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 45
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 45
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cattle and horses is one of his specialties and in addition he sells large quantities of hay from the farm. The land is irrigated by means of a pumping plant which furnishes an abundance of water during the dry seasons. In addition to the management of his farm he operates a threshing machine and during the threshing period he is busily engaged on the farms of his neighbors, the returns from this work forming an impor- tant addition to his income.
The first marriage of Mr. Bertelsen took place in 1882 and united him with Miss Sena Hansen, now deceased. The only child of the union, Henry, is also deceased. The present wife of Mr. Bertel- sen was Miss Mary Hansen, a native of Den- mark. They have no children of their own, but adopted a boy, Martin Bertelsen Juhl, of King City, when he was one year old, and since then have given him the care and affection an own son would have received. The lad is now a pupil in the Metz district school, of which Mr. Bertelsen is a trustee. Fraternally the latter is connected with Soledad Lodge, Foresters of America.
JOHN CHRIS TWISSELMAN.
One of the early pioneer settlers of the state was Claus Twisselman, who until his death in 1908 was one of the well-known citizens of Monterey county. At the time of the birth of their son, in 1878, the parents were living in San Ma- teo county, and until he was eight years of age his life was associated with the locality of his birthplace. His initial school training was re- ceived in the schools near his home, in San Mateo county, but after the removal of the fami- ly to Monterey county he completed his educa- tion in the school at Gonzales.
With the close of his school career John C. Twisselman lost no time in determining upon a future course that would tend toward his own support, and the first work that offered itself was as a ranch hand on the nearby ranches. These offers he readily accepted, and the experience he gained thereby was of untold benefit to him, giving him confidence in his abilities which he would have gained in no other way. In 1905 he assumed charge of a ranch of nine hundred acres, which is owned by his mother and which
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lies near Gonzales. Here he is making a suc- cess in the raising of cattle and horses, and he also has a large acreage sown to barley and hay, which supplies ample feed for his stock. In addition to this property he also rents two hun- dred acres of land from the Pacific Improvement Company, upon which he raises barley and hay exclusively. Taken altogether, Mr. Twissel- man has a very promising outlook before him, judging by what he has thus far accomplished, and as one of the younger generation of ranch- ers in this locality his success is watched with interest.
John C. Twisselman was united in marriage in 1905 with Miss Mae Sommer, a daughter of one of the well-known citizens of Gonzales, Hans Sommer. Two children, twins, have been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Twisselman, whom they have named Wynona and Ramona. Fraternally Mr. Twisselman is identified with Gabilan Lodge of Odd Fellows at Gonzales, and with his wife also belongs to the lodge of Re- bekahs of this place.
OTTO OLSON.
The long period of his residence on one ranch, covering more than a quarter of a century, is indicative of the steady, persevering and in- dustrious traits that are characteristic of Mr. Olson. Altogether he has under his care fifteen hundred and sixty acres, of which he owns nine hundred and twenty acres, and the remainder of the acreage is rented and used for the raising of barley and wheat, and also as pasturage for the stock which he raises. Taken as a whole the ranch owned and managed by Mr. Olson is one of the representative ones in this part of Monterey county and elicits the praise and ap- preciation which it deserves from all who see it.
Sweden is the native home of Mr. Olson, his birth occurring there in 1851. Local schools furnished him with a fair education in the lan- guage of his forefathers and fitted him for busi- ness responsibilities. As a boy he worked on the home farm and thus gained a good insight into the principles of agriculture as conducted in his native country. He was less than twenty years of age when, in 1870, he debarked from
the vessel which had brought him from his. native land to the United States, the vessel cast- ing anchor in the harbor of New York. He- remained in the vicinity of the metropolis for about two years, during which time he was oc- cupied in various occupations, accepting work of any kind that was honorable. After he had been in this country two years, all of which time had been spent in the east, he returned to Sweden. He remained there just one year, however, when he again embarked for the United States, but instead of remaining in the east as he had done. on the former occasion, he came to California by rail, and in San Francisco he remained for a number of years variously engaged. Finally he- determined to settle down to an agricultural life and in carrying out this plan he came to Mon- terey county in 1882 and purchased the nucleus of the property which he owns today. This con- sisted of one hundred and sixty acres of land which he took up from the government and later homesteaded, and to which he at once gave his undivided attention. As a result of his efforts he soon had the land in splendid condition for cultivation and was in a position to enlarge his holdings. This he did by the purchase of six hundred acres, this also being in the vicinity of Paraiso Springs. In addition to this he also rents eight hundred acres of the Zabala ranch which he has in barley and wheat exclusively. Of the land which he owns, he has five acres in orchard and vineyard, the balance in grain, and here also he raises horses, cattle, hogs and chickens. Oranges are also cultivated with suc- cess in the orchard. A commodious residence .. outbuildings and fences contribute to the ap- pearance of the ranch, but all of its advantages have not been listed until mention has been made of the well on the property. This is one of the. deepest wells in Monterey county, having a depth of four hundred and ten feet. This was dug by hand and cased up with steel casing, the- undertaking consuming two years.
Mr. Olson's marriage united him with Miss Fanny Johnson, a resident of San Jose, and five- children have been born of their union. Named in the order of their birth they are as follows : Alma, Carl, Matilda, Chester and Lloyd, all at home with their parents with the exception of the- daughter, who is now the wife of S. D. Gould and'
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residing in Soledad. If Mr. Olson may be said to have a hobby it is the establishment and main- tenance of good schools in his community. Much that has been accomplished along this line may be traced to his unwearied efforts, and for years he has served in the capacity of trustee of Pa- raiso district school.
JOHN GARCIA.
Ever since becoming a resident of San Benito county in the year 1877 Mr. Garcia has been deeply interested in the material upbuilding of the region and in many ways he has promoted local progress. Both as a rancher in the country and as a citizen of Hollister, he has accom- plished much to promote the advancement of agricultural and commercial enterprises. When- ever a project has been inaugurated for the gen- eral welfare he has been ready to assist in secur- ing its successful culmination. At the time the Grangers' Union was organized he became one of the first stockholders and his generous aid as well as his influence accomplished large results in the laying of a solid financial foundation for the new enterprise. The cement walks adjacent to his property were among the first in the village and since then many other property owners have been influenced to make similar improvements.
A native of the South Sea Islands, born in 1847. John Garcia had few educational advan- tages, but at an early age began to earn his own livelihood. Through the generosity of an uncle who had visited California and who advanced the money necessary for the voyage hither, he was enabled to seek this part of the world. A voyage of thirty-seven days from his island home took him to Boston, whence he proceeded to New York, and there took passage on a ship for the Isthmus of Panama, eventually landing in San Francisco after a tedious but uneventful trip. For four years he worked for wages at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo county, and then started out for himself by leasing land in that locality. In 1877, twelve years after he landed in Califor- nia, he came to San Benito county and settled in the San Felipe valley. Later he occupied dif- ferent ranches in the vicinity of Hollister and finally he leased eleven hundred acres of hay and
grain land, in the cultivation of which he fur- nished employment to several men.
The acquisition of his first property in 1897 gave to Mr. Garcia the title to one hundred and sixty acres of improved land, for which he paid $50 an acre. This ranch he traded in payment toward an improved tract of four hundred and sixty-two acres. About the same time he bought thirteen acres fronting on Powell street, Hollis- ter, and here he platted a subdivision. Some of the lots he sold unimproved, on six lots he erected houses which he sold, while four cottages he still owns. Since 1904 he has made his home in town, but he still retains ranching and fruit interests, being the owner of sixty acres on the San Juan road. Fifty acres of the ranch are in apricots, prunes and almonds. The house on the farm has been remodeled under his supervision and suit- able outbuildings have been erected. By giving personal supervision to the orchard he has made of it a remunerative property, ranking among the best of its kind in the county. Since becom- ing a citizen of our country he has voted the Democratic ticket, but at no time has he con- sented to hold office. While he is not allied with many fraternities, he has membership in a few orders, and aids in their philanthropies. Some time after coming to California he was married at Half Moon Bay to Miss Isabella Jacinta, who was born at the same place as himself. Twelve children came to bless their union, namely : Frank (deceased) ; Manuel, John, Joseph, An- tone, Enos, Mrs. Mary Enos, Mrs. Belle Smith (deceased), Mrs. Emeline Maderos, Mrs. Julia Smith, Mrs. Rosa Pacheco and Mrs. Lizzie Fletcher.
MRS. MARIE MATHIESON.
A humble Danish home sheltered Marie Ell- gaard in childhood. There she was born in 1869 and there she was taught the principles of self- reliance and industry so indispensable to the at- tainment of permanent prosperity. The parental home was almost within sound of the sea and the music of its waters brought to the young girl visions of a great country across the ocean, where greater opportunities awaited the poor than could be found in the storm-tossed land of her birth. In the old country she had a sweetheart,
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M. Mathieson, and often the two talked about establishing a home in America, until eventually their hopes met with fulfillment and their anti- cipations were lost in a happy reality.
During the year 1893, when twenty-four years of age, Marie Ellgaard came to the United States, landing in New York and proceeding from there to Clinton county, Iowa, but in the same year she came on to California. For a time she made her home with the family of James Lund in the Alisal district. November 20, 1897, she became the wife of her childhood sweetheart, Mr. Mathie- son, who was born in Vandurf, Denmark, in 1872, and died December 23, 1908, after six years of suffering from diabetes. Surviving him are his widow and their children, Helena, Harry and Walter.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Mathie- son has managed her farm consisting of ninety- three acres. Here she has made her home for eight years, meanwhile making necessary im- proveme. ts and devoting assiduous attention to the cultivation of the land and the raising of stock. The horses and cattle that she owns are of good grades. In addition she has four hun- dred and fifty hens and makes a specialty of the poultry business, which provides her with a neat income as a result of her care and skill. The long illness of her husband obliged her, during his lifetime, to assume the management of the farm, and she is therefore well qualified to con- tinue its supervision. The care and happiness of her children form her chief interest in life and all her work is done with the object in view of aiding them to prepare for the responsibilities awaiting them in the future.
JOHN DALY.
The more than forty years which cover the period of Mr. Daly's residence in California represent an era of great activity on his part, resulting in the accumulation of a goodly share of this world's goods, as well as the attainment of an honored position as an upright man, gen- erous friend, accommodating neighbor and broadminded citizen. The descendant of a long line of Irish antecedents, he was himself a na- tive of the Emerald Isle, born in County Kil-
kenny in 1834, the son of John and Ann ( Han- lon) Daly .* Boyhood, youth and young man- hood were passed successively in his native sur- roundings, but upon attaining the age of thirty years, in 1864, he came to the United States. The vessel on which he made the voyage landed him in the east, and instead of coming directly to the west, he spent a year in Connecticut, and the same length of time in Brooklyn, N. Y. From there he went by rail to New Orleans, re- maining in that southern city for nine months, and from there came to California.
On coming to the state Mr. Daly first lo- cated in Santa Clara county, near San Jose, on what was known as the Stockton ranch .. After managing this for a short time, or until 1868, he came to San Benito county and rented land in the vicinity of Hollister, which he ran suc- cessfully until 1887, when he purchased three hundred and eleven acres on the Balse de San Felippi. At once he began making improve- ments on the property, erecting a substantial and commodious residence as well as other im- provements that have enhanced the value of the property greatly. Among the other improve- ments and advantages noticeable on the prop- erty is an artesian well, which furnishes a never- failing supply of pure water for domestic and irrigating purposes. Five acres of the ranch are in apricots and various other fruits, while the same amount of land is in alfalfa, and he also raises stock to some extent. This latter industry is the only one in which he is inter- ested alone, as the ranch is rented on shares, and in all other departments of the ranch indus- tries he shares proportionately.
Mr. Daly's marriage in 1868 united him with Miss Bridget McCrowlett, who was, like him- self, a native of Ireland, although at the time of their marriage was a resident of Santa Clara county, Cal. The eldest of the eight children born of their marriage, Kate, who was a school teacher by profession, passed away in Septem- ber, 1906. Named in order of birth the others are as follows: Mary, at home; Joseph, who is managing a ranch not far from the city of Hol- lister ; James, who is also a tiller of the soil ; John, who is a graduate of the University of California and is now teaching in the high school of Stockton; Peter, also a rancher near
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Hollister ; William, a student in the University of California; and Birdie, still at home with her parents. For three years Mr. Daly served as trustee of Fairview school district, his term of service dating from 1881, and he has always been a supporter of all measures that have had the good of his community at heart. Politically he is a Democrat, believing heartily in the prin- ciples which the party represents, although he reserves the right to vote for the best man for the office in question, regardless of the party which he represents.
FRANCIS ASBURY CUNNING.
For many years intimately associated with the development of the fruit interests of San Benito county, Mr. Cunning has been a factor in the material and commercial upbuilding of this por- tion of the state and has maintained a constant interest in movements for the general welfare. A resident of California since 1868, having ar- rived in San Francisco on the day before the earthquake of that year, he is a native of Indiana and was born at Bloomington, Monroe county, June 4, 1836. As a boy he attended school and acquired a knowledge of the "three R's". When the Civil war began he was enthusiastic in his devotion to the Union cause and with the eager- ness of youth longed to prove his patriotism by active service at the front. Offering his services to the country, he was assigned to the Thirty-second Indiana Infantry under General Carrington and remained in special detail work at different places. Upon the expiration of his time he received an honorable discharge and in return for his service, with its injurious effects upon his health, he is now a pensioner of the government.
Mr. Cunning emigrated to Nebraska and lo- cated a pre-emption claim, but later decided that the climate of California might prove beneficial to his health. Although as a young man he had been strong, service in the war had left him in impaired health, and letters from California friends describing the healthfulness of this re- gion caused him to come hither. Immediately after his arrival he began to regain his health. Consultation with the famous physician, Dr.
Toland, of San Francisco, brought him the need- ed medical assistance, while he was further benefited by a sojourn in the Santa Cruz moun- tains, where he engaged in the cattle business. Later he took charge of a dairy and sold milk to San Jose customers. Meanwhile he read much concerning different parts of the state in order that he might become familiar with climate, soil and possibilities, for it was his ambition to buy land for himself. Influenced by his readings, he went to Eureka, Humboldt county. There he found an abundant rainfall, but other conditions were unfavorable.
Coming to Hollister in 1874, not long after the separation of San Benito from Monterey county, Mr. Cunning opened a fruit-stand and soon established a large trade. In a short time, however, he sold out to his partner, Mr. Fair- child, and went to the mines at Bodie. Before he had commenced to mine he changed his plans, returned to Hollister, engaged again in the fruit business, purchased several other stands and con- solidated all into one large business, making his headquarters on Main street, where he bought a thirty-foot lot and erected a building suited for his needs. At a later date he remodeled the structure. On the San Juan road he bought an orchard of eight acres and the fruit from that place he sold in his store. In addition he owned barns and an apple-house on Fifth street, the whole forming an equipment desirable from the point of view of the needs of the business.
During the early period of his residence in Hollister Mr. Cunning maintained a constant activity in political affairs. Frequently he served as delegate to county and state conventions and for twelve years he acted as chairman of the Democratic county central committee. All move- ments for the upbuilding of the town and county receive his liberal support and from his first identification with the citizenship of Hollister he aided in securing improvements desirable in a growing, progressive town. After coming to California he was united in marriage with Miss Etta Leatherman, an educated and amiable wo- man who shares with him the regard of acquaint- ances. Their daughter, Frankie, was born and educated in Hollister. The son, Ambrose M., born April 1, 1895, received a grammar-school education in Hollister and during 1909 he won
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from the San Francisco Examiner a prize in the form of a trip around the world. During the ex- istence of the Grand Army Post at Hollister, Mr. Cunning was one of its leading members. After coming to this place he identified himself with the local lodge of Odd Fellows. Before leaving Indiana he was made a Mason, and now holds membership in the Hollister lodge and chapter and the commandery at Watsonville, having been an officer in the lodge and the chapter, and al- ways warmly interested in the philanthropic work of the order.
A. A. MANUEL.
Many generations of the Manuel family made their home on the western slope of the his- toric Alps in the department of Basses-Alpes, France, and the name is still represented in the city of Jauziers and the neighboring com- munity, which lies not far distant from the shores of the Mediterranean sea. This place was the childhood home of A. A. Manuel, the well- known merchant of Monterey, and there he was born November 20, 1854, being the youngest child of Joseph and Jeanne (Lauzier) Manuel, natives of the same department and lifelong resi- dents thereof. The family consisted of twelve children, but death has taken all of them with the exception of A. A., Eugene and Isadore.
Reports concerning the opportunities offered by California attracted A. A. Manuel hither while he was yet a youth of less than twenty years. Vividly among his memories stand the impressions gained of Monterey when he first arrived in this city February 13, 1872, a stranger in a strange land, but buoyant with the enthusi- asm of youth and willing to put forth his great- est energies for the securing of success. After a few years on a farm near Monterey he went to Los Angeles and secured employment in the Evening Express office, which position he filled for three years. On returning to Monterey county in 1878 he engaged as clerk with H. Escolle, whose business he eventually bought and for several years conducted with fair profits. Meanwhile he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter of H. Escolle. Of that union two daughters were born, Charlotte and Leonie.
The business conducted by Mr. Manuel during recent years has been characterized by fair profits and an excellent share of the trade of the city. While giving his attention largely to merchandis- ing for many years, in 1905 he sold out that line and embarked in the liquor business, catering to family trade. He has not neglected any duty devolving upon a public-spirited citizen, and is eager to aid in any activity for the benefit of the city and the well-being of its people. For many years he was usually selected as a member of the grand jury and on one occasion he was chosen to serve on the petit jury. Public im- provements enlist his sympathy and secure his co-operation, and he was foremost in promoting the street car line and electric lighting plant. Perhaps nothing interests him more deeply than the welfare of the schools. For twelve years he served as a school trustee and while acting as its clerk bonds were issued for $18,000 to secure the erection of the present school building. Through the wise precaution of insuring the schoolhouse against fire, when the building burned to the ground there was insurance money collected and this proved helpful in applying on the expenses of a new structure with its fur- nishings. The old school was presented with a bell costing $150 and bearing the words en- graved thereon : "Presented by A. A. Manuel, March 10, 1892." This bell went through the fire, but is now discarded. Other helpful meas- ures have proved the interest maintained by Mr. Manuel in the schools and the city is greatly indebted to such citizens as he for its present thorough school system.
LAWRENCE P. CHAVOYA.
The association of the Chavoya family with the history of California extends back to a period considerably antedating the beginning of the American occupancy. The olden days formed an era widely different from that of the twentieth century. The land-holders under the Spanish regime held vast possessions and formed an aris- tocracy that disappeared with the incoming of the American settler, who divided the tracts into small farms and fenced the ranges, taking up ag- riculture along lines totally foreign to those fol-
.
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HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lowed by the Spaniards. With the agricultural activities of the early period the Chavoya family was identified closely. Several generations of the name have lived and labored in the coast coun- try and always they have been characterized by high principles of honor and keen intelligence.
Santa Clara county was the native home of Alexander Chavoya and 1833 the year of his birth. All through his busy life he continued to be a resident of this state and maintained an interest in its welfare and prosperity. Agricul- ture was his chosen occupation. The sheep in- dustry interested him particularly and few men were more efficient in the management of large flocks than was he. In fact, his success in that work led to his appointment as superintendent for Miller & Lux in the buying and selling of sheep, and this responsible position he filled for nine years. In addition he acted as superintend- ent of the Newhall ranch in Monterey county for ten years. At the time of his demise, in 1905, he was seventy-two years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Magdalena Gulnac, was born in this state in 1844 and now makes her home in the city of Monterey. Ten children were born of their union, and of these there now sur- vive four sons and three daughters. Longevity characterized the ancestry. One of the grand- fathers lived to be ninety and a grandmother was eighty-five at the time of her death.
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