History of Santa Clara County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 72

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846-
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1928

USA > California > Santa Clara County > History of Santa Clara County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 72

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Stoney Mayock is one of the most entertaining con- versationalists, his extensive travels giving him a fund of information and anecdote. He is warm-hearted and kindly of disposition and loyal to his friends, giving aid to those who need it and encouragement to the unfortunate. It has been his pleasure to mingle in political affairs, and he has served as post- master of Gilroy under Grover Cleveland's adminis- tration. He is a member of the Elks and always takes an active interest in promoting all measures for the good of Santa Clara County.

GEORGE BUTTERFIELD McKEE .- Santa Clara County and this section of California is largely indebted to the efforts of George B. McKee for early pioneer development. A veteran not only in point of long residence and his pioneer association with the building of the County, but a path-breaker in the industrial and commercial worlds, he belongs to that highly respected class of California pioneers, ever of interest to the student of what was, what is, and what is to be. He was born at Ottawa, Ill., on July 27, 1838, the son of Lyman McKee, who was married in Watertown, N. Y., to Miss Melinda But- terfield Grandfather Zacharia Butterfield was a New Englander who came out to New York State and was one of three that took up the land now the site of Watertown, hence was one of the founders of that thriving city; he was also engaged in stock- raising and dairying, in which he was very success- ful. Soon after their marriage, Lyman McKee and his wife moved to Ottawa, Ill., where he was en- gaged in farming until his demise, when George But- terfield McKee was but a small lad-leaving a widow and four children.

After the death of Lyman McKee his widow, with her four sons, moved back to Watertown, N. Y., and there she continued to reside until she decided to come to California. One son, Frank F., had pre- ceded her, having crossed the plains in 1853, com-

ing in the Ward and Moody horse-train from Mil- waukee to San Jose. Mr. Moody returned East the same fall and was married to a cousin of Mr. Mc- Kee, and with his bride and our subject's mother left for California via Panama in December, 1853.

Mrs. Melinda Mckce, on her arrrival, bought a residence at 234 South Second Street where she re- sided until her death in 1868. She was the mother of four children: Frank F. passed away in Tulare County; Albert and Russell both passed away in San Jose, and George Butterfield, the subject of this re- view. His people were stock and dairymen and from a youth he assisted them during the summers, obtain- ing the experience and learning habits of industry and thrift that have been so valuable to him in later years. He obtained his early education in the pub- lic schools of Watertown, N. Y. At the age of fif- teen, in 1853, he came out to Milwaukee, Wis, and the next spring he joined the Moody-Winchell train destined for the land of gold and sunshine. Leav- ing Milwaukee in April, 1854, they proceeded west- ward across the plans after crossing the Mississippi at Rock Island, Ill., and the Missouri at Council Bluffs, Iowa, making their way up the Platte and its north fork through Wyoming and Utah, coming by the Sublette cut-off into California, arriving in San Jose in October, 1854. They left Milwaukee with ten men, but at Council Bluffs, Iowa, they joined the Streeter and Hendricks train of forty men, mak- ing them fifty men strong and well armed and thus this formidable army came through without being molested by the Indians. Mr. McKee found here only a small Spanish town, and the opportunities for obtaining something to do were limited; a few wag- ons were hauling quicksilver from the New Almaden mines through San Jose to Alviso, and a few ox- teams were hauling lumber from the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. George B. soon left for Stockton and entered the employ of the Adams Ex- press Company, as messenger boy, but a month later the company was taken over by the Wells Fargo. He remained with them but a short time, then struck out for the Kern River mines, where he mined at Greenhorn Gulch and Keysville, remaining until the fall of 1856, when he made his way to Nevada Coun- ty and there engaged in mining at Moore's Flat on the middle fork of the Yuba River, remaining there for about a year. Success had attended his efforts, thus enabling him to invest in a dairy which yielded a good income. In 1861 he was elected county as- sessor of Nevada County, and he took up his resi- dence in Nevada City. Being re-elected to the of- fice, he served two terms with credit and satisfaction to the citizens. For a short time, with a Mr. Pratt, Mr. McKee operated a store at Zirs Station on the line of the building of the Central Pacific Railroad, but inside of four months, he found conditions un- satisfactory so he sold out and returned to Grass Valley, where he mined for a year. Then he gave up mining and returned to San Jose in 1868. While building his home he went to Henning's store for paint, and finding the proprietor very busy, he found what he wanted in the way of paint from time to time, keeping a record of it on Mr. Henning's books, and when he had finished his house and came to settle his bill, Mr. Henning offered to sell him a half-interest in the business, and the firm became known as Henning and McKee, located on First

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Street. Thus Mr. Mckee began his operations in a field in which he has since become so singularly successful and has been so honorably identified. Eighteen months later, he purchased Mr. Henning's interest and was the sole proprietor for about eigh- teen months, when he took as a partner Alfred De Rockebrune under the firm name of George B. Mc- Kee & Company and this partnership continued un- til the death of Mr. De Rockebrune, when Mr. Mc- Kee purchased the interest and since then has been the sole proprietor, the establishment carrying a large and complete stock of paints, oils and wall- paper, as well as building the large plant for the manufacture of mixed paints.

About 1882, he purchased the old court house and jail site on the corner of San Fernando and South Second Streets, and he was the only man in Califor- nia that owned a court house and jail in his own name. Here he built his permanent brick building in 1892 and later built the paint factory on the jail site. This property is 471/2 x 1371/2 fronting on South Second Street with 45 feet at the rear of the building fronting on San Fernando Street with a depth of 1371/2 feet. He also owns 58 feet on Third near San Fernando Street adjoining the above property, this being the old jail site on which he constructed his paint factory. Finding a considerable demand for ready mixed paints, Mr. McKee experimented and began the manufacture of paints and his Balata Paints are now well known all over the Coast. Thus he has built up the largest business of the kind in Santa Clara County. In 1902, Mr. McKee incor- porated his business as the Geo. B. McKee Company, of which he is president and owner. Mr. McKee is a stockholder in the San Jose Water Company and is a director and was its president for many years until he resigned when he went on his trip to the Orient. He is also a stockholder and director of many years in the First National Bank of San Jose, and for thirty years he has been president of the Nucleus Building & Loan Association of San Jose.

Mr. McKee has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Mary Hubbard, a native of Wisconsin, and she passed on in 1884, the mother of two chil- dren; Hubbard was killed in an automobile accident, leaving three children; Mrs. Georgia Gummer of Stockton has two children. Mr. McKee's second wife was Mrs. Lydia Smith Toland, a native of De- catur, Ill., a daughter of E. O. Smith, a pioneer of San Jose. Mrs. McKee is actively identified in all civic and social affairs and is particularly interested in benevolent charitable societies. She is a cultured woman and presides graciously over her large and beautiful home, which was erected in 1892 on the site of the old McKee home, thus Mr. McKee has resided on this same location since 1868.

In 1913, Mr. McKee, accompanied by his wife, his niece, Miss Moore, and a Miss Roberts, made a tour of the Orient, visiting Honolulu; thence to Japan, taking in the important cities in that country and on to China, visiting Shanghai, Hongkong and other important cities; thence to Singapore and on to Co- lombo, Ceylon, thence through India from the ex- treme South to the North and back to Calcutta and on to Rangoon in Burmah; thence back to Singa- pore and on to the Island of Java; thence to Aus- tralia and New Zealand, and from there to the Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Islands, after which they returned

via Honolulu to San Francisco after a most delightful trip of seven months, the party not having experi- enced a day's sickness during the trip.

Mr. McKee has been a very active and prominent Mason, having been made a Mason in Nevada Lodge, F. & A. M., of Nevada City, where he also was made a member of the Royal Arch Chapter and knighted in the Commandery. On coming to San Jose, he be- came a member of Friendship Lodge No. 210, F. & A. M., Howard Chapter, R. A. M., of which he is past high priest and now the only living charter member of San Jose Commandery No. 10, of which he is past eminent commander, as well as being a past grand commander of the Grand Commandery of California, serving in that eminent position in 1901, when he took the Grand Commandery of Cali- fornia to the triennial conclave of Knights Templar, held in Louisville, Ky. He has had the pleasure of also visiting other conclaves, in St. Louis, Pitts- burgh, Chicago, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, and two in San Francisco. Mr. McKee is also a thirty- second degree Scottish Rite Mason, being a charter member of San Jose Consistory, and for many years he has been the treasurer of all the Masonic bodies in San Jose of which he was a member, having been treasurer of the Blue Lodge for thirty-three years. With his wife, he is a member of the O. E. S., of which he is past patron and Mrs McKee is past matron. He is also a life member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., in San Francisco, his membership being No. 922. In 1921 Mr. McKee was made a knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

Mrs. McKee has been president of the Ladies' Be- nevolent Society in San Jose for twenty-two years, a charitable institution for the care of children, and is doing a noble work in caring for the waifs; and is also prominent in civic and club circles. Mr. McKee was the president of the first Board of Trade, and since then has been a supporter of the local Cham- ber of Commerce and Board of Trade, as well as all movements for boosting San Jose, in the growth of which he is very loyal and proud. He has served ac- ceptably as city councilman and mayor of San Jose, and has also been a member of the board of police and fire commissioners. Deeply interested in the cause of education, he has given of his time and served faithfully as a member of the board of school trustees of this growing city. While a Republican in national politics, Mr. McKee supports all local move- ments in a broad, nonpartisan manner. Not only among the oldest residents of San Jose, Mr. McKee has been in business steadily in San Jose longer than any other business man in the city. He has truly been a factor in the development, not only of the city of San Jose and Santa Clara County, but of the commonwealth of California. It is indeed inter- esting to chronicle the life history of such a useful, unselfish and enterprising citizen, who, in his liberal and kind-hearted way, has always given freely of his time and means towards enterprises that have for their aim the improvement of the city and county and to enhance the comfort and raise the social and moral conditions of its people. It is to men of the type of Mr. McKee that California today owes much of its present greatness and prosperity; men who were not afraid to work, and in their optimism saw the great future awaiting the Golden State in developing its great natural resources.

Courtier

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

HENRY CURTNER .- During the fifties men from all sections of the country were thronging to California as offering advantages and opportunities greater than were possible in the East, and among them was Henry Curtner, a pioneer of Alameda County. On his arrival on the Pacific Coast in 1852 he was without means, except $20, a stranger in a strange land, without friends to assist him in getting a start. He purchased a pair of blankets and a stage ticket to Mission San Jose, where he was to work on the ranch of Beard & Ellsworth, with whom he had contracted to work while in Indiana. He worked faithfully and in six months' time had saved some money and bought out the balance of the contract, so he was free to begin farming for himself, which he did at Centerville. He was successful and within a few years later he made his first purchase of land at Centerville, and from that time forward his career was prosperous, until he became one of the largest landowners of his county.

Mr. Curtner was born in Fountain County, Indiana, January 17, 1831, and was next to the youngest of five sons and five daughters, all of whom are de- ceased. His father, Jacob Curtner, was born and reared in North Carolina, where he married Nancy Heaton, a native of Tennessee. Afterwards, about 1827. they removed to Indiana and settled among the pioneer farmers of Fountain County, where they passed their active years in the development of a homestead. Mrs. Curtner died in Fulton County, In- diana, while Mr. Curtner passed away in Cass County, near Logansport. He had been a soldier in the Indian struggles and served under General Jackson, taking part in the battle of Horseshoe Bend. During the boy- hood years of Henry Curtner educational facilities were in their infancy. Schools were held in log build- ings with puncheon floors and slab benches, text- books were few and of inferior quality. Having ac- quired such instruction as the schools afforded, Mr. Curtner started out in the world to earn his livelihood. He had been left an orphan and had to "paddle his own canoe," and he found a hard time of it because many people did not hesitate to take advantage of an orphan boy. One year he hired to a farmer for a year, and he was to have, besides a pittance, three months' schooling and a new suit of clothes. They did not let him go to school, but put him in the woods at the end of an ax-handle and, instead of a new suit, offered him a second-hand suit, which Mr. Curtner declined, saying that summer had come, and so left them. For a time he worked on a farm and also engaged in clearing timbered land, after which he became a towboy or boat driver on the Wabash and Erie canal, working for his board. In 1852 he utilized his savings in paying the expenses of the long voyage from New York via Panama to San Francisco. Four years after his arrival on the coast, in the fall of 1856, he returned to Indiana and mar- ried in Cass County, Miss Lydia Kendall, who was born in Indiana. In the fall of 1857 the young couple removed to California, where they purchased fifty acres between Centerville and Alvarado, Alameda County, and for about ten years they made their home upon that property. In the spring of 1868 they removed to the estate near Warm Springs and there he resided until he passed away. His first purchase near Warm Springs comprised little less than 2000 aeres, to which he added from time to time until his landed possessions aggregated 8000 acres; how- ever, a portion of this was sold, in small farms, and the balance he divided among his children. After

locating in the Santa Clara Valley, he bought and sold real estate, speculated in lands, made improve- ments of noteworthy character, and proved himself a capable and progressive business man. For many years he served on the boards of directors of the Security State Bank of San Jose and was also presi- dent of the Milpitas Land & Live Stock Company, owners of 8000 head of cattle, 800 head of horses and a flock of 7000 sheep, utilizing for the same a tract of 32,000 acres of patented land in Humboldt County, Nevada, besides a range of 100 square miles.

Of Mr. Curtner's first marriage six sons and two daughters were born, seven reaching maturity: Wal- ter J. of San Jose; Frank died in 1909; William re- sides near Warm Springs, while Allen lives in Sun- nyvale; Jacob lives on the home place; Josephine is Mrs. Myers of San Jose; Grace is Mrs. Holman. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Curtner mar- ried Miss Mary E. Myers, who was born in Logans- port, Ind., and passed away in California. The two children of this union were Albert H., deceased, and Arthur D., residing on the old home place. The third marriage of Mr. Curtner united him with Miss Lucy Latham, a native of Illinois, who survives him. While the magnitude of Mr. Curtner's landed interests de- manded his personal attention to the exclusion of participation in public affairs, yet he was always a warm supporter of the public schools, aided in pro- moting the standard of education in his district, and. reminded of his own recollections of the deprivations of his boyhood, always contributed liberally to move- ments for the development of educational facilities. The establishment and building of Irvington Semi- nary may be attributed to his zeal and financial sup- port, and while at first he was associated with a corporation in the undertakings, he afterward ac- quired the entire institution. After it was burned, about 1898, he sold the property, which was rebuilt and is now operated under the present title of Ander- son Academy. He was a stanch adherent of the Re- publican party, and kept himself intelligently con- versant with the issues of the times, yet always de- clined office and never gave his consent to the use of his name in candidacy for positions within the gift of his fellow-citizens. Pre-eminently his tastes were toward private undertakings, not public affairs, yet he was never negligent of his duty as a citizen. He real- ized that whatever success crowned his efforts was due in a large degree to the opportunities afforded by the fertile soil and fair climate of the coast coun- try, and he was ever alert to promote the advance- ment of the state. His public spirit and progressive citizenship were a large contribution to the material and educational development of the community in which he resided. Mr. Curtner was a man of a won- derful tenacity of purpose and with an ambition to succeed placed higher than in most men, he worked incessantly to that end. His judgment was splendid and seemed unerring. Having faith in the future for California lands, he saw how it would rise in value, so when land was low and went begging he bought thousands of acres, knowing full well it would rise again and he would take his profit. When Beard & Ellsworth (the men who owned the ranch and for whom he worked when he came to California) went broke, Mr. Curtner purchased the ranch. On his vast tracts he set ont hundreds of acres of orchard and he was an upbuilder and leader in developing the horticultural and agricultural interests in the valley. He always kept his word, hence he had unlimited credit. He bought a large part of the Murphy lands, subdivided them and sold to incoming settlers, and

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also did the same with the entire Ynigo ranch, as well as other large tracts, thus opening the way for small farmers to secure places they might improve and help to build up the county. He was generous and kind, assisting by his backing and influence many deserving young men who made a success in the world and became prosperous, influential and a credit to the community. Having had a hard and uphill struggle as an orphan boy, he naturally had a warm heart for the orphans, as well as widows who were left helpless, and he was very liberal in his donations to institutions of that kind. Among some of his be- quests were $30,000 to home benevolences: $30,000 to the Pratt Home; $20,000 to the San Anselmo Or- phanage: $6,000 to pay balance of the debt on the Oakland Orphanage; $5,000 to the Santa Clara County Pioneers for a building. He helped many boys and girls that were unable to secure a higher education but for his aid. His life record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously. This millionaire cattleman and rancher, who was one of the valley's greatest philan- thropists, passed to that Great Beyond November 1, 1916, honored and loved by everyone.

MRS. LUCY LATHAM CURTNER .- This es- timable lady who is following in the footsteps of her philanthropic husband is a woman much loved and appreciated by the citizens of Santa Clara Valley, who admire her for her many attributes of virtue and for her kindliness and straightforwardness of pur- pose. Lucy Latham was born at Elkhart Grove, Logan County, Ill., January 16, 1839. Her father was born in Kentucky, but reared in Illinois. Her grand- father, James Latham, was Indian agent in Illinois and was the first white man to cross the Sangamon River. Her mother was Margaret Stephenson, also a native of Kentucky, a woman of much refinement, who saw to the rearing and education of her family and from whom her daughter, Lucy, inherited many of the traits which have made her so well liked and appreciated. She was the fourth oldest in a family of six children. When she was fourteen years of age her parents moved to Springfield, Ill., where she at- tended Esterbrook's Academy, and afterwards went east and finished her education at Pleasant Hill semi- nary, Washington County, Pa., when she returned to Springfield. In that city she had the great pleasure of knowing Abraham Lincoln, the savior of his coun- try, and was elated at his nomination for the presi- dency in 1860. She also knew Mrs. Lincoln and Dr. Todd and his family. Her brother-in-law and sister. Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Mccullough, had come to Cali- fornia, where Rev. Mccullough was president of Irvington College, and in 1884 Miss Latham joined her sister at Irvington, and it was there she met Mr. Curtner and the acquaintance resulted in their mar- riage May 26, 1885, and they took up their residence on the Curtner place at Warm Springs. She immedi- ately entered into all of her husband's ambitions and threw herself into the work of aiding and encourag- ing him, her confidence in his ability being rewarded more and more in watching his wonderful rise. She warmly acquiesced and encouraged him in his benev- olences and was delighted in his munificent bequests to charitable institutions, especially those to the or- phans' and widows' homes, and since his death has continued the work and has contributed all she could to the same end.

Soon after her husband's death she took up her residence at 36 South Thirteenth Street, San Jose. Her niece and grandniece, Mrs. Margaret Valpey and Miss Lucy Valpey, are making their home with her and assist her in dispensing good cheer and old- time hospitality. She is very naturally a stanch Re- publican in political preferment, having been reared in the environment of the old Abolition party, and is a devout member of the Christian Church, taking an active part in its many benevolences. Mrs. Curt- ner was reared in an atmosphere of culture and refine- ment and is a woman of very pleasing personality, is well read, and having a retentive memory, is a pleasing conversationalist. Liberal and generous, she is ever ready to help those who have been less for- tunate and do what she can to alleviate suffering and pain. She is modest and unassuming and her acts of charity are always done in an unostentatious manner. It is indeed a pleasure to know this inter- esting woman, who knew and was a friend of the great Emancipator.

LILLIE BLACKFORD .- A native of Nevada, Lillie Blackford is a representative in both the paternal and maternal lines of pioneer families of the state and in San Jose. The Blackford family was established in Virginia during the Colonial period in the history of this country. The paternal grand- father, Samuel Blackford, started across the plains to California with his family in 1850, traveling with ox team and prairie schooner and going by way of Salt Lake Valley. His wife succumbed to the hard- ships of the journey and passed away ere they reached their destination, while he was kidnapped by Indians, but managed to make his escape and rejoin the party. He started out with a large number of cattle but ere he reached San Jose these were all stolen from him by cattle rustlers, who left only the ox team. He acquired from the Spanish government a 160-acre ranch on the Los Gatos road, about four miles from San Jose, and on this place he built a good house, devoting his land to the raising of grain and continued active in the management of the farm until his death.

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History of Santa Clara County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 72

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846- Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1928

Author: Sawyer, Eugene Taylor, 1846-
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1928