal his
forces as to excel in the production of any de-
sired commodity may be sure of an extended
appreciation and an income commensurate with
the extent of his operations. Mr. Eaton has
thirty acres of land in his home ranch half a
mile from Watsonville, one hundred and twen-
ty-five acres in berries, and two hundred and
twent) acres in apples. However, it is as a
bern grower that he is besl known, ami his
statements on this particular branch of horti-
culture are received with the confidence due his
extended researches. He is conversant with the
growth of the industry from the introduction of
water in 1879 up to the present time, and he has
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
watched with increasing; interest the develop-
ment from a few isolated patches to an industry
which is able to supply the greater part of the
San Francisco market, as well as a portion of
that of Los Angeles and many surrounding
towns.
A native of Pittsburg, Pa., Mr. Eaton was
horn June 2~ , 1846, a son of John and Matilda
(Kyle) Eaton, natives respectively of Bedford,
Pa., and Ireland. John Eaton was a silversmith
by occupation, and removed to Douglass county,
Kans.. in 1858. where he located on a farm,
dying in 1888. Robert W. Eaton came to Cali-
fornia in 1874, and after investigating the pros-
pects in different parts of the state located in
Watsonville in 1875. In 1870 he married Annie
Van Tries, of Pennsylvania, and of this union
there were born six children, all of whom are
living: Frank E.. Orrin ( >., Roy T., Carl W.,
Minnie M. and Robert 11. Mr. Eaton is a Re-
publican in national politics, and has been a
member of the school board for twelve years.
Fraternally he is associated with the Ancient
Order <>i" United Workmen. He is a member
of the Christian Church, and is one of the most
substantial and influential citizens of the Pajaro
valley.
IK >N. M. T. I)< )< KLING.
M. T. Dooling. judge of the superior court of
San Benito county, is a native son of the state,
and was born in Nevada county, in 18(30. His
father, Timothy Dooling, came to California in
1850, via Panama, and first located among the
mines of Xevada county, where he lived until
1868. He then removed to what was then Mon-
terey but is now San Benito count}', and pur-
chased a part of the Hollister grant or San Justo
rancho, upon which he conducted general farm-
ing, and where he eventually died in [895, at the
age of seventy-two years, lie was a man of
leading characteristics, and was well known in
the count) by reason of his enterprise and
public-spiritedness.
When the family fortunes were shifted to
Monterey county, Judge l>'»>liiiL: attended the
public schools, and in 1878 entered the college
of St. Mary's in San Francisco, from which he
was graduated in 1880 with the degree of A. B.
the following year receiving the degree of A. M.
His career at the college was a brilliant one. and
after completing the course he continued to re-
main within the halls of his alma mater, where
for two years lie filled the chair of modern and
ancient languages. In [883 lie took up the
study of law in Hollister. in the office of I',. B.
McCroskey, and was admitted to practice in the
supreme court in 1885. and for the following
two years was associated in practice with John
L. Hudner, under the firm name of Hudner &
Dooling. Subsequently lie was associated with
II. W. Scott, and in 1892 he was elected district
attorney of San Benito county, having been
nominated by both Republicans and Democrats.
His re-election to the same office followed in
1894, and in 1897 he resigned to assume his
present responsibility as judge of the superior
court, to which he hail been elected in 1896.
In 1902 he was re-elected without opposition,
both political parties supporting him.
Ever since his first voting days Judge Dool-
ing has been active in the undertakings of the
Democratic party, and he is at present recog-
nized as one of its foremost leaders in the
county, and an advocate of its highest principles
and issues. While still a student, in 18S4. he
was elected to the legislature, ami served for
one term of two sessions, and during that time
took an active part as a member of the commit-
tee appointed to secure a system of irrig;
Since 1888 he has attended every convention in
the state, and has each time served on the com-
mittee of platform and resolutions. In all other
political matters he has been equall) prominent,
and his political services have been invariably
conducted in the best interests of the people
who have honored him with their confidence and
votes.
The marriage of Judge Dooling and Ida
Wagner occurred in 1SS7. Mrs. Dooling being
a native of Illinois. Judge Dooling is p
nently identified with the social and fraternal
organizations of the county, and is especially well
known among the Native Sons of the 1
West, in which organization Ik' has been grand
trustee of the grand parlor on three different
occa tons. Me is a member of Fremont Parlor
570
i >RICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
No. 44. of Hollister, and is active in all divisions
of the order. He is also connected with the
Workmen and Modern Woodmen of the World.
Dooling is conceded to be one of the
foremost orators of the state of California and
is also noted for his lucid exposition of the law
and his equitable rulings, and stands at the head
of a profession in San Benito county which,
numbers anion- its followers the brightest wit
and intelligence of the west.
ALFRED HUGHES.
The earl_\- youth of Alfred Hughes, one of
the prominent farmers near Watsonville, was
characterized by a hard struggle for existence,
and by the assumption of almost childish re-
sponsibility. When but thirteen years of age he
left the home farm in Jackson county, Mich.,
where he was horn November 15, 1825, and went
b live on the farms of the surrounding farmers.
For nine years he was thus employed, after which
he went to work on a ranch. His parents were
George W. and Matilda (Dawson) Hughes, and
his grandfather was another George W., who
fought with courage and distinction in the war
of [812. '
Having determined to test the possibilities of
California, Mr. Hughes left St. Joe, Mo., May
5. [850, and, with others comprising the train,
crossed the plains, reaching Placerville, Augus!
o. [850. \fter two years of mining in Placer-
ville he wini in the state of Washington and
wrked in a sawmill for a year, and in 1854 re-
turned to Placerville and married Kate l'.unde,
who died in California in 1804. ( >f this union
were born the following children: John, who
i- a resident of Watsonville; Mary, Mrs. Burton;
I'ildie. Mrs. Boone ; Catherine, the wife of Mr.
Smith, manager fur his father-in-law ; Josei, Mrs.
Hansen: and Tillie. In [856 Mr. Hughes came
to Santa Cruz county, and in [86b went to Mon-
county, where he lived for three years, lo-
cating on his present farm in [864. He is
1 1 over five hundred acres of land, and
•ni liiiinlii d and fifty acres 111 the
. all.;, , Ih- home farm contain- three
hundred and twenty acre-, ami he ha.- yet an
other farm of one hundred and fifty acre- He
i- on,- of the large land owner- ami successful
farmers of the Comity, and has established an
enviable reputation for thrift and enterprise.
LEWIS HUSHBECK.
Lewis Hushbeck, one of the old and honored
residents and farmers of Santa Cruz county, was
horn in Baltimore, Md., in 1825, and was edu-
cated in the public schools of his native city.
His father, Henry Hushbeck. was a shoemaker
by trade in his native country of Germany, and
after emigrating to America engaged in the
manufacture of boots and shoes in Baltimore
for many years. The latter part of his life was
devoted to farming, and his death occurred in
Maryland in 1866. His wife. Mary, survived
him a number of years.
Until his twenty-third year Lewis Hushbeck
lived on his father's farm, and then came to
California in 1853, two years later settling on
the present farm on Lake avenue. He has fifty
acres under apples, and conduct- a general
farming enterprise on a small scale. In politics
Mr. Hushbeck is independent, and in his
younger days was a Whig and quite active in
the political undertakings of his neighborhood.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The wife of Mr. Hushbeck, who was formerly
Eunice Brown, was born in Xew York, but is
now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Hushbeck
were born ten children, of whom the following
are living: Mary, Andrew. Charles, Thomas,
lane. < rllSS, I larcv and llattie.
GEi )RGE F. PALMER.
The finely cultivated farm in Priest valley,
VIonterey county, upon which Gei rge F. Palmer
lives, and a portion of which he owns, was set-
tled by his father many years ago, and consists
in all of three thousand acres. This prosperous
idler of the -oil was born in Plumas county, Cal.,
February 15. [862, a son ^i Samuel I 'aimer, from
whom he inherits the thrift and enterprise which
have hri nighl abi nil his success.
Samuel I 'aimer came overland from Michigan
to California in 1852, the trip consuming six
months, and being interspersed with danger and
C. S. AHHoTT
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
513
deprivation. IP- started out with ox-teams, and
a newly wedded wife, and the wedding journey
terminated at Quincy, Plumas county, Cal.,
where the bridegroom prospected and mined for
a short time. Mr. Palmer then went to Laporte,
where he met with success, and fur greater se-
curity placed his savings in a San Francisco
hank. When the hank failed, and he lost all
that he had in the world, it became necessary
fur him to again engage in the mines, where he
achieved moderate success until 1867. He then
turned his attention t<> farming at Gilroy fur a
year, and in the fall of [869 came to Priest val-
ley, where his sun now lives, hut which at that
time bore all the earmarks of loneliness and want
of human interest. He erected a little log cabin
<<i two rooms and settled down t< > extremely
pioneer conditions, his only neighbors being a
Mr. Reynolds, Martin Griffin, John Green, and
old man German. No one owned the land, and it
was a case of squat and take your chances. Later
on, when the land came on the market, Mr. Pal-
mer homesteaded land and lived thereon until
his retirement to San Jose in the fall of 1894.
Through his marriage with Nancy Fox, who ac-
companied him across the plains, three sons were
li ni, of whom Frank L. is a ranchman, as is
also Charles, who lives on the old homestead with
George F. Samuel Palmer, who is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has al-
ways been liberal in his tendencies, and deeply
interested in the welfare of tlic communities in
which he lived.
George F. Palmer was seven years of age
when I lie family settled in Priest valley, and his
life has since been spent on the land acquired by
his father. lie was educated at Hollister, and
at the high-school at Gilroy, and lived with his
father on the ranch until the retirement of the
latter in [894. During that year George F. and
Charles leased twenty-five hundred acres of
the father's property, ami at the present time
George F. owns three hundred and twenty
acres. IK- is engaged in general farming, cattle
and hog raising, and has a thorough understand
ing of his chosen occupation. lie is identified
with the [ndependenl Order of Odd Fellows of
Kinp; City, and is a Republican in political prefer-
ence. Mr. Palmer represents tin- broad minded
progressive farmer of the west, and enjoys the
confidence and friendship of many of his asso-
ciates in the valley.
C. S. ABBl ITT.
The family represented by Mr. Abbott of
Monterey count) is descended from George
Abbott, an Englishman, who settled in Andover,
Mass., at the close of the Revolutionary war,
and from whom have sprung almost all of lie
Abbotts of Canada and the United Stairs.
About 1700 Abiel Abbott and his four sons
moved from Connecticut to Lower Canada (now
province of Quebec), and engaged in farming
in the county of Stanstead, just north of and
adjoining Vermont. Among the sons was John
Abbott, who 1)\ his marriage to Lydia Boying-
hon had seven sons and three daughters, all
now deceased excepting the youngest. C. S.,
who was born February 26, [828. When he
was eight years of age the death of his mother
placed him under the charge of an older
brother, hut when sixteen years old, being re-
fused the use of the horse and buggy with which
to drive a young lady to an apple paring, he-
ran away from home and went to 1 )ekalb
count). Ill, via Lake Champlain. Erie canal
and the great lakes to Chicago, and from there
b) stage to Sycamore, the county-seat, where
he lived until twenty-one years of age. mean-
time working for his hoard much of the time,
and having the privilege of going to school.
In company with a brother, Alvin. and eight
other young men, in 1850 Mr. Abbott started
across the plains. The) crossed the Missouri
river where < Imaha now stands, hut at that
tune the now prosperous city had onl) one
house and the only white inhabitant was a
French trader named Sarpie. Several small
companies joined there, not onl) for pr< :
against Indians, hut to lighten guard duty.
About one hundred men thus handed tog
and continued in the same part) until pa
Fort Laramie. The Platte river was very high
ainl cold from the melting -now. in the Rock)
mountains, besides being full of eddies, whirl-
pools and quicksands. In the part) there were
about one hundred and seventy-five head of
.-.: '
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
horses belonging to different men, and these
horses had to be taken across the river. It was
to wait days for the ferry, so Mr. Ab-
bott, having a horse that was a fine swimmer,
was directed to lead the horses over the river.
Divesting himself of clothing, and taking a
stick four feet long with which to guide the
horse, he started at his task, not even having a
strap with which to hold his horse. The other
horses were crowded after him and followed
for a time, but took fright in midstream and
made a rush for the front horse, crowding him
and his rider down and falling on top of them.
When Mr. Abbott came to the surface he found
himself in the midst of struggling animals.
Springing on the hack of the nearest one, he
jumped from one to another until he had
reached the one furthest down stream, and then
dove and swam down stream as long as he could
hold his breath. When he came to the surface
the horses had their eves on the southern shore
and were striking out for California in haste,
hut .Mr. Abbott was almost froze'.! ami in the
greatest danger by reason of a turn in the river
which would carry him back to midstream. All
the power and energy he possessed was brought
into play. Just as he was passing the curve in
the river he caught a branch of an overhanging
wallow and there clung until some soldiers, who
had been watching him, came to his rescue,
wrapped him in a blanket and placed him before
a fire in an Indian hut.
Shortly alter leaving Fort Laramie the party
began to divide. Some did not wish to travel
- fa ' and dropped behind. Others wished to
travel with more speed and went on ahead. ( Mi
reaching the Humboldt river the original com-
pany of ten were- again alone, ami about that
tune tluir tn itibles began in earnest. ( )ne night
nearly all their Maple provisions were stolen.
I hen Mr. Abbott's brother came down with the
In lera. To facilitate progress, Mr. Abbott
took the wagon to pieces and made a cart of the
hind wheels. In the morning the work was
done, his brother was put in the cart and he
-tatted on with the company. I lis brother re-
covered and was able to be about cam]) when
the parte reached the sink of the Humboldt.
the} faced a desert of forty-five miles, the
last fifteen of which were drifting sand. They
started about three in the afternoon and just
before that ate their last supply of provisions,
the same consisting of one ounce of dried beef
and two tablespoonfuls of flour made into gruel
for each. They also had six quarters of dried
apples for each, putting these in their pockets
and eating them to quench the thirst. At ten
the next morning they were still ten miles from
Carson river and all their horses but three had
been left by the way. and two of these belonged
to the Abbott brothers. All around them were
dreary stretches of sand, covered with dead and
dying cattle and horses. Ox-teams hitched to
great prairie schooners were lying dead in their
yokes, their owners having hurried on without
waiting to unhitch them. The wagons were
loaded with mining machinery and clothing, but
nothing was found in the way of food. The
company of ten were out of water, and it was
decided that Mr. Redington and C. S. Abbott
should make the trip for water. They took a
ten-gallon can and a light tent pole from one
of the abandoned wagons, and waded through
sand to their ankles. On the return trip they
carried the can (which weighed a ton) between
then; on the pole. They walked ten miles to
the river, but on their return trip met the others
six miles out. While at the trading post the)
had spent their last penny for hard-tack, and
this with the water was given out to the men
1>\ the doctor. At Ragtown (so called because
it was made of the covers of abandoned wagons)
they traded a horse for flour and dried beef.
Other members of the company traded cloth-
ing or pistols for food. From there they had
fair luck in reaching the Mormon station, now
(arson City, where they took a rest of a few-
days before starting over the Sierra Nevada
mountains. Alvin Abbott traded for ten pounds
of hard bread a watch that had cost him $2 l
in the east. At Mormon station there was a
relief post, where a quart of meal and flour,
mixed, was given to men who were absolutely
destitute. ( )n leaving this station, the company
took a bridle trail that came out near George
town instead of following the wagon road via
Placerville. for live days they had as rations
two tablespoonfuls of flour and one ounce of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dried beef For each meal. When their provi-
sions were gone, at the end of the five days,
they subsisted mostly on hazelnuts and the buds
of the wild rose. Even with the aid of a cane
in each hand, they could nut make more than
eight or ten miles a day. Meeting a pack train.
they forced the men to weigh them out one
pound (if hard bread each, telling them they
would take a whole sack if they refused. One
of the men hail a lew ounces of tea, so. when
the} came to water, they would have a feast of
tea and bread. Afterward all went to sleep.
The next morning they started out with high
hopes, expecting to reach the trading post by
eight o'clock, but the whole day passed and no
trading post appeared and there were no hazel-
nuts by the trail. So the men went to bed
hungry ami disappointed. The next morning
Old John, the black' horse that had swam the
Platte and other streams with Air, Abbott, had
the death sentence passed on him. There being
no water, they decided to go on until they came
to a creek and then kill and cook the horse.
To give up this faithful old animal was the
hardest trial Mr. Abbott had yet faced, but he
accepted it as the inevitable. Fortune, how-
ever, favored < >ld John that time. As they fol-
lowed the trail, on a steep mountain side, to
their right was a deep gulch and beyond this
a steep sidehill. covered with pine trees. All at
once the men saw a buck, and as one of the
party had retained his gun he at once fired.
The deer bounded forward, ran a short distance
and then fell into the gulch. The deer was
packed on ('Id John and when they reached
water, about eleven in the morning, they
roasted the venison on sticks, then boiled the
bones, so that nothing was wasted. The next
dav they reached the station, where they had
supper and breakfast. About noon of the next
day they reached a trading [lost at the head of
.Missouri canon, where the trail started down
to the Middle Fork of the American river at
Volcano Bar.
At last the mines were reached. Old John
was sold for $25, and with this monej a pick,
shovel and pan were bought, and then Mr.
Abbott went back to the Missouri canon to
prospect for gold, lie made the old fashioned
rocker out of a hollow log. His brother, still
not being strong, was yet able to do the cook-
ing, although he could not work in the mines.
When Sunday came the ambitious miner had
about twenty-five cents' worth of gold dust and
was in need of provisions, but the trader who
advanced him $50 worth of provisions on starl-
ing out came to his relief again, and willingl)
accommodated him. ( )ne Sunday later he was
able to pay his bill, $75, and had about six
ounces of gold dust left. Success in a fair de-
gree rewarded his efforts in the mines, and he
was fairly well satisfied with results when he
returned via Panama to Beloit, Wis., leaving
California in November of 1851 and reaching
Xew York on Christmas day. It is easy to
guess the cause of his return east. It was the
same attraction which took back to their old
homes so many young Argonauts of the early
'50s. March i'j. [852, he married the daughter
of Dr. Lewis Merriman, of Beloit. The wed-
ding tour was a trip to California. Mr. Abbott
bought sixty oxen, fifty cows and heifers, five
wagons and ten horses, and took eighteen men
as passengers, each of whom paid him $125, be-
sides doing his share of camp and guard duty.
This trip was far different from the last one,
and he was able to sell flour, beans and bacon
along the route where he had been almost starv-
ing two years before.
Reaching California, Mr. Abbott settled on
the Sacramento river two miles below Wash-
ington, but high waters caused the loss of al
most all of his cattle, and he sold out. going
to Nevada City and engaging in the dairy busi-
ness. In [858 he moved to Point Reyes, Marin
county, taking his stock with him, and engagi d
in making butter and cheese for the San Fran
cisco market. In 1865 he moved to Monterey
county with five hundred cows and bought four
thousand acres , if land where the sugar fac
tory now stands, also buying tvvelv* tin
acres where King Cit) now stands. In : '-
had a dairy of fifteen hundred cows. I
was elected to represent Monterey count) in the
assembly during the '70s. When Grant was
nominated for a second term Mr. Abbott was
a delegate from California to the National Re-
publican convention in Philadelphia. It
576
lll-ri .UK Al. AND UK MiKAIMIK \I. kB ' 'RD
lion to conducting his large ranching interests,
he built the Abbott building in Salinas and was
president and a large stockholder in the Mon-
8 Salinas Valley Railroad. However,
through the manipulations of the dominant rail-
road power of California, prices on freight -
were so affected that the entire company was
bankrupted, including Mr. Abbott. But he is
of a hopeful, optimistic disposition, and has not
allowed the dampening experience of the past
to discourage him. On the contrary, he is thor-
oughly enjoying the afternoon of his life on his
stock ranch on the Arroyo Seco.
In the family of Mr. Abbott there are four
children: Donna Maria, who was educated at
Mills College, Oakland, and married C. G.
( hamberlain, now postmaster of Pacific drove.
but she is now deceased; Clara, who was edu-
cated at Mills College and married Dr. X. S.
Giberson, of San Francisco, by whom she has
two sons; Harvey E. and Francis A., residing
in Salinas, where they are engaged in the meat
business and also in stock-raising. Both sons
are married; Harvey has two daughters, and
Francis has three sons and a (laughter.
|( MIX L. HUDNER.
The professional career of John L. Hudner has
been a notable one, and may be taken as repre-
sentative of the standing of the bar in San
Benito county. As counsel on one side or the
other, he has been connected with virtually every
case before the courts since 1883, than which
no better evidence were required of the confi-
dence which his abilit) has inspired among all
« lasses of people.
The accident of birth alone prevents Mr. Hud-
ner from being a Californian in every sense of
the word, for he was but three years of age
when, in [858, he removed from his native state
of Massachusetts. His father, James Hudner,
lived in Santa Clara count) until [868, in which
year he became one of the incorporators of the
San Justo Homestead Association, the great de
veloping agency of San Benito county. 1 he
company bought that portion of the San Justo
upon which Hollister has been .since built.
and the valley part of the ranch was laid out into
fifty homesteads of one hundred and seventy-five
acres each. Upon one of these homesteads Mr.
Hudner is still living in the vicinity of Hollister,
engaged in the peaceful and remunerative occu-
pation of farming. The education of John L.
was acquired in the public schools of Santa
Clara and Hollister. and finished at Santa
Clara College, one of California's noted institu-
tions of learning, from which he was graduated
in the spring of 1876. Having decided to devote
his life to the practice of law;, he soon entered the
office of Judge Archer, in San Jose, and later.
returning to Hollister, was under the able in-
struction of X. C. Briggs, his present law part-
ner. Aftei serving a term as under-sheriff of
the county, in 1883 he associated himself with
the late B. B. McCroskey, the then district at-
torney of the count}', and was made deputy dis-
trict attorney for the term.
In 1885 Ik formed a partnership with Hon.
M. T. Dooling, now judge of the superior court,
and at the end of two years again became as-
sociated with Mr. McCroskey, again elected dis-
trict attorney, continuing the relation until the
death of the latter in 1888. Mr. Hudner then
entered into partnership with Mr. Briggs, who
succeeded Mr. McCroskey, and in [890 was him-
self elected district attorney, which position he
relinquished voluntarily at the expiration of his
term.
In 1896 he was appointed district attorney to
succeed Judge Dooling. who had been elected to
the superior court, and in 1898 was again elected
to the office for the term ending in January,
1 003, Meantime his partnership with Mr.
Briggs, the oldest, and recognized as the ablest
member of the bar of the count}, has continued.
constituting a firm of lawyers whose integrity
and ability are unquestioned, and whose legal
business consists , ,f the care of the largest cor-
porate and private interests in the county, as well
as representing the same in the courts in the
1 miiu and elsewhere: their business being by no
means confined to San Benito county.
Mr. Hudner while less adapted to the criminal
branch of the law than to the civil, has achieved
success even in that, as the records of the courts
show. Though he might have had the office of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
district attorney again, without opposition; even
at the polls, he declined renomination. Mr. Hud-
n t is a Democrat; and whenever he has offered
to take office, has been elected; he has been and
is a member of the county committee and of the
state central committee, and delegate to ever)
state convention of his party since 1888. Mr.
Hudner, while not brilliant, at the bar, is safe.
astute, alert and resourceful; he knows the law
and its devices, and how to avail himself of
them; and few are the times he has failed to
count for his clients.
THOMAS S. HAWKINS.
There exists no more typical representative of
the stalwart founders of the business structure
of the western slope than Thomas S. Hawkins,
president of the Bank of Hollister; one of the
purchasers of the site and founders of the town
of that name, and intimately connected with its
transition from a nonentity into a prosperous
municipality. Like most of the captains of in-
dustry engaged in building up the west, Mr.
llawkins was not horn to the purple as indicated
by wealth or influence, but rather gained his first
impressions of life and work from the surround-
ings on an average farm in Marion county, Mo..
where he was born in 1830. From his fourteenth
to his twenty-first year he lived in Cynthiana,
Harrison c< unty, Ky.. where he was educated in
the public schools and at an academy, and there-
after talight school in Missouri for a couple of
years. Mis first business experience was ac-
quired while engaged in a mercantile venture
along the line of construction of the old Atlantic
& Pacific Railroad, an occupation continued for
abi ut two years, or long enough to convince him
that there mighl be more desirable locations and
occupations than those with which he was fa-
miliar.
Then, as now. a peculiar fascination lurked in
the direction of the setting sun for the dissatisfied
and ambitious, and in [86b Mr. Hawkins started
from Westpoint, Mo., outfitted with OX teams
and wagons and a drove of cattle, and ji ined the
might) bul disconnected caravan which bad
sleadih moved over the plains evei since the first
da\ s of srold. At tin- end of six months b^ .u
rived at San Jose, and having dispose.!
cattle, bought land and engaged in farming at
Gilroy, Santa Clara county, until 1866, and then
removed to San Felipe valley, San Benito 1 then
Monterey) county. In September of [869 be
had become entirel) in sympathy with his new
surroundings, and so accurateh ganged its prob-
able part in the future of the state, that he or-
ganized the San Justo Homestead Association, of
which he became secretary and general manager.
litis association purchased of Colonel Hollister
twenty-one thousand acres .1" the San fusto
ranch, a portion of which was laid out and
platted in town lots, the sale of which began in
the fall of i8')8. The town was named in honor
of that famous pioneer and splendid citizen of
California, and for the succeeding four years Mr.
Hawkins continued the sale of lots and other
lands, or until the association had outlived its
usefulness and ceased to be a factor of develop
ment. Thereafter Mr. Hawkins bought and sold
general lands in the town and country, and
looked after his large landed interests, owning
several thousand acres of land in Monterey and
Santa Clara counties, which is well stocked and
finely improved. In 1869 he entered actively into
the fight to create San Benito from Moi
county, a fact accomplished ab an [870, through
an act of the legislature.
The Bank of Hollister, which Mr. Hawkins
aided others in founding, entered upon its mer-
itorious career in 1874. and it is to the presidency
which, he has since maintained with such vast
credit, that its present standing among the solid
financial institutions 1 f the state is due. This
bank was the first in the town, and started with
a paid up capital of $IOO,< since increased 10
a paid up capital of S .250,000.
( Ither mien sis in 1 [ollistf r which have
pn fited by the sound business ability of Mr.
I law kins include the llolbsier Water Company's
plant, purchased b) him in 1875, and at the time
a ven small affair, lie has since organized the
company, which provides amph for all cit\ pur-
poses, the water coming from the mountains of
( .rass valley, and piped a distance of fourteen
miles. • At the First meeting of the compam Mr.
Hawkins was elected president, and has since
filled this important responsibility, lie is one of
hist. .'UKWi. axd biographical \u-:o >kp.
the organizers of the Hollister Warehouse Com-
pany, and lias been president from the start. Al-
though one of the organizers of the city, and
n1 of the council for twenty-one years, he
has steadfastl) refused general political honors,
neither time nor inclination permitting of their
nre. Extreme independence has character-
ized his political affiliations, and character and
attainment, rather than party, have been the
criterions governing his vote. Fraternally he is a
member of the Mound Lodge No. [66, Inde-
pendent ( Irder < >dd Fellows, of which he is past
noble grand, and of which he has several times
been a delegate to the state -rand lodge. Educa-
tion lias no more stanch supporter than Mr.
Hawkins, who has wielded a wide influence to-
ward a high order of educational training. The
erection of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
|S7A 74 was largely due to his advocacy of its
necessity, and he has ever since been a trustee
of the church.
In [858 Mr. Hawkins married Miss I 'alien.
who died in [862, leaving one child. T. W. Haw-
kins. m>w cashier of the Bank of Hollister. The
second marriage of Mr. Hawkins occurred in
Santa Clara county in [864 with a Miss Daw
and of this union there were horn four children,
viz.: C. X.. who is manager of the Grangers
Union, the largest store in Hollister; W. I., who
is a merchant in San Francisco, and manager of
the Eaglesi n-Hawkins G unpan) ; W. E., wdio is
mnecled with the bank; and Mrs. Boyns,
■ teaching music in San Francisco. Mr.
Hawkins is still, after his innumerable services
toward the upbuilding of Hollister, one of its
supporters, and most indefatigable
workers. N*o one ha- inure richly earned the
vill and esteem of his fellowmen, nor to
am i- greater honor due than to T. S. Hawkins.
A. X. 1TJDD.
' 'in - f In- carl) experiences as a painter Mr.
Judd -leaned much that has since helped him in
magomenl of his business affairs and the
■ -1 i;:s financial policy. Though now
all) retired and enjo) ing the fruits of his
labors in former years, he still maintains a gen-
eral supervision of his apple orchard, which
ranks anion-- the finest in the Pajaro valley.
In his home at Watsonville are all the comforts
that enhance the pleasure of existence, added to
which he has the esteem and confidence of as-
sociates.
At North Lee. Berkshire county, Mass.. A. X.
Judd was born April 26, 1843, being a son of
George I!. Judd and a descendant of a colonial
family of New England. His mother died when
he was thirteen years old and his father sir rtly
afterward, and he was then taken into the home
of a farmer in Xew Hampshire. Early in life-
he migrated to Wisconsin, and at Rubicon.
Dodge count}-, learned the trade of wagon-mak-
ing and painting. Being small in stature he was
unable to stand the work which required a man's
strength and muscle. Finding that he was los-
ing his health, he abandoned wagon-making and
devoted himself to painting. About this time he
met Mr. Folk, who was planning a trip to Cen-
tral America and offered him a position as an
assistanl of the expedition. Accepting the prop-
osition, lie went south and while in Honduras
learned of the breaking out of the Civil war.
To one of loyal, patriotic spirit, his country's
need appealed with greatest force, and Mr. Judd
hastened back to the north. August 9, [861, he
enlisted in Company H. Fourteenth Iowa In-
fantry, and was sent to the front under Grant.
February 15, i<so_>, lie was wounded 1>\ a bullet
in the right side of the neck, while fighting at
Donelson. At Shiloh he was taken prisoner, but
with others succeeded, in effecting an escape.
Later he was transferred to Company A. Sixth
Iowa Cavalry, and in this regiment continued
until he was honorably discharged November 27,
1865, with a record of which he may well be
proud.
Going to Chicago Mr. Judd opened a paint
shop at No. [52 North Clark street, with (harks
Johnson a.s partner. There he continued a few
years. When die first excursion was started
the Continent on the first railroad built to
span the continent, he took passage Juh _'-\ [868,
and arrived in Sacramento August - of that year.
There he secured work 011 the state capitol. In
ilu fall of the same year he came to Watson-
ville and rented a building fonnerl) used b\
1 1 1 pei- Bn >s. for a store, and OCCUp) ing die
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
present site of the Bank of Watsonville. Here
he embarked in business, having as partners
Peleg Peckham and Mr. Austin. Two years
later Mr. Peckham retired from the firm and the
following year Mr. Austin sold his interest to
Mr. Judcl, who continued alone. In 1873 he dis-
continued the painting business and engaged in
farming on the old John Conwa) ranch of fifty-
seven and one half acres, west of the city. A
few apple trees constituted the only improve-
ments that had been made on the place. At once
he planted more, hut, as soon as he found the
P.elletleur the most prolific, he replaced his
trees with this variety and has continued to raise
them ever since. Today the orchard is one of
the best in the valley. All but fifteen acres of
river bottom land are under hearing fruit, and
the returns from each year's crops are exceed-
ingly gratifying to the owner. He is also inter-
ested in ranch properly in Fresno county.
One of the finest residences in the valley is
owned and was erected by Mr. Judd and is of
stone, modern in architecture and convenient in
appointments. It stands on the ci rner of Fourth
and Lincoln streets, in the James Waters addi-
tion, where five years ago Mr. Waters had his
nursery. Since then almost the entire tract has
been covered with modem houses. In the prog-
ress of the valley Mr. Judd has borne a deep
interest and active part, and his contribution to
public-spirited projects has been important, no-
tably his service as president of the Pajaro Val-
ley Fair Association, which owed much to his
fostering oversight, lie has held the office of
deputy assessor, but as a rule has declined offi-
cial positions. In the board of trade be has
served as a member of the committee of public
improvement. Fraternally he is connected with
the lodge and encampment of ( hid Fellows and
holds rank as past grand. The Grand \rmv of
the Republic numbers him as a member and he-
is its past commander.
July _> 1. [872, Mr. Judd married Caroline, the
only daughter of William Williamson. She is
the only survivor among three children, her
brother. Robert Samuel, having died in 1899 ai
fifty-three years of age; and lames Fdgar died in
childhood. Mr. VVilliainson was ., native -1
county Armagh, Ireland, and while in bis teens
was apprenticed to a merchant. When twenty-
one years of age he came to America and settled
in Boone county. Ill, where he married Artemesia
Sands. In [850 he crossed the plains to Califor-
nia, where for two years he followed placer min-
ing. ( )n his return to Illinois he dispi sed of his
effects and,, with his family, started west again,
coming to Watsonville, where for a year he en-
gaged in raisin- potatoes. A later enterprise was
with his brother James in operating a grist mill
on Pascadero creek. Next he conducted a
freighting mercantile establishment at Gilroy for
two years, after which he built a mill at Green
valley above Lagers, in Williamson gulch, having
ts partners Messrs. Hinckley, Shelby and May.
The business, however, proved a difficult one to
successfully conduct, as the supply of lumber in
those days was greater than the demand. It is
said that in 1851; he came to Watsonville. with a
four-ox team loaded with lumber, and tried to
sell the lumber or trade it for groceries, but the
most liberal offer he could get was only $7.
Soon, fortunately, the demand increased. The
firm became Brown & Williamson, then the
Charles Ford Company, and he retained an in-
terest in it until 1874, when he sold out. He
then purchased the property where Matthew
McGowen now lives and later bought one hun-
dred and seventy-five acres devoted to agricul
tural purposes, continuing, however, to make his
home in Wats nville, where he died in 1884, aged
sixty-one years, beloved and remembered b\ all
for his -real generosit) and inimitable wit. Ilis
wife died within a few .lays of hi- own
and was fifty-six at the time of Per death. In
the famih of Mr. and Mrs. Judd there are three
living children, namely: Carrie Belle, wife of
Jesse Wood: Hugh William, a clerk in the post-
office; ami Oswald Bissell, at home. Two chil-
dren have been taken b\ death, Elbert Hayes
when eleven and Ida Ma\ when twent) yeai
age.
HENRY T Ri >GG1
Though not a name son of California, Mr.
Rogge has been a resident of ibis state ever since
one year old. and is thoroughly 1:1 touch w
pi ig ressive elen ille and the
I 'ajaro valle) . Hi was born in Keyespoi '•
580
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
Clinton county, 111., October 24, 1874, being a
William and Dora (Herwig) Rogge.
His father, a native of the province of Hanover,
German}-, born May 30, [831, was a son of
William and Elizabeth (Curze) Rogge. After
the grandfather's death, his widow brought the
children to the United Slates and spent the re-
mainder of her life in St. Louis, Mo. When four-
teen wars of age William Rogge, Jr., was ap-
prenticed to the shoemaker's trade, at which he
served four years. In 1854 he went to St. Louis
and secured anployment at his trade, also with a
iir> ther bought and operated a farm. Removing
in [869 to Keyesport, 111., he continued to com-
bine agriculture with shoemaking. During 1S75
he brought his family to Watsonville, Cal., and
bought a small home here. At the same time he
began to work as a journeyman shoemaker, and
in time opened a simp of his own. which he still
Oi nducts. It speaks well of him that he has
reared and educated ten children and at the same
time saved a sufficient stun to provide for his old
age, which fact proves him to he frugal, econom-
ical ami provident. In addition to his home he
owns other property in Watsonville. Fraternally
he is connected with the lodge and encampment
1 1 1, Id Felli \\ - Three of his children- died in
infancy, and those who attained maturity are
Louis L., William C, Mem T, Arthur, Mel-
Yin. ( ttto, Alary. Josephine, Augusta and Dora.
When fifteen years of age Henry T. Rogge left
home to fight life's battles for himself. For
eighteen months he worked in a tannery in
Santa Clara, but not liking the occupation he
left as soon as another opening was to be had
For a while he worked in a plumbing store.
after which he became clerk' with Ford X Co.,
tinder whom he learned the nph ilstery business
\ fie-r serving an apprenticeship of fur war-- and
■ nths In- embarked in the upholster} busi-
r himself, and has since built up a grow-
ing trade and carries a large stock. Since starting
in business he has built a cottage. Fraternally
he is connected with the Foresters, Federal Aid
1 abees.
F01 omi real 1 ince 1893) Mr. Rogge has
been a member of the Pajaro Vralle) I'm, I om
1 \\ atsom ill, . serving as Foreman in the
early part of his connection with the company,
later holding the office of assistant chief, and in
[902 receiving promotion to the position of
, hi, f. which he now holds. About [860 this fire-
department was organized as a volunteer bucket
company. The next year a hand engine was
bought. In 1875 the company was reorganized
as the Pajaro Engine Company. At that time
the) owned a small house opposite the plaza, and
this they traded for the blacksmith shop of J.
Lynch, on the latter site erecting their present
building. With the erection of the building were
formed Pajaro Company No. 1 and California
1 lose Company No. 2. A new engine was pur-
chased at a cost of $4,000. The department
raised $1,500 1 f this amount, the balance being
paid by the city. The only salaried officers are
the chief, who receives Sioo per year: the driver.
who is paid $65 a month; and the engineer, $25
a year. The company has been called out to help
in neighboring towns during fires and has al-
ways proved itself to be thoroughly competent
and efficient.
JOHN IYEKSi )X.
John fverson, who is engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Chualar, with the firm of
Anderson, Beck & Co.. is one of the fore-
most Danish-American citizens in this vicini-
ty. He was born in Denmark in 1846,
and received a common school education, and
a good home training. In 1803. when sev-
, mi, ,n j ears , >f age, he came to the United States,
and direct to San Francisco by way of the cape
of Good Hope, going thence to Alameda county,
Cal., where he began to work by the day, and
also to farm. Not entirely satisfied with wdiat
he was accomplishing there-, he came to Monte-
re) count) in 1S70. and located on a ranch of
twelve hundred acres, six miles from Chualar.
He still owns this large and well improved farm,
ami is devoting it to grain, farming and dairy
purposes, for the carrying on of which he has
sixty standard bred cows.
\hoiit the time that he bought his farm Mr.
Iverson engaged in business with Anderson.
I'.cck & ( o.. who are doing tin- largest business in
town, and who carry a most complete line of
general merchandise, groceries, liquors, hard-
WPWtfff
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL
CO IRD.
are and agricultural implements, boots and
iocs and dry-goods. The unfailing courtesy of
lis firm has gained for them a large following,
it only in the town, but in the surrounding
nmtry, and their honest methods of conducting
ieir large enterprise, and earnest desire to
ease, ensure them a continuance of their pres-
n profit and popularity. Mr. lverson is con-
noted with the organizations in the town main-
ined for the furtherance of its best material
id social interests, and is fraternally widely
lown, being a member of the Ancient Order of
nited Workmen, of which he is a charter mem-
:r in Salinas, and of the Society Dania, at
hualar. A Democrat in national politics, his
-st presidential vote was cast for Seymour, and
I was supervisor of this county under Cleve-
nd's administration, and during his term of of-
v the count)' poor farm hospital was erected,
s a member of the Lutheran church he has been
•tive in good works in Chualar, and materially
ded in the erection of the Danish place here.
In 1875 Mr. Iversmi married Sena Larson, and
f this union there are six children, viz.: Anna,
Irs. Nissan, of Spreckles; Louis, who is on his
.titer's farm; and Jessie. John, Annie and Erne,
ho are also at home.
A. A. MANUEL.
A citizen of Monterey whose success in
ie has been out of proportion to his early
[vantages, and who has builded solely up-
11 determination and the gift of application,
A. A. Manuel, one of the prominent
lerchants of this city. A native of the south
' France, he was born in 1854. and when eleven
:ars of age began to travel for a dry-goods
inse in his native land. This necessit) for self-
ipport naturally curtailed for the time being a
iuch-desired education, but in its place was
Instituted a general knowledge of nun and
(fairs of immense value in the management ol
ter business ventures. While representing his
nil in various parts of Europe, his spare lime
as devoted to linguistic acquirements, for
hich he inherited special aptitude, a branch of
■search continued indefinitely through succeed
ig years, so that at the present time Mr.
Manuel is conversant with his native tongue
and English, besides Spanish, Portuguese and
Italian.
When seventeen years of age Mr. Manuel
came to the United States, and after locating
in Monterey began to work on one of the
surrounding farms. |n 1875 he went to Lo
Angeles in the empl«.\ of Ayers & Lynch, pro-
prietors of the Evening Express, and in 1878
returned to Monterey ami entered the mer-
cantile business with H. Escolte, his future
father-in-law. By 1887 he had become inter-
ested in the enterprise to the extent of buying
cut his partner and the whole business, which
he has since conducted independently, and with
satisfactory results. He carries a full line of
general merchandise, and is constantly meeting
with assurances of approval from a large pat-
ronage. For ten years he was agent for the
Sperry Flour Company, and many of the first
firms in the country are represented among his
fine assortment of needful commodities. Aside
from his mercantile interests Mr. Manuel has
taken an active interest in the general affairs of
the city, has built a number of residences and
buildings, and owns propertj here and in Pacific
< rrpve. An ardent Republican, he served on the
school board for nine years, and was clerk of
the building committee of the board. He was
town trustee for a term, and has held several
Other offices of trust and responsibility. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Masonic Vet-
eran Association of Oakland; is treasurer of
Monterej Lodge No. i8_>, [. O. < ». F.; treasurer
of Monterej Lodge No. 217, F. & A. M.; and
a member of Salinas Chapter No. 59, R. A. M..
and Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, K. T.
In 1884 Mr. Manuel married Caroline I
daughter of lion. ![. Escolte, his former part-
ner. Two daughters have been born of this
union, Charlotte and I
|< >l
M. RYAN.
in. , f the venerable and honored resident
mers of Santa Cruz county is John M. Ryan,
0 was horn in Ireland in [824, a son of John
1 Ann 1 Malone\ | Ryan -i Ire
d. The experiences of Mr. Ryan have C 1,1
.s|
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the lane! of his adoption, for upon first start-
ing out in the world to fashion his career he
went to Australia and remained there for twenty
years. While in the southern continent he en-
gaged in ill'1 mining and .stock raising business,
and met with alternate success and failure.
Hoping to improve his prospects he set sail for
Santa Cruz county, where he ranched on rented
land. In [868 he bought his present farm of
twenty-three acres, where he has since engaged
principally in fruit raising, his principal crop
being apples.
Mrs. Ryan was formerly May McCarthy, a
native of Ireland. She died August 2, [894,
leaving one child, John P. Ryan, who was born
in San Francisco, September 10. 1S73. Mr.
Ryan is a Democrat in politics, but has never
Keen heard of in the ranks of office seekers. He
is a member of the Catholic Church.
WILLIAM PALMTAG.
The ( lerman element in American life which
lias done SO much to make this nation worth)' the
friendship and sympathy of all other countries.
has nevertheless, its especially worthy Teutonic
representatives, whose profound, thorough, anil
painstaking minds have acted as a balance wheel
upon their environment, and stimulated them to
the most substantial and lasting activity. Among
the upbuilders of Hollister these national traits
have been especially noticeable in the unusually
successful career of William Palmtag, president
of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, and so
closely identified with the major part of the en-
terprises of the county that he is an integral part
of its present prosperity.
\ native of Baden, Germany, Mr. Palmtag re-
mained in bis native land until seventeen years
of age. and then located in Nevada county. Cab.
which be reached in 10(14. As a miner and pros-
pector be experienced the usual variegated suc-
cess and failure, but the end of four years found
him engaging in the peaceful occupation of
farming on land near Salinas, a fact which indi-
cated his doubts as to the practicabilit) of pci ma
nent mining. At the end of a yeai he re ved
lo Watsonville and became associated with his
brother in the brewing business. Two years
later he settled in Hollister and established a
retail and wholesale wine business on bis own
responsibility. In 1802 a half interest was dis-
posed of to Bernhard, and the following year be
purchased a large tract of land ten miles south
of Hollister, after which he spent six months in
Europe. Upon bis return he assumed charge of
his property, one hundred and fifty acres of
which was converted into a vineyard, and the
balance of several hundred acres devoted to a
well stocked farm. From this splendidly
equipped ranch and wonderfully productive
vineyard has developed the largest vineyard and
winery in San Benito county, with a capacity of
ninety thousand gallons a year. In 1887 was
constructed a wine cellar from brick made on
the premises. It has a capacity of one hundred
and forty thousand gallons, enabling the owner
thereof to keep his port, sherry, and muscatel
wines for four or five years. In 1890 Bernhard
sold a half interest to Mr. ( ('Conner, and has
since conducted a retail and wholesale trade,
besides having a retail depot in Salinas city.
The unusual business ability of Mr. Palmtag
has found vent in many directions besides the
wine industry, but perhaps his most ambitious
undertaking has been the establishment in [89]
of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, with a capi-
tal of $75,000, and. of which be has since been
president. In 1892 he also organized the Hollis-
ter Savings Bank in connection therewith, and of
this he is president and general manager. As a
director he is connected with several of the im-
portant enterprises of the city, among which
may be mentioned the Hollister Storage Com-
pany, the Hollister Creamery, of which he is
also president, the Hollister Water Company,
and is manager and president of the Hollister
Light and Power Company. He is identified
with a movement to secure macadamized streets
for the town and quod roads for the country, and
is agent and manager of the Guin Sabe Rancho
1 f twenty-four thousand acres in San Benito
county.
A Democrat ever since he first began to vote,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with his election as supervisor in 1884. of dis-
trict No. 3 San Benito county. He is now serv-
ing his fourth term of four years each as super-
visor, and during that time he has been chairman
of the hoard for six years. Many important
innovations owe their origin to his suggestion
and promotion, and the plans of the present
court house were adopted and laid out during
his administration. For the past five years he
has been chairman of the town board of trustees
lit Hollister, and he is the originator of the
present sewage system. For ten years he has
been a member of the state central committee,
and of the county central committee for several
years, and has attended as a delegate many state
and county conventions, as well as the national
conventions at Cincinnati and Chicago. For
twenty-six years he has been fraternally identi-
fied with the Independent ( Irder Odd Fellows,
and for a time was treasurer of that organiza-
tion. The influence of Mr. Palmtag has been
exerted mi the side of wise conservatism and
genuine Democracy, and to no one is the town
of Hollister mure indebted for the support lent
by public enterprise and large executive and
financial ability.
XEIL STEWART.
The count) of San Luis Obispo is the home
of Mr. Stewart, and for years has been the scene
of his activities. He was born in Scotland in
1837 and emigrated from that country to Canada
in 1854, where he remained for a number of
years. During the period of the Civil war he
spent two years in Wisconsin. In 181 id he came
to California, via the Isthmus of Panama to San
Francisco, and at first secured employment ai
Gilroy, next remaining for a year in San Fran-
cisco. It was during 18(18 that he identified him-
self with the pioneers of San Luis Obispo
county. srtt]mo ,„, the coast near Cambria,
where he acquired interests in dairying and
stock-raising.
The present homestead of Mr. Stewart was
acquired by him in [883, when he purchased
four hundred ami sevent) five acres, forming a
portion of the old Morro y Cayucos grant.
From that lime to the present he lias made his
home on this ranch, and has given his attention
to st.,,ck and dairy farming. His cattle are of
the best grades of Durhams and Jerseys, includ-
ing- forty dairy cows. The butter manufac-
tured is of the finest quality of the Jersey prod-
uct, and commands the highest market prices at
all times. Mr. Stewart's attention is of course
largely concentrated upon the management of
his dairy, but he lias other interests which arc-
not neglected. It has been his aim to place upon
the ranch first-class improvements, such as will
enhance the value of the property and also make
it increasingly satisfactory as a home for his
family. One of the noticeable improvements is
the setting oul of an orchard. An abundance of
water is obtained from the springs on the ranch,
and this he has utilized in his dairy, the water
being piped from the springs on the hill, where it
has a fall of over one hundred feet. Certain
spots on the ranch give evidence of the presence
of oil, but as yet no effort has been made to
prospect for that product.
The political views of Mr. Stewart have been
in harmony with the Populist doctrines and be
aided in organizing this party in San Luis
Obispo county. For more than fifteen years he
lias been a trustee of his school district and has
meantime done all in his power to promote local
educational matters. In the Presbyterian Church
of Cayucos he is a ruling elder. After the or-
ganization of the Farmers' Alliance in Fairview
district he was chosen its president and filled
the office with credit to himself. Me assisted in
organizing the San Luis Obispo Industrial
Union, in which his wife owns some stock.
Prior to coming to the Stales. Mr. Stewart
was married in 181 1(1 to Miss Helen G ok of New
Brunswick, who accompanied him to California
immediately after their marriage, and has ever
since been an invaluable assistant in all ol his
enterprises. They are the parents of ten chil-
dren, one of whom is deceased. Tile oUl< •
James, served under General Shafter in Cuba
and under ( icneial Miles in Porto Rico. Later
be was transferred to the Philippine Island
is now at home. Dr. Mary J. Stewart, tin
ond daughter of the family, is far removed from
the old home, being stationed in India as a
medical missionary under the Presbyterian
-,xr,
HISTORICAL AND l!K )( IRAPIIICAE RECORD.
Board of Missions. The other members of the
are named as follows: Airs. Flora E.
I. iv.; Helen A., a graduate of the California
State Normal at San Jose, and now a teacher in
tin i ayucos school; Amelia 1.. who is a trained
nurse connected with the California Hospital of
Eos Migeles; Alexander C, John V. Catherine
!•'.. [eanette and Charles \Y.
GEORGE WILSON
l WE.
This representative rancher and apple grower
of Watsonville was born on his father's ranch in
the upper end of the Pajaro valley. Monterey
county, November \~ , [858, a son of William H.
and Rhoda Ann (McFarland) Rowe, natives
respectively of Plymouth, England, and Mis-
souri, and the former one of the most promi-
nent early pioneers of the valley. The boyhood
and early youth of George Wilson Rowe were
spent on the paternal ranch, and he was educated
in the common -chin ils and the Worcester Busi-
ness College at San Jose. When twenty-one
fears of age he rented the home place with his
twin brother. Charles William. Eater lie re-
moved tn one of his father's farms in Santa
Cruz county, containing two hundred acres, and
located near the town of Watsonville.
\t the expiration of four years Mr. Rowe
went to the Hernandez valley in San Benito
county and engaged in the stock business, during
which time he controlled about forty thousand
acres well stocked with cattle. After two years
he sold his squatter's claim and located on his
father's ranch of three hundred acres in the
Pajaro valley, where he engaged in general
fanning and stock-raising with considerable sue-
Like his brothers, he inherited a farm of
two hundred acres from his father, one hundred
anil fifteen of which are in tin Pajaro valley, and
the remainder in the hills. This farm is well
improved, and is one of the lines! and most de-
sirable properties in its neighborhood. Air.
and then ivn, ,ved with his family to Watson-
ville, thai hi- children might have better educa
lioiial opportunities. I C i- the owner of an
appli on haul in the Pajaro valley, Santa Cruz
county, for which he paid $20,000 for thirty-five
acre-, and the crops therefrom last year were
worth $5,000. The trees are ten years old. and
are mostly l'.elletletirs and Newtown Pippins.
Mr. Rowe also leases a thousand acres in the
hills of Monterey county, where he raises grain
and cattle, three hundred acres being devoted to
the former commodity. Ninety-five acres of the
Newtowns, the packing and shipping of which
lie personally superintends. Mr. Rowe has had
a hand in promoting many important industries
in his neighborhood, including the Watsonville
Creamery, a paying industry, of which he i- a
stockholder and director.
November 2, 1882, Mr. Rowe was united in
marriage with Eva Ryason, a native of Santa
Cruz county, and daughter of J. M. Ryason. ( If
this union there are three children, Rhoda,
George LeRoy, and Jessie, all of whom are liv-
ing at home. Mr. Rowe is a Democrat in poli-
tics, and although he has never been prominent
in local political affairs, has been on the
school board for seven or eight years. He is a
member of the Red Men and the Grange, and is
identified with the Native Sons of the Golden
West. With his family he is a member of the
Christian Church.
11 1< A! AS BARRETT.
A practical experience of more than twenty
years has placed Thomas Barrett among the
front ranks of real-estate men in this pan of
California, and especially of San Luis Obispo
county. To the prosecution of his particular oc-
cupation Mr. Barrett bring- the steady conserva-
tism of the east, combined with the enthusiasm
and adaptability of the west, as well a- a general
knowledge of men ami affairs gained from long
association with mining and other interests. lie
was born in New Jersey in [840, and was reared
and educated in Lake count). 111. When nine-
teen year- of age. in [859, he started out to
carve his own fortunes in California, and fol-
lowed the uncertain life of a miner for three
terwards removed to Solano county, where he
lived for seven years, and in [870 located in San
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Luis Obispo county, where he became interest-
ed in sheep raising for a few years.
Politically Mr. Barrett is allied with the Dem-
ocratic party, but has never had time or inclina-
tion for official recognition. Fraternally he is
associated with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. The marriage of Mr. Barrett and
Matilda Smith occurred in 1867, Mrs. Barrett
being a native of Iowa. ( >f this union there is
one son, Thomas, Jr.
ALLAN McLEAN.
The varied experiences which have given in-
dividuality to the character of Mr. McLean have
also stored his mind with a fund of valuable in-
formation, which habits of close observation
have enabled him to accumulate during his
travels around the world. In the occupation
that he has followed throughout much of his
active career, that of school teaching, he has
become known for efficiency and skill, but of
more recent years he has devoted his attention
to official duties and is now filling the position
of auditor of Monterey county, his home being
in Salinas.
The genealogy of the McLean family is traced
hack to the eleventh century in Scotland, where
its members belonged to the noted clan Mc-
Lean. Near the middle of the nineteenth cen-
tury Donald McLean, father of Allan McLean,
and a native of ( rlasgow, Scotland, crossed the
ocean to America and settled in Canada. For his
wife he chose Annie McEachern, who was born
1 .11 the island of Mull, the largest of the Hebrides,
off the west coast of Scotland. Prince Edward's
Island is Allan McLean's native place and 1850
the year of his birth. His earliest recollections
cluster about his island home, where, from lis-
tening to the tales of mariners anil watching
the ships as they sailed out upon the deep, he
came to have a love for the sea that has never
left him. Indeed, this fascination proved so
strong that he resolved to become a sailor, and
all through his school life the ambition to lead
a seafaring life clung to him. After graduat-
ing from Normal School in 1866, he taught
school for two wars, and then secured employ-
ment as able seaman on a United States ves-
sel. It was then his intention to remain a sailor
until he had worked up to be sea captain, but
after about three years he decided that for
many reasons the life of a landsman was pref-
erable, and so abandoned the sea. Meantime
he had crossed the equator four times, had vis-
ited the East Indies, England, Hindustan, the
Fiji Islands, Sandwich Islands, and many other
countries of the world.
After coming to California, about 1871, Mr.
McLean resumed the occupation in which he
had first engaged, and for about twent) seven
years he taught school in this state. During
eighteen years of this time he had charge of
schools in Monterey county, for four years
taught in Ventura county, and for three years
was one of the well-known educators of San
Luis < >bispo county. Among the last positions
that he filled was the principalship of the Sole-
dad public- school, in which office he continued
for four years. For two years he was a member
of the board of education of Monterey county.
In 1898 he was elected county auditor with a
majority of nine hundred and eighty, and has
since given his time and thought to the duties
of the office, having been re-elected to the same
office in 1902 with a majority of about nine hun-
dred. It has been his aim to keep the records
of his office systematically and thoroughly, and
no pains are spared to make his service accepta-
ble to the people. The ticket on which he was
elected, the Republican, represents his political
views, he being a firm champion of the protec-
tion of home industries, the continuance of the
sound-money standard ami the keeping afloat
of the stars and stripes wherever they have once
been planted.
The marriage of Mr. McLean was solemnized
in 1877, in Monterey county, and united him
with Miss Olive Flavilla Plaskett, who was horn
and reared in California and is the daughter of
a stock-raiser. They have six children, namel) :
Cora, who married Charles Burks, of Spreckels,
and has one son, Charles Mien Burks, born at
Spreckels; Donald W.. who married Meda
Blomquist, daughter of Andrew Blomquist, of
Jamesburg, Monterey county; Myrtle. Stella.
Nellie and Mary.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
R. M. SHACKELFi )RD.
A career which is worthy of emulation from
man) standpoints is that of R. M. Shackelford,
v ho i- affectionate!) called the "father'" of Paso
Ri bles, and who, in his capacity as superinten-
dent of the warehouses of the Southern Pacific
Milling Company, has not .only given employ-
ment to thousands, but has occupied the public
eye a- a humanitarian, and general promoter of
all that is excellent. This much beloved citizen
was born in Washington county, near Mackville,
Ky.. January 17, 1830. a son of James Shackel-
ford, also h> rn in Kentucky. A planter by occu-
pation and a stonemason by trade, James
Shackelford contracted for public buildings,
afterwards engaging as a tobacco planter. He
removed to Missouri in 1842, settling near
Fayette, Howard county, but after the war tak-
ing up his residence in Montgomery county,
where he bought the farm upon which he died.
The paternal grandfather was also born in Ken-
tucky, and met death at the hands of an Indian,
beside whose dead body his own was found at
Halls Cap. Ky. He represented the first gen-
eration (if his family in America, his brothers.
John, James and William, settling respectively in
Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama. The mother
of R. M. Shackelford was Sarah A., daughter of
Beverly Dickerson, of Montgomery county, Ky.,
a planter who raised corn and tobacco in large
quantities.
When eight years of age R. M. Shackelford
went with the rest of the family to Missouri, and
as be was one in a family of nine daughters and
becat necessary for him to make
I3 start to support himself. 1 lis education
was acquired under difficulties, for while in
Ltri he had little opportunity to do anything
but work around the home farm, and in later
he made up for lost time by attending
night school after working in the mines during
the daytime, lie was sixteen years of age when
lie started to drive a bull team across the plains,
and the memorable journe) was begun March
14. [852, and ended in Sacramento, September
23, [852. lie was variousl) occupied until
1857, in which year he became identified with
the Marysville milling enterprise owned by A. I'.
Starr & Co., with whom be stayed for several
years. He afterward established the Merchants'
Forwarding Company, but sustained severe loss
during the floods of 1862. He then started in
freighting across country to Virginia City, Xev..
and while in the latter state was elected to the
assembl) convened directly after Nevada's in-
auguration as a state.
In 1866 Mr. Shackelford located in Los ( iatoSj
Santa Clara county. Cab. where he started and
maintained a general merchandise store, and in
connection therewith operated a lumber yard
business. In 1869 he removed to Salinas, and
with a partner bought twenty-two hundred acres
on the Salinas river, called the San Lorenzo
ranch, which he disposed of in 1873. During
that \ear be removed to Hollister, San Benito
county, and engaged in milling with a company
in which he was interested, and which is now the
Sperry Flour Company. Since 1886 he has been
identified with Paso Robles, and has been the
manager of the warehouses of the Southern
Pacific Milling Company, an enormous responsi-
bility requiring just such ability as is credited
to Mr. Shackelford by all who know him.
Forty-one stations located all along the line of
the railroad handle about two hundred and
fifty thousand tons of grain yearly, including
wheat, barley and beans, and it is needless to say
that several hundred hands are required to carry
on the enterprise. It is worthy of note that the
genial superintendent takes a personal interest
in the young men wdio come under his direction,
and many kindnesses are reported of him in con-
nection with those who appealed to him for aid.
I [is early struggles are never lost track of in the
- which has crowned his mature years, and
be honors all who are striving in the same way
for influence and money, and general advance-
ment, lie is noted for paying good wages to all
who work for him, and his employes feel that
they are appreciated. One and all are enthusi-
astic in their praise of their benefactor ami
friend.
In addition to bis other responsibilities Mr.
Shackelford is manager of the Salinas Lumber
Company. When he first came to California he
was a Democrat through and through, having
onverted through Horace Greeley's articles
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
589
in the Nezv York Tribune. His first presiden-
tial vote was cast for John C. Fremont. He was
a school trustee in Hollister from 1874 until
[886, and two weeks after arriving in Paso
Robles was appointed to a similar position; thus
he has served continuously on the school board
for nearly thirty wars. He is the friend of edu-
cation, and by his enthusiasm on the subject
has brought about many improvements in the
Idealities in which he has lived. Fraternally he
is connected with the Masons and the Ancient
I brder of United Workmen, being a charter
member of the latter organization at Hollister.
Mrs. Shackelford was formerly Mary L. Mc-
Questin, a native of Galena, 111., and of this
unit hi there have been born four children, of
whom two are living: Otto, employed by the
Southern Pacific Railroad in Nevada as a con-
tractor and civil engineer; and Lulu, living at
home. Air. Shackelford is possessed of splendid
personal attributes, and the kind of determina-
tion which more than aught else has developed
the latent resources of the west and established
a precedent in business and citizenship.
ELMER P. ALEXANDER.
Gifted with the force of character, business
capacity, and unswerving integrity which char-
acterizes the successful men of the west, Mr.
Alexander has before him a future rich with
promise ami prophetic of large worldly returns.
One of the Native Sons of the Golden West, he
was horn in Sacramento, Cah, June 15, 1871,
and his father, Judge John K. Alexander, is one
of the most forceful and prominent of the law-
yers of Monterey county. Elmer P. removed
with his family from Sacramento to Salinas
when in his third year, and his education was
therefore partially acquired here, his graduation
from the high school occurring in 1889. Sub-
sequently he entered the Cogswell Polytechnic
School of San Francisco, and graduated there-
from in [893. When twenty-one years of age
he started out to become financially independent,
and for some time was employed by the South-
ern Pacific Milling Company, In August of
[897 he was appointed county tax collector to
fill an unexpired term, and so satisfactory were
his services that his election (,, the position fol-
lowed in 189S, and in 1902 he was re-elected.
His administration has been well received
throughout, and il is assured that should he de-
vote his life to political office he will never re
sort to personal gain at the expense of public loss
or confidence. His office as tax-collector is the
result of his allegiance to Democratic issues and
principles.
The union of Mr. Alexander and Mabel E.
Chestnut occurred in 1896, and to them has been
born one son. Ralston Carroll, who is four years
old. Mrs. Alexander is a daughter of John T.
Chestnut, one of the early settlers of Monterey
county. Mr. Alexander is fraternally associat-
ed with the Woodmen of the World and the Na-
tive Sons of the Golden West.
WILLIAM T. SCOTT.
The proprietor of the Buena Vista ranch in
the San Luis valley is one of the well-known
residents of San Luis < Ibispo county, lie came
to California in [870 from Missouri, where he
was born, in Callaway count), April 8, 184').
being a son of James M. and Elizabeth (Cris-
well ) Scott, natives of Kentucky and descen-
dants of pioneer families of that state. The
boyhood years of William T. Scott were marked
by no notable events. The usual duties and en
joyments of farm-reared boys came into his ex-
perience, with such educational advantages as
district schools afforded.
When twenty-four years of age Mr. Sc t:
sought a home for himself in California. and
for a time remained in Guadaloupe, Santa Bat
bara county, where he assisted in surveying the
Guadaloupe ranch and also platted the town of
that name. < )n the completion of this work he
established himself on a ranch near town and
embarked in the breeding and raising of sheep.
an industry that was then at its height through-
out this section of California. From the first he
met with a gratifying degree of success. I lis
tlocks increased rapidl) and he finally wa
Owner, at one time, of five thousand head
four years he made his headquarters at the
Casmalia rancho, but in [883 disposed of his
interests there and returned to his ranch at
590
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Guadaloupe, where he resumed general ranch-
ing pursuits. From Guadaloupe he came to the
Buena Vista rancho, Belleview district, San
Luis I >bispo county, and purchased the property
kV. II- Taylor. Various natural advan-
and improvements combine to make the
rt) valuable. It consists of three hundred
and twenty acres, all under fence, and with run-
ning water in every field. The latter improve-
ment renders the land especially adapted to
stock-raising, and we find that Mr. Scott
handles large numbers of hogs and cattle. In
1901 he established a dairy.
Realizing the need of having banking facilities
at San Luis ( foispo, Mr. Scott j> ined with other
prominent citizens in organizing the Commercial
Bank, and he has since been one of its directors.
In 1901 he wa.s interested in establishing the
San Luis ( )bispo Savings Rank, of which he
was elected Nice-president. In politics he is a
1 temocrat. While living at Guadaloupe he served
as trustee of the public schools for several years,
and he was also justice of the peace there for
three years. He is now a member of the county
central committee of his party. Among the con-
ventions which he has attended as a delegate was
I he one in Sacramento which nominated J. G.
McGuire for governor. During the existence of
the Grange he bore a prominent part in its
workings. His marriage took place February 5,
1S74. and united him with Miss Eliza M. Pack-
wood, a native of California. Her parents were
natives of Virginia and Illinois, and were mar-
ried in Sacramento. Cab, in 1849. Mr. and Mrs.
Scott have many friends throughout the San
Luis valley, and are held in the highest respect
for their man) worth) attributes of mind and
heart.
I. B. SCOTT.
( m coming to Monterey county in 1868 Mr.
Scott found the now thriving city of Salinas a
i' unding the preceding year
had been due largely to the enterprise of A.
and Eugene Sherwood. The tir-t man of
1- invest his capital in the new town was
S. W. Conklin, for many years the senior mem-
■ antile firm of Conklin & Samuels.
The second investors of capital were Vander-
hurst, Sanborn & Co., which house still exists
under the firm title of Yanderhurst-Sanborn
Company, Incorporated. Having only limited
means. Mr. Scott was not able at that time to
invest in property or establish a growing busi-
ness, but he was nevertheless closely identified
with the growth of the town and has contributed
his quota to its development. When the size of
the village justified such a change, he strongly
advocated its incorporation as a city, and had the
satisfaction of seeing this measure pass the legis-
lature March 4, 1872. Two years later, under
act of re-incornoration. the city was enlarged
to its present boundaries, and since then he and
all public-spirited citizens have endeavored to
promote its permanent and stable prosperity.
The early years of Mr. Scott were passed on
a farm in Delaware county, X. V., where he was
born in 1843. After completing common-school
studies he entered college and remained until
his graduation in 1803. The Civil war was
then at its height, and. inspired by a desire to
serve the Union, he enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Forty-fourth New York Infantry,
in which he served until the close of the war.
The most closely-contested battle in which he
participated was that of Honey Hill, S. C. Dur-
ing most of its service his company remained on
the outside lines, and was in South Carolina
when Lee surrendered. On being honorably
discharged from the army he returned home and
for three years taught school, then, in 1868,
crossed the continent to California, settling in
Salinas, where he still makes his home, hoi-
four years he was a clerk in the postoffice under
J. H. McDougall, and afterward held the office
of county auditor four years, filling both these
positions with the greatest fidelity and intel-
ligence.
During 187S Mr. Scott established the drug
business which he has since conducted and in
which he has been prospered. His store is on
Main streel and is one of the largest of it- kind
in Monterey county. Equipped with every mod-
ern convenience known to the trade, it com-
pares favorably with similar establishments in
large cities and certainly is a worthy addition
to the business enterprises of Salinas. His at-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
.V.i?,
until n is given closely to the management of
his business interests, yet he finds time to keep
pasted concerning all the leading issues of the
day ami to take an active part in the local affairs
of the Republican party, which he has always
supported. Like all old soldiers, he takes an in-
terest in Grand Army matters and is never better
pleased than when he meets one of his former
comrades. In fraternal relations he i ; connected
with the Masons.
A. EARDLEY
The genial and popular superintendent of
the Pacific Improvement Company's inter-
ests at Pacific Grove, is not indebted for
his success in life to an indulgent early
fortune or the backing of influential friends.
Rather, his youth contained more of dis-
couragement than inspiration, and from the
age of fourteen necessity forestalled inclination
in fashioning the trend of his abilities. Born in
Salt Lake City, Utah, while his family were
journeying from the east to the west in i860,
he is a son of John R. Eardley, a native of
England, and a bookkeeper by occupation. The
elder Eardley lived for five years in Carson City,
Nev., and was there employed as bookkeeper
in the office of the secretary of state. At times
he filled similar positions in Gilroy. Hollister
and Salinas, and in 188 r went to Anaconda,
Mont., where he is still engaged in expert
bookkeeping.
The attendance of I',. A. Eardley at the public
schools was interrupted at his fourteenth year,
in order that he might prepare for self-support
by learning the printer's trade, with the Hollis-
ter Enterprise. For four years he was asso-
ciated with J. \Y. Leigh on the Salinas Demo-
crat, and in 1881 went to Butte, Mont., with the
Inter-Mountain. The following year, owing to
failing health, he gave up his trade in favor of
less confining work, and became identified with
Caplice X: McCune, railroad contractors and
dealers in general merchandise, stationed at
Walkerville. In 1887 he came to Pacific Grove
on account of the health of his family, and soon
after established tin- Pacific Grove Review, and
in connection therewith engaged in real estate.
In the spring of i ss, , :,e became associated with
the firm whose interests he so well manages at
the present time, a responsibility appreciated
only by those to whom the extent of the com-
pany's undertakings is fully known. The com-
pany owns over seven thousand acres of land,
and is irrigating and improving this whole sec-
tion of the country, bringing their million bar-
rels of water twenty-six miles from the Carmel
river.
May 20, 1888, Mr. Eardley married Janet
Robson, a native of Salinas. Cal., and they have
one daughter. Alma. Mr. Eardley is an' influ-
ential factor in general affairs in Pacific Grove,
and ha> been one of the chief supporters and
promoters of the town's various enterprise-. \t
the time of its incorporation in 1889, he served
a term as the first city clerk, and has since been
a member of the city board of trustees, and
active in the government of the town. He has
been a notary public since 1891. In fraternal
circles he is widely and favorably known, and
he is the owner of Robson hall, which is used
as a meeting place for the various lodges, lie
is a member of Pacific Grove Lodge No. 331,
F. & A. M., and as an Odd Fellow is a Past
Noble Grand and member of the state grand
lodge. Although a Presbyterian in religious
belief, he is liberal minded in the extreme, and
in the absence of a church of that denomination,
has cast his lines with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he is a member of the board
of trustees, and president of the board: also
been superintendent of the Sunday-school, and
Bible class leader. He is one of the substantial
business men of the town of which he is an
honored citizen, and his mam tine personal
attributes have made and retained hosts of
friends.
• wen run I
As a result of four years spent in the placer
mines of California during tlu- gold excitement
of the '50s, Mr. Tiutle returned to his
home convinced that on the Pacific coast is to lie
found the most ideally perfect climate of which
the United States can boast. When therefore
about twenty years later he began to suffer with
594
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bronchitis, he decided to change his location to
the far west, and soon afterward established
himself in the I 'a jam valley near Watsonville,
where the remaining years of his active life were
passed. For some years he was one of the most
extensive hup growers in the valley, but a de-
cline in the prices led him to turn his attention
to the raising of apples as a more profitable in-
dustry. However, he did not discontinue the
hop industry, but for some time also maintained
an interest in it.
Mr. Tuttle was born in Richland county. Ohio,
December 30, 1827, and in 1838 accompanied
his father, Hiram Tuttle, to Van Burert county,
Iowa, on the Des Moines river. In that locality
he grew to manhood on a farm. In early life he
learned the stonecutter's trade, but afterward
returned to agricultural pursuits and after his
father's death bought and lived on the family
homestead until his permanent settlement in
California. During 1S50 he accompanied a
party overland and spent four years in the placer
mines near Placerville, after which he resided in
Iowa until 1873, the year of his second trip to
the far west. Coming to Watsonville at that
time he bought a farm of seventy-five acres,
which had twelve acres in hops. He enlarged
the acreage in hops to forty-five acres, and built
kilns and storage houses, himself and his estate
conducting a large business until 1901. when the
prices deteriorated materially and rendered the
industry less profitable.
In 189] Mr. Tuttle purchased the old Scott
boarding house on Main street opposite the
plaza. The building he moved to the rear of
tlie lot, remodeling it for a barn. On the front
of the lot he erected a commodious and modern
residence, and there lie was making his home
when heart failure caused his death, July 2,
[899. IK- is survived by his widow. Mrs. Mary
I (Burns) Tuttle. and sewn children. One
child died in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs.
Annabel Radcliff, died eight months after his
demise. The children surviving are as Follows:
Hiram 1)., an attorne) of San Jose; Morris II. .
who lives near Watsonville; Emory < >.. who re-
sides in Alameda, ( al. : Nannie, Mrs. R. I..
' raig, of 1 .0- Angeles ; Adella, wife 1 if I h
Aaron Schloss, of San Francisco; Iowa 11., who
lives on the home place near Watsonville; and
Victor II., a member of the firm of R. L. Craig
& Co., wholesale grocers of Los Angeles.
Mrs. Tuttle was born and educated in Iowa,
and is one of (lie well known ladies of Watson-
ville. While she has aided in many movements
for the benefit of the city, her name will be 1 1 n -t
closely associated and longest remembered in
connection with the Watsonville public library.
During her work in the W. C. T. U. she became
keenly alive to the need of a reading room and
library, to which the people might have access;
a place where ambitions boys and girls can se-
cure the reading they need for the development
of the mind; where weary mothers can find
books that soothe and refresh the mind; and
where the scholarly can secure articles bearing
upon the lines of thought they are pursuing.
To show that the suggestion made by Mrs.
Tuttle and carried out by the W. C. T. U. is
appreciated, it is only necessary to state that
during 1001 14, (155 books were issued from the
library and 3.442 persons availed themselves of
the opportunity of reading the newspapers and
periodicals kept in the reading room. The li-
brary was founded by women and has always
been under their management. It was consid-
ered advisable to organize the institution under
the legislative act of 1880, authorizing cities of
a certain class to levy a tax of one mill on the
dollar for library purposes. A petition was cir-
culated, signatures of influential citizens secured,
and presented to the board of trustees, who
levied one-half of the tax allowed by law.
amounting to five cents on the hundred dollars.
Two years later this amount was increased to
seven cents, and as such continues to the pres-
ent, thus giving for the current expenses of the
library about $840 a year, out of which sum the
librarian's salary, rent, light, fuel and other ex-
penses musl be paid, as well as periodicals sub-
scribed for and new books bought. Considering
the limited means in their hands, the ladies have
accomplished results that would seem almost in-
credible to those not familiar with their work.
This is due to their constant, untiring efforts.
their appreciation of any personal donation and
their presentation of the institution's needs to
the public whenever an opportunity affords.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
yx,
The) arc especially grateful for the contribu-
tion of $250, made by the heirs of the Ford es-
tate, and which amount was invested in books,
and for the gift of the ( )dd Fellows library. In
all of this work Mrs. Tuttle has borne an active
part, and with unflagging zeal has fostered the
movement whose inception is due to her prac-
tical foresight.
J. P. SARGENT.
One of the best informed stockmen in Mon-
terey county is J. P. Sargent, rancher, meat
dealer, and prominent upbuilder of the beauti-
ful and prosperous city of Monterey, where he
was born in 1861. His father, Bradley V., Sr..
came to Monterey in 1851, and took a prominent
part in the affairs of the town. The son received
every educational advantage within the father's
power to bestow, and his training at the public
schools was supplemented by a course at Santa
Clara College. Soon afterward he became in-
terested in stock, and has ever since made this
branch of industry a careful study. For years he
has been a producer of fancy and dairy cattle,
blooded and draft horses, and has a thorough
understanding of his business in ail its branches.
In 1804 Mr. Sargent established the Monterey
Meat Company, which does a general retail and
wholesale meat business, having also a slaughter
house in connection, and utilizing each month
about a herd of beef, mutton, and pork. The
correct business methods of this firm, as well as
their consideration and courtesy in dealing with
the general public, have won them the confidence
of the community, and a corresponding business
success. Mr. Sargent has branched out into
other lines of activity, and has been foremost in
many of the enterprises which have materially
advanced the interests of the town. In [899 he
was one 1 1" tlie organizers of the Monterey Pro-
gressive Association, and he was also "lie .if the
organizers of the old Capitol Club. He is a di-
rector in the Monterey Electric Light Company,
of which his father was one of the organizers,
and is fraternally associated with the Masonic
lodge.
In t883 Mr. Sargenl married Miss K. E.
Eckhardt, of Nebraska, and of this union there
are two suns. Bradley P. and Charles R., both
living at heme. Mr. Sargent is interested in
growing grain in the Salinas valley, below King
City, and also has mining interests in different
parts of the state. Politically he is affiliated
with the Democratic party, hut so liberal are his
political views that he regards rather the char-
acter of an office seeker than his special brand
of politics. He is a member of the county cen-
tral committee, and has been a delegate to
numerous county and state conventions. The
character and ability of Mr. Sargent are worthy
the i-leem and popularity which he enjoys in his
adopted city.
J. L. ANDERSON.
( >ne of the must genial and promising 0f the
younger generation of merchants in San Luis
< tbispo is J. L. Anderson, who five years ago
established an up-to-date men's furnishing es-
tablishment, and has since received a liberal pat-
ronage from all who appreciated seasonable
goods at moderate prices. Few in so short a
time could have launched their business in suc-
cessful grooves, and gained so settled a reputa-
tion fur fail- dealing and progressive methods.
Of southern antecedents, Mr. Anderson was
born in Merced county. Cal.j in 1863, his parent-.
John Fletcher and Elizabeth (Hanna) Andei
son, being' natives of Tennessee. In early life
John Anderson removed from his native state
to Missouri, and from there in 1857 cros
plains to California with wagons ami ox teams.
His trip was replete with adventure and ever
present danger, but seemed to he guided by a
protecting deity, fur the train of which he was
a member was just three days ahead of the
Mount Meadow expedition, all of whom were
massacred by the Indians. For weeks they
wire followed b) the bloodthirsty savages, and
they lust every head of stuck with which they
started awa) from home. Mr. Midd-
led in Merced count) and engaged in fai
ami stuck raising for several years, and about
thirty-three years ago came to San Luis '
county, where he ha- since lived. A.1 tin
ent time, at tin • . he is living
with In- son, J. 1... and -nil retains those alert
■>{)C,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
faculties which have brought him success and
friends. < die of his brothers was in the South
American war which resulted in the death of
Maximilian, and he was taken prisoner and
banished to Mexico.
< In his father's farm J. L. Anderson acquired
practical ideas of life and work, and received
his preliminary education in the public schools
of San Luis Obispo, supplemented by a busi-
ness course at Heald's College in San Francisco.
Nevertheless, while still very young, he became
familiar with the responsible side of existence,
and worked alternately on a ranch and in a store
between the ages of ten and seventeen. For a
few years he was employed in a store in Fresno,
and for five years managed the business of the
White House in San Luis < >bispn, a large dry-
goods concern. With this valuable training he
felt justified in starting up his present haber-
dasher business, since which his predictions
have been well verified.
In 1889 Mr. Anderson was united in marri-
age with Maggie Albaugh, a native of Iowa, and
of this union there are two children, Oma and
Harold. Although a Democrat in political affili-
ation. Mr. Anderson is not active in local poli-
tic-, and has no liking for the feverish and un-
certain life of the average politician. He is as-
sociated with the Odd Fellows and the Native
Sons of the Golden West, and is deeply interest-
ed in all that tends to aid in the upbuilding of
his chosen city.
J( I'HN BREEN.
The old historic town of San Juan, with its
quaint street-. -and innumerable reminders of a
long departed Spanish civilization, has profited
by the industry and devoted careers of many lat-
ter day sons, few of whom have lived within the
shadows of its reminiscent moods longer than
has John Breen. As the last of a family of seven
children who came here with their parents in
1 S } S . he is entitled to the consideration merited
by his long and well directed life, and by his in-
valuable services in connection with the agricul-
tural and political undertakings of his locality.
Across the lake from Detroit, Mich., on the
1 anadian side, Mr. Breen was born in [832, a
son of Patrick Breen, who left Keokuk, Iowa, in
[846, hound for the golden possibilities beyond
the Rocky Mountains. Accompanied by his fam-
ily and other aspirants for the supposed large
fortunes awaiting the stout of heart and strong
of endurance, he set out with ox-teams, and
was snow-bound at famous Donner Lake, with
the ill fated party of that name. For six months
he endured all of the hardships and perils afford-
ed by the deplorable and seemingly hopeless sit-
uation, but eventually started forth upon the lat-
ter end of the journey, and reached in safety
the Sacramento valley, in March of 1S47. For
a time he lived in San Jose and in February of
1N4X came to San Juan, where he purchased a
large tract of land adjoining the mission. Here
lie followed farming and stock-raising for the re-
mainder of his days, and died at the age of sev-
enty, in 1S08. At one time he also owned the
Topa rancho of twenty-four thousand acres,
which he left to his family of six sons and one
daughter. lie was well known and highly es-
teemed in the locality in which he lived, and was
a member of the first hoard of supervisors of
Monterey county. Few men in the early days
reaped such lavish personal returns for their
great and untiring labors, but he was fortunately
blessed with children who appreciated his efforts
in their behalf, and who like himself exercised
thrift and care in the management of their lega-
cies.
As a hoy of fourteen Mr. Breen came to San
Juan with his parents,, and he grew to manhood
under the spire of the old mission. Eventually
lie spent a couple of winters in Ilangtown, now
Placerville, and gained his share of the hidden
treasure of the earth. From then on he turned
his attention to his present ranch at San Juan,
near which he owns two hundred acres, besides
two thousand acres of the old paternal ranch in
the Topa country. He is engaged in raising
cattle, horses and hogs and in general farming,
and has been successful, as are most practical
and hard working agriculturists and stock-rais-
ers. In formulating his success in life he at-
tributes much to the helpful assistance of his
wife, who was formerly Leah Smith, and whom
he married in [852. Mrs. Breen in a native ol
Illinois, and came to California in historic >>
HISTORICAL A\n BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
m
She became the mother of eight children, one of
whom is deceased.
A portion of the influence exerted by Mr.
Breen in the county lias been from a political
standpoint, for his interest in the Republican
partj lias inspired meritorious service in its pro-
motion, lie was a supervisor at large of Monte-
rey county, before the separation of San Benito
county, a fact which gave him the chairman-
ship of the board, a position maintained until
the county division in 1874. He was one of
the commission appointed by Governor Booth to
organize the new county and put it on a work-
ing basis, and soon after the creation of San Be-
nito he was elected supervisor of the second dis-
trict, and was on the board when the court house
was built. He has since served three terms as
supervisor of four years each, and for one term
was chairman of the board. For fort}' years he
has been a member of the board of school trus-
tees, and materially assisted in establishing the
present school systems of Monterey and San Be-
nito counties. So extended a political service
speaks volumes for the confidence enjoyed by
Mr. Breen, and for his practical common sense
and publicspiritedness. To all who know him
he is a typical representative of the hale and
hearty and large hearted pioneer, whose word is
as good as the gold for which men in the early
days risked their lives, and ofttimes bartered
their futures and that of their families. Of him
it may be said that with few exceptions the
friendships made way back in the shadows of the
mission have lived and thrived in uninterrupted
sincerity and good will, for he possesses the
qualities calculated to hold friends through weal
and woe.
BENJAMIN B. BIERER.
The name of Benjamin 1'.. Bierer is associated
with all that is most progressive and substan-
tial in western development. As one of the
most enthusiastic and resourceful of the citizens
of Templeton he has fitted into a niche apparent!)
is chances
( )i stanch
111-1
nalse him ai once the town
4 helpful promoter.
u'c ancestry, Mr. Bierer come
of a family represented in this country by the
paternal grandfather, Daniel, who emigrated
from his native home in Germany to Union-
town, Pa., where be engaged in the meat busi-
ness for the remainder of his life. In I 111-11
town, David, the father of Benjamin I'.., was
born, and he also engaged in the meat business,
having learned the trade from his father. Even-
tually he removed to Rockford, 11!.. and there
branched out into the mercantile business, be-
ing the pioneer in bis line in that town. His
death occurred there in 1880. at the age of fifty-
six years, and Ids farm, now within the city lim-
its, was finally sold by his widow. Mrs. Bierer
was formerly Amanda Hitchcock, a native of
Canada, and daughter of Artemas Hitchcock, a
Canadian merchant, who in 1842 removed to
Rockford, and built the first brick block of any
importance in that town. This block- is located
on east State street, and stands as a monument
to the enterprise of one of its must reliable and
worthy citizens. As a merchant Air. Hitch-
cock was remarkably successful, and left con-
siderable property to be divided among his wid-
ow ami children. To David Bierer and his wife
four children were born, two sons and two
daughters, of whom Benjamin B. is the young-
est. Die other son, E. II., who lives with his-
mother on the home ranch, was prominent at the
time of the Civil war. when he formed a com-
pany in Chicago and became staff officer under
( ieneral Turner. As a result of this service he
lias suffered from the effects of exposure and
privation. Among his friends be numbers many
distinguished defenders of the cause of the
Union, one of whom is (ieneral Brooks. Carrie
Bierer became the wife of A. J. Atwo
Pecatonica, 111., an ice merchant, and a member
of the city council.
At a comparatively early age Benjamin Ik
Rockford, and thereafter went to Elgin, lati
following his trade in Springfield and Columbus,
< Ihio. for a season be rented a farm in the vi-
cinity of Lawrence, Kans., and in [887 removed
to California, settling at Templeton. where his
mother bought sixty-four acres of land. This
land \\ as devot md 1 ither grains, and
a en im the ac-
.5!)S
HIST( >RICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RED >RD.
commodation i £ the family. Mr. Bierer shipped
load i >f fine Jerse) stock, tin.' best to be
had, and the farm is today among the well de-
veloped and paying properties near Templeton.
In Templeton, in [895, Air. Bierer was united
in marriage with Cecilia Millman, a native of
San Francisco, and daughter of N. G. Millman.
an undertaker of Indiana, who afterward fol-
lowed his business in San Francisco and San
Miguel, in which latter city his death occurred
in [898. He was prominent in fraternal circles,
especially with the Masons and Odd Fellows.
Since his death his wife has continued the un-
dertaking enterprise, and has proved herself a
worthy successor to his large and remunerative
trade. ( tne child was born to Mr. and Mrs.
Bierer, Zella. who is six years of age. Mr. Bier-
er is a Republican in political preference, and at
the present time is serving- as constable, lie is
president of the local Board of Trade, and is
connected with the Improvement Company. He
is pi ssessed of shrewd business ability, of the re-
quisite conservatism, and a public spiritedness
which invests his every act with dignity and
helpfulness.
A. II. FREDS" IN.
A. 11. Fredson, chairman of the hoard of su-
pervisors of San Benito county, and one of the
■ si business men of Tres Pinos, was horn
in Lincolnville, Waldo county, Me., in 1847. and
received his early training and education among
his native surroundings. His youth was practi-
cally uneventful, and when, al the age of sixteen,
vistas of opportunity were opened b) the break-
ing oul of the Civil war, he welcomed ii as a
1 and turn his life
acci mnl \- a member of * Company M.
tea Vrtillen . he saw enough of
the terrible side of war to convince him if the
everlasti pi ace, a conviction strength-
years after as [875, when, owing to
ci ved in tin Battle of I 'etersburg on
rune [8, 1864, he was obliged to walk on crutches
: 'ears.
Peac< n stored, VI r. Freds* n began to chafe at
ihe limitations of his chances in Far-off Maine.
and the vear after the war sel oul for California
by way of Panama, and up to San Francisco,
eventually locating in Sonoma county, where he
! in farming, near Santa Rosa. In the
fall of 1874 he came to Hollister and farmed for
a short time. In 1882 he settled in Tres Pinos
and assumed charge of the hostelry known as the
Southern Pacific Hotel, and during the seven
years of his association with the traveling pub-
lic gained many friends and received fair re-
muneration for time and labor invested. In
[889 he became more interested in handling hay
and grain, and for four years confined himself
to dealing in those two commodities. In [899
he succeeded in incorporating the Farmers' Hay
Company, of Tres Pinos, of which he has since
been manager, secretary and director. The en-
terprise is conducted on a large scale, and the
shipments made exceed those of any other estab-
lishment of the kind in the city. The warehouses
are constructed for a possible large increase of
business, and have a capacity for handling many
thousands of tons of hay and grain. Mr. Fred-
son also organized the Tres Pur- Warehouse
( '1 'liipany.
In political affiliation Mr. Fredson is one of
the most enthusiastic advocates 1 E Republicanism
in the county, and his services in the interests of
his party have resulted in great good to the com-
munity. He was elected supervisor of the coun-
ty in 1887. serving for four vear-. and in [898
was igain elected for a like period, in [900 being
made chairman of the hoard. For the third time,
November 4, 1002. he was elected for another
four-year term to the same office. Upon three
11 casii ins he has b( en a delegate to state con
\cntions, and has actively entered into all po-
litical happenings in the county since 1874. lie
was one of those who secured the building of
the present court hi u-e.
In [870, a' Santa Rosa, Mr. Fredson married
\.ddie Jose, who died in 1885. leaving three
children, viz.: Nellie, who is now Mrs. McCune;
Lottie, Mrs. Wilkes; and Alonzo II. .Jr. In [887
Mr. Fredson married Man Moire, of Sonoma
county, and a daughter of Dr. P. Moore. Mr.
Fredson is interested in real-estate and insur-
and several important properties in the
Mis upright luisiiirss methods, and manifest re
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gard for the best welfare of the county have won
for him an enviable standing and many friends.
CAPT. CHARLES F. MILLER.
The years that have passed since the death of
Captain Miller have not dimmed bis memory in
the affection of those who held him dear. Dur-
ing Ins long service as a seafaring man he ac-
quired the hearty, genial and broad-souled man-
ner and tastes of the sailor, and these qualities
won him friends wherever he sailed. His love
for the sea never left him, and although he was
a pioneer ranchman of Santa Cruz county and
enjoyed the management of bis property, many
of bis happiest hours were spent on the water,
his love for which led him back to the sea at in-
tervals.
A native of Durham. England, Captain Miller
began to follow the sea at twelve years of age,
and rose from the most bumble position to that
of captain. During some of his trips his vessel
cast anchor in California ports and in this way he
became familiar with the delightful climate of the
Pacific coast region. In [855 In- bought the San
Andreas ranch and established bis home in Santa
Cruz, but, as previously intimated, he frequently
left bis ranching pursuits ami returned to a sea-
faring life, following the same until shortlj be-
fore his death. In 1884 be purchased a tract ol
land on the coast and built a bath house, with
about fifty lire-sin-- rooms. Shortl} afterward
be retired, turning the business over to bis sons.
After his death, which occurred in 1888 at the
age of sixty-nine years, the business was con-
ducted by Miller Bros. In 18m. Ralph S. Mil-
ler and J. Leibbrandt became proprietors and
have since built up a large business in their
line.
When a young man ( aptain Miller was made .1
,111 upholder of Masonic principles. I lis mar-
riage united him with Celia, daughter "i John
Pickford, and a native of Bristol, England.
Eleven children were I. irn of their union, live
now living, namelj : Charles, Frederick, Mrs.
Mmnie Milk. Ralph S. and Mis. Edith Herriot.
Mrs. Miller continues to reside at the beach in
ill.- house erected bv her husband rlei - n,
Ralph S.. associated with J. Leibbrandt. con-
ducts the Neptune and Dolphin baths. The
origin of the surf and plunge bathing business
dates hack to (868, when John Leibbrandt, Sr.,
built the first bath house at Santa Cruz beach.
From the first his patronage was encouraging.
About [872 he added hoi baths. The following
year he enlarged the house in order to meet the
increasing demands. ( )„ his retirement he was
succeeded by his son. and in 1890 the two com-
panies consolidated their enterprises and built
the plunge baths. The plunge now in use was
built in [892 and opened on the loth of |ulv, that
year, with appropriate ceremonies. In dimen-
sions it is 40x80 feet, with a depth of from three
ami one-hall to ten feet, and holding one hun-
dred and fifty thousand gallons of water. In
connection with the plunge there are ninety-six
dressing rooms. It is said that the bathing suits
supplied to the patrons are the finest to he found
at any bathhouse along the coast. Their facili-
ties are further increased b) two storage tanks.
one hundred and fift) feet long and three fret
deep which are heated by the solar heater and
tilted with modern equipments for bathing, the
water being furnished hot or cold as preferred.
For the surf bathing there are on,' hundred and
fifty dressing rooms for men and the same num-
ber for ladies, with shower baths attached. As
is generally known, no beach excels that of Santa
Cruz fo,- its bathing facilities. The people are
especially proud of the fact that no one has ever
been drowned in this beach nor has there been
ail) serious accident at any time. The mosl
competent instructors, both men and women, are
in constant attendant assisl in any
way desired. The enjoyment of the guests is
enhanced b) music and by a park in which may
be seen fane) birds and game of various kinds.
Refreshments are served at all hours. Ball
grounds offer an additional source of recreatii n
and amusement. At the time that R. S. Miller
lu 1 ame ■ ne ■•( the proprieti >rs In
out flowers and shrubbery, and tocUn the grounds
are a scene of beaut) during the entire
from Ma) to 1 Ictober. Steam and electric cars
which pass through tin- grounds furnish read)
and convenient transportation for pa
Ev< r) o nvenii no is provided that will pro
ill If I
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the comfort of guests, among other things being
an abundant supply of cam-as tents for those
wishing to avoid the direct rays of the sun.
Bathing is indulged in throughout the entire year,
there being no seasons when it is unattractive or
undesirable. < In the other hand, each season has
its peculiar charms and attractions, and guests
m.i\ be seen lure every month in the year.
l.( >UIS M< >RETTI.
Louis Moretti, proprietor of the Sea Side
creamery at Nos. 41-43 Pacific avenue, Santa
Cruz, established his present business in tcpi,
and all indications point to a continuation
and increase of his present success. In
connection with the creamery he maintains
a bakery, wher.e the best quality of goods
in this line may be had at reasonable rates.
In addition to his own creamery he has an inter-
est in several others, including the Yellow Bank
dairy, the Ocean Mew dairy, and the San
Vicente dairy. He has an extended knowledge
of his chosen occupation, and is also possessed
of good business judgment, tact and enterprise.
A native of Cevio, Switzerland, Mr. Moretti
was horn April 30, [876, and is a son of J.
Moretti, who was a miner in his hilly native
land, and came to the United States about 1852.
lie located in California, and became a resident
of Santa Cruz in [864, where he bought a ranch
and made his home until [868. That year he
returned to the land of his birth, where his death
occurred in [894. His son, Louis, came to the
United States in 1899, and has so far had no
can ' I ' regrel Ins removal to a country of Ear
larger possibility than his own.
MISS E. MAY GRANT.
The influence wielded by women in the educa-
tional world finds an illustration in the work ac-
complished by Miss Grant in behalf of the public
In ols of Santa Cruz. Her success as a teacher
is especially gratifying to the people of Santa
Cruz, inasmuch as she is one of the native
daughters and has always considered this place
her homo. Her father. John Grant, who was a
Montreal. Canada, April 2y, 1837, being a son of
John Grant, Sr., and of Scotch descent. As a
hoy he had only meager advantages, and worked
much of the time at mining and lumbering.
When nineteen years of age he left home and
went to Michigan, then to British Columbia,
where he was employed in the Caribou mines.
Crossing the country to California in 1862,
Mr. Grant first engaged in farming near San
Jose in the Santa Clara valley. From there he
removed to Santa Cruz and for a number of
years each summer harvested in the Salinas val-
ley. He secured employment as foreman for F.
A. Hihn, in which capacity he assisted in the
building up of Capitola. During the long period
of his residence in Santa Cruz he maintained a
deep interest in the welfare of the city and in
movements for the public good. For four years
he served as street commissioner, meantime do-
ing much for the benefit of the streets. After
he had for three years held a position as foreman
of the Bituminous Rock Mines he went to Sali-
nas, where he was struck by a falling derrick
May 31. xjoi, and almost instantly killed.
December 5, i8(xj. Mr. Grant married Miss
Henrietta Jane Cunis. who was horn in Fayette
county, Iowa, a daughter of Leonard and Abbie
1". ( Bently) Curtis. Her father, who was a na-
tive of Vermont, settled in Iowa and from there,
in 18(10. crossed the plains with an ox-team,
arriving in Santa Rosa at the expiration of .six
months and settling finally in Santa Cruz. The
home for many years occupied a lot adjoining
that of his son-in-law, Mr. Grant. The latter
made his home mi Grant street, and owned the
residence that is still occupied by his family.
I lis six children are E. May, Lottie, Sophia, 1..
Ruth, Rose M., and J. Edgar. The second
daughter is the wife of \V. C. Ezant and has one
son. Walter Granl Izant. In politics John Grant
was a pronounced Republican; in religion ad-
hered to the Methodist Episcopal Church and
fraternall) was connected with the Odd fellows
and the Wicient Order of United Workmen.
Availing herself .'f the advantages offered by
home schools, Miss Grant was graduated from
Business (
At
WILLIAM HATTOX
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
go:
took up educational work, her first experience
in that line being gained in the schools of San
Luis Obispo county. In July, 1895, she was
appointed principal of the Grant School in Santa
Cruz. This school is supposed to have taken its
name from General ( irant, as did also the street,
the school being built at the time of General
Grant's height of fame. It was rebuilt in [88:
and in [894 was enlarged, remodeled and mod-
ernized. Under the supervision of Miss Grant
it maintained its high standing for excellence of
work accomplished and ranks as one of the best
schools in the city. On its rolls there are one
hundred or more pupils, with an average attend-
ance of ninety. In 1902 Miss (irant was trans-
ferred to the Branciforte school as a teacher in
the sixth grade. As a teacher she is justly pop-
ular, for she aims to keep abreast with every ad-
vance made in the science of pedagogy and is
progressive, efficient and faithful. In addition
to her work as an educator, she finds time to take
part in religious activities and is a leading mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM HATTON.
The name of Hatton has for many years been
associated with the most extensive dairying in-
terests in Monterey county. The founder of
the occupation for which the Carmel vallc\ is
so admirably adapted was William Hatton, a
man of great strength of character, pronounced
executive and business ability, and well fitted
for the large responsibilities which came his
way. The death of this popular promoter of
the well being of the valley, October 23, [894, is
still recalled with extreme regret by his numer-
ous friends, patrons and business associates.
A native of county Wicklow, Ireland, Mr.
Hatton was born June o, 1X4.), the fourth in
a family of eight children, one of whom. Ed-
ward, is also a resident of America. Possessed
of a love lor adventure, the youthful William
rebelled at the limitations of the paternal farm,
and when thirteen yeat - of age put ou1 to ea
as an apprentice on a merchant ship. For seven
war- lie Kd a seafaring life, and in [870
I" California, where he worked as an appri
al daii j in'g upon the ranch which
his absorbing interest and personal property.
In tinu- tlie humble apprentice had saved suffi
cient means to buy out his employer, E. St.
John, of Salinas, and then began an earnest
effort to build up the largest and most perfectly
appointed dairy in Monterey county, and one
of the largest in the state. Much of his sua ess
was due to the fact that he had an innate liking
for his chosen work, and realized the impor-
tance of commodities so generally in use being
of a superior and health-giving quality. That
ci ngenial work means success was demon-
strated repeatedly in the course of his career
as a dispenser of dairy products. At times he
milked as many as six hundred of the finest-
bred cows in the state, and at the time of his
death owned two thousand two hundred acres
oi land. J'.esides looking after his own large-
interests, for several years he had charge of the
affairs of the Pacific Improvement Company,
managing with considerable skill their ranches,
dairies and cattle. He was a member of the
Monterey Blue Lodge. 1". & A. M.. -
Chapter, R. A. M., and Watsonville Command-
cry. K. T.
Since the death of Mr. Hatton the name of
his gifted wife has been associated with the
dairy known as the Del Monte Creamery, ad-
vantageously located about five miles from
Monterey and chosen by Mr. Hatton as being
the most desirable in the Carmel valley. Mrs.
Hatton was formerly Kate Harney, a nati
Charleston, S. C, and a daughter of M. J. Har-
ney, now deceased. She was born on James
Island and spent her youth in the south. The
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hatton are:
Anna M.. Harriet !L. Sarah J., Edward G.,
William, Frank I), and Howard. The immedi-
ate management of the ranch passed from the
hands of Mr. Hatton to those of his brother-
in-law, John Harney, also a man of shrewd
business judgment. Mr. Harney, like his sister,
was born iii South Carolina, ami lie lias been
a resident of Monterey since 1881. In March,
n 00. he left the dairx and it is now in the hands
of Andrew Steward and Edward G. I:
( If the I >el Monte 1 1. amerj and ranch it
-aid that at the present time tin
• 'it the plans
G(M
[ISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
laid down b\ Mr. Hatton, for this branch of
industry is ever making strides towards better
and inure rational things. Many improvements
have been instituted by the prevailing- manage-
ment, and no more complete and finely
equipped dairj caters to a large and apprecia-
tive trade. Il is no exaggeration to say that
the finest butter in the stale comes from the
Hatton creamery. It supplies with milk and
butter Pacific Grove and the splendid Hotel
Del -Monte, besides shipping great quantities
of butter to San Francisco during the winter
season. Two thousand two hundred acres are
watered by three artesian wells with a capacity
of fourteen hundred gallons per minute, which
wells are used also for irrigating alfalfa and rye
grass, and are operated by a thirty horse-power
-team engine. Large crops of corn and pump-
kins are raised for winter feed, but most of the
land is devoted to grazing. At the present
time they have four thousand acres and four
hundred cows. The hospitality of the beautiful
Hatton home, overlooking the valley and sea,
is proverbial, and Mrs. Hatton entertains with
true southern tact and delightful manner.
HOX. EDWARD MARTIN.
The wonderful resources of California have
no more enthusiastic advocate than Hon. Ed-
ward Martin, whose many-sided abilities have
penetrated various grooves of western activity,
and left therein an impress of strength and reli-
ability. To the analytical intelligence of this
earnest student of affairs the land this side of
the Rockies represents far more than a money
■ Mecca, and is more satisfying to his
finer perception- than to his pocket. His au-
thoritative knowledge concerning all phases of
opportunity and life is besl evi
denced b) tin' public regard for hi- writings
upon these questions, and the readiness with
which hi- statements are given credence. Adap-
tive, witty, optimistic, occasionall) sarcastic, a
t1".' in speaker, and a ready student of the Latin
language, and possessing assimilated general
eyond he ordinary. Mr. Martin has
i into a waiting niche in this wes ern
country in such manner as to command atten
tion and win commercial, political and social ap-
preciation.
A native of Bedfordshire, England. Mr. Mar-
tin was born November 2, 1833. in the home of
John Bunyon, a son of Dr. John and Ann
(Fields) Martin. As a l.o\ he was taught the
value of a thorough education, and though im-
paired health interfered with the continuation
of his studies when he was thirteen years of age,
lie had already acquired a solid foundation upon
which to base further research. A sea voyage
being advised as possibly health restoring, he
embarked in the Lord Glenalg, and visited Can-
ada. Boston and Havana, eventually experienc-
ing a shipwreck in the Lay of Fuiidy. The sea-
going life seemed to possess charms for the erst-
while invalid, and he continued to lead a
nautical existence for several years. At the age
of seventeen, while at Eastport, Me., he had an
opportunity to follow the tide of emigration to
the west, by way of the Horn. The water
vehicle in which the trip was undertaken prob-
ably never had a counterpart in the time inter-
vening between the launching of the Ark ami
the present. The good ship Fannie, lacking in
artificial propelling force, was brought into play.
likewise a steamboat of the side wheeler brand,
fhe hull of the Fannie was sunk in the water,
the steamer was floated inside of it at low tide,
the water pumped out, and the vessel built
around the steamer. When completed, this
sample of mongrel ship architecture was fav-
ored with all manner of direful predictions, its
distinct and unblushing affront to all precon
eeived notions of the most experienced salts
calling down upon its queer outlines scorn and
contempt. Nothing daunted, it put to sea with
its hull loaded with cargo, which was duly dis-
charged at the port of San Francisco after a
voyage around the Horn of one hundred ami
thirty-three clays. Nor was this second child-
hood, this resuscitated vitality, the beginning of
tile end. for this companion craft traversed for
several years the San Joaquin rivet", and finall)
plowed tlie waters to the Sandwich Islands.
where its aged and quavering timbers dissolved
partnership upon a destructive reef.
The majority of the crew of the companion
ship proved deserters for the -old mines, and
HISTORICAL AND BI( (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
GO,")
Air. Martin found an immediate opportunity
awaiting him in San Francisco. He chanced to
meet J. Bryant Hill, who had rented a thousand
acres of land in the Pajaro valley for agricultu-
ral purposes, and who was in need of reliable
men to help him. Accordingly Mr. Martin
started, in November of 1851, across the Santa
Cruz mountains, which had no roads, but an
indistinct trail, yet he managed to make a hun-
dred miles the first day out. Arriving at Santa
Cruz in an exhausted condition, he nevertheless
pushed on without rest, and at the end of his
journey had the honor of plowing the first fur-
row ever turned to the sunlight in the Pajaro
valley. He continued to engage in farming in
the valley until his removal to Watsonville in
1857, it which year it was a mere hamlet, and
sadly prophetic of dissolution. However, the
vitalizing influence of the new arrival was in-
creasingly felt as time passed by, for he became
active in promoting the business and educa-
tional enterprises of the place, built three dwell-
ing houses and some stores, and infused a little
animation into things in general. He first found
a position as clerk and in 1858 was appointed
postmaster, continuing in the office until 1875.
At the same time he conducted a stationery
store, which started from small beginnings and
grew with the demand created by its excellent
wares and its adaptiveness to the popular needs.
For several years he was employed as telegraph
operator in Watsonville, and was one of the
promoters for introducing gas in the town >>i
Watsonville. For many years he served as no-
tary public in Watsonville, and also was town
trustee six years. In 1879 he was elected on the
non-partisan ticket of the fourth congressional
district to the convention which framed the con-
stitution of California. In 1884 he was elected
count)- clerk, county auditor and county re-
corder under one head, and assumed control oi
his combined responsibility in January of 1SS5.
continuing the same until January of [899. I or
the past three years -Mr. Martin has been a
member of the law firm of Martin & Gardner,
he having been admitted to the bar in [898.
In Watsonville, in 1801, Mr. Martin married
Emeline Risdon, a native of the vicinity of
Mo, mi Mo-ris. X. Y.. and daughter of |. ( '.
Risdon, one of the pioneers of Santa Cruz
county. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born
four children. Edward C. died while young;
Kittie is also deceased; 1',. J. R.. auditor for the
United Railroads of San Francisco, married
Lottie Kellogg and has two children, Deloss
and Clarence; and George I'., a jeweler of Wat-
sonville, married Kate McGrath, and has three
children, Mabel and Mary, twins, and Cather-
ine. Mr. Martin is fraternally identified with
the Odd Fellows and the Ancient < >rder of
United Workmen.
THOMAS CHAPPELL.
A rancher of the Salinas valley and a man of
enterprise is Thomas Chappell, whose fine ranch
of two hundred and fifty acres at the foot of the
mountains has no superior in equipment and re-
source in Monterey county. Mr. Chappell is an
Englishman who is devoting his share of de-
sirable national traits to the bettering of the con-
ditions of the western part of his adopted coun-
try, and it is pleasant to record that he is an en-
thusiastic admirer of the fertile region which he
now calls home.
Born in Cornwall. England. October 10. 1841.
Mr. Chappell was reared on the farm of his
father, William Chappell, and came to the United
States on the Virginia ( >ctober r6, 1803. He
reached San Francisco by way of Panama, and
after mining in Mariposa county with moderate
success for nine years, removed to Kern county,
which he soon after abandoned. In [872 he pur-
chased fort) acres of land near San Jo-.
and after three years sold the same, and leasi
ranch near Blanco for about six years, lie was
most successful as a cattle and sheep breeder.
and with the proceeds of his lab r purchased his
present ranch in the Salinas valley, which was
thui wild and uncultivated, lie cleared the land
of timber and brush, and has since instituted
every improvement devised b) th ><
ested in promoting the agricultural supremacy
of the slope. lie has his own pumping plant,
capable of irrigating most of Lis land, an
meadows are covered with h
tie and hogs. Beyond, in the mountains. In
twelve hundred and thirty acres of pasture land.
[IST< IRICAL AND BI( (GRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1867 Mr. Chappell married Miss Emma
Manley, of England, returning to his native land
for the ceremi ny. < >f this union there have been
born the following children: William, in busi-
ness al Vallejo; Frederick, a resident of Rocky
Ford, Colo.; Albert, a dentisl of Salinas; Har-
vey, on the ranch with his father; George, at-
tending a medical school, and Mabel and May.
living at home. Mr. Chappell is a Republican
in politics, and is identified with the Masonic
fraternity at Castroville. Himself and wife are
members of the United Presbyterian Church.
|( iHN WILLIAM M( IRGAN.
Typical of the rugged west of the middle of
the last century was John William Morgan, for
many years closely identified with the develop-
ment of Santa Cruz, the resources and oppor-
tunities of which he so well understood and
manipulated. With his death, November 8,
1896, there passed beyond our ken yet another
of those personalities enveloped in a haze of
ideality, created by their unquenchable enthusi-
asm and faith, their almost martyr-like persis-
tence in the face of danger ami discouragement,
their familiarity with the vastness of the plains,
the crudities and lawlessness of the mining
camps and their astounding chances in the midst
of infinite richness of minerals and soil. To have
succeeded rather than failed in those moving
times was the fate of Mr. Morgan, whose
changeful youth had well prepared him for
whatever of vicissitude might come his way.
A native of Scioto county, < Hiio, Mr. Morgan
was born December [3, 1829, a sun of John
Sanders and Margaret (Colier) Morgan, the
former of whom died in [837. Margaret Mor-
gan married for her second husband a Mr. Ber-
gen, wiili win nil -In- removed with her children
to Amhurstburg, upper ( anada, returning after
a year to Detroit, Mich. It seems that John
William was not entirely contenl with the new
arrangements in (lie household, and lie there-
fore tool< leave of his home and returned to Can-
ada, where he found employment in a sawmill
until the spring of 1844. I ie then returned to
visit his mother, and while there met his brother
in-law, David Gharky, who persuaded him to ac
company him on a trip to St. Louis. Traveling
in those days was a laborious undertaking, and
in this instance was accomplished by steamboat
t" Chicago, by Stage coach to Peru, 111., and
down the river by steamboat to their destination.
The Missouri river was at that time very much
swollen and spread (Hit in all directions, ami the
steamboat paid little attention to its chart, steer-
ing through woods or over fields in an effort to
shorten its course. The travelers returned to
Jefferson county, Mo., and remained until
March, 1849, when Mr. Morgan became afflicted
with the gold fever, and joined a party headed
for the desired Mecca. Four ox-teams were
utilized in going to St. Louis for supplies, and
the full train for California was made up and
started from St. Joseph, Mo. This train con-
sisted of twenty wagons, with Dr. Bassett as cap-
tain, hut Mr. Morgan and two others became
dissatisfied with the rest, and the three wag ns
separated from the train and proceeded on their
own trail. Arriving at the Platte river, they
economized by discarding one wagon, and the
two continued their way, arriving in California
with little save determination.
\s a starter. Mr. Morgan obtained work at
driving an ox-team for Si a day. but he soon
branched out into mining, in which he was fairly
successful. After working hard for some weeks
he accumulated considerable of the coveted dust,
which he kept in a vault in his cabin, the vault
consisting of an old boat which had long since
outlived its original usefulness. Upon return-
ing one night he found the boat empty, and from
then on the little cabin became an eyes re. his
hopelessness being intensified by the rains which
flooded the earth, and rendered the search for
more dust impracticable and almost out 1 1 the
question. Mr. Morgan thereupon went to Sac-
ramento, then called Embarcadero, and later
went to Negroes Bar, one mile below Norman's
Island, on the American river. Here he man-
aged an hotel for Francis Fowler on the Auburn
road, near Sacramento, for a salary of $300 .1
month, but out of these expectations lie received
Inn $30 for three months' work. A more suc-
mined until February, 1851, when, owing to im-
paired health from exposure, he returned to Mis
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
GO! i
soun via the Isthmus, and was once again with
the wife whom he had left behind, and whom he
had married October 17. [848. Airs. Morgan
was formerly Jane C. I'itzer, a native of St.
Louis, and a daughter of Duig and Sarah
(Myers) I'itzer. the latter of whom died when
her daughter was an infant. The child was par-
tially reared by her mother's parents until her
father's second marriage, and she was trained in
the household arts and taught the value of faith-
Fulness and duty.
In .Missouri Mr. Morgan engaged in the man-
ufacture of flour and lumber on the Big River,
Jefferson county, until the spring of 1854. in
which year he again longed for the freedom of
the west, and persuaded his wife to accompany
him across the plains. They arrived at Santa
Cruz in August, 1854. where Mr. Morgan's sis-
ter and husband were living, and he had charge
of the wharf for a couple of years. In 1863 he
purchased sixty acres of raw land near Santa
1 ruz, still owned by his widow, which he began
to improve and upon which he farmed ami lum-
bered for about a year. He then moved to Bear
valley and was in the employ of Gen. J. C. Fre-
mont until 1857, when he took charge of the
Hamlin mills on Merced river. After returning
to his farm he bought one hundred and twenty
additional acres of land, where he farmed and
raised stock very successfully and accumulated! a
large competence. He was a very capable man,
very active and enthusiastic, and he managed to
give all of his ten children a more than ordinarily
fine education. The west proved to be just the
place for him. and the west needed his energy
and progressiveness. The uniqueness of his per-
sonality furnished many an interesting anecdote,
and he was foremost on many occasions when
the opportunity had been lost were it not for
his foresight and certainty of success. With a
man named John Baxter he went out into a row-
boat and received from the .American ship the
papers which announced the Mad tidings that
California had been admitted to statehood. Dur-
ing the Civil war he enlisted in a cavalry com-
pany formed at Santa Cruz, hut tin- company
was never in active service.
After the death of her husband. Mrs. Morgan
stayed on the farm for some time, herself man-
aging tin- large responsibility, assisted by her
daughter, Martha. In time the strain became
more than she could attend to, and in 1S99 she
leased the property, and has since made her home
in Santa Cruz. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Morgan are as follows: John Sanders, a
resident of San Francisco, who married Cornelia
Moger, by whom he has one son, Harry ; Samuel
David, of Oakland, Cal., who married Miss Ten-
nessee Beal, and has a daughter, Mrs. Ethel
McCabe; George D., who married Julia Walker,
and has six children, George, John, Harold,
frank, Walter and Donald; Sarah, who is man-
ager of the Woman's Exchange of Santa Cruz ;
Martha, who is Irving at home: Charles, who
married Elizabeth Trevethen, and has six chil-
dren. Mabel. Earl, Lucile, Everett, Lottie, and
Madaline; William, who married Eva Treve-
then, and has two children, Genevieve and Alex-
ander; Bertha, who is the wife of Alexander
Marquess of San Francisco, and has one son,
Pierre; and Jeannette, who is a bookkeeper for
1 he Sea Side store of Santa Cruz.
T A. W< >RK
One of the pioneer business men of Pacific
Grove, and one of the most earnest and sub-
stantial of her upbuilders, Mr. Work was born in
the Shetland Islands in November of [869, and
came to his present home when seventeen years
of age. At that time was inaugurated a career
unaided by influential backing or the supposed
advantage of money and to this necessity for in-
dependent thought and action may be traced a
subsequent meritorious success.
From a very small beginning Mr. Work em-
barked in the hay. grain and w I business, and
from this nucleus has branched out into a many-
sided enterprise, the principal department of
which is the supplying ■ ■( building materials. He
also has a complete line of hardware, paints,
oils and glass, and has furnished about ninety
per cent of th< used in the construc-
tion of the town, including business houses,
churches, schools and private resiliences. Nor
has the outfitting of others constituted h
ambition, foi he has built and still own.
cottages than any other one citizen in i
610
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Grove, and has erected the Work block, on
Lighthouse avenue, the only three-story business
block in the town, lie has also engaged in the
purchase and sale of real estate, and much valu-
able and desirable property has passed through
his hands. The excellence of his work has re-
sulted in contracts for grading all the principal
streets of the city. In one way and another he
is connected with some of the largest concerns
in this part of the state, among them being the
Sperry Flour Company and the Loma Prieta
Lumber Company, of which he is sole agent
south of Salinas.
In 1895 ^fr- Work married Maude E. Porter,
a native of Toulumne county, Cal., and of this
union there are three children. Mr. Work is a
Republican in political affiliation, and in this
department of city activity he has received main-
assurances of the confidence entertained for him
by the general public. He has been city treas-
urer since April of [898. Fraternally he is as-
sociated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, Ancient ( >rder of United Workmen,
and the Elks of Salinas.
JAMES MORCY.
Previous to locating on his farm of sixty-
si. veil acres mar Soquel, Santa Cruz county, in
[878, James Morcy had familiarized himself
with several parts of the great west, and had
been variously occupied. He is one of the adap-
tive Irishmen who have contributed to the
well being of this country, and was born in
ci unty Waterford, Ireland, in 1840, and is sec-
ond oldesl of the six children born to James and
.Mary (Lee) Morcy. The other children were
named Patrick, Margaret, Mary, Michael and
Thomas.
When very young James Morcy lost his father
through death, and when nine year- of age he
came to America with his mother on a sailing
taking -i\ weeks and a few-
days. He continued to live at home until sev-
years of age, and during that time
worked in a paper mill, being in the end fairly
conversant with all branches of the paper man-
ufacturing business. In i860 he came to Cali-
fornia via Central America, landing in San
Francisco May 13, i860. In Santa Cruz he
found employment at his old trade of paper mak-
ing., after which he went to San Francisco and
tried his luck at mining. Desiring to reach fort-
land. < )re., he walked all the way from San
Francisco, and upon reaching- that city went up
the Salmon river in a skiff to Washington terri-
tory, where he mined with average success for a
couple of years. He subsequently spent a num-
ber of years in Reno, Xev., and as before stated,
came to Santa Cruz in 1878. He is engaged in
general farming and stock raising, and besides
raises a variety of fruits and grains.
In 1880 Mr. Morcy married Delia Donahue, a
native of Ireland, who has proved a true help-
mate and an inspiration to his success. Mr.
Morcy is independent in political affiliation, but
has never interested himself in trying to secure
office. He is a communicant of the Roman Cath-
olic Church, and is credited with being a public
spirited and enterprising citizen.
SYLVESTER J. MASON.
The term self-made applies in its truest sense
to Sylvester J. Mason, who has traveled a long
and hard road to his present position among
the large land owners of Santa Cruz county, and
to his retirement from active business life in the
prosperous little town of Soquel. He was born
in a little log cabin in Ohio, July 3, 1820, and
his parents were born in Connecticut, his father,
Sylvester, being a- shoemaker by trade.
Mr. Mason was reared on a farm, and at an
early age lost his father by death, so that it he-
came necessary for him to shoulder responsi-
bility at a comparatively early age. His first
business portion was with a general store in
I IhiOj and while thus employed he managed to
acquire a fair education in the schools of Piqua
and Troy, near which latter town he was born,
lie was subsequently bound out to a Mr. Kink,
in Lynn, Ohio, who was the proprietor of a
jewelry store, and after his release went to live
with an aunt in one of the near by towns of
( >hio. After learning the joiner's trade he
worked for fifty cents a day. and also for a time
cultivated a sixty-acre farm. His various ex-
periences in < )hio led him to believe that greater
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
61 !
chances awaited him on the coast, and he there-
fore started over the plains with ox teams and
wagons, in 1854, taking several head of cattle
along with him. About i860 he located in Santa
Cruz, where he purchased a ranch and lived
thereon until [895. This land is at present rented
"tit 1" tenants, and the owner has retired frorn
active life. He is a Republican in national pol-
itics, but has never sought office, preferring to
devote all of his time to his farm. He is fra-
ternally associated with the Independent Order
Odd Fellows.
The wife of Mr. Mason, Margaret (Martin)
Mason, was horn November 10, 1822, and died
in California November 17, 1895. The mar-
riage ceremony was performed November 1,
1844. and of the union wire born seven children,
viz.: Agnes L., horn November 1, 1846, and
died September 4, 185 1; Charles S.. born Feb-
ruary 22, 1848; Frank 11., December 8, 1850:
Louis F., December 19, 1856; Caroline, April 14,
1858; Albert, burn November 1, 1861, and died
September 1, 1868; and Sylvester J., Jr., born
February 28. 1868.
TRIAL S. NICHOLS.
The ancestry of the Nichols family is traced
back to Scotland and England, but years have
passed since some of the name crossed the At-
lantic to America. Patriotism has been a family
trait, and was shown by one of the ancestors
through his loyal service in the Revolutionary
war. Descended from him was Samuel Nichols,
who with a brother, James L., served in the war
of 1812 and was present at Sacket Harbor.
Samuel's son, Urial S., proved himself to be
worthy of his patriotic lineage, for soon -after
the opening of the Civil war he offered his
services to aid in putting down the rebellion,
and etdisted, in Lewis county, X. V.. December
id, 1X01, as a member of Company 1'., Ninety-
seventh New York Infantry, under Col. Charles
Wheelock. His service of three years was one
of honor and recognized valor, and at the time
of bis discharge he was holding the rank of
sergeant.
Lewis county. X. V., was the native place of
Urial S. Nichols and February 7. 1838, the date
of his birth. His parents, Samuel and Polly
(Cahoon) Nichols, were farmers and lifelong
residents of that county. An older brother, Ben-
jamin C. came to California in 1852. and after
he had completed his military service he decided
to seek a home on the Pacific roast. Accordingly,
with his brother. Merritt, he came to California
in [865, and at first engaged with his brothers
in the lumber and sawmill business. Two years
later he sold his interest in the business and
removed to Aptos, Santa Cruz comity, where he
was employed as a carpenter and millwright.
Returning to Santa Cruz somewhat later, he es-
tablished his home here and engaged at the trade
of carpenter until 1808. when he was elected
constable of the city and township of Santa Cruz,
a position that he has efficiently filled. His
brother, the pioneer of 1S52, died in IOOI, while
the other brother, Merritt, is now living- in
Lompoc, Cal.
The marriage of Urial S. Nichols united him
with a daughter of Jonathan < rile, of Santa Cruz,
and two children were born "of their union, Clara
and Lois. In fraternal relations Mr. Nichols is
a firm believer in the lofty principles of Masonry.
and has allied himself with Lodge No. 38, F. &
A. M., in which he has held minor offices. I lis
views upon religious subjects are liberal. Dur-
ing his long residence in Santa Cruz county he
has endeavored to promote its welfare in every
way possible and has given his influence and
time to promote worthy projects.
GEORGE M. ORD.
A painter by trade, and one of the well known
citizens and politicians .if Soquel, Mi'. Ord is a
native son of the state, ami was born in Butte
county, November 30, (865. The oldest of the
children born to John S. and Carrie
welh Ord, he had two sisters, Catherine and
Birdie X., and being the only son in the family
was early trained to bard work on the paternal
farm of one hundred and ten acres in Butte
County. At the age of eighteen years he decided
that his future prospects lay remote from the
home surroundings, and as his first independent
means of livelihood found employment with the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company for four
r,l-.'
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
years. In 1888 he returned to Soquel from San
Francisco, where his railroad experiences were
centered, and was forthwith elected constable of
the town, a position maintained with satisfac-
tion to all concerned for twelve years. In April.
1901, he was appointed justice of the peace, the
duties of which office are carried on in connec-
ts n with his trade as painter. He has a shop in
Soquel, and receives an extended patronage
from those appreciative of good work.
In 1805 Mr. Ord was united in marriage with
Mrs. (Mason) Comstock, the daughter of S. J.
Mum in, a prominent resident of Soquel. Mr.
I Ird is a Republican in politics, and is fraternally
connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, lie is enterprising and broad minded,
and is one of the younger generation of business
men of whom his adopted town may well he
proud.
BENJAMIN F. P< >RTER.
Strongly outlined against the history 'if Cali-
fornia since the early '50s is the career of Ben-
jamin F. Porter, one of the best known, wealth-
iest, and most influential residents of Santa Cruz
county. While his present business standing is
partially indicated by his position as vice-presi-
dent of the Bank of Santa Cruz, this responsi-
bility constitutes but one of the many avenues
of activity invaded, by the unusual business
sagacity and far-sighted acumen of this large
land owner and successful manipulator of west-
ern resources. He was born in the state of Ver-
ninnt. April 20, 1833, and is a son of Dr. Ben-
jamin and Sophia (Hutton) Porter, natives re-
elj oi G mnei ticut and Northfield, Vt. :
and grandson of Isaiah and Hannah (Gallup)
Porterj the former a native of Salem, Mass.
Benjamin Porter was a medical practitioner up
i" the time of his death in 1N87. and he was the
father of four children, viz.: Elizabeth, Edward,
Edwin and Benjamin F.
Into the otherwise uneventful youth of Ben-
jamin F. Porter came the opportunity to remove
to < alifornia, and he sel out upon the journey
via Centra] America, .March 17. 1853, arriving
in San Francisco on his twenty-first birthday.
His first work on the coast had to do with tele-
graph poles, and he cut the first poles used be-
tween San Francisco and San Jose. For a year
he engaged in the lumber business and cut lum-
ber for many of the oldest buildings in San
Francisco, and in 1857 he started over the moun-
tains with ox teams, locating on Aptos creek.
Here he made shingles for a livelihood, and
managed to ship half a million of them to the
surrounding towns. He also engaged in field
reaping, and in 1855. in partnership with his
cousin, George K., and C. W. Moore, began to
operate the Soquel tannery, in connection with
which they manufactured boots and shoes at a
plant in San Francisco. The cousins afterward
bought out the interest of Mr. Moore, and the
firm became Porter, Slesinger & Co., continuing
thus for five years. Mr. Porter stepped out of
the tannery and boot and shoe business in 1870,
having in the meantime accumulated a com-
petence, and purchased a tract of fifty-six
thousand acres of land in Los Angeles county.
Here he located and farmed, and after disposing
of part of his land for S455.000. still had twelve
thousand acres left. This property is still in his
possession, as is also fifteen thousand acres in
Monterey county, and seventy-five hundred acres
in other parts of the state.
During the greater part of the year Mr. Porter
lives on his ranch in Santa Cruz count}-, between
Soquel and Aptos, although for the conduct of
his many sided affairs he has offices at Nos. 211-
13 Sacramento street, San Francisco, and also
in Los Angeles. He is a director in the State
Loan and Trust Company, and has been vice-
president of the Bank of Santa Cruz since Jan-
uary 14, 1902. In national politics he is a Re-
publican, but aside from the formality of
easting his vote, has never been identified with
the more strenuous political life. In 1867, in
Vermont, he married Kate Hubbard, and of this
union there is one daughter, Mary S.. who is the
wife of W. T. Sisnon, of San Francisco, and
who has three children. Porter, Catherine, and
Barbara. Mr. Porter has the notable personal
characteristics inseparably associated with pro
nounced and continuous success, augmented by
the special attributes of patience and discernment
so well understood by the splendid pioneers of
the coast.
CHARI.KS MelWDDKX
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
GLo
CHARLES McFADDEN.
A pioneer of the early '50s who turned his
California opportunities to good account was
Charles McFadden, who owned a four hundred
acre ranch in Salinas district, Monterey county,
and at one time extensively engaged in dairying
and stock-raising, lie was born in the north of
Ireland in 1822. and died in Monterey county
.May 14, 1898.
When quite a young boy Mr. McFadden came
to America with an uncle and aunt, with whom
he located in St. Johns. Xew Brunswick, and
was there reared and educated. In time he made
his way to Dane county. Wis., where he lived
for three years, but was not entirely satisfied
with the state as a future place of residence.
Stirred by the glowing accounts he had heard
of the undeveloped west, he determined to cross
the plains, and came by way of Council Bluffs
and Salt Lake City. Upon arriving on the
coast lie went at once to the mines. Being de-
ficient in the robustness required for an extended
life in the camps, he was obliged to abandon min-
ing as a means of livelihood after a trial of three
months, and forthwith went to San Francisco,
where he remained lor a short time. Thinking
to make a success of milling among the red-
woods of Santa Clara county, he removed there
and remained fur five years, in that time partial-
ly realizing his expectations. In 1850 he bought
about two hundred acres in Monterey county, to
which he added sufficient land to make four
hundred acres, and here he carried on general
farming, stock-raising and dairying, lie was
very industrious, a g 1 manager, and had good
business ability.
Mrs. Sophia McFadden was born in Baden,
Germany. June 15, 1850, and was a daughter of
John and Margaret (Gigling) Fabry, also na-
tives of Baden. Mr. Fabry was a farmer in
his native land, and brought his family to Amer-
ica in [865, settling in the Salinas district. After
a few months he removed to the eight) acre
ranch upon which he died twenty-four years
later, at the age of sixty-sevai wars. The par-
ents hmught $5,000 with them to the United
States, and invested this so wisel) that they left
quite a large property. Mrs. McFadden was (if
teen years of age when she crossed the ocean,
and she was variously employed in California
previous to her marriage. She is the mother 1 E
six children, viz.: Frank A., who assists with the
management of the home farm which has not
yet been divided, and who is married and has
three children ; Tressa, the wife of Conrad Storm
of Salinas; Sarah. David. Mary and Charles.
The McFadden ranch is well improved, and
equipped with modern buildings. A large part
of the ranch consists of pasture land, and the
model dairy, maintained in addition to general
farming and stock raising, utilizes the milk from
between sixty and seventy cows. The family
are well known and have many friends, and are
regarded as among the worthy and enterprising
developers of the district.
HORACE W. I 'OPE.
To the constant efforts of the earnest pioneers
of Santa Cruz, those who enjoy the civilization
and improvements of the present da) owe a debt
of gratitude that few wholly realize or under-
stand. It is difficult for us to comprehend the
trials confronting those courageous men who,
in the early days, identified themselves with the
possibilities of a then undeveloped and unprom-
ising region. Were Mr. Tope still living he
could tell many an interesting story of the Santa
Cruz of 1859. tne year °f his arrival in this city.
He was a native of Danville, Vt, and at an earl)
age went to Cincinnati. Ohio, whence hi
to California in 1859, settling in Santa Cruz.
For a time he worked in the mines and he also
filled the position of justice of the peace. Not
Ion- after his arrival he bought a small house on
Mission street. This he enlarged and about [867
opened it as a boarding house for summer vis-
itors. With the capable assistance of his wife
he continued to conduct the business until his
death, in [884, resulting from apoplexy of the
brain. At the time of his death be was lifty-
eighl years of age.
The marriage of Mr. Pope united him with
Anna McDonald, who was born in Danville. \'t.
While they had no children of their own, they
opened their home and hearts to several whom
they carefully reared and tl ig these
./
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
being Mrs. T- J- C. Leonard. For the business
in which she is .-.till engaged Mrs. Pope has dis-
played noteworthy ability. Her genial hospitality
has made the house popular, and often her ac-
commodations are taxed to the utmost for the
benefil of those who have been her guests in the
past and refuse to seek new quarters on their
arrival in Santa Cruz. Additions have been
made from time to time, to increase the capacity
of the place. Cottages were erected at different
times and finally a commodious two-story build-
ing was erected, so that they have facilities now
for accommodating ninety persons at one time.
In an early .lay the grounds were improved by
the setting out of elm trees, which now cast a
grateful shade over the finely-kept lawns. Walks
have been laid out through the grounds, and
flowers and shrubbery add to the charm of the
environment. For the pleasure of those who
enjov lawn tennis, a court has been added, and
there are other sources of recreation and enjoy-
ment for the visitor. In the main building both
electricity and gas are used for lighting pur-
poses. All modern improvements are to be found
in the rooms, so that the guest finds here all the
comforts of a home. Not onl) are the grounds
attractive to the eye, but there is also a delight-
ful view to be had from the place of the city
and the bay. Facilities of transportation are con-
veniently provided for through the proximity of
the street cars. Only the most select patrons are
received, and many of the most prominent peo-
ple of the state have been entertained here by the
popular lady to whose energy and tactful over-
sight the present success and conveniences are
due.
HENRY F. PARSONS.
The life of il,i> honored citizen of Santa Cruz
began in Barton, near Manchester. England,
October 5. 182-'. in the home of John and Eliza-
heth (Hewitt) Parsons. If the superstitious
would predict a life of misfortune for him be-
causi he was the thirteenth child, they would
concede such prognostications more than court
terbalanced by the fact that he had the g 1
fortune to he the seventh son. At an early age
he was deprived of a father's care and guidance.
and was but sixteen when he lost his mother by
death. Before this, however, he had joined a
brother in New York, being but eleven years old
when he crossed the ocean to the new world for
the first time. A year later he returned to Eng-
land, where he completed his schooling. On his
mi ther's death he came again to America, and
became a bookkeeper for Parsons, Canning &
Co.. importers, Xew York City, of which firm his
ohler brother was a member. After a short
time he was transferred to a branch house in
Philadelphia and was given full charge of the
same, in which position he displayed such wise
judgment and executive ability as to win com-
mendation from the heads of the firm. One of
his most important transactions was the closing
up of a large and responsible deal with a Mr.
Burnett, of St. Louis, which work proved him
the possessor of abilities above the average.
As soon as reports came east of the discovery
of gold in California, Mr. Parsons closed out
his business interests and with a party started
for the Golden Gate, with all the enthusiasm of
youth and high spirits. Like others he hoped
to gain a fortune in the mines, a hope that was
doomed to disappointment, for a short experi-
ence in the mines at Webersville, Eldorado
county, convinced him that the occupation was
injurious to his health, and he therefore decided
to change both occupation and location. The
fall of 1850 found him one of the pioneers of
Santa Cruz, with the subsequent history of which
he has been intimately identified. He had been
here only a short time when, the people disc* >ver-
ing him to be a man of education and broad
experience, selected him to occupy local positions
of trust and responsibility. He was the first
deputy county clerk, serving under Peter Tracy,
and made out the first assessment roll for the
county, lie was also the first county recorder,
and served as under-sheriff and collector of
taxes, besides being deputy county surveyor. In
fact, there was scarcely a position within the
gift of his fellow-citizens to which he was not
chosen. He held the confidence of all, and the
trust reposed in him was not misplaced, for the
records show that every duty was discharged
with fidelity and wise judgment. T lis excellent
penmanship made his books neat in appearance,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
•in
and to this clay the attention of people is often
attracted to them.
While serving the people in these and similar
offices of trust, Mr. Parsons also invested in
property and acquired growing interests. He
was the first to file a pre-emption claim in Santa
Cruz county, and subsequently he purchased a
part of La Carbonera ranch comprising- six hun-
dred acres. From that land he cut and furnished
to the paper mill four hundred cords of wood
yearly for a considerable period. As the timber
was removed from the land, fruit trees were set
out, buildings were erected, cattle were put in the
pastures to graze, and grapevines were planted
which are still thrifty. He was the first man in
the county to make wine, and this industry he
continued for a considerable period. Not only
were many horses to be seen on the ranch, but
sometimes there were as many as one hundred
cows, and also considerable young stock. The
property is still in his possession, but since 1889
he has made his home in Santa Cruz, where dur-
ing the year named he built his present residence
at No. 387 Ocean street. Though now prac-
tically retired from active cares, he still main-
tains an oversight of his business interests and
keeps in touch with the progress of his city and
county.
In 1859 Mr. Parsons married Emma L. Mar-
wede, who was born in Hanover, Germany.
August 17, 1831, and is a daughter of William
and Hedwig ( Bettjemann) Marwede. Four
children were burn of their union, namely:
Elizabeth Franziska, who married Robert E.
Hamilton of Santa Cruz, and has one son,
Robert Henry Hamilton; Emma Louise, who
died in 1875 at the age of fourteen and one-half
years; Carolina Electa; and William I'.., who
married Annie C. Henry. At no time in his life
has .Mr. Parsons been disposed to identify him-
self with any particular political party, being
independent in his views and voting for those he
believes to be the best qualified to represent the
people in the offices For which they are candi-
dates. Reared in the faith nf the Church of
England, since coming to America he has been
connected with the Episcopal Church, ami has
officiated as a vestryman and warden. ( hi the
organization of the Masonic Lodge in Santa
Cruz he became one of its charter members and
at one time held the office of sccretarv. During
the period of more than a half century that he
has resided in Santa Cruz county he has won and
retained the confidence nf its best citizens and
lias proved himself public-spirited, progressive
and in every respect loyal to the interests nf his
adopted home.
ELLIOTT DAVIS PERRY.
Significant nf .Mr. Tern's adaptability for the
public service is the fact that he has for years
been numbered among the popular officials nf
Santa Cruz county. His election to the office nf
county surveyor in 1890 followed an experience
of eighl years a- deputy county surveyor under
T. W. Wright, during which time he gained the
accurate knowledge of the work and the famil-
iarity with all its details that has since enabled
him to discharge his duties with promptness and
accuracy. For some live years he had as deputy
C. L. Pioda, since which time L. T. Williams
has been his assistant.
In Richmond township, ( heshire county,
X. H.. May 29, 1844. Elliott Davis Perry was
born to the union of Lysander and Almina
(Sprague) Perry. As a boy he accompanied his
parents to Illinois and settled on a farm, where
lie assisted his father until starting out for him-
self. \ firm believer in Union principles, he was
desirous of enlisting in the army during all of
the Civil war. but the opportunity did not come
until shortl) before the close of the rebellion.
February 15, [865, he enlisted in Company C,
One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Infantry,
and served until honorably discharged al Spring-
field, 11!.. September 21, of same year. Immedi-
ately afterward he entered the University of
.Michigan, where he took the regular course of
study and was graduated June 28, [871. Sur-
veying was his chosen ind he found
employmenl on the Si. Louis iV Iron Mountain
Railroad, later entering the service of the Chi-
cago & Pacific Railroad. During 1874 he came
to California and for a year devoted himself to
visiting diffen 1
ing climate, soil, resources and opportunities.
1 assisted on the Santa Cruz I'ailr
G18
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a surveyor, after which he spent 'eighteen
months in San Bernardino county. From there
lie returned to Santa Cruz, where he has since
made his home. Since coming here he has estab-
lished domestic ties, his wife being Ellen, daugh-
ter of James Stevens, who came from Xew York
state to California in an early day and settled in
Santa Cruz.
M. W. QUICK.
The highest praise belongs to those brave
men who came to the far west in the early days
of the discovery of gold, and. by throwing their
influence on the side of justice, law and prog-
ress, laid the foundation upon which is built
the stable commonwealth of to-day. Among the
Forty-niners may be mentioned Mr. Quick, who
now, after a very busy and active life, is spend-
ing the twilight of his existence on his neat
little farm five miles from Watsonville. He is
a native of Xew York state and was born in
1827, his parents being Peter and Phoebe
(Stroutt) Quick. At sixteen years of age he left
home and began an apprenticeship to the turn-
er'- trade, at which he served four years.
When the news came of the discovery of gold
in California, Mr. Quick was among the first
who resolved to brave the dangers of the long
voyage and endeavor to gain a fortune in the
unknown west. In a vessel that sailed around
Cape Horn he finally landed in San Francisco
December 11, [849. There a strange town, with
cosmopolitan air and crude buildings, met his
eyes Everything was excitement, enthusiasm
and eagerness. Like all newcomers, he wished
to try his luck in the mines, and so at once
engaged in that occupation. With varying luck
he continued to seek gold for fourteen years,
being much of the time in and near Nevada
City. Finally, believing he could find another
occupation more congenial and profitable, he
turned his attention to ranching, and took up
a ranch in Mariposa county, where he engaged
in raising slock. Although his experience in
the business had been meager, yet his success
was encouraging, and he continued in the occu-
pation until [888, when he removed to Santa
Cruz county and bought a farm of tweui 3 fivi
acres five miles from Watsonville. Although
this is but a small farm, every acre is made pro-
ductive through the careful oversight of the
owner, and his orchard of sixteen acres is con-
sidered one of the best in the county.
Mr. Quick's marriage united him with Deb-
orah Stewart, a native of Indiana, but now
deceased. Born of their union are two children
now living, Mark W., born August 13, 1855,
and Morgan W., born in 1857. The older son
married Emma Hill, a native of California, and
they are the parents of six children, namely:
Warren. Hazel, Ray, Wesley, Lizzie and Ethel.
The younger son married Catherine Hill and
lias two children, Elmer and Irene. In his
political belief Mr. Quick is independent, voting
for men rather than parties, and always sup-
porting those whom he deems best fitted to
represent the people in offices of trust. The es-
teem in which he is held is the result of his long
and honorable association with affairs in Califor-
nia. As a member of that illustrious band of
pioneers of 1849, ne 's worthy of remembrance
long after he shall have passed from the scene
of activities, and his name will be perpetuated in
the annals of his home county.
STEPHEN RIANDA.
Comparatively few of the residents of Santa
Cruz county claim Switzerland as their native
land. That sturdy republic across the seas,
whose sous are always so loyally devoted to its
welfare, has sent us but few citizens. Among
them mention belongs to Stephen Rianda, who
since 1882 has owned and occupied a valuable
farm in the Pajaro valley. The property consists
of one hundred and eighty-two acres and is de-
voted to general farm pursuits to a large extent,
-rain being one of the principal products. Like
all of the residents of the valley, he appreciates
the importance of the apple industry. Xew town
Pippins are his specialty, and he has thirty-five
acres under cultivation to this variety, there be-
ing twenty-one hundred trees, a majority of
them in bearing condition. In addition he has a
vineyard of sixteen acres.
In Switzerland Mr. Rianda was born Decem-
ber 20, 1S40. being a son of Perry and Dolorata
A4, X.
O/r^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
G2 1
(Banrelle) Rianda. The father, who was born
in 1819, devoted his active years to agriculture,
first in iiis native land, but after [852 in the
United States. His voyage across the ocean was
made in company with Louis Martinelli, with
whom he came via Cape Horn to the far west,
settling in Watsonville. The next years were
busily passed in agricultural pursuits. How-
ever, his heart finally grew homesick for the land
of his youth, and in 1864 he returned thither,
remaining there until his death in 1878. A man
of integrity and uprightness, he was held in high
esteem by associates.
At the time Stephen Rianda came to America,
in 1865, he was a youth of sixteen years, adven-
turous, active, and with all the ambition and
hopefulness of youth. Landing in Xew York.
In- soon took passage for California via the
Isthmus of Panama, and after a voyage lasting
from May 8 to July 2. he arrived at the Golden
Gate. From there he came to Watsonville, of
which he had heard much from his father dur-
ing the latter's residence here. At nineteen
years of age he rented a tract of land and en-
gaged in farming, besides which he conducted
a dairy for ten years. Economical and perse-
vering, he met a degree of success that was
gratifying and richly merited. Since establish
ing his home on his present farm he has brought
the place under excellent cultivation, has made
main- improvements, planted many apple tree-.
set out his vineyard, and altogether transformed
the property into one of the valuable farm-- of
the valley. At no time has he cared for political
prominence ami he takes no part in public affairs
aside from voting the Republican ticket.
The marriage of Stephen Rianda in 1877
united him with Ellen McKirlcy. who was born
111 Monterey county, Jul) ij. [850. Her father,
James McKinley, was a native of Stirling, Scot
land, whence he crossed the ocean to \merica at
nineteen years of age, settling in California. A
few years afterward he married Carmen Amesti,
who was horn in Montere) county, of Spanish
extraction. During the earlier part of hi. life
lie followed the sea, rising to the rank of captain
and commanding a vessel For some years. When
advancing age rendered his calling no longer
advisable, he turned his attention to agriculture,
and as a farmer passed the last days of his Hie.
dying in 1875 on the estate he had improved.
The family of Mr. ami .Mrs. Rianda consists oi
six children, namely: Edward, Flora, Prudence,
Viola, Alice and Stephen, Jr.
HIRAM LEE DAVIS.
Phis citizen of Salinas was born in 1S44 and
with his parents came to the far west from
Canada in 1854, being therefore one of the first
settlers of this favored land. He has always
been a prosperous and progressive business
man. As a cattle raiser and stockman he has
accumulated a fortune and is today one of the
wealthiest men of Monterey county. In every
transaction of life he is upright and honesl : gen
erous and kind to a fault, a respected citizen an 1
3 good neighbor. Some of his time is devoted
to field -ports, such as hunting, of which he is
passionately fond. As an expert shot he cannot
be excelled, and many a deer, quail and other
game has gone down under his unerring aim.
At proent he resides in Salinas and devotes
aboul one-half of his time to managing his
landed interests and looking after his cattle in-
dustry, lie owns two large farms three miles
west of Salinas. One of these farms contains
a dwelling house that is excelled 1>\ very few
rural residences in the entire county. The pump-
ing plant Used for irrigating the land COSl ah uil
$5,1 00 and is a model of its kind. Phis farm com-
prises more than five hundred acres, and is
rented for more than $12,000 per annum, its
acreage being devoted to dairying and stock
raising.
In 1SS7 Mr. Davis married Florence Titus, a
highly esteemed young lady, livelv and cheerful
in disposition, a good wife and kind nv
By this union there are three daughters, Ella,
Cornelia and Yelma. aged respectivel) fourteen,
eleven and ten years. The home life of Mr.
Davis and famil) is bright and full of sunshine.
Each member helps to make life happ\ ail
jovablc. The daughters dearly love their indul-
gent father and kind mother. Through all his
life Mr. I >avis has been a ef.se obsen ei
of travel and a student of mankind. I fe has
•>•?•?
' HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
seen man) parts of the world and expects in
the near future to travel through Europe for
health, observation and pleasure.
JAMES REDMAN.
As the traveler passes along the Beach road
near Watsonville he notes with interest an at-
tractive residence, built in the colonial style of
architecture and presenting an appearance at
once inviting and unique. This is the home of
James Redman and family. The interior of the
house is as attractive as its exterior. The ap-
pointments of the eight rooms are modern. The
finishings are of eastern oak. birdseye maple and
natural hard wood. Acetyline gas has proved
to be a satisfactory mode of illumination. All
the conveniences for housekeeping are to be
found, and the home is one that would be con-
sidered elegant in our large cities. Surrounding
the residence are one hundred and twenty acres
of rich bottom land, the cultivation of which
has brought to the owner a gratifying revenue.
Air. Redman was born in Monroe county.
Mo., April 1 i. [856, and is a son of K. F. Red-
man, one of the old and influential residents of
Santa Cruz county, and in whose sketch on an-
other page the family history appears. On com-
ing to California James Redman was a child of
eight years, and after a year in Sonoma county
he accompanied the family to Watsonville.
where he attended school. The farm of which
his father became the owner and on which the
years of his youth were passed was located only
one and one-half miles from Watsonville, hence
was easy of access to town. In 1882 he moved
to the farm wln-re he now resides, and here he
has since engaged in raising potatoes and
sugar beets. During 1902 his crop averaged
fifteen tons .per acre, and during other seasons
even larger crops have been secured. In addi-
tion to this property he owns an orchard of
eighty-one acres in Monterej county, where he
has six hundred pear trees. As a farmer and
fruit-grower he is keen, energetic, resourceful
and capable, and it is said of him by bis ac-
quaintances thai the county lias no agriculturist
ter] than he. < >n his Farm ma)
of his high grade stock, this being one of his
hobbies.
The marriage of Mr. Redman took place in
Watsonville in 1880 and united him with Miss
Louise Werner, who was born in San Fran-
cisco. They have no children of their own, but
are rearing an adopted daughter, Alice Mary.
While Mr. Redman has' never been a politician
nor a partisan in his opinions, yet he favors
Democratic principles and gives his support to
the men anil measures of that party. The suc-
cess attained by him in his business ventures
proves him to be a man of capability and in-
dustrious habits. While he had the influence of
his father to aid him in starting out. yet it may
lie said of him that, even without such influence,
his own perseverance, wise judgment and shrewd
common sense would have brought him pros-
perity and prominence. The position which he
occupies among the farmers of the Pajaro valley
is his by right of sterling traits of head and
heart.
GRANVILLE C. SHELBY.
Though many, years have elapsed since Mr.
Shelby passed from the scenes of earth and an-
other generation has since risen to promote the
commercial activities of Santa Cruz, he is still
remembered by the pioneers among whom he
was a genial co-worker and delightful associate.
He was born and reared in Tennessee, a sun of
Dr. C. 11. Shelby, and learned the cabinet-
maker's trade in Nashville. As soon as the news
reached him of the discover-) of gold in Cali-
fornia, he left that city and came overland to
the Pacific coast, landing at Santa Cruz in 1849.
This now popular resi n was then a mere hamlet,
inhabited by a few Americans and a consider-
able population of Spaniards. Owing to its
proximity to Monterey, which at the time was
the capital of California, it enjoyed benefits that
would not haw accrued to it in more isolated
sections of the state. From a commercial stand-
point it presented favorable opportunities, and of
these Mr. Shelby availed himself. Soon after
bis arrival he entered into the undertaking busi-
ness wiili George Starrier and the) continued to
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
known as reliable and honorable business men.
Today the business is conducted on the same
site, under the title of the Wasendorf Furniture
and Undertaking Company. In addition to his
activity in his special business lines, he took an
interest in the building up of the town and in
the days when carpenters were scarce often
assisted in the construction of residences and
'tores. Through these various lines of business
he amassed a competence and at the time of his
death, which occurred December 29, 1869, at the
age of forty-four years, he was numbered among
the well-to-do and prosperous business men of
Santa Cruz. In his religious views he was
liberal, not identifying himself with am- denom-
ination, but showing himself to Lie a believer in
the highest principles of religion as exemplified
in a life of integrity and honor. In fraternal
relations he was connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
The marriage of Mr. Shelby united him with
Mary A., daughter of Vardamon and Mary
(Maxswain) Bennett. She, her brother Win-
ston (also of Santa Cruz) and Julia, of Los
Angeles, are the sole survivors of a large fam-
ily, the others being Catherine. Dennis. Jackson,
Mansell and Samantha. Her father, who was
born in Alabama, married in Georgia, later n -
moving to Tennessee, and there reared his fam-
ily anil engaged in business pursuits. From
there he moved to Arkansas and later, in April
ot [842, joined a train of one hundred and sixty-
five people bound tor < Iregon. Alter a long and
perilous journey, in October they arrived at
their destination, to which they hail been guided
only by wandering Indians and trappers. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Shelb) sewn children
were born, namely: Lenore. Emma, Eva, John.
Flora, Mary and Lizzie, all of whom are de-
ceased. All of the children died before arriving
at mature years with the exception of Mary,
who became the wife of John M. De frees and
at her death left four children, Violet I... John.
Lorain and Ethel M. Bereaved In the death of
her husband and children, Mrs. Shelby has
found solace in the presence of her grandchil-
dren, to whose happiness and welfare she is af-
fectionateh devoted. Her home is on Spruce
Street, Santa Cruz, am! in addition 1- tins prop
erty she formerly owned three houses on Elm
street, but these have been sold. All of these
residences were erected under her supervision.
Among the people of her home city she is highly
respected, having by her amiable disposition and
kind heart won the confidence and affectionate
regard of a large circle of warm personal friends.
ALBION PARIS SWANTON.
Identified with the interest, of Santa Cruz
since the '(.us. Mr. Swanton was born in Gard-
ner, Me., Tub, 14. 1826. As a boy he did not
have the advantages common to the youth of the
present general ion, but such as he had he en-
joyed to their utmost. However, the knowledge
be possesses is the result of reading and observa-
tion rather than schooling. When fifteen years
of age he secured employment with an uncle who
was a butcher in Bangor, Me., and later em-
barked in business for himself. With the means
thus accumulated he made his way to New York
City and entered into the ship chandlery busi-
ness, conducting the same with fair success. The
most discouraging happening during his resi-
dence in the metropolis was a heav} loss by fire,
but even this catastrophe did not daunt him.
In 1864 Mr. Swanton came to California via
the isthmus and settled in Pescadero, San Mateo
county. From there he soon came to Santa
Cruz and bought the San Lorenzo stables, which
lie conducted with C. II. Martin. Later he
opened the Bonner stables, ami about the same
time with his s m, Fred VV., buill and operated
the Swanton bouse, conducting the hotel until it
burned down. for thirty years 1 r more he lias
engaged in the livery business, and during ibis
time has also maintained an oversight of
inter* -is. < in the organizatii n of the Santa
Cruz Electric Light and Power Companj he be-
came one .if its stockholders. 1 M:her in vements
of a similar nature have received bis support and
The home 1 1 VI r. Swanton, on Mission street,
Santa Cruz, is presided over l>\ his wife, whom
lie married in Maine in [848 and who was Miss
Emily J. Parsllley. Three children were born
of their union, but one died in infancy, and Mrs.
A. I'.. Abbott die. I ill Santa I 111/. the onh stir
62 I
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vivor being Fred \\ '. Swanton. The Masons and
Odd Fellows number Air. Swanton among- their
members, and he maintains an interest in their
activities.
HENRj. ST( IFFERS.
A progressive German-American who has
made money rapidly since coming to California
is Henry Staffers, who, though not a large land
owner himself, has succeeded in utilizing to the
best possible extent the land of other people.
I lis success in the Pajaro valley is the best proof
of the fertility of this well favored locality, and
has undoubtedly done much inwards convincing
others of its genuine worth as an agricultural
center.
In his youth Air. Stutters had before him the
example of success set by his father, Henry, who
was the representative of a fine old Teutonic
family, and who was for forty-three years in
the government emplo} on street work, a posi-
tion both remunerative and responsible. His
wife. Margaret (Miller) Stoffers, reared to
years of usefulness six children, viz.: John,
Herman. Jacob, August, Henry, and Hinry.
Henry Stoffers came to America when nineteen
i" age. and soon after locating in Califor-
nia came to Watsonville, where he engaged in
ranching with John Jordan. At the end of three
years, or in 181)3, ne leased the O. < >. Stosser
ranch south of Watsonville, and has since made
wonderful progress with this line property. His
own ranch of twenty acres was purchased Janu-
ary 1, [902, and is located one mile from Wat-
sonville. This combined responsibility takes
ab in ail ih'' time of Mr. Staffers; who, because
1 - iperior business and managerial ability, has
no difficulty in developing all of his land, and
getting all possible out ••( it. Some idea of the
possibilities of the Pajaro valley ma\ be gained
from facts vouched for by Mr. Stoffers. In [902
he realized eighteen hundred sacks of onions
from four acres of Land, and he has gathered as
many as two hundred sacks of potatoes from
one acre of land, and twenty tons of sugar beets
fri pin one acre.
In 1885 Mr. Stoffers married Anna Deben,
Henry and Sophia (Jordan) Deben. Of this
union there were born five children, of whom
Mrs. Stoffers is second oldest. The other chil-
dren tire: Ida, John, Henry and one deceased.
Mr. and Mrs". Stoffers are the parents of six
children, viz.: Margaret, Carl, Arnold. Ida,
I terry and ( )tto. Mr. Stoffers is a Democrat in
politics, and is fraternally connected with the
Independent Order Odd Fellows. He is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church.
PIO SCARONI.
Like so many of his countrymen who have
turned their attention to dairying and farming
in this land of sunshine. Pio Scaroni was born
among the sheltering Swiss mountains, in Gor-
dola, the day of his birth being July 11. 1851.
He inherits his familiarity with dairying, for his
father, < •. A. Scaroni, was devoted to that occu-
pation, ami in addition was a very prominent
man, filling the office of mayor of Gordola until
old age compelled his retirement. He married
Elizabeth Codiga.
At the age of eighteen years Pio Scaroni left
the home surroundings in Switzerland, and em-
barked for the greater possibilities of the United
States, landing in New York December 28, [869.
After a short time he came to the Pacific coast,
locating near Santa Cruz, where he rented land
and maintained a farming and dairying enter-
prise. He became possessor of his present ranch
in [883, when he bought ten hundred and three
acres, and has since successfully managed the
same. He litis one of the finest dairies in the
country, .and the extent of his operations is best
illustrated by the fact that in 1901 he shippe I
sixty-six thousand pounds of full cream cheese
to Stic Francisco. Mr. Scaroni is also engaged
in general farming, and in addition takes a great
interest in several outside industries, lie is fra-
ternallj an Odd Fellow and a Knight of
Pythias, and in religion is a communicant of the
Roman Catholic Church.
In 1N70 Mr. Scaroni was united in marriage
with T\ Genoni, who was bun in Switzerland,
Januar) 25, 1855, and they have eight children,
namely: Leo, Mary, Adeline, Lilly, Jos,. ph.
\una.' Harry and [ohn.
tynZZLrZZ &
CL/l^-^^i^-?)
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
WORTHINGTON PARS! >NS.
The position held by Mr. Parsons among the
prosperous farmers of Monterey county proves
him to be a man of judgment and industrious
application, and one who has worked his way
forward in spite of reverses and hardships. He
was born near St. George, Tucker county, W.
Ya., December 29, 1852. and grew to manhood
on the home farm. His mother died when he
was eight and six years later his lost his father
by death, so that the training received by most
children under careful parental oversight was
never granted him. However, he possesses
traits that have enabled him to surmount ob-
stacles and gain for himself an education not
always possessed by more carefully-reared men.
One of his first ventures in the business world
was as a lumberman, and for two years he was
employed in a grist mill.
( )n coming to California in 1875 Mr. Parsons
had little but his energy, willing hands and de-
termined spirit. Such qualifications, however,
when backed by a robust constitution, are by
mi means to be despised, and they have proved
the nucleus of the present resources of the man.
He came direct to the Salinas valley and secured
employment as assistant on a ranch. During
the eight years spent there he gained a thor-
ough knowledge of the dairy business, and also
saved a neat sum of money. The investment of
this money in horses and machinery enabled
him to begin ranching for himself, and he has
since risen to a position among the enterpris-
ing farmers of the valley. Of the twelve hun-
dred acres he now cultivates sevent) acre-- are
in beans, and more than eleven hundred acre
in grain. In the cultivation of the land Fort}
head of horses are used. The latest and mosl
modern machinery may be seen on the place,
as well as the other equipments of a first-class
farm. The neat appearance of the property
proves Mr. Parsons to be a thrifty, industrious
and capable agriculturist.
The marriage of Mr.Parsons occurred in 1874
and united him with Miss Annie Wilmoth, b)
whom he has three daughters. The eldest, Dor-
i as, 1- the wife of V\ II Rowling, who repre-
sents the Del Monte Milling Company in San
Francisco; the second daughter, Alida May, is
the wife of Duncan McKinnon, Jr. The young-
est daughter, Nellie L., is with her parents.
RICHARD THOMPS< >N.
The long and intimate association of Mr,
Thompson with the history of Santa Cruz and
the responsible position which he hold-, as
agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company at
this point, makes him erne of the best-known
residents of the city. All of the recollections of
his life, except those of his first eight years, are
associated with California and the Pacific coast
region, and he is loyal to the west, a firm be-
liever in its progress, a true friend of its insti-
tutions. The only son in a family of six chil-
dren, he was born in Xew York City September
19, 1840, his parents being Richard and Sarah
(Smith) Thompson. At the age of eight years
he was brought to California by his uncle. I apt
Joseph Galloway, starting on the long voyage
via Cape Horn January 31. 1848, on the ship
< >t hello. When near Rio Janeiro the ship was
wrecked and the passengers were obliged to
wait one month before they could continue on
their voyage. Finally, however, they safel) ar-
rived in San Francisco, one year from the time
of starting.
Educational advantages were not numerous
in those early days, and Mr. Thompson
his education more to native wit and hab
reading than to any thorough system of -.
ing. While a boy he was employed as clerk and
also tried his luck at mining, hut the latter ven-
ture did not bring an) alluring results. \n
earl} position was that of clerk in the general
freight office at Sacramento on the first railroad
1 dilt in ( 'alifi irnia, and b uccessivi
tions he rose t<> he general freight agent. Later
he filled the position of conductor. Meantime,
in connection with ether duties, he gained a
knowledge of the express business, to which so
much of his life has been devoted. Going to
Solano county in [863, he induced the citizens
to build a railroad, and of this he becami
urer and a director. For tiw years he also con-
ducted a mercantile business at Vacaville, hut
then disposed of his interests an
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
messenger for the Wells-Fargo Express Com-
pany. After two years he accepted a position as
agent of the same company at Santa Cruz.
.: traveled much and visited man) sec-
tions of the west, lie became convinced that the
climate of Santa Cruz was unsurpassed and he
therefore believed investments in local property
could be made with safety. Considerable real
e-tate lias passed through his hands, much of it
at a desirable profit, and among the various pur-
chases was that of a lot on the corner of Law-
rence and Mission streets, where he erected an
attractive residence.
In Santa Rosa occurred the- marriage of Mr.
Thompson to Mary Jane Patton. daughter of
Hugh Patton. a pioneer of 1836 in California
and the owner of twenty-five hundred acres of
land, purchased in those early days for $25.
Mrs. Thompson was a Californian by birth and
training, and was an honored guest in the best
homes of Santa Cruz, where her life ended June
18, 1901. Surviving her aje two sons, Ralph
M. and William E. The older son is his father's
assistant, while the younger is head clerk in the
office of the Wells-Fargo Express Company at
San Francisco. The Association of California
Pioneers numbers Mr. Thompson among its
members, and he has a wide acquaintance
among many others who. like himself, came to
the west in an early period. Movements for the
benefit of Santa Cruz have received his co-op-
eration and support. On the establishment of
the first bank here he was chosen a director and
continued as such for some time. Other in-
stitutions of equal value had the benefit of his
broad experience and keen discrimination. A
believer in the lofty principles of Masonry, he
has connected himself with various degn
tin order, and is now a member of the lodge and
chapter in Santa Cruz, as well as the comman-
clery at San J
!.[■■.( >NARD J. SMITH.
ii the transported easternei - who h
made a sin cess 1 1 farming in Santa ( !ruz g ami
and who is also a practical blacksmith, is I.e.
ard J. Smith, horn in Hancock county, M
May 3, 1850, a son of J. J. and Lou
1 t iordon 1 Smith, the former of whom was horn
1 Ictober 31, 1817, and the latter in 1820, the
birthplace of both being Hancock county, Me.
The parents reared to years of usefulness nine
children, of whom Leonard, Alice and Cecilia
are the > ally survivors.
At a comparatively early age Leonard J. Smith
learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed
in connection with work on the paternal farm.
Xot until thirty years of age did he leave the
surroundings of his youth, and in 1S78 came to
California, locating in Santa Cruz county in
1882. The first few- years of his sojourn on the
ci ast he followed the carpenter's trade, but since
locating on his present farm in 1882 has de-
voted his energies entirely to general farming.
and the chicken industry. He has been success-
ful, and has never regretted his choice of loca-
tion in this state.
Mrs. Smith was born in Scotland, March 20,
[840, the daughter of John and Margaret 1 Mit-
chell) Calderwood, who came to America in
1844, locating in Orleans county. Vt., wdiere
they farmed for the rest of their lives. Two of
their sons served in the Civil war, one of whom,
Andrew, was shot from his horse at the battle of
Five Forks. In 1864 he married Allen Core .
who died in 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have
been born two children: Walter, who is a con-
stable at East Santa Cruz, and Jennie, the wife
of Walter Richards.
MORRIS I'.. TUTTLE.
Mr. Tuttle is one of those who have appre-
ciated the possibilities by which he 1- surrounded
in the Pajaro valley and turned them to the best
possible account. He is the owner of three hun-
dred acres, being in four different ranches, and
one hundred and forty acres of which is under
fruit. That he has been unusually successful is
evidenced by the beautiful and costly residence
erected b) him but recently, and which has no
superior in this beautiful valley. Large in size
and graceful in proportions, this reminder of
patrician Colonial days rear- its classical lines
planted from the scene of song and story in the
east. Arizona sandstone and granite compose
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFXORD.
C\!!>
the exterior of the first story, the second story
being shingled. Costly Hungarian ash, oak,
cedar, birdseye maple and mahogany supply the
interior finishing's, the floors are laid in hard
woods, and the hall and dining room are paneled
in oak. No expense has hern spared to make
this home an ideal of its kind.
The youth of Mr. Tuttle was spent on his
father's farm in Van I'.uren county, Iowa, where
he was horn February [6, 1858. In 1873 he
came to California with his parents, ( )wen and
Alary (Burns) Tuttle. and completed his edu-
cation in the public schools of Watsonville. In
1880 he married Alary Ingles, a native of Iowa,
and of this union there have been born six chil-
dren: Lee IT. Owen A".. Warren, Alabel and
Gladys (twins), and Adele.
In 1892 Air. Tuttle located on his present
ranch of thirty acres upon which he erected his
beautiful home. He is a Republican in political
affiliation. As a fruit grower he is unexcelled,
and is one of the best authorities on horticulture
and farming in the community.
THOMAS S. TARLETi >N.
During his life in California Thomas S. Tarle-
ton was variously occupied in different parts of
the state previous to locating on the farm now
occupied by his wife, between Soquel and Santa
Cruz. Though many years have elapsed since
bis death. September 19, 1884, he is recalled by
those who knew him as a typical westerner by
adoption, wdio readily grasped and utilized the
chances by which he was surrounded. Born in
New Hampshire in May, [821, be married, while
still in bi> native state, Susan A. Tuttle, born in
Concord, X. 11,, March 1, 1824. Together the)
came to California December 1. [854, and lo-
cated at Morman I -land, where Air. Tarleb
perimented with mining for a -hurt time. Lati 1
on he renounced mining as purely speculi
and engaged in teaming in the northern part of
the -taie. also for a time working on a farm. In
San Jose he engaged in carpentering and build
ing, and after removing to Oakland, continued
to build and contract for three years. From the
latter cit) lie removed to Santa Cruz county, and
located on the farm of -i\t\ acres, n< > \ opi rated
by his son, Frank A., and occupied by the rest
of his family. He was a prominenl Republi-
can, and took quite an active part in the inter-
ests of his friends, although he himself was
averse to office holding.
Airs. Tarleton, still in possession of the
faculties which made her so necessary a help-
mate to her husband, is a daughter of Jesse
Tuttle, to whom is due the credit of publishing
the first paper in the state of New Hampshire.
Five children were born to Air. ami Airs. Tarle-
ton, of whom four are living: Agnes, born
January 25, 1851, the wife of C. lb Deering;
John K., born January 9, 1856; Frank A.,
born October 10, 1857, and William H., born
August 16, 1859.
EDWARD D. THOAIPSi >N.
< ieneral farm pursuits ami apple-raising have
occupied the attention of Air. Thompson since
he settled upon his present place near Watson-
ville. Under his immediate oversight are one
hundred and four acres, constituting the estate,
and of this seventy-five acres are in an apple
orchard of Belleflowers and Newtown Pippins.
As might be expected, the products of -uch a
large orchard are enormous, and the fine ap-
ple- from the Thompson farm find their way
into the markets where the choicest varieties
only are received. The improvements are mod-
ern and, pleasing and bespeak the energy and in-
telligence of the owner.
In the county of Santa Cruz, where he still
resides. Air. Thompson was born April 1. [862,
being a -on of Join; ami Mary A. (Cummings)
Thompson. Hi- father, who was born in [re-
el the ocean to America in early life
and was married in Boston. In [855, just a year
after coming t<> this country, he came we-t to
California and established hi- home on a farm
in Santa I rttz county, where hi- -til'
years were passed. Agricultural pursuits
formed his life occupation. While he did not
accumulate a .-,,1111.. tence, he y< I met with a fair
eh -iee 1 \iter becoming a citizen of
the United States he voted with the Democratic
party.
Kvard D. Thompson ha-
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ever known is the count) where he still lives.
As a boy he studied in the schools of Watson-
ville, and on completing his education he de-
voted himself to farm pursuits, in which occu-
pation he continued on the home farm until
twenty-eight years of age. Since then he has
owned and operated a farm near Watsonville,
comprising, a- before stated, one hundred and
four acres. His comfortable rural home is pre-
sided over by his wife, formerly Mary Murphy,
who was born in Ireland and whom he married
in this county February 3. 1896. In religious
connections both are members of the Roman
Catholic Church. Like his father. Mr. Thomp-
son espouses the cause of the Democracy ami
gives his ballot to the support of its men and
principles.
DELUSS D. WILDER.
The ranch owned and occupied by Air. Wilder
is situated four miles from Santa Cruz and is
one of the most attractive in the county of that
name. It comprises twenty-three hundred acres
of land, with two and one-half miles of ocean
frontage. The ranch is utilized especially for the
dairy business of which .Mr. Wilder is the head
and which, in its prosecution, requires the ser-
vices of fifteen employes. Almost three hun-
dred milch cows are kept on the place, and a
milk wagon furnishes milk for customers in
Santa Cruz. The balance of the milk not thus
-old is made into butter, for the manufacture of
which every facility and modern convenience
a) I"' here found. Included in the buildings
necessan to the work are a separator room,
20x30; a wash room for cans. 16x20; a churn-
in- room, 20x20; ami a cold storage plant. The
large amount of ice needed for the dairy is man-
ufactured by Mr. Wilder, and he also has the
dynamos used for the lighting of his house and
barns. The main stable for the cows is 1.0x320
feet, ami accommodates one hundred and three
Idle in a loft above the feed
C kept. The barns, dairy, etc.. form a pleasant
adjunct and accessor} to the residence which is
a beautiful dwelling, furnished with all the con
vi niences of the twentieth centur) .
I he gentleman who is at the head of this
large enterprise was born in West llartland.
Conn., February 2$, 1826, and grew to man-
hood on a farm. His earliest recollections are
of the rigid economy necessary to make both
ends meet. When eighteen years of age he was
put out on a farm and worked for $6.50 a month,
taking one-half of his wages in store orders.
Six years of this constant work enabled him to
save a little money, and he then started in a
book agency business in < >hi<>. Unfortunately,
this venture did not bring success, so he bought
a horse and saddle and started for Connecticut.
Railroads had not yet been built, and travel on
horseback was not very desirable at a season of
the year when the thermometer was fifteen de-
crees below zero. Before reaching his jour-
nej 's end his health gave way under the hard-
ships of the trip. Fortunately he had relatives
in New York who were kind to him and in-
sisted upon him remaining with them until he
Lad regained his health. As soon as able to
resume work he began to make stone fences,
for which he was paid sixteen and two-thirds
cents a rod. This work enabled him to make
about $1 a day.
During 1853 Mr. Wilder came to California.
and after a tedious trip of seven months arrived
in Stockton. In common with all the early com-
ers to this state, it was his ambition to enter the
mines, and we find him putting forth efforts to
gain a livelihood as a miner in Placer count).
His success varied; sometimeshewas buoyed b)
hopes of a great discovery, ami at other times
was downcast with disappointment. In the end
he felt that he had not secured enough to re-
pay him for the hazardous expedition across the
plains. In June of 1851; he settled in Marin
county, where, with a capital of $200. he
started a chicken ranch and small dairy. From
the first he met with success. The business in-
creased in extent and the profits -lew in pro
portion. In 1871 he came to Santa Cruz count)
and in partnership with L. K. Baldwin bought
a large tract four miles from Santa Cruz.
Eventually the partnership was dissolved, the
ranch was divided and he retained that portion
lying nearesl to Santa ( ruz. Here he ami Mrs.
Wilder (formerl) Miranda Finch of Michigan)
have a pleasant and attractive home, that in its
ARTHUR ATTKRIIx-,1-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
<;:;:;
furnishings, and the presence of books, pic-
lures, etc., indicates the refined tastes of the
family. In politics Mr. Wilder is a stanch Re-
publican, interested in his party's success, but
at no time an aspirant for office. Some thirty
years ago he became affiliated with the Inde-
pendent ( Irder of Odd Fellows and still retains
his membership in this organization. Among
the people of the county of Santa Cruz he has
a host of friends, whose confidence he has won
by his acumen, tact, intelligence and upright
character. Few are better known than he and
none stands higher in the esteem of the people
of Santa Cruz county.
ARTHUR ATTER1DGE.
It is not too much to say that Ireland has
given few citizens to America whose knowledge
was broader or wdiose attainments more solid
than those evinced by Mr. Atteridge, and had
his life been spared to the usual span of exist-
ence undoubtedly he would have gained a large
financial success. Such may be presumed from
the fact that, during the short period of his resi-
dence in Watsonville, he accumulated a valuable
property through his management of business
affairs. His parents were Arthur J. and Nora
(Ryan) Atteridge, the former being for years
associated with McCarthy & Downey. M. P.
In such an atmosphere as this the son grew to
manhood, prepared for life's responsibilities, and
he himself had the advantage of a lengthy asso-
ciation with the parliament. Surrounded by the
influences that develop the mind and broaden
the outlook, he acquired a knowledge as accu-
rate as it was broad, and embracing, within its
limit-, information in regard to his own coun-
try, its trials, its struggles and its prospective
triumphs.
However, great a.- was his regard for his na-
tive land. Air. Atteridge was induced to seek a
home in the United States, having heard much
in favor of the ideal climate of California. In
1880 he settled in Watsi nivillc, and fur a short
time worked as a clerk, but s< >< >n embarked in
the grocery business, having as a partner 1 '.
Sheehey, and the two conducted a very su< 1 1
nil business, gaining an increasing trade and the
confidence of their customers. Meantime,
though his personal affairs engrossed his atten-
tion. Mr. Atteridge found time 1.1 show his lov-
alty as a citizen of the United States and his
devotion to the welfare of Watsonville. Elected
a member of the board of city trustee-,, he was
made chairman of the board and filled the posi-
tion with dignity and efficiency, for some time
lie acted as trustee of the Young Men's Insti-
tute. After coming to Watsonville he purchased
a residence on Main street and here, in 1889, his
earth life came to an end, when he was thirty-
nine years of age. He is survived by his wife.
Alary, daughter of Timothy Sheehey, and the
following-named children: Robert Fmmett, who
owns and operates a ranch in Monterey county;
Arthur Joseph, a clerk: Genevieve AF; John Tim-
othy, a rancher; and James Feo, who is a stu-
dent at Santa Clara College. The sons are en-
terprising and capable young men, and have in-
herited from their parents qualities which will
undoubtedly bring them success in the business
world.
URIAH W. THoAIl'Si )N.
For almost half a century the familiar figure
of Uriah W. Thompson has been seen around
his farm on the road between Santa Cruz and
Soquel, and though he is now one of the oldest
men in the county he is still able to appreciate
and estimate the extent of his harvests, and to
take an interest in the doings of his fellow
townsmen. Surrounding him is the interest in-
variably associated with the great army who
thronged to the coast in the days of gold, and
with the noble and self sacrificing pioneers who
mapped out, and worked to bring about, the pres-
ent prosperous conditions. Arriving in San
Francisco 1 >ctober 10. [849, he engaged in min-
ing long enough to convince himself that he was
nol likel) to be among the chosen few. and
thereafter came to Santa Cruz county to work
i,i a saw mill. At the end of two years he
bough) tin farm of one hundred and forty acres
which has witnessed his unceasing toil, and
where fortune, supported b} his wise judgment,
Las seen tit to crown his work with sue
Born in Missouri, om- hundred and fifty
634
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
miles south of St. Louis, February 27, 1830, Mr.
Thompson is a son of James Thompson, who
was born in North Carolina, and came to Mis-
souri at any early day and took up government
land, upon which he lived until his death. He
was a stanch Democrat, and very public-
spirited. His wife, Frances (Strong) Thompson,
was born in South Carolina, and bore him ten
children, of whom but two are living, Uriah \\ .
and Mary E.. the latter now Mrs. Wilkinson of
Missouri. Uriah was reared on the home farm
in Missouri and lived with his parents until
coming to California in 1849. In 1856 he mar-
ried Charlotte Rice of Illinois. They had four
children, but only two are now living, Charles
A. and Uriah M. James II. passed away in
moi. and Francis M. died in infancy. Mr.
Thompson has been one of the central person-
alities in the development of his section, and no
one has more surely maintained an enviable
place in the hearts and minds of his friends and
associates.
PETER V. WILKINS.
During the period of his residence in Cali-
fornia, which covered the years from his arrival
in 1850 to his death in 1891, Mr. Wilkins wit-
nessed the remarkable growth and development
of his state and himself contributed in a large
degree to the prosperity and progress of his
home town, Santa Cruz. He was born in Syra-
. V., a son of David G. Wilkins. and in
his youth was given exceptional advantages,
supplementing attendance at local schools with
a course of study in Dartmouth College, from
which he was graduated.
After his arrival in California Mr. Wilkins
took up mining pursuits, as was the custom
with all newcomers of the early '50s. However-,
he found thework neither healthful nor profitable,
so he soon drifted back to San Francisco, where
be secured employment in an hotel. Not be-
ing a strong man, it became necessary for him
to find a more genial climate than San Frani is< 0
could boast, and in this way he became a resi
dent of Santa Cruz in 1864. Selecting the occu-
pation with which he was most familiar, he em
barked in the restaurant business, and soon
proved that his selection of a trade and a loca-
tion had not been unwise. The mild and equit-
able climate restored him to health and he felt
able to cope with large business activities, so
he entered into the hotel business, having as a
partner Mr. Van Dresser, with whom he con-
ducted the Santa Cruz Hotel. In 1876 he
erected the Wilkins House, which at first was
a small building, with accommodations for a
very limited number of boarders. Finding the
demand for rooms greater than his supply, he
soon enlarged the house. The popularity of
the house was such that he entertained from
one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred
and fifty persons during the summer season.
The business was profitable, but his health
proved unequal to the strain of managing the
details and overseeing the entire place, so he
retired ( )ctober 8, 1886, and afterward lived in
retirement. In 1888 he erected a handsome
modern residence on Oceanview avenue and
in that home his death occurred October 28,
1 Smi. when he was sixty-one years of age. His
father had joined him in Santa Cruz and spent
his last days in this city, where he died in 1870.
The fact of being less strong than many pre-
vented Mr. Wilkins from identifying himself
with public affairs to the extent he desired.
However, he was a stanch Republican, for some
terms a member of the city council, and a
worker for party, city and county to the extent
1 if his ability. He was interested in the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and officiated
as past grand of his lodge, also was a member
of the encampment and Rebekahs. When meas-
ures were presented for the benefit of the city he
was on the side of movements of undoubted
value. Xo project of advantage to local inter-
ests failed to secure his co-operation and assist-
ance. When a plan was projected for the estab-
lishment <«f city water-works he was enthusiasti-
cally in favor of the measure and bore a part in
the incorporation of the company having the
plan in charge.
In io(i 1 Mr. Wilkins married Catherine A.
Scollin, a daughter of James Scollin and a na-
tive of Ireland. When a child she was brought
to the United States and grew t" womanhood
in New Hampshire. Having a sister in Mon-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i;:;:,
terey county, Cal., she was induced to come
west 'in a visit, and while here met Mr. Wilkins.
No children were born of their marriage, but
the\ took into their home and reared from the
age of four years a niece. Agnes, daughter of
Andrew and Ann (Scollin) Williamson. This
niece is now the wife of Frank A. DeCray and
they make their home with Airs. Wilkins, min-
istering to her comfort and by their affection-
ate regard making happy the afternoon of her
life.
ALMON WHITE.
As superintendent of the Watsonville Water
and Light Company Air. White occupies a very
responsible position, yet one for which he is
splendidly qualified by natural gifts and experi-
ence. T'ne plant of the company is situated one
and one-half miles from Watsonville and in-
cludes two reservoirs. The larger, which is for
irrigation purposes, holds two and one-half mil-
lion gallons of water, while the smaller, which
supplies water for domestic uses for the city of
Watsonville, has a capacity of six hundred thou-
sand gallons. The elevation above "the city is
ninety-six feet, and the water is kept constantl)
changing. By means of a sixteen-inch pipe the
larger reservoir is connected with Pinto Lake,
which covers seventy-five acres, with a depth of
thirty feet. An important improvement is the
fifty-horse power water wheel, through which
water is conveyed from the springs in the moun-
tains nine miles away. The entire work of
pumping is done by gravity. Two engines, re-
spectively of seventy-five and two hundred-
horse power, supply the power for lighting Wat-
sonville and the surrounding country. The fuel
is crude oil, which is stored in two underground
tanks, each with a capacity of seven thousand
gallons.
A native of Franklin county, X. Y.. Almon
White was born November 27, 1833, being a son
of William A. and Laura (Slasson) White, of
Xew York. Besides himself there were three
children, namely: Henry, a resident of Peach
Tree, Monterey county; Edgar, whose home is
in Minnesota; and Airs. Helen Dayton, who
lives in Nevada, Iowa. The first eighteen years
in the life of Almon White were passed in New
,> ork state, whence he accompanied his parents
to Illinois and Milled on a farm in DeKalb
county. During [859 he crossed the plains to
California, in company with his brother, Henry.
Settling in Watsonville. he turned his atten-
tion to the carpenter's trade, which he followed
until 1880. Since the latter year he ha- been
superintendent of the Watsonville Water and
Light Company, which is owned by Francis
Smith and W. W. Alontague, of San Fran isco,
and was formerly known as the Corralitos
Water Company, the growth and prosperous
condition of which is largely due to his industry,
painstaking supervision and intelligent over-
sight.
By the marriage of Almon White to Anna
Hudson, a native of Iowa, there are five chil-
dren now living. The eldest of these. William
A., acts as assistant superintendent of the Wat-
sonville Water and Light Company. The
youngest son, Almon Jr.. resides with his par-
ents. The second daughter, Eva L., is the wife
of Hugh AI. Anderson, chief engineer of the
Watsonville Water and Light Company; they
have two children, Edgar AI. and Hugh Al. The
third daughter. Helen, is the wife of George E.
Morrell, of Los Angeles; and the youngest
child, Edna, is with her parents. The famiK are
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
to the maintenance of which Air. White is a con-
tributor. In politics he has always voted the
Republican ticket ever since casting a ballot for
Abraham Lincoln for president. Fraternally he
is connected with the Odd Fellows and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
HENRY WINKLE
The general farming enterprise of Henry
Winkle is loca miles east of Santa
( uiz. and consists of two hundred acre- of
land, equipped with modern agricultural im-
plements and convenient buildings. This enter-
prising farmer came to America in 1S42. bring-
ing with him the substantial traits of his coun-
trymen in Germany, in which country he was
born Februar) 15. iSjj. and where he received
636
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD.
a common school education and some experi-
ence in business.
Landing in New ( cleans, Mr. Winkle subse-
quently went to St. Louis, where he lived for
four years, and during the latter part of that
time was disturbed by the rumors of gold that
came from ship passengers and overland travel-
ers. He therefore joined a caravan bound for
the great plains, and upon arriving at his
destination on the coast, located at ITacerville,
where for seventeen years he tempted fate in
the surrounding mines. He experienced the
average number of disappointments and fail-
ures, but he was successful to the extent that he
was able to purchase his present ranch of two
hundred acres upon his removal to this county
in 1866. Since that time he has been an integral
part of the farming development in this part of
the state, and has taken his place among the
progressive and successful tillers of the soil. In
the meantime he has stanchly upheld the prin-
ciples and issues of the Democrat party, and
though in no wise an office seeker, has faithfully
served the interests of the county as a school
trustee for many years. He is a Mason socially,
and in religion is a member of the Lutheran
Church.
Twice married, the first wife of Mr. Winkle
was formerly Fredericka Hageman, a native of
Hanover, Germany, who died in October, 1871.
( )f this marriage there were three children,
George H., Glenhart C. and Adolph A. The
second marriage of Mr. Winkle was with L.
Junsen, born in Hanover, Germany, a daughter
1 i Patrick Junsen. Of this union there is one
child, Fredericka, now the wife of Christian
Solomonson. She has two children, Henry M.
and Anna, and makes her home with her father
1 ti the home ranch.
WILLIAM F. WOOD.
A resident of California since the fall of [868,
Mr. W 1 came to this state from Clark
county, 111., where he was bom in 1 S 5 5 . lie
was a lad of thirteen years when he accompa-
nied his parents to the west, traveling by rail-
road to New York and from there by steamer
i" San Francisco via Panama. Their first
location was in Sutter county, but two years
later they removed to Tulare count}-, and a year
afterward settled in Ventura county, where Mr.
\\ 1 attended public school. He was also a
student in Wilmington College in Los Angeles
county. Golden Gate Academy and the Golden
Gate Commercial College, in Oakland, Cal.,
from which latter he was graduated in 1877.
After completing his education he became fore-
man on his father's ranch at Springville, Ven-
tura county, where he remained several years.
In 1884 he completed a course in the school of
assaying and surveying at Van der Naillens
School, San Francisco. On his return to Ven-
tura county he took up farming, on a ranch
near < Ixnard, where he engaged in raising prin-
cipally lima beans and was quite successful.
The s< >il was well adapted to the raising of beans
and produced about a ton to the acre. The crop
of 1893 was so unusually large as to attract
general attention.
In the fall of 1897 Mr. Wood came to San
Luis Obispo count}-, where he has since made
his home. Previous to his removal lie had be-
come the owner of a ranch on the Osos, and
after his arrival he purchased another tract in
the neighborhood. In addition to raising gen-
eral farm products, he has given considerable
attention to raising good stock, and at the pres-
ent time owns quite a number of good horses
and thoroughbred Jersey cows. In the fall of
1900 he bought the old race track property near
San Luis Obispo, and here he now resides, re-
taining, however, his property on the Osos.
Besides this, he owns laud on Morro bay and a
stock ranch in the mountains. Emphatically he
is a progressive man. His aim is to advance
the interests of San Luis Obispo count}- and to
develop its material resources. As an instance
of his work in that direction, it may be stated
that his neighborhood owes to him the introduc-
tion of the Defiance seed wheat, a rust-proof
variety that is coming into general use among
the ranchers. At this writing he contemplates
the planting of walnut trees and the raising oi
alfalfa.
Politically Mr. Wood is a Democrat, lie is
a member of the San Luis Obispo Baptist
( 'hurch, of which he is the present treasurer
£&=..-£&»* >6£
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and a trustee, besides taking an active interest
in the Sunday school. His marriage took place
in the city of Los Angeles in 1884 and united
him with Louisa, daughter of Dr. C. W.
Thacker, a pioneer physician of Ventura county.
Five children were horn of their union, namely:
Forest, (den. Hazel, Myrtle and Dale.
JUDGE WILLIAM BLACKBURN.
In the days of her awakening prosperity Santa
Cruz had her commanding personalities, win >
manipulated her resources with dexterous hand,
and developed whatsoever of permanent g 1
was suggested by 'her advantages of climate, situ-
ation and soil. ( )f mure than passing interest
was the career of Judge William Blackburn, to
whom the city and county owe an unpayable
debt, and who, as the first alcalde under the
new administration of the territorial govern-
ment, was splendidly in tune with his surround-
ings and opportunities. A transplanted South-
erner, he was born at Harper's Ferry, Jefferson
count}-, Ya., February 14, 1814, and his death
occurred in Santa Cruz, March 25, 1867.
In his early life Air. Blackburn learned the
cabinet maker's trade, at which he became a
skilled workman, ami at which he worked after
removing to New < Irelans in 1844. For a time
he was associated in business with R. H. Saw in;
and afterward, accompanied by J. R. Snyder,
G. M. McDougal and Harry Speele, he started
for California by the overland trail. This little
band experienced various hardships while en-
deavoring to reach the coast, and when out of
money and food they stopped at Zyanti and re-
plenished their finances by making shingles.
They arrived in Santa Cruz in 1845, and here
Mr. Blackburn engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness in an adobe house on the upper plaza.
As proprietor of the public inn it is said of Mr.
Blackburn that no white person was ever asked
to pay a cent for accommodations; supper and
lodging being gratuitous, and the departing
guest receiving also the heart \ g 1 cheer and
good wishes of his host. In 1847 he was ap
pointed alcalde bj Governor Mason, and in this
capacitj attained to prominence with people for
miles around. He served in Fremont's battalion
under the Bear flag, and was First Lieutenant of
Company F, Artillery, under Captain McLean,
111 1848 he was seized with the gold fever, and in
order to try his luck as a miner was obliged to
resign as alcalde, his successor being William
Anderson. However, he possessed too conserv-
ative and business-like a mind to rely much on
the fickle chances of mining, and a year after
Starting out he returned to Santa Cruz and
again took the prominent place indicated by his
attainments and ability. Ik was appointed jus-
tice of the peace, a ver\ important office at that
time, and served with credit until 1851. During
that year he built the house which stands a! the
west of the depot, and with his brother. Daniel,
engaged in farming on a large scale. He boughl
a tract of bottom land extending from the fool
of the plaza to the sea. and thereon thi se hardy
pioneers planted potatoes, and as far as the eye
could reach there was one continuous mass of
little hills. The potato venture proved exceeding-
ly profitable, although the spirit of the planters
fluctuated with the state of the market, and were
glad or sorrowful as there was little or large
demand, ddie tubers grew to enormous size in
the fertile meadows, a four-pound potato being
an ordinary proposition. In 1854 Judge Black-
burn set out a tine orchard, which flourished ex-
ceedingly well for some time, but eventually met
the fate of orchards in all lands, although
oi the trees are still standing. Others
felled to make room for advancing civilization,
for homes and streets, and public enterprises.
The first schooner built in this part 0
fornia was the work ,,[ Judge Blackburn, and
it was of fifty tons burden. Named the Zachary
Taylor, this formidable water vehicle had quite
a record in its day. and had many succeeding
captains after its first commander. Captain Vin-
cent. As conveyor of provisions to the miners
h was a familiar sighl on the Sacramento river,
and well earned its righl to respectable retire-
ment at a ripe old age. Another enterpris
ociated nti rprise of Judge Blackburn
was the first saw mill built in Blackburn Gulch,
which wheez) disturber of primeval stillness
groaned and shook the earth for many succeed-
. led several houses,
mills and business places, and in innumerable
640
HISTORICAL AND IU< >< .RAPHICAL RECORD.
ways contributed to the upbuilding of this part
of the county. His death meant the passing of
a man necessary to the community, of sound
judgment, great insight, and fine adaptability,
one of the strong and harmonious characters
who come in the nick of time, fulfil their mis-
sion, and leave a lot of work cut out for other
people to do.
Much of his success Judge Blackburn at-
tributed to the influence of his wife and help-
mate, who was formerly Harriet M., daughter
of Henry and Betsy (Kent) Mead, and whom
he married in July, [859. Mrs. Blackburn was
born at Lanesburg, Mass., and came to Cali-
fornia in 1858 with Dr. Kittridge and wife, the
latter being her sister. < hie child was born to
Judge and Mrs. Blackburn, Frederick Snyder,
born Jul) 7. [862, and died October 19. 1864.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Blackburn
has had entire charge of his estate, which is a
large and responsible one, the care of which
necessitates shrewd business judgment. In this
capacity she has shown special aptitude, and
has the while added to her former reputation as
one of the most benevolent and kindly disposed
women of the community. Her charities are
numerous and but half known, and many an one
has risen from discouragement to affluence
through her practical assistance and common
sense advice. She is a director of the Ladies'
Aid Society, and has taken an active part in all
the work of that organization. Mrs. Blackburn
has built a cottage home on a rise of land com-
manding a view of the whole property, and of
the city, mountains and bay.
EDWARD LAURENCE WILLIAMS.
Since coining to Santa Cruz county in 1852,
Air. Williams has kept in touch with the devel-
opment of (he small and straggling village of
Santa Cruz into a beautiful coast city. His
long identification with local matters, his excel-
lent memory and thoughtful study of the prog
ress made by the city and county, contribute to
make him an authority upon all subjects bearing
on our history. The result of his impressions
of early days has, to some extent, found expres-
sion in the Early Historj of Santa Cruz County,
published in 1892 by E. S. Harrison. Through
his work he has perpetuated for future genera-
tions events connected with pioneer times, and
has therefore proved himself a citizen of the
most helpful type.
In the city of Philadelphia Edward L.
Williams was born July 7, 1826, being a son
of Edward and Helen (Wells) Williams, and
the youngest of three children. His father, who
was ;i sea captain, died before the son, Edward
L., was born, and later the mother took the
children, Mary E., Charles W. and Edward L,
to New York City, where at ten years of age
the last named began to assist in his mainte-
nance by working in a store. From a clerkship
he worked up to be a bookkeeper, and as such
was engaged with Tracy, Irwin & Co., in Au-
gust, [849, when he received a letter from his
cousin, Joseph Boston, of Monterey, Cal., urg-
ing him to come west. Acting on the advice,
In resigned his position and sailed for Califor-
nia via the Chagres river and Isthmus of Pan-
ama. He was a passenger on the California
on its second trip and cast anchor in the Mon-
terey harbor December 26, 1849. At once he
entered upon mercantile affairs. In the fall of
1852, with Edmund Jones and Joseph Boston,
he opened a branch store at Santa Cruz, put-
ting up the building now occupied by J. Bourcq
;,- a market, on the west side of Pacific avenue
(then known as Willow street). In 1854 he sold
out his interest and returned to Monterey,
where he served as county clerk and deputy
for five years. Xext he went to Watsonville
and studied law under Judge R. F. Peckham.
On his admission to the bar, April 14, i860,
he began to practice in Watsonville, but in 1862
returned to Santa Cruz and acted as deputy un-
der Sheriff Charles Kemp. A later position was
that of deputy county clerk under Albert Brown,
after which he served as deputy assessor of inter-
nal revenue ami deputy collector of internal rev-
enue, having charge of the counties of Santa
Cruz, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito and
Monterey. Upon the election of Cleveland to
the presidency he resigned his position and has
since engaged in the abstract and title busi-
ness, also as insurance agent, notary public
and dealer in real estate.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
One year after settling in California Mr.
Williams sent for his mother, who still lived in
New York City. She arrived in 185 1 and re-
mained in Santa Cruz until her death in [893,
aged eighty-one years. Being a lover of flowers,
she was delighted with the many wild flowers
she found in this state and al once endeavored
to bring them under cultivation. She was the
first to send east for flower seeds, but when they
came was disappointed to find them spoiled.
However, she sent a second request, asking that
the seeds be sewed iip in an oil silk bag before
shipping. This was done and the package ar-
rived in good condition. From those few seeds
have come man)- of the beautiful flowers that
now delighl the eye of every visitor to Santa
Cruz.
Of Lodge No. 38, F. & A. M.. Mr. Williams
is one of the oldest members and served six
years as secretary. In politics he is a stanch
Republican. He is an Episcopalian in religious
connections and has served as vestryman for
thirty years, also holding the office of senior
warden. His wife, Narcissa, was born in Mon-
terey, whither her father, James Watson, came
from England and engaged in mercantile pur-
suits and ranching. Eleven children were born
t" Mr. ami Mrs. Williams, but six of these
died young, and one, Charles E., who was city
treasurer, lied in 1899 at forty years of age.
Those now living are: Edward C, Laurence
E., Lewi, G., and Ellen M., Mrs. Charles Pioda,
of Salinas.
JOHN WAGNER.
The paternal home of the family into
which John Wagner was born was in Wurtem-
berg, Germany. Among the industries there was
a tanning establishment which continued the
even tenor of its way for many years, and which
was reckoned among the best conducted busi
nes-. concerns in the city. This tannery was
owned by Lucas Wagner, the father of John,
ami who married Alary Roller. Of their four
children, but three survive, Jacob ami Christian
being \ 1 lunger than John.
The training accorded the average middle
class youth of Germany fell to the lot of John
\\ agner, and. being an inquiring youth, he was
not -low in mastering the secrets of his father's
business. At the age of eighteen he came to
America, and from New York came by way of
Central America to California. While crossing
Central America by stage coach he became lost
from the rest of the party, but finally succeeded
in reaching the western coast, whence he em-
barked for San Francisco. He there mined with
average success, and at last turned his attention
to tanning as more readily affording a sure
livelihood. After living for a time in Stockton,
Cal, he came to Santa Cruz in 1857, and en-
gaged in the tannery business in Scott's valley,
this county. This business was sold out in 1874,
and he has since lived a retired life, to which he
is entitled after years of steady application to
business.
In 1865 Mr. Wagner married Mary Ander-
son, who died in 1872, leaving three children.
Annie, who died aged sixteen years and six
months; John and Robert. For a second wife
Mr. Wagner married Lena Arndt, and of this
union there were also three children born : Lena,
who died at the age of two years and four
months; Fred, and Louise. In politics Mr.
Wagner is independent, and from 1900 until
1902 served as councilman. He is fraternally
connected with the Independent Order of * Idd
Fellows. He owns eighteen acres of land within
the city limits, and has much valuable propert)
besides. He is among the most honored of the
1 ierman- Americans who have prospered in this
promising county, and has many friends among
hi, business association,.
WILLIAM A. WHITE.
The Watsonvillc Water and Light Company,
of which Mr. White is assistanl superintend-
ent, was established in 1S70 1>\ l.aiidrum &
Rogers, who purchased the water right from
the old Corralitos Flouring Mill Companj and
erected a reservoir with a capacity of about
three hundred thousand gallons. The gravity
; -i, in « ' 1 mpio} ed, the water coining from
1 orralitos and Brow n crei ks. After two
the water right was purchased 1>_\ Smith &
CA2
HISTORICAL AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Montague, who operated the same until 1890,
and then the Watsonville Water and Light
Compan) was incorporated. On the establish-
ment of the light system in 1889, a dynamo was
purchased with one hundred and fifty light
power. It was some little time before the pen-
pie were educated up to a desire for electric
lights, but when they realized their value. Mi-
llers came in abundance, and it was necessary
to increase to four hundred light power, a sev-
enty-five horse power engine being brought into
requisition. At this writing five thousand lights
are in use in the city of Watsonville, in
Pajaro and the surrounding country, all being
furnished by this plant. A recent improvement
was the erection of a storage reservoir of three
million gallons capacity. Protection for fire pur-
poses is adequate and complete. Water for do-
mestic purposes is furnished about eight hun-
dred and fifty families, besides which they
provide water for the irrigation of two hundred
acres of berries. The plant and reservoir are
on an eminence a short distance north of the
city and overlooking the entire valley. The
finely equipped plant is in itself abundant evi-
dence of the progressive spirit of the men who
inaugurated and have carried forward the same,
and it is to such men that Watsonville owes its
reputation as one of the most thriving cities
of the central coast region.
In the city where he now lives Mr. White
was born November 1. 1867. His father, Almon
White, a native of New York state, went to
Illinois early in life and followed the carpenter's
trade, meeting with a fair degree of success.
During 1864 he came to California and settled
at Santa Cruz, where he was employed as a
cooper in the powder mills for a short time.
In 186(1 he began to take contracts for the build-
ing of houses in Watsonville. On the incor-
poration of the Watsonville Water and Light
1 ompany he was made general superintendent,
which responsibli position he has since held.
filling the same with fidelity and ability. His
wife. Mrs, \,mic (Hudson) White, is a sister
of Mark Hudson, whose sketch appears else
where in this volume. Born of their union are
live children, namely: William A.; Eva 1...
wife of 11. M. Anderson, chief engineer of the
Watsonville Water and Light Company; Helen,
Airs. (1. E. Morrill; J. Edna and Almon H. In
his fraternal relations the father is connected
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and for some forty-five years has been a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
being past grand of his lodge at this writing
and also a member of the encampment.
In the schools of Watsonville William A.
\\ kite received a practical education. In youth
he followed various occupations, by which
means he received an excellent business train-
ing. He then began to work under his father
and has filled all the positions up to the one
he now occupies. His long connection with the
company and close study of its workings make
Ins services important to the company, by whom
he is appreciated and recognized as an intelli-
gent ami able employe. Like his father, he is
interested in the ( )dd Fellows, in which he is
connected with the lodge, encampment and can-
ton. In addition, he is a member of the Native
Sons of the Golden West. His first marriage
took place in 1890 and united him with Luella
Yoachum. who died in 1899. at the age of thirty-
one years. ( )ne child was born of their union,
a daughter. Phyllis G. Airs. Luella White was
quite prominent and active in the Native
Daughters of the Golden West, of which order
she was a past president. The present wife ol
Mr. White was Jeslina M. Schanbacher, of Wat-
sonville, who occupies with him a place of
esteem and honor among Watsonville's best
si icial circles.
ill \RI.KS HARDIN.
Previous to its establishmenl as one of the
most honored and worthy in the Salinas valley,
the name of Bardin was a familiar one among the
aristocrac) of the south, and among the family
possess!, „is were the prized cotton plantations,
whose principal wealth was invested in slaves to
do their bidding. Although a blacksmith by
trade, the paternal great-grandfather of Charles
Bardin chose the peaceful occupation of fanning,
and so successful was he that at the time ol" his
death he left a large plantation and man) slaves.
James Bardin, the father of Charles, was born
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
<;i:
in North Carolina, January 16, 1810, and lived
in his native state until attaining his majority.
Upon starting out to earn his own living he set-
tled in Alabama, later removing to Tippah
county, Miss., where he lived until 1855. In that
year he came to California and purchased a large
tract of land along the Salinas river, in the vicin-
ity of the city of that name, and around Blanco
postoffice, and the following year returned to
Mississippi for his family, with whom he to ik up
his residence in Monterey county. Mr. Bardin
is remembered as a man combining great physical
endurance with great will power and mental en-
ergy, and he fitted into the life in this then unde-
veloped locality, turning its resources into useful
production. Near Blanco he bought twelve hun-
dred acres of land, and later bought one and a
half leagues on the west side of the river, upon
which lie lived for many years. In time he dis-
posed 'if much of his estate, hut left nine hundred
and ninety-one acres at the time of his death to
lie divided among his children, lie married Lu-
cinda Walker, who was born in Smith Carolina in
1817. was married in Tippah county, Miss., in
April, 1842, and died November 29. 187S. She-
was the mother of ten children, six of whom are
living', all occupying portions of the estate accu-
mulated by their father. The children are: Eliz-
aheth. wife of James IT. McDougall, of Salinas;
Jesse, Henry, James, Charles and Lucinda, the
latter the wife of Robert Porter.
( In the ranch where he now lives, Charles Bar-
din was born February 1. [859, and was educated
in the public schools of the county. When nineteen
years of age he went to live with his brother for
a couple of years, and then occupied the farm
of "lie hundred and fifty acres given him by his
father Me is engaged in fanning and stock-
raising, and is remarkably successful and enter-
prising. In [896 lie and his brother Henry built
the Bardin hotel at Salinas, expending 1 ver $50,-
000 th.ere.iii. and Ii ased the same until 1899, when
they traded the hotel for five thousand acres of
land cm the Salinas range >>\ mountains, all of
which is under fence, and devoted I" si 1
ing. \i presenl two hundred and fort) a<
included in his heme ranch, lint in additii n he
owns valuable property in Vlonti re) 1 'ity. Mr.
Bardin is a splendidl) proportioned, large and
commanding man, and in character and attain-
ment he sustains the reputation built up by his
pioneer father.
December 1. 1880. Mr. Hardin married Rachel
Ryder, daughter of William and Rachel (Carr)
Ryder, her birth occurring in California, ' >ctober
1. [859. The Ryder parents came to California
many years ago. reared their nine children, and
are still enjoying life in the state of their ad- p
lion. Four children have been born to Mr. and
Mis Bardin: Elizabeth, Bertha, Maggie and
Charles \Y. Mr. Bardin is a Democrat, but has
never been inclined to enter the arena of p ilitical
agitation. He is extremely popular, and has
main friends in and out of the valley.
ISAIAH HAITI MAX.
Since coming to Boulder Creek in 1800 Isaiah
Hartman has been engaged in the real-estate
and insurance business, and has variously served
the community as a broad minded and public
spirited politician. A stanch upholder of Re-
publican principles and issues, he was initiated
into local political undertakings in 1892, when
In was appointed constable. Four years later,
in August. [896, be was appointed justice of the
peace, and was regularly elected to thi
office in [898. He has handled some of the
most valuable and desirable town and countr)
lands since bis residence here, and has a
gaged to a considerable extent in the lumber
i aisincss,
Tlie ver) early youth of Mr. Hartman was
spent in Canada, where be was bom < Ictober 12.
1870. 1 m German parentage and ancestry, his
father. John Hartman. was bom in the Father-
land, and came to Canada when ab >Ul twent)
five years of age. A weaver b) occupation, he
worked at bis trade in his native and adopted
countries, and managed to acquire a fair com
petence for himself and famil) . [n < an
married Barbara Kaufmann, .1 11
many, who bore him seven children, of whom
Isaiah is the youngest. Jacob is a merchant of
Boulder Creek: John is a resident of Was
ton territory; D mil 1 is a member of the I but
,,,.,,, Men antili ' omp in) of Boulder
Men.no lives in Santa Cruz; George is a lumber
G4G
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
merchant oi Boulder Creek; and Charles lives
in Santa Cruz county.
When six years of age Isaiah Hartman came
to California with his mother, locating in Santa
Cruz county, where he was reared and educated.
His common school training was supplemented
liv a course at a business college in the city of
Santa Cruz, and he came to Boulder Creek in
Sim, as before stated. His wife was formerly
Maude Young, a native of New York state, and
daughter of W. A. Young. Of this union there
have been born two children, Barbara and
Henry. Mr. Hartman is classed among the pro-
gressive and substantial citizens of Boulder
Creek, and his political services and business
career are in accord with the best interests of his
adopted town.
BARTHOLOMEW L. DRISCOLL.
Many of the residents of the Pajaro valley
have come here from other parts of the United
States, and many, too, from foreign lands, but
among the native sons of the vallej prominent
notice is due Mr. Driscoll. I lis birth occurred
June 20, 1874. and though still a young man he
has obtained an enviable place in the business
world, gained by thorough application of good
business principles. The valley is noted for the
richness of its soil and wonderful productiveness,
and Mr. Driscoll's portion is no exception to this
rule. Sixty-five acres are devoted to the raising
if berries and one hundred and seventy-five acres
are set out to apple trees, two-thirds of which are
the luscious Newtown Pippins.
I 'he father. Jeremiah Driscoll, was born in
county Cork, Ireland. He came to California in
'855. engaging in mining in the northern part
of tlu state. However, in 1K57. tiring of the
miner's life, he decided to locate in Santa Cruz
11 nnty, and here he was content to pass Ids re-
maining years. At the time of his death, in [882,
he owned three hundred and seventy-five acres
of choice land, which was formerl) devoted to
raising grain exclusively, but is now planted to
r" 1 nil and berries. The mother, formed} a Miss
. and also a nam e of county ( lork, was
born in 1836. She now makes her home on the
old I iriscol! homestead. < >f her children we
make the following mention: Mary married
John Murphy: John married Catherine Berry:
lidia is now Mrs. Schmitz, and Jerry. Richard.
Daniel and Bartholomew L are next in order of
birth.
In K)oo Mr. Driscoll married Emma Clark,
and they have a son, Robert. In political mat-
ters Mr. Driscoll is independent, and his reli-
gious interests are claimed by the Roman Cath-
olic Church. Aside- from his many business af-
fairs here he is in partnership with his brother,
R. F. Driscoll, at No. 519 Howard street, San
Francisco, in the manufacture of gas engines.
FATHER THEODORE ARENTZ, O. F. M.
An institution which may well appeal to the
pride and appreciation of the surrounding resi-
dents in the county is the Pajaro Valley < >rphan
Asylum for boys, advantageously 1> cated upon a
commanding knoll which permits an extensive
view of one of the garden sections of California.
At the present time two hundred and fifty home-
less children are reared in an atmosphere of kind-
liness and humanity, and are not only cared for
physically, but are developed mentally, spiritually
and intellectually. From the age of five to four-
teen years the children are permitted the privi-
leges of this ideal asylum, and when they step
forth into the world of action and responsibility
are equipped with some practical means of live-
lihood, suitable to their capabilities and inclina-
tions. The small fellows are busily employed in
the tailor shop, at the carpenter bench, in the
laundry, bakery and dairy of the institution, and
are imbued with an appreciate n of the dignity of
labor and its inseparable connection with a noble
and useful life. The two hundred and sixty
acres comprising the grounds of the institution
are heated near the largest of the beautiful lakes
in the valley, the site being selected b\ the
founder of the orphanage, Rev. A. Roussel, in
[870. One hundred and thirty acres were do-
nated for the purpose, fifty acres by Prudenciana
\ . De Amesti, and the balance 1 f the land by the
daughters of Mrs. Amesti. viz.: Carmen A. Mc-
Kinley, Cledonia A. Arano, Santa A. Pinto and
Tomaso M. Mendia.
In [874 the charge of the asylum was assumed
HISTORICAL AND BI< »GR \PHICAL RECORD.
ca:
by the Franciscan Fathers of the old mission of
Santa Barbara, and Fathers Francisco Sanchez
and Francisco Cordina and Brother Joseph
O'Malley were sent to take charge of the parish
and orphanage. In 1855 the Franciscan Fathers
of the Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
of St. Louis, Mo., took charge of the Santa
Barbara Mission, and they also assumed charge
of the Pajaro Valley Orphan Asylum and parish,
Fathers \ ictor and Codina being placed in con-
trol. In October, 1886, Rev. Clementine Dey-
mann was placed in charge as superior and pas-
tor, continuing in that capacity up to the time
of his death at Phoenix, Ariz.. December 4, 1896.
Xext in charge of the asylum and parish were
Fathers Jacobus Xolte, Seraphine Lampe and
Placidus Krekeler as superiors and pastors, and
Rev. Fathers Herman and Jose: as assistants.
The present superior of the asylum and pastor
of the parish is Very Rev. Theodore Arentz, who
is also commissary provincial of the Franciscan
Fathers in California ami Phoenix, Ariz. An
idea of the great good accomplished by the Pa-
jaro Valley < Irphan Asylum management is
available in the statement that, since the time of
its foundation, about three thousand boys have
found a haven under its roof.and have derived in-
spiration from the upright characters of its supe-
riors and the sunshine ami beneficence of its
meadows and uplands.
As is well known, the Pajaro Valley (irphan
Asylum is hut one of the uplifting influences
which have emanated from the college church.
founded as far hack a- 1854. and. then known as
St. Mary's Farm, Pajaro Valley, Santa Cruz
county. November 25. 1855. Rev. Father De
Vos, S. J., from Santa Clara, blessed the spot
upon which the church was erected, and May 26,
[856, the new church was blessed b) the Rt. Rev.
Thaddeus Amat, D. I)., bishi p of Monterey. In
[860 the little edifice was enlarged to suil the de
mands of a growing congregation b) Rev. Fran-
cis Mora, then rector of the parish, and blessed
by him. This same father in lime became bishop
of Montere) ami Los Angeles. The church has
since had a succession 1 1 eminenl pastors to dis
charge it-- manifold duties and increase its use
fulness, and the dedication of the new Pajaro
valle) church, a structure costing $20,000, undei
the title of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sun-
day, July 2-, 1902, is the best evidence of a sub-
stantial ami gratifying growth. Although the
building is a large one, it was entirely inadequate
tor the accommodation of ,1,,. throngs who d<
sind to participate in tin- memorable services,
although tw. thousand were safely housed within
the walls. Father Arentz is one of the 1
and most progressive of the Franciscans who
have indelibly impressed their vigorous manhoi J
and religion upon the history of California, and
who have so conspicuousl) elevated the material
and moral standards erected above the -raw of
an almost forgotten civilization.
HENRY HARDIN.
Am mg the representative ranchers and cattle-
men of Monterey county mention should he ac-
corded Henry Bardin. He was born in VTissis
sippi December 20, [853, a son of James Bardin,
one of the most widely known of the early pio-
neers of the Salinas valley. The father was 1- »rn
in North Carolina January 10. iNi<>, ami came
' • Califi rnia in 1855, settling in the Salinas val-
ley, where, at the time of his death, he owned
nine less than a thousand acres of kind. Mis
father was a blacksmith by trade, but he himself
preferred the more peaceful occupation of farm-
ing, of which he made a success. James Hardin
married Lucinda Walker, who was horn in South
Carolina in 1817. and who died November Jo.
'878. Then were ten children in the family, of
whom four are deceased.
Henry Bardin was two years of age when his
parents removed to the Salinas valley. lie was
reared on the home farm and received his educa-
tion in the public schools. In lime he acquired
his share of the paternal property, which
amounted to two hundred and forty acn
this he has improved and since made his home.
In 1896 he anil his brother Charles built the Bar-
din hotel in Salinas, at a cost ,f $52,000, and
rented the same for about three years. They then
exchanged it for five thousand acres of land in-
cluded in the Gabalan ranch. Monterej county.
which is all hilly pasture land. Mr. Bat
also the .mother cattle ranch, of s|\
thousand acres, "ii the Gabalan creek, and. he-
618
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
sides, he owns four hundred and eighty acres two
miles northeast of Salinas, which is good farm
land and under cultivation. In addition., he leases
several hundred acres for the raising of grain,
beet- and kindred commodities. Me is one of
the most enterprising men of the county, has
shrewd business sagacity and excellent judgment,
and knows how to dispose of his property to the
best possible advantage. Withal, he is quiet and
unassuming, and to look at him one would hardly
think that the weight of responsibility incurred by
such extensive operations rested on his shoulders.
The wife of Mr. Bardin was formerly Martha
Thompson, daughter of Martin J. Thompson,
and a native of California, horn in Sonora, Sac-
ramento county. Three children were horn to
Mr. and Mrs. Bardin: Roy. who died in March.
[898; Hazel and Ethel.
J( IHN NELS< »X BESSE.
The commercial solidity of King- City has been
fostered and maintained largely through the re-
liable and substantial undertakings of John Nel-
son Besse, the present postmaster of the place,
and the foremost dealer in grain, real estate ami
insurance. Many lines of activity have been util-
ized by Mr. Besse in the west, and all have bene-
fited by his sterling integrity and sound, con-
servative business .acumen. He was born in
Wayne, Kennebec county, Me., September 5,
[835, and lived in his native town until arriving
at his twelfth year, when he removed to Howell,
that state, there receiving a high-school education
and a preliminary knowledge of business tactics.
When eighteen years of age he went to Boston,
Ma—., and at the expiration of two years decided
i<i spi nd hi- future on the Pacific slope. By way
< f the Horn he journeyed to California in 1850,
arriving at the end <<i hi- long and tedious trip
in San Francisco, May 6th of the same year.
For a year he tried his luck at mining, and then
secured a pi sitian a- steward on a river steamer,
later filling a similar p sition - n a steamer run-
ning between San Francisco and the Isthmus of
Panama. Up m locating 1 n terra firma he went to
Pescadero, San Mate, county, where he engaged
in tin mercantile business for ten years. I fe be-
ne of the pn uninenl men of the tow n. and
so successful was he that after removing to Santa
Cruz he interested himself in the same line of
work, adding thereto a large butchering busi-
ness.
After a visit to his parents and friends in Bos-
ton; Mass., Mr. Besse returned to California, and
organized the bank at Watsonville, of which he
wasthe moving spirit and cashier for eleven years.
He then became interested in the grain business,
and in r88o opened a branch office at King ( it\.
at which time the railroad building through the
town awakened renewed interest in its future p is-
sibilities. He has ever since made this the head-
quarters for his many-sided dealings, and his suc-
cess with grain has been repeated in real estate
and insurance. Associated with him in business
is ( 1. W. Sill, also an excellent business man, who
is making an increased success of the Watsonville
enterprise.
Mr. Besse was married while living at Pes-
cadero, San Mateo county, and has a pleasant
home in King' City. Since [857 he has been asso-
ciated with the Masons, and is a Knight Templar,
being identified with Watsonville Commandery
Xo. 21.
J. W. BARNEBERG.
Of all the self-made men in the county who
have profited b) the opportunities that the west
has thrown in their way, none is deserving of
greater credit than is J. W. Barneberg, member
of the firm of I'. H. Reed Co.. hardware dealers,
in San Luis Obispo. At the early age of twelve
years Mr. Barneberg was thrown upon his own
resources, and has since then carved his fortunes
out 1 f such material as came within the range
of his surroundings. He was born in Henry
count), Iowa, in 1S51, and at the age of nine
rem wed with his parents to Oregon, where he
lived for eight years, and where his parents died.
leaving him ah me in the w< >rld. Nevertheless, his
innate energy and resourcefulness were equal to
the emergency of his dependence, and he worked
on a farm in the summer time and attended
schoi 1 in the winter, also working for a time in a
liverj stable.
hi [868 Mr. Barneberg began his career in San
Luis Obispo, and after working on a farm for
JOI-IAN E. KUNITZ
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a time engaged in various occupations, and in
1883 funned a partnership with Charles H. Reed,
the founder of the largest hardware establish-
ment in the county, and since the death of Mr.
Reed in 1901 has successfully carried on the in-
terests of the concern. In August, 1901, it was
incorporated under the name of the C. H. Reed
Company. Mr. Barneberg is recognized as a
wide-awake and progressive business man, pos-
sessing those solid and conservative traits which
are the natural heritage of the man who has hail
to formulate his own career. He is public-spir-
ited and generous, and may be depended on to
assist in any worthy and progressive enterprise.
In 1872 Air. Barneberg married Elizabeth An-
derson, who was born in Missouri, but came to
California when a child. To Air. and Airs.
Barneberg have been born three children, John
F., Chester H. ami Grace E. In politics a Dem-
1 oat. Air. Barneberg has been active in the
county political campaigns, and for several years
has been a member of the county central commit-
tee and the state central committee, having been
chairman of the former. He is prominent and
well known in fraternal circles, especially in con-
nection with the Odd Fellows and Ancient Order
of United Workmen.
JOHAN ERNEST KUXITZ.
When the discovery of gold attracted thou-
sands from all parts of the world to this new-
Eldorado, a party of German youths started on
the long voyage to the gold fields. Among
those who set sail on the brig Reform was J. E.
Kunitz, a native of Pomerania, Prussia, bom
in 1827, and a son of Johan Augustus and .Maria
Fredericka Charlotte (Dyer) Kunitz. With a
desire to acquire knowledge he had. as a boy,
availed himself of every opportunity offered him
and had completed a collegiate course in one
of the old institution- of the country. Leaving
school, he began to assist his father in an apoth-
ecary shop ami soon became skilled in the occu-
pation, h was not, however, satisfactor) to
him to dwell upon the thought of remaining
permanently in Germany, llis ambitions were
broad, and his aspirations could no! be eon-
lined 10 the limits of his link- home town h
seemed, therefore, as if (he discovery of gold
came at the opportune time for him, ami he
eagerly embraced the chance of making a For-
tune in the mines of the new world.
The voyage down the Atlantic, around Cape-
Horn and up the Pacific ocean consumed six
months, and i; was a glad moment when the
weary passengers sighted the Golden Gate.
Air. Kunitz accompanied his shipmate. Fred-
erick A. Hihn, to the mines on Feather river,
but the rainy season was at hand and disaster
followed their every effort at mining. The en-
tire party then started hack to San Francisc ».
but these two men stopped in Sacramento,
where they opened a candy factory. For a few-
weeks all went well, but about Christmas the
river overflowed its hanks and the factory with
all its contents was washed away. Air. Kunitz
then returned to San Francisco, where he en-
gaged in the cigar and tobacco business. Mis-
fortune seemed to follow his every effort: his
store was burned down and all was lost.
Friends were few-, money was scarce, and for a
time everything looked dark to the young man.
However, he was not of a disposition easily
daunted, and we find him taking up work at the
drug trade. During 1853 he came to Santa
Cruz, where he assisted Air. Hihn. It w
ing 1857 that he opened the business with which
his name is most closed connected. Deciding
that glue and soap could he manufactu
connection with the tannery here, he
01, t lo put his theories to a practii
experiment proved successful. So, .11 he estab
li-hed a demand for his products and was able
to dispose 1 if all that n wa ; pi >ssible ti 1 manu-
fa< ture. \.s a busin v\ as shrew d,
k( en and fi ireeful, ami the sue,-, -- whii :
his efforts was due to his quickness to see a
favorable opportunity and his wise judgment in
conducting important enterprises.
In addition to his constant oversight of the
Santa Cruz -hie and soap factory, Mr. Kunitz
had other interests, and also Found time for the
beautifying of his lawn and the improvement of
his homesti ad. I Fe was a natural artist, and
this talent was given full pla\ in tl
of his grounds, which presented an appi
that won thi llis artistic ability
652
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was also evidenced in the three water-color
paintings i [894) of Santa Cruz, which not only
indicated his genius in the reproducing of scen-
ery, but also are among the best specimens
1 ver painted of local landscape effects. Frater-
nally he was connected with the Odd Fellows.
lie was reared in the Lutheran faith ami lived
in accordance with the doctrines of that denom-
ination, dying in that faith in 1897. lie is re-
membered as one of the most capable and per-
severing citizens Santa Cruz has ever had. and
the business he founded, the business block he
erected and the homestead whose beauty was
the result of his artistic taste all stand as mon-
uments to his memory.
The marriage of Mr. Kunitz, in 1864. united
him with Henriette C. Marwede, who was born
and reared in Germany, being a daughter of
William and Hedwig (Bettjemann) Marwede.
the former an officer in the German army. In
her girlhood she came to San Francisco to visit
a brother and shortly afterward met Mr. Kunitz.
Upon his death she conducted the glue and soap
factory for a few months and then rented the
plant, but still holds all the patents Mr. Kunitz
took out on the various articles manufactured.
Three children were born of their marriage Inn
two died young, Franz and Emma. The sur-
viving son is Otto G., who was born in Santa
Cruz and has evinced decided musical ability
from earl) childhood. The talent which in his
father took the form of a love for painting, with
him showed itself in a fondness for music. Be-
fore his father's death he was sent to Germany,
where he received exceptionally fine advantages
in one of the renowned musical conservatories
of that country. After his graduation from the
le 1 1 mained in ( Germany in order to
pursue a special course as a composer, enjoying
in this work the preceptorship of some of the
best of the living masters.
liar,
|< iSKI'll W. BEILBY.
\ small but valuable ranch in
ley is that owned and occupied by Joseph W.
Beilby, one of the well-know 11 citizens and SUC-
0 ful orchardists 1 f this fertile part of th<
county. From a crude and unprofitable condi
tion the owner has improved and developed the
latent possibilities of his land until the finest por-
tion is worth $500 an acre, while the seventeen
acres on the hillside is devoted to pasture for
cattle and horses. No more enthusiastic or enter-
prising tiller of the soil has located in this neigh-
borhood, and through realizing his expectations
Mr. Beilby has come to regard his choice of a
home as little short of providential.
A native of Jackson county, Iowa, Mr. Beilby
was born .March 10. 1863. a sou of Charles W.
and Elizabeth (Woodworth) Beilby, natives re-
spectively of Xew York and Illinois, and both
living at the present time. Charles W. Beilby,
destined to become an important factor in the
growth of Sutter county. Cal., was born and
reared on a farm in Xew York state, and while
comparatively young learned the carpenter's
trade, at which he worked after removing to
Iowa at the age of eighteen. After his marriage,
solemnized in December, 1857, he started across
the plains with other seekers for largeness of
chance, and upon arriving in Sutter county t< ok
up one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which
he later added a similar amount. He now owns
twelve hundred and forty acres in Sutter county,
and though at present sixty-nine years of age,
still maintains a lively interest in the manage-
ment and disposition of his large estate. In
county affairs he has been unusually promi-
nent and has held various local offices at
the disposal of his Democratic constituents. A
member of the Christian Church, he has been a
deacon thereof for many years, and has been an
influence for right living and industry, character-
istics of those wdio. like himself. hav< moved to
the front ranks upon the tide 1 f their persever-
ance and intelligence. His wife, who is sixty-
four years of age, is the mother of eight children.
of whom Joseph W. is the second oldest.
The accident of birth alone prevents Joseph
VV. Beilby front being a Native Son of the ( lolden
\\ est, for he was an infant in arms when his par-
ents set out across the plains. While being reared
on the paternal farm in Sutter county he ac-
quired a common school education in the district
schools, and as a bo} was thrifty and frugal, giv-
ing promise of his present good judgment and
business sagacity. His youth was uneventful, as
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was his early nianh 1, and at the age of twenty-
six he married Cora Ragsdale, of Sutter county,
who lias borne him four children: LeRoy,
Claude, Eva and Ida. For a time after his mar-
riage Mr. Beilby leased his father's ranch, but
in 1892 bought his present farm of sixty-one
acres. He is a broad-minded, public-spirited citi-
zen, and understands the practical and scientific
side of farming. A Democrat in politics, he has
never sought or accepted public office. For sev-
eral years he has been a deacon in the Christian
Church.
WILLIAM H. BENTLEY.
The beet industry in the vicinity of Agenda,
Montere) county, is being promoted with vigor
by William H. Bentley and his cousin, Edward
Littlefield, whose united efforts have been prolific
of most gratifying returns. Last year these en-
thusiastic Californians had one hundred and
thirty acres under beets, averaging twenty-seven
tons to the acre, ami this year they have one
hundred and forty-five acres under the same
root. Needless to saw they are making money,
and their past and present success argues much
for a continuation of the same good fortune.
(Mr. Littlefield is mentioned in another part of
this work. )
A native of Solano county. Cal., Mr. Bentley
was born in Dixon, June 10, 1865, a son of
Horatio Bentley. a native of Wisconsin, and in
later life a resident of Canada. The elder Bent-
lex was married in Canada to a sister of Hiram
Corey, one of the large stock-raisers of Montere)
county, and came to California about [860, pur-
chasing the ranch upon which his death occurred
when about sixty-one years of age. Mrs. Bentley
was born in Canada and died on the homestead
near Dixon. Solano county, Cal.. when fifty-three
years of age. Like her husband, she was a stanch
member of and worker in the Presbyterian
Church, and was the mother of si\ children:
Reuben, a ranchman of this county; Horatio,
deceased at the age of thirty-six years; Ida, the
wife of I' V Tyler, of Placer county, Cal.;
Amelia, the wife of E. II. George of San Benito
county. Cal.; Rodnej \\ '.. a painter of La<\\, Cal.;
and William II.
When his father died, William II. Bentley was
twelve years of age. and he thereafter came to
Monterey county to visit his uncle, Hiram
Corey, and liked it so well that he stayed and
for about nine years worked for his relative on
the ranch which he now leases. Later he worked
for Dave Spencer, and during that time was fore
man of a ranch of seven hundred acres. Subse
quently for three years he had charge of the Tu-
licities ranch of seveateen hundred acres, which
was devoted to cattle raising, and then
four hundred and fifty acres of the old ;
ranch for three years. In [902 he formed a part-
nership with his cousin, Edward Littlefield, and
they lease fifteen hundred acres for their general
farming, stock and beet raising operations.
In 189 1 Mr. Bentley married Flora Long, a
native of West Virginia, who came to California
when fifteen years of age. To Air. and Mrs.
Bentley have been born two children. Edith
Pauline and Eva Pearl. Air. Bentle) is a Repub-
lican in national politics, but as regards local af-
fairs is extremely liberal. Fraternally he is a
member of the Modern Woodmen, and with his
wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of
which he is a trustee. He is one of the prominent
and worthy citizens , f this well-favored locality.
and has many friends among those who, like him-
self, are public-spirited and enterprising.
MRS. MARY 1 PE \RS< IN) BURKE.
Among the pioneer women of Santa Cruz
count\ the name of Mrs. Bui ke desen 1 -
tion. She was born in Ireland, a daughter - f
David and Catherine 1 Nolan) Pearson, tl
mer of whom died when his daughter was quite
young. Accompanied b) her mother, Miss Pear-
son came to America 111 [853, locating in New
York City, where she lived until [864, in which
year she came to Watsonville, Cal., and has ever
since made this city her home.
1 1. tobei 28 1868, Miss I v.n si 'ii was un
marriage with James Burke, who was horn in
Ireland, and came to the United State- when six
tei nyi ars of age. In 18 ame a resident
of San Francisco, and later for fort) wars made
his In im in Santa < ruz. \s a m ans ■ f liveli-
.;:, 1
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hood here lie managed his ranch of eighty-one
acre-, devoted principally to apples, and located
iv liles from Watsonville. Politically he was
a stanch Democrat, but never held office, although
at times he worked for the advancement of his
friends. Air. Burke died December 28, [899, a
firm believer in the doctrines 1 f the Roman Cath-
olic Church. Mrs. Burke now makes her home
on the ranch. She is one of the typical women
of the earlier days, and has made numerous
friends who appreciate her many worthy personal
characteristics.
AUGUST BRENDLIN.
As the principal purveyor of bakery goods in
Paso Robles, Mr. Brendlin has a place of busi-
ness advantageously located in the center of the
town, connected with which is a confectionery
store, and a parlor for dispensing ices and light
refreshments. He learned his trade with all the
thoroughness characteristic of Swiss bakers, as
for some time after removing from his birthplace,
Baden, Germany, he resided in Switzerland. He
was li rn August 28, [848. His father, Anton,
also a native of Baden, was a builder and con-
tractor, and followed his trade up to the time of
his death, at the age of forty-two years. His
mother, Catherine (Godlove) Brendlin, was also
horn in Baden, and reared three sons and one
daughter to years 1 f usefulness, August being the
second oldest in the family.
Equipped with a high-school education, Mr.
Brendlin came to America in 1S71, locating in
Peoria, 111., where he followed his trade with con-
siderable success for five years. After coming
to California he lived for sewn or eight years in
Sacramento, thereafter trying his luck in several
different parts of the state. 1 fe finally decided in
favor of Paso Robles, partly because of it-, im-
munity from malarial tendencies, ami from the
beginning of his residence here in iSXj has
watched with increasing interest the gradual
growth of the h wn. from a few straggling resi
dences l\ave developed the pn sent enterprise and
thrift, an added advantage to Mr. Brendlin being
the fact that he lias the onl) busim F its kind
in the town, lie is the possessor of considerable
real estate in the town and country, and aside
from his bakery and residence owns a ranch of
fifty acres, twenty of which are in orchard.
In Peoria, Ilk. Mr. Brendlin married Frances
Frietch, also a native of Baden, Germany, and a
daughter of Joseph Frietch, a weaver in Ger-
many, where he passed his entire life. Two sons
and one daughter have keen born to Mr. and
Mrs. Brendlin, viz.: A. August, Edward and
Emma M. Mr. Brendlin is possessed of shrewd
business sagacity, his plant and equipments de-
noting enterprise and progressive methods, and
he has succeeded in working up a yearly business
of considerable extent. He is a Democrat in pol-
itics, hut aside from casting his vote has never
entered the arena of politics. Fraternally he is
assi ciated with the Independent ( Inler of < kM
Fellows, lie is m w serving hi- second term as
city trustee, having keen elected without respect
to politics.
J. K. BURNETT.
The law firm comprising J. K. and W. W. Bur-
nett is one of the well-known and prominent firms
in San Luis < tbispo, the members thereof being
men of unquestioned standing in the community,
both as regards legal acumen and all-around sub-
stantial and desirable citizenship. J. K. Burnett.
prominent also in politics, and the creator of a
brilliant record in the state assembly, is a native
-n of this count)', and was born January .24.
[862.
Wesley Burnett, father of the brother lawyers,
was horn in Sullivan county. Ind., and is enrolled
anions the noble hand of pioneers who braved
the dangers of the western plain- and subse-
quent!) lent hi- stn ng character and developing
force to various interests on the coast. For years
he llathoated on the Mississippi river, and in [850
crossed the plains with ox and mule teams, ac-
companied b\ nine young men, whom he brought
to the state at his < >v\ n expense. I le had saved up
$5,000 with which to begin life in the west, and
located in Santa Clara o unty, afterward remov-
ing to Cayucos, San Luis Obispo county, where
Geronimo rancho. Later he increased his hold
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHIC. \l
655
was swept away by the panic of [893. Of later
years he has lived at Adelaide, this county, where
for several years he was engaged in cattle and
sheep raising. At this writing he is eighty-four
year? < f age. His wife was a daughter of James
Kennedy, a native of Scotland, who located in
Canada when a yi ung man. and crossed the plains
to California in 1852. Mr. Kennedy engaged in
mining- on the Sacramento and Feather rivers,
and died in the midst of the western activities.
I !c- was honored for his admirable qualities, traits
inherited by his daughter Mary, the wife of Wes-
ley Burnett. Airs. Burnett became the mother of
eight children, six of whom are living. J. K. being
the oldest of her marriage with Wesley Burnett.
C. R. Cooper is a son of Mrs. Burnett by a former
husband.
Mr. Burnett was educated in the public schools
and at the University of the Pacific, also at the
University of Southern California at Los An-
geles. In 1885 he engaged in stock and fruit
raising with indifferent success upon recently
purchased land amounting to fifteen hundred
acres. With a firm in Los Angeles he first
began the study of law-, and afterward studied in
San Jose, from which town he was admitted to
the har. Although reared a Republican, he is
independent in politics, and has already been
closely identified with affairs political. He was
a member of the National Convention of the Peo-
ple's party held at St. Louis, and has been a dele-
gate to the state convention on numerous occa-
sions. In [896 he was elected to the legislature
and again in 1898. In [897 he served on the
ways and means committee, and during the same
year came into prominence as an investigator.
( harges of bribery were made by the Sou Fran-
cisco Examiner, and certain members were in-
criminated by the seizure of a box of Western
Union dispatches at Truckee. In [899 he again
became prominent as an investigator. This time
charges of bribery in connection with the contest
for United Slates senator were preferred by the
Call. The investigate n resulted in the resigna-
tion of the speaker of the assembly. The same
\ear he received the complimentary vote of his
party for United States senator While assem-
blyman In' assisted in the passage of a hill pro-
viding for the establishment of a polytechnic
school at San Luis ( >bispo, which, however, the
governor failed n sign.
W. W. Burnett, younger member of the lav
firm, was horn in California March 4. 187-', and
was educated in the public schools and at the
Universities of the Pacific and Southern Califor-
nia, also attending Stanford University for four
years. In the latter institution he studied law
and mining, becoming one of the ver} pn mising
young lawyers of San Puis ( >bispo. In athletics
he also gained some renown while attending this
university, being center rush and right tackle in
the football games, and was captain of the team in
1900. During the Spanish-American war he vol-
unteered in the Utah Light Artillery, participated
in thirteen battles, and spent thirteen months at
the seat of war. A Republican in politics, he has
not yet been heard of in political affairs. Mr.
Burnett is interested in athletics and social af-
fairs, and has many friends in the profession and
out of it. He is a splendid type of the western
man of affairs, is six feet tall and weighs not less
than two hundred pounds.
S. H. HANSON.
A native son of Denmark who has transferred
to his adopted country many admirable per-
sonal characteristics, and who has contributed
a share towards the best development of San
Luis Obispo, is S. II. Hanson, a very old settler
and prominent plumber, lie was born in Den-
mark, ( >ctober 21, 1848, a son of S. H. and Anna
(Jorgingson) Hanson, both of Scotch descent.
The father was a soldier in the Danish army,
and died when his son, S. II.. was three months
old. t If the eleven children horn to 1 hi- ,
the popular plumber of San Puis Obispo is the
j oungest, ami the only one living.
Educationally, Mr. Hanson was fortunate in
his youth, for he attended the military academy
near his home, where the most rigid discipline
was maintained, and a thoroughly practical edu-
cation given a the vacation
season he learned the plumbing trade under his
uncle, llenn Holm, having completed which he
enlisted in the Prussian and Danish war. and
faithful') served the interests of his counti
was ambitious of larger chances than seemed
656
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to confront him in his native land, and therefore
embarked for America, landing in Boston on
the day that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
From that city he removed to Michigan, settling
in Grand Rapids in 1868. and came to California
in 1872. Locating in Lake county, he engaged
in the plumbing business with considerable suc-
cess for a year. In 1873 he went to San Fran-
cisco, and worked for W. W. Montague, who
sent him to San Luis Obispo to work for Turner
& Potter. From 1878 to 1887 he engaged in
an independent plumbing business, and then was
employed by the United States government to
build the Point St. Louis lighthouse water-
works. This responsibility was completed at
the end of a year and a half, after which Mr.
Hanson settled down to business in San Luis
( Ibispo, and has since worked up a very desira-
ble trade. He has fitted out with plumbing
nearly all of the large concerns in the town and
county, and has a reputation for thoroughness
and up-to-date methods approved by the most
earnest students of sanitation.
In Michigan Mr. Hanson married Tina Camp-
bell, and of this union there is one daughter,
Myrtie, new the wife of Edward Harlo. In
[890 Mr. Hanson contracted a marriage with
Mrs. \nna Elliott, and of this union there are
three sons, Silas, Elbon and Elmer. Mr. Han-
son was <>ne of the pioneer fire brigade of San
Luis Obispo, and he has assisted at the inau-
gurate n of many of the pioneer enterprises of
the town. He is fraternally connected with the
blue lodge and Royal Arch Masons ; with the
Independent ( Irder of < >dd Fellows, of which
he is past grand and past chief patriarch. In
politics he is independent, and in religion is a
Lutheran.
R. P. LATHROP.
In this part of the country the name of Lathrop
is by no means unfamiliar, and carries with it the
true western grit and determination, and abso-
lute disregard for beaten paths and obstacles.
The Lathrop I lay Company, the largest of its
kind in California, and one of the largest in the
■ ars testimonj to the intrepid industry and
acity of R. P. Lathrop. traits inher-
ited by this honored citizen of Hollister from a
father whose career has been in many ways re-
markable.
One of the pilgrims who crossed the plains in
the memorable golden year of '49 took his way
from Waukegan, Wis., with the full determina-
tion of making the west yield him measure for
measure in return for the discomforts and uncer-
tainties of his ox-team jaunt. This traveler. Levi
B. Lathrop, the father of R. P.. settled in Trinity
county, and at once began to exercise his genius
fi r sizing up situations and utilizing chances.
As there were mines in Trinity county there was
also ore to handle, and to meet this demand he
put up one of the first mills for this purpose.
\ft<i several years of mining he went in search
of pastures new in Shasta county, where he per-
fected an irrigating system and began raising
vegetables on a large scale. As he was the orth-
otic in the county to engage in a similar occupa-
tion, and as vegetables were a great luxury, it
stands to reason that his innovation was success-
ful from the start, and that money rolled into his
deserving cotters. Having cleared $26,000 in
one year, he naturally concluded that other coun-
ties in the state were equally worthy of his at-
tention, so removed to San Jose, Santa Clara
county, and set out the first orchard in that
county. Fruit growing had hitherto not been
associated with this part of the state, and
prophets of woe were prolific of forebodings, and
even hinted at temporary insanity on the part of
the enthusiastic orchardist. Nevertheless they
were glad of the chance presented at harvest time.
and lost their prejudice in admiration of one
whose forethought had exceeded their own.
There were one hundred acres in the orchard,
and the yield more than realized the expectations
of the owner. Tims Mr. Lathrop went from one
large enterprise to another, merrily upsetting
precedent, and utterly ignoring dire predictions.
In the meantime a decided talent for invention
had found vent in numerous directions, and the
combined thresher and harvester, now manufac-
tured in Stockton, and still extensively used in
grain sections, was evolved from his fertile brain,
as well as tin' Lathrop haj press, used in the
northern part of the state, and manufactured in
San Jose. Inventions also of minor importance
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
651
filled many long-felt wants in the state, among
them being a lamp burner, wagon spring, and
anti-rattler for wagon wheels.
In 1875 Mr. Lathrop removed to Hollister and
bought sixteen hundred aeres of land near the
town, upon which he proceeded to raise hay.
There were no warehouses here at the time, so
he built one with a capacity of sixteen hundred
tons, allowing one ton per acre. This warehouse
was the first to he equipped with railroad car
scales and track in the center for loading. The
son, R. P. Lathrop. took charge of the entire
business, and he soon built up a large trade,
doing a general hay ami storage business. In
[895 L. I'.- Lathrop removed to Capitola, Santa
Cruz county, and is still living there in compara-
tive retirement from business cares. He is known
from ine end of the state to the other, not only
on account of his valuable services in the devel-
opment of the resources of the same, lint because
of a vivid and striking personality, which has
led him into taking up the cudgels against certain
undesirable western tendencies. He is uncom-
promisingly opposed to the use of liquors and to-
bacco, and in support of his beliefs his voice has
often been heard from the platform in earnest
entreaty. He is also opposed to secret societies,
a peculiarity which has brought him very promi-
nently before the public. On the whole, free
from denominational lines, he is yet in sympathy
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has
tilled the local pulpits on special occasions. Of
great strength of character and pronounced per-
sonal magnetism. Mr. Lathrop has made a deep
impression upon the communities in which he has
lived, and few are more deserving of the praise
accorded his individual, well-directed efforts. He
was horn in New York state April 30, 1815.
R. I'. Lathrop was born in San Jose December
(1, 1855, and received his education in the public
schools, and in the business department of Gates
Institute, one of the earl) colleges of the town,
graduating therefrom in 1875. ImmediateK fol
lowing he came to Hollister and bought his
father's hay warehouse, which was the beginning
mi' hi- career as hay merchant. In time the in-
crease of business required additions to the ware
house, and to-day he has a capacity of thirteen
thousand five hundred tons. IK- managed the
business independently until [893, during which
year a corporation known as the Farmers' lla\
Company was formed, and continued with the
same success which had characterized its prede-
cessor. In the meantime another warehouse had
started up in business, and the two firms con-
solidated in [899 as the Lathrop Hay Company,
the largest in the state. The firm handles an av-
erage of two thousand tons per month the year
round, and since May 15, 1901, six hundred and
seventy cars, holding seventy-three hundred and
seventy tons, have been shipped. ( If course the
yield varied with the state of the weather, and,
whereas in 1893 sixteen hundred and fifty-two
cars, holding eighteen thousand one hundred and
seventy-two tons were shipped, in 1900. an un-
usually dry year, only seven hundred and twenty-
three cars, holding seventy-nine hundred and fifty
tons, were shipped. The most satisfactorv year
was 1896, when twenty-four hundred and sixteen
cars, holding twenty-six thousand five hundred
and seventy-six tons, were shipped: and the next
best year was 1894, when nineteen hundred ami
eighty-eight cars and twenty-two thousands tons
were distributed over the country. The name of
Mr. Lathrop is especially known in regions of tin-
state where hay is not among the immediate
available commodities, and where the consumers
patiently await this necessary article, and are able
to profit by the splendid system obtaining in the
business of the popular and remarkably success
ful hay merchant.
The enterprise inherited by Air. Lathrop. and
fostered by many years of well-directed effort, is
by no means confined to the hay industry, for all
of the large enterprise- of the town and county
have been benefited in some way by his patronage
or direct interest. He 1- ,1 director and also a
member of the finance committee in the Bank of
I [ollister, one of the mosl successful interior
banking institutions in central California, and
vice president and one of the managing board of
the Grangers Union, a department store in Hob
lister, which lias been ver) successful, doing an
average annual busim 1,000. In the
I [ollister I ighl and Power t '• mpanj he is
director, is ,, director and treasurer of the
Hollister Creamery, a ver) successful enter-
prise, and is one of the original builders
653
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Hollister Irrigation, being one of a
few who carried it beyond the experimental
period and made it a success. He is a mem-
ber of the hoard of control and treasurer of
the San Benito County Improvement Club, and
is manager of several large tracts of land, con-
sisting of several thousands of acres, owned by
corporations and individuals living outside of the
county. Except as any good citizen should, he
takes no special interest in politics, preferring to
devote his time to his many business interests.
So successful and so sound has been the judgment
of Mr. Lathrop upon all matters of public mo-
ment, and so practical is his attitude towards the
important commonwealth of which he is a domi-
nating figure, that he has won the esteem and ap-
preciation of all who appreciate true western citi-
zenship ennobled by high ideals and regard for
all with whom he comes in contact.
R( (BERT ROBERTSON.
The position of superintendent of the Califor-
nia Powder Works at Santa Cruz is maintained
with great credit by Robert Robertson, who was
born in Fredericksburg, Ya., in 1861, and is a
graduate of the State University of Virginia, and
a post-graduate of Harvard University. Pre-
vious to assuming hi- present responsibility, in
May. [900, he was associated for four years with
the service of the United States Geological Sur-
vey. Mr. Robertson married Marion Miller, of
Burlington, Iowa, and of this union there is one
child, Mildred.
The California Powder Works, established in
[863 fur tin- manufacture of explosives, acquired
the tract of land with ample water privileges
upon which it is now located the same year, and
the following year was inaugurated the manu-
facture of black powder for blasting, military ami
sporting purposes. As the country developed
there was an increasing demand for the powder,
the demand being greatly augmented by the in-
troduction -I high explosives into the country,
and the establishment of additional works at
Pinole, Contra Costa county. Cal. Another pe-
i pronounced development took place with
the manufacture of smokeless powder in [897,
to he used b) the government in connection with
its cannon and small arms for both army and
navy. At the present time the California Powder
Works are turning out blasting powder, fuse
powder and sporting powders of all kinds, as
well as Hercules dynamite, gelatine and Cham-
pion improved powders. As an adjunct to its
business the company each year loads many mil-
lions of shot-gun cartridges with both black and
smokeless powder, and its Eureka Black, Diana
and Native Sons brands of loaded cartridges are
widely known and in great demand. Since its
establishment, the California Powder Works has
pursued a broad and liberal policy in all its deal-
ings, and in consequence it occupies an enviable
place among the commercially strong enterprises
of the state. It was the first concern to put
smokeless powder on the market, and it has main-
tained a uniform quality of excellence as regards
all of its commodities, keeping abreast of the most
advanced and scientific improvements. From
two hundred and thirty to two hundred and fifty
men are employed by the Santa Cruz branch, and
the plant covers two hundred and twenty-two
acres of land, the total number of buildings being
two hundred and eleven.
SAMUEL H. RAMBO.
Ann ng the general merchants of Boulder
Creek the name of Samuel H. Rambo, of the
firm of S. H. Rambo. & Co., deserves mention.
He was bom in Pennsylvania, October 12, [843,
and lived in his native state until his twelfth year.
His father, M. Rambo, married a Miss Brother-
ton, and both were horn in Pennsylvania, the for-
mer in 1805. He died in Kansas in 1890, and his
wife passed away in 1854.
When ten years of age Samuel I [. Rambo lost
In- mother In death, and was deprived 1 1" the
care and solicitude which she had lavished upon
him. The following year he was taken by his
father to ( 'sage count)', Kans.. where the) located
on a farm, and where the son was educated in
the public schools. In 1878 he left his home sur-
roundings in Kansas and came to California, and
lived in Santa Clara county for four years, two
years of thai time clerking \<<v t eland Roger-.
For the same length of time he engaged in the
wood and coal business for himself in San Jose.
^LAJ^O^f' A»n Jw
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1882 he became identified with Boulder Creek
and has since made this thriving town his home
and principal held of activity. For man)
his general merchandise store has been among the
substantial and reliable business establishments of
the town, and his upright business methods and
evideni desire to please have won him the patron-
age and confidence of a permanent and increasing
trade. To some extent Mr. Rambo has been in-
terested in the local undertakings of the Repub-
lican party, and among the offices maintained by
him with credit may be mentioned that of super-
visor, which he has held for eight years. Fra-
ternally he is associated with the Masons and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
In [867 Mr. Rambo married Xettie Stagg, a
native of Indiana, and daughter of John Stagg,
who was born in Kentucky. To an otherwise
creditable career Mr. Rambo has added a meri-
torious military service. September 1, 1862, he
enlisted in the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, serving
until his discharge, September _>i >. [865, and his
name is enrolled among the members of the
Grand Army of the Republic. With his wife
Mr. Rambo is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
WILLIS R. CONGDON, M. D.
To accurately estimate the influence for good
exerted upon a community by a citizen of pro-
fessional skill, wise judgment and progressive
spirit is a difficult task: but even those who
judge from a most superficial point of view bear
testimony to the importance of their citizen-
ship. Of Dr. Congdon it may be said that he
has risen to a position of unquestioned influence
among the professional men and enterprising
citizens of Santa Cruz. His acknowledged skill
in the diagnosis and treatment of diseasi
given him an assured position in the confidence
of the people. In addition to answering calls
for his services, lie has a considerable office
practice, and for the accommodation of such
patients he has fitted up a suite of rooms on
Pacific avenue, when- he has a complete equip
ment of medical accessories.
In Bristol, Elkhart county, Ind., April 20,
1868, Dr. Congdon was born to the union of
Joseph R. and Carrie E. (Curtis) Congdon. His
lather, a native of Lockport, X. Y., and a gradu-
ate of the medical college at that [joint, K
a practitioner of Bristol, Ind.. where his life
work was ended in 1889, when he was sixt) five
years of age. At this writing Mr-. Congdon is
a resident of Ontario, Cal. The advantages
offered by public schools were supplemented in
Dr. Congdon's boyhood bj attendance in the
University of Notre I lame 1 Indiana), from
which he was graduated in [886. Returning
home he gained his first km
cal science as a student under his father, and
then entered Rush Medical College, Chicago,
where he received the degree of M. D. in
on the completion of the regular courst
tures. His father dying about that time. In-
succeeded him in practice, but a year later re-
turned to Chicago, where he associated h
with his cousin, J. L. Congdon, M. D., under
the firm title of Congdon & Congdon. How-
ever, the climate of Chicago proved unsatisfac-
tory and in [896 he determined to remo
I alifornia, at which time he settled in Santa
Cruz and opened an office. From the first he
has been recognized as a painstaking, efficient
and judicious physician, and his services have
gained a flattering degree of appreciation in his
home city. Since coming here he has estab-
lished domestic ties, his wife being Edith L..
daughter of Mrs. Clara C. Case. They are the
parents of one son, Willis P., Jr.
A number of the fraternal organizations have
I Dr. t'oii-don'- services in the capacitj
of medical examiner, lie is connected with the
\!.m 1 dues. Ancient < )rder of United Workmen.
Portuguese Union, Fo America, and
the Ancient Order of United 1 'mid-. Both in
political and. religion- views he i- inclined to be
liberal and independent, and has not allied him-
self with an) part) or denominati
member of the I lealth of the
Santa I nizing the value of recrea-
tion, it has been his aim to reserve a few hours
of the day and a few days of the year as a vaca-
tion period, when he can find relaxation from
ional labor-. At such times he is wont
to find much pleasure with hi- gun in hunting
expedition-, for he is a skilled marksman, a
fact that is attested by the fine specimen- of
B62
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
animals of all sizes, from the squirrel to the wild
cat, and birds of all sizes, from the smallest up
to the American eagle, that may be seen, beau-
tifully mounted and decorated, in the parlor of
his residence.
ABRAM MUSCH >.
The success which has come to Air. Muscio
since he arrived in the United States speaks vol-
umes for his sterling traits of character and his
determination. To a greater degree than most
young men. he was hampered in getting a start in
the world, for he came to America with only the
most meagre knowledge of the English language,
ami he was also obliged for some time to send his
earnings back to his parents in Switzerland.
However, in spite of these and many other hin-
drances, he has become one of the largest prop-
erty-holders and most extensive dairymen in San
Luis ( )bispo county.
In Someo, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, Mr.
Muscio was horn in March. 1849, bemg the
youngest of nine children. In November, 1866,
he left home for America, crossing the ocean to
New York, and thence proceeding via Panama
to San Francisco, where he arrived January 12,
[867. For ten years he carried on a rented dairy
in Marin county and thence removed to San Luis
( (bispo count) in [876, settling on the coast four
and one-half miles north of Cayucos and renting
a ranch of twelve hundred and eighty-six acres.
V 1 in e lie stocked the place with cattle, keeping
a herd of about one hundred and fifty dairy cows.
So capable and efficient was he in the manage-
ment of the property that his earnings each year
were gratifying, and in 1884 he purchased the
1 ntire ranch. Since then he has built an addition
to the duelling, erected a substantial dairy house
with all modern improvements, planted a large
orchard, put out a garden and trees, and has
fenced a part of the place with hedge. At this
writing he has one hundred and sixty dain cows,
mostly Holsteins and Dnrhams. In 1NX1 he
b ught fourteen hundred ami fifty acres in Green
valley, which lie still owns, but rents for dairy
purposes. In partnership with three others, he
owns a ranch of seventeen hundred acres near
Santa Ynez, in Santa Barbara county, which is
also well stocked with dairy cows. In addition,
he owns and manages a ranch of six hundred and
seventy-two acres on Torro creek, which is
stocked with dairy cows and which he superin-
tends in connection with his home place. His
large property holdings prove him to be an enter-
prising and thrifty farmer. The larger part of
his means has been accumulated through his work
in dairying, an occupation for which his early
training ami his tastes especially adapt him.
The management of his dairy interests does
not represent the limit of Mr. Muscio's activities.
He is a stockholder in the San Luis Commercial
Bank, the Swiss-American Bank of San Fran-
cisco, and the Dairymen's Union of San Fran-
cisco. During his long service as a school di-
rector he aided in establishing and building up an
excellent system of education for his district.
Fraternally he is a member of San Simeon Lodge
No. 190, F. & A. M., and San Luis Chapter.
R. A. M. In San Francisco, in 1871. he was
united in marriage with Miss Assonta Righetti.
The\' are the parents of six children, namely :
Dante, who was educated in Switzerland and is
now cashier of the Calaveras County Bank; Ro-
milio R.. who is assistant cashier of the San
Luis Commercial Bank; Sila, who is a graduate
of King Conservatory of San Jose, and is teach-
ing music in San Luis ( )bispo ; Lillie, a gradu-
ate of the State Normal School, and now teach-
ing school in San Luis Obispo county; Edina
and Florence, both of whom are graduates of the
San Luis Business College. Florence is now in
Mills College of Alameda county.
CYRUS SHORT.
From the time when, a youth of sixteen years.
Mr. Short came to California with his parents
he lias been identified almost wholly with the
1'ajaro valley, and now makes his home in Wat-
sonville. where lie is a property-owner. Me was
born in Henderson county. HI., March S. [836,
and was a son of Stephen ami Nancy ( Prunty)
Short, 11. Hues respectively of Virginia and Ken-
tucky, llis father removed from the Old Do-
minion across the mountains in early manhood
and after his marriage settled upon a farm in
Henderson county, 111., where be followed agri-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cultural pursuits. A later removal took him to
' Iquawka, 111., where he followed the cooper's
trade. In the spring of 1852. with his family
and a party of friends, he made the journey via
ox-teams across the plains to California, reach-
ing Santa Cruz at the expiration of six tedious
months. In settling in this locality he followed
the suggestions of friends who had preceded him
to the west.
One of his first ventures was in raising pota-
toes, in which he met with seme successes and
some discouragements. 1 le then took up a squat-
ter's claim to one hundred and sixty acres and
for twelve years made his home there, meantime
improving the land, hut at the expiration of the
time he was forced to abandon the ranch on ac-
count of being unable to secure a clear title to
tlie property. Coming to Watsonville, he boughl
ten acres of J. A. Blackburn, now owned by Hon.
Thomas Beck, and here he spent his remaining
years. At the age of eighty-five he was still
sturdy and robust, able to do as heavy a day's
wi >rk as most men twenty years younger than
he. His death was not due to advancing years,
but w;^ die result of an accidental fall when get-
ting down hay in the barn. I lis wife also at-
tained an advanced age, being eighty-seven at
the time of her death. Longevity has been in-
herited by their children, and all of the eight are
still living, namely: Mary. Mrs. Thomas Reck-
ords ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Jesse Wycoff; Emeline.
Mrs. Thomas Beck; Arminda, Airs. J. A. Black-
burn: Cyrus, 1 f Watsonville: Newton, of \r
rovo < irande. Cal. : Malinda. Mrs. James Waters,
and George, of San Jose. In politics the father
was a Democrat. During early life he identified
himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
but later became a Presbyterian.
With the exception of a few years spent in.
the mines. Mr. Short has made his home in Wat-
sonville or vicinity ever since he accompanied his
father to the west. Farming has been his princi-
pal occupation, and at one time he owned an
estate in the country, but this be sold on moving
into Watsonville. Like bis father, be believes in
Democratic principles, and ina\ always bo relied
upon to cast a straight party vote. For three
terms be filled the office of constable. In reli-
gious views be is not connected with anj denom
ination, but holds liberal virus. In iSN, 1,
married Trancito, daughter of Frank Watson,
and a native of Monterey county, of English an-
cestry. The\ became the parents of seven chil-
dren, namely : Harry, deceased; George, who is
married and has one son, Harry Lester; Louis;
Mary, Mrs. Edward Bancom, who has one
daughter, Eva; Thomas, James A. and Ida. all
three deceased.
A. W. SMITH.
In his capacity as the owner and proprietor of
the only drug establishment in Templeton, A. W.
Smith is filling an important place in the com-
munity, and is managing his affairs in such man-
ner as to win the appreciation and gratitude of
tlu- whole community, lie is one of the very
promising and capable young men 1 f lb.- town,
and all things point to a continuation of his suc-
ess and a widening of his usefulness and respon-
sibility. A wortbx representative of the Hoosiei
state, Mr. Smith was born in Wells county, lud.,
March -'5. 1868, a son of W. II. Smith, a native
of Huntington, hid., and a druggist at Columbia
City for tin years. The elder Smith removed to
Chicago. Ilk, in [886, but after a year located in
San Rafael, Cal., where he engaged with h
in the drug business for six of seven years, re-
moving then to St. Helena. Cal.. where he lives
at the present time. The paternal grand
Thomas, was born in Pennsylvania, and eventu-
ally became one of the very early pioneers of
Indiana, where he took Up land and lived until
his death. < In the maternal side V W. Smith
is connected with an Indiana family, at the bead
of which was Dr. Scott, wh Mnelia
Griffith, the mother of Mr. Smith. Dr. Scotl
practiced medicine ill Wells County. Ind.. for
many years, and died there at tin i
years.
The older of the I rn to his par-
ents, A. W. Smith was educated in the public
1 In >ls, and tire 1 1" even his
:1 days spent a great ileal of time in his
father's drug store. Eventually he entered the
Illinois College of Pharmacy, a; Chicago, from
which be was graduated from tin- junior and
fall of the same year
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he came to California, and February 22, 1902,
started a business of his own in Templeton. For
a year and a half after coming to the state he was
druggist at the Veterans' Home in Napa county.
Much of the success which has come his way
Mr. Smith attributes to the encouragement given
by his gifted and popular wife, who was formerly
Catherine Howett, and whom he married in San
Francisco. Mrs. Smith was born in Cass county,
( Ihio, a daughter 1 f W. C. Howett, for many
years engaged in the nursery business on the
coast, and at present a traveling salesman for the
Chattanooga Medicine Company, of Tennessee.
Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and is
variously identified with the organizations in
which the county abounds. He is what may be
called a hustler, and possesses personal character-
istics which would make him a credit to any lo-
cality in the country.
RUDOLPH B. SPENCE.
The name of Spence is inseparably associated
with the very early histor} of Monterey county,
with the reclamation of enormous tracts of land,
political offices of great importance, and business
enterprises at once substantial and developing.
The founder of the family on the coast was David
Spence, the paternal grandfather of Rudolph B.,
who was horn in Huntley, Scotland, and who
became secretary to John I'.,—;- \- Co.. hide and
tallow merchants of Liverpool. That his services
were highl) appreciated 1>\ the company became
apparent in [822, when he was sent to establish
a branch office in Callao, Peru, and two1 years
later was ordered to Monterej county. Cal., as a
litthiL;' field for business extension. Endowed
with fundamentally strong and commanding
1 rails of character, his influence became noticeable
in tine general undertakings of that unsettled time,
and his conservative judgment and business sa-
gacity were appreciated in many avenues of ac-
tivity, lie served as alcalde under Governor M
guello, and also held many offices of importance
under the Mexican regime. After leaving poli-
tics he turned his attention to the natural re-
sources of the country, and took up two grants of
land, the first, called the Buena Esperanza, in the
Salinas valley, containing twelve thousand acres,
and the second, the Llano Buenavista. also in the
Salinas valley, and including the present site of
the factory and town of Spreckels. About three-
fourths of the first grant is still in the possession
of the family. These interests were manipulated
by this pioneer with skill, and with his death in
Monterey county, in 1875. at the age of seventy-
seven years, there passed beyond the ken of those
who had known him one of the most prominent
and forceful characters of his time and place.
Through his marriage, in 1829, with Adelaide
Estrada, David Spence became allied with one
of the best-known of the Spanish families. Mrs.
Spence was born in Monterey, and was a daugh-
ter of Mariano and Isabel Estrada, natives of
Monterey, and the latter a sister of Governor \r-
guello, and daughter of Governor Jose Dorio
Arguello. Mrs. Spence died in 1875. David
Stewart Spence. her son, was reared in Monterey
county, and was educated at the Honolulu Scotch
College. Although resembling his father in many
ways, and having the additional inspiration of not
having to start from the bottom round of the
ladder, he was not to be permitted to enjoy the
advantages of wealth and social standing to am
great extent, for his death occurred in his thirty-
eighth year. He married Miss Malarin. now
Mrs. A. A". Fatjo, of Santa Clara, and of this
union there were six children, two of whom died
young, Rudolph B. being the oldest in the family.
Alexander, the second son. is a resident of Santa
Clara, as is also David, while Arcadia is the wife
of L. L. Arguello, mentioned in another part of
this work.
Rudolph L. Spence was bom April 27, 1857,
in Monterey count). His education was acquired
at Santa Clara. College, Santa Clara, Cal. He
married Mary T. Sullivan, a native of San Fran-
cisco, and daughter vi John Sullivan, founder
of the Hibernian Bank of San Francisco, and
the first president thereof. Inez Eugenia, the
only daughter of Mr. and Mrs-. Spence, is liv-
ing at home with her parents. Mr. Spence is
engaged in looking after his large inheritance,
which included fourteen hundred acres of land,
besides the seven hundred and seventy acres com-
prising the old grant improved by his grand-
father. ( )f this laud, much is devoted to the cul-
tivation of olive and apple trees, the trees of the
HON. EUHU ANTHONY
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
CC,
former fruit numbering fifteen hundred, while
those of the latter number four thousand. The
land is all rented out to tenants, and brings in a
large income to the owner. Mr. Spence is very
pn minent in the community, his claims for con-
sideration being vested in his own personality and
general worth, rather than in what his forefathers
may haw accomplished. lie is liberal and pro-
gressive, and represents a high type of land-
owner and landlord.
HOX. ELIHU ANTHONY.
To the distinction of being the oldest surviv-
ing settler of Santa Cruz, Mr. Anthony adds
that of being an influential factor in all move-
ments tending toward the progress of his city
and ci Hint}. When he came to Santa Cruz
there were only five American families within
the county limits. Gold had not yet been dis-
covered in California, which was to prove the
talisman to draw thousands of emigrants across
the country. Few people had as yet been at
traded to the boundless west and few also real-
ized its matchless possibilities of climate and of
production. Since the time of his arrival in
January of 1848. Mr. Anthony has been asso-
ciated with enterprises for the growth of the
town and no one takes greater pride than he in
the attractions of this city of flowers by the sun-
set sea.
In Saratoga county, X. V., Mr. Anthony was
born November 30, [818, being a son of Asa
and Sarah (Udell) Anthony. In childhood lie
accompanied hi- parents to Allegany county,
\. Y.. and from there went to Ridgeway, Mich.,
where he learned the blacksmith's trade. Re
turning to Allegany county, he accompanied his
father in removing to Fort Wayne, Ind.. and
there worked at hi- trade. During a revival in
that city he was converted and shortly after-
ward, in [84I, \\a- licensed to preach in the
Methodist Episcopal denomination, becoming a
circuit rider and a member of i lie Northern lii
diana conference. In 1845 he married I
Clark, hut she died while still a young woman,
and the children horn of their union also died
1846, Mr. Anthony went to [owa and from there
started to cross the plains to ( Iregon. After a
tedious journey of six months, filled with many
hardships and constant inconvenience. he
reached Fort Hall, and there meeting a gentle
man from ( )regon was pi 1 suaded to go to ( ah
fomia. the trail led him through Marysville
and along the Humboldt river to the Sacra
mento valley. In this trip he accompanied a
large expedition composed of sixty-three
wagons. ( >u his arrival in California he was 50
pleased with the country that he permai
abandoned all thought of settling in Oregon,
and in October, 1N47. reached San Jose and
three months later came to Santa Cruz, which
lias since been his home. Here he found Mr.
Miller in charge of a small blacksmith shop,
engaged principally in making bridles, bits and
spurs, as there was little else to do in his line.
The two men formed a partnership and were
plying their trade when, in January of 1840.
news came of the discovery of gold. Mr. An-
thony made a trip to the mining district and
found men working there with sharpened sticks.
as few- had picks or other to,, i,. Returning
home, he hired a sailor to take cl
forge and he bought all the holts and iron from
old abandoned vessels. With the material thus
secured he male picks of all sizes and kinds.
these, while lacking beauty, were substantial
and practicable. ( )n being completed the) were
taken to the mines b) Thomas Fulton, where
the) were readily sold for three ounces
dust I he seven doz( 11 were quickl) d
the venture proved financially profitable
i. .1 ill- -In ew d pn ijector. \\ ishing to o mtinue
tlu- business on a larger scale he went 1 1
Francisco to bin iron, but found none on sale,
Returning to Santa Cruz, Mr. ^nthon\
lished a small foundr) and made the first ploughs
mi 1 he state l'i ior to this he had 1
pi lints for the w leil pi' Highs tin ll in Use.
\l,,,ui 1851 ' li- -i" ned a ■ d>lish-
ment with V \ Hecox and the followii
he was appi linted the firsl pa >l Santa
Cruz, a position thai he held for fourteen years.
In his mercantile interest- hr had lame- Cutler
for a partner si >mi • ars, after which I )r.
J. T. McClean and brother acquired in:
668
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and eventually he disposed of his connection
with the store. .Meantime, in 1855. ne made a
trip east and visited his parents, who the next
year joined him at Santa Cruz, remaining here
during' the balance of their lives. The father
was seventy-six at the time of his death and the
mother was about seventy.
] luring the early days Mr. Anthony bought a
lot on the corner of Mission and Water streets
and built a small shop. In 1875 he erected the
Anthony block, a substantial structure. At dif-
ferent times he built cottages, a few of which he
still owns, ami he also erected a spacious dwell-
ing overlooking the city, the valley and the
ocean. In connection with Frederick A. Hihn
Ik established the first waterworks in Santa
Cruz, a movement of inestimable value to the
progress of the place. While serving as a mem-
ber of the board of supervisors he was interested
in the building of the first wharf built at Santa
Cruz. ( Ither beneficial movements received his
encouragement and co-operation while he
.served as supervisor and town trustee, also dur-
ing his >ervice in 1850-60 as a member of the
-tate legislature. In [846 he married Sarah Van
Anda, who was born in 1819 and died in 1898.
Their children are named as follows: Louisa,
whii married Wilbur Huntington, of Santa Cruz:
Bascom, deceased: Almon, of Fresno; Gilbert,
deceased; and Frank, who makes his home in
Fresni 1.
With the removal of Mr. Anthony from In-
diana his interest in religious activities did not
.ease. ( Mi the other hand, it has been a con-
spicuous feature of his mature years. Due to
efforts was the 1 irganization of the first Meth-
odist Episcopal class in San Jose, also that in
Santa Cruz, and the latter lias been a source of
gratification to him since in its uninterrupted
and extensive benevolences. Besides his warm
in religion, he is concerned in othermove-
ments tending toward the uplifting of humanity.
The rounding out of his life toward its twilight
does ii' 'i bring a 1 1 ssatii m 1 if acth ities, n< ir any
lessening of his interest in whatever makes for
the benefit of his fellow men. His daily paper
is still a source of enjoymenl to him, and he
lion >ughl} p> isted upon matters relating
to the welfare ..f our commonwealth and our
nation. During the summer of 1902 he visited
Honolulu, where he studied the customs of the
people and the commercial possibilities of the
group of islands whose recent association with
the United States brings them into close touch
with Americans, and especially with the resi-
dents of the Pacific coast region.
GE< )RGE F. SPURRIER.
Ihr manager of the Fanners' Alliance Busi-
ness Association, of Paso Robles, running a large
warehouse for storing general grain and wheat,
was born in Ohio, August 19, 1852, and is a son
of Green and Nancy ( Merriam ) Spurrier, and
grandson of Richard Spurrier, the latter of whom
was born in Virginia, and was descended from
( ieneral Greene, of Revolutionary fame. Green
Spurrier was born in Virginia, and removed at
a comparatively early age to Ohio, where his
father settled mi a farm, and where he himself
engaged in farming 1 n an independent scale. He
removed to California in 1875. settling at Mo-
desto, where he died at the age of seventy-four
years. His wife was born in Connecticut, and
was a daughter of Ephraim Merriam, also a na-
tive of Connecticut, and who died after remov-
ing to Ohio. Five sons and three daughters
were the result of the union of Green Spurrier
and Miss Merriam. of whom six attained matur-
ity. The children were called Charles, George,
Will, Mary. Lilly, Sherman, Hattie and Bert.
At the age of two years George F. Spurrier
was taken by his parents to Wisconsin, where he
started to attend the public schools, his education
being completed ai the Stockton (Cal.) Business
College. His first attempt to earn his own living-
was as a farm hand, and in [883 he assumed
charge of the well-known Isahelle ranch of
twent) thousand acres. He was there custodian
of six thousand sheep, and remained on the ranch
fi r three years, until it passed into the possession
of other 1 wners. In [886 he began to survey,
and was thus engaged for thirteen years. In
1896 he became manager of the Farmers' Alli-
ance, and f' r six years has successfully manipu-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
669
say he has been the means of bringing the busi-
ness up to its present standard, and to its promi-
nent place among the developing influences of
San Luis Obispo county. During igoi the con-
cern handled in their warehouses over one hun-
dred and five thousand sacks of grain, the whole
comprising sixty-five hundred tons.
At San Jose, Cal., in 1884, Mr. Spurrier mar-
ried Ma-LoV • ui-. a native of Michigan, and
daughter of James < Hi-, born in the east, and a
resident of California for thirty years. Mrs.
Spurrier died in Paso Robles in [896, leaving
four children. George. Frank McCray, Mary and
Howard. Mr. Spurrier married for his second
wife Florence Keagle, born in Iowa, and a
daughter of John L. Keagle, born in Pennsyl-
vania, and who crossed the plains in i860, set-
tling at Woodbridge, Cal. In political affiliation
Mr. Spurrier is independent. He is at present
city engineer, and served as county surveyor dur-
ing 1893 and 1894. He is popular in the city of
his adoption, and is credited with unquestioned
reliability and sound business judgment.
CHRISTIAN HOFFMANN.
The development of Santa Cruz is due in no
small degree to the efforts of Mr. Hoffmann.
whose energy, judgment and ability haw been
devoted to the enlargement of its resources from
the earliest period of his residence here to the
present time. From his native country of Ger-
many, where he was born October 17, 1836, he
came to the United States in 1848. with. hi- par-
ents, and settled in New York. His earliest ef-
forts toward independence were as a humble em-
ploye in a soap factory at Hoboken. After a
short time a brother-in-law induced him to take-
up the baker's trade in his shop, but his accept-
ance of this w< ''1, brought with it no compensa-
tions, .1- he worked night and da) and endured
many bard-hip-, without enjoying any financial
returns. Abandoning that work, he looked about
him for other employment and in this quest an
swered an advertisement for a confectioner. To
his disappointment he learned thai onl) 1
enced help was desired, it being the firm's wish to
open a branch house in VIontrose, Pa. I [owever,
his fianlc answers, hi- air of determination and
bis earnest appeal that he might be given a trial.
w^n the day, and all .if the other applicant
rejected in hi- favor. Going to Montrose, be
5°on justified hi- employers' selection and pn ved
himself reliable, judicious and energetic.
While workingin Montrose Mr. Hoffmann be-
came acquainted with a company wl
ni"g ^ start to Calif rnia. Although small in
stature and nut fully developed into manho d, h«
concluded to accompany them, providing they
would allow him to work his wa\
tent and pay the balance when convenient. His
proposition was accepted, and he accompanied the
horse-train. Fn m the spring to the fall of [852
he journeyed across the plains and finally arrived
in Marysville, Cab. ragged, footsore and penni-
less. He was fortunate in securing work in a
restaurant known as the Bee Hive. During the
summer seasi 11 be experimented in mining and
was fairly successful, his success being due
mainly to the fact that be bad no bad habits and
saved most of hi- wages. Later In- embarked in
the express business in Marysville. but after a
time sold In- interests there and removed to Sis-
kiyou, where he engaged in the produce business
and teaming, and for a time conducted a hotel.
Six years afterward, in 1868, be came to Santa
Cruz, where he has since made bis In. me. !n
company with Charles Burrows, he established
the first gas works m the town, but not finding
this profitable, be engaged in the real-estate busi
ness, buying tracts - f land, which be subdivided
ami laid out into lots. The ass e rend red by
him in the development and growth of Santa
Cruz was particularlj evident through his sale of
lots, 'ii ca-\ terms, n home-seekers. His
ness was an inducement 1.. the less well
citizen- to build homes of their own. At times
be waited as long a- ten years for hi- payments,
in; ii 1 worth) <l(l:i. i was ever treated ungener-
ousl) by him. Through this one thin- In
the upbuilding of the town and was instrumental
in securing tin 1
otherwise would not have been projected. \m >ng
the Streets thai be opened were Spruce. Xew.
Center, Prince, Franklin and Pioneer, from all
of which
' 'i of Mr. I lolTinaun in
Santa t ruz was the running of the old race track.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which he eventually sold at a fair profit. In the
i rganization of the Santa Cruz Bank he bore an
actiye part, becoming a stockholder and director
in the same. Later he was similarly connected
with the City Bank. Though now practically re-
tired from business cares, he still maintains an
oversight of his valuable propert) interests, and
is as eager as ever to aid in measures for the gen-
eral advancement of his home town. When a boy
lie attended the Lutheran Church with his par-
ents, and still inclines toward that faith, though
liberal in his religii us views. While he has never
aspired to office, he is interested in municipal and
i politics, and is a pronounced Republican.
Fraternally he is connected with the < >dd Fellows.
The first wife of Mr. Hoffmann was Annie
Margaret Kleiner, who was born near Frank-
fort, Germany, and who died at fifty-seven years
i f age. Seven children were born of this union,
namely : William C, who is engaged in the realty
business in Santa Cruz; Frank J., cashier in the
Santa Cruz G unty Lank; Annie, wife of Charles
J. Bosworth, of San Francisco; Kate. Mrs. R.
Prindle, of Santa Cruz; Margaret. Mrs. Slaw-
son, (it San Francisco; Mary, Mrs. Farrell, also
of San Francisco; and Ernest, a student in the
medical college in Philadelphia. The second wife
of Mr. Hoffmann was Mrs. Caroline (Marwede)
Bern, the widow of the late Charles Hem. and a
lad) of estimable character, highly respected
am ng the people of the city which for many
vcars has been her home.
I. A.
\D( ( nk.
The Vdcock family had iis early representa-
in Virginia and Kentucky, and its mem-
bers were among the favored and well-to-do of
the Fat mers and sti » 1< raisers. The) in after
years dispersed to different localities through
out the country, and R. J. Adcock, the father
of J. A. ( i.. who was born in Virginia, settled
in Mc.Donough county, 111. Here bis son was
bom in [866, and when four years old came
with his famil) to Montcrej county, Cal. In
the east the father had engaged in the mer-
i.nt here he l< icated i m a
ranch and conducted the same until [884, when,
nei tion therewith, he started another
mercantile venture which proved a successful
means of livelihood up to the time of his death
in 1895. His wife, who died in California in
iSSn, was the mother of two sons and four
daughters, of whom R. J. Jr. is managing his
lather's former business.
When eighteen years old J. A. G. Adcock
went into business with bis father, and was thus
ugaged for about fifteen years, the entire man-
agement of the concern devolving upon him
after the death of his father. Upon his election
in [897 to the office of county recorder, he sold
half of his mercantile interest to his brother
the following year, and in 1899 disposed of his
business entirely. Upon the Democratic ticket
he was elected to the office of school trustee
and member of the city council, serving for a
year in each office. Fraternally he is associated
with the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Masons,
the Odd Fellows Encampment, the Rebekahs,
the Foresters of America, the Independent
Order of Foresters, the Woodmen of the
World and the Ancient Order United Work-
men.
W. W. BLA( K.
One of the promoters of the all around pros-
perity of Hollister is W. W. Black, furniture
dealer and funeral director, and a resident of
the city since early boyhood. A native of Ne-
vada county, Cab. he was born in [867, and is
descended from a family located for many years
in the south. His father, J. M. Black, was born
in the Blue Grass state, from which he eventu-
ally removed to Missouri, and from there to
California in 1852. For several years he lived
in Nevada county, where he kept a toll bridge
and in 1871 came to Hollister, then in Monterey
county, and established the first furniture and.
undertaking establishment in the place. This
enterprise continued to command bis attention
and business abilit) until his retirement in 18113,
a change followed l>\ bis death in 1804. at the
age of seventy-four years. A Democrat in
political affiliation, he for two years filled the
responsible office of count) treasurer, and was
also for a time county coroner, and trustee for
the town of Hollister. Fraternally he was a
HISTORICAL \NI) BIOGRAPHICAL KPCORD.
member of Mound Lodge. I. O. 0. F., with
which his son is now identified.
While attending the public schools of Hol-
lister, W. W. Black assisted his father with the
furniture and undertaking business, and, at a
comparatively early age, understood all about
the numerous details. It naturally followed
that with the retirement of the elder Black in
t893, his son assumed control of his interests,
a responsibility rendered familiar by reason of
former experience. As an embalmer he calls
to his aid the latest developments of science, and
in his work is able to realize what the ancients
declared to be one of the greatest of arts. He
carries a line of furniture calculated to meet
the tastes and most exacting demands of the
residents of Hollister and vicinity, and the
patronage accorded his well established busi-
ness is in keeping with his honest and fair
treatment of the business and social contingent.
While prosecuting his ambitious business
career Mr. Black has been instrumental in for-
warding many worthy and upbuilding enter-
prises in the town, and has also upheld the
principles and traditions of the Democratic party
as a broad-minded politician, his term as cor-
oner having given the greatesl satisfaction.
Fraternally he is past noble grand of Mound
Lodge, I. O. ( >. !•'.. and was a delegate to the
state -rand lodge, and is also a member of San
Benito Lodge 21 r, F. & A. M.
E. C. IVINS.
The office of sheriff, always a responsible one,
is admirably maintained by E. C. Ivins, one .if
the must popular and efficient of the men who
have served in this capacity in San 1. 111- 1 ibispo
county. Preceded by his former experience as
deputy sheriff between the years [89] 95, he was
elected sheriff on the Democratic tickel in [898,
and has in the mean time given an administra-
tion singularly free from undue criticism fr.nn
either party. \ thorough -indent of human na-
ture in all its workings, and possessing tact, pa-
tience and consideration, the present incumbent
of a huge trust has found little difficult)
onciling antagonisms and adjusting difficulties.
Although born in the state of Washington in
[856, Mr. Ivins came to California with his par-
ents when six months ')ld, and lived in Marin
county until his twelfth year. He attended the
public school in Marin county, and continued
his studies after removing to Cambria, in the
northern part of San Puis ( Ibispo count]
preliminary training was supplemented by a
course at the Pacific Business College in San
Francisco, and at the age of twenty-one he
started out to formulate hi- business future,
lie was fairly successful as a farmer and
raiser in the vicinity of Cambria, and owned a
large and finely equipped ranch called Sulphur
Spring. The father of Mr. Ivins. C. II. Ivins, is
a very successful man, and, is b\ profession a
lawyer. Although pr; many years in
San Francisco, he is also interested in ranching,
and has two large ranches near Cambria. He
married Miss Mary Cole, of Indiana, and two
children were born of this union, one son and
one daughter.
In 1879 Mr. Ivins was united in marriage with
Esther Blunt, a native of California, and three.
soi- were born to them, but Charles Henry is
the only one now- living. Those deceased were
Robert and Ernest. Mr. Ivins is identified with
many of the social and other organizations in
which the town abounds, and a: all
is a welcome guest and recognized acquisition.
He is especially prominent as an ( Idd I
and has passed all of tl 1 A assist him
with his work as sb riff Mr. [vins has two depu-
ties, and his office is so systematized that its
cares are materially 1< -
I II \i./l\A.
I hi piesent deputy sheriff of Santa
. Enoch Mini, is a son of Frank L.
Alzina, who claimed the honor 0
county, The formi
1 Santa Cruz, November 10. 1867
comes of a famil) interestingly associ ted with
early happenings on the c
Frank P. Alzina, or Francisco
II in Spain, and the kind of
that We read about in novels determined
11 of his future career. No
Ashed pcrsoi a
.;; i
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
raguj came into his life as a hero ami inspira-
tion, and his intimate association with the cele-
brated sea fighter remained an interesting
\ tip to the end of his life. When the
United States sent the commodore on a cruise
to the Mediterranean sett, he stopped at Ma-
jorca, one of the Blanco Islands, ami took on
board several sailors, among whom was the
future sheriff of Santa Cruz county. The new
recruit proved courageous ami faithful, and was
at the front when his chief captured Monterey
in 1846. Thereafter Mr. Alzina settled down to
i veryday life in Santa Cruz, and when the news
of the death of the great commodore penetrated
the precincts of the city, he was the only one
who honored his memor) b) lowering a flag at
half mast. After the establishment of the terri-
torial government Mr. Alzina became clerk for
Mr. Blackburn, the first alcalde, and he was
elected sheriff of the county the year that Cali-
fornia became a state, serving in that capacity
for eight years. He was thrifty and enterpris-
ing, and combined the most desirable traits of
the early Spanish settlers. A good financier, he
so arranged Ids business dealings that money
'flowed into his purse, and was invested in land
which was then cheap, but which rapidly rose in
value, hie built the house in which his death
occurred, and which is now occupied by his
widow, formerly Carlotia Gonzalez, and her
son, Enoch. Eleven children were born to
Sheriff Alzina and his wife, of whom nine are
living: ITaucisca. Abe, Carrie, Frank, John,
Pauline, Enoch, Albert and Thomas.
Enoch Alzina was educated in the public
schools of Santa Cruz, and at a comparatively
early age accepted a clerkship in one of the
leading stores of the town. For the past twelve
years he ha- been deput) sheriff, continuing
to hold his position under different administra-
tions, regardless of political leaning. In the
community he occupies a prominent place ami
is esteemed for his man) desirable trails ,,
character. Like his father, he ha- an enormous
amount of push and public spirit and is nil-
doubtedl) destined to till a large place in the
affairs of Santa Cruz. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men, the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees,
the Red Men of Santa Cruz and the Pioneer
Sons of California. He is a charter member
of the Native Sons of the Golden West and the
Independent ( )rder of Foresters of America in
Santa Cruz, and is otherwise associated with
social and general affairs in his native town.
MILT< )\ BESSE.
Long experience, excellent judgment, and
particular aptitude for the important responsi-
bility of sheriff of Santa Cruz county rendered
Air. Besse an eminently fitting acquisition to
the preservers of law and order in the state
;it the time of his election to the office in 1 X< 14.
1 lis associates in a minor capacity were deputies
J. I'. McMullen and E. Alzina; deputy H. W.
Trafton of Watsonville, and deputy A. L. Seid-
linger ot Boulder Creek. Mr. Besse was born
in Pescadero, then in Santa Cruz but now in
San Mateo county, November 4, 1862, a son of
Samuel H. Besse. and grandson of Samuel and
Mercy (Dexter) Besse.
Samuel Besse and his wife were born in
Massachusetts, but removed to Maine, where
the} owned and occupied a farm of considerable
extent. When the war of 1812 broke out
Samuel was twenty-one years of age, and be
cause of meritorious services then rendered,
drew the pension which later reverted to his
wife. The grandparents came to California
about 1 So;-, where the grandfather died at the
age of seventy, and his wife died in the east in
1 So 1. Their children were named Kosella I...
Samuel II., Edward T., John X. and Rebecca F.
The sons came to the west in 184c). via the
Cape, and tiller experimenting with mining for
a time settled down to surer methods of liveli-
hood, after returning to the ea-l to settle up
their affairs.
Samuel Harrison Besse was born in Ken
nebec county. Me., in 1S21. and with his
brothers came to California in search of gold
in 1849. In 1850 he returned to the east, but
came to California \ ia the Isthmus in 1852. and
engaged in mining until 1855. In partnership
ivith Bradiej Weeks and John Rader he then
purchased a ranch of one hundred and four-
teen acres, which now constitutes the farm of
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charles Bradley at Peseaclero. Owing to im-
paired health he was obliged to retire from
business in 1878, and went, to the mountains in
search of the vitality which entirely failed him
in 1884. at the age of sixty-one. He was a
man of great force of character, and filled many
positions of trust -during his lifetime. When
he first settled at Pescadero he served as United
States deputy marshal, and his home at that
time was a very popular place, his wife being
the only white woman in the neighborhood,
and extremely kind to all the settlers. Mrs.
Besse was formed} Martha D. Boynton, and
her death occurred at the age of fifty-seven
_\ears. She was the mother of four children:
Antoinette A., the wife of G. A. Gates; Julia
F., the wife of R. B. Milroy; Milton, sheriff of
Santa Cruz county; and Mariam, the wife of
Marion Woodruff. Rosella L., the sister of
Samuel H. Besse. married Jonathan C. Pink-
ham, ni' Boston, and they came to California
in 185 J. Air. Pinkham having previously visited
the state in 1849. They removed to Santa Cruz
in [86o, and here built their home the follow-
ing year, in which Mr. Pinkham, who was a
shoemaker, eventually died. His widow mar-
ried Samuel Walker, of Philadelphia, a promi-
nent Mason, who also died in California. Mrs.
Pinkham, who was born in 1819, is still alert
and able to enjoy life, her home being for the
present with her nephew, Milton Besse.
The first practical experience of Mr. Bess<
was acquired as a clerk in a broker's office, and
afterward while holding a position at Redwoods.
He gradually became interested in contract
building in Santa Cruz, and by 1879 had worked
up quite a trade, from then on becoming iden-
tified with all manner of building throughout
the city. He was thus employed until his elec-
tion to the office of sheriff in [894, hi- previous
duties as deputy assessor, for four years, having
been undertaken in connection with his build-
ing operations. Fraternally he is a member of
the Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fel
low - and lb. I m ampment, of which he has
been representative to the grand lodge for the
past ten years; the Rebekahs, the Knights of
Pythias and the Maccab< es. I fe is .1 1
of tin- Native Son. of the 1 Golden West, of
which he is past president and past grand mar-
shal, and is a member of the Order of the
By his marriage with Mary Prink, of
Santa Cruz, two children were born: Harry A.,
who died in 1891, at the age of eighteen: and
Rose, a student.
HENRY II. CLARK, M. I).
Although ranking high among the hea
men, and the recipient of a patronage at once
gratifying and remunerative, the career of Dr.
li. II. Clark has been broadened into many sick
channels of activity, including that of mayor of
Santa Cruz, promoter of the first electric light
plant, and of the first street ear line, as well as
many other enterprises of equally substantial
merit. A native of Onondaga county, X. Y.. he
was born February to. 1835, his father's farm
being located at Fort Herkimer, twelve miles
from Syracuse. The [amily fortunes were
shifted to Wisconsin in 1841. and hen
parents, Aaron and Margaret (Fox) Clark,
engaged in farming for four years, removing
then to Chicago. 111. Aaron Clark was a cabi-
netmaker by trade, and in his younger days
devoted himself to this occupation. In later
life he farmed exclusively, and his d(
curred at Cambridgeport in [893.
At a comparatively early age Dr. Clarl
Up his mind that he hail ambitions which would
never be satisfied on a farm, and after fini
at the public schools began to read medicine
with Dr. Brainard. He was license, 1 to ,.
by the Northwestern S01 ii 1 . in [85 |. and there-
after located in White county. 111., win
achieved some success, and at tin- -am.
continued to add to In- professional knowl-
edge. IK graduated from the medical depart-
ment of the Univers in Cincinnati,
in the class of 1S71 . and i! 1 Chi-
[owa Railroad ' ompany, his ten
expiring in [887. The exigi
war presented .-n opportunity admirably main-
tained by 1 >r. Clark, who went as
the front, and was with < Jrant at the b itl
Pittsburg Landing. His discharge was effected
V. M.. and he then returned to
676
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his practice in Edwards county, 111. In [889 he
located in Santa Cruz, and in 1890 became
associated professional!) with Dr. Fagan, one
of the very early and prominent physicians of
(he town, and whose history may be found in
thoroughl) satisfactory, and continued until the
death of Dr. Fagan in [899, since which time
! >r. ( lark has engaged in an independent prac-
tice.
The professional usefulness of Dr. Clark has
been augmented by his electrical researches, of
which he is making a specialty, and in the appli-
cation of which he has achieved marked suc-
cess. Elaborate opportunities for experiment
and treatment are to be found in his well
equipped offices, not the least important of his
many devices being the only X-ray machine so
far imported into the county. The success of
these electrical treatments have amazingly aug-
mented the practice of the learned doctor, and
he is therefore recognized as an authority on
this continually unfolding method of healing.
But recently his theories have been demon-
strated with most satisfactory results in his own
ca^e, for his recovery from a very serious opera-
tion is undoubtedly due to the vivifying and life
giving properties of this all too little under-
stood science. It is hoped by his friends that
many years will be spared him in which to
continue the work in which he is so intensely
interested, and which promises so much in its
present and future possibilities.
In Wayne county, 111., Dr. Clark married
Matholda Shannon, niece of ex-Governor Wil-
son Shannon of Ohio, of this union seven
children were horn, three of whom are living:
I lattie S.; Hulbert \\\. an electrician of Santa
Cruz: and Theodore (I., a medical student. Dr.
( lark has been prominent in Republican poli
tics ior manj war-, and was so popular that he
was elected mayor of the town in [896, serving
For two years He was public administrator and
count)- coroner from [894 until 1S08, and Idled
oilu-r offices of bono, and responsibility. I le
1 on- m|" the chief promoters and stocl
li< Tier- a- well as .1 din ctor 1 if the Santa 1 in
electric light plant, and he was equally promi-
street car line, later changed to the electricity
system. The doctor is identified with the State
Medical Association, and as a Mason is a Royal
Arch and Knight Templar. He is popular and
widely known, and is an integral part of the
professional and general prosperity of his
chosen city.
JAMES IT FULLER.
The Boulder Creek Mercantile Association,
though not one of the oldest enterprises of the
town, was inaugurated under favorable auspices
in 1897, and has since realized the expectations
of those most interested. James H. Fuller, the
head of the firm, possesses the requisite busi-
ness ability for the conduct of his business, and
is regarded as one of the substantial and re-
liable residents of .the town.
A native of the vicinity of Plattsburg, Clinton
county. X. Y.. Mr. Fuller was born February
/, 1839, and when eighteen months old lost his
father by death. The elder Fuller was baptized
Aca; and was a farmer and carpenter in \Yash-
lngtoii county, X. V., although he eventually
removed to Clinton county, where the rest of his
life \\a> s|)rllt. I lis wife, Anna (Nichols) Fuller,
survived him many years, and carefully reared
her family of children. James H. Fuller came
to California in 1857, via Central America, and
after locating in San Jose, farmed and engaged
in contract work on the streets of the town,
in [882 he came to Boulder Creek, and for sev-
eral years bought and shipped timber, and at
the present time is interested in six hundred
acres of timber land in Santa Cruz county.
Previous to starling iiis mercantile business in
[897 he built the store in which he is conducting
his enterprise, and since occupying the same has
also engaged in shipping railroad ties ami pick-
ets, these being acquired from his extensive
limber lands.
In political affiliation Mr. Fuller is independ-
ent, and believes in voting for principle rather
than part\. I le i- one of the trustees of Boulder
(Veek, bui has otherwise not interested himself
in office holding. .Mr. Fuller has two children.
\anc\ and Willougllby. lie is a broad minded
^ H4%j&lu^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has won an enviable place in the community in
which he lives.
LEVI K. BALDWIN".
The record of the Baldwin family in America
is traced hack to 1730, when Ebenezer Baldwin
left Devonshire, England, and crossed the un-
tried waters of the Atlantic, settling in Egre-
niont, Berkshire county, Mass. A descendant
of this immigrant, James Baldwin, served with
valor in the Revolutionary war. Ephraim, a son
of the Federal soldier, followed his father's exam-
ple and enlisted for service inthesecond war with
England, having the distinction of being the
first man to volunteer from the Berkshire re-
gion. Promoted by degrees to the rank of col-
onel, he returned home with a record for bravery
of which he might well he proud. The subse-
quent years of his life were spent in the Bay
state, where he died at seventy-seven years. I 1 i s
wife, Demis (Karner) Baldwin, was eighty-two
at the time of her death. They were the parents
of six children, of which Levi K. and one sister
alone survive.
At Egremont, the home of his ancestors, Levi
K. Baldwin was horn August II, 1820, and there
the years of his boyhood and youth were un-
eventfully passed. Starting out for himself, he
soon won his way to an honorable indepen-
dence. ( >n establishing domestic ties he was
united in marriage, November 7, 1X42. with
Emeline 1 'arsons, daughter of Eli and Clara
(Tuller) Parsons. The young couple started
out in life under the most propitious circum-
stances, with many friends and well-wishers in
the vicinity of their birth. For some time all
went well, but adversity finally came to them, as
it cullies to so many in life's journey. llis
genial, kindly nature prompted him to accom-
modate mam friends by endorsing their notes,
and the hanks always accepted his endorsements
as the best security known to the community.
Two of these friends, whose mites fur $1,000
were endorsed by Air. Baldwin, failed to meet
their obligations and the debt fell Upon the en-
dorser. Even the roof that sheltered himself
and wile was mortgaged to meet the necessarj
am. unit, which in due time was paid: thus was
lust the home where his ancestors fur nearb a
hundred years had been bom.
With only a little left of hi- mice comfortable
fortune. Mr. Baldwin turned his face toward the
west, where be believed it would l»c possible to
retrieve his losses. In the spring ol [858, ac
companied l>> hi- wife, he came via Panama to
San Francisco, and a week after his arrival went
forward to Marin county, where he embarked
in the dair_\ business. Land being cheap, be
soon purchased a large trail and boughl a large
number of milch cows. In the management of
his business lie was ably assisted by his capable
wife. Such was their -kill in butter-making that
Baldwin's butter soon commanded the highest
price in the markets and its high quality and
price caused so many dairymen to imitate the
Baldwin brand that Air. Baldwin was obliged to
n gister his brand as a legal trade mark, in or
der to protect himself against counterfeiters.
For years Baldwin's butter lias been sold at Stall
No. 50, Washington market. San Francisco.
When Air. Baldwin went to California it was
his intention to remain just long enough
trieve hi- losses and then return to hi- old Berk
shire home. However, as the years passed by,
his prosperity was so gratifying and he found
the climate of California so superior to that of
Massachusetts that he determined to pass the
remainder of his life by the shores of the Pacific.
Leaving Marin county in [872 he came t<
Cruz, where lie followed the dairv business with
equal success. Meantime bis earnings were in-
vested in land which increased in value, thus
earning him compound interest. Hie fortune
lost ill the east was not only won again in the
west, but was increased to an extent far beyond
bis original ambition- 01 hopes \t this writ-
ing he is one of tin' heaviest taxpayers in the en-
tire county. While he is now to a large extent
retired from business cares, spending his time
quietl) at his suburban home mi B
nue. yel be does nol lead an aimless life, for to
a man of his temperament activity is essential
and can on]\ cease with death. Mis original
purchase of one hundred and fifty-seven acres
and tw 1 - was increased from year
to year, and later, with /. lxarner as a partner,
he acquired a ranch of seventeen hundred acres
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and another of twenty-three acres, having these
ranches stocked with four hundred head of cat-
tle. In 1890 a division of interests was made
by the partners, Mr. Baldwin taking as his share
the seventeen hundred acres, which he still owns
and which is stocked with dairy cows, besides
having valuable timber. The land is conducted
by Mr. Anderson, who is an efficient manager.
I lis next purchase comprised fifty-five acres, of
which he retains thirty-six at this writing. In
1873 he erected a modern commodious resi-
dence, which he has surrounded by a beautiful
lawn with flowers and shrubbery. One of the
attractions of the homestead is a fine grove of
eucalyptus trees, vCt out from seed in 1873, and
four of which are now five feet in thickness.
One of the trees recently cut down furnished
fi ur cords of wood.
After a happy wedded life of fifty-eight years,
during which they had shared their joys and
sorrows, Mr. Baldwin lost his wife by death in
April, 1001, when she was seventy-nine years of
age. Three children were born of their union,
one of whom, Satella. died at the age of seven
and a half years. The two others, Clara and
Mary Louise, both of whom have received ex-
cellent educational and other advantages, are
a* home, caring affectionately for their father in
his declining years.
A- would be expected, the fellow-citizen- of
Air. Baldwin appreciated his abilities and often
requested him to represent them in positions of
trust and honor. In 1874 he was elected super-
of Santa Cruz county and three years later
1 elected. When the City Bank of Santa
Cruz was organized in 1887 he became one of
its principal stockholders and later was honored
with the presidency of the institution, remaining
head of the concern until January, 1900,
when his desire to retire from active business
ibilities caused him to tender his resig-
nation. While his life in California has been
mainly one of sneers-, yet he has had hi- share
:rses, and ai our nine experienced a loss
iUgh the failure of a man. for whom
he was security, to meei his obligations, thus
ng him to raise the entire amount himself.
After several severe losses through endorse
es, he decided to discontinue the use
of his name in this manner, and always after-
ward refused to accommodate people in this way.
However, he has never ceased to be mindful of
those whose lot in life has been sad and unfor-
tunate, and none such has ever appealed to him
for aid in vain. Many a contribution has been
quietly and unostentatiously made for charity,
when none knew of the gift save himself and
the recipient. He has also been a generous con-
tributor to the cause of religion, aiding various
churches regardless of denomination, for he is a
man of broad spirit, willing to aid all move-
ments for the benefit and spiritual uplifting of
mankind. What his life has meant to Santa
Cruz county and its people a stranger could not
understand, nor do all of the residents realize,
yet so much is known of his keen judgment, his
discriminating foresight, his kindly spirit of
charity and his generosity as to bring to all at
Ieasl a partial realization of wdiat his achieve-
ments and his influence have meant for the
county where he resides.
I'.. B. PIERCE.
The present city marshal of Paso Robles, to
which office he has been twice elected, is one
of the town's most enterprising and progressive
citizens, and has established a reputation for
genuine worth as a business man and politician.
He became identified with the city which has
since profited by his endeavors in 1887, in which
year he was elected road overseer, and estab-
lished a butcher shop and farming enterprise.
In 1890 he was elected trustee, serving for two
years, and in 1900 was elected city marshal, two
\ear-, later being appointed deput) sheriff. [895
witnessed the starting of the livery business in
which he is now engaged, and at the same time
he became railroad contractor for the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company, attending to their
work along the coast line. He has constructed
several buildings in this city, and the city hall,
which he owned ami rented for nine years,
he finally sold. The residence on Oak street
occupied b) his family is yet another of his
acquisitions, as well as one hundred and sixty
acres of farm laud near the town. 1 Ulicr inter-
ests command his time and attention, and he
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has availed himself of the resources of the state
to the extent of owning quicksilver and oil
stock.
Like the majority of the men who have made
a success of western life, Mr. Pierce received his
early training on a farm, and acquired a certain
independence and aggressiveness from early
In >ur> and early responsibility. He was born
in Howard county, Mo., near Fayette, March
31, 1851, and comes from a family long repre-
sented in Virginia, in which state his father,
John McCoy Pierce, was horn, in Rappahan-
nock county, and there engaged in farming and
stock-raising. John Pierce came to California
in 1869, settling in Monterey, now San Benito,
county, where he lived retired for some time,
but died in San Luis Obispo county at the age
of eighty-one years. His wife, Mary Eliza
(Johnson) Pierce, was born in Warren county.
Ky., on the < >hio river, and bore him two chil-
dren, one son and one daughter. He had pre-
viously been married, and of the first union
there were two sons and two daughters.
After completing his education at Central
College, Missouri, Mr. Pierce started for Cali-
fornia with his father, at the time being seven-
teen years of age. The father bought land in
San Benito county, but in 1876 removed to the
Osos valley, San Luis Obispo county, where
he bought six hundred and forty-eight acres
of land and engaged in farming and dairying
for twelve years. This property was disposed
of for $24,000, and the family removed to near
Paso Robles in 1875. where they owned six hun-
dred and forty acres. As heretofore stated, P. 1'..
Pierce moved into the city in 1887, and has
since made this his home.
In .Missouri Mr. Pierce married Mary, daugh-
ter of Thomas Knaus, the latter born in the east,
while the former was born in Cooper county,
Mo. Mr. Knaus died in Yolo county, tab,
when about hft\ years of age. To Mr. and Mi -
Pierce have been born three children: Maud,
the wife of J. F. Barnberg, a very successful
miner of Cape Nome, Alaska: Mabel, who is
employed in the Bank of San Jose; and J. I-'.,
twelve years of age. and at present a pupil of
the sixth grade of the school at Paso Robles.
Mr. Pierce is fraternally identified with the Ma
-on,, the Eastern Star, and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He carried a $2,000
insurance in the Independent Order Foresters,
and a like amount of insurance in the Western
Masonic Association. lie is a Democral in
politics, and has been a member of the county
central committee, as well as a delegate 1- the
stale central convention in rcjoo. Mr. Pierce is
wide awake to the interest 30 and has
many friends, as well as a liberal sha
worldly possessions.
PR( IF. DAVID C. CLARK.
To an accurate observer the condition of a
city's schools affords a comprehensive insight
into the spirit of that city, whether progressive
or retrogressive, ambitious for advancement or
satisfied with the achievements of the past. In
this respect Santa Cruz has much reason for
pride, as there has been a steady advance in
educational facilities, opportunities and methods
To a large degree the credit for this gratifying
condition may be attributed to Professor Clark,
who since 1884 has been superintendent of
the cit) schools and principal of the high school.
The history of the Santa Cruz schools dates
back to 1848. when Mrs. Martha A. Case estab
lished a private school in her adobe bouse on
Mission Hill. Two years later a public school
was started. Its beginning of course was crude,
as was to be expected in a region then so far
removed from civilization. However, a stead)
progress was noted. In [863 there were two
teachers. K. Dest) and Miss M. Hill. There
being no schoolhouse, any vacant building was
utilized that could be rented and finally the old
courthouse was converted into a school build-
ing, this serving the purpose until a more suit-
able Structure could be erected. II. I'".. Makin-
as elected principal in [867 and conl
in the position for seven years. The next occu-
pant was C. Kessler, but after two months he
ucceeded by Volne) Rattan. Subsequent
occupants were successively Profs. W. W.
Anderson. E. C. Newell, VV. II. Galbraith, Mr.
Rily, G. W. Jones and Mr. Randall. The last
named was followed b\ Prof. David C. Clark.
who found seventeen teai n lum
G82
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dred and fifty pupils. Under his administration
additions to the schools have been erected, com-
i . iin one to five rooms each. In 1895
ommodious high school building was
.erected on Walnut avenue, which commands
one of the finest views on the coast and consists
of a two-story structure, modern in respect to
heating and ventilation, and thoroughly up to
date in every particular. From the spacious
grounds there may lie seen the ocean and the
beautiful mountains, and a tine view is also
to lie hai 1 1 >f the city itself. At this writing there
are forty-four teachers in the city schools and
more than sixteen hundred pupils. The largest
graduating class was in 1896, when forty-seven
received diplomas certifying to the completion
of the regular curriculum. As a preference is
given to graduates, many of these are employed
in the capacity of teachers ami when vacancies
occur their names are considered rather than
those of strangers.
In Petersburg, .Menard county. 111., Professor
( lark was born June 2$, 1857, a son of David
and Martha (Berry) Clark. In 1863 the family
removed to California and purchased a farm
near Santa Rosa, where the father followed
agricultural pursuits until death. On this home-
stead David C. Clark was trained to habits of
industry and usefulness, and from it he went
forth into the world, prepared to fill positions
of honor and trust. After having graduated
from the Pacific Methodist College in 1876. he
turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and
became associated with D. X. Carithers of
Santa Rosa, in the dry goods and clothing busi-
ness. Two years later lie resumed teaching, in
which he had engaged prior to graduation. For
a time he was connected with the high school
nta Rosa, after which he accepted a posi-
tion as vice-principal of the Healdsburg school,
he was elected principal of the Sonoma
chool ti that 1 apai it\ until 18S4.
when he removed to Santa Cruz. Since then he
ontinued in the same position and has
ged hi- duties with indefatigable energy
and a patient persistenci tb.at have won thi
of all who appreciate the importance of
mal 53 -inn. In addition to
' er duties, he is now president of the
board of education, of which he has been a
n:i mber almost continuously since coming here.
From time to time Professor Clark has real-
ized the need of a technical knowledge of the
law to assist him in his varied and responsible
duties. With him to believe is to act, and hence
we rind' him .luring the '90s devoting his leisure
hours and vacations to the study of Blackstone.
In 1898 he was admitted to practice at the bar
in all courts of the state, since which time he-
has been professionally engaged at several
terms of court. He was elected mayor of Santa
Cruz in April of 190.? and at this writing is the
executive head of this beautiful coast town.
Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fel-
lows, Knights of Pythias and Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks, while in religious views
he is of the Methodist Episcopal faith. His
attractive home opposite the school is presided
over by Mrs. Clark and brightened by the pres-
ence of their two daughters, Bessie C. and.
Alice Mildred. Mrs. Clark was, prior to her
marriage in 1877, Allie L. Crump, and was born
in Arkansas, coming from there to California
with her father, Hon. Richard W. Crump, who
afterward was honored with the offi
superior judge of Lake county.
HORACE II. D iWLES.
The fruit growing industry of the Pajaro
valley has received a decided impetus from the
laudable efforts of Horace H. Cowles, owner
of a fine farm in the valley, forty-live acres of
which are under apples. This representative
farm is further noticeable because of a two and
a half story frame residence erected b\ the
owner in 1896; it has thirteen rooms, finished
in red woods, and was erected at a cost of
83,000.
A native of Vermont, Mr. Cowles was born in
Caledonia county, \ t.. September 30, 18411, a
sun of Timothy Cowles, also a native of Ver-
mont. The father came to California in [852,
b\ wa\ of the Minims, locating near Watson-
villc. in which town he is now making his home,
at the age of eight) eight years. Me married a
Miss Shaw, and reared to maturity three chil-
dren. Horace II. Cowles came to California in
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
i;s:
1863, settling; in San Benito county, but later
removing to Santa Cruz county, where in 1877
he bought a farm upon which he lived until
removing to his present farm in 1883.
The wife of Mr. Cowles was before her mar-
riage Mary Rodgers, and is the mother of five
children: Florence, Hubert, Lillian. Ethel and
Gertrude. Mr. Cowles has won the confidence
and respect of all with whom he has been asso-
ciated during his residence in the county, and
his friends rejoice at the success which has
crowned his untiring industry and conservative
management. He is public spirited and enter-
prising, and may be counted on to further any-
wise plan for the betterment of the community.
PETER COX.
Among the pioneers of 1852 who came to
California with every intention of making a for-
tune in the gold mines, but who eventually
turned their thoughts to the tilling of the soil,
was Peter Cox, whose death, October 23, 1901,
removed from Monterey county one of its
worthy men. a citizen of untiring- industry, large
landed possessions and an enviable reputation.
Although a native of Xew York state, where
he was born March 9, 1825, Mr. Cox was reared
and educated in Michigan, to which state his
parents removed when he was a very small child.
Nothing of unusual moment occurred to indi-
vidualize his life until 185 1, when he set out for
< !alifornia. The voyage was made via the Horn
and brought him many hardships and perils,
which, to the superstitious, would have argued
ill for his future on the coast. The steamer In-
dependence, containing the emigrants, was
wrecked off the coast of Lower California, and
Mr. Cox lost everything that he had in the
world. Being a good swimmer, he was not onl)
able to save his own life, but the lives of several
of his fellow passengers as well.
For some time the little hand of shipwrecked
Argonauts remained on a lonely island, and sad
would have been their fate had they ii"t been
rescued by the crew of a whaling vessel. ( hi
this ship he completed his journey to California,
and "ii arriving in this state tried his luck in
the mines of Eldorado county, but soon decided
that he was not fitted for the speculations of a
miner's life. In 1855 lle came to Pajaro town-
ship, Monterey county, and bought a squatter's
right to one hundred and ninety acres. To this
possession was added by later purchase enough
land to make seven hundred acre-, which has
since been divided up into three ranches and is
operated by his widow and son. About [89]
he removed from the farm into the city of Wat-
sonville, and thereafter did not confine his atten-
tion to farming, but also had other interests.
Prom the organization of the Pajaro Valley
Bank he was one of its directors and served in a
similar capacity with the Watsonville creamery.
In 1850 Mr. Cox was united in marriage with
Rebecca Gathers, who was born in Ireland, May
-7. 1S30, and came to the United States in girl-
hood with her parents, James ami Mar-
garet (Moreland) Gathers, the former of
whom died young, while the latter passed
away in California at the age of eighty-five vears.
Five children comprised the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Cox, namely: Hattie, who married Joseph
Waugaman, of Watsonville: Anna, wife of Wil-
liam A. Trafton, of Watsonville; Sarah, who re-
sides with her mother in Watsonville; Maggie,
wife .if Dr. S.B. Gordon, of Salinas: and Lyman,
who is manager of the home ranch. The name
of Mr. Cox is enrolled among those of the sub-
stantial pioneers of Monterey county, and his
successes in his adopted state are worthy of
emulation as well as a source of encouragi
to those who are now starting out in active
life.
THOMAS A. KING.
Although nut a land owner in the Pajaro
valley, Thomas A. king represents thi
progressive element among the agriculturists
of this fertile region, of which he ha- '
resident since 1S03. lle Comes of old Southern
Stock, and was horn in Tazewell count
September 28, 1859. I lis parents. Harvey and
Mary (Thompson) King, were also natives of
\ irginia, in which state the former was a fann-
er during his young manhood, his father set-
tling there upon removing from England. The
Thompson family were of Scotch descent, and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
have been represented in this country for many
years. In 1870 Harvey King removed from
Virginia to California, and eight years later
died upon his farm of six hundred and Fort]
acres near New Hope, where he engaged in ex-
tensive grain operations. To himself and wife
were horn eight children, all of whom are living:
lames, Thomas A.. Rebecca, Emma. John, Har-
vey, Josie and Virginia.
Thomas A. King was twelve years of age
when the family came to the coast, and he re-
mained on the home farm until his removal to
the vicinity of Watsonville in 1893. At the pres-
ent time he lives about five miles from town,
where he is engaged in onion raising on ninety
acres of land, a portion of the tract being de-
voted to pasture. He has been very successful,
and has done much to verify the general impres-
sion of desirability attached to the Pajaro valley.
The family of which he is a member is further
represented in the valley by James King, a
brother of Thomas A., who is one of the most
extensive onion raisers in the county.
In 1887 Mr. King married Bessie Woodward,
a native of Illinois, and of this union there have
been born three children, James, Hazel and
Wheeler. Mr. King is politically in favor of
the Democratic party, although he has never de-
voted much time to local political undertakings.
Fraternally he is associated with the Independ-
ent ( Irder of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen, lie is a very genial,
progressive and tactful member of the commu-
nity, and has an enviable standing from an agri-
cultural and social standpoint.
FREDERICK W. LUCAS.
The present city clerk and tax collector of
Santa Cruz is also a typical pioneer of the state,.
and has passed through many varied and inter-
esting experiences. ( )f stanch old New England
stock, he was bom in Plymouth, Mass., July 27,
■on of Joseph and Lydia (Keene) Lucas,
the former of whom was a machinist by trade.
\fter completing his education in the public
schools of Plymouth, Mr. Lucas inaugurated his
business career by starting in to work in an
iron works, but this plodding occupation paled
into insignificance beside a consuming desire to
follow the fickle fortunes of the sea. He chose
fishing as the most desirable of the water enter-
prises of which he had knowledge, and for two
years set out on main- voyages in search of the
finny tribe. Finally convinced that he was not
to the water born, he sank his former ambition
in the more absorbing desire to make a fortune
in the gold fields, and his latter-day reefing of
sails, and the roar of the tempest, was mingled
with bright hopes of an easily acquired and mon-
umental fortune. Therefore, Mr. Lucas set out
on the sailer Mallory, commanded by Captain
Borden, and undertook the long and wearisome
voyage around the Horn, meeting with many
adventures and thrilling experiences. Arriving
in San Francisco September 12. 1849, he found
there a queer conglomeration of houses, cabins
and tents, the greater number of which were
given over to gambling, the solace of rudderless
wanderers in search of homes and fortunes re-
mote from their own firesides.
Accompanied by others. Mr. Lucas set out
from San Francisco for the mines of Weber
creek, where he encountered many hardships.
At times he was successful in his mining opera-
tions, but at other times met with disappoint-
ment. He next went to Benecia, where he spent
the winter, and where he was engaged in work
for the government at a salary of $150 per
month, including rations. Eventually he re-
turned to San Francisco somewhat disillusion-
ized as far as mining was concerned, but after
working for the government during the spring
of 1850, went to the Mariposa mines, remain-
ing until storms interfered with living in a can-
vas tent. For a time he lived in Martinez and
Tuolumne, in the latter county engaging with
fair success in both mining and hotel-keeping,
Subsequently he purchased a stock ranch in the
Livermore valley, and after three years spent
thereon went to the Mission of San Jose, and
after fanning there for several years, for some
time was similarly engaged in the Salinas val-
ley. A farm in the Pajaro valley became his
home for a couple of years, after which he came
to Santa Cruz and engaged in teaming, later
taking up the lumber business. As a lumberman
he represented such, prominent firms as the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Santa Clara Lumber Company of San Jose and
the Pacific Manufacturing Company of Santa
Clara, later being identified with the Grover
Lumber Company for a period of twelve years.
In April, 1878, Mr. Lucas was elected city
clerk of Santa Cruz, which position he held one
term. August I, 1898, he was appointed to fill
a vacancy in the office of treasurer and collector,
to which office he was regularly elected in 1899,
and still maintains the same. He has creditably
held many offices of importance, among them
being supervisor of Alameda county. By his
marriage, July 11, 1862, with Mary A. Sylvester,
daughter of Solomon Sylvester, three sons were
born, one of whom, Willie V., was killed on the
railroad when twenty-three years of age. George
II. is a resident of Santa Cruz and Harry C. is
a law student, and graduate of the Leland Stan-
ford University, class of 1902. Mr. Lucas en-
joys to an unusual degree the confidence and ap-
preciation of his fellow townsmen, and his serv-
ices in connection with municipal affairs have
receivetl hearty endorsement, evidenced by his
securing a bond of $160,000 among his acquaint-
ances.
JOHN" WILLIAM LINSCOTT.
One of the foremost public educators of Santa
Cruz count)' for many years and the present
superintendent of schools is J. W. Linscott, who
was born in Jefferson, Lincoln county, .Me., May
7, 1S4S, the son of Mellen and Rachel (Weeks)
Linscott, the former a farmer during his active
life.
No royal road to success was mapped out for
Professor Linscott by an indulgent early fortune,
nor did influence or money play aught but
an inconsequent part. Even the privilege of fol-
lowing his chosen calling unhindered was won
only after severe deprivation and close acquaint-
ance with adverse conditions. A rugged per-
sistency and determination to succeed seem to
have been inculcated while rising early and
working late on the paternal farm, in connection
with which he attended the district schools and
Lincoln Academy, further study being curtailed
owing to ill health. \t the age of seventeen
lie entered upon his career as an educator, and
during the summer time worked with accus
tomed energy on the home farm. This by no
means roseate existence was invaded by a vista
of possibility, opened before the expectant gaze
of the teacher by returned California tourists,
who glowingly depicted the advantages of cli-
mate, surroundings and opportunity awaiting
the industrious beyond the Rocky mountains.
Small wonder that the limitations of the Maine
farm and school house were emphasized in com-
parison, or that the receptive intelligence of the
searcher after better things responded thereto.
Arriving in San Francisco, via Panama, April
21, 1868, Mr. Linscott's choice of location was
influenced by the presence in Santa Cruz of his
cousin, J. A. Linscott, through wdiose influence
he was brought to the notice of the county su-
perintendent of schools, II. E. Makinney, with
such satisfactory results that three days after his
arrival he was installed as teacher of the Rail-
road district school near Watsonville. The al-
together new and invigorating surroundings in
his adopted state inspired in Mr. Linscott a de-
votion which has never wavered in its allegiance,
but has strengthened with the passing of every
year. He taught also in the Roach district, and
in the Peach school, and during the summer
turned his attention to the more healthful work
in the open fields of the country.
In September, 1872, Professor Linscott was
elected principal of the Watsonville school, and
in November, 1882, was elected county super-
intendent of schools, and has been re-elected
successively ever since. When first elected su-
perintendent there were forty-five districts and
seventy-one instructors, and the pay was so
small that he maintained his position as princi-
pal of the Watsonville school until pressure of
responsibility necessitated his resignation there-
from January I. 1801. At the present time the
districts number fifty-six. and the number of
teachers employed is one hundred and thirty-
one. The administration of Mr. Linscott has
given the most gratifying satisfaction, and his
advanced methods, tact. practicabilit) and
tion to hi- work an on the whole appreciated
to an unusual degree, fraternally he is asso
ciated with the Masons, 1 >dd Fellows and Mac-
cabees, and is grand warden of the Grand
[.O.O. P., of California. He is a mem-
liSS
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber and trustee of the Congregational Church.
December 4, 1870, Mr. Linscott married
Emma Scott, a native of Santa Cruz, and daugh-
ter of Richard J. F. Scott, a California 4yer.
After a short experience in the mines, Mr. Scott
located in Santa Cruz, and later in Watsonville,
in both of which towns he conducted hotels. In
Santa Cruz he managed the hotel of that name,
and in Watsonville conducted and built a hotel
on the plaza, where Mrs. Tuttle's house now
stands, and where both himself and wife died.
To Mr. and Mrs. Linscott have been born seven
children, viz.: Harry A., principal of the San
Leandro school of Alameda county; May, the
wife of J. R. Williamson of Santa Cruz; William
R., a dentist (if Santa Cruz; A. M., deputy
county superintendent of schools; Richard R.,
Herbert C, and Maynard, the three last men-
tioned still attending school.
WALTER LYNSKEY.
One of the neat and prosperous appearing
farms on the road between Soquel and Santa
Cruz is owned and operated by Walter Lynskey,
who is devoting his well improved forty-two
acres to general farming, fruit and stock raising.
He was born in Ireland in 1837. and is the son
of a farmer, Patrick Lynskey, who lived and died
in his native land. The mother, Mary (Roach)
Lynskey, also born in Ireland, had the following
children besides Walter: Timothy, a farmer
in ( Hiio; John, living in Xew York state; Mary.
( 'ceil and Bridget.
In bis native land Walter Lynskey received a
fair common school education, and when he ar-
rived in Xew York harbor in 1856 was well
equipped to avail himself of the advantages by
which he was surrounded. After living for a
short time in Yew York city he removed to
Springfield, Ohio, where he farmed until [862,
thereafter removing to California via Panama,
the trip being made in three weeks. Formerly
he owned and lived on a farm of ninet) -ii\ e ." I 1
in Santa Cruz count), but in 1888 assumed con
trol of bis present property, lie has taken an
active part in the affairs of bis neighborhood,
and has been school trustee tor die past Four
teen years. With bis family he attends the Ro-
man Catholic Church, in which his wife, wdio
was formerly Irene Salmon, of Ireland, is an
active worker. Mr. Lynskey is considered one
of the reliable and substantial members of the
community of Santa Cruz county, and his many
fine traits of character have made him a favorite
in his locality.
J( )HN A. McGUIRE, M. D.
The distinction conferred by more than ordi-
nary success has been added to the professional
ranks of Santa Cruz by the altogether creditable
career of Dr. John A. McGuire, a resident of the
city since 1890, and the recipient of a patronage
by no means local in its extent. Born near
Meadville, Crawford county, Pa., March 27,
[841, be is a son of John and Catherine (Gevin)
McGuire, the former a farmer by occupation.
The occupation of farming, while beneficial
in its results as an inculcator of thrift and
energy, at no time appealed to the youthful as-
pirations of Dr. McGuire as an acceptable field
of life-long activity. Having decided in favor
of medicine and surgery, and having gained a
fair education in the public schools, he entered
the office of Dr. W. Lyon, of Salem, Ohio, and
at the same time attended lectures preparatory
to entering Sterling College, Columbus, ( Ihio,
in [873, from which, be was duly graduated in
1881. As early as 1868 he had begun practice
in Chili. ( >hio. and after his graduation he prac-
ticed at Salem and Republic, that state, and
Castleton, X. Dak., in 1887 going to Butte.
VTont. Three years later, in i8<io, lie came to
Santa Cruz, and from the start chanced upon
opportunities which established a reputation for
erudition and profound grasp upon his chosen
calling. In 1901 the doctor established a private
hospital for the care and treatment of his pa-
tients, in which has been conducted operations
which have won him praise from the fraternity
all over the county. In curing the complicated
disorders of woman. Dr. McGuire has accom-
plished truly remarkable results, and it is per-
haps to this specialty that his abilities are best
adapted, and more prolifically useful and far
reaching.
An enthusiastic appreciator of the soil possi-
IIIST< 'KICAL AXD BIOGkAI'II K AL RbYi >RI>.
689
bilities of California, and finding relaxation,
pleasure and profit in the pursuit of horticulture
and agriculture, Dr. McGuire invested in eighty
acres of land, advantageousl) and beautifully
located on Ben Lomond mountain, twelve miles
from Santa Cruz. His yield is devoted prin-
cipally i" apricots, peaches, pears and apples,
although he has several acres under deciduous
fruits. The McGuire home on the cliff drive is
a delightful one, and is presided over by Mrs.
McGuire, who was formerly Amanda, daughter
of Daniel Wyant, and sister of A. H. Wyant,
of Xew York city, the world famous artist. Mrs.
McGuire is a native of Ohio, and is popular in
the social life of Santa Cruz. She is the mother
of three sons, all of whom are successful profes-
sional men, Edward If any as a dentist, and
William Arthur and John A. as lawyers. Dr.
McGuire is past grand of the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, and is also associated with
the Ancient Order United Workmen. He is
liberal, broad minded, an acquisition to his pro-
fession, a stanch friend, and an enterprising and
popular citizen.
CHARLES T. R( >MIE.
Although born at Hamburg, Germany, in
1837, Mr. Romie is an American by training
and education, and is above all else a Califor-
nian, by reason of those traits of honor, large-
heartedness and unlettered expansion, so essen-
tially the backbone of the true western spirit.
His father, John F. Romie, born in Berlin, Ger-
many, was the possessor of attainments that
drew to him many distinguished friendship-.
among others that of General Sutter, through
whose influence be came to California about
1841. Locating in Monterey, be was fur eight
years foremost in the commercial life of the
town, going thence to join the throng of for-
tune seekers among the splendid mining pos
sibilities ..f Placerville. While in a measure
successful, his expectations were all t |uickh
terminated, for among the mines be contracted
an illness which resulted in bis death in [850,
al the age of lii'n years. Mis wile. win. sur
vived him until [888, and who -lied in Monterey
at the ase of seventy ;ix, was one ■ >i those
strong and courageous pioneer women who
deemed no hardship too severe to be patiently
undergone for the sake of those whom she
loved and who were dependent upon her for
affection and sympathy. ( If the children whom
she reared to be useful and industrious mem-
bers of society there are: Ernest, who resides
in San Francisco and is manager of the I -pi
nosa estate; Paul T., who is the youngest son
in the family, and who was burn in Monterey
and now lives in Salinas; Louise, who died
soon after the family arrived in California;
Mrs. Maiw C. lacks, of Monterey; and
Charles T.
From childhood up Air. Romie has lived and
worked in Monterey county, and he is known
from one end of it to the other. His business
successes have in no way interfered with the
building up of an admirable reputation, resting
largely upon a foundation of humanitarian char-
acter, which lavishly spends the results of toil
tor tile betterment of those who are deserving
and in need of help. Many a now- prosperous
man or woman in the county regards him as
their benefactor and attributes to him their
start in life. Innumerable unselfish kindnesses
come to light in converse with his friends and
associates, but which an innate refinement and
delicacy on bis part would forever withhold
from the knowledge of others. Most of the
property of Mr. Romie has been acquired
through his wisely conducted farming enter-
prises, on the property about seven miles from
Soledad, which has been his home since 1875.
He is the owner of 1'araiso Springs ami a sur-
rounding large tract of land. ..n which are con
ducted enormous grain-raisin- enterprises, and
equalh large stock-raising undertakings, lie is
a Republican in politics, and is fraternalh asso
dated with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks.
JOSEPH M.-i ■« iLLUM.
Few of the prominent farmers near Watson
File have led a more eventful life than has J< s
pli Met ollinn. w bo has stored up an abundam
I useful and interesting information while visit-
lg different parts of the world, and evolved
690
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fumi his diverse experiences both success and.
honor. He was born in New Brunswick,
,. ( (ctober 24. 1830. a son of Joseph
McCollum and his wife, Elizabeth (Douglass)
McCollum, both of whom were born in Scot-
land, and possessed the hardy and thrifty char-
acteristics of their race. The elder McCollum
was a farmer in his native land, and after remov-
ing to Canada continued his former occupation
for a few years, thereafter locating in Chester
county, Pa., where his death occurred in 1854.
It would seem that the occupation of farm-
ing possessed its limitations for young Joseph
McCollum. for as soon as he could arrange to
do so he put to sea. and left behind him the
early hours and long labor days of the paternal
farm. For eight years he sailed in the mer-
chant marine of the high seas, in time becoming
a seasoned tar, and in his travels visiting about
all the countries touched by vessels on their
way around the world. But he was not so re-
mote from land affairs that he failed to hear of
tin- gold discoveries in California, and intent
upon having a share in making the earth yield
up its treasures, he shipped as a sailor on a boat
bound for around the Horn, in December of
[849, reaching his destination in San Francisco
the following June. His success or failure as a
miner played but a small part in his western ex-
perii m es, and after reaching San Francisco he
made a trip to Central America, and upon re-
turning worked upon the Sacramento river for
three years. Still devoted to a life upon the
water, he bought a small schooner which he
operated in tlie San Francisco Bay, but eventu-
all) sold his craft and came to Santa Cruz
0 vim \ , living upon a farm i< ir a c< mple of years.
The first year he cleared $2,500, and with this
money purchased his present farm of two hun-
dred acres, paying $60 per acre. This farm
to tlie middle of the Pajaro river, and is
1 iv ol the finesl properties in this part of the
county. Tlie present house was erected in 185(1.
bul •-'nee then lias been added to it. so that at
there are twelve rooms, equipped w ith
1 very convenience possible in the country re
' tne hundred and twenty-five acres 1 f the
farm are devoted to beet culture, and the profit
oni in to 'I ami united to Sio,i 150. 1 lur-
ing the busy season Mr. McCollum is obliged
to employ twenty hands, and in addition to
beets he raises everything in the line of general
farming.
Mrs. McCollum was formerly Ellen Hallett, a
native of Pennsylvania, and is the mother of
three children. John, who manages the ranch,
married Cecil Foster, and has three children.
Margaret, Josephine and John; Edward is de-
ceased; and Ellen is the wife of Marks William-
son. The children were born in the present
home of the family, which is admirably located
three hundred yards from the road. Mr. Mc-
Collum is a Republican in political preference,
and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont.
lie lias taken an active part in the political de-
velopments of his county, and was one of the
first trustees of the city of Watsonville. From
a religious standpoint he is in favor of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. McCol-
lum is also due the distinction of a meritorious
military service during the Civil war. and he has
the commission of second lieutenant signed by
Governor Law. A man of decided character
and great resourcefulness, his residence in the
count) of Santa Cruz has been prolific of prog-
ress and unquestioned success.
J( iSEPH W. PEERY.
To Joseph W. Leery belongs the distinction
of being one of the earliest residents of Boulder
Creek, of which town he is now one of the
influential citizens. as well as the owner of a
portion of the land upon which the town is
built. Innumerable landmarks in this mountain
community bespeak the far sightedness and en-
terprise of this honored pioneer, who recognized
in the advantages of soil, climate and situation,
splendid opportunities for the Fulfilling of large
ambitions, and for the leading of peaceful, con-
tented and successful lives.
The descendant of an old southern family,
vlr. Peer} was bom in Cabell county, W. Va.,
October 2, [830, a son of I liram and Ruth (Les-
ley) Peery, natives of Tazewell county, Va.
1 liram Peer} was a soldier in the war of iSij.
and was the owner of a plantation in Kentucky,
to which state he removed from West Virginia,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The family fortunes were shifted to Missouri
when Joseph W. was twelve years of age, and
while in that state he lived on his father's farm
and attended the public schools as opportunity
permitted. His first trip across the plains was
accomplished with ox teams in 1X50, on which
occasion he spent three years among the mines.
but eventually returned to Missouri, engaging
in farming in that state six years. Three years
were subsequently spent in fanning in Ne-
braska, and in 1862 he again crossed the plains
ill the same maimer as before, but this trip was
darkened and rendered, memorable by the death
(if his wife, who was buried near Austin, Nev.,
hut thirty-seven years afterwards was removed
to Boulder Creek. For two years he engaged
in farming in the San Joaquin valley, and after
residing for three years in Stockton, came t<>
Santa Cruz county, in 1807. locating in Boulder
Creek in [868. At once he became interested in
the remarkable lumber resources of the county,
and in that year bought an old fashioned water
power saw mill, and has since been extensively
engaged in the lumber and saw mill business.
At the present time he employs several men,
and it is said that during the course of his lum-
bering experiences he has devastated of their
natural growth eighteen hundred acres of land
in this county. He is the owner of two hun-
dred and sixtj acres of land, besides a portion of
that upon which Boulder Creek has been built.
'Hie present wife of Mr. Peery was formerly
Mrs. Thomkins, who is the mother of the fol-
lowing children by her former marriage: Willis
E.; Josephine; Thomsen; Jennie, the widow of
George Bowen; Walter T., a soldier in the late
Spanish-American war; Julia: Alice; and Elmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Peery have an ad ipted daughter,
Eva X. Mr. Peery was originall) a Whig, but
afterwards voted for both Line. .In and Grant.
lie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
t hureh, and during his life has contributed lib-
erally towards the supporl of that denomination.
In his general character and make-up he em-
bodies the strength and excellencies of the typi-
cal California pioneer, and his reputation and
p. isitii .n are 1.. >tli above repi oa. h
Boulder Creek, advantageousl) located in the
hear I of the Santa ( tuz mountains, js in a valley
at the junction of three streams, the San Lor-
enzo river. Bear and Boulder creeks, from the
latter of which the town derives its name. Boul-
der Creek is about eight hundred feet above the
sea level, a high range of mountains between
it and the coast guarantees protection from the
raw trade winds and heavy fogs. About seven
hundred and fifty people pursue the even tenor
of their ways within the borders of tins little
town, and its fine public school building is
patronized by about two hundred and eighteen
pupils, who are taught by four teachers, em-
ployed for ten months of the year. Besides
three public halls, there are three churches and
a free reading room, and the fraternal societies
are appropriately lodged. Ever since the Open-
ing of the railroad Boulder Creek has been one
of the largest shipping points on the Southern
Pacific line in the county, and the trade of the
town is represented by four general merchan-
dise stores, one drug store, besides fruit, candy,
nut and millinery ston s.
PETER PETERSt >\\
To the growth of California numerous coun-
tries have contributed, not the least among
these being Norway, which has given men of
sturdy integrity and characteristic perseverance.
While Mr. Peterson is a native of Norway and a
descendant of an old family of that land, so
much of his life has been spent in the United
States that he is a typical American, pushing,
energetic and progressive. Born in Mvndul.
Norway, July 3, [825, in boyhood he learned the
b\ his father and grandfather. In [840 he left
home with an uncle, who was a seafaring man,
. nd -..iled on a three years' cruisi 1 »nd car-
penter. After some time in the Mediterranean
shipped on an American vessel, Sw anion, for
\ew 1 irleans. Being a man of tine physique,
strong, capable and willing, he won tin
employmeill and remained until the fall of 1844,
when he shipped on ., coaster to New York.
1 hie of the memorable incident - ■
692
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing life occurred when this vessel was rounding
Cape Hatteras. Fur days a fierce gale swept
over the ocean and bore down on the little ship.
( If all the crew he was the only one who was
able to -land at the wheel, and so he was
strapped there, and remained at his post for two
days and two nights, never flinching, though
every moment he faced death. Even after the
worst of the storm subsided, it was still im-
possible lor the ship to attempt to anchor, and
so the men remained out at sea for eighteen
davs, with only three days' rations for all that
time. An experience of this nature is not soon
forgotten, and often now Air. Peterson's
thoughts turn back to those days of peril and
anxiety.
After a voyage to Liverpool and back to
Baltimore, Mr. Peterson stopped in the latter
city for a time. In ( (ctober of 1840 he started
for California via Magellan. During- the nine
months of the trip lie encountered many storms,
and for three weeks lay at anchor in shallow
harbor in the straits of Magellan, unable to pro-
ci ed When finally the vessel came within sight
of Monterey bay, the officers believed it to be
the Golden Gate, and came into port. Being
somewhat wear) of the ocean. Mr. Peterson de-
barked and proceeded to Diamond Spring mine
to try his luck as a miner. The location prov-
ing unsatisfactory, he went to the north fork of
the American river, where he met with success,
lie helped to build the first suspension bridge
over the river. and also contracted, at S12 a day,
to build Humes. The following year (1851) he
built a tunnel and again attempted mining, but
high water washed awa\ all he had. Learning
thai Sacramento had burned down lie went to
that place and found just one house left. There
was of course much building to be done, but no
lumber with which to conduct active operations.
Accordingly he proceeded to San Jose in
of w 1 iris. Travel was attended by many
and inconveniences, for lie usuall) went
on foot, sleeping on the ground at night, and
wading or swimming across streams. During
those days he met man) young men. who were
1 1 as lie and were seeking employment at
iccu] iii i' 'ii. and it has 1 >cen 1 >i interest 1 1 >
him to 111 itc that some of these have sim e bi
come successful and influential men. His own
misfortunes after a lime came to an end, and he
est iblished himself on a solid financial basis.
June 3, 1S55. Mr. Peterson married Annie
Sullivan, who was born in county Cork, Ireland,
a daughter of Timothy and Margaret (Sullivan)
Sullivan. When she was five years of age her
father, a weaver, brought the family to America
and settled in Xew York, where she attended
school. With an aunt, Mrs. Donovan, she came
to California in 1853. After his marriage Mr.
Peterson purchased land on the Pen Loman
mountains, and here embarked in the cattle
business. In those days cattlemen were en-
titled to use all the land they fenced in. and thus
it was easy to conduct operations on an exten-
sive scale. Prom the first he was prospered.
As the country became more thickly populated
he sold off portions of his land, but retained a
half section, forming his homestead. The land
was well improved, and there was a neat house,
surrounded by flowers and fruits of all kinds.
1 luring the earl) days he often saw bear ami
deer near the house and venison was one of the
staple meats enjoyed by the family. Forty-
three happy and useful years were passed 011 this
homestead, where Mr. and Mrs. Peterson
watched with pleasure the improvements each
year rendered possible, and at the same time
they carefully reared their children for positions
of honor in the world. The ranch was sold by
them to the Holmes Lime Company, the pres-
( nt owners.
Previous to moving to Santa Cruz Mr. Peter-
son purchased a block of land and put up four
houses. In one of these he now resides, the
others being rented. He maintains an interest
in matters for the benefit of his home town, but
is not active in politics, being independent in his
dews. In religion he is of the Roman Catholic
faith. In his family there are four daughters and
two sons, namely: Mary A.. Emma, Ada F.,
1 'I'M. Margaret and Peter, of whom the last-
named died at the age of one year and three
months. Mar) is tin wife mi Peter Leonard and
the) have the foil,, wing children: George,
Annie, Mary, John. Joseph. Teresa, Catherine,
[■'ranees and ( harles. Emma married William
l». 'fait and lias live children. Joseph, Percy,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fi O.-
Herbert, Ada and Annie. George married Mary
Leonard and has the following-named children:
Bernard, Genevieve, Estelle, Emma, Ada. Helen
and Clara. Margaret is the wife of Robert S.
"fait, and they have five children, Mary, Harry,
.Margaret, Robert and Josephine.
THOMAS J. WEEKS.
Very few of the citizens of Santa Cruz have
been identified with its history for mi long a
period as has Mr. Weeks. Coming to this then
insignificant village during 1849, when thou-
sands were flocking to the mines of California,
he has since been a witness of the gradual
growth and development of the city and has
himself been a constant contributor thereto. I lis
residence on Walnut street not only occupies a
choice location, but is also one of the most
commodious and attractive homes in the entire
county, and by its furnishings reflects the refine-
ment ami culture of the occupants. Although
his life has been one of great activity, he is still
robust ami hearty, and with physical and mental
faculties well preserved can enjoy the twilight
of existence surrounded by the comforts his
wise judgment and indefatigable energy have
pn ivitlcil.
From the far-away regions of New England
Air. Weeks came to California, lie was born
in Wayne, Kennebec county, Me., November
22, 1829, being a son of Thomas and Sarah
(Harmon) Weeks, fanners and lifelong resi-
dents of Maine. During his boyhood he was
apprenticed to the stone-cutter's trade and on
thoroughly mastering the same went to Boston,
where he secured employment. The new-- of
discovery of gold in California came to him
when he was a youth of twenty, ambitious and
venturesome, and he at once resolved to seek
his fortune on the Pacific coast. Against his
brother's advice and the remonstrances of
friends, lie set sail on the ship \ew Jersey,
bound around ('ape Horn for San Francisco,
ami after a voyage of -i\ months arrived at his
destination. With others he hastened to the
mines, onlj to find, however, thai the cost of
profit and. besides, the work itself was entirely
uncongenial. For this reason he left the mines
and in November, 1849, arrived in Santa Cruz,
where he and an associate bought a cabin from
an old schooner and thus secured an abode on
1 he beach. Looking around him for a means
of livelihood, he decided to experiment with
potato-raising. Renting land from Judge Wil-
liam Blackburn, the first year he raised four
hundred sacks of potatoes to the acre, and these
he sold in the San Francisco markets. Out of
twenty-five acres, for which he paid $15 rent
per acre, he and Mr. DeLong made $5,000 each.
The next year they were obliged to pay $100
per acre, but. prices being high, $5,000 each
was again oleared. Later experiments were less
successful, and, indeed, on ace. unit of low price ;,
some years his ledger showed the balance on
the wrong side. However, in spite of these dis-
couragements he kept steadily at work, and was
rewarded eventually by securing considerable
property of his own and a position among the
substantial men of his town and county. In
1890 he erected a modern residence, on a rise
of ground overlooking the city, the ocean and
the mountains, and thus affording a view not to
be surpassed in any locality. On the fiat where
the Indians were accustomed to camp years ago
he has set out some twenty-five acres of orchard
and now each year receives a golden tribute in
fruit. Another enterprise in which he was once
interested and which he conducted extensivel)
was the teaming business.
Like the majority of California fort) miters.
.Mr. Weeks maintains a deep interest in the Pio
1, eeis' Association and is a member of the same,
hi religious tendencies he is liberal, and con-
cedes to others the same freedom of thought he
demands for himself. I he Republican part) has
in him a stanch supporter and its principles re
ceive his consistent support. Mis marriage
united him with Margaret Morgan, who was
born in Springfield, Ohio, and came to
Eornia with her father, James Morgan, settling
in Santa Cruz, the home of her uncle. Judge
Blackburn. Born of this union are three chil-
dren, the eldest of whom. Albion, is a large cat
er and make. Santa Cruz his home. The
second son, I lorace. died at eight
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The youngest child is a (laughter, Clara, who
married Frank Stearns, of Oakland, this state.
WARREN R. PORTER.
( toe of the most prominent financiers and in-
fluential citizens of Santa Cruz county is War-
ren R. I 'inter, president of the Pajaro Valley
Bank, at Watsonville, and member of the board
of state prison directors. The appointment of
Mr. Porter to the latter position by Governor
Gage in June of 1901 was received with uni-
versal approval by his colleagues in the Re-
publican party, as well as by the rank and file
who compose the great commonwealth. A na-
tive son of California, he was born in Santa
Cruz. March 30. 1861, a son of John T. Porter,
who was born in Duxbury, Mass., in 1830. The
hater lived for nearly forty years in Monterey
and Santa Cruz counties, Cal., and lent the aid
of an indefatigable energy, a fine intelligence,
and an honorable name to the development of
the potent pioneer resources of his respective
localities. No one better than he knew the dan-
gers am! hardships of the piains, and in his rise
from an humble drayman to the position of or-
ganizer and president of the Pajaro Valley Rank
he touched with strange fearlessness the inter-
vening occupations, which in their range were
comprehensive and consistent with general im-
provement. He married Miss Fannie Cum-
mings. a lady of culture and refinement, who
was born in Canada, and who became the
mother of two children, a son and daughter, the
former being the subject of this sketch. Mrs.
Fannie Cummings Porter proved not only to be
a good mother, but a worthy partner to such an
energetic man as her husband was. She is still
alive and enjoys the respect and love of all wdto
know her.
Alter completing his studies at St. Augustine
1 ollege, Benicia, Cal, Warren R. Porter em-
barked upon a commercial life as bookkeeper of
the Bank of Watsonville, organized bj his
father in l S74. In [884 he tilled a similar posi
tion with the Loma Prieta Lumber Company,
in their main office in Watsonville, and b\ rea-
son hi his enterprise and adaptability rapidly
0 1 he head .if the company's affairs. In
[886 he became secretary of the concern, and
upon the removal of the company's headquar-
ters to Loma Prieta, he also removed thither, and
assumed the management of the affairs of the
concern, In 1899 he returned to Watsonville,
at the same time acting as secretary of the com-
pany until June of 1901, when, owing to the de-
mands upon his time made by other and larger
responsibilities, he was obliged to shift part of
his duties in connection with the lumber corn-
pan) on other shoulders.
In 1888 Mr. Porter became one of the incor-
porators and directors of the Pajaro Valley
Bank, of which his father was president up to
the time of his death, in February, [900. He
then stepped into the position made vacant by
the elder Porter, since which time the entire
management of the bank has been under his
direct control and observation. By honorable
and conscientious effort the father had acquired
large material returns for his years of striving
in California, among his possessions being his
home in Watsonville. located on forty acres of
land, an adjoining ranch of two hundred and
eighty acres, as well as six hundred acres fur-
ther ui' the beautiful Pajaro Valley. Everybody
acquainted with the high values of land in that
valley will realize what these holdings are, good
land being worth all the way from $300 to
$1,000 per acre. Numerous other holdings in
Watsonville and different parts of the state also
passed into his hands as time went on, and the
question of managing all of these interests after
his death resulted in the formation of the John
T. Porter Company (incorporated), in Septem-
ber of K)oi, in which incorporation the heirs
held most of the stock, and of which Warren R.
Porter is vice-president and manager. Nor
must it be supposed that Mr. Porter's interests
are of a local nature only, for he has holdings in
every county comprising the sixth congressional
district. He is still director of the Loma Prieta
Lumber Company, and is one of the best known
financiers in Central California.
\s a stanch Republican, Mr. Porter has been
prominently before the public for mam years,
and his appointment to the prison board is a
lilting recognition of services rendered. Tic
was .me of the presidential electors in 1000. and
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
alternate delegate to the National Republican
convention at Philadelphia in June of 1901.
Fraternally he is associated with the local lodge
of Masons, Watsonville Command'ery No. 22
K. T., and is a charter member of the Watson-
ville Parlor No. 65, X. S. ( i. \Y., being past
president of the same. August 23, [893, Mr.
Porter married Miss Mary E.. daughter of Rev.
(i. A. Paste m. rector of St. Mark's Episcopal
Church at Berkeley. This marriage has proved
to be a most happy one, Mrs. Porter being loved
by all who know her. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Porter: John Easton, who is
eight years old; Warren R.. Jr., who died at the
age 'if fourteen months; Mary Frances, who is
four years old, and Thomas B., who is eleven
months old. Mr. Porter represents that typical
western financier and public-spirited citizen that
we are wont to associate with the building up of
great enterprises, and of all around accomplish-
ments worthy the stupendous possibilities of
this well favored part of the state.
E. A. SAWYER.
The 1 >ld Pay State has given San Benito
county a sturdy ally in the person of Mr. Saw-
yer, who not only conducts a ranch of two hun-
dred and eighty-six acres, seven miles north of
Hollister. but is also to seme extent interested
in the dairy business, having sixty milch cows.
Born in .Massachusetts in October, 1831, he con-
tinued to make his home with his parents until
the year [853, when he severed home ties and
came to California by way of Centra] America,
the trip from Panama to San Francisco con-
suming twenty-two days. The mines of north-
ern < 'alifbniia holding forth alluring prospects,
Mr. Sawyer transferred his interests there, fol-
lowing the miner's life for three years. At the
end of this time he decided to engage in busi-
ness in San Francisco, opening a wood and coal
cilice there. Pater he became interested in
stock-raising near Hill's Ferry, but finally, in
1 So-, came to San Benito county, purchasing a
farm devoted to the raisin- of Imps and
sorghum. After following the latter occupation
for three years he gave his attention to his
present business, that of raising sheep and
cattle.
E. A. Sawyer is a son of Reuben and Betsy
1 I lardy 1 Sawyer, both of whom claimed Massa-
chusetts as their birthplace. As a means of
gaining a livelihood the father followed the call-
ing of stonemason in addition to conducting a
farm. Mr. Sawyer married for his first wife
Angeline Souther, and to them was burn an in-
teresting famil) of six children, all of whom are
living, viz : Charles, Katie, William, Clarence.
Eugene and Frank. For his second wife he
married Mrs. C. W. Went worth. In his politi-
cal views Mr. Sawyer is a stanch believer in the
principles promulgated by the Republican party.
R. M. SEBASTIAN.
Almost the entire life of Mr. Sebastian has
been passed in California, of which he is one
iii" the native sons. His -father, J. W. Sebastian,
upon coming to this state, settled 111 Ventura
countw where he continued to follow the black-
smith's trade until his death. In his early man-
1 ood lie had married Miss Mary E. Riggs, who
was born in Kentucky, the daughter of a farmer
who came to California during the exciting
in' 1849, afterward returned to Kentucky and
from that state enlisted in the Civil war. In the
family (if J. W. Sebastian there were five yis.
namely: R. M.; J. P., who is engaged in the
mercantile business; C. P.. who resides in
( ixnard; Eugene, and Alfred T., a merchant.
In Ventura county, Cal., R. M. Sebastian was
burn in 1S70. The public schools of that county
afforded him fair advantages, and he supple-
mented the knowledge tin-re acquired \>\ an ai
1, ndance at the bus Vngeles Business College,
from which lie was graduated in [893. Pike his
brothers, he early showed a desire 1.1 enter busi
r.ess ami seemed to possess greater abilitj for
that line of work than fur agricultural
fessional labors. His first venture was in
Springville, Ventura comity, where In- opened a
general store and conducted business for three
years. During that time In- mel with an en
couraging degree of success, but fmalb
destroyed his stuck of g Is and terminated the
business at that poinl From [897 in [89 1 Iv
698
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was proprietor of a barber shop in Oxnard.
Not caring-, however, to continue in that oc-
cupation, he sought another opening, and
went to Sugar City, < )tero county, Colo., where
In opened a first-class hotel ami cleared $3,000
in nine months. Returning to California, he
was inspired by his substantial success to con-
leased the New Cosmopolitan Hotel of San
Luis ( tbispo, which he transformed into a first-
class house and acted as proprietor and man-
ager of the same.
Fraternally Mr. Sebastian has been a Mason
and has also connected himself with the Elks.
Politically he is a Democrat. In i8cj6 he was
united in marriage with Miss Norma Umstead
by whom he has a son, Howard. Mrs. Sebas-
tian was reared in Ventura county, where her
father, 1. L. Umstead, has made his home for
main- years, having meantime become known
as a skillful mechanic and inventor.
MOSES I'.. BLISS,
\ prominent citizen of Santa Cruz who has
performed his share towards the development
of the agricultural resources of this county,
and who is now living a retired life at his
pleasant home in the town, is Moses B. Bliss,
member of an old Xew England family prom-
inently connected with political and other af-
fairs in the east. He was born in Wilbraham,
Mass., March 8. 1S1S. ami is a son of lion.
Abel and Phebe (Lathrop) Bliss. The former
was born in Massachusetts in 1775, while his
wife was horn in 1777. He was a farmer in
earl) life, and while tilling the acres of his
Massachusetts farm exerted his energies in var-
ious worth) directions. He became interested
in politics, and was representative for Boston for
a number of years, eventually being elected to
the United States senate. The friend of educa-
tion, he was foremosl in establishing the
Wilbraham school, of which he was secretar)
lor a number of years. ( If the three children
born into his family, Moses I'.. is second old-
est, while Harriett was born in [813, and George
II. wax horn in 1820. The latter is a resident
of \y.-ilsonvillc, Santa Cruz county, where he
taught school for a number of years, and also
maintained a hotel.
While working on the Massachusetts farm
Moses I'.. Bliss managed to acquire a common
school education, and to learn to be a prac-
tical tiller of the soil. While still in his native
stale he married Martha Jane Fuller, who was
born in the state of Maine, August 20, [825, a
daughter of Thomas and Abigail 1 1 lay 1 Fuller,
also natives of Maine. Mrs. Bliss is the second
in age of three children born to her parents,
Mary, now Mrs. Theodore Brown, being the
oldest, while Benjamin F., a resident of Maine,
is the youngest. The four children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are all living, namely:
Charles L., who was born May 1. 1848, and who
is a dentist of Santa Cruz: Frank W., born
March 17, 1852, also a dentist of Santa Cruz;
Frederick A., born March 16. 1854, also a den-
tist living in San Francisco; and Jennie, born
December 16, 1859, married William T. Jeter, a
banker and prominent Democrat of Santa Cruz.
At the age of twenty-seven years Mr. Bliss
removed to within thirty miles of Chicago, 111.,
where he bought a farm of two hundred and
twelve acres, upon which he lived for thirty
years. He came to California in J87O, locating at
Santa Cruz, where he has since lived. He is
one of the old time settlers, and with few ex-
ceptions the oldest man in the count)-. Mr.
Bliss enjoys the confidence of all who have
been associated with him in the years of his
sojourn in California, and he has to show for
his years of untiring exertion a fair competence
ami an untarnished name.
MOSES AVERY MEDER.
Four years before the greatest tide of emi-
gration drifted westward Mr. Meder came to
California, with the development of which bl-
own life was subsequently associated. A native
of the distant cast, he was born in Ellsworth,
Grafton county. X. II., December 18, 1802. lb
sd on the fa
.rah Meder.
ottered bv
\s ;, steppi
t.. Portsmi
oi-
ls. Eli
d vantage
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the trade of shipbuilding, and at the same time
sought in every way to improve his education. It
is saiil of him that he was always well informed
and appreciated the value of keeping posted on
current events.
In 1845 Mr. Meder married Sarah D. Blood.
A year later he decided to seek a home in Cali-
fornia, with the hope of some day becoming a
large cattle owner. Accompanied by his wife
and child, he embarked in the sailing vessel,
Brooklyn, February 3, 1846, and landed in
San Francisco August 3, 1846. His total capi-
tal consisted of iifn cents, while his wife had
seventy-five cents. However, they had some
bedding and dishes and so were hetter off than
some of their fellow-passengers. The wife was
braver) personified and predicted success when
once they got started. In looking around for
work, Mr. Meder met a Mr. Graham, who was
looking fqr help to build his mill on the Zyante
creek, where the Big Tree Park is now located,
ami where the foot bridge spans the water. This
was the first saw mill erected in Santa Cruz
county. Mr. Graham, hearing of the arrival of
the ship, sought among the passengers for
carpenters. Mr. Meder promptly accepted his
offer, and, arriving at his destination, lived tem-
porarily in the crevices of the trees, whose size
is now the wonder of the world. Sending for
his wife and child, they lived in their unique
abode until the approach of winter necessitated
warmer quarters, when a house was built of
slabs. At the end of two years Mr. Graham
built another mill at San Lorenzo, and Mr.
Meder and Otis Ashley rented the old mill.
In the meantime the gold seekers began to
arrive and all commodities leaped in price,
lumber being no exception to the rule. At one
lime they sold lumber for $300 per thousand
feet, and at another time they sold tift\ thousand
feet for Si 50 per thousand feet.
M>< nit 1850 Mr. Metier began to invest the
money made in the lumber business in land,
buying small tracts as they appeared to be of 111
creasing value. He built himself a home on
the Franceforte creek, and assisted Eli More to
build his mill at that point. At no time a
plunger or speculator, he nevertheless tried
mining for six months, at the expiration of
which time he decided other callings offered
greater opportunities. In time he entered the
cattle business and devoted himself also to
the buying and selling of lands. On the site
of the noted Wilder ranch he erected buildings,
many of which are still standing, and here he
made his home. At one time he owned land
north and west of Santa Cruz, along the coast,
and there his cattle roamed at will, and his
dairy turned out the best products known at
that time. In 1874 he sold his land and re-
tired to Santa Cruz, where he was making his
home at the time of his death in 1890. His
first wife died August 3, 1X72, and July 18.
1873, he married ( Hive Ann Sinnett, daugh-
ter of John and Ann (( Irr) Sinnett. the former
of whom was a seafaring man. Mrs. Meder
had a sister and her husband, Henry Ionian.
who came to California with their child, leav-
ing one other child behind .them for her to take
care of. Two and one-half years later she came
west bringing the child with her. Mr. Meder
was a large-hearted man and a liberal, but un-
ostentatious giver. He had the rugged simpli-
city and resourcefulness which have laid the
foundations of the west, ami upon which others
have since built both fame and fortune.
WILLIAM II. WARDEN.
In the early part of the nineteenth century
Gabriel Warden, a farmer, lived near Granville,
Licking county, Ohio. He married there and
reared a large family. ( )f his ten sons and three
daughters, the eighth in order of birth. Lew
Moore, was born on the home farm in [825.
In. 1844 he went to Iowa :i- an Indian trader.
At the time of the discover) of gold in Califor-
nia he determined to seek his fortune in the fat-
west, and accordingl) started across tin- plains.
via Fort Laramie, Salt Lake and thence to
llangtown. After a journey of sixt) two days
he reached his destination July 6, 1850. For
several years he was associated Willi a b
11. ML, in the stage business in Grass Valley,
north of Sacramento. During the earl) days lie
was a pioneer miner on the American, Yuba
and Feather rivers. Later he embarked in the
cattle business in Napa county, but soon after-
700
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ward removed to Mendocino county, where his
son, William II., the subject of this article, was
born m 1861.
To fill an unexpired term. L. M. Warden was
appointed high sheriff of Mendocino county, at
the expiration of which he was elected to the
office, and subsequently re-elected, holding the
office for four terms altogether, from i860 to
1868. All of the elections were as the Demo-
cratic candidate. ' hi resigning as high sheriff,
he came to San Luis ( )bispo county in 1868, and
settled on the Atascadero rancho, where he
turned his attention to the sheep business. In
1871 he transferred his sheep to Los Osos val-
ley, where he bought four thousand acres of
Los Osos ranch", otherwise known as Captain
Wilson's ranch. In addition to having sheep, he
also carried Durham and other fine grades of
cattle and had a dairy of over one hundred milch
cows. The drought of 1876 was so severe that
i' caused him 1" retire from the stock business,
and later he sold a part of the ranch.
During 1874 and 1875 Mr. Warden served as
supervisor of San Luis Obispo county, and in
1878 he was elected a member of the California
general assembly, in which body he ably repre-
sented his constituents for one term. His inter-
est in educational matters led him to accept the
responsibilities of a school directorship, in which
position he continued for many years. He aided
in the organization of the Agricultural Society
of San Luis Obispo county, in which he held
the office of director. In Masonry, too, he was
prominent and active, and when he died, in
[893, his funeral was conducted with the impres-
sive ceremony of the Knight Templars.
By the marriage of I.. M. Warden to Helen
Franklin, a native of Indiana, and now a resi-
dent of Portland, ( Ire., four children were born,
namel) : Frances E., wife of I). J. Haines; Wil-
liam H., of San Luis Obispo county; < )scar L..
of Portland, < Ire.; and May, wife of W. II.
Fiske, also of Portland. < >f these children Wil-
liam 11. was seven years old when his parents
brought him to San Luis Obispo county, and
ever since remained a resident of the
same locality. His education was such as dis-
trict schools afforded and gave him the need* d
preparation for a life of activity. At this writing
he owns 1 me hundred and fifty acres of Los Osos
rancho, although by leasehold he cultivates over
twelve hundred acres of the tract, and uses the
land principally for the pasturage of cattle. He
is especially interested in the dairy business and
his dairy is noted for the excellent quality of its
butter. In 1899 he bought the Gibson ranch
and removed to that place, which has since been
his home. Like his father, he is a stanch Dem-
ocrat, and like him, too, he is an active worker
i>n the school board, having served as a director
for ten years. In 1886 he married Miss Lizzie
LaTourette, by whom he has six children,
namely: Alfred LaTourette, Roy, Lew M..
Howard. Emma and William H. Fraternally
Mr. Warden is connected with the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the
World. He is one of the native sons of Cali-
fornia, who maintain a warm interest in the de-
velopment and progress of the state, and partic-
ularly assist in the growth of their own home
county.
WILLIAM T. ELLIOTT.
His loyalty to Republican principles and to
the town of which he has been a resident since
1875, has secured for Mr. Elliott many evi-
dences of the esteem in which he is held by
his fellow townsmen, and which has been fit-
tingly rewarded by his appointment to the post-
mastership of Gonzalez by James A. Gary, post-
master general. He is now serving his second
term and since his incumbency of the office gen-
eral satisfaction has been expressed, and many
improvements have been made over previous
management of the affairs of Uncle Sam. This
postoffice is known as a fourth-class affair, and
the genial presiding genius thereof east his
first presidential vote for the immortal Abraham
1 .incoln.
A native of Vermilion county, Ind.. Mr. Ell-
iott was born in [837, a son of Robert Elliott,
who was also born and reared in the Hoosier
state. The family is of Scotch-Irish extraction,
ami the paternal grandfather removed to Vir-
ginia at a very early day. Mr. Elliott ac-
quired his education during the winter months
at the little log school house of his neighbor-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
C03
hood, and when the Civil war broke out was
living in Portland, I ml. In August of 1861 he
enlisted in Chanrbersburg, that state, in Captain
Sam. Irvin's company, and. upon the death
cii their first commander. General Baker, they
were thrown upon the governor of the state
of Xew York, win 1 attached them to a New
York regiment, the Harris Light Cavalry, or
Second Xew York. The regiment participated
in man}- of the important battles of the war,
and Mr. Elliott was discharged from the service
September i(>. 1864, at Hallstown, Va. With
the return of peace, he again lived in Indiana,
where he engaged in the prosecution of his trade
of carpenter, and in 1868 removed to Kansas,
locating in Neosha count}-, where he continued
to live until his removal to California in 1871.
At Peach Tree he engaged in stock raising for
three years, and then removed to Monterey,
where he took up his trade and followed the
same until 1875. That year he first became
identified with Gonzalez and has since been
an interested and helpful spectator of its con-
tinued growth.
The marriage of Mr. Elliott and Elizabeth
Glover, daughter of Claybon Glover, occurred
in Indiana in 1858. Of this union there were
five children: George, who was killed while at
his post as a conductor on the Southern Pacific
Railroad: Margaret, who died in Indiana; John
S., who is a teamster in Mendocino count}-, Cal.:
Clara, who is now Mrs. Abraham Higbie of
Gonzalez; and Isabell, who is the wife of Mr.
Patton, of Gonzalez.
JACKSON MANN.
( )ne of the most prominent and successful
of the fruit growers of the Pajaro valley is
Jackson Mann, whose family is further repre-
sented in the valley by his brother, Christopher,
with whom he shares an enviable standing, as
well as large competence. lie was born in
Montgomery county, Ind., September 10. (825,
and was reared in southwestern Missouri, wliiili
er his parents removed when he was twelve
years of age. After four years in this part
<>i the state the family removed to Jackson
county. Mo., where the father purchased fifteen
hundred acres of land. Christopher Mann,
the father of Jackson, was born in North Car-
olina, from which state he removed to Indiana
at an early day. He was a farmer and stock
raiser by occupation, and served with distinction
in the Black Hawk war, winning the rank of
lieutenant. Twice married, his first union re-
sulted in thirteen children, and his second union
in nine children, twenty-two in all. His death
occurred in Jackson county. Mo., at the re-
markable age of one hundred and twelve years.
Llis father, Jonas Mann, came originally from
Germany.
At the age of twenty-one years Jackson Mann
reaped the benefit of his father's untiring in-
dustry, for he was presented with eight} acres
of land with which to start out on an indepen-
dent career. In 1853 he disposed of this land
at a profit, and came overland with ox teams
to California, the trip requiring five months
and fourteen days. Arriving at San Jose, where
his brother was already located, and purchased
several lots as an investment, after which he
removed to the mountains ami engaged in team-
ing to Redwood city. After experimenting with
a ranch with a bad title, he engaged in lime
burning for a year or so, and was finally burned
out of the business. He then proceeded to
Sonoma county and bought a ranch, but this
went the way- of his former ranch, the title
being absolutely void. In the fall of i860 he
bought fort\- acres of land in the Pajaro valley
for $300, and after living thereon for a year,
bought his present farm of two hundred anil
lift}- acres. The country was new- at that lime.
and the present prosperity and unequalled rich-
ness of the soil were as yet unthoughl of. 1 U
his land, one hundred acres are in the valley,
and one hundred and fifty in the hills. Twent)
acres are under an orchard four years old, and
the remainder is devoted to [arming and stock
raising.
While living in Missouri. January 14. 1847.
Mr. Mann married Rebecca lane Robertson, a
native of Monroe count}. Ky.. when
was horn Xpnl 29, [824, When thr. 1
of age Mrs. Mann removed with her parents
to Illinois, and when foui ti age was
taken to Jackson county, Mo., where her mar-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
riage occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have had
nine children, and thirty-three grandchildren.
( If the children, Nancy is the wife of H. M.
Hays; William E. is a stuck raiser of Monterey
county; Christopher died at the age of twenty-
five; Ezekiel Jackson is a rancher in Santa Cruz
county; John W. is a rancher in Monterey
county; Susan Jane is the wife of James Phillips
of Santa Cruz county: James Henry is a resi-
dent of Watsonville, Cal.; Mary F. is Mrs.
Charles Gill of San Francisco; and Katie died
at the age of five years and fourteen days.
Mr. .Mann is a Republican in politics, and has
been a school trustee for several years. He is a
member of the Church of Christ.
|< MIX DENNIS MURPHY.
An extensive orchardist of the Pajaro valley
is [ohn D. Murphy, who inherited from his
father two hundred and eighty-two acres of
land, upon the greater part of which he is
raising apple-. At first he set out fifty acres
under Newtown pippins and winesaps, and has
since set out one hundred and fifty acres under
pippins and Bellefleurs, making two hundred
acres under orchard, seventy acres of which are
in bearing condition.
When he first came to this valley Mr. Mur-
phy was four or five years of age. having
been horn in San Francisco, Cal., June 22, 1855.
His father, John Murphy, was born in County
toil., Ireland, where he lived until twenty
years of age. About 1849 he came to America
and located in Boston, and arrived in San
Francisco during 1850 or '51. lie worked in the
coasl cit) until he hail saved up $4,000, which
v< ted in stock, which was kept across
the bay. Tin- -lock was transferred to the
Pajaro vallej in 1850, the owner thereof set-
tling on land across from Santa Cruz county,
which he rented and occupied until [863. He
then purchased one hundred and sixty acres, a
part of which constitutes his present ranch, pay-
ing for ii Si. 700. From a partly improved state
he increased the value of his land by incessanl
industrj and continual development, adding
'mi il he 1 >w n. 'd six hundred and eighteen
acres in a body at the time -1 hi- death, Febru-
ary 14. 1892, at the age of sixty-eight years.
He possessed remarkable vitality during his life
time, and was able to superintend his many
interests up to within the last week of his life.
IK wa- a Democrat in politics, but never got
any nearer political affairs than casting his vote.
He was one of the earliest pioneers of the valley,
and with his son, John Dennis, set out the first
orchard in the district. He was a member of the
Catholic Church. His wife, formerly Elizabeth
Sheehy, was also born in County Cork, Ireland,
and came to America about a year after her
husband, whom she shortly afterward married.
Mrs. Murphy died February 22, 1892, eight days
after the death of her husband. She also was
a member of the Catholic Church, and was
the mother of six children, viz.: Margaret, the
widow of James Penan, and a resident of San
Jose: Alary, a sister in the Crass Valley Convent
and who entered the order in 1890: Ella, living
in Watsonville: Annie; Julia, deceased in [894;
and John Dennis.
February 5, 1896, Mr. Murphy was united
in marriage with Mary Driscoll, a native of
Santa Cruz county, Cal.. and a daughter of
Jerry and Hannah Driscoll, pioneers of Santa
Cruz county. ( )f this union there have been
born two sons, John and Eugene, the latter
of whom is in the employ of his uncle, the
present mayor of San Francisco. Mr. Murphy
is a Democrat in politics, and has at times
been very active for his party. He is among
the substantial and thrifty agriculturists and
horticulturists of his neighborhood, and has
not only a reputation for raising excellent ap-
ples, but derives a steady income from beets
and strawberries, which he cultivates between
the trees. Mr. Murphy and his wile are mem-
bers of the Catholic Church.
IK IN. C. P. LACY.
As a practicing attorney of Salinas and a
former member of the assembly, Mr. Lacy i-
well known throughoul Monterey county, lie
wa- bom in the city of Monterey in 1864, ami
1- .1 -on of J. \ . and Belle (Taylor) Lacy, natives
respectively of Canada and Liverpool, England.
In 185S his father became a pioneer of Call-
ZADOCK KARNER
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
>.-.
forriia and during that year began to follow the
wheelwright's trade in Monterey, but in 1868 re-
moved to Salinas, where he has since resided.
After having completed his education in the
public schools, C. F. Lacy took up the study
of Stenography at seventeen years of age and
sunn became an expert in that art. His pro-
ficiency led to his appointment as court report-
er, which position he filled for ten years and
meantime devoted himself during his leisure
hours to the study of law, for which his long
court experience gave him exceptional ad-
vantages. In 1890 he was elected to the state
legislature and served during the session of
[891. In July of the latter year he was admitted
to practice before the supreme court of the
slate, and shortly afterward began in the pro-
fession to which the succeeding years have been
devoted. Until [899 he was alone, but during
that year formed a partnership with G. H.
Dougherty, and this association continues to
the present. The firm have been given charge
of various important cases, and in every matter
entrusted to their oversight have proved capa-
ble and painstaking. Tn politics Mr. Lacy is a
Republican, and fraternally is connected with
the Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World and
Ancient ( Irder of United Workmen. His mar-
riage in Salinas united him with Emma Edring-
1 1 111 . who was born in Kentucky, and to their
union was burn a daughter, Dora.
ZADOCK KARNER.
Contemporaneous with the development of
the dairy industry on the Pacific coast were
the successes "i" the late Zadock Karner, and
for many years of his life a record thereof
would throw considerable light on pioneer dairy
methods and the gradual growth uf the indus-
try tn its present rank. \ resident of Santa
Cruz from 1871 until the time of his death.
July [3, 1804. during these years he became
known as one of tin- city's leading and influen-
tial citizens, a contributor in local projects and
a believer in all progressive plans. The home-
stead which he occupied was formerly owned
l>_\ J. W. Brown and comprised tun acres ><\t
Mission street, forming a pleasant abode for
himself and family.
The far-famed Berkshire region of Massa-
chusetts was the scene familiar tn Mr. Karner
in boyhood, lie was born at Egremont, that
state. October 10. 1811, and was the youngest
sen among seven children, whose ancestors sel
tied iii New England in early days. The public
schools and academy at Egremont furnished
him with lair educational advantages, and nil
leaving school he took up mercantile pursuits.
Going tn Poughkeepsie, X. Y., in 1836, he en-
gaged in the grocery business for two years.
( )n selling out he returned to Massachusetts
and learned the jeweler's trade under C. Kline,
at Sheffield, where he remained for three years
a- an employe, and then embarked in business
for himself. His brother Levi meantime went
t> California and sent back favorable reports,
so in 1851 he decided tn join him in the far
west. He came via the isthmus and was one
of the passengers mi the first voyage of the
Golden Gate from Panama to San Francisco.
Proceeding to Gold Run he joined his brother
and they soon became interested in mining and
in the management of a hotel at Cold Spring.
During the nine years of their residence at
that place they devoted six years tn lmtel-keep-
ing. His former trade of jeweler Zadock also
brought into use, doing considerable work as
a repairer of watches. On the death of his
brother he removed to Marin county and em-
barked in the dairy business, having previously
purchased twelve cows and a ranch of one hun-
dred and sixty acres. About this time his
nephew, Levi EC. Baldwin, now a retired banker
of Santa Cruz, came from the east, and the two
leased a large ranch at Point Reyes, which they
stocked with one hundred and sixt) cows.
\t the time of selling his interest in Marin
count) Mr. Karner was the owner of five hun-
dred and sixty acres at ( >lcma and had a dairy
of one hundred and fifty-two cows. In [868 lie
settled in Monterej county, where, in connec-
tion with another nephew, he bought I
eighl hundred acres at $7 an acre. < If this
tiaet he later became the sole owner, but dis-
posed of a portion in order tn free himself from
debt, thus confining his attention tn the bal-
;ni,
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ance of the ranch, fifteen hundred acres, on
which he kept erne hundred and fifty cows.
Renting this land to other parties in 1871, he
removed to Santa Cruz, where the remainder
of his life was quietly passed, with no intricate
business enterprises to command his attention
or exhaust his strength. Though never desiring
positions of prominence, but finding his great-
est pleasure in the development of his dairy in-
terests and the enjoyment of domestic life, yet
he did not neglecl his duty as a citizen, and was
ever found ready to do his part toward promot-
ing public-spirited measures.
Returning east in 1870, Mr. Karner was mar-
ried at Sheffield, on the 20th of September, to
Miss Charlotte, dan- liter of Frederick A. and
Harriet (Kellogg) Brown, and a descendant of
colonial New England ancestry. The month
after their marriage they started for California
and settled in Santa Cruz, where Mrs. Karner
still resides. Frequently they returned to the
east in visit relatives, but at no time did they
de-ire to remain there permanently, for the
rigors of a New England winter were not allur-
ing to those familiar with the delights of Santa
Cruz sunshine and balmy air. In addition to
the family residence, Mrs. Karner owns a
ranch of thirteen hundred acres, which is well
stoeked and from which she receives fair re-
turns. Among the people of Santa Cruz she
has a high standing, enjoying the esteem of all
with whom she has become acquainted since
coming' west.
charles p. McCarthy.
\m<mg the many successful agriculturists
of Santa Cruz county prominent mention should
be accorded Mr, McCarthy, who for the past
thirty years has made his home on his pres-
ent farm. In addition to general farming he
conducts an orchard of fifteen hundred apple
trees, which consist almost exclusively of Belle-
fleurs and Newt< >\\ n pippins.
\ -on of Patrick and I. eta (.Nagle) McCarthy.
Charles I'. was horn in County Cork, Ireland,
\ugust 15, [846. Upon reaching the age ol
twenty one he sailed for the I "nited States, land-
New York harbor in due time and later
proceeding to San Francisco. After spending
two weeks there he came to Watsonville and
for about seven years was in the employ of
William F. White. In 1874 he purchased his
present farm, which comprises forty acres of
productive land, located three miles from Wat-
sonville and one mile from college.
In 1 067, prior to leaving his native land, Mr.
McCarthy was united in marriage to Ellen Hall-
sv. also a native of County Cork, and a daughter
of Matika and Mary Kelley. To Mr. McCarthy
and his wife were born the following children:
Charles, Louisa, Lizzie, William and Edward.
Louisa is employed .as teacher in one of the
public schools of Watsonville, and Edward is a
student in the University of California, class of
1904.
Although private affairs occupy the most of
Mr. McCarthy's time and attention, still he is
not too busy to take an interest in public mat-
ters. In his political sympathies he is a staunch
believer in the principles of the Democratic
party, which he upholds whenever and wherever
opportunity offers. The Roman Catholic Church
of Watsonville is the church home of Mr. Mc-
Carthy and his family.
J. E. RANKIN, M. D.
The physical woes of the community of Gon-
zales arc admirably cared for by Dr. Rankin.
whose skill in diagnosis and treatment has won
him the confidence of a large following, not
only in the town, but in the surrounding coun-
try. He is one of the most popular and suc-
cessful of the Irish-Americans who have found
in Monterey a pleasant home and profitable
business, for, though born in Ireland in 1S41,
he came to America with his parents, Robert
and Catherine Rankin, the following year, and is
therefore essentially a son of the United States.
Robert Rankin devoted his active life to teach-
ing music, and in America settled with his
family at Evansville, in southern Indiana, where
lie s, Mm after died. The necessity for individ-
ual maintenance brought about the disruption of
the family, and the doctor went to Buffalo,
\. Y., where he was educated in the public
schools. Laving decided to adopt the pro-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fession of medicine he then entered the Buf-
falo Medical College, from which he was grad-
uated with honors with the class of 1891. For
preliminary practice he had located in southern
Michigan, and after graduation he removed to
the northern part of the state, where he lived un-
til his removal to California in 1897. The follow-
ing year he came to Gonzales, and, as the only
physician in the place, has received the patron-
age and appreciation due his ability and fine
personal characteristics.
While living in Michigan Dr. Rankin en-
listed in Company M, Fourth Michigan Cav-
alry, and served the Union cause until his hon-
orable discharge at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865.
During the service he saw much of the grew-
some side of war, and participated in the battles
of Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Chicka-
mauga, Franklin and many more important
battles and skirmishes. In 1867 he married
Phoebe L. Lane, and of this union there are
two daughters. In national politics Dr. Rankin
is a Republican, and cast his first presidential
vote for U. S. Grant. Fraternally he is associat-
ed with the Masons and the Maccabees, and is
a member of the ( Irand Army of the Republic.
CARL E. LINDSAY.
Carl 1''.. Lindsay, attorney at law of Santa
Cruz, and member of the firm of Lindsay &
Netherton, was born in Bucyrus, Crawford
county. ( )hio, December 6, 1861, a son of David
M. and Sue (Wheeler) Lindsay, and grandson
.if Moses and Eleanor (McManamay) Lindsay.
Moses Lindsay combined the occupations of
blacksmithing and farming in Mifflin township,
Cumberland county, Pa., where his son. David
M.. was born December 27, 1827. The youth-
ful David was reared on the farm and in the
shop, acquiring in time a knowledge of both,
which decided him in favor of the latter. When
twenty years of age he left the paternal guid-
ance, and at Bucyrus, Ohio, completed the
blacksmith's trade, learning also that of carriage
ironer. lie married Sue Wheeler, while still a
resident of Bucyrus. She was a daughter of
Thomas Wheeler of Ashland, Ohio, who died
in Santa Cruz, Cak, in 1897, at the age of fifty-
six wars. After his marriage, Mr. Lindsa\
lived in Indiana for fifteen years, and in 1871
emigrated with his family to Salem. ( )re.. taking
up his residence in Santa Cruz in 1878. Here
he soon opened a shop on Lucas street, later
removing to different localities, but at present
is doing business in a shop on Water street. He
is an expert in his line, and is a man of pro-
nounced individuality. The Prohibition cause
has no more ardent advocate, although Mr.
Lindsay has never entered the arena of poli-
tics. In religion he is liberal, and in general
affairs broad minded and progressive. Of his
four children. Carl Elmer is the oldest; Clyde
Allen is associated with him in business; Elea-
nor died young; and Gussie is the wife of W. A.
Moore of Watsonville.
Educated primarily in the public schools of
( ireenfield and Indianapolis, Ind., Carl E. Lind-
say later attended the Slate Normal at San
Jose, Cak, from which he graduated. Apply-
ing for and receiving a certificate of the first
grade, he began teaching school at Darwin.
Cak, in which town he was principal of schools
for seven years, after which he taught in Glen-
w 1 and Brown's Valley, and was appointed
principal of the Brancefort grammar school of
Santa Cruz in 1884. During his services in the
latter capacity he improved his leisure in taking
up the study of law. and was duly admitted to
the California bar in 1890. While still engaged
in educational work he was elected to the of-
fice of district attorney, and resigned Ins
principalship to devote his entire time to the
duties of his new responsibility. Fortune fa
VOred him from the start, and lie was enabled
to establish a reputation for disinterested devo-
tion to the best interests of the people. GltS
Bragnen, on trial for murder, was the first
ease on the calendar, and his just deserts at the
hands of the jury was a pronounced triumph for
the new incumbent of the district an
office, i "i eighl years he creditably maintained
the important position, and at the expiration of
that time, in io;>i. assumed the partnership
since amicably and profitably sustained with
\\ . I'. Netherton. The tirm have opened a
branch office in San Francisco, ami during a
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
portion of the time the members are neces-
sarily at that end of the line.
lamiary i. 1884, in San Francisco, Mr. Lind-
say married Mary Augusta, daughter of Willis
\\ . Joyce, one of the California 4')ers. Mr. Joyce
experienced the failures and successes meted out
to the average fortune hunter of that time and
place, and finally settled down to the more delib-
erate but sure method of livelihood on a farm.
For a number of years he conducted a successful
dairying enterprise, and after his retirement
lived in San Francisco and Salinas, in which
latter city his death occurred. To Mr. and
Mrs. Lindsay have been born two children.
( iladys L. is sixteen and David Joyce is thirteen
years of age. The executive and social ability
of Mr. Lindsay has resulted in his affiliation
with numerous associations in which Santa
Cruz abounds, among them being the naval
militia, of which he has been a member for
seven years, and is now commander. He is
] -resident of the Elks Club of this city, and
is identified with the Odd Fellows, of which
he is past chief patriarch of the Encampment;
the Knights of Pythias, of which he is past
chancellor, and past grand chancellor of the
Grand Lodge of the state in 1894-95; and a
member of the Maccabees, lie is a member of
the Episcopal Church. Mr. Lindsay is one of
the shrewd, erudite members of the legal pro-
fession who uphold not only the prestige of
Santa Cruz county, but of the state, and who,
in his personal attributes, represents the large-
ness and resourcefulness of the typical citizen
of the western slope.
SEDGWICK J. LYNCH.
Innumerable houses and public structures,
many wharfs, bridges and railroads in Santa
Cruz, Monterey, San Luis ( >l>ispo and Santa
Clara counties bear testimony to the industry
and constructive skill of Sedgwick J. Lynch,
the caravan who came to the coasi in
the daw of gold and tarried here for thi n
mainder of his days. He was born in Sandy
Lake. Mercer county. Pa., April 25, [822, a
son of John and Mary (Fowler) Lynch, natives
ivelj of Ireland and Scotland.
At the age of fifteen Sedgwick J. Lynch ap-
prenticed to James D. Moore, a carpenter of
Mercer, Pa., and after completing his trade,
worked as a journeyman until the spring of 1845.
lie then went to Cincinnati. Ohio, as foreman
for a contracting firm, and for the same firm
went to Nashville, Tenn., to build a flouring
mill and distillerw Subsequently he continued
in the southern city as a general contractor
until the rush to the coast in 1849, when he
went to New < 'rleans and embarked for Pan-
ama. Owing to the scarcity of steamers he
was obliged to wait about four weeks for ac-
commodations, about six thousand Americans
being then at Panama, and all anxious to put
to sea as soon as possible. He finally embarked
in the steamer Senator, arriving in San Fran-
cisco < October 5. £849; This same Senator after-
ward ran on the Sacramento river, and Mr.
Lynch boarded her as repair man. and was
thus employed for some time. At the same
time he carried all the letters and packages from
the postoffice in San Francisco to Sacramento.
receiving from forty cents to a dollar per letter
or package. Later he left the mail and steamer
repair business and assisted in the erection
of several buildings on Montgomery street,
Sacramento, for frank Ward, at $20 per day.
and thence started for the mines at Marysville
by steamer. The rest of the journey to the
fork of the Yuba river was accomplished with
pack mules, and when the mules were no longer
available he walked on snow six feet deep. Ar-
riving at Downieville the snow began to fall.
continuing for fourteen days, and in the mean-
time the little party had but scant shelter and
scarcely any food. While waiting for the -now
tc harden sufficiently to travel over they nearly
starved, and upon starting out they walked over
tight feet of snow. Mr. Lynch was successful
at mining for a time, his first venture resulting
in two and a half pounds of gold a day.
In June, [850, Mr. Lynch returned to San
Francisco for a year, and during that time
built and contracted, ami became a member of
the vigilance committee. Coming to Santa
(ru/ in [851, he started in business where Hen-
ry Crowell is now located, but finally disposed
of his interest to Jordan & Davis. For a time
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
709
thereafter he engaged in the planing mill busi-
ness in Oakland, the mill being the first to be
erected at that place. During his sojourn with
a surveying party headed by one Von Schmidt.
they surveyed from the base of Mount Diablo
through the state to the Colorado desert, where
two of the party were killed by the Mohave
Indians. In [854 he went to Santa Cruz to
build a wharf for Davis & Jordan, the firsl
t,, he built on the open coast of California, and
alter it- completion he turned his attention to
the erection of houses, bridges, mills, wharfs and
stores in various parts of several counties, hav-
ing in the meantime formed a partnership with
George Gregg of Santa Cruz. They built a
planing mill and store and started a lumber
business at Los Angeles, Wilmington and
Compton, and finally dissolved partnership in
1870. After that Mr. Lynch became the partner
of J. M. Griffith, of Los Angeles, and they
turned out large quantities of blinds, doors,
-ashes and general mill work', and were re-
markably successful up to the retirement of
Air. Lynch to Santa Cruz in 1X70. In this city
he built the beautiful home now occupied bj
his widow, which is modern in construction and
surrounded with grounds whereon grow flow-
ers, trees and shrubs, Hi- years of self sacri-
fice and untiring indu'stry entitled him to the
nst which he enjoyed up to the time of his
death. May 30, i88r. Houses and lands were
his, and a large competence, and he was ai
counted one of those who profited exceedingly
by the early chances in California.
February [6, [858, Mr. Lynch married Jane,
daughter of Thomas and Jane (McKee) Dono
hue. The father of Mrs. Lynch died when a
young man, and his widow married for a se< ' >nd
husband Frank Shields, alter whose death
she came to California, and died at the home
o; her daughter in [891, at the age of seventy-
nine. To -Mr. and Mrs. Lynch were born the
following children: Mary J., the wile of Charles
E. Withee; Elizabeth, deceased ai the age ol
fourteen; Fannie, the wife of William E. Craig;
Ahmra. the wife of L. Hunt: Alice, the deceased
wife oi Elmer E. Simpson; William J., of Santa
Cruz; Sedgwick J., who died when young; and
Scdewiek I .. another child of thai name, also
deceased. Fraternally Mr. Lynch was a VI
lie was interested in the first bank organized in
the town and amassed a large fortune.
G. A. DAUGHERTY.
The senior member of the firm of Daugherty
& Lacey, of Salinas, one of the largest and best
known law firms of Monterey county, was born
in Coshocton. Ohio, in 1861, and was reared
on a farm. His father was one of the success-
ful farmers of the neighborhood, whither his
parents had removed at a very early day, and
when the country was wild and uncultivated.
Me is now living in retirement in Ohio. Ili-
wife was formerly Elizabeth Dickie, a native oi
Scotland. After coming to America the Daugh-
erty farriil) located in Pennsylvania, and for six
generation- were among the well known and
enterprising tillers of the soil.
Mr. Daugherty was educated in the common
schools of hi- native county, and graduated from
the high school of Coshocton. Subsequenth
he entered Muskingum College, from which he
was graduated in 1884, his tuition being parti)
met by his earnings while teaching school for
two years before his graduation. From earliest
boyhood his ideal occupation was the pi
of the law. and California the objective goal of
his ended wandering- It 1- not surprising then
that about a month after completing his college
course he was on the way to the far west, and
reached California in the Iattet pari ol [884. It
is sunni.-ed that he was to be the chiseler of his
own future, for his first experience at earning
money was with a threshing machine, with which
he remained for several months,
gaged in educational work just east of Salinas.
and at the expiration of two years entered the
law office of II. D. Tuttle. with the re-
after two years he was admitted to practice in
the supreme court of i alifornia. He eventually
paired a partnership with Mr. Tuttle, which was
ued until the
removal ol the latter to San Jose. His nexl
partner in practice was Judge Alexander, with
whom he became associated immediately upon
the retirement of the judge from the bench of
tin- superior court. This association was se\
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ered at the end of five years, after which Mr.
Daugherty conducted an independent practice
for three years, and then became the law partner
of Mr. Lacey, with whom he is still doing busi-
ness. The firm have finely appointed offices
and a large law library, and rank as the second
largest firm in the county.
In 1889 Mr. Daugherty married Emma Lit-
tlefield, a native of California, and who, becom-
ing an orphan at an early age, was reared and
educated by an uncle. To Mr. and Mrs. Daugh-
erty have been born four daughters. Hazel,
Lyllis, Georgia and Corena. Mr. Daugherty is
a Republican in national politics, and is the
present chairman of the county central commit-
tee. For a long time he was president of the
board of education of Salinas. He has no frater-
nal associations, believing that his family are
entitled to all of his leisure time.
EZEKIEL J. MANX.
The apples of the Tajaro valley are famous
throughout the United States and have even
been sold in the markets of other countries.
Among the men who have contributed to the
success of the apple industry in this favored
region of the world is Ezekiel J. Mann, whose
home farm three miles east of Watsonville, on
the Bridge road, is under fruit, the specialties
being Bellefleurs and Newtown Pippins. In ad-
dition to his homestead, which consists of
thirty-one acres, he owns a tract of forty acres
in Santa Cruz count)', on which is an orchard
•if apples nine years old. Besides this he owns
one hundred and twenty-six acres in Monterey
county, of which farm fifty acres are in apples.
In the same section of the state where lie
now resides Air. Mann was born October 22,
[853, San Jose being his native city. His
father, Jackson Maun, was born in Illinois in
iS_>4. and there married Rebecca Robinson, also
a native of the same state. In 1853 lie and
his wife crossed the plains to California and
settled in ."sau Jose, later removing to Monterey
• ount} . where lie now conducts a farm. In
his famib are the following-named children:
Mrs. Nanc.) Hayes, William E., Christophe] (de
ceased), Ezekiel J., John W.. Mrs. Susan I
Phillips, James II., Mrs. Mary F. Gill, and
Ratie (deceased I. < )n completing the studies of
the district schools of Monterey county Ezekiel
J. Mann was sent to Santa Rosa College, where
he was a student for a few terms. At eighteen
years of age he came to Watsonville and
for four years was here engaged in the general
mercantile business, at other times following
different occupations. In 1X75 he turned his
attention to farming, which he has since fol-
lowed. Besides carrying on a farm, for a num-
ber of years he operated a threshing machine.
In [894 he purchased the farm of thirty-one
acres where he now resides and which has
since been the object of his solicitude and care-
ful oversight.
The marriage of Mr. Mann united him with
Miss S. A. Rowe, who was born in Santa Cruz
county and is a daughter of W. H. Rowe. a na-
tive of England. Coming to California in an
early day Mr. Rowe followed the occupation
of a miner. Somewhat later he settled in Santa
Cruz county, of which he became an influential
resident and successful stock raiser. The chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Mann are named as follows:
Crace E., Fred, Edna and Edith. The oldest
daughter. Mrs. Jones of Monterey count}, lias a
daughter, Irma. The famih are associated with
the Christian Church, in the work of which
Mr. Mann is interested, at the same time con-
tributing to other religious and charitable
movements as his means will permit. While not
active in politics, he is a staunch believer in
Republican principles and votes the ticket in
national and local elections.
M. R. KEIF
\'o more popular and thoroughly competent
upholder of peace holds a similar office in the
slate than M. R. Keif, sheriff of Monterey
county. Possessing a thorough knowledge of
human nature, an optimistic spirit, which has
kept alive his faith in the good to be found
in mankind, and a tactful humanitarian spirit
Ik is respected 1>\ all, even by those who are
the enemies of law and order.
A by no means uneventful life preceded the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
711
western experiences of Mr. Keif. He was born
at Millbridge, Washington county. Me., in June,
[858, and is a son of Ephraim and Saman-
tha (Leighton) Keif. His father was superin-
tendent of the repair shops of the Boston &
Maine Railroad, and served during the Civil
war in a Massachusetts regiment. < )n the ma-
ternal side Mr. Keif is justly proud of an
ancestry intimately connected with the most
important and stirring events in the early his-
tory of America, the immigrating forefather
having made the memorable trip across the
ocean on the Mayflower. In after years the
family had numerous representatives in the
army of Washington during the Revolutionarj
war, and during the Civil war there were more
than forty relatives bearing the name of Keif
who courageously defended the cause of the
Union. As convincing evidence of the bravery
vi at least one Revolutionary hero, the family
retains an old revolver that in all probability
diminished the lines of the Hessians, and has
a record for doing effective work in the battle
of Bunker Hill.
When comparatively young Air. Keif accom-
panied his parents to Boston, .Mass., where he
was educated in the public schools and gained
some knowledge of general business, A n iv-
ing nature prompted him to enter upon a sea-
faring existence, and for four years he shipped
before the mast, meantime visiting England.
France and Australia. In 1873 he settled in
San Francisco, and for rive years was employed
by the-Claj Streel Railway Company. Remov-
ing to the southern part of Monterey county in
1878, lie engaged in the mercantile business
and in raising stock'. While there he sold the
first goods in San Lucas. When Mr. Farley
was elected sin riff of Monterey county, Mr. Keif
became his assistant, and after the calamity of
Mr. Farley's assassination he assumed control
.ii the office of sheriff, filling out the unexpired
term. His service was so satisfactory that he
was regularly elected sheriff in [900 and has
since conducted the affairs of his responsible
is a daughter of William Nance, who came
to California in 1849, and has since engaged
successively in mining, farming. and as proprie-
tor of a hotel. In the family of Mr. and Mrs.
Keif there is a son, E. M. In politics Mr. Keif
is a 1 >emocrat. Fraternally he is associated with
the lodge and chapter .if Masons, the Knights
i'i Pythias, the Independent Order of foresters
and the Benevolent Protective ( )rder of Elks.
N. HUTSON.
s marriage in 1 NX 1 . at I ,011 all .
. Mr. Keif became allied with one
families of I 'alifi irnia. Mrs. Keif
So thoroughly substantial and public spirited
has been the career of Mr. Hutson in San
Miguel that he is regarded as the father of his
adopted town and its most enterprising and. re-
sourceful citizen. His birth occurred October
7, 1847, in Franklin, Wis. In his youth he-
was reared to farming and mining, and shoul-
dered responsibility at such an early age that
education played an inconsequent part. His
father. James Huts, ,11, was a lawyer by pro-
fession, but in later life devoted his energii s
to farming and lead mining in Wisconsin. He
was well fitted to take a leading part in the
affairs of his district, and his death, at the
age of fifty-six years, was deeply regretted
by his many friends ami associates. He married
Drucilla Evans, who was bom in Iowa, ami
who bore him four sons and two daughters, of
whom \. Hutson is the third.
Alter his father's death Mr. Hutson stayed
at home and cared for his mother, and when
his sister married in 1885. she went to live in
the new home. In May. 1871, Mr. Hutson came
to San Francisco and engaged in di axing, and
was afterward employed by the United States
government in the quartermaster's department.
IK- was aKo employed by the Central Gas
lagln ( on, p any. and during that time laid mosl
1 a tin' pipes 1' a- tli, companj in San frar
After fifteen years 111 the emplo) of tile latter
companj he resigned and in [886 ho'.nesteaded
the one hundred and sixt) acres of land near
San Miguel comprised in his present farm, do
this he later added ten acres more, ami while
living thereon for three years Mr. filltSOIl also
carried on his varied interests in tin
lie but 'II- and stores large quantities ol
715
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hay, and is i ngaged in a general real estate
and insurance business.
In Iowa Mr. Hutson married Emily Whittier,
a native of [owa, and daughter of Peter Trainer
Whittier, who was born in Ireland, and when
a young man came to America, lie was orig
inally a butcher in Iowa, but is at the present
time engaged in farming and stock raising.
Two children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Hutson, of whom Effie L. is the wife
mi J. W. Edridge, a resident of the Haynes
valley, California: and Winnie Belle, who is liv-
ing at home. Mr. Hutson has been very prom-
inent in Democratic political undertakings, and
has filled many responsible offices in the com-
munity. He has been chairman of the city
central committee, and has contributed to the
well-being of the school board as one of its
most enthusiastic and resourceful members.
Fraternally he is associated with the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is
district deputy and grand master of district
No. op He is identified with the San Miguel
Improvement Company, of which he is chair-
man of the executive committee. Mr. and Mrs.
Hutson are members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church. Mr. Hutson has the sterling and
reliable traits of character which are hound to
win appreciation in any community, and his
success and enterprise are matters of no ordi-
nary pride with his many friends and business
associates.
R. F. J( IHNSON.
( )ne of the truest appreciators of the possibil-
ities of Monterey, one of the wisest and most
servative of the promoters of her industrial
and social prestige, and one of the most en
thusiastic of those native sons who laud her
natural advantages, i- R. F. Johnson, the pres-
ent municipal head of this city, where he was
horn in [862.
From Ins father. W. S. Johnson, the mayor
of Monterey inherits his traits of leadership,
and In- executive and financial abilit y. ["he
elder Johnson was born in England, and came
In Mi mti 1 - i ■ ■■. ith the Mew York regimcnl of
General Stevens in 1847, ami has since been
a resident of this count}. Under tile Mexican
government he served as casaque, and was
al>o chief clerk to the mayor. His high char-
acter and general reliability have brought him
in contact with responsible internal affairs, and
to him was intrusted the responsibility of trans-
ferring all documents from the Mexican to
the American authorities. He was afterward
elected first recorder of Monterey county, and
later elected county clerk. When the county
seat was changed to Salinas in 1875 ne removed
there and organized the Salinas City Bank, of
which he has since been cashier.
After completing his education in the public
schools of Monterey, R. F. Johnson went to
El Paso. Tex., in 1881, and there found a posi-
tion as clerk, which he maintained for four
\cars. In 1 885 he embarked in a mercantile
enterprise as a member of the firm of Julian
& Johnson, an arrangement amicably maintained
for about twelve years. In 1892 he was elected
mayor of the city of El I'aso to fill an unex-
pired term, and was regularly elected to the
office at the following general election, on the
Democratic ticket. In 1805 he returned to
Monterey and became interested in real estate,
and -oen after effected a combination of all
the city insurance and real-estate business under
the caption of the Monterey Investment Com-
pany, of which he lias since been president and
general manager. In this capacity alone he
has accomplished splendid results for the city,
much valuable property having passed through
his hands, while many outsiders have been in-
duced to come hither, buy and build, and cast
their future in an ideal environment. He has
labored incessantly to locate manufactories
within the city limits, and he is one of the
promoters of the canning factory soon to be
built, it was through his influence that the
late Hugh Tevis, Jr., bought propertj here, and
began the erection of a spacious mansion on tile
coast between Montere) ami Pacific Grove. He
is also interested in farm and ranch property
near Salinas, and in tile Tolarcito and Chipino
In [899 Mr. Johnson became one of the or-
ganizers of the Capitol Club, which has iis
headquarters in the adobe building where Gen
yv'
wV
Jzi^UX^ & ^rt^y^
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
715
erals Stokes and Fremont (the latter then lieu-
tenant) had their headquarters, and where the
first constitution of California was drafted. For
some time Mr. Johnson was manager of the
club, of which he is now one of the board of
directors. For years he has taken an active
interest in Democratic politics, and he was
elected mayor of Monterey in April of 1897, his
administration of municipal affairs having in the
meantime met with favor from all classes, inde-
pendent of political affiliation. He has served
on various important political committees, in-
cluding that of county central committeeman,
and he is credited with an unusually clean,
intelligent and disinterested political career. Mr.
Johnson has one of the pleasantest homes in
Monterey, his wife having been formerly Miss
Fresconi, a native of the city, and by whom he
has three children. Mr. Johnson is one of the
substantial and honored upholders of western
progress and western ideas, and it is due to men
of like characteristics that the Pacific slope com-
mands the attention and admiration of the whole
country.
CHARLES B. YOUNGER.
The distinction of having engaged in general
law practice in Santa Cruz for a longer period
than any other practitioner of this city belongs
to Mr. Younger, whose identification with the
professional interests of the city and county cov-
ers little less than a half century. During all of
these years he has not only gained a high posi-
tion among the attorneys of the locality, but at
the same time has been identified with the gen-
eral progress of city and county, and has aided
largely in those measures that promise to pro-
mote the welfare of his fellow-citizens.
The descendant of a Maryland family who
were early settlers of Maryland and took part
in the Revolutionary war, Mr. Younger was born
in Liberty, Clay county, Mo., December 10, 1831,
a son of Coleman and Eleanor (Murray)
Younger. His father, who was a native of St.
Charles county, Mo., served in the Missouri leg-
islature of 1844, and in 1850 came to California
by way of Mexico. After settling in this stale
he gave his attention to agriculture, raising Short-
horn cattle, and trading during the balance of
his life, and died here at eighty-one years of age.
As a boy Charles B. Younger attended private
schools. At the age of six years he was placed
under a tutor in Latin, his father deeming it es-
sential that a lawyer should be versed in that
language. He had his first sight of the circum-
stance of war at Fort Leavenworth, where the
first regiment of Missouri volunteers were drill-
ing preparatory to invading New Mexico, Col.
A. W. Doniphan, who had enlisted as a private
in the Liberty company, having been elected colo-
nel of the regiment. In 1848 he entered St.
Joseph's College at Bardstown, Ky., and in 1850
became a student in Center College at Danville,
Ky., from which he was graduated in 1853. Sub-
sequently he engaged in the study of law with
Joseph F. Bell, of Danville, Ky. In 1854 Mr.
Younger was admitted to practice as a lawyer
in the courts of Kentucky. His commission was
signed by Judges John L. Bridges and W. C.
Goodloe.
Mr. Younger, in a local Democratic newspaper,
conducted the campaign of Albert G. Talbott, the
Democratic candidate, against Fountain P. Fox,
the Know-Nothing candidate for representative
in congress from the fourth congressional district
i>f Kentucky. The Democratic candidate was
elected. Coming to California, Mr. Younger set-
tled in San Jose, where his father was a resi-
dent. Opening an office in that city, he ranained
there until 1 87 1, and meantime also practiced in
Santa Cruz, but the climate of the latter city
proved so satisfactory that he determined to es-
tablish himself here permanently. Since April of
1857 he has had an office in Santa Cruz and has
been connected with some of the most important
legal cases in the county, besides acting- as legal
representative of the railroad companies during
recent years.
October 16, 1858, the first overland mail via
El Paso and Los Angeles arrived at San Jose,
which was the telegraph station furthest south
from San Francisco. Mr. Younger, who was then
editing the San Jose Tribune, sent to the Alta
California of San Francisco the first telegram
announcing the arrival at San l< se of the over-
land mail stage, and this tele-ram gave the San
Franciscans an opportunity for celebration on the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
arrival of the stage in that city. Mr. Younger
continued to be the correspondent of the Alta
until the telegraph was extended south to Gilroy.
In his practice he is keen, shrewd and careful, a
constant and thoughtful student of the highest
legal authorities of the age, and a believer in the
principles of law and practice as laid down by
Blackstone, Coke and others. In his addresses
and private conversation a quaint and quiet
humor is noticeable, while at the same time he
is logical and the possessor of fine reasoning fac-
ulties. He has one of the finest libraries in the
coast region.
March 27, 1873, Mr. Younger married Jeannie
H. Waddell, who was born in Lexington, Mo.,
and came to California in i860, with her father,
William W. Waddell, who was a large lumber
merchant in Santa Cruz county. One of her
brothers, John A. Waddell, is a professor in Santa
Clara College. Mr. and Mrs. Younger have two
children, Charles B. and Helen. The son, after
graduating from the Santa Cruz high school and
Leland Stanford University, took up the study
of law with his father and was admitted to prac-
tice in 1897, since which time he has been in
active practice. In 1897 he was admitted to
practice in the supreme court of this state and in
1901 to the supreme court of the United States.
January 1, 1902, his marriage united him with
Miss Agnes Hihn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
F. A. Hihn, of this city. Miss Hihn had spent
several years in Europe in travel and study ; she
attended the law lectures and was admitted to
practice in the courts of New York and Califor-
nia. Miss Helen Younger graduated from Le-
land Stanford University, class of 1897. After
spending two wars in Kurope in travel and study,
she became the wife of Cleveland K. Chase, a
professor in Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.
At the time of the incorporation of the Pacific
avenue streef railroad Mr. Younger became a
stockholder in the same, and also was a stock-
holder in the banks, besides taking part in other
movements for the benefit of the city. lie as-
sisted in the founding of the Santa Clara Valley
Agricultural Association and for a number of
ed ax seen tarj of the board. Since
coming to Santa Cruz he has made various invest-
n real estate and still owns a considerable
property, portion of which is improved. It is
to such progressive men as he that Santa Cruz
owes the advancement it has made in enterprises
of moment and of permanent value to the city.
A. C. GARCIA.
A native of San Luis Obispo county, Mr. Gar-
cia was born November 6, 1847, and his entire
life has been spent near the surroundings of his
youth. His father was an integral part of the
early days of the county, Mercurial Garcia pos-
sessing both business sagacity and far-sighted-
ness. A man of great wealth, he practically dis-
ci ivered the country east of Santa Margarita val-
ley, where he had innumerable heads of cattle,
and where he ran a general merchandise store.
The inauguration of the gold craze filled his pock-
ets with additional wealth, for he not only made
money in the mines, but realized large profits
from furnishing general supplies to the miners.
He died of cholera in San Luis Obispo, leaving
to his heirs large property possessions, and a fine
old Castilian name. On the maternal side also Mr.
Garcia comes of distinguished ancestry, his ma-
ternal grandfather, Jose Ortega, being one of the
pioneers of this county, and at one time the
owner of about all of Santa Barbara county,
where his death occurred. His daughter, Mrs.
Mercurial Garcia, was the mother of two children
besides A. C, of whom Caroline is the wife of
Mr. Wormsley, a railroad conductor on the
Mexican Central Railroad, and a resident of
Mexico City; while the other child is deceased.
When Mercurial Garcia died, his son, A. C,
was but six months old, and his mother afterward
uiarried her husband's brother. A. C. was edu-
cated in a private school and by a private tutor,
Walter Murry. who was the first English teacher
in this county.
In San Luis Obispo Mr. Garcia was united in
marriage with Romula Horabuena. a native of
Mexico, and daughter of Ramon Horabuena,
IN., born in Mexico, and a lawyer and large cat-
tle owner. Mr. Horabuena was very prominent
in general affairs in Mexico, and was especially
inten sted in the politics of his country, in which
he played a conspicuous part. One daughter
11 born to Mr. and Mrs. Garcia, Guada-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
loupe, who is living at home, and who is a
young woman of unusual accomplishments. She
has had every advantage within the gift of her
generous and appreciative parents, and lias de-
veloped her talents with gratifying- results. She
i.- not only an artist and musician, but has shown
decided aptitude as a writer, and while visiting
in Mexico contributed regularly to the Cali-
fornia press. Mr. Garcia is fraternall} associ
ated with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and is in political affiliation a Republican.
With his family he i- a communicant in the
Catholic Church.
WILLIAM E. GREENE.
In the days when Santa Cruz, which is now-
one of the leading health and pleasure resorts
of the Pacific Coast, maintained its prestige not
through any activity in this line but by reason
of it- prominence as a large lumber center and
commercial metropolis, William E. Greene was
born in the near-by village of Soquel, Santa
Cruz county, in 1869, being a son of William
Henry and Maria (Wheaton) Greene. His
father, who was born at Falmouth, Mass.. June
[8, iSjo, learned the mason's trade in boyhood.
With a party of gold-seekers he left his boy-
i I's home and took passage on a sailing ves-
sel, Twin Brothers, which rounded Cape Horn
and sailed into the harbor of San Francisco,
March 2, 1850. in company with others, he
went direct to the mines. After eighteen months
prospecting, with some successes, many hard-
ships, and not a few failures, Ik- decided to be-
gin work- at his trade. A search for employ-
ment, however, revealed that there was little
activity along- his line, so he turned his atten-
tion to teaming. With horses and oxen he
hauled lumber and supplies from the towns to
the mining camp-, and also drove a -lag'-. I L\
ing friends at Santa Cruz he was ied to visit
that city and shortl) afterward settled al Soquel,
where he worked al hi- trade. As a mason he
found employment not only in his home village,
but also in surrounding town- and even as far
,-'\\a\ a- Salinas, Vfonterey county. During the
winter seasons for f< an teen yeai he 1 an a pleas
ure yacht at Capitola. Since his death his wido\
has continued to make Soquel her home.
Up to the age of eighteen years William E.
Greene devoted his vacations to farming. He
then learned the blacksmith's trade, but not
finding- it congenial he took up carpentering,
and later began as a contractor. ( In coming to
Watsonville he worked as a journeyman and
\ as in the employ of P. M. Andrews. In March
of 10.01 he began contracting for himself, and
fitted up a -hop ,ni Main street. Since then he
has been engaged in the building of various col-
lage- and residences; also erected the Sheehy
and Foresters blocks: the beautiful church home
of the Romait Catholics, which cost $35,500; and
is now building the Watsonville high school,
which is to cost $26,000. and on completion will
undoubtedly rank as the best building of its kind
in this part of the state. Another contract which
he has is that for the Masonic Hall, in Gilroy,
to cost $12,000. His success speaks V0
for his energy, business acumen and sagacious
judgment.
In fraternal relations Mr. Greene is connected
with the Modern Woodmen, the Eagles and
Foresters of America, lie was united in mar-
riage with Minnie L.. daughter of F. M. Carna-
han, and a native of the state. The) have three
children. Wilbur Alton, Mervin Eugene and
Marii in.
IK IN. WILLIAM HIGBY.
A notable acquisition to tin- commercial and
d interests of Hollister is Hon. William
lligby. member of the Fifty-third general as-
embh from the Fifty-ninth district, lie was
born in Essex county, X. Y.. in [866, a
1 1, hi. \\ illiam 1 Iigb\ . who came to California
in the early '50-. and for many year- was a well
known criminal lawyer in 1 lakland lb
prominent in political affairs in the state, and
between i860 and -■ ol con-
gress Froi
until 1881 he was internal revenue coll,
if, port of San Francisco, under President
Hayes, and his death occurred at Santa Rosa,
S, ,110111a c ami j . in 1885.
Hon Willi. mm Higbv, J. . was born in \*e\\
18
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
York state while his father was member of con-
gress, and he was brought to California when a
mere child, and was reared ami educated in
( lakland. After finishing the public schools he
attended the Methodist College at Santa Rosa.
and in 1885 entered upon a railroad career as
trainman with the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company, remaining with the company fur eight
years. In [892 he married Alice Liese, of Ala-
meda, making his home in that city until 1897.
While there he rapidly advanced to the front in
Republican political affairs, and among other
mists served as a member of the state conven-
tion, which nominated delegates to the national
convention. In April of 1897 he went to the
Sandwich Islands and was employed on a sugar
plantation fur a year. During April of [898 he
located near Hollister and engaged in ranching
for eighteen months, giving the greater part of
his time and energy to the dairy business.
In [899 -Mr. Higby located in Hollister and
turned his attention to lire insurance, buying
and selling grain, and dealing in real estate. 1 le
lias experienced marked success and evinced a
high degree of business ability, his clear dis-
cernment recognizing and taking advantage of
opportunities in various other directions. He is
greatly interested in the development of oil in
San Benito county, and is a stockholder in the
Petroleum Development Company. In his ca-
pacity as a member of the Fifty-third general
assembl) for the Fifty-ninth district he has in-
telligently advanced the most pressing needs .11
his locality, and as chairman of the fish and
game committee worked unceasingly for the
protection of young fawn and other game, be-
fore the laws were formulated regarding their
preservation. He has also served on the com-
mittees of agriculture, daiiw and dairy products.
Fraternally Mr. Higby is associated with the
Masons. San Benito Lodge No. 211, and is at
present passing through the different chair-, and
he is a member of the Independent Order Odd
fellows, and the Alameda Encampment. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Higb) are members of the Hollis-
ter Podge Eastern Star. Mr. Higb) is a poli-
tician in the highest sense of that much abused
term, and bis legislation has been characterized
b\ singular fairness to himself and to those who
have honored him with their trust. His election
to the legislature in November of 1900 was an
evidence of the high personal esteem in which
he is held, and of the conviction generally cher-
ished that personal ambition would not out-
weigh or sacrifice public trust.
IK IN. WILLIAM GRAVES.
No citizen in San Luis ( Ibispo was more so-
licitous regarding the progress of his native
town than was Hon. William Graves, by in-
heritance and development one of the foremost
legal practitioners of San Puis Obispo county.
Nor is the family name unfamiliar in the annals
of law of this well favored part of the state, for
Judge William J. Graves, the father of the Hon.
William, was for many years identified with the
bench and bar and most luminous exposition of
legal lore, and his passing by left a record of
substantial and even brilliant credit to his state
and profession.
Hon. William Graves received his first im
pressions of life and effort in the town which
has for so long profited by his sterling worth.
and where he was born August 15. 1854. He
studied in the public schools of San Puis
I mispo, and completed his education at the Uni-
versity of Virginia, from which he was gradu-
ated in the class of 1877. After being admitted
to the supreme court of Virginia he came to
California, and during the same year was ad-
mitted to the same court of this state, after
which he entered upon the practice of law in the
office of his father. Judge Graves of San Fran-
cisco. In 1881 he removed to Globe, Gila
county. Ariz., and became prominent in Demo-
cratic affairs, and during [882 and [883 repre-
sented that count)' in the legislature. At the
death of the father in 18S4 he returned to San
Puis ( Ibispo and almost immediately formed the
partnership with his brother which was
amicably and successfully continued until his
death In the meantime a large and appreciative
practice rewarded the ability and energy of Mr.
1 Iraves, and the firm received their share of the
important cases before the courts of the county.
Especially line and spacious offices were fitted
oni for the use of clients and lawyers, and the
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
brothers had one of the most complete and valu-
able law libraries in the state.
In San Luis Obispo Mr. Graves married
Lillian H. Branch, a native of Tuolumne county.
To Mr and Mrs. Graves were born three chil-
dren, Margarita, William J. and Solita P. Air.
( iraves carried the political services rendered in
Arizona into the cam]) of his native count)', and
Idled many positions of trust and responsibility.
For many years be was a member of the board
of school trustees, and was for years president
of the board. He was also a member of the
cit) council. In [892 he acted as a delegate to
the Democratic national convention at St. Louis,
and was one of the presidential electors on the
Cleveland ticket. In January, 1902, he was ap-
pointed trustee of the California Polytechnic
school by Governor Gage and evinced a great
interest in the institution. His death, which
occurred September 9, 1902, terminated a career
hi great promise, the realization of which un-
doubtedly would have held unusual political and
professional opportunities for Mr. Graves. Fra-
ternally he was associated with the Knights of
Pythias and with the Sons of the Golden West.
THOMAS FLINT, JR.
The career of Thomas Flint, Jr., senator from
San Luis ( tbispo, Monterey and San Benito
counties, has lent itself to the development of
the splendid opportunities of this well favored
part of the state, and whether as a legislator,
agriculturist, mine owner or promoter of fra-
ternal organizations, his special qualifications for
leadership haw been productive of substantial
results, and accumulated a following consistent
with his versatility and sound judgment.
The locality in which he now lives has for Mr.
Flint an enduring claim upon his youthful re-
membrances and latter day accomplishments for
he was burn upon the ranch of which he is now
part owner and manager, Maj jo, [858. This
ranch of twelve thousand acres is a pari of the
old San Justo ranc.ho, or Hollister tract, neat
San Juan, and represents the resull of the pio-
neer efforts of Thomas Flint, Sr. The latter,
who was born in Maine, came to California in
1851, becoming a prominent factor in the early
days, and is today one of the best known in the
count) which he has done so much to improve.
Thomas Flint, Jr., was educated at the Golden
Gate College, < (akland, Cal. and at Dartmouth
College, from which he was graduated in the
oi [880, with the degree of A. I'... receiving
the degree of A. M. in [883. After completing
his education he returned to his father's ranch
and began to share the management of the large
tract of land, and has since materially relieved
the elder man of the enormous responsibility in-
cident to such ambitious ranching inter.
The political career of Mr. Flint practical!)
dates from 1884, at which time he became the
Republican nominee for assemblyman, but was
defeated, a fate which befell him also in the fall
of 1886 while running for the >ame office.
Nothing daunted, he cheerfully accepted the
nomination for the state senate in 1888. and was
elected, his re-election following in 1892, [896
and 1900, so that he is now serving his fourth
term. In 1895 he was chosen by his colleagues
president of the senate, and has since presided
over this dignified body of law makers. So thor-
oughly worthy has been the political life of Mr.
Hint, and so ably has he discharged his numer-
ous responsibilities in connection with the peo-
ple, that he has made friends even among the
opposite party, who readily accord him the
homage due a conscientious and painstaking
public servant. In the estimation of his friends
and colleagues, and indeed .if man) who
litical affiliations are opposed to bis own, no
more lilting candidate could be present
discharge the honors of the gubernatorial chair.
Mr. Flint has been a member of the state cen-
tral committee since [886, and a member of the
Benito county central committee since [880.
\1tioi1g the various responsibilities assumed
by Mr. Flint aside from things political and
agricultural may be mentioned his connection
with the development of oil in the county, in
which he has evinced the most active and prac-
tical interest H< is the president and director
ral companies interested in the oil output,
aitd he is equally energetic in pushing certain
mining interests in California and Sonora, Mex-
ico, lb- is president 1 f the Sonoma Smelting.
Mining X' Development Company, and is n direct-
1-20
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
or of the Ward Mining Company of Nevada City,
Cal., and of the San Justo Mining Company, of
Calaveras county, ( al. Very few men in Califor-
nia or elsewhere are so intimately connected with
the most prominent fraternal organizations as is
Mr, Flint. He is a member of the San Juan
] odge No. 46, F. & A. M.. of which he is past
and present master; past high priest of the Hol-
lister Chapter No. 68 R. A. M.; grand captain
of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of
California: past grand master of the Grand
Lodge of California; San Francisco Council No.
j Royal and Select Masons; past commander
1 f the Watsonville Commandery No. 22 Knights
Templar; member of the San Francisco Con-
sistory, thirty-second degree Scottish Rite-;
member of the Islam Temple A. ( >. X. M. S. of
San Francisco; member of the Salinas Lodge of
Elks; past patron of the Clanathus Chapter No.
4;. ( ). E. S.; past grand patron of the Grand
; of California 1 >. E. S.; member of the
Fremont Parlor No. 44, Native Sons of the
( ".olden West ; and past president and past grand
and president of the Grand Parlor of California
Native Sons of the Golden West.
JA( 1 >B F< iSTER.
Two hundred and twenty acres of fine bottom
land in the richest valley in California is the
property of Jacob Foster, and no more ideal or
profitable means of livelihood can be conceived
of than just such a life as this old-time weather-
beaten sailor lives at his home one mile from
the Bay of Monterey, and on the banks of the
Pajaro river. Here he has raised all the com-
modities associated with general farming in the
we,i. with a particular leaning towards barley,
potatoes, beets and some stock. The farm con-
stitutes a plea-ant little community, and al-
though the days are tilled with labor, and little
leisure visits the toilers in the fertile fields, the
1 good humor prevails, for the genial
owner ami his wife are typical of the kindliness
lospitality invariably associated with Ger-
man-Americans, who have not yet obliterated
listinguishing characteristics of their
Fatherland.
Horn in Germany, December 21. [831, Alt'.
Foster is a son of Clans and Margaret (Starr)
Foster, whose children are all deceased with the
exception of Jacob and his sjstcr. the latter of
whi mi -till resides in her native land, and is
seventy-six years of age.
At the age of sixteen Jacob left the old home-
stead and went to sea as a sailor, and until
1870 experienced the dangers ami adventures
inseparable from a life upon the high seas. In
[855 he came to California for the first time.
and after safely arriving from the long trip
around the Horn, which consumed one hun-
dred and fifty-three days, bought a two-mast
schooner with which he sailed on the Pacific
coast for a number of years. This craft was dis-
posed of in 1870, and he bought a farm in
.Monterey county upon which he lived for three
.ears. At the expiration of that time he pur-
chased his present farm, and has since shown
no inclination to change his mode of living.
March 31. 1867, Mr. Foster was united in
marriage with Margaret Coopman, who was
born in Germany, and is a daughter of Henry
and Cecil (Ladegesi Coopman, to whom were
born six children, four living. Cecil, Henry,
Anna and Margaret. To Mr. and Airs. Foster
were born four children all of whom are living:
Henry, who married Susan Jonkin, and is man-
aging his father's ranch; Jacob, who is engaged
in mining in Alaska; Cecil, who is the wife of
John McCollum, a prominent farmer of the
Pajora valley; and Charles, who is mining in
Alaska.
C. R. ESTABROOK.
The trusted agent of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company at Salinas, Mr. Estabrook,
has filled a similar position in several different
parts of 'In -late, and his services have come to
be regarded as unalterably satisfactory. He was
born in New Brunswick, at Sackville, in [856,
his parents being A. 1'.. and Elizabeth (Fawcett)
Estabrook, also born in New Brunswick, The
father, who is a millwright b\ trade, and who
has led an industrious and successful life,
present living at Pacific Grove, and is sevent)
fi mi' years of age.
When six years old Mr. Estabrook removed
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with his parents from Sackville, Mew Bruns-
wick, to San Jose, Cal., where he was educated
in the public schools, ami at the age of fifteen
started nut to become financially independent.
After learning telegraph) he was for a time with
the Western Union Telegraph Company at San
Jose, and later entered the employ of the South-
ern Pacific. After being stationed at Xiles for a
couple of years he went to Brentwood, in Costa
Rica county, where he remained for seven years,
after which he engaged for a couple of years in
the stock business in Monterey count). Not be-
ing entirely satisfied with the experiment which
in some way seemed out of his natural groove,
lie again returned to telegraphy, and was sta-
tioned at Sargent for five years, and afterwards
at Santa Margarita for the same length of time.
For the past four years he has been identified
with the business and social life of Salinas, and
represents the railroad's affairs in a manner
highly creditable to himself, and pleasing to
those who have to deal with him. Among his
oilier responsibilities is the office of recording
secretary of the Independent Order of Forest-
ers, of which he is a well known member.
The marriage of Mr. Estabrook ami May Van
Hyning occurred in 1878. and of this union
there are three children, Lois M., Zelda, and
Mildred W. Lois M. is engaged in educational
work in Pacific Grove.
WILLIAM H. DOOL.
Prominent among the Canadian-Americans
who have made a success of mercantile life in
Boulder Creek may be mentioned William H.
Pool, for many years at the head of a successful
meat industry, conducted on modern lines and
with reasonable profit to the owner thereof.
Mr. I >ool was born in ( Intario, and is one of the
children horn to Hiomas and Eliza (McCum)
Dool, both of whom were natives of Canada.
When eighteen years of age William II. I )<>ol
left his Canadian home and settled in Michigan,
where he engaged in farming and such -lln 1
occupations as came his wa\ for about four
years. In [880 he located in Boulder Creek,
where for some time he was in the
ploy of ill,' Southern Pacific Railroad Company.
Later he entered hit" business "ii his own ac
count, and has since catered to the largest and
most exacting trade in tin- locality.
In [888 Mr. Dool married 'Kmma L. Paschall,
who was born in Santa Cruz county, and who is
the mother of two children. Hazel and Esther.
Mr. Dool is now filling the important responsi
bility of mayor of Boulder (reek, which office
he was elected to in February, [902. lie is a
loyal and active Republican, and has at times
been ver) active for his friends and associates.
Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fed-
lows Encampment, the Ancient < irder of United
Workmen ami the Foresters. Manx admirable
characteristics have won for him prominence in
both private and public life, and he is regarded
with favor by those who are ass, .Gated with him
in whatsoever capacity.
AUGUST LI INERT.
To a greater degree than in any portion of
the United States landscape gardening has
made a science in California, and among the
men who have contributed to the promotion of
the industry may be mentioned August Ehnert,
who was a florist ami landscape gardener, with
office at No. [68 Water street, Santa Cruz. Mr.
Ehnert was horn in Bohemia, Austria, in [856,
3 son of John Ehnert, and grew to manhood in
Ins native province, receiving such educational
advantages as fall to the lol of the average youth
of that region. Much was told of the oppor
timities of the new world in the papers of the
country, and the lad naturally took a keen in-
11 this as well as in general affairs.
( Mi crossing the ocean Mr. Ehnert proceeded
direct to Cleveland, ( )hio, where he worked for
a short time, and from there went to Seattle.
Wash., remaining for two years in that section.
Lis next location was San Francisco, in the
vicinit) of which city he worked at his trade for
nearly two years, ami in [896 ■ Santa
Cruz, where he secured a position as landscape
gardener and florisl for the powder mills and
ds. Later he was engaged bj F V
llilm. Recognition of his work, and the wide
acquaintance given b) association with
people caused him to decide to embark in busi-
:■!■:
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
uess for himself, and he formed a partnership
with Theodore Miller, but in 1902 purchased his
partner's interest, and afterward conducted the
business alone. His shop on Water street con-
tained a fine display of tuberoses, begonias and
other choice varieties of bloom, and he devoted
the best of care to the nurture of his chosen
beautiful but silent friends. Mr. Ehnert won a
large patronage among the exclusive people of
[11s adopted town, his graciousness of manner.
lad. knowledge of flowers, and general adapt-
iveness, contributing not a little to his popular-
ity and business success.
In his young manhood Air. Ehnert married
Annie Newman, who was a native of the same
part of Bohemia, and was educated and reared
in her native land. Air. Ehnert was fraternally
identified with the Red Men.
BLESSING BROTHERS.
The Blessing Brothers, liverymen of Watson-
ville, belong to a family represented in California
long before the great gold excitement swept over
the land. The paternal grandfather, John, came
hither in the early '40s. leaving behind in Wis-
consin the family whom he was destined never
more to see. He spent his time in mining in
Placer count}', and because of the want of op-
portunity never communicated with those to
whom he was bound by ties of kinship and blood.
I lis death occurred in [856, and it is supposed
'ha' his life in the wild mining regions of Cali-
fornia in a measure compensated him for his
withdrawal from more civilized conditions. His
si 11. John A., the father of the successful busi-
ness men of Watsonville. was born in Wisconsin,
and was but three years of age when his father
left lor California. At that early age lie was
bound out, and grew to manhood in his native
state. In the days of gold in 1841) he joined the
great throngs that took- their way over the plains
in search 1 f fortunes easily made, his object
being the finding of the father whom he had
for seventeen years. In the memorable
winter of [849 he crossed with ox-teams and
wagons, and the little party of which he was a
member was either behind or before the famous
Donough party, all of whom perished from want
and exposure. His first search was conducted
at Gold Hill, Placer county, where he took up
mining and exhausted every resource for the
finding of his beloved parent. Sometimes he
would hear of him as being in some gulch or on
some mountain fastness, but when he reached
the spot it was to learn that he had just missed
the object of his search by a few hours or days.
Thus his devotion was doomed to perpetual dis-
appointment, for father and son never met on
this side of the tireat Divide. Air. Blessing fol-
lowed mining with alternate success and failure
from 1850 until 1875, in which latter year he
came to Hollister and bought a ranch just east
of the town, and where he spent the remainder
of his days in farming and raising stock. He
was a practical agriculturist and knew how to
best improve his land, and he worked hard at
all seasons of the year, and rarely left his home.
< )f quiet and unobtrusive tastes, he gloried in
the peace and happiness to be found at his own
fireside, and his death, in 1000. removed a man
of pride and spirit, largeness of heart, and con-
sistent living. He married in Santa Clara with
Airs. Rowe, a widow, by whom he had three
children: J. F. and < >. C. and Airs. Canrield. of
Exeter, Cal.
J. F. and O. C. Blessing, proprietors of the
largest livery interests in Watsonville, were born
in Placer county, and came to Hollister in 1875.
while both were small boys. They were reared
on the paternal farm east of the town of Hol-
lister, and as opportunity permitted attended the
public schools. In 1875 they bought out the liv-
en business of the Fashion Stables, which they
still own, and in 1900 purchased the Cit) Stables,
both of which are managed after the most ap-
proved plans, and equipped with all the requi-
sites of a first-class business. For some time they
farmed the old homestead near the town, and so
well have their interests developed that the oil
industry has come in for a large share of their
time and attention, as well as other enterprises
re] "resented in the neighborhood. They own
Mock in San Benito county, especially in the
Hollister Petroleum Company, the llamiltonian
( >il Company, and the Hollister Crude ( >il Com-
pany, and are accounted enterprising and far-
sighted business men, of unquestioned integrity
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and devotion to the all-around well-being of their
locality.
In [900 the elder of the brothers, J. F., mar-
ried Hattie C. Miles, who died August 10, 1901.
( Iscar C. Blessing was married in [896^0 Minnie
Hayworth, and of this union there is one daugh-
ter. Wilhelmina. The brothers are Democrats
in national politics, but as regards local matters
are in favor of the best man. regardless of the
color of his political affiliation. They have en-
tered into the general improvement of their city,
and in all emergencies may be counted on to
generously aid a worthy cause.
HON. PKADLEY V. SARGENT.
In his present office as Judge of the Superior
court of Monterey county and also through his
long identification with the bar of Salinas. .Mr.
Sargent ts well known to the people of his city
and county. A native son of California, he was
horn in Monterey July 5. [863, and his early life-
was spent on San Carlos rancho, comprising
twenty-four thousand acres. The ranch was
then owned by his father, 11. V. Sargent, and
is still in the family. The latter was born in
New Hampshire, and at the age of ten years
started out. a barefoot boy, with his home be-
hind him and the lottery of life ahead. Walking
to Boston, he found employment in a bakery.
During the days of 1849 'le came to California
and in Calaveras county engaged in the butcher
and stock business. Having gained a fair com-
petence, in 1857 he settled in Monterey county,
where he continued to make his home until his
death in 1805, at the age of sixty-five years. In
the affairs of his locality he was prominent. I lis
successes were a matter of pride to his family
and to all who appreciated his fine business abil-
ity and devotion to tin- general g 1. Oul of
his abundance he gave liberally to those less
fortunate than himself. His character was such
that he was universally respected, and his suc-
cess aroused no envy. A Democrat in politics,
he was supervisor from [885 to 1887, and was
fraternall) connected with the ( >dd Fellows,
Knight Templar Masons and Pioneer Society.
He was of Scotch-English descent, and
his brothers was an army surgeon during the
Civil war. He married Julia Flynn, who was
born in Boston, Mass.. the daughter of Irish
parents, highly educated and financial!) pros
pered. Of the three sons and one daughter
born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sargent,
James 1'., the eldest, is engaged in the wholesale
meat business in Monterey; R. C. has charge
of the family ranches; and Harriet is the wife of
M. I'. Gregg, auditor of the Southern Pacific
.Milling Company, anil owner of the elevators
along the line.
The education of Bradley V. Sargent was ac-
quired in the public schools of Monterey county
and at the Santa Clara College, from which he
was graduated in the class of [884, with the
degree of 1'.. S., later receiving the degree of
Al. S. During 1885 he entered the law depart-
ment of Yale College, from which he was grad-
uated in 1887 with the degree of LL. 1'.. < >n his
return to California he entered the office of the
district attornej of San Francisco and partici-
pated in the national campaign of [888. The
following year he was selected by a Republican
board of supervisors as assistant district attor-
ney of Monterey count) and in 1890 was
elected district attorney, bedding the office for
one term, but refusing renomination, although
he would have been elected without opposition.
Since then he has continued to practice law
in Salinas. Among the important eases tiiat
have come to him may be mentioned the fol-
lowing: The People vs. Moore: the People vs.
Hawse; People vs. Vasquez; and the Liborn vs.
Sorg libel case. Like his father, Mr. Sargenl
is a Democrat, and has stumped various por
lions of the state a number of times. September
6, ioo_>. the Democratic part) in convention as-
sembled nominated him judge of the superior
court and he was elected by a majority of one
hundred and forty-seven votes over Judge Horn,
a popular official of twelve years' service.
The marriage of Mr. Sargent and Rose Little-
field, adopted daughter of Hiram Carey, occurred
in Salinas in loot. 1 if this union there are
three children. Bradley \ '.. Jr.. Stanle) and
Richard. Mr. Sargent is -rand vice chancellor
of the Knights of Pythias, is connected with
the Benevolent Protective Order of P.Iks. Native
Sons of the I iolden \\ est, I : iciet) .
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Foresters of America, Canadian Order of For-
esters, Druids, Fraternal Brotherhood, Eagles,
Bar Association, and Conselho Salinas No. 39,
(J. p. E. C. To an exceptional degree he has
the confidence and appreciation of his fellow-
townsmen, and he is personally popular by rea-
son of his ability, tact and genial disposition.
SAMUEL DONATI.
Not a few of the Swiss settlers of the United
Mates have found their way into California and
are numbered among the persevering and in-
dustrious citizens of our state. In this list may
be included the name of Samuel Donati, who
was born in Switzerland in 1853 and crossed the
ocean to America in [872, proceeding at once
to the Pacific coast and settling in Sonoma
county, Cal. The first employment he secured
was in a dairy. In [876 he came to San Luis
( ibispo county, where he now resides. Select-
ing a location near Cayucos, he purchased a
ranch of eight hundred acres in 1877 and at once
assumed the duties of a general farmer and
dairyman. For the latter business his previous
experience in Sonoma county admirably quali-
fied him. During 188] he made a purchase of
his present ranch, consisting of twelve hundred
acres King along the coast ami in the vicinity
of Cayucos. To the management of this prop-
erty he has since industriously given his atten-
tion. An excellent grade of cattle and hogs is
kepi "ii the farm, while he keeps one hundred
and twenty cows for his dairy.
It is a noteworthy fact that wherever the
Swiss are found, they almost invariably make
valuable citizens and aid materially in the de-
velopment of material resources, and Air.
Donati is no exception to this rule. His atten-
tion has been given so closely to the improve
menl of his ranch and the care of his dairy that
In has little leisure for participation in public
Yet he has not been negligent of his
duties as a citizen. In politics he votes with the
Republicans. I ror several years he has served
as justice of the peace. I lis interest in educa-
tional matters led him to accepl the office of
1 1 trustee, which he tilled with such faith-
thai tlie state superintendent of schools.
Hon. T. J. Kirk, said of him that he was "'the
best trustee in the stair of California." The
qualities that have brought him prosperity in
pi rsonal affairs have made him a leader among
the SwTs settlers of San Luis < ibispo county,
who have the highest regard for his ability and
often consult him in regard to business projects.
Under appointment from Governors Markham
and Budd he served for some years as a notary
public. In 1892 he was chosen manager and
cashier 1 if the I >ank 1 if ( 'a\ no is, an agency of the
San Luis Commercial Bank, and he continued
in the same capacity until 1898, when the hank
was closed h\ order of the directors.
Fraternally Mr. Donati is a member of Cayu-
cos Lodge No. 300. 1. ( ). ( >. P.. and San Luis
Encampment No. 13. He has officiated in his
lodge as noble grand and has represented the
same in the state grand lodge. His first mar-
riage was to Miss Maria P. Bassi, of Cayucos.
who died in [892, leaving seven children. After-
ward he was united in marriage with Miss Celes-
tina Franzina, and they are the 'parents of three
children.
WILLIAM CHANEY.
As local manager of the Victor Flour Mills,
at Hollister, William Chancy is identified with
an important commercial enterprise of the town,
and in the discharge of his responsibility has
shown marked business and general ability, A
native of Monterey county, Cal.. he was born
in Salinas in 1873. and lived there until his eighth
year. His father, A. V. Chaney, came to Cali-
fornia in 1870, and to San Benito county the
following year, with the interests of which he
lias since been substantially connected. For sev-
eral years he lived on a farm near Hollister ami
engaged on a large scale in farming and stock-
raising, and during that time served as super-
visor of his township. In [900 he materially
changed his occupations and surroundings by
removal to Tres Pinos, and has since been en-
gaged in business in that enterprising little town.
At the age < f eight years William Chaney re-
moved with his father to San Benito county, and
was here educated in the public schools, and
trained in all the duties which enter int.. the life
HISTORICAL AND nmCRAPIIlCAL RECORD.
m
oj a practical tanner, i it an ambitious turn oi
mind, and anxious to advance the family for-
tunes, he embarked upon business life al prac-
tically an early age, and became associated with
the Central Milling Company as bookkeeper and
accountant, and when that enterprise was merged
into the Spring Flour Company, in 1892, lie still
retained his former position. So satisfactory
were his services, and so readily did he learn
ever) department of the work, that in 1898 he
became local manager of the mill.
Among the many outside interests which en-
gage tlii1 ability and public-spiritedness of Mr.
Chaney may be mentioned the fraternal organiza-
tions in which the town abounds, and among the
members of which lie enjoys an enviable popular-
ity. He is associated with the local lodge
of Masons and Odd Fellows, and is politically
affiliated with the Republican party. Mr. Chaney
is one of the most enterprising and resourceful
of the younger business men of the town, and
his friends predict pronounced future business
success. He is honorable in all of his deal-
ings, and personally possesses a genial and tact-
ful manner.
LUIS L. ARGUELLO.
The name of Arguello is a familiar one in
California, having been associated with many
of the important happenings in the early his-
tory of the state. The forefathers were evidently
men of conspicuous attainments and worthy of
all confidence, for two of them, the paternal
grandfather, Louis Antonio, and the paternal
great-grandfather, were governors of the state,
the former under Mexican, and the latter under
Spanish rule. Jose, the father of Luis I... was
born in San Francisci in [828, and died in [876,
leaving to his heir- tin- large estates lie had in
herited from his father. lie married Label \1-
\ iso, a native of California.
A native of Santa Clara, tab, Luis L. Ar-
guello was bom Jul) 23, [867, and was
;\\i\ educated in his native town. IIL youth was
practical!) uneventful, and, owing to hi- father's
superior financial and social position, the neces-
sit) was mil forthci ming for him to -tart out in
the world and carve hi- own fortune. Ili- ma-
terial well-being was further augmented by his
marriage with Arcadia Spencer, daughtei ol
David Spencer, the latter one of the prominent
and wealth) pioneer- of California. Mr-. \r-
guello own- about three thousand acres of land
in the Salinas valley, which formerly belonged
to her father, who was a sturd) Scotchman, pos-
sessed of greal thrifl and financial ability. The
station called Spencer, on the Southern Pacific
Railroad, is situated on the property of Mrs.
Arguello, and is named in honor of her father.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Arguello, Camilla and Isabelle. both of whom are
attending- the convent of Notre Dame.
J. I'. BARNHARDT.
By no means the least interesting or enterpris-
ing center of activity in Soledad is the blacksmith
establishment of J. P. Barnhardt. lie was born
at Kibe. Denmark, in 1S47. and comes honestly
by his chosen occupation, tor his father, Peter
Barnhardt, was for many years a blacksmith at
Kibe, and one of the foremost citizen- of the
place. As one would naturally suppose, hi- -on.
J. P.. learned the trade from hi- earlies
h I, and showed a readiness and aptitude which
prestiged his successful future, lie was e. bl-
eated at the public schools, and this, taken in
connection with the substantial home training
accorded the average Danish youth, prepared
bun for the trial.- awaiting bis independent ca-
reer.
In [868 Mr. Barnhardl emigrated to America,
end, after spending a summer in New York City,
removed to Texas, where he followed his trade,
thereafter returning 10 New York 1 it\. where
he found employment with the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company. After serving for three
years as blacksmith for the company, b
io California in [873, and for five months worked
with fair success it Salinas. Thinking the field
a more desirable 1 ne, be then took up In- resi
deno al Soledad, and at first was employed by
the man whose place of business lie now owns.
d for a year before purchasing it,
and for the eight years that the town formed the
terminus of the railroad did an enormous
be had die tradi for many miles
1 1 IS 1* >RKAL AXI) lih )t,R M'HWAI. kF.U )RI>.
beyond, besides that which the town afforded.
To add to his responsibilities, Mr. Earnhardt
leases three hundred acres of land, of which he
i- the owrseer, and where he raises barley prin-
cipally. He owns a good home in the town, and
i- also the possessor of a large and convenient
livery barn and a store business. Politically he
is a Democrat, and fraternally is associated with
the Independent < )rder of Odd Fellows, being a
charter member of the lodge at Salinas. In 1871
he was married to Matilda ( Heson, and of this
union there are two children living, Mary, who is
now Mrs. .Miller, of Soledad, and Ray, who is
living at home and attending school. Mr. Earn-
hardt and family are members of the Lutheran
Church, towards the maintenance of which he
is a liberal contributor.
the prominent younger fanners of the county,
and has an enviable reputation as a stable and
industrious citizen.
TH( >MAS F. ALLEN.
( )n the right hand side of the Ocean road, one
and a half miles from Watsonville, is the farm
of seventy-five acres upon which Thomas F.
Allen is successfully conducting farming enter-
prises, and where he was born July II, 1876.
This farm was for many years the special pride
of T1t mas Allen, his father, who was born 'in
England, and came to the United States when
a young man. Via Central America, he reached
the desired destination, San Francisco, and after
a time spent in investigating the general condi-
tions of the state, located near Watsonville in
the early '60s, and there lived until his death in
[899 Me was progressive and successful, and
his life and attainments were consistent with the
best development of his adopted state and coun-
try. His wife. Anna (Gilmore) Allen, was born
in Ireland, and became the mother of two chil-
dren, Thomas F. and Anna J.
Fortunately, Thomas F. Allen inherits a liking
I- r Farming, and is thus well adapted to carry-
ing on the work so well started by his father.
While his land is cultivated in a general way
and yields an all-around harvest, particular at-
tention is given to the raising of sugar beets,
: onions, winch crops are especially
adapted to the soil 1 f the Allen farm. Mr. Allen
1- a Democrat in political affiliation, and is a
worshipper in the Catholic Church. He is one of
ALBERT NELSON.
< »ne of the younger generation of attorneys
who are destined to promote the professional
prestige of San Luis Obispo is Albert Nelson, a
native son of California, and born June 8, 1874.
His family is a well-known one in this county,
and his father, W. 11. Nelson, is at present the
recipient of a large dental practice in this town.
Dr. Nelson is enrolled among those sturdy and
self-sacrificing pioneers who braved the dangers
of the overland trail in the days of gold, and
subsequently endured with uncomplaining pa-
tience the deprivations incident to camp life in
the mining districts. With worn ox-teams he
arrived on the coast in 1848. settled in Sonoma
county, near Santa Rosa, and experienced the
ups and downs of the average, rather than the
exceptional, miner. In 1870 he settled in San
Luis Obispo, bought land, and has since made
this his home. He is a man of liberal education
and broad views, and practiced his profession at
first in the days when no certificate was required.
His wife, formerly Elizabeth Fowler, was born
in Missouri, and became the mother of six chil-
dren, of whom Albert Nelson is second oldest.
The education of Mr. Nelson was acquired
primarily in the public schools, and after gradu-
ating at the high school he attended the San Luis
Obispo University school. His professional
training was acquired under the able instruction
of William Shipsey, a prominent lawyer of this
town, with whom he studied for five years, and
he was admitted to the California bar in [896.
He is possessed of particular aptitude for his
chosen profession, and has already met with
gratifying appreciation. A Republican in polit-
ical affiliation, he is ambitious of being able to
combine politics and law as district attorney of
San Luis < Obispo county, and is at present a can-
didate for this desirable office. Mr. Xelson is
variously identified with fraternal and social or-
ganizations in the town and county, especi.ilh
with the Masonic Blue Lodge, the Independent
( >rder of ( hid Fellows, and the Benevolent I'm-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tective ( Irder of Elks. He is engaged in a gen-
ual practice of law. and has not as yet decided
upon any special line of professional work.
EDGAR W. STEELE.
Eor man}- years Air. Steele was one of the
leading men of San Luis ( I'bispo county. His
name was especially prominent as a dairyman,
which business he followed with marked suc-
cess. Indeed, he happily realized his ambition
to establish and maintain a model dairy. The
firm of Steele Brothers, of which he was a mem-
ber, gained national prominence during the Civil
war by the presentation to the National Sanitary
Commission of a mammoth cheese weighing
thirty-eight hundred and fifty-six pounds. ( >ne-
half of this cheese was sold by the commission
in San Francisco for $3,000, and the remainder
was sent to the Army of the Potomac. For its
manufacture, special machinery was constructed
at considerable expense, the hands and hoop
alone c« isting $500.
( )f ea>tern birth and descent, Mr. Steele was
the son of Nathaniel Steele, a farmer and at one
time the owner of a stage line. From Delaware
county, X. Y.. he moved to Lorain county, ( )hio,
about [836, and finally he and his wife joined
some of their children in California, llis wife
died at 1 'etahima in [860, ami his death occurred
the following year at Point Reyes. Their eldest
>oii, ( )sman X., while acting as under sheriff of
Delaware county, X. Y.. was killed August 5,
[845, by men disguised as Indians, who were en-
deavoring to resist the collection of land rents.
The second son, lion. J. 1'.. Steele, member of
Congress from Ulster county, X. A'., was thrown
from his carriage and killed in 1SO7. The third
son, Major-tien. Fred Steele, of the United
"•talis army, died in San Mateo count). Cal.,
January 12, 1868. The fourth son. I. C, settled
at Pescadero, San Mateo county. Cal., in 1S11J.
and has since lived there. The fifth son. Judge
George Steele, who died < tetober _•->. [901, is
represented on another page of this volume. The
seventh - n died 1 f cholera in [854, at the strait s
of Sanlt Sle. Marie.
The sixth of the sons was Edgar W. Steele,
who was born at Delhi. Delaware COUlltV, NT. Y..
March 4, 1830. When six years of age he ac
companied his parents to Ohio, hut seven years
later returned, to Delhi and made his home with
his sister. Mrs. J. B. Howe, attending the Delhi
Academy. Later he attended Oberlin (Ohio)
College, where he completed his education. His
record in mathematics and Latin was unusually
high and won him the commendation of his
teachers. After leaving college he taught school
in Ohio. In 1850 he came to California and was
so pleased with the prospects that two years later
he returned to Ohio and brought his parents
wist, settling with them at Point Rexes, Marin
count), and embarking in the dairj bu
The same occupation he later followed in Pes-
cadero, San Mateo count)-, on a much larger
scale, being in partnership with his cousin. R. E.
Steele. During 18(16 he came to San Luis I Ibisp 1
count) and purchased nearly fifty thousand acres.
embracing part- of the three grants. Cienega,
Bolsa «le Chemisal and Corral de Piedra. His
two brothers. Isaac C. and George, were each
given a one-fourth interest in the land, and the
firm of Steele Brothers was organized. At once
they stocked the land with cattle and began the
building of a large dairy. To aid in the business,
Mr. Steele carried on correspondence with many
of the best-known dairymen of America and Eu-
rope, and he imported several herds of Holsteill
stock from Holland, also owned man) registered
cows. It was his aim to conduct the business
on scientific principles, and whenever he heard
of any improvement that had been successfull)
introduced elsewhere he at once availed himself
of the opportunities it offered. He introduced
the first modern machinery in California for the
making of butter and cheese. The qualit) of his
products was unexcelled, and their recognized
value commanded for them the highest market
prices. It will he seen from this that he did not
fail in his endeavor to build up an ideal dairy on
his ranch and bring to perfection an industry in
which ever) generation must engage. In 1877
there were nine dairies in operation upon the
Steele ranch, with an average of three hundred
cows in each. The dairymen • f the present da\
owe not a little to his wise judgment and in-
genious devices, and die -nee,-- of die illdllStn
throughout the countn has been permanent!)
;:;n
IIISTi 'KM \I. WD UK m.KAI'IIK'AI. KL< < 'I'D
promoted by his labors. The firm of Steele
Brothers was dissolved in 1880. after which he
continued dairying alone. Among the cither in-
dustries in which he was interested was the
Southern Mill & Warehouse Company of San
Francisco, which he assisted in organizing, and
which owned warehouses at points between Santa
Barbara and San Francisco. He was also one of
the incorporator^ of the Santa Ynez Land and
Improvement Company, the Salinas Valley Lum-
ber Company, and was largely interested in the
Grangers' Business Association and Sperry
Fli ur Company, in the two latter being a director
at the time of his death, and was also a member
of the Dairymen's Union.
E. \Y. Steele was a man who possessed those
sterling qualities of which pioneers are made,
namely: firmness of purpose, strength and cour-
age. 1 lis dauntless energy brought into being an
industry hitherto unknown in California. Span-
ish cows were then herded for their hides, and
butter, cheese and milk were unknown articles,
even on the large grants where cattle roamed by
thousands. His courage and faith in the future
of the state incited many others to engage in
the dairy business. His genius for utilizing the
means at hand originated many unique methods.
1 heese presses, and indeed the whole process,
under the shade of a sycamore tree were not un-
common sights. Few men employing such large
numbers have left more tender memories in the
hearts of employes. He never foreclosed a mort-
gage, and he sold man) thousand acres during a
period of thirty years. While always insisting
up n justice, he maintained a most liberal policy
toward his employes; this was appreciated by
them, and many attest their loyalty and declare
their success due to him. There are numberless
comfortable In mes and line dairies in this county
owned by men who began with only two hands
in the employ of E. W. Steele. He never went
pi litics, although often solicited to do so.
and -oild have held any office in the gift < 1 the
pei pie of the state.
Sin :e the death of Mr. Steele, which occurred
in 1896, ih. management of die estate has fallen
to the care of his wife, a Iach possessing much
1 die wise judgment and executive ability that
characterized him. Miss Emma E. Smith was
born in Lockport, X. Y., and became the wife
of Mr. Steele in Los Angeles in [876. < 'ne son
.1- bi rn of their union. Edgar W., whose birth
occurred August 26, 1878. and who is still re-
siding with his mother on the ranch.
PETER C. GALLIGAN.
Santa Cruz county, with its almost exhaustless
agricultural and other resources, has a twofold
interest for Peter C. Galligan, for it is a region
which not only yields him a comfortable liveli-
hood at the present time, lint was the place 1 f
his birth, June 26, 1874. The first bearer of the
name to come to the coast was Bartholomew Gal-
ligan, the father of Peter C. who was born in
Ireland, and whose ambitions led him across the
sea to California, which he reached in 1855.
Cpon locating in Santa Cruz county lie settled
upon the old Galligan farm of two hundred and
seventy-five acres, of which his son is now man-
ager, and by reason of untiring industry and
thrift was able to realize the expectations formu-
lated in his native land. Besides Peter ( ... who
is the fourth oldest in the parental family, there
were also born James, Henry, John J.. Patrick
F. and Thomas M.
In his younger days Peter C. Galligan attended
the public schools of San Andres. Santa Cruz
county, and from his father learned about all
that was then known of the science of farming,
lie is engaged in general farming and stock-
raising, and in addition maintains a paying and
model daily, comprising sixteen cows. Mr. Gal-
ligan is enterprising and ambitious, and is one
of the mosl im mising of the younger generation
of farmers of this county. He is a member of
the ( Catholic Church.
CHRISTOPHER TIK IMPS" 'V
1 'no of the representative ranchers of the Pa-
jaro valley is Christopher Thompson, who was
bom on the farm he now occupies, January 28,
181 9, and was educated in the public schools and
attended St. Ignatius scho -1 in San Francisco one
year, Vlthough he started to work away from
home ai the age of fourteen, his success has
not Keen entirely the resull of personal appli-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cation, for he was the fortunate heir to one hun
dred and seventy-five acres of the land accumu-
lated by his honored and pioneer father. Mr.
Thompson is an enthusiastic fruit grower, and
has an extensive knowledge of horticulture in
general. ( >ne hundred acres of his land is sel
out in Bellefleurs and Newtown Pippins and fifty
acre.- to strawberries and young trees.
Mr. Thompson is possessed of much of the
ambition which characterized (lie career of his
well-known father. John Thompson, cne of
the most successful of the early ranchers of the
county. He was born in county Kildare, Ireland,
and was reared on the paternal farm, receiving
such education in the district schools as the ardu-
ous home duties permitted. About 1853 he emi-
grated to America and worked for a couple of
years in Boston, where he married, and in 1855
came to San Francisco, Cal, where both worked
out for a few weeks to gain a foothold in their
new- surroundings. In August of that year they
came to Watsonville on an old schooner, and Mr.
Thompson found employment as superintendent
of a ranch on the coast, where he was successful
and managed to make considerable money. He
eventually rented land in the valley until 1805,
in which year he bought one hundred acres of
land at $20 an acre, partly improved, and for
several years lived in an old shanty thereon. To
his original purchase he added one hundred
acres adjoining, and also two hundred acres in
Santa CrU2 county, as well as one hundred and
fifty acres in the Salinas valley, and two hundred
acres 1 f pasture land in the near-by hills. A
new house replaced the little "Id shanty in due
time, bin a devastating fire at the end of two
years necessitated rebuilding, which was accom-
plished on a much more elaborate and modern
scale. He lived • n his home farm and prospered
exceedingly, and earned a reputation for thrift
and integrity worth) bis large and many-sided
ability ami numerous possessions, lb- was an
active Democrat from the time <>f casting bis
thst vote, although be never desired or accepted
ottices of importance. Me was public-spirited
and large-hearted, ami mam kindnesses -1 an
unostentatious nature are attributed to him.
In July, [855, John Thompson was united in
marnaec widi Man Cummines, a native <>f
Queens county, Ireland, and who came to the
I nited States in [852, when seventeen years ■ 1
age. Mrs. Tin mpson lived in Boston for ■<
couple of \ear.. and is still living (.11 the old
homestead. She became the mother of twelve
children, the order of their birth being as fol-
lows: Julia, the wife , E John Whalen, of Mon-
terey count\ : Lizzie, who died at the age 1 1
forty-four years; Peter and Edward, ranchers
of Santa Cruz county; Joseph, also a resident of
Santa Cruz county; Maggie; Mamie: Chris-
topher; a child who died in infancy; fohn, the
owner of the old homestead: Sadie, and Katie.
Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson were members of
the Catholic Church.
Christopher Thompson married Anna Quinn,
of Monterey county, and a daughter of Owen
Quinn. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been
bom three .laughters, Elsie, Mabel and an infant,
deceased. Mr. Thompson is a Democrat in po-
litical preference, but. like his father, has no u
cud aspirations. With his family he is a member
of the Catholic Church.
BENJAMIN FRANK PATTERS* >\\
Grain, cattle, hogs, horses and general farming
have proved a fruitful source of revenue to Mr.
1'atterson. who owns five hundred and
acres of land in the Jolon valley. Monterey
county, and is one of the thrifty and far -■
agriculturists and st< ckmen of this section.
Porn near Ashland. Jackson county, Ore., in
May, [864, the boy! 1 of Mr. Patio,-. on was
Spent o,, the home farm, where he worked hard
wlule attending the public schools.and o
uted his share towards the maintenance of the
family. In the meantime his brother had located
on a ranch in the Ji Ion valley, and in I )ei 1
1882, when eighteen years of age, he joined him
and remained on the ranch for a couple of years.
In the fall of [884 In 31 ttled 0,1 his present
ranch, and when it was turned over to tin
eminent be pre-empted one hundred anil si\l\
acres, which was covered with timber and brash
and was exceedingly wild and unpi
(1 hill pasture land, and has
purchased line- hundred and eight) acn
hundred and twenty of which is farm land.
32
HISTORICAL AND P.IOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In iSm Mr. Patterson married Viola M. Sav-
in, a native of Nebraska, and they have two
children. Floyd Lester and Charles Franklin.
Mr. Patterson is a Republican in politics, and has
been a member of the school board for twelve
years. He is appreciated for his many fine per-
sonal characteristics, and for the success which
he has brought out of his life.
THOMAS J. RIORDAN.
The fine legal ability of Mr. Riordan places
him in the front professional ranks not only of
Salinas, but of the whole of Monterey county.
As an exponent of the unchanging science of
law he is noted for his lucid and practical expo-
sitions, and for the skill and justice with which
he disposes of the many important cases which
come to him for defense. A man of extended
experience in the general walks of life, a mer-
chant and financier of no mean order, and a poli-
tician whose disinterested devotion to the public
welfare was never questioned, he is admirably
fitted to cope with the intricacies and hydra-
headed divisions of his -real profession.
During a youth fashioned on the average
lines, Mr. Riordan availed himself of the educa-
tional and other advantages which came his way.
He wa.s horn in San Francisco, November 15.
[859, and when four years of age accompanied
his father, Michael Riordan, to Salinas, where
the latter engaged in the stock' business up to the
time of his death three years ago. Thomas J.
studied at the public schools of Salinas, a train-
ing supplemented In attendance at St. Mary's
I ollege, San Francisco, At the age of seventeen
he faced the problem of self-support, and so em-
phatically was his personal worth impressedupon
those with whom he came in contact that at the
age of twenty-two he was elected auditor of Mon-
terey ci unty. After serving for a term, for seven
years he was engaged in the mercantile business
with Thomas B. Johnson, again returning to
p ilitics in 1888, at which time he was elected
lei l 1 1 Vlonfc rey 1 ounty. So satisfactory were
his services, and so conscientiously did he pei
form the duties of the office, thai his re-election
d for lour successive terms, the last term
extending over four years. In the meantime his
expanding ambitions sought a wider field of ac-
tivity, and the substantial trait in his character
recognized the fleeting satisfaction connected
with even the most desirable political honors, and
he therefore applied himself to the study of law
during such leisure as he could command while
in the county clerk's office. After resigning from
the clerkship he applied himself to the practice
of law in partnership with Judge John K. Alex-
ander, having been admitted to the bar in 1897.
For one year he served a.s deputy district attor-
ney, and was associated with Judge Alexander
for two and a half years. Subsequently he
formed a partnership with Hon. S. F. Gile, which
relationship has since been amicably continued.
Among the important cases which Mr. Riordan
has satisfactorily disposed of may be mentioned
the Charles McFadden estate, the Thomas Ken-
nedy estate. Morgan vs. the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company, Wycoff vs. the P. V. R. R.,
Ford & Sanborn Company vs. Jacks. Farley vs.
Hill, the estate of Sobrenas, and the People vs.
Coneline.
At Watsonville, Cab. in 1884, Mr. Riordan
married Madge Sheehy, daughter of John
Sheehy, who at one time served as supervisor of
Monterey county, was a farmer and merchant,
and is now a capitalist of San Jose. To Mr. and
Mrs. Riordan have been born seven children:
John H., who is at present a student at Santa
Clara College; Ailene F. ; Madeline M. : Thomas
J.. Jr. ; Anita T. ; H. J. : and Catherine J. Mr.
Riordan has three brothers living in California,
but he is the only lawyer in the family. He is a
Democrat in politics, and is a member of the
Young Men's Institute, and fraternally con-
nected with the Knights of Pythias.
HENRY M. RIST.
The horses, cattle, sheep and hogs to be found
on the well-developed farm of Henry M. Rist, in
the Peach [Yee valley, are representative of the
besl to In- bad in the west, and yield their enter-
prising owner a neat annual income. Mr. Rist
settled on his present place in 1871, having pre-
empted it from the government, and be now
■ WHS lo,
hundred
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:
the most of which is given over to grazing for
his stock.
Mr. Rist is a native of the middle northwest,
and was born in Nicollet county, Minn., Febru-
ary 24, 1857. In 1866 he accompanied his ambi-
tious father and the rest of the family to Cali-
fornia, locating at Bakersfield, where they lived
until 1868. They then removed to what is now
San Benito county, and lived until 1871, in which
year the family fortunes were shifted to Peach
Tree valley, where the father bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, upon which he died
in 1888, at the age of seventy years.
Through his marriage with S. Ella Matthis,
Mr. Rist became the proud father of seven inter-
esting children, of whom their parents expect
much. The children are : Benjamin F., William,
Cora. Bertie, Leola, Georgie and Frankie. Mr.
Rist is a Republican in politics, and has been a
member of the school board for three years. He
is fraternally identified with the Independent
Order United Workmen. Mr. Rist prides him-
self on his modern and practical dairy, al-
though he has never engaged in this line of ac-
tivity to any great extent. He is one of the
honored citizens of the Peach Tree valley, and
has realized splendidly on his landed invest-
ments.
CHARLES KUHLITZ.
The experiences of Mr. Kuhlitz since he came
to the United States have been many and
varied. He was born in Germany June 4, 1827,
the son of Henry and Lucia (Klingenberg)
Kuhlitz. During boyhood he became familiar
with the trades of cooper and brewer. At the
age of twenty-one years he crossed the ocean
to Xew York, where he landed after a voyage
of nine weeks. Eagerly accepting any employ-
ment, he was given a position at $4 a month,
his work being the milking of cows. Soon,
however, he joined a brother who was a
cooper, and with him secured employment at
the trade, receiving eighty-eight and one-half
cents per day for two and one-hall months. A
later position secured for him an advance to $30
per month ami afterward he received $1.50 a
day, next being raised to $1.75, thus showing
that his industry and faithfulness were recog-
nized by his employers. In 1855 he came via the
isthmus to California, and after his arrival in San
Francisco secured work at coopering, for
which he was paid $5 a day. However, like
all pioneers, he was desirous of trying his luck-
in the mines, and so went to the Cherry creek,
where he mined for five months, but the fail-
ure of his health through rheumatism contracted
by exposure forced him to return to his old
trade.
For a time Mr. Kuhlitz worked in On
where for six months he helped to build a
brewery and received $100 a month. On his
return to California he bought an interest in
a saloon, bakery and confectionery establish-
ment, which he conducted for a short time.
The business proved profitable, and its neat re-
turns enabled him to make a visit to his old
German home in 1859. On his return he spent
a short time in the mines, then proceeded to
San Jose and from there came to Watsonville
in 1 Sit). Since then he has made this city his
home. He purchased a one-half interest, with
John Kuefner, in a brewery on East Fourth
street. Watsonville. Six months later he bought
out his partner and subsequently enlarged the
capacity of the plant until the output was twelve
barrels a week. The barley used in the brew-
ery was raised by Mr. Kuhlitz. and all the wood
needed was hauled by his own teams, so that
his expenses were comparatively small. Some
twenty years ago he rented the brewery, and
about 1896 sold the property.
The first ranch purchased by Air. Kuhlitz
consisted of two hundred and twelve and
half acres, but this he soon sold. Another
ranch was then bought and soon sold. Indeed.
a number of tracts were bought and sold
this time, and he still retains a 1
hundred and forty acres, .1 part of which he
has planted 10 nee-. He built a house on this
ranch and also owns a cit) reside!
1 1 msiderabli 1 1 property . During
irly days he took an active part in the
work- of the ( >dd Fellow s, bul has 11
with an) oilier fraternal organization.
I »j his marriage to < son Bambauer
1 1 he had eight children, one of
:;i
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
whom died in infancy, and the youngest, Albert,
in boyhood. The others are as follows: Annie,
wife of M. E. Noblet, and mother of one daugh-
ter. Hazel; Mary, wife of L. D. McLean;
Charles: William, who married Lizzie Bothwell,
and is the father of three children (William A.,
Mildred and Harold): Amelia and Emma.
CHARLES A. PALMER.
The bar of San Luis Obispo is fortunate in
having among its members so capable a practi-
tioner as Charles A. Palmer, a native son of the
state, and a resident of the town since 1894.
lie was born in Nevada county in 1863, whither
his father, George M., had removed during the
Sold excitement of '49. The elder Palmer was
extensively engaged in mining in different parts
of the state, and was a partner of Thomas B.
McFarland, the large mine owner. During the
Mexican war he served as quartermaster, and his
family was further represented in the wars of
the country by his brother, who died in prison
during the strife between the north and south.
For many years his paternal ancestors had lived
in Kentucky. On the maternal side, Charles A.
Palmer is of German descent, his mother, for-
merly Louisa Van Slyke, coming from a promi-
nent family of merchants who settled in New
y< irk state at an early day.
As the only son in his father's family, Charles
A. Palmer received a fair common school educa-
tion in Yolo county, to which his father had
removed .hut leaving Nevada county. This
training was supplemented by a course at the San
Joaquin Yallo College, from which he graduated
in the class of 1887. Having decided to devote
his life to the practice of law, he entered the law
department of Ann Arbor 1 Mich.) College, and
graduated therefrom in the spring of 1890. He
subsequently spent one year on the paternal farm
in this state, and was admitted to the California
bar in [892, thereupon engaging in practice in
I odi, San Joaquin comity. In 1894 he came to
Nan Luis ( >bispo, and lias since been connected
with many of the important legal complications
in this pari of the county, for a time serving as
assistant district attorney.
In this cit) Mr. Palmer was united in mar-
riage, in 1894, with Ida L. Blodgett, a native of
Ohio. Her father was brought into close con-
tact with some of the greatest soldiers in latter-
da}- American history, viz.: Generals Alger,
Sheridan and Miles. Two daughters have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Louise and Flor-
ence. In politics a Republican, Mr. Palmer has
been active in the undertakings of his party, and
in 1898 ran for district attorney. Fraternally he
is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden
West and of the Woodmen of the World. He
enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know
him, and has made many friends during his so-
journ in San Luis Obispo.
IRVIN T. BLOOM.
Ever since he floated down the Mississippi
river on a lumber raft, Irvin T. Bloom, a prom-
inent sawmill and lumber man of Boulder Creek,
has been associated with this needful commodity
in one way or another. It is doubtful if any in
the county have a more extensive knowledge of
all phases of the business than has this honored
citizen, to wdiose untiring efforts so much of
the commercial prosperity of his locality is at-
tributed.
A native of Clearfield county, Pa., Mr. Bloom
was born September 27, 1855, a son of David
and Sarah (Hoover) Bloom, also natives of
Pennsylvania. The elder Bloom was a farmer
originally, but in later years turned his attention
to lumbering, and from him his son received his
first impetus in this direction. His brother-in-
law, David Hoover, was an early settler of Gil-
roy, Cal., where he engaged in an extensive
medical practice up to the time of his death.
Of the children born to the parents the follow-
ing are living: Mina J., Arabella, Allen M.,
Harrison, Samantha, Anna, Irvin T., Mary and
Lucy.
Until his seventeenth year Irvin T. Bloom
lived in his native state, and he then spent a
year in Illinois, and a year and a half in Wis-
consin. In 1876 lie made the before mentioned
hip down the Mississippi river with a lumber
raft, after which he spent some time in St. Louis,
and in Rochester, Minn. After spending a winter
in his old home in Pennsylvania he went to Mon-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tana in 1S78, and came to California in the win-
ter of 1879-80. Locating near Felton he
chopped timber for a year, and took up his
permanent residence in Boulder Creek in 1880.
Pie has a large and paying business, and has his
sawmill, known as the Park mill, in the Great
Basin seven miles from the town.
Through his marriage with Mary E. Patton,
Mr. Bloom has reared and educated six chil-
dren, all of whom are living: Sarah II., Ida E.,
Walter P., Irvin M., Mina G. and Lucy. Mr.
Bloom is a Republican in politics, and is well
known fraternally, being associated with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Forest-
ers and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
He is well known and popular in his locality,
and has made a success of the chances offered
him on the coast.
general farming he makes a specialty of sugar
beet culture, and his land produces from
nty tons of beets to the acre. He is a Dem-
ocrat in political affiliation and is a member of
the Catholic Church. The Ring farm is located
three miles south of Watsonville, on the Ocean
JOSEPH H. RING.
Among the ambitious pioneers who left mi ire
peaceful surroundings in the east and came to
California in search of 'gold in 1849 was David
King, the father of Joseph H. Pie was born in
Ireland in 181 3. and emigrated to the United
States when a young man', landing on foreign
shores with little to aid him but determination
and high spirits. His trip to the coast was made
by way of Central America, and he located in
San Francisco, where he engaged for fifteen
years in the dairy business. In 1864 he changed
his location to Santa Cruz county, where, with
the earnings from his northern dairy experi-
ence, he bought the present homestead of his
family, consisting of sixty-five acres. Hen he
was successfully engaged in farming and dairy-
ing up to the time of his death in 1878. at the agi
of sixty-five years. To himself and wife, for-
merly Mary Roache, were horn five children:
Maggie, the wife of J. W. .Martin: Mary; Jo-
seph 1 1. : James J. : and 1 >avid.
Under his father's instruction Joseph Ik Ring
learned to he a model farmer, and when quite
young performed his share towards the cultiva-
tion of the farm. After the death of his father
he assumed almost entire control, and is now
considered one of the capable and far-sighted
agriculturists of the locality. \ idi from
JAMES JEFFERY.
Among the residents of Salinas Mr. Jeffery
is remembered as a man of energy, perseverance
and a high standard of honor, traits which came
to him from a long line of Scotch forefathers.
Himself a native of Glasgow, he was. however.
a mere boy when the family emigrated from
Scotland to Canada, and from that time onward
he worked early and late in order to assist in
the maintenance of the family. During his en-
tire youth he had only six weeks of schooling.
yet such was his determination to succeed and
so great his fondness for study that he became a
well-educated man, solely through his unaided
efforts.
On coming to California in [856 Mr. Jeffery
settle! in Tuolumne county and began the life of
a miner. However, he soon decided that he had
no especial talent in that direction, so mi
Santa Clara and took up other pursuits. Upon
o iming to Salinas he opened tin first rest:
in the then village. Idle venture proved a
cial success and was conducted on a steadily in-
creasing scale. I hiding him sell - 1 well adapted
to this kind of business, he determined to build
and equip a hotel, and about [88
Jeffery House, which stands on the con
Main and Uisal streets, in the business portion
of the town. The hotel contains sixty ro ims and
is furnished with modern conveniences \s its
proprietor lie continui 'aged in busi-
ness until he died in [893. and the hotel :
conducted by his widow. Mr-.. \.nnie 1 ■■ '
Jeffery, and hi- son, Edwin Jeffery, the latter of
whom 1m been connected with the hotel ever
since it started.
In addition to the managi hotel.
identified bin ' with
the Republican part) mil b ire in its local
me he was hi- party's nomi-
;.n;
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nee for county sheriff and lost the office by only
three votes. All measures for the benefit of
the city received his support as well as such
contributions of his time and means as were pos-
sible. While living in Canada he married Emi-
line Sprague, wh'o was horn there and died in
California in 1873, leaving two sons, Edwin and
Eugene. By his second wife he had two sons,
William and James, Jr.
Although a native of Canada. Edwin Jeffery
has spent his life in California since early child-
hood, and has few recollections of any other
home than Salinas. Like his father, he is an en-
thusiastic Republican and bears an active part in
the local management of the party. Fraternally
he is connected with the Knights of Honor and
the Eagles. His attention is given largely to
the management of the business affairs of the
hotel, while Airs. Annie Jeffery superintends the
culinary arrangements. Under their able over-
sight the Jeffery House continues to take high
rank among the hotels of the state. Indeed, trav-
eling' men rank it with the foremost hotels near
the central coast, and assert that nowhere do
they receive more courteous attention or find
better service than at the Jeffery. This compli-
ment on the part of men amply qualified to
judge proves that the proprietors of the hotel
are able to cater to the wants of the traveling
public in a manner most satisfactory to all.
REV. FATHER B. SMYTH.
The parish connected with the Sacred Heart
Church at Hollister is the largest in the territory
north of San Luis Obispo, and is eiglity miles
long by twenty-five wide, bordering on the
.111.1 I l.'iin'i.pl ]>arUhe-. Ever since 1889
the parish has been under the supervision of
Rev. Father I1.. Smyth, whose progressive ideas
have found vent in many improvements, and
whose large-hearted humanitarian projects have
resulted in nameless good to the community.
Since taking charge the seating capacity of the
church has been more than doubled, new stained
glass windows have been placed, and new altars
1 at an expense of $8, 1. In iKcjj Father
Smyth built the parish church at Tres 1'inos, this
county, and has since had charge of both
churches. His responsibilities are, however, ma-
terially lightened by the assistance of Father
Donohue, who was recently ordained in Los An-
geles.
A native of Ireland, Father Smyth received
his education in his island home, and graduated
from the All Hallows College in Dublin. He
was ordained to the priesthood in 1882, after
which he came directly to the United States and
California. For a short time he had charge of
the old mission church of Los Angeles, and was
afterwards assistant at Santa Cruz, returning
again to Los Angeles, where he remained for
about three years. He then substituted for
Father Bott, during the absence of the latter in
Europe, and in 1889, as heretofore stated, allied
his fortunes with his present charge.
W. J. HILL.
Of the newspapers published in Salinas, spe-
cial mention belongs to the Weekly Index, by
reason of the fact that it was the first paper
established in the city, having been started by
M. Byerly in 1872. Not only was it the first to
be established, but it was also the first to be
printed by steam power. Since 1876 it has been
owned and operated by W. J. Hill, whose long
and close connection with the paper has made
Ids name a household word throughout Mon-
terey county. People who have long made their
home in the county state that, through all the
years of Mr. Hill's connection with the paper,
of which a daily edition is also published, he
has used its pages as a medium to foster worthy
movements for the benefit of the city and county
and has ever been found on the side of progress.
So much of Mr. Hill's life has been passed in
the Pacific coast region that he is a typical west-
erner, just the type of whole-souled, large-heart-
ed, generous man one would expect to meet
"far from the madding crowd." There are many
who assert that city life tends to make a man
selfish, and that under the blue skies of the
west he grows as broad and large in heart as
are the limitless plains over which he rides. Cer-
tain it is that men of Mr. Hill's stamp are popu-
lar wherever they go and make warm friends in
every community where they reside. During
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
737
the lung period that lie lived in Idaho he became
known all over the territory, and he is still re-
membered with affection there, though years
have passed since he left.
Near Prescott, Canada West, Mr. Hill was
born in 1840, of Scotch parentage. In the spring
of 1862 he went to the Caribou gold fields and
traversed the now famous Klondike district long
before anyone dreamed of its wealth in gold.
Returning to California, he crossed the Sierras
to Esmeralda, Nev., in the spring of 1863, thence
went to Salt Lake City, from there to Boise
Basin, and in August landed at what is now
Idaho City. During the winter he mined at
Bear Gulch, near the town. Early in the sum-
mer of 1864 he went to Owyhee, Idaho, and as-
sociated himself with Tared Lockwood and
[■"rank Cable, who had located ranches in Jor-
dan valley, twenty-five miles from Silver City.
Soon afterward he took part in a battle with the
Indians, in an effort to secure the Indian mur-
derer of Mr. Jordan, after whom Jordan valley
was named. A severe encounter finally left one
hundred or more Indians on the battlefield dead,
while two whites were killed and Mr. Hill re-
ceived a wound that forced him to use a crutch
for some time. During the winter of 1863-64 he
and his partners built the first livery stable in
Silver City, packing in hay from Jordan valley
on mules and cayuses and selling it for $300 a
ton. In 1865, 1866 and 1867 he kept Hill's ferry
on the Owyhee river, at the junction of the old
Chico and Humboldt roads, sixty miles from
Silver City. While there he had many fights
with Indians, but their desperate attempts
to kill him were always unsuccessful, and they
began to say that the "pale-face chief" was a
"bad medicine man" who was proof against
their bullets and arrows. His adventures during
those days, if fully recounted, would fill a vol-
ume. It was about this time that people who
had never seen him began to call him "( >ld
Hill," under the supposition that he was a gray-
haired man instead of a mere youth. This title
has since clung to him, and many pioneers of
Idaho today love to recount stories of "< lid
Hill's" prowess as an Indian tighter, and they
describe him "as a splendid specimen of physical
manhood, six feet high, straight as an arrow,
active as a cat, brave as a lion, and generous to
a fault."
In 1867 Mr. Hill and Henry Millard pur-
chased the Ozvyhee Avalanche from John and
Joe Wasson, and in 1870 the former purchased
his partner's interest and became the sole pro-
prietor. In 1875 he started the Daily Avalanche.
the first daily paper in Idaho, and the press
upon which it was printed was the first steam
press in the territory. Through his instrumental-
ity was secured the telegraph line from. Winne-
mucca to Silver City, and he paid $300 a month
for the telegraphic news for his paper. While
in Silver City he was elected county clerk, sher-
iff and tax collector, these positions coming to
him as the Republican candidate in a county
strongly Democratic. In 1873 he married .Miss
Belle Peck, Governor Bennett coming from
Boise to Silver City to perform the ceremony.
The Idaho Hotel and Masonic Hall were hired
for the occasion, and the event was made ihe
occasion for a great celebration in town. Mrs.
Hill was born in California and, when the min-
ing collapse came in 1876, induced her husband
to settle in the state where her childhood had
been passed. Their only son, William C,
was born in Silver City and is now his father's
assistant in the newspaper office. Mrs. Hill,
who is a woman of unusual ability, has '<
her husband's inseparable companion and helper
in all his undertakings.
Since coming to California Mr. llill has rep-
resented his district in the state senate during
three sessions and has been mayor of Salinas
for six years. He is now postmaster of Salinas.
Pew men are more wideh informed than he.
His information embraces a wide rang
knowledge, historical and current, as well as a
ready command of the French and Spanish lan-
guages. A keen and forcible writer. abl(
press his thoughts in terse, concise sentences.
he is peculiar] \ fitted for editorial work, and in
this line has met with many of his mosl gratify-
ing successes. I te was honored bj being chosen
to deliver the address of welcome to President
Benjamin Harrison when the latter visited Mon-
tere) in 1891. Mr. Hill is in his sixty-fourth
\ear, active and alert as ever, and is
the hardest workers in California. Fraternally
T3S
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
past master of Salinas Lodge, No. 204, F.
& A. M.; past patron of Reveille Chapter No.
47. < ). I-".. S. : past master of Sausal Lodge No.
47, \. < ». C. W., of which he was the first mas-
ter; past nia^tcr df the Salinas Grange; a mem-
ber of Salinas Chapter, R. A. M., and Watson-
ville Commandery, K. T.
Ji iSEPH A. THOMPSON.
There are few of the residents of the rajaro
valley who have spent their entire lives within
its limits, but such is the history of Mr. Thomp-
son, who was born in Santa Cruz county Sep-
i' mber 24, [861, and has known no other home
than this. His father, John Thompson, was a
native of Ireland, born in 1820, and on coming
to America spent a short time in the east. While
living in Boston, Mass., he married Mary Cum-
mings, who was born in Dublin, Ireland. Dur-
ing [855 he made the long journey to the then
unknown and distant west, settling in Monterey
county, Cal., where he invested his savings in
a tract of unimproved land. Along lines of
activity similar to those followed by other pio-
neers he spent his remaining years. Though he
never participated in public affairs, he was very
loyal to the country of his adoption and gave
1ms sympathy and support to movements for the
general welfare. On the farm where he had
spent many busy and useful years his death
occurred in [868. Born of his marriage are
twelve children, namely: Julia, Elizabeth (de-
ceased), Peter, Edward. Joseph A., John, Mar-
tfary, Christopher, Michael (deceased).
Catherine and Sarah.
Hie schools of Watsonville .afforded Joseph
A. Thompson a fair education, and during the
vai alio,, months he assisted in the cultivation of
ome farm, working for his father until the
I luring t888 he married Anna
who was bom in Alameda county, Cal.,
in 1X1,7. They are the parents of five children.
1 1 is the desire , if their parents t,, give these
children the best possible advantages, in order
i'ii pare them for positions of usefulness and
in tin business and social world. They
ng reared in the faith of the Roman
Catholic Church, of which Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson are faithful members. The farm
where the family reside and which has been the
center of Mr. Thompson's activities ever since
his marriage consists of one hundred and
twenty-eight acres. The larger part of the prop-
erty is under cultivation to general farm prod-
ucts, although there are about thirty acres in
apples, Mr. Thompson finding the latter indus-
try a profitable addition to his annual income.
Though voting with the Democrats, he is not a
politician, and has never sought office, prefer-
ring to concentrate his attention upon the im-
provement of his farm.
CHRISTIAN F. STORM.
Santa Cruz county claims many successful
farmers and stockmen, among whom promi-
nent mention belongs to Mr. Storm, who since
1868 has resided on his present farm in the
Pajaro valley, between Watsonville and Free-
dom. His birth occurred in Denmark, Decem-
ber 15, 1845, his parents being Peter and Anna
S. (Skow) Storm. The father was a man of
versatile occupations, from time to time follow-
ing the calling of sailor, carpenter, wagonmaker
and farmer. In 1868 he came to the United
States, making his way to California and settling
in Santa Cruz county, where he resided until
1872. In the latter year he returned to his na-
tive land and there spent the remainder of his
life. Besides our subject, the following chil-
dren comprised the parental family: Cinrod,
who came to San Francisco in 1858 as second
mate on a vessel, and died June 11, 1859, age(l
seventeen years; E., Mrs. Hanstrcn ; Anna M.,
deceased; Sophia, Mrs. Holsteiu; and Lena,
Mrs. Hanson.
When nineteen years of age Christian F.
Storm determined to see what the new world
had in store for him, and landed at Castle Gar-
den after experiencing the usual incidents of an
ocean voyage. After spending two weeks in
New York he made his way to California, com-
ing by way of Central America, and landing in
San Francisco in 1865. Later he located in
Watsonville, and in 1868 purchased his present
farm, which is located between Watsonville and
I rei dom. The original tract contained one hun-
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
dred and thirty acres, but he has added to this
as his means permitted until he now owns four
hundred and twenty acres of productive land.
In the raising- of oats he has been especially suc-
cessful, inasmuch as in 1901 he gathered twenty-
four hundred sacks from twenty acres of land.
Besides carrying on general farming he con-
duct- a dairy of severity-five cows and sixty
calves. A small orchard also adds attractive-
ness to the farm, the products of which are used
entirely in home consumption.
In 1872. when twenty-seven years of age,
Air. Storm married Lena Anderson, like him-
self, a native of Denmark. They have three
children, viz.: James, Peter and Chris. In his
political opinions Mr. Sturm stanchly supports
the Democratic party, and in religious matters
is identified with the Lutheran Church.
JOHN TEN N A NT.
The life which this narrative sketches began
in Wexford, Ireland, March 9, 1809, and closed
at Pacific Grove, Cal., August 13, 1891. The
first fourteen years in the life of Mr. Tennant
were passed in his native place, after which he
vvenl to Edinburgh, Scotland, and served an ap-
prenticeship to the trade of cabinet and piano-
forte maker. At the end of six years he re-
moved to London, England, and there remained
for ten years, working at his chosen occupation,
lie then returned to his native land, where he
remained until 1852. December 29th of that
year he sailed from London for California, arriv-
ing in San Francisco during August of the fol-
lowing year.
Coming direct to Santa Clara county. Mr.
Tennant purchased the beautiful place, Eden
Yale, six miles south of San Jose, and there
resided until 1S88. when, with his only sister,
Miss Margaret Tennant, who has been his life-
long companion, he removed to Pacific <in>\e.
There, in his pretty little cottage by the sea. in
peace and quietude, he passed the closing scenes
of a well-spent life, honest, faithful and true.
ever willing to lend a helping hand to the needy,
lie was loved wherever he went, and many an
eye was moist with tears when tin- word came
of the death <>i that good and noble man.
W.\< All \M SALLY.
Conspicuous among the pioneers of Hollis
ter, to whose energy and perseverance in the
midst of obstacles and innumerable hardships
may be attributed much of the advance made by
the central coast regions, mention belong, to
the late Abraham Sally, formed) one of the
leading farmers and stock-raisers of San Benito
county. A native of Kentucky, in his child] 1 1
In accompanied his parents. William and Eliza-
beth Sally, in their removal to Missouri and
settled at Warsaw, Benton county. There he
grew to manhood, receiving a fair education.
While still a resident of that place he served as
constable and sheriff. In that town he married
Alary E. Janes, daughter of William and Mary
Janes. Accompanied by his wife in 18(10 he
came to California and settled on the present
site of Hollister. His first purchase consisted
of one hundred and fifty-nine acres of raw. un-
improved land, on which he built a small house.
'I he task of cultivating the land was no slight
( ne, but was courageously carried forward by
him. As the years passed 1>\ . I [ollister began to
he settled and attracted permanent residents.
At first there were only two small stores and
about twelve houses, but the population steadily
increased and for a time all was prosperous. He
d in the erection of the first church built
in the town, and took part in many other worthy
enterprises. About 1S-5 he sel oul some small
gum trees that are todaj among the largest and
most admired trees in the town. In recent years
a portion of his ranch was subdivided and sold,
leaving only fifty-nine acres in the farm.
As the acreage of hi- home farm was reduced
by subdivision into cit) lots, Mr. Sally boughl
other property and in time acquired large hold-
ings. At his death, which occurred in 1 :
the age of sevent) three years, he left iiis family
an estate of more than niie thousand acres.
Much of this land was devoted to general farm-
ing, although tn a large extent it was als
voted i stock, of which he
1 hundred head of cattle ami fifty
nstanl and indefatigable ef-
forts he accumulated a competency and was
thus enabled to spend his last years in n
illSTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ment from active cares, renting his land to
tenants, but still maintaining a supervision of the
property. During his residence in Missouri he
was activel) connected with the Odd Fellows
and Masons, but after coming to California his
attention was so closely given to the develop-
ment and improvement of his farm that he had
no leisure for fraternal associations. His was a
busy, active and useful life, the typical life of a
brave, fearless and resolute pioneer, and the
memory of his irreproachable character and in-
tegrity is cherished in the hearts of his family
and friends. Besides his wife he left four daugh-
ters, one of whom. Alary E., remains on the
homestead with her mother. The others are as
[i Hows: Hattie, Mrs. E. Fairchild, of Riverside;
Florence, Mrs. Aden Recht, of Stockton: and
Katie, wife of Harry Monroe, also of Stockton.
VICTOR II. WOODS.
In the capacity of surveyor Mr. Woods has
been intimately connected with the growth and
upbuilding of San Luis Obispo county for the
past eight years. He was bom in Keokuk
county, Iowa, in 1868, and came to California
with his parents when five years of age. His
father, James E. Woods, was also a surveyor,
and was clerk of Keokuk county for eight years
after the Civil war. During the war he served
under General Rosecrans, and was wounded in
battle in September of 1863. The family came
to America long before the Revolutionary war,
and the paternal grandfather was an old settler
in Vermont. < >n the maternal side Mr. Woods
is allied with a prominent Ohio family, his
mother being before her marriage a Miss M. C.
Hulderman, whose father died in distinguished
iny, for on that same day the immortal
Washington breathed his last. It is supposed
that some of the Hulderman family fought in
the Colonial army, although there is no au-
thentic record to that effect.
The education of Mr. Woods was acquired at
tin- public schools of San Francisco, and at the
university of the Pacific, from which he was
ited ni [886. In the meantime he had
learned surveying from his father, and applied
himself to this occupation for a time on the rail
road in Arizona, and also spent a year in
Fresno. He finally entered the employ of the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company as sur-
veyor, and remained in that capacity for five
years, and afterwards in the employ of the gov-
ernment went to Central America. About eight
years ago he came to San Luis Obispo, and has
since made this his home.
In the Old Mission in San Luis Obispo, De-
cember 19, 1898, Mr. Woods married Miss A.
C. Spofford, daughter of J. M. Spofford, head of
one of the well-known families of this county.
The Spoffords claim distinguished lineage, and
distant members have been allied with events
constituting the landmarks of American history.
Foremost among the men who have added luster
to the name may be mentioned Daniel Webster,
and many of the prominent and well-known
families of the south claim kinship with the
Spofford heroes who stacked their muskets on
the battlefields of the Revolution. Mrs. Woo. P.
who is a Daughter of the Revolution, is well
known as an educator throughout this part of
the state, and taught for seven years in the
schools of San Luis Obispo. In 1898 she was
elected county superintendent of schools on the
Democratic ticket, and the same year her hus-
band was elected surveyor on the Republican
ticket. To Mr. and Mrs. Woods has been born
one daughter, Ellen Evelyn. Mr. Woods is
identified with the Independent Order Odd Fel-
lows and with the Elks. With his family he lives
at the Ramona Hotel.
ALFRED WIDFMAX.
Forever associated with the inconsequent be-
ginning of the town of Gonzales is the meritor-
ious career of that splendid pioneer and loyal
friend, Alfred Wideman. The little station ex-
isting on the San Vicenti ranch of sixteen thou-
sand acres, to which the few farmers then in
touch with the possibilities of the fertile region
used to flock with their produce, awaited but the
energizing vitality of such men as Mr. Wide-
man, who brought with them a sterling integrity
and shrewd business and common sense. And
so, into the embryo hamlet in 1874 came the
business enterprise with which Mr. Wideman
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was for so many years associated, and which was
the outgrowth of his far-sighted peering into the
future of the locality. The firm of Sarles &
Wideman were the first to erect a store and lay
iii a supply of things needful for the coming pio-
neers, and for the farmers who would in the near
future gather their fine fruit, grain and general
product harvests. With the growing realization
i if the value of the lands along the Salinas river,
they were obliged to increase their original
stock, until they carried a full line of dry goods,
clothing, groceries, provisions, hardware and
agricultural implements. Their honest dealings
and obliging tactics gained for them a wide
reputation, and made a chance buyer a pur-
chaser for all time. And into all the avenues
of activity which arose at the bidding of the
town's growth Mr. Wideman infused a vital
spark, and became, besides the father of the
village, its most earnest promoter and worker.
Mr. Wideman was born in Alsace-Lorraine,
France, now Prussia, December i, 1838, and
came to America with his parents in 1844. The
family located in Illinois, and bought a farm in
LaSalle county, where the father died, and
where the entire support of the family was ac-
complished by the oldest son, Alfred. The
mother still lives in LaSalle county. While in
Illinois Mr. Wideman met J. D. Cochran, and
they were there associated as friends for about
ten years. Eventually, out of their combined
ambitions was evolved the project of removing
to the Pacific coast, and thither they traveled
together in 1870, via Panama. For a couple of
j car- they burnt charcoal and hewed trees in the
red woods and worked in the harvest fields of
Vera Cruz county, and then came in Monterey
county, where they worked for Dunphy &
Hildreth, who then rented the Gonzales ranch
and was the largest cattle firm in the county.
Mr. Wideman stepped into the remunerative
position of overseer 'if the ranch, anil at the ex-
piration of four years went into partnership
with his Illinois friend ami confidant, .Mr.
Cochran. In connection with their stock-rais-
ing and fanning enterprise he also engaged in
the merchandise business in [874, and continued
in this combined capacity until his death, Febru
ary 22, 1001. By reason of his wise investments
and well directed energy he left a large fortune,
as well as what is known as the Castro ranch, a
pleasant home, and the store building and prop-
erty. During nearly all of his residence in
Gonzales he filled the office of postmaster, and,
as a stanch upbuildcr of the Democratic party,
served for man) years on the school board and
the board of supervisors. With his partner he
was a heavy stockholder in the bank of Gon-
zales, of which he was president and his partner
cashier. Fraternally he was associated with the
< »dd Fellows, being past grand of Gabilan
Lodge No. 372, Salinas Lodge No. 204, I'. & A.
M., Salinas Chapter No. 59, R. A. M., and the
Watsonville Commandery No. 22, K. of P.
.May 13, 1X71, Mr. Wideman married Mary
E. Hoffman, daughter of Christian and Mar-
garet Hoffman, the former of whom came to
California in 1849, his family following him nine-
teen years later. Mr. Hoffman was a farmer,
sheep-dealer, and stage driver in California. To
Mr. and Mrs. Wideman were born five children:
Frederick H., who is the successor of his father's
business, and is one of the most promising and
popular citizens of Gonzales; Margaret, who
became the wife of M. C. Clark, partner of
Frederick Wideman, and wdio died a short time
ago, leaving two children. Alford and Clarice L.;
Christian II., who is also in the store; Anna,
win 1 died at the age of two years and eight
months; and Hazel, who is living ai
FRED W. SWANTON.
In the development of plans looking toward
the direct progress of Santa Cruz and its posi-
tion as a city boasting all modern improvements,
in 1 citizen has displayed greater activity than
Mr. Swanton. With many projects for the
benefit of the place his name is indissoluble as-
sociated. At a crisis where a more timid finan-
cier would hesitate, his enthusiasm carries him
into the heart of th'' movement and his shrewd
judgment brings it to a favorable issue. While
almost his entire life has been passed in Cali-
fornia, he i- not a native of this state, but was
born in Brooklyn, \. Y.. V.pril ti, [862, and at
four years of age came to the far west with his
, joining his father, Albion Paris Swan-
?42
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ton. During 1867 the family settled in Santa
Cruz, and here his primary education was ob-
tained. Later he was a student in Heald's Busi-
ness College, from which he was graduated in
1 88 1. After a year as an employe of the
Maderia Flume and Trading Company of
Fresno, he went to Felton and for a year was
with the Santa Clara Valley Mill and Lumber
Company.
During a trip east which Mr. Swanton made
about this time, he obtained the state right for
a telephone patent, which he very successfully
introduced along the entire length of the state.
On disposing of his interest in 1883, he became
associated with his father in the building of a
three-story structure, known as the Swanton
house, and this they conducted together until it
was burned down in June, 1888. At the same
time he acted as manager of the Santa Cruz
opera house. The partnership was dissolved in
1888, his father continuing to take charge of
the Bonner stables, while he established the
Palace pharmacy. Fifteen months later he sold
out, and immediately agitated the project for
lighting Santa Cruz with incandescent elec-
tricity. Associated with Dr. H. H. Clark, in
October, 1889, he put in a three hundred light
machine, thereby within one week causing the
price of gas to drop from $3.50 to $2.50 per
thousand feet. Naturally people were quick to
see the advantage of such an innovation, and
the demand for such lights was so great that it
was necessary to add a machine of six hundred
and fifty lights. Within two years they were
supplying five thousand incandescent lights.
The success of the enterprise rendered neces-
sary its re-organization, and the Santa Cruz
Electric Light Company was established, with
the following officers: H. H. Clark, president;
A. P. Swanton, vice-president: F. W. Swanton,
m cretary and manager, as well as the largest
stockholder; J. F. Appellby and C. E. Lilly,
directors. In the fall of 1895 the plant was sold
to Janus McNeil, the present owner.
With the energy which has always been a
noticeable trait of his character, F. W. Swanton
was no sooner disconnected with the electric
light company than he began the organization
of oilier public-spirited projects. In 1896 he
organized the Big Creek Power Company,
which has furnished power to the city and for
manufacturing purposes. Its officers were
Henry Willey, president; William Rennie, vice-
president; Fred W. Swanton, secretary and
manager: C. E. Lilly, treasurer; and A. A.
Morey, director. Eighteen miles of transmission
line were built by the company along the moun-
tains, the entire work being finished in sixty
days from the time it was started. For two
years Mr. Swanton continued as secretary and
manager of this company, meantime placing it
upon a substantial basis. In 1900 he sold his
interest to J. Q. Packard and F. W. Billings.
It is noteworthy, as showing Mr. Swanton's
progressive spirit, that the incandescent lights
introduced into Santa Cruz in 1889 under his
direction were the very first in the entire state;
also that his was the first long-distance electric
power plant in California. Its capacity of
twenty-five hundred lights has since been de-
veloped to ten thousand lights. The plant now
furnishes light for Watsonville and Capitola,
as well as Santa Cruz. The disposition of his
interests in the power plant gave Mr. Swanton
an opportunity to gratify his ambition to visit
the Alaskan gold fields, and in 1900 he made a
prospecting tour to Nome. After his return he
organized the Santa Cruz Oil Company, which
operates in the Bakersfield oil fields, and has
Henry Willey as president and J. J. C. Leonard
as vice-president. During 1901 he began the
1 organization of a new electric street car com-
pany to run from Santa Cruz to Watsonville
via Capitola.
On Christmas day of 1884 Mr. Swanton mar-
ried Miss Stanley Hall, daughter of Richard
Hall, of Santa Cruz. They have one child. Pearl
Hall Swanton. The family own and occupy a
residence, modern in every respect, surrounded
by beautiful trees and drives, and overlooking
tlie city, ocean and mountains. Fraternally Mr.
Swanton is connected with the Elks, Odd Fel-
lows, Ancient Order of United Workmen and
Knights of Pythias. The industries with which
lie has been connected have accomplished much
for the benefit of Santa Cruz, and their success-
ful consummation may be regarded as an indi-
cation of his ability as an organizer and leader.
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