USA > California > San Benito County > History and biographical record of Monterey and San Benito Counties : and history of the State of California : containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present. Volume II > Part 17
USA > California > Monterey County > History and biographical record of Monterey and San Benito Counties : and history of the State of California : containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present. Volume II > Part 17
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
ALLEN LEONARD.
The development of the southern part of San Benito county may be attributed to the sagacious labors of the pioneers, one of whom is Allen Leonard, founder of the village of San Benito and for thirty-seven years its popular and effi- cient postmaster. Upon his retirement from ae- tive business cares he removed to the northern part of the county and purchased a comfortable home on West street, Hollister, where, sur- rounded by the comforts that contribute to the enjoyment of existence, he hopes to spend his declining years in the midst of friends won by a long and honorable career as a business man of San Benito county. The large holdings upon which he now pays taxes represent the result of his wise investments in years gone by. Included in his possessions are four hundred and forty acres near the village of San Benito, over one thousand acres near the village of Hernandez, twelve hundred aeres on the Topo, and one hun- dred acres of quicksilver mines, also eighty acres of valuable land in Bitter Water valley. Much of his land contains valuable oil wells, and he is also the owner of the Leonard, Morgan, Molyo, Aurora and Aurora Extension mines.
Upon settling in America the Leonard family became identified with the growth of Virginia, from which commonwealth Jacob Leonard fared forth toward the then undeveloped regions fur- ther west. In young manhood he learned the trade of a wagon-maker and this he followed for twenty-five years in Illinois, meanwhile living the quiet but happy life of a citizen of the middle- class, whose ideals found their culmination in an industrious, honorable existence. Aiding him in his labors was his capable wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Smallhoff and was a na -- tive of Germany. Their son, Allen, was born October 8, 1840, in the family home at Spring- field, Ill., and his education was secured in the public schools of that city. Early in life he heard much concerning the great and unknown- west and upon attaining man's estate lie deter- mined to seek a home beyond the mountains. In making this decision he was strongly influenced' to go west by President Lincoln, who was an in- timate acquaintance of the Leonard family at that time in Springfield, Ill.
During the summer of 1860 the young emi -- grant drove six yoke of oxen from Springfield,. Ill., to Sacramento, Cal., making the trip with a party of thirteen and spending six months on the. road. The journey was comparatively unevent- ful. The Indians had not yet begun the series of depredations that brought peril and death to many subsequent expeditions of the '6os, while- the trail overland had been blazed to such an ex- tent that the emigrants were no longer in fear of being lost in the mountains or the deserts. Ar- riving at his destination Mr. Leonard secured employment as foreman of a cattle ranch near- Sacramento, after which he embarked in the hotel business at Ione City, Amador county, and there, too, he acquired agricultural interests. Upon selling out he moved to Placerville, Eldorado. county, where for two years he was interested in- the hotel business. His next location was at Vir- ginia City, Nev., at that time one of the largest mining towns of the west, where he acted as foreman for Hatch Brothers, proprietors of a general store. In addition he had a position as foreman for the freight lines to the mines. After three years in that place he entered the employ of the Central Pacific Railroad Company as fore- man of a construction crew, having all the team-
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ing under his direct supervision. The position was one of considerable responsibility and came to him through the influence of his personal friend, Governor Stanford, who was then presi- dent of the road.
After five years with the Central Pacific road Mr. Leonard was transferred to Sacramento, where he was employed as foreman in the build- ing operations of the California & Oregon Rail- road, and in addition he assisted in the building activities of the Central Pacific in this state. On account of ill health he was obliged to seek a change of climate and thereupon Governor Stan- ford secured for him a transfer to San Benito county, where he was employed in surveying a line from San Benito to Coalinga. During the period of his surveying operations he became so interested in the county and so enthusiastic con- cerning its prospects that he decided to remain here permanently. Accordingly, March 2, 1872, he bought a large tract of land and founded the village of San Benito, where under President U. S. Grant he received an appointment as post- master, and for thirty-seven years he has con- tinned in the position. Meanwhile for many years he also served as a member of the village school board and for six years he was a member of the board of county supervisors. Politically he has been stanch in his allegiance to the Re- publican party ever since he became a voter upon attaining his majority. April 15, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Isabel F., daughter .of P. F. Morton, who crossed the plains in the early days and became a pioneer of San Joaquin county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are as follows: Frank M .; Mary O. (Mrs. J. Joseph) ; Allen J .; Harry B .; Edna E .; Jacob M. and Herman J. S. Excellent educational ad- vantages were given to the sons and daughters and they were prepared in youth for the respon- sibilities awaiting them in life.
OLIVER SMITH TRIMMER, M. D.
Perhaps no name is more closely associated with the recent history of Pacific Grove than that of Dr. Trimmer, who since coming to this city during 1888 has been identified with many interests tending toward permanent civic prog-
ress and has contributed to the welfare of the town through his reputation as a skilled surgeon and experienced physician. The medical pro- fession has not represented the limit of his ac- tivities. In matters relative to banking he is well informed; the realm of local finance is one in which he is regarded as an authority. Public affairs, too, have engrossed much of his time and he has been ready ever to sacrifice himself in time, means and co-operation, to aid in pro- moting the local welfare.
Dr. Trimmer was born in Niagara county, N. Y., December 8, 1833, being a son of Francis and Catherine (Smith) Trimmer, natives of York state. At an early age he accompanied his parents to Ohio and settled in Ashtabula county, where he attended the common schools. Later he was a student in the academy at Kingsville. After leaving school he taught for a time and during the vacation seasons he aided his father in the management of his lumber business. From early life he had been interested in the medical profession, but it was not until 1858 that he had saved enough money to justify taking up special studies. During that year he matriculated in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he took several courses of lectures. In 1864 he received the degree of M. D. from the Cleveland (Ohio) Medical College. Returning to Ash- tabula county he opened an office at Pierpont and there gained his first practical experience as a physician.
Having heard much in praise of the climate and opportunities of California, in 1873 Dr. Trimmer closed out his practice in Ohio and re- moved to the west, where he settled at Salinas and embarked in practice that gradually took him into many parts of Monterey county. Dur- ing the period of his residence in Salinas he served as a member of the town council, main- tained a warm interest in educational affairs, and for a number of years filled the offices of county coroner and public administrator. In 1888 he came from Salinas to Pacific Grove, where he now owns a beautiful residence on Laurel avenue. Here he rose to the head of the local medical profession and became recognized as an authority in therapeutics. After a long and successful career as a practitioner in 1905 he retired from the profession and established
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the Bank of Pacific Grove on Lighthouse avenue, of which he has been president since its organi- zation, and also has superintended his extensive real estate investments in Monterey county. In December of 1907 he was bereaved by the death of his wife, who bore the maiden name of Rhoda Benjamin.
At the inception of the first horse railway sys- tem in Pacific Grove and at the organization of the company having the enterprise in charge, Dr. Trimmer was actively identified with the movement and served efficiently as president of the company. Other enterprises looking toward the development of the city and county have received his stanch support and he has been pro- gressive in his plans for the permanent progress of the place where for years he has made his home. His standing in Pacific Grove is attested by the fact that for almost twenty years he has filled the office of mayor, being chosen again and again by his fellow-citizens to occupy a position calling for a high order of intelligence as well as genuine public spirit. In fraternal relations he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen; Salinas Lodge No. 204, I. O. O. F .; Chapter No. 95, R. A. M., and Watsonville Commandery No. 22, K. T., of the Masonic Order, and his associations with the last-named fraternity are further extended by membership in Lodge No. 47, Order of the Eastern Star.
THOMAS P. JOY.
The present clerk of Monterey county, T. P. Joy, was born in Maine, near Bangor, September 20, 1871, and at the age of one year was brought by his parents to this state and direct to this county, which has since been his home and where he was educated in the public schools. He was reared to a life of usefulness by his parents and as soon as he was of an age to be self-supporting entered into business life and for several years was engaged in the butcher business in Salinas with F. A. Abbott. Afterward he engaged in ranching for three years.
In 1906 Mr. Joy was elected to the office of county clerk on the Republican ticket, and since he has been the incumbent of the office has given his entire time and attention to its details. He
has proven himself an efficient officer and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.
Mr. Joy was united in marriage in Salinas with Miss Effie Cockrill and they make their home in Salinas. They have three children, Carol, Lionel and Marjorie.
In all matters of public import Mr. Joy is found a ready supporter. He is a member of Sa- linas Lodge No. 204, F. & A. M .; Salinas Chap- ter No. 57, R. A. M., Salinas Lodge No. 614 B. P. O. E. and the K. of P. No. 183.
JOHN KALAR.
The opportunities afforded by the west to young men of energy and determination are ex- emplified in the business success of John Kalar, one of the well-known ranchers of Salinas, whose prosperity is the result of wise investments and industrious application since he came to the west just forty years ago. Born in Randolph county, W. Va., August 1, 1839, he is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Long) Kalar, they too being natives of that part of the south. At the time he was a boy the possibility of gaining an education at public expense was practically unheard of in the part of the country in which he lived, so the only training which he had was at the hands of a privatė tutor. His parents were farmers, and as he was one of the eldest of a family of eight children he was an invaluable assistant to his father in the care of the home farm.
By the time John Kalar had reached young manhood it was apparent to him that he must strike out in the world on his own behalf, as the little home property could no longer supply the growing demands of the parents' large family. Having made up his mind to seek his fortune in the west, he came to California in 1869, and in so doing enjoyed the novel experience of riding on one of the first railroad trains that penetrated the plains. The trip was most delightful, for . the country through which he passed abounded in wild game of all kinds, wild fowls, elk and deer, a sight to whet the appetite of any sports- man. Coming direct to the Salinas valley, he rented a ranch for three years and at the end of that time was enabled to purchase property of his own near Chualar, owning twelve hundred
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acres, part of which was devoted to raising grain, and the remainder given over to the pasturage of cattle. At the end of eleven years he leased the property and coming to Salinas, purchased seven- teen acres of land within the city limits, the same on which he now resides. A comfortable resi- dence and suitable ranch buildings have been erected on the place, and withal it is counted one of the well ordered and most productive ranches in the Salinas valley.
In West Virginia, October 24, 1865, Mr. Kalar was married to Miss Elizabeth Parsons, a native of that southern state and the daughter of Abra- ham Parsons, an account of whose life will be found elsewhere in this volume. One son has been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kalar, James D. Kalar, whose birth occurred in Virginia. As one of the old-time residents of this part of the country Mr. Kalar has taken more than a passing interest in the development of Salinas and is counted one of her most public-spirited citizens.
ALEXANDER R. UNDERWOOD.
Few men are more familiar with the business interests of Monterey than Mr. Underwood, a native of this city, who is now engaged in the hotel business here, winning the friendship of the traveling public through his unvarying cour- tesy and consideration of their comfort. While devoting himself assiduously to the proper super- vision of his hotel, at the same time he has been active in movements for the welfare of the town and especially has he been prominent in various fraternal organizations whose philanthropic work is aided by the earnest endeavors.
The name of Underwood became established in California in the year 1853, at which time Charles Underwood, a native of New York, migrated hither and established a home near Searsville, San Mateo county, in the redwood district. Erecting a sawmill, he engaged in the manufac- ture of lumber there with splendid success for a number of years, at the same time maintaining a flourishing merchandise business. After car- rying on this dual occupation for about five years he sold out his interests in San Mateo county and with the proceeds established himself in the sheep business in Monterey county, having pur-
chased the Tularcitos rancho. This was a large tract of several thousand acres, which he finally sold to A. J. Ougheltree, and thereafter he went to the Corral de Tierra and acquired a ranch of several thousand acres. This proved to be a Spanish grant and only after a vigorous contest of eleven years in the courts did he succeed in acquiring a clear title to the property. His suc- cess in breaking the grant title and gaining un- disputed possession of the land was the means of encouraging other settlers to locate there. Sub- sequently Mr. Underwood removed to San Fran- cisco and established himself in the merchandise business, an undertaking which he carried on with considerable profit until 1879, when he returned to Monterey county and made his home until his death, which occurred in 1904, at the age of seventy-six years. Fraternally he was a member of Salinas Lodge No. 614, B. P. O. E., and his remains were interred under the auspices of this lodge.
The marriage of Charles Underwood occurred in San Francisco February 1, 1856, and united him with Miss Catherine F. Armstrong, C. M. Chamberlain, then justice of the peace of San Francisco county, performing the ceremony. Five children were born of their union, named in the order of their birth as follows: Mary E. and Edward, both deceased; Mrs. Margaret J. Brown, a resident of San Francisco ; and Alex- ander R. and Lillian, the latter deceased.
The fourth child in order of birth in the parental family, Alexander R. Underwood, was born near Monterey February 7, 1862, on the Tularcitos grant, his parents at the time making their home on the Chupinos rancho. His boy- hood and youth were spent on the home ranch, and in the schools of the vicinity he gained a fair knowledge of the three R's. When he was thir- teen years of age, in 1875, he became a pupil in the University of the Pacific in Santa Clara county, remaining there one year, after which he entered the San Jose Institute and remained a like period. Returning to San Francisco he then became a pupil in the Lincoln grammar school, leaving there in June, 1877, and when he returned to Monterey county he attended the local schools in Corral de Tierra. Returning once more to San Jose, in 1881, he entered upon a commercial course in the Garden City Commer-
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cial College and graduated therefrom May I of the following year.
Immediately following the close of his college career Mr. Underwood returned to Monterey county and settled on the Corral de Tierra rancho, owned by his father, and which he man- aged with success until 1891, when the failure of his health made it necessary for him to give it up. He then removed to San Jose, and it was in that city that he was united in marriage, November 26, 1891, with Miss Julia E. Carter. After their marriage the young people made their home in San Francisco for a time, but later returned to San Jose, and on February 15, 1892, Mr. Underwood accepted a position in the com- missary department of the state hospital at Ag- new, Santa Clara county. He continued in faith- ful and satisfactory service for eight years, or until March 1, 1900, when he returned to Mon- terey and has since then been identified with the hotel business. The hostelry of which he is the proprietor was opened by his father in 1868 and is the oldest hotel this side of Sacramento.
Upon the organization of the Salinas Lodge, B. P. O. E., Mr. Underwood became a charter member of the same. About 1895 he was in- itiated into Masonry and now has his member- ship in Liberty Lodge No. 299, F. & A. M. In 1885 he became a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West and ever since then he has been interested in the work of the order. In addition he is associated with the Foresters, the Eagles, and was formerly a member of the Knights of the Royal Arch No. 2, at San Fran- cisco. While interested in many secret societies, perhaps he has been more influential and promi- nent in the Improved Order of Red Men than any other body. For some years he has been connected with Mingo Tribe No. 165. Through his arduous efforts was accomplished the bring- ing to Monterey of the Great Council of the Red Men in August, 1908, on the occasion of their annual meeting. At this time he planned for the comfort and entertainment of more than six hundred delegates and the entire delegation bore testimony to their enjoyment of the reunion. It is well known that the Catholic church places a ban upon secret orders, but on this occasion, through the efforts of Mr. Underwood, a me- morial service for the order was conducted at
the famous Carmel mission near Monterey. The service was in charge of Father R. M. Mestris, who was so deeply impressed with the lofty and philanthropic principles of the order that he became a member and still retains his association with the tribe to which Mr. Underwood be- longs. As a token of appreciation and esteem the members of the Great Council presented Mr. Underwood with an engrossed set of resolutions, and testimonials of a similar character were tendered him from the Great Council of the Degree of Pocahontas. At this writing he holds the position of great trustee and has been strong- ly urged to accept higher offices in the council of the order. Politically a Republican, he has represented his party in state conventions and local committees. During 1908 he was appointed foreman of the grand jury by Superior Judge B. V. Sargent and this responsible position he filled with impartiality and wisdom, winning many compliments from the judge and members of the bar.
CAPT. GEORGE A. BROMLEY.
There are but few who can deny the state- ment that life is toilsome and that each upward step is made with pain. Ofttimes, indeed, re- verses come, and the ladder must again slowly be mounted ere misfortune gives way to success and sorrow to joy. In the life of Captain Bromley there have been many discouragements. A man of pessimistic disposition might have been em- bittered by illy-requited labors, but fortunately he always looked on the bright side of everything, and in his intercourse with others he invariably has shown kindness and cheerfulness. After years of effort he is now comfortably situated and owns a beautiful place in the suburbs of Sa- linas, where he is surrounded by all that tends to render existence happy, as well as to delight the eye of the critic.
Born in London, July 12, 1860, George A. Bromley early was forced to earn his own liveli- hood, and the deprivation of educational advan- tages constituted one of his first and deepest dis- appointments. However, by means of reading and observation he has atoned for early deficiencies and is now a well-informed man, familiar by travels with a large part of the world and by
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reading with the masters of literature. From the age of twelve years he followed the sea and thus secured an education, less polished, perhaps, but more practical than might have been received in school.
From an humble position on board ship Mr. Bromley rose to be captain of a yacht called the Nautilus. Often, when resting from his voy- ages, he visited with his kins-people in England and renewed the associations of boyhood. His parents, Robert and Harriet (Allen) Bromley, were natives of England and farmers by occupa- tion. The mother died about 1905, at the age of eighty, and the father is still living in the old country, enjoying excellent health for one of ninety years and retaining his faculties almost unimpaired. There were five children in the pa- rental family, of whom Louisa, Robert, Frances and George A. are the survivors.
Sailing from England in 1882 for New York, Captain Bromley took passage' at the latter port on the vessel Carissa B. Carver, bound for San Francisco. When the long voyage had reached a safe termination, he left the ship and proceeded to San Jose, later removing to Monterey county. Many of his early experiences in California were discouraging. More than once, during seasons of business depression, he was glad to get work at $I per day. Any occupation that offered an hon- est livelihood he followed if chance offered itself, and during 1889 he operated the Hill Town ferry. An experience in farming proved so disastrous that he lost $2,000 in the venture. At present he is engaged as a scientific well borer. Many of the costly irrigation plants of the county he has been instrumental in building and other impor- tant contracts have been given to him at various times.
Just outside of the city limits of Salinas lies the attractive Bromley homestead, comprising fourteen acres, purchased by the present owner for $200 an acre, since which time he has made all the improvements that should adorn a conn- try home. The cottage is neat and comfortably furnished. There are suitable buildings for the care of the poultry, several hundred head of which are kept with profit. A few hogs are kept, as well as several cows, and it is the plan of the family to manufacture butter rather than sell cream. Being handy with tools, the owner can
keep the place in a neat state of repair without expensive outlay for carpentering, and much of his time is given to the maintenance of the place, which he has made more than self-supporting.
During 1886, at San Jose, Captain Bromley married Miss Sarah Conroy. They are the par- ents of three daughters, namely : Frances Louisa, who is employed by the T. C. Reaves Co., of Salinas ; Laura Augusta, a student in the Salinas high school; and Rena Harriet, who is attending the Salinas high school. Probably his own lack of educational advantages has made the captain especially solicitous that his children should have every possible opportunity for gaining breadth of mental vision, and from the time they first be- gan to attend school he has been earnest in his efforts to aid them in securing all the advantages his means render possible. For seven years he served as a trustee of the Buena Vista school district near Salinas, and as far as possible he has promoted measures for the upbuilding of our free schools.
GEORGE F. FAULKNER.
Ever since he came to California, in 1888, Dr. Faulkner has been a resident of Salinas, but his reputation as a veterinary surgeon has not been confined to this locality, or even to the county. He had been a resident of Salinas only four years when the board of supervisors appointed him county live stock inspector, the duties of which office have taken him into every part of the coun- ty during the past sixteen years, for he is still the incumbent of this position.
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