USA > California > Santa Barbara County > History of Santa Barbara county, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 74
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In 1872, William McPhaul settled on the Guada- lupe Rancho. He was followed in the same year by Thomas Ilart, of Salinas, B. O. Walker, E. J. Pres- ton. A. Copeland, James Norris, J. W. Hudson, M. V Robbins, Thomas Roberts, William Lovell, D. Dong- lass, Frank Glass, F. Fraties, M. O'Neal, T. Salsbury, Samuel McCorkle, and T. S. and T. A. Brown. They found that all farming operations had been diseon- tinued.
In 1873, a difficulty arose between Steinbaugh and seme settlers. The former claimed one league of land (4,440 acres) more than the latter would con- cede. Each party built a house on the disputed land, but the settlers get possession. L. M. Kaiser and William McPhaul were appointed a committee to settle the matter. About a dozen of the settlers were armed, resolved to maintain their rights at all haz- ards. Owing to the exeitement, a party was organ- ized to tar and feather the agent; but he, learning of the projeet, fled in the night, going to San Francisco, where he remained two years, compelling all who had business with him to come there to transact it. Stein- baugh contested the ease at law and won it in the United States Supreme Court. There were never after any disputes about boundaries. Leroy died; his heirs reside in France, and as some are miners, ne part of the estate ean be put upon the market until they all attain their majority. Steinbaugh is still agent.
THE TOWN OF GUADALUPE.
In 1872, John Dunbar, who kept a store, was made Postmaster, and the town of Guadalupe became an established faet. It is situated in the extreme north- western corner of Santa Barbara County, about seven miles from the coast, a mile and a half from the northern boundary line, ninety-five miles from Santa Barbara, ten miles from Central City, and twelve miles from Los Alamos.
At this time a Grange of P. of H. for this vicinity was in a flourishing condition. At one period it numbered over eighty members. Its term of exist- ence was about six years. In the same year (1872) a lodge of Sons of Temperance was organized, W. O. Clark being the principal mover in the matter. It boasted a membership of eighty, but its career was a brief one of two years.
In 1874, the town of Guadalupe is found to be a wide-awake little village of about one hundred dwell- ings, six stores, one fruit stere, two hotels, five saloons, a post-office, Wells, Fargo & Co 's Express Office, two livery stables, and a blacksmith shop. The town is eneompassed about by 40,000 acres of golden grain, from which the produet will aggregate 20,000 tons. The M. E. Church South has a ehapel and a mem- bership of forty-two, W. D. King, Pastor. It was organized in 1874, through the influence and exer- tions of W. L. Stevens, who was a natural erater of great power. Possessing some proclivities not popu- larly supposed to belong to the eloth, he lost his influence.
In 1875, Guadalupe had attained a growth that justified the establishment of a newspaper to eham- pion its interests, and so, on April 10th, Messrs. Haines & Porterfield launched the Telegraph upon the sea of journalism. They were assisted by De Witt Hubbell, who took full charge in the September following. It was leased by H. J. Lawton & Co., who published it until April 1, 1881, when W. D. Wilson took possession and continued the enterprise until October, when the material was moved to Cen- tral City and used to print the Times.
The town and the community about Guadalupe are largely Catholic in composition. Father McNally (now of Oakland), observing their want of a place of worship, went vigorously to work in 1875, and the result was a neat and sufficient church. The fur- niture and vestments were largely supplied from the old La Purissima Mission when it was dismantled. The church has two towers, which are a prominent landmark for miles. The cemetery is in the church- yard, the pleasant English custom being followed in this respect. The church was christened " St. Isi- dere," the patron saint of Spain and also of agricult- ure. The kindly relations existing between the Catholics and Protestants might well be imitated in many older communities. They respected each others' beliefs, and acknowledged the good aceom- plished by each sect in its own sphere.
40
310
HISTORY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.
The "Good Samaritans" was organized in 1878, through the agency of John Becket, Superintendent of Public Instruction of San Luis Obispo County, then residing at the Arroyo Grande. On April 1, 1879, Levi Leland caused the society to be re-organ- ized as a Good Templars Lodge. It then had only thirty names on its roll; but Mrs. Emily Pitt-Stevens came to the rescue with fifty new names, and gave it an impetus that has not yet subsided. It has now seventy members enrolled.
One of the red-letter days in the history of the town of Guadalupe was that on which was celebrated the great Masonic festival of St. John's Day. It was determined by those having the matter in charge that all previous gala occasions should be utterly eclipsed by this grand festival. The streets of the town were transformed by the throngs of people who gathered far and near to witness the exercises. Amidst the crash of bands and the glitter of paraphernalia, the ceremonies peculiar to the occasion were observed with fitting state. C. F. McGlashan, of the Santa Barbara Press, delivered an oration at once eloquent and forcible, and which held the close attention of nearly one thousand people. An entertainment fol- lowed such as rural communities alone are compe- tent to arrange. A ball closed the festivities in the evening.
GUADALUPE AT PRESENT.
Viewed from the tops of the distant hills at harvest- time, Guadalupe is a bright gem set in the midst of a vast field of purest gold. Seen close at hand, it is a pretty little town, with a population of about 300 people. It is hidden from the sea by a high bank of white sand, but the roar of the waves can be plainly heard in the town. This place is celebrated for its pleasant climate and surroundings. Not nearly all of its sap has been drawn to nourish the growth of its vigorous rival, Central City. It still ministers to the wants of a great agricultural and grazing com- munity. It is somewhat sheltered by the high lands bordering the Santa Maria River, in San Luis Obispo County, from the force of the strong, cool winds which prevail along the upper coast, especially from mid- day until sundown. The climate is cool, bracing, and healthy. W. W. Ayres, druggist, and a resident for six years, says it is too salubrious for the good of his business. Pneumonia is the most common dis- ease, but W. T. Lucas has not lost a case in two years' practice.
The business interests of the town are represented by John Dunbar, Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, Postmaster, and dealer in stationery and toys; C. WV. Goodchild, lawyer; W. T. Lucas, doctor; Phillips Bros., H. J. Laughlin & Co., L. M. Kaiser & Co., and M. J. Fontana & Co., dealers in general merchandise; W. M. Fenton, C. C. Becbe, and Carrie Tagnini, hotels; W. W. Ayres, druggist; E. Jones, tailor; J. W. Hudson, livery stable; R. Abernethy, Jr., hard- ware and tinsmith; James Morse, contractor, builder,
and undertaker; W. C. Triplett, harness-maker; F. Herting, meat market; R. Abernethy, Sr., black- smith; P. J. Buckley, boots and shoes; R. J. Guth- rie and D. Lewty, liquors; Thos. Hart, blacksmith- ing, wagon-making, and machine shop; Point Sal Wharf and Lumber Company; Tagnini & Tomassini, brewery. There are also two feed-yards, a paint shop, and a furniture store. There is a telegraph office and an agency for Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Ex- press. There is an M. E. Church South and a Roman Catholic Church, and a school house. One of the most conspicuous objects in the town, when viewed from a distance, is the wind-mill and tank with which Thomas Hart supplies his tenants with water.
J. W. HUDSON.
Among the emigrants who flocked to this State in its earlier days, to assist in developing the wondrous wealth of its resources, was a family by the name of Hudson. They were farmers, and made Sonoma County their home, getting possession of 2,000 acres of land in the Guylicos, a valley between Santa Rosa and Sonoma.
Among the descendants of this family wis John William Hudson, who was born October 26, 1840.
Here the subject of this sketch resided, employed in the duties of the farm, until 1867, when he re- moved to Santa Barbara County, locating at Guada- lupe, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is also engaged in the livery business and is pro- prietor of the well-known Fashion Stable at Gunda- lupe. At present he is handling 3,000 acres of land, and turning to market about 600 head of hogs per year.
In 1864 he was married to Miss E'iza A. Spurr, and as a result of this marriage they have eight chil- dren happily divided into an equal number of boys and girls.
Mr. Hudson is one of the substantial citizens of the county, and enjoys the confidence of the community in which he lives, having been several times elected to offices of trust and responsibility.
JOHN DUNBAR.
After a life of singular adventure and danger, the subject of this brief sketeh has settled down, still in the prime of vigorous manhood, to pass his years in quiet dignity in the pleasant village of Guadalupe, Santa Barbara County. John Dunbar was born in Campbelltown, Invernesshire, Scotland, January 29, 1829. He resided in Scotland until sixteen years of age, when he chose the vocation of a sailor and went to sea. In 1850 he joined the expedition sent in search of Sir John Franklin, sailing and sledging amid the islands and ice of the Arctic Ocean for a period of one and a half years. The many thrilling adventures of this long and dangerous journey have beon told in the history of Arctic voyages and can- not be repeated here. This expedition was fitted out by Lady Franklin, and was commanded by Captain
RESIDENCE OF THOS HART , AT GUADALUPE.
HOUSE SIGN PAINTING
THO S. HART. BLACKSMITH. WAGON MAKER MACHINIST
DAVE'S
STORES & BLACKSMITH SHOP, THOS HART PROPR. AT GUADALUPE, SANTA BARBARA CO.CAL.
311
THE WESTERN PART OF THE COUNTY.
Perry. Mr. Dunbar was in the brig Sophia, Captain Stuart. The search was long and arduous, and, save a few relics, found nothing of the lost navigator. From 1854 to 1860 he was sailing on the great lakes, and in 1858 became a citizen of the United States, at Chi- cago, Illinois. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, in 1861, he went to New Orleans, and in 1862 joined the Federal army, enlisting in the Fourteenth Maine Regiment, where he served during the war. After the close of hostilities he remained in the South, living in Louisiana and Texas until 1868, when he returned to his native land on a visit, coming to California around Cape Horn in 1869. Here he resumed his sailor life, making voyages on the Pacific until 1871, when he came to Guadalupe, where he has since made his home.
JOHN DUNBAR.
In 1872, Mr. Dunbar was honored by the appoint- ment of Postmaster of Guadalupe, and still retains the position. To this office was also added that of Jug- tice of the Peace, to which he was elected in 1875, and re-elected in 1877, and again in 1879. In the latter year he received the appointment of Notary Public, and upon the expiration of the term in 1881 was again appointed. In addition to his other busi- ness he has also kept a variety store, which he still maintains with success, filling his various offices and transaeting his affairs with satisfaction to the public.
JAMES S. TYLER
Was the youngest son of Royal and Mary Tyler, and was born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1829. In that mountainous and healthful country he grew to a vigorous manhood, acquiring the education usually imparted to the youth of that section of the Union in the public schools. In 1851 be removed to Illinois, where he remained one year,
and then returned to Pennsylvania. The following year he left his nativo State for the land of gold, and engaged in mining for that precious metal at Downie- ville, in Sierra County. Remaining there a short time, he went to Yuba, where he built the Forest House, then thought a very fine building. Mr. Tyler's next location was in Butte County, where he engaged in farming, and remained thus employed for a number of years. Like nearly all Californians, he often changed his residence and his business, and we next find him farming in Sacramento County, on the American River, holding the property for a period of three years. The next removal was to the extreme south, in San Diego County, where he essayed the business of raising sheep and wool. In this he con- tinued for a period of six years, thon retiring to San Francisco, where he remained two years. Tiring of city life, he came to the pleasant valley of the Santa Maria, locating at Guadalupe, where he resided sev- eral years, coming to his present place in 1876. In this place he has since resided engaged in raising sheep and turkeys on a large scale. In 1881 he had 1,600 sheep and a flock of 1,000 turkeys. The ranch contains 320 aeres and is well situated for the pur- poses to which it is devoted. Mr. Tyler was married to Miss Mary Cooney in 1875. They have one child, a daughter. A view of this gentleman's place may be seen in this volume.
THOMAS HART
Was born in Derbyshire, England, October 4, 1844. His ancestors generally have been farmers. Thomas was early taught the trade of machinist, at which he worked until he reached the age of twenty-two, and laid the foundation for the successful business ehar- acter which he has since developed. In 1867 he emigrated to California, making Salinas Valley his home until the fall of 1872, when he came to his present residenee at Guadalupe. He began business here in a small way, but gradually, by good work and fair dealing, succeeded in building up a trade until he is now running two shops-one in Central City, in connection with his brother, and the other at Guadalupe-which employ a large number of men. His manufactures are principally spring wagons, buggies, ete., also repairs headers, threshers and farm machinery in general.
His place is pleasantly situated, with artesian wells supplying his rented houses, six in number, with water. The wind-mill and tank which is used for raising the water, forin a prominent landmark for miles around. Mr. Hart is a single man, well off in worldly goods, and hitherto has not yielded to the batteries of bright eyes, which are always leveled at men of character and wealth.
PRODUCTS.
As regards the agricultural vicinity of Guadalupe, the soil is mostly of a deep, blaek adobe, and yields large returns. Wheat succeeds only on the extreme
312
HISTORY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.
upper end of this tract. Barley has produced 100 bushels to the acre, though beans, perhaps, are an even more prolific crop. Corn thrives some seasons, but cannot always be depended upon. Amongst the vegetables, potatoes and pumpkins score a marked success, but melons are a failure.
The air is too bleak for fruit-raising, and hence orchards are a failure unless protected by a wind- break, usually of cypress or eucalyptus. Apple trees die out for the most part in a year or two, unless shielded from the wind.
Stock-raising is a great industry. On the 1st of March, 1881, the number of the different kinds of stock on the Guadalupe Rancho was about as follows: Horses, 300; cattle, 1,500; sheep, 5,000.
Well watered, free from the noxious weeds and plants, the excellent pasturage of this rancho affords one of the best dairy ranges in California. It is occupied chiefly by Swiss dairymen, who milk daily about 4,000 cows, making 3,000 pounds of butter, which brings from one to two cents per pound more than the butter of the upper coast, ranking with the best produced in Marin County. Tognini Brothers keep 400 cows; Tognitzi Brothers, 300; Morganti Brothers, 250; B. Pezzoni, 250; P. Pezzoni, 250; A. Tognazzini, 240; and the Dulcini Brothers, 300.
There are about twenty dairies in the vicinity of Guadalupe, at some of which two or three hundred cows are milked each day. Some of the larger dairies make $100 per day during the milking season. H. H. Johnson makes 13,000 pounds of butter per annum, and B. Pezzoni 45,000 pounds. This butter is gener- ally shipped to market while fresh. About five tons are sent out every week of the season. Cheese is made to some extent. Hitherto renters, the dairy- men, are now beginning to secure their choice ranges by purchase, at about $8.00 per acre.
Good water for any purpose is found from two to sixteen feet of the surface. Artesian wells 110 feet deep yield an ample supply, some flowing ten gallons per minute.
Few towns of its size have as many enterprising men as Guadalupe. To write the history of the town without giving some account of its pioneers and patrons would leave a poor history, indeed. All cannot be mentioned, but the personal histories of a few will enable the reader to judge of the character of the others.
BATTISTA PEZZONI ยท
Was born in the Mountain Republic of Switzerland, on the 22d of June, 1846. When fourteen years of age he removed to the Island Continent of Australia, where he was employed in a dairy, and there he remained for a period of three years. From Australia he came to California in 1864, and engaged as dairyman in Marin County. After one year's work in Marin he went to Pescadero, in San Mateo County, where he continued in the business of his life, remaining thus employed three years, when he returned to
Marin. After tarrying in that county of milk and butter for one year, he removed to San Luis Obispo County, where he remained three years. In 1875 Mr. Pezzoni settled upon the place he now occupies at Guadalupe, in Santa Barbara County, where he carries on the business of dairying on a large scale. Here he owns a fine grazing ranch of 1,400 acres, well adapted to the purpose to which it is devoted. On it graze a band of over 400 choice cows, which are the care and the pride of the owner, and which he has, by his twenty years of industry, skill, and frugality, gathered around him. The principal product of this fine dairy is butter, which finds a market at San Francisco, whence it is carried by steamer from the ports of Point Sal and Port Harford. Mr. Pezzoni is noted for the neat and tasty style in which he pre- pares his butter for market, thus enabling him to get a good price and ready sale for the article. His buildings are first-class, which is shown by the view of them published in this volume. He was married in 1875, in San Luis Obispo County, to Miss Emm: Kent, and three children have been born to them, one son and two daughters.
ANTONIO TOGNAZZINI
Is a native of Switzerland, in which country he was born October 1, 1846. When seventeen years of age he removed to America, first seeking the Pacific Coast and settling at San Jose There he was engaged in a store, and remained for fifteen months, learning the language of his adopted country and becoming initiated in its ways of business. From San Jose he went to Petaluma, in Sonoma County, and there entered into the business of dairying, which he has so successfully continued through the many succeed- ing years. For a period of five years he conducted his business in Sonoma County, then removed into Marin, which has such a high reputation as a graz- ing county and for its extensive dairies. Another five busy and prosperous years were spent in the business in Marin County, when he was induced to visit Santa Barbara by reports of the fine grasses and climate. In 1876 he settled upon his present place at Guadalupe, in the Santa Maria Valley, where he has a ranch of 1,700 acres, stocked with about 350 choice cows, and here carries on the business of dairyman on a large and systematic scale. The chief product of his dairy is butter, which is classed as No. 1 in the market in San Francisco, where it is shipped by steamers from the ports of Point Sal and Port Harford.
Mr. Tognazzini was married in 1876 to Miss Made- line Calligari, a native of Switzerland, and they have four children, one girl and three boys. For a view of the residence of this industrious and prosperous family see another page.
THOMAS SALSBURY
Was born in England, October 12, 1831, and became a citizen of the United States by naturalization in
"POINT SAL CREAMERY," BATTISTA PEZZONI, PROP'R. POINT SAL, SANTA BARBARA CO., CAL.
1
RESIDENCE & RANCH OF THOS.SAULSBURRY, NEAR GUADALUPE, SANTA BARBARA CO.CAL.
313
THE WESTERN PART OF THE COUNTY.
Alameda County, California, October 24, 1864. Ile came to America in 1848, and made his first homs in Missouri, working there in the first iron mannfact- ory in that State. Remaining in Missouri until 1852, he joined the throng that were wending their way across the continent to the land of gold on the west- ern shore, arriving in California in the fall of that year. After his arrival in this State he engaged in freighting goods from California to Salt Lake, con- tinning the business for ten years. At the expira- tion of that period he went to San Joaquin County, residing there two years, when he removed to Ala- meda County, and engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing, continuing the business for nine years. In 1873 he located near the town of Guadalupe, Santa Barbara County, where he now resides, engaged in farming and dairying, raising stock, and other collateral busi- ness connected with the farm. Here he owns a fine tract of land of 375 acres, npon which he has four miles of fence and other fine improvements, which give proof of his being a thorough and careful farmer.
Mr. Salsbury was married February 9, 1860, to Miss Isabel Randal, and nine living children bless the union. Of this large family there are four girls and five boys. A view of Mr. Salsbury's place may be seen in this work.
PUNTA DE LA LAGUNA.
This rancho lies immediately to the east of the Guadalupe Rancho, and farther up the Santa Maria Valley. It is an irregular strip of territory, whose greatest extent north and south is about ten miles, and east and west seven miles. To the north lies the Nipoma Rancho; to the east, the sobrante lands and Central City; and to the south, the Casmali and Todos Santos Ranchos. It was granted to Luis Ar- ellanes and E. M. Ortega, December 24, 1844, and then contained 26,648.42 acres, extending into San Luis Obispo County a little way. Like the rest of the valley, it was once a great grazing region. As late as March 1, 1881, the amount and kind of stock was approximately as follows: Horses and cattle, each, 300; sheep, 4,000. The soil is mostly of a sandy loam, and produces the cereals and all kinds of vegetables to perfection. The best of water is procured in wells from twenty to sixty feet deep.
CENTRAL CITY AND VICINITY.
Ten years ago this region was only a vast stock ranch, the grass, wild oats, and tar-weed growing so high as to hide the stock. The country was infested with wild hogs, that fed on the grass, roots, and acorns. The first settlement was made in 1867, by Mr. B. Wiley, who employed Mr. Norway, the County Surveyor, to examine the location respecting its being on a Spanish grant. After an examination of the locality, and also of the deeds recorded in the county, it was deemed safe to settle.' It was a strip of Government land six miles wide and fifteen miles long, remaining from the survey of two grants. i. e.,
it was "sobrante" land. The Spanish cloud was removed from this property through the efforts of James T. Stuart of San Francisco.
Wiley located a quarter section for himself, and also one each for Mr. Lovel, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Miller, Grandpa Miller, as he was called. Joel Miller came into the valley, October 18, 1868. Ile was fol- lowed by Mr. Prell, and in November by Mr. Wilson. Some account of these pioneers seems necessary:
Mr. Wiley moved in in December, but being una- ble to get lumber, he dug a kind of cellar and covered it with brush and sods. It proved a very uncomfort- able residence during the wet winter following. Soon after New Year, Messrs. May, Battles, Wilson and McNeil came. Mr. Prell built the first house in the valley, and was followed at that business by Messrs. H. C. Sibley, Wilson, and Joel Miller, successively. The first well was dug in 1868, by Mr. Wiley; it was round, without a curb, and was twenty-four feet deep. It lasted three or four years. The early set- tlers put in large fields of grain. Much complaint was made that speculators with school land warrants located them over the claims of actual settlers, who had made valuable improvements. Violence was threatened.
In 1869, Benjamin Turming, Mr. Fugler, and Messrs. R. D. and L. Cook made locations and built houses.
During that summer Mr. Rosenburg, who located the ranch now owned by Mr. Thornburgh, accident- ally shot himself. His funeral was the first in the valley. The first birth in the valley was that of Thomas Miller, May 17, 1869.
In the same year the owners of the Laguna Rancho instituted a suit of ejectment against the settlers. The suit was decided in favor of the defendants in 1873, leaving their claims outside of the rancho lines. In the summer of 1869, Mr. L. Tunnell came into the valley, followed, in the autumn, by Mr. Fesler. Mr. Tunnell bought Mr. Way's place, he moving to Santa Barbara. In October the residents held a festival at Rudolph Cook's new honse, for the purpose of raising funds with which to build a school house. One hun- dred dollars were subscribed, which, with aid donated, was enough to erect the first school house in the valley. Mr. Joel Miller wielded the rod in the winter of 1869-70. Mr. Harris moved into the valley from Santa Barbara in 1869. In 1868, the ground was infested with gophers, which the following wet win- ter nearly exterminated. Enough rabbits survived, however, to fill their places. Mr. Fesler lost a son by consumption in December, and a daughter by the same fell destroyer in the following April.
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