USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 62
USA > California > Santa Barbara County > A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 62
USA > California > Ventura County > A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 62
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theme of the resources of Eastern Nevada, had the distinction of being published in French, in Paris, and in German, in Leipsic, the translators into French being Emil de Girardin, who paid the author the compli- ment of saying that it was the best English he had ever translated. Mr. Angel was editor-in-chief of the Réveille until 1868, when he left and became editor of the Oak- land Daily News, in California; then of the State Capital Reporter, of Sacramento; then of the White Pine News, of which paper he continued as San Francisco corre- spondent and agent until 1875, when he again became editor of the Oakland News. While acting as newspaper correspondent in San Francisco he also wrote for other publi- cations, the principal being a " Pacific Coast Business Directory and Gazetteer," of which two editions were published, one in 1871, and the other in 1876, a very important and valuable work; also the historical and mis- cellaneous matter for the San Francisco An- nual Directory. The Pacific Coast Directory comprised all the region west of Dakota and Wyoming, and contained the most complete account of the history, geography and re- sources yet published.
While performing these labors he was engaged in a mammoth mining enterprise, in company with Mr. M. D. Fairchild and Hon. John Daggett, in making a canal and opening a large hydraulic mine in El Dorado County. After an expenditure of over $100,000 the enterprise came to a halt for want of funds, fortune again slipping away, and the faithful pen or pencil found to be the only safe reliance.
September 22, 1879, he was married to Charlotte Paddock Livingston, daughter of Rev. Joseph Paddock, an accomplished lady, whose acquaintance extended from the days of their youth. In 1880 he was engaged to
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write a history of mining in California, for the State Mining Bureau, and after making considerable progress on the work operations were suspended because of lack of funds. In 1881 he was engaged to write and super- vise the publication of a history of the State of Nevada, which made a grand volume of 1,000 quarto pages. In 1882 he wrote a history of Placer County, California, a book of 400 quarto pages. In this is given the best political history of California yet writ- ten; also a complete history of the construc- tion of the Central Pacific Railroad. In 1883 he wrote and published a " History of San Luis Obispo County." In the same year he became editor of the San Luis Obispo Weekly Tribune, a Republican paper ot much influence. At the time of taking charge of the Tribune the assessed valua- tion of all property in the county was under $5,000,000. The editor, confident of the re- sources of the county, and believing in the power of the press, vigorously handled, promised that $2,000,000 should be added per annum, and in five years thereafter the a>sessed valuation exceeded $15,000,000. The promise had been made good.
In March, 1886, Mr. Angel had the sad misfortune of the death of his wife. This lady was very highly esteemed, and her death was mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives. A handsome monument was erected to her memory in the cemetery at San Luis Obispo. In October, 1886, Mr. Angel disposed of his interest in the Tribune and purchased the Daily Republic, which paper he still owns and publishes. Novem- ber 13. 1889, he was married to Miss Carrie G. Flagler, of Fallsburg, Sullivan County, New York, an accomplished lady, of a prom- inent Quaker family of New York, Mrs. Angel, however, belonging to the Presby- terian Church. Mrs. Angel has a valuable
property at Fallsburg, but they call San Luis Obispo their home. During the spring and summer of 1890 Mr. Angel was engaged in the State Mining Bnrean to examine and report upon the resources of several of the counties of the State. Having been engaged in literary or newspaper work for more than thirty years, he has nec- essarily accomplished much, and in recogni- tion of his historical works had the distine- tion of being made Honorary Member of the Oneida Historical Society of New York.
E. SOULE is one of the prominent citizens of Ventura County, California, and a pioneer of the Ojai Valley. He was born in Canada, December 31. 1838, and is the son of Charles and Lonis (Hurd) Sonle, the former a native of Canada, of English and German descent. He was the younger son and the second child of a family of four chil- dren, two sons and two daughters, and re- ceived his education in his native country. Before he had quite reached his majority he came to California, in 1859, and worked on a farm for two years, after which he spent two years as a machinist on mill-work, in the mines in Nevada. He then returned to So- noma County, California, and purchased a ranch on the Russian River, near Healdsburg. On this he built a house and barn, and other- wise improved, and in 1874 sold the property and came to Ventura County. The journey was made in sixteen days, with two wagons, a four-horse wagon and a covered wagon for his family, which consisted at that time of his wife and four children. Mr. Sonle had previously been to the Ojai Valley, and had bought land and erected a house which was ready for their occupancy when the family arrived. The valley at that time was a sheep
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ranch, with 10,000 sheep, owned by Messrs. Olds & Daily, and the only two houses there were those of Mr. Waite and Mr. Ayres. At first Mr. Soule obtained his mail at Ventura, and after getting a route established, the few settlers had to pay for the carrying themselves for a long time. Mr. Soule engaged in wheat- raising, but now devotes his time to general farming and fruit culture. He still retains 195 acres of his original purchase, upon which he raises fruit, hay, and horses, both draft and roadsters. His principal fruit crop con- sists of nectarines, apricots and prunes. He has ten acres in olives not yet in bearing. They have a dryer and dry their own fruit.
Mr. Soule was united in marriage, in Oc- tober, 1862, to Miss Addie Koger, daughter of William and Matilda (Anglen) Koger, the former of German descent and the latter of French. Her father was a Virginian by birth, and was one of the pioneers of Califor- nia. He was a deacon in the Baptist Church, and a prominent rancher of this State. His death occurred when Mrs. Soule was quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Soule are the parents of five children, viz .: William E., a resident of Reading; Lillian E., Nina E. and Earl E., natives of Sonoma County, and Zadie E., born at their home in Nordhoff. Mrs. Soule is a warmı lover of California, and rightly thinks there is no place like the Golden West. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a lady of culture and refinement. Her family are talented, being gifted in both music and drawing. Mr. Soule and his wife were charter members of the Grange. He was the first Master of the lodge, and she has also held important offices in the same. In politics Mr. Soule is a Republican, and has been a member of that party since its organi- zation. For four years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace; and has been clerk of the School Board for fourteen years out of
the sixteen years he has resided in the town. During the building of the Presbyterian Church, a fine structure, Mr. Soule was a member of the board of trustees. He has been a member of the Republican Committee of the county for the past ten years.
S. HALL, a prominent business man of San Buenaventura, was born near Fairmont, Marion County, Virginia, February 27, 1854; and his father, Robert Hall, was also born near the same town. His grandfather, Rynear Hall, also a native of Virginia, a son of Jordan Hall, who was born in Delaware, went at an early age to Virginia. His father was Thomas Hall, of Dover, Delaware, born in 1724, died in 1772. Mr. Hall's mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Hayhurst, also a native of Virginia, was a descendant of old residents of that State. E. S., the subject of this sketch, had no brother, but has one sister, who is now the wife of Henry Roberts, of Virginia. The mother died when E. S. was but two years old, and the father now resides in Iowa. The subject of this sketch was brought up by his uncle, E. B. Hall, now of Santa Barbara. His early education was received from private tuition before the day of public schools in Virginia. Later he was an attendant at pub- lic schools, and also at Lincoln Academy and the normal school. He read law in the office of his uncle, Judge E. B. Hall, who was a member of the firm of Hall & Hatch. He was with them three years. 1876-'79, and October 7 of the latter year he came to San Buenaventura, where he has since been in the practice of his profession, and also en- gaged in real estate and insurance. For two years he was District Attorney, his services being satisfactory to the public. He is a
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Republican, but has not sought office. Ile owns considerable real estate. He built a good house on Santa Clara street, but, receiv- ing a good offer for it, he sold it and is now preparing to build a better house, -- one that will be an ornament to the town.
Mr. Hall is an active and pleasing business man, with .a very large acquaintance in the county. His office is on the first floor, on Main street, in the center of the business, and is well equipped in every particular for the comfort and convenience of his patrons, as well as for his own health and comfort. He is a gentleman of "all-round " business tact and a well read lawyer.
Mrs. Robertine Hall, his wife, is a dangh- ter of Judge Hines, the first Superior Judge of the county, who was a Grand Master Mason and High Priest of the order in California. She was born in Vincennes, Indiana, is a graduate of the San Jose State Normal School, and has a host of friends throughout the State. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have two children: Edwin, who was born in Ventura, Jannary 4, 1884, and Alice, born in the same place, December 28, 1886. Mrs. Hall is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hall had Presbyterian parents, but is not a member of the church. He is a member of Blue Lodge, Royal Arch and Knight-Templar divisions of Free Masonry, and both himself and wife are members of the O. E. S.
C. DIMOCK, whose home is so pleas- antly located in the San Miguelito Cañon, was born in the town of New- port, Hants County, Nova Scotia, November 9, 1842. He attended a private school for several years, and then attended the Wolfville Academy at the beautiful village of the same name, situate in Kings County, Nova Scotia.
At an early age he studied medicine with J. H. Dennison, M. D., of Brooklyn, same province, when he became proficient in Materia Medica by attending the doctor's drug store, and in a short time compounded all prescrip- tions, and manufactured nearly all articles there dispensed. Leaving the doctor's home he next found employment with the nursery firm of Chase Brothers, then of Sidney, Maine, now of Rochester, New York. The Doctor stayed with this company until he had earned enough money to complete his med- ical education, and matriculated in Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, medical term of 1864, and graduated at Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1866.
He began the practice of medicine at Ren- frew Gold Mines, Nova Scotia, but the mines failing he gave it up and came to Boston, where he studied dentistry with J. R. Dil- lingham. Soon becoming skilled at this business he started for California, and on arriving in the Golden State he settled at Gilroy, and soon had a flourishing dental practice; was there when the railroad was built to the town; and, seeing how easy money conld be made in a booming town, went to San Diego and invested the earnings of a year in town lots, which he was glad to re- linquish at a small percentage of cost, and returned to Gilroy and resumed the practice of dentistry, at which he continued until the Bacon Hard Rubber Company of Boston compelled him to quit. He then reviewed medicine for one term at the Toland Medical College, San Francisco. Soon afterward he settled in Oakland, Douglas County, Oregon, where he enjoyed a large and very lucrative practice, and made money rapidly, but by an unfortunate land speculation he lost his hard- earned money and became quite discouraged, gave up his praetice and returned to Califor- nia, and after visiting old friends at Gilroy
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settled in Bakersfield, Kern County, and commenced anew, and enjoyed a successful practice of over two years.
He was elected Coroner and Public Ad- ministrator while there, but owing to illness was compelled to leave and seek a different climate. He visited Lompoc. in Santa Bar- bara County, in October, 1875, where he had a brother residing. He then went East and passed the winter at his old home in Nova Scotia. Early in the spring of 1876 he went to New York, and visited many of the noted places East and South; was at Philadelphia at the opening of the Centennial Exposition, and spent two months viewing the wonderful things to be seen at the greatest of shows. Returned to the Golden State in the summer of 1876, settled at Lompoc and commenced the practice of medicine, doing all the work of the valley, also establishing and managing a drug store. In 1882 Dr. Dimock sold a one-half interest in his business to Dr. Saunders, who attended the practice of medi- cine while Dr. Dimock managed the drug store. After one year he bought the interest of Dr. Saunders in the drug store, and soon after sold out to J. B. Dean, who has since continued the business. In 1879 Dr. Dimock bought his present ranch in San Miguelito Cañon, which he improved by building a residence and planting an orchard. In 1886 he began shipping horses from Lompoc to Los Angeles, which proved very profitable. He then invested in Santa Barbara, and en. gaged in the real-estate business, with Judge E. H. Heacock, which interest he continued until 1889, when he returned to his ranch, still holding considerable property in Santa Barbara, part of which he improved. He now owns 640 acres of white-pine lumber in Oregon, from which he anticipates great returns, and also a four-acre walnut grove at Carpenteria.
Dr. Dimrock was married at Lompoc. November 9, 1880, to Miss Anna L. Ruffner, a daughter of Joseph Ruffner. Dr. Dimock rents his ranch; and after a varied and event- ful life, is now enjoying the fruits of his labors.
B. HAYDOCK is the Principal of the Hneneme school in Ventura County. He was born in Paducah, Kentucky, March 20, 1867. His father, R. M. Hay- dock, was also a native of Kentucky, born in 1831, and now resides in Monrovia, Los Angeles County. ' His grandfather, John Haydock, was born in North Carolina. Mr. Haydock's mother, nee Elizabeth Watts, was a native of Kentucky, and her father, David Watts, was born in North Carolina and re- moved to Kentucky, being one of the pioneers of that State. The subject of this sketch is the fifth of a family of seven chil- dren, all of whom are living. When a child he was brought to California by his parents, in 1873, and received his education in the public schools of this State. He graduated at the State Normal School of Los Angeles, December 17, 1885, taught one year in the Arnaz district, Ventura County, and since that time has been connected with the school at Hneneme; as Principal. In 1888 he was appointed by the Supervisors of Ventura County, a member of the Board of Education, which position he now occupies. In 1890, for County Clerk on the Democrat ticket, he ran 125 votes ahead of his fellow candidates, while the average Republican majority for that year was about 300. Mr. IIaydock has chosen teaching as his profession, and thus far has met with excellent success, gaining the confidence and respect of his pupils, as well as of the patrons of the school. His qualifications as a teacher, combined with his
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love for the work, make him a fitting in- structor for the young.
Mr. Haydock was reared a Methodist, but is not a member of the church. Politically he is independent in his views, trying always to select the best man.
H. HERBST is one of the self-made, successful business men of Hueneme. He was born in Germany, February 16, 1861, the son of Jacob Abraham Herbst and his wife, Ester (Hines) Herbst, the former a native of Russia and the latter of Germany. It was the intention of J. A. Herbst, who was a Hebrew, to educate his son for a rabbi, and his education was con- ducted with that object in view until he was twelve years of age. By the death of his father, at this time, their plans were thwarted, and young Herbst was obliged to work to help support the family. When eighteen years of age he started for the United States to find, in the land of the free, better facil- ities for improving his financial condition, with $1.75. He worked his way to New York city, and for twelve years be labored and struggled in that densely populated city, trying to lay up something, and meeting with poor success. In the mean time he married Miss Dora Cohn, a native of Germany. Three children were born to them in New York city, but the densely crowded tenement houses, with but little fresh and much foul air, caused sickness. Two of the children died and the expenses attendant apon sick- ness and death took all he could earn and con- stantly kept him poor. In 1879 he started with his little family for California, with scarcely means enough to reach the Golden West. He located in Saticoy, Ventura County, where he worked for wages for a year, and during that
time saved $100, with which he started a little grocery business, on a very small scale, going in debt to a considerable extent, which he did not find difficult to do as he was well recom- mended. He continued at Saticoy nearly two years. In 1881 he came to Hneneme and purchased his present store and the build- ing in which it is located. The building was then new, and they used the upper story for a dwelling. He keeps a fine stock of general merchandise, and is doing a good business. His wife often assists him in the store. Mr. Herbst has been remarkably successful since he came to Callifornia. He now has $5,000 at interest, and does a $30,000 business. He has been blessed with a family of bright chil- dreu: Hattie, born in New York city, and Jacob, Herman, Ester and Moses, born in Ventura County, California. Mr. and Mrs. Herbst are both Hebrews. In political views he is Democratic. He is a well informed and progressive business man ; and is another illustration of what a poor, honest man, with a strong determination to succeed, can accom- plish in this State. He is also one of the many sons of Germany who have come to the United States and by their successful life are a credit not only to their native land but also to the land of their adoption.
EUBEN W. HILL, M. D., San Buena- ventura, was born November 27, 1845, in Arlington, Vermont. His father, Abner Hill, was also a native of Vermont and of English descent. Their ancestors had been in that State on the original grant since the founding of the colony. The Doctor's mother, nee Miriam Webb, was born in Sun- derland, Vermont, of Holland descent, but resident for a time equally long in America. Dr. Hill, the youngest of eight children, was
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brought up in the State of New York and graduated at Washington Academy, one of the oldest institutions of learning in that State. In medicine he graduated at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College at New York city. He began practice in Monterey, Mexico, and one year afterward he removed to Salto, Argentine Republic. Was surgeon on the Pacific steamship line for two years. In 1874 he came to Santa Barbara, and since that time he has practiced in Santa Barbara and Ventura. His residence has been in the latter town since 1877. Here he has pur- chased a home, and has been connected with all the interests of the place to the present time.
The Doctor is a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted when seventeen years of age, in Company E, First New York Mounted Rifles, and served in the department of Vir- ginia and North Carolina, three and a half years, or until after the close of the war. He participated in all the battles of his depart- ment. After the close of the battles of the Peninsula they were in North Carolina in a raid, and did not learn of General Lee's sur- render until six days afterward; and they had a sharp battle six days after the surrender of Lee. The Doctor consistently belongs to the G. A. R., being a member of Cushing Post, No. 44, at San Buenaventura, for which post he holds the office of surgeon. He has also been coroner of Ventura County, and County Physician of Santa Barbara County. In 1878 he was made a Master Mason. He is a tal- ented physician, having a good practice and the confidence of a wide and respectable patronage.
Dr. Hill was married 1875, to Miss Mary C. Gutierrez, daughter of Benigno Gutierrez, a native of Chili and a pioneer of California. They have eight children, whose names are Emmet, Ruby, Benigno, Edwin, Jessie,
Annette and James. Mrs. Hill is a member of the Catholic Church.
D. BONESTEL is a pioneer business man of the State, having landed on the golden shore in 1849. He was born May 30, 1826, in New York, a son of John Bonestel, who was a native of the same State. His ancestors on his father's side were German. His mother was a native of Connecticut. In their family were four sons and two daughters. Mr. Bonestel, our sub- ject, and one of his sisters, are all that are now living. He was brought up on a farm and when grown he came to California by way of Panama, and during a part of the succeeding winter he followed gold-mining in El Dorado County, on Hangtown Creek, in partnership with three others. Intending to build a saw-mill, they obtained the mate- rial and machinery-the freight charges on which were excessively large-and the rains set in, compelling them to abandon the en- terprise for the season. They continued mining until they obtained gold enough to pay these charges and other debts on the mill material, when Mr. Bonestel found he had about $700 left. Then, with a partner, he bought a log hotel in Placerville, at $3,000, with the aid of borrowed money. They ran this hotel for two years, and in 1854 erected a brick building at Placerville, a place then of 4,000 or 5,000 inhabitants. The lower story was rented for stores, and above was a concert hall. Mr. Bonestel speculated in cattle and horses, and during the winters of 1860-'63 lie was clerk of the California State Legislature. In 1862 he started on a visit to the East, taking passage on board the Golden Gate, which had about 350 passengers. She was burned on the sea, only 150 passen-
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gers making their escape. The boat in which Mr. Bonestel was taking refuge was water- logged as night was approaching. The other two boats came along, one on each side, and took the passengers out, bailed the boat and the load was evenly distributed between the three boats. During the night the boats became separated. In Mr. Bonestel's boat were four sailors, and they supposed when morning came that, as the sea was against them, they would still be found above Man- cinillo. They rowed hard, and took turns at the oars all day. As night approached and no signs of the town appearing, they decided to land through the surf on a sand beach. They were npset in the surf, but got ashore. One man had $6,000 in a buckskin vest, and lest it should sink him he took it off. The sailors advised him to make it fast to the boat, and it would be wafted ashore; but he endeavored to bring it in his hands and was obliged to let go of it and it was all forever lost. Another man, who had a gold-brick of about $2,000 value, tied up in a handker- chief, fastened it to the boat and it came ashore all right.
After landing the party traveled several miles before finding potable water, arriving at a river. Soon afterward they reached a small Mexican hamlet and learned they were 100 miles below Mancinillo and could not go baek on the coast, bnt would be obliged to make a detour back in the country to find a road on which they could travel. They were but partially elothed, as those who had clothes divided with those who had nearly nothing. They supposed that the country was infested with Mexican robbers, and were trying to en- gage the Mexicans to take them on horse- back to the coast, when one little Frenchman, who had no garments, was particularly afraid of the Mexicans. While they were talking they heard the elatter of horses' feet and the
clanking of spurs and swords. The French- man started into the brush as fast as he could run, to escape for his life, when the party came up and proved to be men from another village who heard of the disaster and came up to see what assistance they could render. Mr. Bonestel says he always langhs when he remembers the figure that little Frenchman inade as he ran, in his red shirt and drawers, as fast as if he had been shot out of a cannon.
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