USA > California > San Benito County > History of San Benito County, California : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, farms, residences, public buildings, factories, hotels, business houses, schools, churches, and mines : with biographical sketches of prominent citizens > Part 35
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Mr. Hill is a married man, his wife being Miss Belle Peck, the first child of American parents born nt Stockton, in this State, and whose grandfather, on her mother's side, the late Col. G. D. Dickenson, in 1847, creeted in the town of Monterey the first brick house ever built in California.
The structure is still standing and ocenpied in the " old city by the sea." They have one child, a bright little boy of seven summers, and a pleasant home, a picture of which can be seen elsewhere in these pages.
Mr. Hill has had an eventful career, and is still but a young man. An account of his life and adventures would fill a large volume and be interesting reading. He promises it to the public, if he can ever find time to write it.
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
-
SHOP AND RESIDENCE OF E. FENTON. 2 MILES
SOUTH OF SALINAS.
MONTEREY
CO. CAL.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF HISIDENTS.
youth nothing of importance happene I until he was nine years of age, when his father was taken sick, and after a lingerin_ illness of one year died, leaving his mother a widow with seven children, Duncan being the oldest of three boy- and three girl. one girl being older than lie.
From that time forward he had, to a certain extent, to over. see and manage the farin which was small, and work hard har- ing little or no advantages for education, what he did get lein_ in the winter months After he had grown to Ix a man. frum that time until 1862, nothing happened of any importance.
In the latter part of that year, there was a gold excitement in British Columbia. Not being satistil with the small place at home, and the slow way of making money on it, and deir. ing to see more of the world, on the 7th of April he started by rail for New York, and there, on the 11th, took passage on the stenmer Northern Light for Aspinwall. There were one thou- sand persons on board the steamer, which arrived at its destin- ation on the morning of the 22d. He crossed the Isthints on the same day, wint aboard the steamer Gulden Alye, and sailel that night for San Francisco, where he arrived ou the 5th of May. After remaining there a few days, he took steamer for Portland, Oregon, and thence to Victoria, Vancouver's Island, reaching there about the 15th of May. He found many emi- grants waiting for better weather to start to the mines, Ile remained on the island some days.
At that time the only road that was properly opened to the mines was by New Westminster and Lytton. Instead of tak- ing that road, he with twenty-one others, chartered a schooner to convey them, and eight hundred pounds of' freight to each person, to Bentic Arm. From there they expected to take canoes up the river, a distance of forty miles; and thence on Indians' backs to Fort Alexander, a farther distance of one hundred and twenty miles, as they were told, lust which they found to be two hundred miles. They also discovered that the | contents of the Indian packs would be all devoured before they got to tho end of their journey.
The schooner sailed from Victoria on the Ist of June, and when n few days ont one of the passengers was taken sick, and in a day or two showed signs of small-pox, which it proved to be. Sailing near the main land, he was put ashore at Fort Rupert, but too late; he heeft the infection aboandl. In a week, three more were taken down ; but all remained on board until the schooner arrived at Bentic Arm, about June 15th.
From there they bired Indians with canous to carry them and their provisions up the Ballacoula river forty miles. They had to walk most of the way, and had also to wade large branebes of the river, which was high ou account of the snow melting in the mountains. Some of the party were sick with small-pox at the time, among whom were the subject of this sketch, and William and Michael Lynn, also natives of Canada, the latter not being of age. M. Lynn became too ill to travel farther. The two brothers took their provisions and blankets
and camped thirty mi from wcs and tan mi ter where the in lians were to take them.
MI Mckinnon, with the rest of the parts arrived at the end of the canie route where they remain I for two days and then startol for Fort AlcanEr, on Framer river a di taire uf two hundred and twenty ful ~ through an In lian o antry and little known to white men It. Mckinnon and D Me' Alum who were both sich with small pox, del no a company the party The former was will that he lay in the world a month before he could get out of lash. Part of the thee Is called not McCollun was not very wick In the mean tan . the Lynne. hearing that the other party inten let brant att for Fart Max. ander, hirel Indians with canoes an I start I to overtak them While pas ing through a rapid portion of the river, where a large tree had fallen into it, and which they pal Around and were working their way back to the channel, the pole of one of the Indians slipped, the canow turned, struck the tree, went under it and split in two. William caught hold of the tree, while Michael and the two Indians went aler The three grat hold of one-half of the lost and worked it ahon. Michael went back in look for his brother, but bowo inte; the water had . weget him away, and Michael never saw him again William had all their money on his person. All their provisions were also lost, and Michael was left alone among Indians, withart money or food. Here he remained until by chance Mr. William Hood, of Santa Rosa, California, come to the Bantiet river with pack animals, interling to make a road there, Lynn came up with this party to where 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 'hie- cotan river, about one hundred and twenty miles from the coast. There they took a contract for cutting wood, it bring too late to proceed to the mines. Here they formed a copartnership, to continue while they remained at the inines.
When they had completed their contract, Lynn went to the Bentiet Arm, while Mckinnon remained with AAlexander Mc- Donald, an old Hudson Bay trader. Their intention was to travle 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, white Mckinnon remainel on the place. The steamer not being in, he way detaimyl fourteen days, during which period snow fell so that he could not return for some time, and Mckinnon way left alone for about three months, with no white men nearer than sixty miks. The Indians got the sinall-pox and died by thousands. Being superstitious, they conceived the white man to be an evil spirit, and acted in a strange and deceitful manner, with murder in their fac .. One day they came and told him that the other tribe had killed! Robert MeCloud, his nearest neighbor, sixty miles distant, which afterward proved to be true. Mckinnon was in danger of his life, and he knew it ; but there was no help. The snow was seven feet deep; he could not walk on snow-shoes, and to attempt
170
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF RESIDENTS.
it would be death, as the Indians would follow and kill himn. At this time he never expected to see a white man again. One day, when they were the worst. he happened to find a Catholic prayer-look belonging to McDonald, who was a Catholic. While looking it over he turned to the picture of the Saviour on the crow. The hrdlians saw it and commenced to cross them- selves. At once he saw his advantage. They took him for a privst. As there were many dying, there were many burials, at which he had 19 officiate, anel, he confesses, in a very awkward manner, being him-elf a Protestant. The French priest who went there with the Hudson Bay Company, had taught the Indians. It saved his life.
MeDonakl returned and all was well. Once after this he hal a narrow escape with his life from the Indians; at another time he was chased by wolves to the shore of the lake, where, finding a raft, he jumped aboard and pushed it out. Being tired out, he spread his blankets and went to sleep, and did not awaken nutil the sun was shining the next morning. It being a dangerous place to live in, he bade MeDouall good-bye and left with his partner Lynn for the Cariboo mines. On his way thither he received news of the death of his mother. The fol- lowing year, McDonald, with eleven others, was killed by the same Indians.
They arrived at the mines in September, 1863. Like most of the miners they had high expectations and small returns, or, in other words, they did not make a " big strike." What they lid make was from the shoulder at handl work.
They remained at the mines until the fall of 1865, when they left with the inteutiou of going home to Canada. They arrived at San Francisco on the 1st of November, and put up at the What Cheer House, The next day they secured passage ou the steamer to sail on the 13th of the same month. On the morning of that day the What Cheer bank was robbed, and they lost all they had. Woodward was the proprietor, and he refused to make the loss good. They appealed to the law, and bent him in the Twelfth District Court. He carried it up and kept them out of it for two years.
They remained in the city for two months, when Mckinnon was taken sick, Lynn and he then dissolved partnership, the former going to the mines. MeKinnon remained in the city till May 5, 1866, 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. He could not get his dinner. He made up his miud that he must go to work at once. After breakfast he struck out towards Alviso, came across an old farmer mend- ing bis reaper, bade him good-day and asked for work. Tbe farmer looked at him and saw be had a gold watch and ring. His face and hands looked delicate after being siek all winter. The farmer evidently took him for a gambler or some other scoundrel. MeKinnon read his thoughts. Being the first time in his life that he had to work for another, it burt 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 for. He worked for this man only half a day, when his work was done. 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 Jours Statler.
After harvest, he reuted Mr. Statler's farm on the Lexington road. He liuished seeding on the 26th of February, 1867, and on the 5th of March was on board stemmer, bound for his old home in Canada. He arrived at Toronto on the 29th of March. His oldest brother and sister were married; many of the young people he was acquainted with were gone or married! Mother was gone: The old home had lost its charms for him.
He sold his place and left for California with his youngest brother Anthony, in May, They arrived in Santa Clara in time to harvest his crop. He made well on it, proving that farmers could make money faster and surer thau any other class in California, and that il they woukl only apply the same dili- gence, forethought, and study as others do in business, they would be the wealthiest men in the State.
After harvest D, MeKinnou, went to Monterey county in search of land. He was favorably impressed with it for farm- ing purposes, returued to Santa Clara, and with his brother moved to Monterey county on the 18th of October, 1867, rent- ing land from J. M. Soto, it being part of the "Santa Rita Rancho." They continued to farm that and a part of the Sau- sal rancho until 1874.
In this year they bought eleven hundred acres of the Sausal rancho, paying sixty thousand dollars for it; and afterwards two hundred aeres of the Natividad rauch. In March, 1876, he made one more trip to his native home, and returned to Cal- ifornia in June.
January 1, 1877, Duncan McKiunon was married to Miss Alice Maud Hebbron, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Hebbron, of Natividad, Monterey county, formerly of London, Englaud. Mr. Hebbron is at present a prominent stockholder iu Monterey county. (Ou the same day and at the same place, his eldest daughter, Miss Ida C., was married to Mr. J. M. Walker, of Canada.)
Mr and Mrs. McKinnon have one child, born December 6, 1877, named Duncan Florent Mckinnon, and one born May 12, 1880, named William Elmer MeKinnon.
Duncan Mckinnon bought out his brother in January, 1881, and is now farming thirteen hundred acres, as Icvel as tbe sea, beautifully located within two and one-half miles of Salinas City, the county seat, and ten miles from Moss Landing. They have tbe most improved machinery on it, and are among the first farmers of the county. Antbony Mckinnon is now living in Walla Walla, Wasbington Territory.
Blographical Notices are contiuned elsewhere.
171
OFFICERS OF MONTEREY COUNTY, FROM 1850 TO 1881. PREPARED FOR THE COUNTY HISTORY BY J G JOY
....... )
1650
"Josiah Merritt J 11 Gleason
William Hvach
"William Biwen 't' HI St John
18:12
"Jemiah Merritt J. 11. 1,lavm
William Beach JI W . H.
· William Ihnen i> [: Ashley
1853
"Jınıab Merritt J. 11 G camon
William Roach
J Js. W'all
I. R. Ashley
1855
.W. Il. Rumvy J. 11. Gleason
.4. 1 ... 09
J. I. Hartnell
J. J. Hartnell
J. I. Hartnell
JE Porter
Azariah Martin
1860 .J. H. Watson
N. W. Blarr
$\'. Il. Ruinvey. J. Il. Gica-on
.A. L.yon«
I. W. Ilay
l' Burns
.Julius 1.€¢
1863 G. K. P'urter .
31. A. Chatro
*W. It Rummes. J. Il. Cleanon
ME. I .. Houk
A. I.yon.
William Curtis
W. V. MrGarvey Samuel Geil
1846 . F.A. McDongali 3. C. Irelum!
*B. F. l'lint
. . . J. S. Britton
Thus. Watson
M. Little
18GH *F.A. Melingall'E. C. Tully
.W. 11. Runny
W. M. Banken
. W. 31. Barden
Tlnr. Watson
I. B. C'astru
W. 1. Velineves
J. E' Brero
1872 Tum Bock
13. 31. Hayes .
I.I. F. Breen. .
W. M. Barden
Robert Urker
W. V. MeGarvey J. I .. Grilith
1874 Tau Beck
F. C. Tully
*J. F. Breen
John Feett
1. J. smith
. B. F. Nixon
W. V. Metiarvey M. Parley
18Th Tom Beck.
K. C. Tully.
C.J. F. Brreu
Julın Seust
.I. B. smith
. B F. Nixou
1876 T. Flint.
". S. Ahhatt ...
W. 11. Wehab.
Juhu Frott
.I. F Gravea
B. F. Nixon
W. I .. Carpenter. N. A. Ihun ...
1877 T. Flint
C. s. Allaitt
W. 11. Wohb
Juhın Scott.
.. .. K. Grave4
Miltuu E.ittle.
W. L. Carpenter. S. A. Duru. ..
1879 T. Flint
(. . . \hhott
W. IT. Wehb.
3J. J. Smeltzer . . Chris. Frank ..
. > J' L'arter
W' 1 .. Carpeuter. H. V. Morehouse
1881' ..
Pari- Kilburn
./t.J. K. Alexamler J. G. Jay ..
..
..
Nale. : Clerk
trofer.
Augt Schools.
Brunlet.
Ibantul superolaco.
1850 1. K. Woodside. Mariano Malarin James Nooney .. P. K. Woodshle.
The first Boardl uf Supervimra of Monterey county
185J P. K Wandside. Mariano Malarin Jumnes Nooney .. P. K. Woodside. +P. K. Woodsidr'organized on the 8th day af November, Iris, at the
1852 . W. S. Johnson. . J. B. Phillips. . . Mumes Nooney .. W. S. Johnson
.P. K. Woodsile court. hauer in Monterev.
1853 W. S. Julison. . J. B. Phillips.
.. James Nooney. . W. S. Johnson
·P. K. Woodside W. K. P. Hastnell. .. I. P. Leese, Miltan Little
J864 J. H. Gleason. ... I. D. Culaghan .. James Naoney . . J. II. Gleason
W. S. Johnson . . W. K. J. Hartnell. I. P. L.erre, Ilten Little. ..
1855 JJ. 11. Gleason. . . J. D. Culughan
John Jordan ... . J. Il. Gleason ..
W. & Johnson
S. Conuver, J. Keating, Patrick Brech
18AB || 1. Williams
1.1. Rodriques. J. Rodriques.
L. Strade
S. Carroll.
J. I. Gilea+ou.
1868 | R. I., Williams
C. G. Hurrou
1. Strude
R. I .. Williams. .
J. II. Gleason.
. J. I'. Lane. D. Spence, Jr .. M. C. Irelaml
1859 |K. 1 .. Williams
C. G. Ilarron
B. B. Barker.
1. 1 .. Williams. . J. HE. Gleason ... J. P. Lanc. D. Spruce, Jr .. M. C. Ireland
18GOTT. S. Rubert
S. S. Simons
B. B. Barker.
T. S. Roberts
F. L. Williams.
18GJ /T. S. Robert.
31. Little.
B. B. Barker.
T. S. Roberte
R. L. Williams
1842 (i. W. Bird
J. D. C'alaghan . .
B. B. Barker ...
G. W. Bird
J. S. Roberts
1863 ( :. W. Biril P. Fox ..
B. B. Burker ..
. G. W. Bird
J. S. Roberts . . JANICN Bardin, B. V. Sargent, .F. A. MeDougal .
1861 W 3I. R. Parker['t. J. Mcknight. B. B. Barker .. . \. L. Earle
.T. S. Spergie. .
Jatnen Bardin. B. V. Sargent, *F. A. McDnupal. J. A. Blanken-hip
1865 W. M. R. Harker T. J. Mcknight. B. Hi. Barker.
A. L. Earle J. S. Speegle.
ISGG W. 31. R. Parker, A. W. Billings .. S. W. Smith
T. Brailey
T. Brailey
18Gs |W. S. Johnson ..
E. J. Martin. ... S. W. Smith.
S. W. Smith. .
. T. W. Clay
W. S. Johnson . Thomas Flint. Reuben Murry. J. A. Blankenship. .. W. S. Johnson .. S. M. Black, Reuben Morey, J. A. Reynolds, J. A. Blankinship. C. W. Bryant
1570 W. M. R. Parker S. Pardee
FI. M. Hayes ..
E. M. Alderman W. M. R. Parker S. M Black, Renhen Morey, R. A. Reynaht4. Jobo Sheehe. C. W. Bryant. .
1871 W. M. R. Parker S. Pardee H. M. Hayes
E. M. Alderman. W. M. R. Parker S. M. Black. Bruben Murey, F. A. Reynolds, John Sheebe. C. W. Bryant.
1872|A. W. Poole G. Cooke. F. L. Ripley
1873 .1. W. Poole G. Conke. F. L. Ripley .. S. M. Shearer ... A. W. Poole
IR. C. McCrosky . H. Mill4
1874 Johu Markley ..
H. P. Tuttle F. L. Ripley
1875 Johu Markley . _ H. P. Tuttle. F. L. Ripley
R. C. McCrosky . H. Mills
1876 John Markley .. S. M. Archer F. L. Ripley
R. C. McCrosky. J. R. Leese
John Markley ..
S. M. Archer F. L. Ripley D. C. McCrosky_ J. P. Leese
.
1878 John Markley ..
O. S. Trimmer F. S. Ingalls
Juan B. Castro. D. Monroe. .
1879 | John Markley .. O. S. Trimmer .
.F. S. Ingalls.
R. C. McCrosky. G. W. Roadhouse J. B. H. Cooper, Edward St. John. M. C. Ireland. Jnan B. Castro, D). Monroe ..
1880 [3]. L. Dexter ..
O. S. Trimmer .. F. S. Ingalls
S. M. Shearer ... M. M. Speegle .. J. B. H. Cooper, Edward St. John, G. W. Gordon, Juan B Castro. D). Monroe. J. B. H. Cooper (Chairman). G. W. Gordon, J. B. Castro. H. samuel., J. O. Batebeler . .
1881
..
· Now deceased.
INow Superior Judge.
The years we gives in which the cascera verrel. They were elected is the year preceding
:Judge Brven resigned when the county was divided. He is a ># Superior Judi e of San Benito county.
[> It. Ashley
1851
"Jurinh Merritt. J JI Gleason
A. J.yon,
J. It. Wall
1850
'stephen C'a.tru . W. 11. Rumsey I. William,
J. Keating
J. Keating
Henry Degraw
J. K Hartnell
r. W. Day
W I . Luvett
.I W. JEair
180J .J. M. Watwon 1802 G. K. Porter ...
.I. T. Chatt
.W. Il. Rummes . J. H. Cileasant.
.A. I.yons
* Viltun fattir
$\Jitt & J.ittle
W. 1. MeGiarrey W. I lovett
1865 . F.A. Meihmgall Estevan Castro. . . B. F. Fhut ..
.. MJ. I .. Ilouk
William Curtis
1807 "F.A. Mcdougall 31. 1. Ireland.
*B. F. Flint
J. N. Brittun
This, Watson
.JI Little
W. 3. MtGiarrey Samuel Geil W' 3: MrGarvey J F. Itreen W. V. MeGarvey .I. F Ureru W. V. Meliarvey J I'. Irren.
1889 . F.A. Me Dougall K. C. Tully
1870 * F.A. Melmagall I.A. Blankhship .W. 11. Huury
W. M. Barden .. The. Watson
. W. M. Band-u
This. Watson
I. Bl t'astru
W V. MrGarvey W II. Well.
1873 Tam Deck
11. M. Hayes
:J. F. Preen
W' 31. Banden
Robert Mckee
W. V. M.Gatvey J. I .. Grithth
W. V. MeGarvey W. Farley
1878 T. Flint
C. S. Abbott
W. JE. Wehb .
M. J. Smeltzer. . Chris. Frank ..
s. P.Carter
W. I. C'arpenter. II. V. Vorchopper
1880 W. J. IlH
E. S. . balyu
Chris. Frank .. . . I. Hartnell
W'. L. Carpenter. N. A. Thurti.
1859
Stephen Castro .W. Il. Rummes J. H. Cileana
Mariano Malarin .W. H. Roures J. H. Gfrawn
.1. I.vune
I. W. Day
1'. Burg.
D. ». begury
W. I. lanett
1864 .F. 3. MeDougall Estevan Castro
·B. F. Flint
1871 .F.A. Mr Dougalb.J. A. Blankinship . W. H. RunIsy
w. V. McGarves
W. II Well
J857 F .. 1. Williams.
J. P. Davenport. S. Carroll
J. If. Clemson
.William U. Stramler. Jase Abrego, S. P. Hall" Mariano Malarin, I. Rico. J. Jurdan
*David Spence. F. A. MeDougal, M. C. Ireland James Burdin, +F. A. MrDougal. M. C. Ireland. Jawies Bardin, B. V. Sargent. M. C. Ireland ..
Thomas Flint. B. V. Sargent, 31. C. Ireland, J. A. Blankenship ... Stephen Hatch . Thomas Flint, SI. ". Ireland, J. A. Blankenship. Stephen Hatch . Thomas Flint, M. C. Ireland. . I. A. Blunkenxlifp. ..
1867 |W. M. R. Parker A. W. Billings .. S. W. Smith
1869 W. S. Johnson .. E. J. Martin
T. W. Clay
S. M. Shearer ... A. W. l'oole .... S. M. Black. Reuben Murey. S. P. Carter, John
Shrehe. F. Martio John Breen. Reuben Morey. S. P. Carter, John Sheehe, F. Martin .. J. B. If. Cooper. S. P. Gordon. S. P. Carter, John Sheche, F. Martin. .. J. B. 11. Cooper, Edward St. John, S. P. Gordon, John Sheehe. Jolin Breen .. J. B. If. Cooper, Edward St. John, S. P. Gordon, J. A. Blaukinship, K. I. Hirren .. J. B. H. Cooper. Edward St. John. M. C. Ireland, J. A. Blankinship, D). Monroe ...
Stephen l'astro " W. H. Honey F. William.
Azartalı Martın.
J. W. Blair
Mariann Maların .W 11. Rumsey . J. HI. Gleamti
Willam Roach . J. B. Wat
.J.ninh Merrite. J. 11 . Ci cav₼h
R. C. McCreaky. G. W. Roadhouse J. B. H. Cooper, Edward St. John, M. C. Ireland.
172
SKETCHES OF SAN BENITO COUNTY CITIZENS.
Sketches of San Benito Citizens.
MANUEL SAN PEDRO
ONE of the most prosperous citizens of this county is Mr. Manuel San Pedro; a gentleman of large experience and ent- ture He is the son of Andreas and Manuela San Pedro, and was born in Spain ; at the age of fourtern he went to rea as a cabin-ly, and more quickly to the position of captain. He was captain of several vessels, waking voyages to Brazil. Buenos Ayres, Chili, Peru, and Panama, and quitte his sen- faring life in Paunma, which place, after a short stay, he left as a passenger on board of a steamer going to San Francisco, arriving there in March, 18G1, after a voyage of thirteen days
In California Mr. San Pedro went to mining at several places viz: Jacksonville, Amador county ; Virginia, Nevada (Comstock) ; Humboldt, Reese river ; and lastly in Grantsville, Nye county, Nevada, where he is part proprietor and superintendent of the great Alexander mine, having a forty-stamp mill constantly at work. He has been very successful in his mining enterprises,
Mr. San Pedro inade this county his home in 1877, buying his present fine farin of three hundred and ninety-seven acres, which is managed by his father-in-law, Mr. Y. Altozano, while he is absent. On the land is an orchard of one hundred and ciglity acres; sixty acres are planted with apricot trees, the largest in the county, and the rest of the land averages about sixteen sacks of wheat per acre. He keeps fifteen horses, a few mileli cows, and hogs on the farm.
His residence, which is two and a half iniles east of Hollister, and thirty miles from water communication ; is one of the prettiest spots in the county. The drive to it is lined on either side with various colored roses and evergreen trees; the grouuds are well-kept and full with a profusion of shrubs; a housed windmill and two tanks supply it with water; and a vineyard of one aud one-half acres is close by. A fine view of Hollister and the valley can be had from the front verauda and Gilroy, as well as Santa Anna Peak, is to be seen from the rear porch on a clear day.
Mr. San Pedro married Miss Maria Altozano (a native of Australia) in 1873, and had one child, a girl, Matilda San Pedro, who, most unfortunately died very young.
HENRY WATSON.
The residence and finely improved home farm belonging to Mr. Henry Watson, is situated one and three-fourth miles distant from Paicines post-office, and the same dis- tance from the store where the celebrated murderer and outlaw, Vasquez, committed his last robbery and murder. Vasquez remained all that day on the hill in front of Mr. Watson's resi- dence, watching his opportunity to commit the vile deed. The railroad runs within 7 miles, and the county seat is 14 miles.
Mr. Watson owns also two thousand acres of land on the south branch of Tres Pinos creek, about lifteen miles from his residence. He keeps tive cows, thirty hogs, seven horses, and three thousand sheep on his excellent pastures, und devotes three hundred acres to growing grain The soil about the house is afinirably adapted to raising all sorts of vegetables and fruits; and a fine clump of white oaks serves to benutify and alorn the place. It is all fo need and improved.
Mr. Watson's history is also one of various fortunes, he being a pioneer. arriving in California in 1849. He was born in Virginia, February 22. 1837. In 1846 his parents, Mr. Jacob and Mrs. Pheb Watson, moved with their family to Missouri, where they farmed for three years, when the excitement over the discovery of gold in California took hold of them, and they started overland, Salt Lake rout, making the trip in four monthis, and reaching Sacramento, September 4, 1849.
Mr. Watson went to mining on the Yuba river and Mormon Island, on the American river. He had good success, He came to this county in 1854, and bought his home in 1875.
April 27, 1869, he married Miss Margaret E. Mankins, of Arkansas. They have six children, which are: Jonathan, Hat- tie, Henry L., William L., Thomas B., and Mollie May Watson. Mr. Watson is a determined man. When he started life he had only his hands and good habits to depend upon. He suc- vecdled in his enterprises, and owned, in 1864, sheep to the amount of two thousand four hundred head, which he lost, reducing his finauces to oue horse, saddle, bridle, and $80 in cash. He tried again, and with energy and economy succeeded in acquiring what he has at present.
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