USA > California > Santa Barbara County > History of Santa Barbara county, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 106
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He was married in July, 1879, to Miss A. C. Davis, of Georgia.
R. C. CARLTON,
A well-known and highly respected attorney of Ventura, was born in Arkansas, May 18, 1834, of New England parentage, his ancestors having occu- pied respectable and prominent positions in Vermont. Mr. Carlton gained his knowledge of law from expe- rience in courts as Clerk, and as Sheriff. Supple- menting this with the study of the legal authors, he was admitted to practice in the First Judicial Dis- trict of Arkansas in 1868, and practiced his profes- sion for a time. In 1870 he proceeded to Colorado, thence to Salt Lake, in 1871, where he became clerk of several courts of law, and there remained until- 1875, when he came to California. His subsequent years have been spent in Ventura. His chief occu- pations have been as Town Assessor of San Buenaven- tura and as local magistrate. In politics Mr. Carlton has always been a Democrat and true to the tradi- tions of the Southern States, joined the secession movement, sharing the victories and defeats of the Southern soldiers.
He was married, in 1872, to Miss Laura Mabury. Mr. Carlton is a most retiring man, who makes no pretension, but is always competent to perform what- ever he. undertakes.
C. A. STORKE.
Mr. Storke, a native of the State of New York, is a graduate of Cornell University, at Ithaca, being an
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alumnus of the class of '70. In 1872 he came to Cal- ifornia, and acted as mathematical instructor at the College of Santa Barbara. Studying law with Chas. E. Huse, Mr. Storke was admitted to practice in 1875, and married, about that time, one of the daugh- ters of T. Wallace More, and came into the manage- ment of the Sespe Rancho.
Mr. Storke saw hard service in the Civil War, hav- ing enlisted at the age of sixteen in the Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, attached to Hancock's well- known Second Corps. With this regiment he served through the Wilderness campaign, and was taken prisoner at Cold Harbor and kept in captivity seven months, of which four were spent at Andersonville. He has much to relate of that famous prison pen - much that is discreditable to the rebels and much that reflects no honor on the humanity of the prisoners confined there. Mr. Storke is a liberal Democrat in principle, a brilliant writer and speaker, well read in general literature, with tendencies to a literary career. He was the Democratic candidate for Assembly, Dis- trict of Santa Barbara and Ventura, and was elected by a handsome majority.
PAUL R. WRIGHT.
The above gentleman is a native of New York, his birth occurring in 1819, at Rome, Oneida County. He received a suitable education at the schools and academies of that locality. He immigrated to Illinois at the age of eighteen, and studied law with E. E. Harvey, of Elgin, Kane County, and was admitted to the Bar in 1846. Mr. Wright remained in Elgin until 1862, holding for a part of the time the position of Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county. The following fourteen years were spent in Union County, in the same State, and in 1875 he came to Santa Bar- bara. Since his arrival he has been chiefly known as a land lawyer, confining his efforts mainly to the elucidation of the questions relating to real estate matters. Mr. Wright was instrumental in settling the difficulties of the Haley survey of Santa Bar- bara. Like many others of the Santa Barbara Bar, he has no love for the mere technicalities, but rather studies the profession at its source. He has little in common with the lawless element, and consequently is not often called on in criminal cases. His charac- ter and habits are beyond reproach.
R. B. CANFIELD.
Mr. Canfield is primarily of English descent, although his immediate ancestors have been resi- dents of this continent for a long time. He graduated from Columbia College, in New York City, in 1862, studied law in the Columbia Law School, came to the Pacific Coast in 1865, and spent three years in the mines of Nevada. In 1868 Mr. Canfield returned to New York and resumed his law studies, and was admitted to the Bar in the following year. Return- ing to Nevada in 1870, he spent two additional years in prosecuting various mining enterprises, during
which he was instrumental in developing the mines of Belmont District, and was connected with the management of the celebrated Murphy Mine, which yielded at the rate of $250,000 per annum. In 1876 he came to Santa Barbara, where he has since remained. Since his arrival he has become interested in the water supply of the town, and is principal owner in the system of water-works. Mr. Canfield was married, in 1873, to Miss Davidson. ITis business operations occupy nearly all of his attention. consequently he has very little time to devote to law practice. Ile is quiet and unobtrusive in his habits, not seeking notoriety. He is a safe counselor and could not be induced to take a bad case. His practice is likely to become connected with commer- cial affairs rather than criminal business.
CHARLES NELSON BLEDSOE,
Of the firm of Bledsoe & McKeeby, comes of highly honorable parentage. Ilis grandfather, Jesse Bledsoe, was formerly United States Senator for Kentucky He was a man of varied accomplishments, full of anecdote and mirth. Henry Clay said of him that he was the most eloquent man he ever knew. Charles Bledsoe's father was a graduate of the Transylvania Law School and a lawyer of high standing in Kentucky. He also had considerable taste for military matters, and as commanding officer of the military companies, he escorted Lafayette into Lexington something over half a century since. On his mother's side he is related to Montgomery Blair and Francis P. Blair. His maternal grandmother was a daughter of Colonel Gist, Washington's favorite aid. Jesse Bledsoe left thirteen children. and the subject of this sketch is one of eleven. The Bledsoes trace their genealogy to the time of King John.
The family to which he belongs moved to Oregon from Missouri in the year 1859, residing in Jackson- ville County for eleven years, when they moved to San Bernardino County, in this State, where the son acquired his education. He applied himself to the study of the law, and was admitted to practice in 1875; after which he moved to Ventura County, and soon after formed the partnership above named. In 1875 he married Miss MePennie, a very estimable young lady of Los Angeles County. They are held in high esteem socially and are situated to enjoy life.
J. II. KINKAID.
Judge Kinkaid, the former District Attorney of Santa Barbara, is a native of Kentucky, was "raised" in Missouri, and came to California in 1849, while still in his father's family. Mr. Kinkaid, Senior, be- came Judge of the Court of the First Instance, at San José; and under his tuition the son studied law, and was admitted to practice at the Bar of Santa Clara County in 1868. Four years later, he was elected District Attorney, holding that office for several years. Mr. Kinkaid held also the office of Judge of one of the higher courts of law in the same
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county, and was also Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors. He entered into private busi- ness affairs with a great deal of energy for several years, the production of wheat and flour mostly en- grossing his attention. In these ventures he failed of success, however. The construction of an $80,000 flour-mill and the cultivation of a field of 1,000 acres of wheat, which failed from rust, brought about responsibilities which could not be met. Having lost very severely, the Judge removed to Santa Barbara, and began the practice of the law, making it a suc- cess. His sober and reliable character soon gained him the confidence of the people, and he was elected District Attorney in 1871, and re-elected in 1873, 1879, and in 1881. Mr. Kinkaid is a counselor, rather than a brilliant advocate, and a safe one in many respects, never holding out false hopes in a bad case, a course better or more profitable for the liti- gant than for the lawyer. He is eminently a family man, having a large number of children to welcome him when he returns from his labors.
W. C. STRATTON.
Mr. Stratton is a native of New York, and was born on December 14. 1826. His education was received at academies principally, and after complet- ing his English studies he entered upon legal pur- snits. He was an inhabitant of New Jersey from 1849 until 1856, coming to California in the latter year. The first four years of his residence in this State were spent in Placer County, where he was elected member of the Assembly by the Democrats in 1858, and during his term became Speaker of the House. From 1860 to 1870, Mr. Stratton held the office of State Librarian. In January, 1873, he located and has since lived in Santa Barbara. Here Mr. Stratton has for a time served his fellow-citizens as City Attorney.
Mr. Stratton has a large and good-paying practice, some of the wealthiest men of the county being his clients. He is thorough in the study of his cases, and comes into court with all the papers in proper shape. He is a good jury pleader, talking with the jury rather than at them. He never wearies them with long or loud talking, and never gets excited, setting the law and the facts clearly before them, without attempting any lofty flights of eloquence; consequently he generally succeeds in winning a ver- dict.
F. LESLIE KELLOGG,
A native of California, was educated at Jacksonville, Illinois, and studied law with Judge Fawcett, on his arrival in Santa Barbara, in 1873. October 1st of that year, he was married; admitted to practice in 1875; became Deputy County Clerk in September, 1878. Mr. Kellogg's practice in the courts as Clerk has made him an expert and authority in law pro- ceedings. If he were to make only a moderate charge for the assistance he renders the lawyers in getting up their papers, he would have a very remu-
nerative practice. He is pleasant and obliging, and if he fails as a lawyer, it will be because he is not likely to advise litigation, when a peaceable settle- ment can be obtained.
JOHN J. BOYCE.
Mr. Boyce is a native of Utica, New York, born April 28, 1852. His ancestors have, for generations, inhabited America, and some of them have been dis- tinguished for scientific attainments, the Jewett Collection at Cornell University being collected by a member of the family. Mr. Boyce received a careful education in the academical course; but owing to a weakness of vision which then seriously incommoded him, he was obliged to abandon a collegiate course. Entering then the law office of Seymour & Weaver, he pursued for a time the study of the legal authori- ties; and, during his stay in that office, became a candidate for Congress.
Business affairs took him next to MeKean County, Pennsylvania, where he remained four years, finally, in 1876, coming to Santa Barbara. Here, resuming, under the instruction of Judge Fernald, his former law studies, Mr. Boyce was admitted to the Bar in 1878, at the April term of the Supeme Court. Soon after his admission, he formed a partnership with J. T. Richards, which has since existed.
Mr. Boyce is a rising young man in the profession, studious, of temperate habits, and with experience and mature age, promises to rank high.
E. S. HALL.
Mr. Hall was born in West Virginia, on February 27, 1844, of British descent, and was reared to manhood chiefly under the care of his uncle, E. B. Hall, then Attorney-General of Virginia. His law studies began regularly in 1877, after previous work as clerk in a law office, and as Notary Public. Mr. Hall settled in Santa Barbara, in March, 1875, and studied law with the firm of Hall & Hatch; and be- ing admitted to the Bar, moved to Ventura and began building up a successful business.
He is a genial and pleasant young man, of good habits, and of studious turn of mind, and is consid- ered a rising young man.
N. BLACKSTOCK
Was born in 1846, and is a North Carolinian from Buncombe County, up among the Alleghanies-the region made famous by "Porte Crayon." His ances- try were of respectable position; though not distin- guished. Being admitted to the Bar in 1868, in the State of Tennessee, he removed next to Warrens- burg, Missouri, and practiced law for four years, then (1875) coming to Ventura and locating permanently with J. M. Brooks. Mr. Blackstock remained in partership with J. M. Brooks two years; and on the other's elevation to the District Attorneyship, he joined forces with W .. E. Shepherd, the two still con- tinuing together. When Judge Hines became Su-
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perior Judge, he was succeeded in his practice by Mr. Blackstock. This gentleman has had experience in warlike affairs, for he served in the first Rebel regiment that took up arms. This regiment was in the last fight that occurred with Sherman's troops, and was quartered in Fort Sumter until it was dis- mantled. Ile married, in 1868, Miss Abbie Smith of Tennessee. They have seven children.
Mr. Blackstock is a promising man, steady and reli- able, and has the confidence of the community. He has a growing practice, and is likely to take high rank in his profession.
JAMES MARION BROOKS
Was born in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, in 1855, the famous blue-grass region of Kentucky, which is said to produce the best of everything. including men and women, as well as horses and cattle. He re- mained at farm work until he was fourteen years old, when he was placed in charge of a store belong- ing to his uncle, who was at the capital attending to his duties as a member of the Legislature. When the Agricultural and Mechanical College was estab- lished at Lexington, in 1866, and made a part of the University, he was appointed as a eadet from the counties of Rock Castle and Laurel, by which ap- pointment he was entitled to all the privileges of the University, without the payment of fees. As the cadets were appointed from the promising boys, the position was considered highly honorable. After a short membership he was appointed Assistant Com- mander of the College Cadets, a body numbering some five hundred boys, of all ages under manhood. He devoted his vacations to teaching school, to eke out his seanty funds. After this kind of training for three years, he was transferred to the College of Arts, where he completed his law course. In 1870 he went to Missouri, but experiencing an attack of malaria, he concluded that he would go where it would not trouble him, and in a short time landed in California, making Ventura County his home, reaching the town Christmas Day. 1871. When the county was organized he was elected the first District Attorney, serving one year. In the follow- ing election he was defeated by eleven votes, run- ning considerably ahead of his ticket. In 1872, he formed a partnership with J. D. Hines, with whom he remained until 1879, when Mr. Hines was elected District Attorney. When the question of the adop- tion of the New Constitution was before the people. he became its warm advocate. In 1880 he was the Dem- oeratic candidate for the Assembly, and received 400 votes in the distriet more than the Democratic Pres- idential ticket, lacking only forty-three votes of be- ing elected. The year before the Republican candi- date received over 1,000 majority. Mr. Wason, the candidate, was popular and ran ahead of his ticket, but Mr. Brooks overcome nearly 300 of the majority against his party.
In the present year (1882) he was the Democratic
candidate for the State Senate, against George Steele, of San Luis Obispo, and made a vigorous campaign, again running much abcad of his ticket. Steele was selected for his popularity and the probability that he would obtain more than the party vote, which he did, in his own county ; but if he was pop- ular in San Luis Obispo, so was Brooks in Santa Barbara, and thus Brooks came near being elected.
Quation Brooks
Mr. Brooks is still young, and has plenty of time to make up his losses in several defeats, and, in due time, have the satisfaction of sitting in a legislative body of greater dignity than the State Senate, for he is reckoned among the probable candidates for Con- gress at no distant day.
Mr. Brooks possesses in an eminent degree the ele- ments of popularity. He is social and genial, easily adapting himself to any society, a power that is ac- quired only by a habit of studying the comfort and happiness of those around one.
The men who have risen highest in the affection of the people, like Lincoln, Clay, Madison, and Jeff- erson, had this faculty developed to perfection, never losing a friend, and never making an enemy, if it could be avoided.
Mr. Brooks is happily married. his wife. an ac- complished and beautiful lady, being a graduate of Mills Seminary. She fully co-operates with her hus- band in his hospitalities, presiding over the house- hold with ease and dignity. If occasion should call him to the capital of the nation, she will represent well the cultivated and refined of the Pacific Coast.
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HISTORY OF VENTURA COUNTY.
E. B. HALL.
Ephriam B. Hall is a native of Virginia, born in 1823, ofgood family. He acquired a liberal education and early began to assume a respectable position at the Bar. He has occupied many distinguished offices of responsibility and trust, being for several years Attorney-General of Virginia. He came to Santa Barbara about 1875. He is much respected for his uniformly gentlemanly demeanor. He is a true type of the old Virginia stock, affable, easy and yet digni- fied, with a consciousness of worth, born of genera- tions of honorable ancestors. He is rather declining the active business of the courts, leaving the hard work to his younger brethren in the profession.
L. C. GRANGER
Was a practicing lawyer in Ventura at the time of the More murder, and was the leading counsel in that matter in connection with Frank Ganahl, of Los Angeles. He managed that affair, considering the circumstances, very ably. He was also promi- nent in politics, being named in connection with the office of State Senator, and also that of Dis- triet Judge when Walter Murray was elected. He was an able lawyer, a clear and forcible writer, and had many friends.
- REQUA
Is a New York man, who recently eame to Santa Bar- bara. He is a gentleman of education, talent, pleas- ing address, and prepossessing appearance. Have no dates of his birth or place of education.
CALEB SHERMAN
Is a native of Vermont, born about 1831. He has in addition to his law practice mingled in trade and poli- ties. He is named on the great register of 1879, as a merchant. He is Republican in politics and was elected to the Legislature in 1877. Some years since he moved to Oakland and commenced the practice of law, but on the completion of the Narrow Gauge Rail- road to Los Alamos, and the prospects of the creation of the new county of Santa Maria, he removed from Oakland and has taken up his residence at Los Alamos. Mr. Sherman is a man of good judgment, cautious in his conclusions, a safe counselor, with no love of the dirty part of law practice, and consequently never engages in suits for the purpose of harassing an opponent. He performed his legislative duties to the satisfaction of his constituents generally, although his Lompoe friends did not like his failure to have a new county created by the Legislature.
He is a pleasant, genial man, modest in self-assertion, and obliging; is an agreeable speaker, dealing largely in facts, without attempting any great oratorical flights.
There are several others, who have attained emi- nenee in the law at Santa Barbara, of whom it has been difficult to obtain information in season for the publieation of this work.
CHAPTER XLV. CONCLUDING SUBJECTS.
Climate-J. W. Hough's Description-Mrs. V. F. Russell on Nervous Diseases-Temperature at Santa Barbara-Com- parative Tempera ures-Humidity-Exceptional Weather- Hot Weather-Raius out of Season-Dr. Dimmick's Gar. den-Temperature of the Sea-Rain-fall -. Here and There- Now and Then-The Fine Arts-Poetry-Recompense-In Santa Barbara -- Flower Land and Frost Land -- The Dying Day-Painting.
So MUCH has been written of the elimate that it would seem superfluous to mention the matter, but many things related in this volume would sound in- credible if the accounts were considered without reference to the climate. And wherefore should the climate of Santa Barbara differ materially from that of the coast a few miles north or south of it? That is precisely what requires an explanation.
If we look at the map, we shall observe that the coast line has a regular trend to the southeast, except between Point Concepcion and the Rineon. At the first-named place the coast makes a sudden bend to the east, and does not resume its general course until about twelve miles east of Santa Barbara, where it turns toward the southeast. The prevailing wind in summer and winter is from the northwest. North of Point Concepcion and south of the Rincon, the wind strikes the shore squarely, and carries vapor and fog inland some miles, materially reducing the tempera- ture below that of the interior in the summer, while it modifies the winter's cold in the same degree. It also aids in maturing a erop, the fogs being equiva- lent to gentle rain. Grass remains green longer and furnishes food for the dairies which send so much butter to the city markets. Here, too, were the great eattle and sheep ranges, which made so many shep- herd kings in the ante-American days, and which have made possible the new cattle kings like Hollis- ter, Dibblee, the Mores, and many others. Snow or frost is rare in these regions, but though the winters are destitute of frost, the summers do not have that warm sunshine that is necessary to ripen to perfec- tion the semi-tropical fruits like the orange and lemon. The winds blow strong and cool, so that in midsummer the traveler will often need an overcoat. Perhaps no finer climate for labor exists in the world, where summer heats do not enervate him, nor winter's cold ehill his marrow. The strong winds have no malaria in them, no enervation, but to the healthy, carry vigor and life. Those who have in- cipient consumption, however, had better avoid the vieinity of these ocean winds, as must those who are afflicted with the asthma. As one recedes from the sea-coast, the reverse is true; the summer days are warmer and the winter days colder. The Upper Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys are warm enough for melons and oranges to ripen. There are sharp frosts in the winter, which, however, do not
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prevent the oranges from ripening. These sheltered and protected valleys also are the home of the grape. The fogs of the coast, though disagreeable to the invalid, are welcome to the farmer. The drooping grain revives; the corn unrolls its leaves to drink in the welcome moisture and the slight rain which makes no measurement, comes morning after morn- ing, until the season, which threatened disaster, be- comes fruitful, and yields a bountiful harvest.
Between Point Concepcion and the Rincon, w3 have a new climate-new to all the world. The strong west wind, laden with moisture, and cool with contact from the sea, is deflected from its course by the Santa Barbara Range of mountains, and is lost, never reaching Santa Barbara at all, or if so, in a vastly modified form. The little territory between the sea and the mountains is sometimes termed the " Happy Santa Barbara." It reposes in sunshine the greater part of the year. The thermometer rarely rises above 80°. When the air seems oppressive, just as if a hot spell, as in the interior of the State, is coming on, the over-heated column rises and gives place to a delicious coolness, as if a fountain had be- gun to play in the vicinity; and the hot spell never comes, or rarely so. The cool, delicious atmosphere comes gently, quietly, scarcely fluttering the flags on the shipping in the harbor. Summer or winter, the weather is suitable, except when raining, for a walk on the beach. Even in December and Jannary it is common to see persons perusing books, on the beach, in the shadow of an umbrella. A parasol is carried quite as much in winter as in summer.
The climate, contrary to the general impression, is not enervating; it simply produces a feeling of rest, of repose. Persons subject to nervous diseases of every form experience immediate relief. Probably the article written by the Rev. J. W. Hough on the subject is as good as any that has been written, and will bear reprinting.
J. W. HOUGH'S DESCRIPTION.
" Where to go," is the question which will be dis- cussed in these autumn days by many a home cirele, or in anxious cousnitations with the family physician. An obstinate cough, a throat difficulty, a slight hem- orrhage, a frame too enfeebled to risk another win- ter amid the alternations of frost and furnace-heat- these heralds of consumption compel an annual he- gira from New England and the Middle States to some more favorable clime. The physician will probably suggest Florida or Minnesota. But Flor- ida, although its breezes are mild and fragrant with the perfume of orange groves, is too damp, even in winter, while a summer sojourn amid its pestilential swamps is impossible. The climate of Minnesota is sufficiently dry and invigorating, but its long winters impose too frequent and severe changes upon delicate lungs, in passing from stove-heated apartments to the frosty outer world. South and Middle Parks, in Colorado, are delightful places for summer touring with wagon and tent, but are without hotels, and liable to severe winter storms. Nice, Mentone and other towns in the Riviera, or under-cliff along the northern coast of the Mediterranean, are much rec-
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