History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 68

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934

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In 1918 Mrs. Rogers had introduced into the State Legislature Assembly Bill No. 198, providing for an appropriation of $50,000 to the University of Cal- ifornia Extension Division for the purpose of giving couses of lectures in communities requesting them on scientific child training. This bill was not re- ported out from committee, but a direct result of the propaganda Mrs. Rogers had carried on in its be- half throughout the state led to the preparation of a correspondence study course on scientific mother- hood by the Extension Division.

During the next session of the State Legislature- 1920-Mrs. Rogers had another bill presented-Sen- ate Bill No. 213. This called for an appropriation of $50,000 for the establishment of a Child Wel- fare Research Station at the University of California. Realizing that the amount of information available for the courses in scientific motherhood was ex- tremely limited, Mrs. Rogers determined to go to the rock bottom of child welfare work-the scientific study of the child itself. For months her entire time was given to the furthering of this bill, securing en- dorsements from prominent educators, psychologists, judges, physicians, women's clubs and men's clubs, and attendance at the state conventions and the legislature. The bill was reported favorably from the education committee but tabled by the finance committee. She intends to continue her efforts in this direction until the goal is reached.

In behalf of child welfare, Mrs. Rogers fought assiduously for prohibition. Her activities along this

line-until the adoption of the Eighteenth Amend- ment-was marked by a determination, thoroughness and constructiveness that proved a compelling fac- tor in the struggle for the temperance canse in this state. She was one of the organizers of the War Service League that worked in conjunction with the military authorities at Camp Fremont during the war; of the Civic Welfare League, formed to bring about better conditions in San Jose; also of the Santa Clara County Law and Order League, origi- nated to carry the Little Volstead Act election and continue the propaganda for the Wright Bill in the state election.

The League of Women Voters, of which Mrs. Rand Rogers is president at the time this history is being compiled, was organized in May, 1921. This organization having for its aim legislation for the welfare of women and children and education for bet- ter citizenship appealed to Mrs. Rogers as eminently worth while for the advancement of her dearest inter- est-child welfare.

Mrs. Rogers was educated not only as teacher but as a dramatic reader. She studied with the best teachers in the country, including Professor Charles Cumnock of Northwestern University, and Leland T. Powers of Boston; at the Curry School of Expression in Boston, and the Emerson College of Oratory. Her dramatic readings throughout the country, including San Jose and Stanford University elicited both press and personal testimonies as to her splendid dramatic talent. She organized the Current Events Club com- posed of faculty ladies of Stanford in 1905, which is still regarded as one of high merit.

The year 1920 marked a new epoch in the life of Mrs. Rogers. As a result of her wide observation and experience in civic welfare work through various organizations and as a private citizen, Mrs. Rogers decided that her work would be more effective if per- formed in a government official capacity. Also she believed women's interests should be represented to some extent by women themselves in the State Leg- islature. Her desire was to render the greatest serv- ice in her power. Since the state senator from her district had declined renomination, she decided to offer her services for that position. The "wet" and "dry" forces each putting a man on the Republican ticket for nomination, Mrs. Rogers refused to split the dry vote by making a campaign for the primary election. Her loyalty to the "dry" cause was abso- lute. But after the primaries when the "wet and dry" issue was settled she made her campaign on an Inde- pendent ticket on the child welfare platform, and in behalf of democracy. The first woman to make a campaign for a state elective office in her senatorial district, the first person to start a campaign after the primaries, against great odds with no organization back of her, she polled a vote that astonished the most astute politicians. Although she did not win the elec- tion, she had made a campaign in behalf of a just cause and felt she had really rendered a valuable service to the public.

Open-minded, progressive, originator of ideas, of sound judgment, earnest and fearless, Mrs. Josephine Rand Rogers has learned the secret of right living, -the joy of service-and she lives it to the utmost.

H. W.l000

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HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY

HENRY WILLARD COE .- With many phases of Santa Clara County's development and upbuild- ing, Henry Willard Coe was closely associated. He was born in the village of Northwood, N. H., Febru- ary 6, 1820, and his youthful years were spent in the midst of moral, as well as physical surroundings eminently calculated to make him a leader among men. He descended, on both sides, from famous families, prominent in Colonial and Revolutionary history, the genealogy tracing the family as far back as 1640. Very early in life his mother died and feeling keenly the loss, the lad was prompted to ac- cept the offer of Zach. Chandler to accompany him to the West. With a meager stock of goods, which they carried with them, they were towed in a canal boat up the Hudson River, through the Erie Canal, and across the Great Lakes to Detroit, a journey occupying over a month. This offer of Mr. Chandler to a boy of sixteen, shows conclusively what was already thought of Henry Willard Coe. Within three years, a partnership in Mr. Chandler's great business was offered him, which proves that the expectations of Mr. Chandler were justified. However, the young man declined the flattering offer, and returning to his native town, purchased the business carried on by his father, and conducted it successfully. And now came one of those turns of the tide in the affairs of men which it is always delightful and helpful to recall because of the lesson they impress and the insight into character they furnish. One evening there came into the village a weary traveler from the West, who said that in the West his wife and all his children had died of fever. At the village inn, he asked for food and shelter, which was denied him. Mr. Coe, who happened to be standing near and heard the proprietor's refusal of hospitality, of- fered the man his home as long as he desired, and fed, clothed and entertained him with the warm hos- pitality for which he afterwards became famous. He was well repaid for his kindness. The stranger told him of a cotton manufactory in Cooperstown, N. Y., and that he knew the purchase would make him a fortune. Mr. Coe made a very careful inquiry and purchased the property, and operated it at consider- able profit. This was a most appreciable reward for the kindness that had helped the poor stranger, and it was practically the starting point of the well- known Phoenix Cotton Manufacturing plant at Cooperstown, N. Y. Mr. Coe employed a large number of people, and not only manufactured cot- ton, but turned out calicoes of new and varied de- signs. Two years after entering upon this enter- prise, Mr. Coe found himself with a substantial bal- ance. Then came a period of uncertainty; values of every kind fluctuated almost hourly, but Mr. Coe decided that he would not sell his business at a loss. He doggedly held on for six months; then the crash came, Henry Clay was defeated and the election of Polk to the presidency meant the repeal of the tariff. Following the election of Mr. Polk came a panic and Mr. Coe was financially ruined; however, he did not grieve over his losses, but assigned all of his property to his creditors. The strain of the anxiety over the financial situation, undermined his health, and his physician advised a complete rest. He journeyed to Detroit, where his friend, Hon. Zachariah Chandler, still lived, but he only stopped

there for a short time, going on to St. Louis, Mo.

Mr. Coe had always been fired by visions of the Northwest, and being naturally of an enterprising and generous disposition, with a cool head and a warm heart, he was a recognized leader of men and his associates appreciated his superior leadership. When the spring of 1847 came Mr. Coc set out with a large company for Oregon. The journey occupied six months and the hardships and perils were great; these have all been told in the narrative of his son, Charles W. Coe, "The Winners of the Great North- west." Our history of Mr. Coe's life has more to do with his part in the development of the Golden State and what he did to further its interests. He had two brothers who distinguished themselves, Eben, the eldest, as a civil engineer, and George, as a very prominent financier and banker.

Toward the end of 1848, Henry W. Coe came down into California from Oregon. On this journey he discovered the value of the waters of Shasta Springs, where so many tourists stop to refresh themselves. Upon arrival in this state he spent some time in mining, discovering a valuable mine in Amador County, which he named the Phoenix, in memory of his old mill at Cooperstown, N. Y. He was fairly successful, enough so to induce him to accept an associate. This associate was of a burly build, and his character harmonized with it. One evening, in the hills, and in his associate's absence, there came along a lot of poor fellows, barely clothed, and to all appearances, more sparely fed. They proved to be veterans of the Mexican War, and the warm heart of Mr. Coe was moved to its very depth; he clothed and fed, and saw them on their way. Upon the return of his associate he declared Coe's foolish generosity had ruined them. With a smile, Mr. Coe walked away, and then occurred a very strange thing, which reads like a fairy tale. Away in the hills, a considerable distance from their camp, and walking with his eyes to the ground, as a pros- pector does, Mr. Coe noticed, almost at his feet, a string. He stopped and pulled it, and when he came to the end of it, there was a sack. The sack contained a beautiful meerschaum pipe, sundry gold coins, and at the bottom a number of ounces of gold dust, more than sufficient to repay, twice over, the amount the generosity of his heart had prompted him to bestow upon the weary travelers. There was no doubt that the pipe was a relic of the past. Mr. Coe kept the pipe for twenty-five years, hoping that the owner could be found. When Mr. Coe re- turned, he called his partner, paid him what was due him, showed him the door, and bade him good day.

In those early days of mining in California, scien- tific methods were unknown. Machinery had to be ordered in London and shipped round Cape Horn, and this required many months. In the meantime, Mr. Coe, who had determined to engage in the business of providing this, settled in San Francisco as a purchasing agent for miners' supplies. Not until 1858 did he revisit New York. He did so then on a mission of no small importance to himself. He mar- ried the lady of his choice, Miss Hannah Huntington Smith, who had waited for him nineteen years. Mrs. Coe was born August 16, 1821, in Camden, N. Y. She was the daughter of Rev. Henry Huntington Smith, a native of the village of Durham, N. H.,

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and the son of Hon. Ebenezer and Mehitabel (Sheafe) Smith. Reverend Smith graduated from Bowdoin College in 1810, and finished his theological training at the Andover Theological Seminary in 1815. He was ordained as a minister during the year of 1817 at Camden, N. Y., and while engaged in his chosen work and during a vigorous exhortation, he was stricken and died July 19, 1828. This branch of the Smith family were prominent in the history of the Northeast, and many members of the family were connected with the affairs of state. The Hunt- ingtons were among the Revolutionary soldiers.

When Mr. Coe returned to California with his bride, he found that his mining property had been taken possession of by Alvinza Hayward, who was reaping a handsome fortune each month therefrom. Happily Mr. Coe possessed an ample fortune of his own, as did his bride in her own right. They soon were attracted by the quiet of the country, so they came to San Jose, where Mr. Coe purchased 150 acres in the section known as The Willows. Here he established a beautiful country residence, the hospitality of which was nowhere surpassed. He cleared his tract, and was the first man to plant fruit trees and hops. Mr. Coe was the first extensive shipper of hops to New York, Liverpool and Aus- tralia, and he grew the first tobacco in California, from which he made cigars, and the first silk grown and manufactured from the native product of the United States was grown and manufactured at The Willows, the silk being made into a beautiful flag presented to Congress in 1872. This flag was after- wards exhibited at the Centennial Exposition, in Philadelphia; at the World's Fair, in Chicago, and is on exhibition today in the Smithsonian Institute at Washington. The experiment demonstrated the possibility of silk culture in Santa Clara Valley, both soil and climate being admirably adapted to the mul- berry and cocoon. Mr. Coe was extraordinarily successful as a grower of hops and was the first to use sulphur in bleaching hops and fruit, a process that is universally employed at the present time. Men traveled expressly from Europe to purchase hops from him as they were declared superior to any grown elsewhere in any land.

Later Mr. Coe suffered great financial losses and this induced him to part with all his property in The Willows, after holding it fifteen years. Thereafter he lead a retired life in the lovely San Felipe Valley, a fit haven of rest, among the heauties of nature, where he had often expressed the wish that the evening of his life might be spent until its close. Surrounded by all who were dearest to him, the end came at sunset on June 17, 1896, and thus ended a varied and worthy life. Whether considered as the merchant of pioneer Detroit days; the enterprising cotton manufacturer of Cooperstown, N. Y .; the pioneer crossing the plains and braving dangers of every kind in 1847; the volunteer schoolmaster of Oregon City in the days of its foundation; exploring the Columhia; fighting, where all were heroes in the battle of the terrible Indian war in Oregon; migrat- ing, a leader ever, from Oregon to California over- land; whether considered as a miner or a merchant of the Golden State; in the hills, or in the city; or whether remembered finally, as a pioneer orchardist of Santa Clara Valley, bringing to San Jose its title

of "The Garden City"; the first of its hop growers and silk producers; at whatever time of life recalled, Henry Willard Coe will ever stand to all who knew him as one of the highest types of the American gentleman, the enterprising, fearless, generous, high- minded and public-spirited citizen. In presence, Mr. Coe was slightly over six feet. He was a man of striking dignity, but of most kindly manner. He was exceptionally well read, with a memory that was remarkable, and he retained his faculties up to within an hour of his death. He remembered perfectly General LaFayette's visit to this country. He and his brother Eben had stood watching on the banks of the Hudson when Fulton first ran his steamer on its waters. He knew San Francisco when it con- tained only a population of five hundred. He was fond of dwelling upon the marvelous development of science that he had seen take place within his own lifetime. He was broad-minded in all things, and rejoiced in progress of every kind. Mr. Coe was survived by his widow, four years. She died Janu- ary 17, 1901, beloved by all, as she had lived. Her womanly graces and her great kindness of heart had endeared her to all kinds and conditions of people from the moment she made her home among them. Two sons of her union with Mr. Coe survive them both: Henry W. Coe, who lives in the beautiful San Felipe Valley, of whom more extended mention is elsewhere given, and Charles W. Coe, for many years a resident of San Jose, but now of Phoenix. He married Miss Leontine Carteri, a native of Santa Barbara, who is a granddaughter of the first Eng- lish settler in Southern California, William D. Foxen, who, in 1836, built the first ship in California. Mr. Foxen it was, also, who saved General Fremont's small body of troops from annihilation, by guiding them over the mountains, instead of journeying through the Goleta Pass, where destruction awaited them at the hands of General Castro. Four children, Eben, Willard, Leontine and Roger, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Coe.

It is to such men as Henry Willard Coe that the country really owes what is best in its character and achievements. He stood for advancement and pro- gressiveness in all things and his labors were an cffective force in bringing about improvements and upbuilding along numerous lines that have proven of untold worth to the communities in which he lived.

HENRY W. COE .- No history of San Jose and the surrounding country would be complete without reference to Henry W. Coe, who was born on Coe Avenue in The Willows on April 17, 1860. His father, Henry Willard Coe, and mother, Hannah Huntington (Smith) Coe, were representatives of families who helped shape the destinies of America and they became pioneer residents of the Santa Clara Valley, where during their lifetime, they contributed not a little to the progress of the community. Else- where in this volume will be found a sketch of their eventful lives.

Henry W. Coe was reared and educated in San Jose, having attended the grammar and high schools of that city, later graduating from the Pacific Busi- ness College of San Francisco. His father having acquired 500 acres of land, part of the Los Huecos grant in the San Felipe Valley, Henry W., together with his brother, Charles W., engaged in the stock-

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raising business, running 1,000 head on the prop- erty. In time Henry W. bought out his brother and added to his holdings until, at the present time, he owns upwards of 8,000 acres in Santa Clara County. One of his favorite ranches is located in the Pine Ridge Country east of Morgan Hill, an ideal loca- tion. While Mr. Coe has to some extent discon- tinued his stockraising business, he still retains his land holdings and on his home ranch ranges some 200 head; also raises fruit.

On August 21, 1905, Mr. Coe was married to Rhoda Dawson Sutcliffe and they have become the parents of two children: Henry Sutcliffe Coe attending the San Jose high school, and Sada Sutcliffe Coe, a pupil at the Lowell School, San Jose. Mrs. Coe, who shares with her husband the good will of all who know them, was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Feb- ruary 10, 1879, and is the daughter of Rev. Ingham Sutcliffe, born in the year of 1804 at Cowling, near Bradford, Yorkshire, England. During the year of 1832, he became a Wesleyan missionary to Nova Scotia, where he was energetic and active in the mission work and where he died in 1885. On ac- count of the migration of this branch of the Sut- cliffe family in the early days, Mrs. Coe has known but little of her English forbears, but that they were people of standing and education is evidenced in the traits of character exhibited by their descendants on this side of the Atlantic.

Mr. Coe is a member of the Pioneer's Society of Santa Clara County and takes great pride in the pioneer work accomplished by his father and is al- ways ready to aid in all progressive movements. He is always genial, whether in the casual meeting on the street or within the portals of his home. His home life is ideal. He spends nearly all of his time on the ranch though maintains a residence in San Jose that his children may have the advantages of the city schools. Mr. Coe is held in high esteem by all who know him and is a genial and compan- ionable man whose sterling worth has gained for him warm friendships.

JOHN WILLIAM NIXON .- From the beginning of its experience as a live, progressive city, and for many years past, San Jose has been famous through- out all the Pacific slope for both its well organ- ized institutions of education and its high educational standards and influence in the development of popu- lar culture. Leading among the best conducted of these notable organizations is unquestionably Heald's Business College whose scholarly and gifted man- ager, John William Nixon, occupies an enviable posi- tion in the history of California pedagogy. He was born in Cumberland, Md., the son of Thomas Nixon, a business man, who married Miss Agnes Morton, and the devoted parents both passed away while our subject was still a child. However, his mother had inculcated in his mind the necessity of an educa- tion. By perseverence, self-denial and surmounting obstacles, he was able to work his way through the public schools and high school and then matriculated at the State University of Iowa from which, in 1897 he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, while two years later he received the de- gree of Bachelor of Law from the same university.

Upon leaving the university, Mr. Nixon accepted the principalship of the Garrison, Iowa, high school and later became identified with Elliott's Business

College of Burlington, Iowa, at that time one of the largest business colleges in the country. Later hc moved to Texas and practiced law for a time in Dal- las. On coming to California in 1907 he became identified with the Heald Business College organiza- tion. Heald's Business College corporation had at that time acquired an interest in the old San Jose Business College and Mr. Nixon was placed in charge. He immediately proceeded to effect a consolidation of the San Jose Business College and the Pacific Coast Business College which in turn had absorbed the Garden City Business College. The deal was soon consummated, and the consolidated school trans- ferred to Heald's Business College. From a very small school he has built up and extended its repu- tation and influence as a live institution, success having attended his labors until it has become known everywhere as one of the most exacting of busi- ness colleges in the state, in its high standards, while it is also one of the most helpful to its students, af- fording every encouragement and legitimate aid to those ambitious to climb and improve their condi- tions in life. Students come from many parts of the United States to attend this institution. Heald's Business College is the only business college in the city of San Jose, and specializes in all the com- mercial branches. The appreciation of a highly in- telligent public may be seen in its splendid enroll- ment of more than 500 students during the past year.

Since his identification with the Heald organiza- tion, Mr. Nixon has been a member of its board of directors, and for several years past has been the treasurer of the corporation. Mr. Nixon was active in the various Liberty Loan and war drives during the World War, receiving special mention from the War Department for his services. He is a mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, and an active di- rector in the Y. M. C. A. He was chairman of the Campaign Committee that put over so successfully the campaign for the new Commercial Club, and it is needless to say that he seeks to make his asso- ciation with these excellent organizations mean some- thing to the community. He is a director in the People's Thrift Bank and also a director of the Lions Club of San Jose. He is a practical rancher with extensive interests in rice lands, general farming, and fruit culture, and was among the first to engage in growing cotton in the south San Joaquin Valley, and has developed a fine eighty-acre fruit ranch consist- ing of citrus and decidious fruits, near Porterville, which was only a wheat field when he acquired title thereto.

Mr. Nixon is fond of fishing and outdoor life, mak- ing many camping trips to the mountains during the summer months. He is a member of Fraternity Lodge No. 399 F. & A. M .; Howard Chapter No. 14 R. A. M .; San Jose Council No. 20 R. & S. M .; San Jose Consistory No. 9, Scottish Rite bodies; Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of San Francisco, and with his wife is a member of San Jose Chapter No. 31 O. E. S., and an officer in Rose Croix Shrine No. 7, White Shrine of Jeru- salem. He was married December 27, 1899, to Mayme E. Palmer, an accomplished lady, who is an active director in the San Jose Woman's Club Day Nursery and other women's organizations. Mr. Nixon has always taken an active part in local politics, having been a member of the County Central Committee of both Republican and Progressive parties.

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History of Santa Clara County California with biographical sketches, Part 68

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co. Number of Pages: 1934

Author: Sawyer, Eugene T
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Los Angeles : Historic Record Co.
Number of Pages: 1934